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Elf, Interrupted: Book One: Glorfindel Redux by Fiondil	5 Review(s)
Kaylee	Reviewed Chapter: 74 on 8/11/2008
Tulkas, Tulkas, Tulkas. You really need to stop squishing elflings. No wonder your brother Namo's halls are as full as they are... All right, bad joke, meldonya, I know. I'm sorry. I'm sure Lord Tulkas has never squished any elf to that point. grin The trial's going well so far. Now to see which of the Valar will show up next! ~Kaylee!! Author Reply: Tulkas was a lot of fun to write here. He reminds me of Hoss from the old Bonaza show, a big mountain bear with the soul of a poet. grin And I'm pretty sure that a lot of his actions are for effect only. He's not as stupid as he looks or acts.

Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 74 on 2/13/2008
Not exactly propitious for Vorondil. Tulkas himself was a witness, was he? And I don't think that I'd like being held in his embrace myself. Author Reply: I'm sure Tulkas is not so bad once you get to know him. grin He's just a little forgetful of his own strength.

Rhyselle	Reviewed Chapter: 74 on 6/11/2007
Well, Tinwetariel just sunk her own canoe, didn't she? And while intellectually, I know that Ingwe is the High King, this is really the first time that I really felt it. I can understand why Tinwetariel went pale at his words. Vorondil just doesn't get it that he can't get away with what he did. I know he's a minor but still... It's tempting to put the blame for what he's grown up to be so far at Aldundil's feet, for not being honest with his son about the War of Wrath and all that, but from Calalindale's reactions, I now think that she was as much at fault in how she reared her child as Aldundil was. Not a wonderfully functional family once one gets below the surface appearances. The bit about Glorfindel's nervousness and nightmares that he can't be comforted from really got to me. He still doesn't know the close detail of what happened to him, and until he does, I'm certain that his imagination will paint the detail he does know with lurid and frightening additions. The weather seems a bit... convenient... doesn't it? grin Quite a way to set the scene--the Blessed Realm mourning the fall of the Eldar who broke her Peace. The description of the setting and of Ingwe and Arafinwe in their majesty demands not just a picture that I have not the skill to draw, but a tapestry of rich and royal colours, like those I saw in Westminster Abbey when I last visited London. So Ingwe's Steward is an elleth. :) I love how in your interpretation of the lives of the Eldar, that it is skill that counts, not gender. Glorfindel's outfit reminds me of my mental image of the dress of the Galadrim in Lothlorien... the one I had in my head long before the films came out. Lord Namo certainly does know how to make an entrance! To stand as witness for the Valar... ooh, that just gave me the shivers. No wonder Vorondil nearly fainted! That one on one between Namo and Glorfindel about the ellon's remembering being held and comforted by Lord Namo at the end of his Judgment was just incredible. I could see Namo shifting from Witness and Doomsman to Comforter--his focus shifting from the overall courtroom to Glorfindel--it was as if outside of the pair, time stood still. Although one might think that the diversion from the questioning was inappropriate from a jurisprudence procedureal point of view, it was what was needed not just to help Glorfindel, but also to show the attending Eldar more about the Reborn, and the gift of Judgment, Forgiveness and Reconciliation. And as quickly as it started, Glorfindel turns back to the court and time starts moving again. Tulkas' arrival was startling--even though I should have expected it! Forgive me, but he puts me in mind of a big, happy, Rotwieller puppy I once knew who never did remember that he was a huge galumping creature many, many times stronger than the kids that he played rambunctiously and joyously with. No malice in him, but he'd tumble even an adult over with his exuberance, and sit on one and half lick them to death! LOL! I bet Glorfindel was happy to be rescued by Lord Namo before he ended up in the healer's wing with broken ribs! Tulkas' personality really comes through here, even in such brief lines, particularly the final description "Then he was gone and it suddenly became easier to breathe." I certainly would not have wanted to be Vorondil when Namo said "My Lord ManwÃ« was most displeased when he was told of the theft... as was I." The sad part was that I don't think that Vorondil even thought that his taking of the ring was something to be really concerned about until that moment. "I wonder who they will call next?" Alassiel asked curiously. Glorfindel gave her a meaningful look. "Iâ€™m wondering which of the Valar will show up next." LOL! That is exactly what was in my mind by this point. The mental image of Glorfindel twirling about like an elfling dancing, with light flashing off of the beads and jewels in his hair was wonderful. Although you do not mention Namo's expression at this point, I think I can see it in my mind's eye. Definitely a touch of amusement is in there, and love, of course, framed by the dignity of who he is. I do get the feeling that the next part of the trial is going to be a lot more serious... Author Reply: Because I've portrayed Ingwë as very accessible to various people, I guess we tend to forget that he is indeed the High King of All the Elves and not to be trifled with. Tinewetariel discovers this to her everlasting regret, I'm sure. I'm sure Manwë "arranged" for the weather to fit the mood of the Valar over the trial. grin Rather handy, having someone do that for you. I don't think the Eldar were as married to gender-specific roles as humans tend to be; merit and ability count far more than anatomy. While Tolkien may be accused of putting women (whatever their race) on a pedestal, he still showed them stepping outside of traditional roles (Éowyn, Lúthien, Haleth, even Galadriel) so it stands to reason that he would not totally object to the possibility of a female Steward. As for Glorfindel's attire: believe it or not it was influenced by a movie called "Between Two Worlds" or something like that in which a number of people find themselves on a ship (this is during WWII) and slowly come to realize that they are all dead and are traveling between Earth and the Afterlife. One of the characters is a woman with a "loose" background who at first denies what is happening and locks herself in her cabin, but when the ship finally docks she comes out dressed in black and acting penitent. She is in fact greeted with gentleness by the person who is acting as the heavenly liaison. She is something like the woman with the alabaster jar in the Bible whom Jesus forgives because she has loved much whatever her sins might have been. For some reason that scene showed up in my mind as I was describing Glorfindel's choice of garb for the trial. Even though he's not the one on trial I think he assumes a measure of responsiblity for the trial's existence and so dresses more soberly than he normally would have. I'm not sure if any of that makes sense, but there you are.... Even though the conversation between Glorfindel and Námo seems, on the surface, a digression from the trial, it is a necessary digression if the Amaneldi listening to it are to understand what it means to be Reborn and it is a foretaste of what they can expect from their own Reborn. Tulkas' entrance startled me as well and when he started hugging poor Glorfindel nearly to death he reminded me of a rather dim but loveable frat brother (you know the type from movies) who doesn't remember his own strength. When he saya at the end, "You have much to learn, my children. May you have joy in the lessoning", that really isn't a very comforting thing to hear. I suspect that Tulkas is less dim than he lets on and much of what he does is for effect to keep the elves off-balanced. Tulkas is one of those personalities that just simply takes over the room, and if he has that effect on elves who should be used to such things, just what effect would his presence have on mortals!!? Glorfindel twirling about like an elfling dancing must be a wondrous sight and the braids sparkling in the stormlight must have been startling for the Amaneldi who aren't used to seeing such things. I suspect that you're right about Námo, though.

