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Elf, Interrupted: Book One: Glorfindel Redux by Fiondil	15 Review(s)
Tari	Reviewed Chapter: 114 on 5/7/2008
Ingwë is an example of a true leader and King. Not everyone would have been able to admit they were wrong, much less humble themselves before their subjects. What a beautiful picture this chapter painted. I'm sure it helped Glorfindel make a giant step on the road to recovery. Tari Author Reply: Ingwë truly shines here and I think his actions will go a long way in helping Glorfindel recover. If only our own real-world leaders could show such humility. sigh

Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 114 on 2/15/2008
Now, THAT is true nobility. Not for nothing is he high king of Aman. Author Reply: Indeed.

eiluj	Reviewed Chapter: 114 on 8/5/2007
That was a surprise. Good for Ingwë! And hopefully it will make enough of a difference for Glorfindel. Wondering how the “vultures” at court are reacting to this.... Alassiel still would not speak to him directly -- Well, she did actually answer Ingwë directly two chapters ago: “I only brought this upon myself, Uncle.” Author Reply: Yes, Alassiel did speak to Ingwë directly in that case but only because protocol demanded it. In normal "family" situations, though, she most likely refuses to speak to him at all. grin

MithLuin	Reviewed Chapter: 114 on 8/4/2007
Awww, that was good of Ingwe. He was sorta a jerk, wasn't he? But as the oldest elf we've met, and a King for ages, he knows how to acknowledge his mistakes with grace and humility. The Valar did not need to intervene here! And Glorfindel took it as well as can be expected ;). Author Reply: It's one of the reasons I like Ingwë... he is wise enough to kow when he's screwed up (doesn't happen often, thank Eru) and humble enough to ask for forgiveness of those he's hurt because of it. Glorfindel, of course, is now in a state of shock, and we will see just how well he does handle Ingwë's apology in the next chapter.

Rhyselle	Reviewed Chapter: 114 on 7/30/2007
I'm surprised that Glorfindel hasn't paced a track in the anteroom's flooring! I did find his attempts to not attract Eonwe's attention amusing. I remember waiting to be called up before an awards board, waiting for the senior enlisteds to call me in to be grilled as to my suitability to be selected for an award. It was utterly nervewracking and I remember my supervisor was somewhat like Sador in response to my nerves. If it hadn't been for the fact that slugging a senior enlisted man could bring brig time, I might have taken a swing at him! Finrod, of course, knows what's going to happen, as does Sador, and that's probably irritating Glorfindel as well. I liked it that it was Sador who points out that Glorfindel brought it onto himself. The comment about not being the only one released from Mandos too soon was brilliant. I'm glad that Sador has come to a point where he can actually joke about his own situation while gently teasing his gwador. Even though he doesn't know the reason for his early release in detail nor the information about his family that he so desires, he's become content in just knowing that there is a reason, even if he doesn't know the particulars of it. The formal announcement of the three ellyn's titles is awesome. I bet Ingwe's formal recognition of Finrod publically as King of Nargothrond touched Finrod, even if he knew that was the way he was going to be announced. He (Ingwe) has been learning a lot about his nephew since that conversation with Manwe and Arafinwe during the trial recess. It's very good to see it acknowledged in front of everyone. Sador's introduction was good, too. I did notice that Glorfindel was only listed as the Balrog Slayer. One hopes that the next time he is formally announced to the court that we will hear of his status within Arafinwe's household along with that famous title. Much as when you described Olwe and Arafinwe's sitting in state at the trial, we get an immediate image of Ingwe-in-Majesty. That Crown of State looks absolutely impressive and seals the importance of this ceremony in the minds of all witnessing it. This is not a family situation that is being addressed but one that will affect the relationship not just of Glorfindel and Ingwe, but of the relationship between the Reborn and the Returnees and the leadership of the elves of Aman. Although we have seen mainly the personal effects of the rift on Glorfindel, I believe that all of the populace and the court have been affected by it in some degree or another. And that doesn't go into the personal issues of trust and obedience that Glorfindel has had to struggle with over the past months. There are still traitors out there who could take advantage of the rift and continue to harm the Peace of Aman, using Glorfindel's situation as a tool. It must have been so very hard to stand there and feel his gwedyr step away from him leaving Glorfindel alone before all of those eyes; some belonging to those who would like to see him continue in disgrace, others wanting to support him, and others who are just ghoulishly curious about what was going to happen. I actually do feel sorry for Ingwe... this has been as hard on him as on Glorfindel, I believe. And having his entire extended family angry with him was certainly no fun! Yet the burdens of kingship require hard choices to be made and required him to abide by them even thought it went against his heart. I think that you did a good job of showing that we should have as much sympathy for Ingwe as we have for Glorfindel. I thought that Ingwe apologizing publically to Martandur and Meriel was classy. I know he'd already done so privately but... well that was a neat foretaste of what comes later in the chapter. Glorfindel's reaction when his name was called and the panic he felt just grabbed me... but he showed his mettle and did what had to be done. I do think that if he'd started running at that point, it would have taken direct intervention by Lord Namo to stop his flight! I'm glad it didn't come to that. The words of apology were certainly heartfelt, albeit softly spoken, and Ingwe's response was all that anyone could have asked for... and I could feel the sincerity of his words. When Finwe removed his crown and handed it to Finrod, it grabbed me twice. The first time for the fact that the High King was humbling himself in front of everyone, and the second time because by having Finrod take the Crown of State, it seemed, at least to me, to imply another positive recognition of Finrod's kingship, since Finwe could have had his son, Ingwion, or one of the other Kings hold it for him. The mental image of the crownless Ingwe on his knees holding the kneeling and weeping Glorfindel touched me deeply. We stand highest when we humble ourselves, and this whole sequence was a powerful reminder of that. I don't think that any of the witnesses will ever forget this nor the feelings it gave to them as they watched. Glorfindel's befuddlement when Ingwe said there was one thing more to be done was totally understandable--this was an incredibly emotional experience thus far, putting things back in balance between himself and Ingwe. And when his sword-brothers braided his hair again, I felt that all was finally back to the way it was meant to be, even before Ingwe formally stated that the matter between the ellon and himself was closed. Why do I have a feeling that our Balrog Slayer probably needed to sit down once they were out of the sight of the rest of the court? grin One thing I didn't really get was why you described Ingwion at the end of the procession as having a grim appearance despite that smile. Was it because of the way he was dressed? I know that it's a trivial thing in the weightiness of the chapter, but I seem to be missing something there. An excellent chapter and I think you were right to post it by itself without another chapter before or after to distract from the importance of this moment. I look forward to the future events, both personal and political that will be affecting our beloved Reborn ellyn, and particularly to the next announcement that is due at the end of the ball! Author Reply: I think this review is almost as long as the chapter itself! grin I think that Glorfindel's status in Arafinwë's household is more ambiguous than Sador's. He's not a Royal Ward, though sometimes one wonders if he shouldn't be, yet he is a part of the Noldóran's household. Yet, I think Glorfindel would be satisfied with just the title of Balrog Slayer. He doesn't really need fancy titles to affirm himself. Certainly what has happened between Ingwë and Glorfindel affects more than just these two. All of Eldamar has been affected to some degree or another. We will probably see to what degree in the future. Even if Glorfindel was uncertain about whether he would resume wearing his warrior braids, others realized that donning them again was a necessary part of the entire reconciliation ceremony, capping it as it were, as a recognition of Glorfindel's full restoration as an Elf-Lord. Had he done it privately it would not have had the same impact on those witnessing the event. With regards to your question about Ingwion... Ingwion's demeanor would naturally be sober, even grim, when Ingwë hands him his sword. It is an unspoken recognition of Ingwion as the High King's Champion, as well as being his heir. That would make anyone retain a sober mien. However, in spite of this, Ingwion just can't help having a huge smile on his face at the end seeing his otorno finally reconciled with "atar".

