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Elf, Interrupted: Book One: Glorfindel Redux by Fiondil	11 Review(s)
Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 118 on 2/15/2008
Ah, but the Valar make a most colorful group! So--asphodel means daffodil, does it? I always loved the story of Narcissus and how he became one of the daffodil's smaller cousins. Now, to see how the tournament played out. (And Rhyselle has excellent taste.) Author Reply: I'll tell Rhyselle you said so. grin

eiluj	Reviewed Chapter: 118 on 8/31/2007
Welcome back from all you travelling, and thanks for posting along the way. A question: are any of the (sword) fighters competing in the archery contest? I’m wondering about Aldarion in particular, since he’s so skilled with the bow. And is Laurendil competing in the archery contest? Any others we know? I don’t envy you having had to figure out all the matches in the tourney -- did you begin with the overall winner and work backwards? I note that the winner of the previous Vanyamar tournament is not competing in this one. Somehow, despite having grown up watching “Wide World of Sports” and reading SI (because my dad was a sports fan and I read everything in the house), I had never known exactly how a double-elimination tournament works. So your explanation was clear, because now I understand what it is. If the Valar are going to hang out at the tournament all week, I don’t see how the Bad Guys can make trouble ... yes, I am still fixated on Bad Guys making trouble at the tournament! Well, I’ve been wrong before. I enjoyed having the Valar’s clothing described; I had really felt the lack (not complete lack, but relative lack) of clothing descriptions in the past few chapters, particularly at the ball! Ah, the Finrod-Ingwion repartee.... Eönwë introduces the sixteen fighters “in the order in which they shall compete.” -- Perhaps I’m misinterpreting, but the order in which he introduces them doesn’t seem to be the same order in which they’re scheduled to fight. The first four matches seem to be between the odd-numbered pairs of fighters (according to the order in which Eönwë introduced them), rather than the first four pairs. I like your definition of “snood” as “a medieval hairnet.” I remember how puzzling it was the first few times I ran across it in historical fiction and folklore as a child -- the brief in-text descriptions were hopelessly inadequate, and contradictory enough that after four decades I still remember my confusion. It was clearly something women wore on their heads, but beyond that --! When I saw SCA friends crocheting and tatting snoods, I was quite surprised that they turned out to be hairnets. Author Reply: I haven't decided if any of the sword fighters are competing in the archey contest as I haven't plotted that part of the tournament out yet. Just figuring out who is fightimg whom was hard enough. No, I did not work backwards. I assigned each of the major characters (canon and OC) who were fighting an OC character against as their opponent. I then determined that Finrod would lose his first match and therefore be placed in the parma-list. Then I just arbitraryily assigned who was the winner and who was the loser of each match so that eventually I would have the two champions. However, I still don't know who will win the final match, nor will I say here who the two champtions will be, though I'm pretty sure you can guess. grin I think Eönwë merely meant to introduce each pair of fighters in the order of their assigned numhers, not necessarily the order in which they would be fighting, which wouldn't be up to him anyway. The assigning of number was probably done by lot and this is the order that came up. I knew that many readers would not understand how a double-elimination tournament works, hence the explanation. I'm glad that it was clear enough. I tried to explain it in such a ways as not to insult the intelligence of anyone who actually knew what a double-elimination tournament is. With the snoods, I was familiar with what they were, having seen them in the SCA as well, but I never learned what they were called and had to as a Scadian friend of mine when I was writing this chapter.

MJ	Reviewed Chapter: 118 on 8/29/2007
Enjoyable once again, Fiondil (I just returned from vacation, myself. Not quite so exotic, but relaxing). I can see you're showing off your sewing skills :). One thing I've been meaning to ask: what source are you using for the gemstone lore? I'm familiar with several sources of flower lore, but not so many for gems and stones. I was happy to see Namo get a chance to expand his wardrobe repertoire! All the Valar (and Maiar) should get a chance to get out of their "work clothes" once in a while. :) Author Reply: My primary source on gemstone lore is Emily's Gemstones at crystal-cure.com. I have it under my Favorites for obvious reasons. I was happy to "dress" Námo in something other than black or grey for a change. And you're right... it is nice to see the Valar in "civies" for a change. lol