Kitty	Reviewed Chapter: 74 on 4/13/2007
That was a nice surprise - four new chapters and two days earlier than expected, too! Thank you! Hm ... somehow I’m pleased Tinwetariel told Ingwë too much. And it’s not too bad that Aldundil got this impression of his son, either. But the boy seems to be in complete denial about his own role in the whole mess sigh In spite of the seriousness of the situation, I was giggling about Tulkas’ and Námo’s exchanges about the bone-crushing embraces the former gave Glorfindel. It did a lot to lighten the mood. But I have to admit, I had truly hoped for Tulkas to show up at the trial and tell what happened at the Máhanaxar. His appearance was rather ... impressive :-) Author Reply: You're welcome. I figured "Friday the 13th... hmmm.... this shoud brighten some people's day." grin Tulkas is indeed rather impressive and his character is so much different from those of the other Valar. He's not too bright, but he's a faithful friend and handy to have around in a tight spot.

eiluj	Reviewed Chapter: 74 on 4/13/2007
Well, this is a surprise! [Checks date -- still Friday.] Thank you! Words cannot express how much I needed this before having to finish my taxes.... Four chapters! Normally I’d say I have died and gone to heaven, but somehow that doesn’t seem appropriate.... You’ve got to admit, those elves-on-the-street in Vanyamar have had a busy week, what with Ingoldo returning bound, Ingwë running through the city alone -- without regard for his High Kingly dignity -- to welcome Glorfindel, and then Arafinwë arriving as he had. The more astute of them must have been engaging in some serious speculation as to how all these events were connected, and those lucky enough to have tickets (as it were) to attend the trial would have been adjured to memorize the details and waste no time in revealing all to their friends. Yes, I think the word will get out. Tulcaner captured: yes, I was silly to believe he might evade the Maiar looking for him, but I thought he’d want vengeance on somebody (most likely Glorfindel). But I suppose it’s still possible he could escape and wreak a bit more mayhem. Oh my! (Námo's arrival.) I guess the Valar are taking this seriously. "I’m wondering which of the Valar will show up next." -- And how many of them! Author Reply: It has been a busy week for the Vanyar, hasn't it? grin I'm sure that the rumor mill wlll be grinding away for some time to come. Hopefully, those who are attending the trial will get the details right and spread the word to those who didn't see the trial so that the rumors will be quelled or at least corrected.

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