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| Elf, Interrupted: Book Two: Glorfindel's Quest by Fiondil | 12 Review(s) |
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| Imhiriel | Reviewed Chapter: 39 on 6/7/2009 |
| I'm glad you take the time to really show Glorfindel in his solitude. It is a true pay-off for the many preceding chapters where there was so much to-and-fro and hectic and danger and angst. What I'm wondering is: Glorfindel obviously has difficulties to while away the time. Wouldn't it be better for him if he had the possibility to make his own meals, light the fire himself, or keep the house clean without outside help? True, it would be just a matter of minutes, but it would keep his hands busy with something worthwile and productive while his mind still is free to roam and think about other pursuits. This chapter also gives us the possibility to recapitulate a little of what went on before, and face the consequences straight-on; I found it especially important that you spelled out just to which extent Glorfindel has lost trust in others and himself, and just how tense he is. Author Reply: I felt it important that the reader see Glorfindel in solitude, trying to still himself. I'm sure we can all relate to his sense of frustration and unease at 'not doing'. Our society, especially, is insistent that if we aren't doing something all the time then there is something wrong with us. I think Nienna felt that Glorfindel needed to divorce himself from all activity in a sort of "cold-turkey" way, so that even something as minor as fixing his own meals would be seen as activity. Siting under a tree and feeding the wildlife is all the activity he should concern himself with for a while. We'll see in subsequent chapters how well this works. The issues that you mention are very important ones for Glorfidnel and I knew that they had to be spelled out so as to remind the reader what Glorfindel was about and just why the Valar wanted him isolated for a time from everything and everyone else. He needs to find the trust that he's lost and relearn to center himself, something he hasn't had a chance to do for quite some time now. | |
| ellie | Reviewed Chapter: 39 on 1/16/2009 |
| I pity Glorfy and his fears of being alone. I wonder what he did in Valinor before the rebellion to occupy his time? He has been very much of a lost soul since returning. I'm glad he has that maia to keep him company a bit, but he is in for a Looooog week. You describe his solitude and restlessness and emtpy bleakness of trying to waste time while utterly bored very well. I realy felt for him. Please cheer up the poor guy. Author Reply: Glorfindel was quite young (as elves measure such things) when he left Valinor at the time of the Rebellion. I think he has a hard time actually remembering that time since all his identity is wrapped up in 'Glorfindel of Gondolin' rather than in 'Laurefindil of Eldamar'. I'm glad you found the description of his solitude convincing. Hopefully, Tiutalion will be able to cheer him up before long. *grin* | |
| Kitty | Reviewed Chapter: 39 on 1/15/2009 |
| Glorfindel seems to be quite confused at the moment, feeling rather restless on the one hand, but exhausted on the other and not knowing what to do with himself. Maybe the problem is that in Gondolin he always had his schedule, the Halls of Mandos were very different from ‚real life’, and since his rebirth, he was always in company and more than occupied. That gave him a purpose, but was tiring, too, I guess. And now he’s too high strung to relax so fast. Nienna might be right – Glorfindel can’t imagine being something different than a warrior. Though I am not sure it is a good idea to encourage him to get into mischief – she might rue that. Glorfindel is worse than Aldundil and Vorondil put together, of that I am sure :D Huh, the poor ellon panicked at the thought of being alone? Now I am really worried. Maybe Tiutalion is right that Glorfindel needs to be alone with somebody who is there, but not much more than that. And I really hope he will be able to become friends with Tiutalion and to trust him a bit. For that’s true as well; his trust in the Valar - and not only them – is badly shaken. The part with the doe was cute. Glorfindel really should tell Tiutalion about it; he would be glad to know Glorfindel had such a nice encounter and enjoyed it. Author Reply: I'm sure that Tiutalion will do all he can to gain Glorfindel's trust and help him through this time. We'll see in the next chapter if Tiutalion is able to convince him to get into some mischief and relieve some of that pent-up boredom he's feeling. *grin* Glad to have you back reviewing, Kitty. I look forward to your comments of all my current stories. They help brighten my day. Thank you. | |
| Independence1776 | Reviewed Chapter: 39 on 1/12/2009 |
| Poor Vorondil. But he truly should get back to his apprenticeship. Oh, Glorfindel. This is going to be harder on you than I thought. His reaction on the beach sounds like something I'd do if I was that frustrated. Frumenty... Well, your story "One Night at the Laughing Vala" hasn't happened yet, but I can't help but think of that. "[. . .] I think that being a warrior is all I want to be. Everything else that I am is wrapped up around that one thing." I agree with him. Nienna apologized! *grins* *blinks* Nienna _wants_ Glorfindel to get into mischief? Well, at least it will be contained to one area instead of all of Aman. "'He’s afraid to be alone,' he said. 'Being alone terrifies him.'" The real question is why? Glorfindel just needs to learn to trust, period. But that's going to be hard, but I agree- if he learns to trust the Valar, he knows that they will help him even when the Eldar aren't treating him well. Love the image of Tiutalion watching over the sleeping Glorfindel and then cooking him breakfast. "Tiutalion just smirked. 'But you don’t know when the party will be or even why it’s a surprise.'" Uh-oh. The little bit with the deer is sweet. "For some reason he couldn’t quite vocalize it just didn’t seem important or interesting any more." Methinks Glorfindel is a bit depressed. Interesting chapter, and it went in the complete opposite direction of where I thought it'd go. I think a cottage like that would be heaven, but Glorfindel obviously isn't coping well. ~ Indy Author Reply: Methinks thou art right, Indy! Glorfindel is indeed depressed. Hopefully he'll recover soon enough. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter even if it didn't go in the direction you thought it would. With Glorfindel, of course, there are no guarantees. *grin* | |