Agape4Gondor	Reviewed Chapter: 114 on 7/30/2007
'Glorfindel muttered an oath or two... for fear of having Eönwë show up with that damnable Book of his.' giggles Dearest Glorfindel really takes these things to heart. It is not so bad as having judgment in front of all the Valar - but the dear heart cannot see that at the moment. 'Glorfindel unconsciously straightened, suddenly going pale.' I find this so 'human' - that we tend to dig our own graves. '"He’s going about it the only way you left open," Sador said.' I love the titles the chamberlain announces - whoever told him to do that really did well. 'His Highness, Prince Findaráto, Haryon of the Noldóran and King of Nargothrond.' I love the full description of the Crown of State. If you had only written that he wore a Crown of State, it would not have carried the magnitude of why it was being worn. Very nice indeed. Pssst - I'm surprised Mistress Miriel was able to keep her tongue! Our dear Glorfindel is definitely maturing. '...wondered if the ellon would simply bolt.' What a great king Ingwe is, isn't he? Though I was livid at him before, this makes it all right. 'Ingwë remained kneeling, his expression one of calm...' Nice ending! Glad to see Glorfindel fully 'clothed.' 'Whatever else you may or may not be, now or in the future, you are always and foremost a warrior and you will wear the braids that you have earned.' Great chapter - as always! Author Reply: Thanks, Agape. I appreciate your review. Yes, Glorfindel still takes much to heart, but that's typical of adolescents where everything is about them, but he's learning and maturing. I suspect that even Míriel is wise enough to keep silent when necessary and she did give Ingwë a tonguelashing earlier and he did apologize, both privately and publicly, so she's no doubt satisfied. And I'm glad as well that Ingwë is owning up to his own mistakes as publicly as he has and as graciously as he has. It shows, I think, how great a king he realy is even when he does screw up. Now if only our own leaders would take a page from the High King's book.... sigh. Anyway, I think the rift between Glorfindel and Ingwë will finally begin to heal, to the benefit of all of Aman (and Arda).