Nieriel Raina	Reviewed Chapter: 118 on 8/27/2007
I LOVED THIS CHAPTER! And Wow...Námo in green. gets fazed look, eyes glaze, silly smile slides into place grins sheepishly Wonderfully done! I so much love the description of the clothing! I know some would say such details are too much, but you do it so well, I can see it all clearly! All the Valar were dressed so splendidly (I MUST speak to them about their tailors. I could use a new outfit or two for the Renaissance Faire) but yes, Náma and Vairë stood out. Still love him in black, would love to see him in midnight blue, but the dark green works great as well. I would so love to play in his wardrobe! And I don't obsess over clothing! grin The opening of the tournament just drew me right in and coinciding with our Ren Faire opening was magnificent! I could see all the warriors and feel the excitement and awe when the Valar showed up. And Eonwë! Mighty sexy maiar you've got there. I adored him when Glorfindel renewed his vows, laughed wickedly when he joined in beating Glorfindel to a pulp, snickered as he showed up to write down Almariel's oaths, but THIS! We get to see him in all his glory doing what he does best! bows You are brilliant, has anyone told you that yet? Finrod's words to those from Endorë just made this chapter, reminding us of the danger of these elves. And Ingwion's needing a translation...grins If I didn't already have tabs on Glorfindel, I think I might ask for him. I'll keep my snuggable Balrog slayer though. Great chapter! I hang on the edge of my seat waiting for each update! NiRi Now for my complaints! I only have two. 1st, I want illustrations! smile I wish one of the artists would draw the Valar, especially Námo and Vairë in all their finery. And 2nd, it was too short! I want to see the tournament! Author Reply: I have dressed Námo in midnight blue elsewhere in one of my other stories. You'll just have to go look. grin I'm glad you like Eönwë in this chapter. I had someone complain that I hadn't written him into the story, never realizing that I had in fact done so, only the chapter (where Glorfindel renews his oath) was not yet posted. I hope that person continued reading the story and read that chapter (an the subsequent ones with Eönwë). I am having fun with him, more so than I thought I would. Finrod's words to the Tol Eressëans were probably necessary. These elves have fought for centuries against Morgoth and Sauron and the legions of orcs and other nasties, so they have to be reminded that the tournament is for fun, not to be taken seriously. They are indeed among friends. And of course, Ingwion, and the other Amanians, would need a translation, not understanding Sindarin. I'm sure Ingwion will rectify that lack in his education at the first opportunity, if, as Námo's apprentice, he has already been told to do so. As for your complaints: I wish one of the artists reading this story WOULD draw the Valar and anyone else that catches their imagination. I can't draw, but I can see these characters and scenes so vividly in my mind. It's very frustrating. And this chapter is merely an introduction to the rest of the tournatment, a teaser, you might say, so it is short, or rather, it's just long enough.

Kitty	Reviewed Chapter: 118 on 8/26/2007
Welcome back, and I hope you had a wonderful time! This update was a nice surprise, as I was resigned to the fact that you’ll not update until September :-) It’s not surprising some of the Vanyar decided not to compete – it has to be rather intimidating to face these competent warriors from Middle-earth. Finrod’s reminder that they’re facing friends and not orcs wasn’t without reason, I think. Loved Ingwion's reaction to it! grin Now we got to see Námo in his new green outfit – thank you! He’s looking stunning – and I am sure the green is much better than black :-) And all these Valar in their finery are a sight to behold. "Well, with Glorfindel, Findaráto and Ingwion all playing, I have no doubt of that," Here I completely agree with Manwë! And now you’ve me wondering if there’s truly any connection between the Fëanturi’s choice of seat and Vorondil ... though I still hope Vorondil will not have too much to do ;-) Somehow the space within the gallery expanded to accommodate them without disturbing the physical structure of the gallery itself. How very useful! A pity we’re not able to do the same – it would be so much easier to fit all our things in our houses and appartments, wouldn’t it? Anyway, I look truly forward to the next chapters! Author Reply: Hi Kitty. Yes, I had a marvelous time, but it's good to be back home where I left my laptop. lol This particular chapter was written long before I went on holiday, I merely delayed posting it until the end of my tour. Anyway, I'm glad you liked the Lord of Mandos' new outfit. I think he looks rather stunning in it myself, though I know he's rather partial to black and grey. After all, he has an image to maintain, doesn't he? grin The ability to occupy space without taking up any room is of course something that all spiritually created beings are capable of doing (just think about Thomas Aquinas' question about how many angels could dance on the head of a pin). It is, of course, a very useful ability, one that I wish I had everytime I have to pack for a trip. grin New chapters will be forthcoming, never fear.