| Tari | Reviewed Chapter: 39 on 1/12/2009 |
| I fear I would have the same problem as Glorfindel. Sitting around with absotuley nothing to do is not my cup of tea either. Tuitalion might just be the friend he needs right now. I think perhaps the week will pass faster then he thinks. (Isn't is amazaing how the sight of a animal can have a calming affect on us. What is frumenty (jelly)? Author Reply: Frumenty is a dish consisting of cracked wheat and milk. It was a popular side dish in the Middle Ages, usually with venison. Námo has a weakness for it as described in my Tapestry story "SMOKE: One Night at the Laughing Vala". *grin* | |
| 6336 | Reviewed Chapter: 39 on 1/11/2009 |
| Been thinking, maybe Glorfindel needs to be by himself but not alone. Maybe if there are one or two people around, not too close but within yelling distance he would do better? I am wondering if he has something to do, something to keep his hands busy while he does his thinking, he might do better, perhaps some jewelsmithing, he did enjoy himself, sort of, after all when he was with Mortander? Lynda Author Reply: Well, Tiutalion did suggest that Glorfndel might do better if he was alone with just another person whom he could trust rather than being completely alone and left to his own devices. I'm sure Nienna and the others are wracking their brains trying to come up with things for him to occupy his time while he is there. Jewelsmithing, though, might have some bad connotations for him still given the circumstances he was in at the time. | |
| Hel | Reviewed Chapter: 39 on 1/11/2009 |
| I really hope Glorfindel can find back to himself and can get over his self-doubt. Spending time with only himself as company will help him remember the quieter parts of his life again, as there must have been such times in Gondolin. And maybe come to term with his life, the Valar and the world in general. As giving Glorfindel leave to make mischief... Well, Nienna knows what she does. But I guess, that playing pranks was a part of the quieter times in Gondolin. Author Reply: You may be correct about playing pranks was a part of the quieter times in Gondolin. Glorfindel even remembers how he and his friend Ecthelion often did so. Perhaps those memories will stand him in good stead now. And of course he does need to come to terms with his present life, the Valar and the world in general as well. | |
| 6336 | Reviewed Chapter: 39 on 1/11/2009 |
| I can understand how Glorfindel feels, as he has never been truely alone the whole time he has been reborn, even when he was crawling around Ilmarin after the beating from Tulcaner and Company, he still had Mair with him, plus he was too busy trying to get somewhere to realise he was by himself! Now he is truely alone, even Tiutalion has gone off to do his thing and he is finally trying to figure out how to handle it. Being alone is scary. As they say, be carefull what you wish for, you may get it!(Sorry, couldn't resist it!) More please, Lynda Author Reply: Being alone can be very scary for lots of people. Hopefully, Glorfindel will relearn the benefits of "downtime". *grin* | |
| Sunny | Reviewed Chapter: 39 on 1/11/2009 |
| It seems that Glorfindel has some aggression – and a lot of frustration - to let out. At least if his behavior on the beach is anyting to go by. And Nienna – invisibly keeping watch – is worried. Considering his volatile state, I suppose she has good reason to be. (And as for Nienna keeping watch – Glorfindel was after all promised no _Maiar_ hanging around in an unclad state) And here Nienna comes during dinner and just short of _orders_ Glorfy to get into trouble! Does she really know what she is letting herself in for? And Tiutalion is offering to be his partner-in crime for whatever Glorfindel might come up with. And Glorfindel can be quite creative… :-) The interlude with the deer was sweet. And the end – with Glorfindel wondering how he is going to survive a week – I suppose he just needs the right sort of nudge. And Tiutalion offering to be Glorfindel’s partner in mischief is about as broad a hint as we can get, I suppose. And getting into … interesting situations … with another person is about as good a way to build fellowship and trust as can be found. *rubs hands, grinning madly* And what Glorfy might do with a _Maia_ to help just _has_ to be good!! *large Cheshire Cat grin appears in midair, as reader contemplates author’s stories _Chaos Theory_ and _One Night at the Laughing Vala_. Grin grows progressively larger as reader thinks about Stuff That Can Go Wrong (or right)* Heh. I can just about see a ticked-off Nienna, standing in front of the large pile of rubble that used to be her mansion, handing Glorfindel and Tiutalion a small brush and dustpan each, telling them to get started on cleaning up the mess they made. No, I don’t really think they will go that far, but it is an amusing image, isn’t it? ;-) Author Reply: I don't think we need worry too much about Nienna. She usually knows what she's doing and is nobody's fool. Also, I think of all the Valar she is one of the most devious. Glorfindel hasn't a prayer. *lol* It should be interesting to see what mischief Glorfindel and Tiutalion can find for themselves. I'm sure Tiutalion has tons of ideas. *grin* | |
| Agape4Gondor | Reviewed Chapter: 39 on 1/11/2009 |
| About all I can say is - oh my............... Author Reply: *Grin* | |