MJ	Reviewed Chapter: 114 on 7/30/2007
Being a new member and this my first review, I thought I should keep it... er... gentle. But I do have one question: Now that Ingwe's apologized, when is it the Valar's turn? What they've been doing to Glorfindel without his permission is perilously close to one of the things that alerted Gandalf to the fact that Saruman had gone bad: believing the ends justify the means (can't quote from memory the part of the conversation Gandalf reported to the Council of Elrond, but it was in there). If this kind of manipulation continues, Glorfindel is going to (or realistically, should) learn that he can't trust anyone, and I don't think that's what the Valar, or you, want. I've been reading and enjoying this story since you first posted it, but the ethical/psychological ramifications of this have been niggling at me since Ingwe "punished" Glorfindel. Otherwise, it's been an enjoyable read. :) Author Reply: It depends on what you think the Valar need to apologize to Glorfindel for. What exactly do you think they have done without his permission? Unless you think that not interfering in the conflict between the various factions of elves in which Glorfindel has been caught up in is manipulating him The Valar have set certain events into motion that are necessary in order to achieve the goal they desire and the reason why Glorfindel was sent back to Middle-earth in the first place. They are obviously withholding some information back, but at the moment Glorfindel is unaware of that (unlike Sador who knows the Valar are refusing to tell him what the fate of his family is), but that's not the same thing as manipulating him. All that has happened has been because of Glorfindel, not the Valar. If anything, they have been attempting to curb some of the ellon's more excessive enthusiasms, but will not directly interfere with internal politics. Námo even told Nienna that Ingwë was free to punish one of his subjects, even Glorfindel, as he saw fit, though he acknowledged that he was uneasy at the thought of the type of punishment Ingwë dealt out in this particular case. Finrod at one point did accuse Námo and the other Valar of manipulating the elves, but Námo correctly pointed out that that was from the elves' perspective, since they don't have the whole picture. What appears as manipulation on the part of the Valar is merely them setting into motion events they know must come about if Aman (and Arda) is ever to be fully healed of the evil that Melkor left behind. They are part of the contingency plans that have been in place since the Darkening when Fëanor accused the Valar of not doing anything after the Silmarils were stolen. It's not a case of the end justifying the means, so much as it is a case of the means justifying the end. And, of course, the Valar are restricted by free will, their own and everyone else's. In that, then, they must ultimately rely on Eru to see to the final healing.

Calenlass	Reviewed Chapter: 114 on 7/30/2007
It's been some time since I last left a review for this story, so I'll say that I'm still enjoying this immensely. Tolkien's elves and OC elves alike are all enjoyed. -Calenlass Author Reply: Thanks, Calenlass. I'm glad you are enjoying this tale and the elves, as well.

Ellie	Reviewed Chapter: 114 on 7/29/2007
My serious review with no sterilized eagles... Okay, I loved the way you resolved this issue between Ingwe and Glorfindel. I feared Glorfy would have to make an oath - especially after the way Eonwe behaved with his book last chapter. (BTW loved that comment about Eonwe and his book) I'm glad there was no oath involved. I was not at all expecting Ingwe to humble himself before Glorfindel and the court to ask forgiveness for his actions. (I also thought it was excellent that his wife got after him, too. teehee). This was an excellent chapter. The other chapters built up nicely to this and you have captured the dramatic tension and the settled the conflict quite nicely. The ending with the re-braiding was well done and nicely symbolized the return to status and grace of our intrepid hero. You are doing a wonderful job of developing subplots and tying them into major themes throughout this story. This is why it is so enjoyable on so many different levels. Well done and keep up the good work! Now how's that for a real review not involving sterilized eagles? Author Reply: Excellent review, Ellie, thanks! Glorfindel, I think, had his own ideas about braiding his hair, but everyone else decided that he needed to rebraid his hair at the point even if he didn't think so. In fact, if it weren't for the tournament, I don't think Glorfindel would have stayed in Vanyamar, even to reconcile with Ingwë, but would have either returned to Tirion or made his way to Tol Eressëa, which would not have solved or resolved anything.

Nariel	Reviewed Chapter: 114 on 7/29/2007
Well...I guess it evantully would come up that I am not crazy about a chapter... I just thought it didn't have much action, it was a more serious tone I think you wanted for this chapter. Well, I cannot wait for the other chapters! Thanks also for the tip about the multiple use of exclamation points and question marks. I definitely don't want to hack the system for SoA. I do hope that the next chapter will be more intriguing and exciting than this one though...I am very sorry I had to put in a bad review...I really do not like to flame authors because it's not hteir fault it is the readers in a way they just don't appreciate some stories I guess... Fiondil, how many more chapters till the Ball though? That is what I really cannot wait for! Adios y lo siento! (Bye and sorry!) Namarie! Author Reply: This is not the first chapter I've written where there's "not much action", so I'm not sure what your problem is, Nariel. There has to be times of reflection and regrouping for everyone (characters, readers, and even the author). That is what a chapter like this is for... "the deep breath before the plunge" as Gandalf tells Pippin (moveverse). And frankly, you must have known this chapter was coming, indeed was long overdue. I think if you reread the chapter in context of the entire story from the beginning to this point you may find points of interest upon which to reflect the development of characters and plot.

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