Tira	Reviewed Chapter: 118 on 8/25/2007
can I have Vairë's clothes? I reallywant them... wonderful chapter! I literally squealed (earning some strange looks) when I saw the email with the update notice. La, I love how Finrod felt the need to remind his people they were among friends...and Gloorfindel's eyeroll... Author Reply: I'm afraid you'll have to ask Vaire about the clothes. Maybe she'll lend them to you. grin I think Finrod reminded his people deliberately and in Sindarin simply to evoke the reaction that he got from Ingwion and the other Amanian elves as a way of relieving the pre-tourney jitters they were probably all feeling, hence Glorfindel's eyeroll.

Agape4Gondor	Reviewed Chapter: 118 on 8/25/2007
I loved the rules - thanks for giving them to your readers so we are prepared. I am MOST excited about this tournament - not only because you and your characters have been focusing on it for quite sometime, but because it will be awesome to see Finrod and Glorfindel doing battle for sport and not for life and death.... shivers It's great to have the Valar in attendance and I liked that Manwe officially sanctioned the event by asking that his own Herald officiate! I wonder why you used the Anar instead of Anor (professional curiosity)? Great chapter - can't wait for the tournament to begin! Five days! Wow... Author Reply: Hi Agape, glad you liked the chapter. The rules are fairly standard double-elimination rules used in sports and in SCA tourneys, but I knew that many readers would be unfamiliar with them, so I presented them here. There were actually a couple of different ways I could have planned the tournament, but this way suited my purposes best. "Anar" is the Quenya version of "Anor", which is why I use it here where Quenya is the "official" language of Aman. I only use Sindarin terms when the character is someone whose native language is Sindarin rather than Quenya. BTW, I did find the typo you told me about and it's been fixed. Thanks.

hanci	Reviewed Chapter: 118 on 8/25/2007
I'm really curious about the tournament, hope you are full of ideas after your holiday (which I hope went well). And glad to see you move from stones to flowers also, it's very informative (although I need to consult dictionary first to know which flower you mean; the stones I know). And by strawberries you mean blooms or fruit? Were I wearing a crown of fruit it wouldn't last long. :o) But then, they ARE Valar, they probably could resist. Author Reply: Wirh regards to the strawberries, I suspect that it's a combination of flowers and fruits that they are wearing. I know that I wouldn't be able to resist the fruit for long either, but as you say, these ARE Valar, so they probably have greater will power. lol

	Reviewed Chapter: 118 on 8/24/2007
I am so glad you have updated. Are you back officially or not, because this chapter has only made me more impatient for more. I did like the descriptions you gave to the garments of the Valar and Valier. So that was what the green fabric was for! It must have really suprised the elves to find the lord of the houses of the dead wearing green, a color often used for youth and life, not his usual black or gray. Well, great job! Author Reply: I am semi-officially back. I am in Beijing for a couple of more days and decided to post this chapter before returning home, just so I would have reviews waiting for me when I got there. grin Well, Namo's garb is a very dark green, so it's not as "youthful" or "life-giving" as a lighter green would be. The black velvet trim and sheared sable fur would also make the green more solemn and sober looking. Still, it is a definite change from the ususal grey and black we often associate with the Lord of Mandos.

Beruthiels Cat	Reviewed Chapter: 118 on 8/24/2007
Great chapter, Fiondil! Are you officially back, or are you posting from the road? Can't even get away from the muse for two weeks without being followed...grins Am wondering what kind of comments/compliments Námo and Vairë are going to receive from the others who knew about her little shopping trip, lol...and of course the splended couple would save their new threads for a special occasion! Let the games begin~ BC Author Reply: I'm posting from the road but I'll be back in Tai'an on Monday. While on the road my muse and I have been very busy in a relaxed way, with two chapters each written for Stirrings of Shadow and The Wars of the Valar. Several chapters of Elf Interrupted were beta-read while I've been away and only await editing before being posted. Glad you liked the chapter and Namo and Vaire's new threads.

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