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Elf, Interrupted: Book Two: Glorfindel's Quest by Fiondil	11 Review(s)
Imhiriel	Reviewed Chapter: 58 on 6/28/2009
The Amanians, even those who fought in the War of Wrath, have less experience in the fine art of treachery." This last was said sardonically and the other three Reborn nodded grimly in agreement. Arafinwë’s expression was pained. The Vala’s expression became instantly unreadable to any of them. I understand Glorfindel's point in general, but isn't he a little mistaken here? I think of Morgoth's lies while in Aman, or of Ingwë's brother (whatever the heck he was up to during the darkening mumbling about meeeeean spoilers and secrets, and then later with the business of Glorfindel's kidnapping), for example. Especially as they are actually discussing Ingoldo. I know this was just one tinly detail, but for some reason I very much appreciated Arafinwë's repeated insistence that Glorfindel not be alone during the festivities. Author Reply: Hi, Imhiriel. You have a good point, though it's Finrod who mentions treachery, rather than Glorfindel. Of course, both were victims of treachery to one degree or another and I think the point that is being made here is that in Beleriand there was, so to speak, a 'fine tradition of treachery' almost from the word 'go'. This isn't necessarily the case in Aman where acts of treachery are more isolated events. And I appreciate you telling me that you appreciated Arafinwë's repeated insistence that Glorfindel not be alone during the festivities. It's those tiny details, I think, that make or break a story (or chapter) for the reader. Thanks for your review, as well. It's much appreciated.

Eärillë	Reviewed Chapter: 58 on 6/8/2009
(LOL I decided to read-review now rather than later, but perhaps I won't read-review all the chapters at once. The temptation to come here was too great to ignore even with the promise of a ruined paper... sigh) I enjoyed this chapter much. I thought Lord Irmo wouldn't come, though. :) Hee... I wonder how he got wind of Glorfindel - cheeky - call. To me, he was being quite Valar-like in this chapter, with his mysterious words and sudden disappearance (which didn't often occur in the previous chapters and even in the first book, as long as I remember). The dialogues were interesting, especially those concerning the planning of the guards and the overall contingent (I always like planning, doing, reading or writing about it, hee). Glorfindel's subdued mood got to me without my effort of being in his shoes. You did his emotions and the situation around them quite well, as usual. I thought he had put away the stuff toy, though... Not as in throwing it away, but simply stowing it away from his bed. I had not seen him with it for a long time. :) There was something a bit off... (Hmm. Okay, not that, but I didn't get a good word to describe it, sorry.) in the chapter. It was when Ingwion talked with Finrod about the power of the Valar and possibly Maiar too. The discussion was short and blended well with the other situations in the chapter, but somehow I felt that the topic stood out too obviously to be a subject of a passing dialogue; compared to other topics in the chapter, I felt like it didn't belong... Mmm. I'm sorry if my words were harsh in any ways. I didn't mean to. I got carried out and too honest and detailed oftentimes... I can't seem to be able to get rid of those things which could get me in trouble. grimace - Rey Author Reply: Hi Rey. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. As for how Irmo got Glorfindel's call, well, he did ask for any invisible Maiar hanging about to relay the message. grin I imagine there were any number of very embarrassed Maiar at that particular moment when Glorfindel leaned out the window. The discussion between Ingwion and Finrod about the power of the Valar I think was just a natural consequence of the flow of their conversation as a whole as they comment on Nienna's on-again-off-again library. In one respect, this is merely a snippet of a scene showing the two cousins taking their ease and enjoying each other's company. We actually come into it in the middle of the conversation, as it were. At the same time, Finrod's words at the end are a reminder to the reader that the Valar (and Maiar) exhibit vast amount of restraint in their dealings with the Elves, a restraint most do not appreciate or understand. It is something to keep in mind for later (hint, hint grin). Anyway, thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it.

Agape4Gondor	Reviewed Chapter: 58 on 5/24/2009
Beautiful ending.... poor Glorfindel... for all his power and gifts, he still suffers... Author Reply: Thanks, Agape. I'm glad you found the ending beautiful in spite of the fact that Glorfindel is suffering at the time. Hopefully, the love of his friends and adopted family will pull him through and he will not mourn so much in the future.

Thalanee	Reviewed Chapter: 58 on 5/22/2009
So we´re seeing Earnur again: the fun is about to start. And maybe if they´re joined by Celepharn... but we´ll see, I guess I´ve been wondering about Arafinwe´s epesse since its first appearance. Do you think your Muse might tell you where it came from? One aspect of that name seems obvious though: hounds are excedingly loyal creatures It´s small wonder that Glorfindel´s heart wasn´t really in the festivities. Getting over something takes time: one always seems to be alternating between wanting to huddle up somewhere and never come out again screaming/yelling at someone resignation feeling happier and more free than in a long time... Well, I´m already looking forward to the next chapter (and the first of the Tales from Vaire´s Loom!) Greetings, Thalanee Author Reply: Hi, Thalanee. We'll see who Irmo sends in the next chapter. There will be a surprise or two, I think. grin I've known for some time about Arafinwë's epessë and why he was given it. It will be revealed in another story though that one won't be posted for some time yet. You'll just have to be patient. grin I think Glorfindel will eventually come to terms with things and the Mid-summer festivities won't be too onerous for him in the future, at least while he's in Aman. When he returns to Middle-earth and sees that Beleriand is truly gone then the reality will hit him all over again, hence the Tapestry story "BLUE: Mid-Summer Memories". Anyway, I'm glad you're looking forward to the next chapter and also the first of the Vairë's Loom stories. I will be posting that sometime during the first week of June.

Kitty	Reviewed Chapter: 58 on 5/19/2009
Glad to know the Maiar enjoyed their time with Glorfindel! Must have been a nice diversion from their usual duties. In some ways Glorfindel's remark about The Amanians, even those who fought in the War of Wrath, have less experience in the fine art of treachery is pretty sad, but I can see where he and his otornor are coming from. Amanian warriors would be more trusting than the ones who have fought in the wars of Beleriand, and considering what has happened before, it is understandable that they want to make sure their guards are prepared for everything. Melkor certainly left his taint everywhere ... Oh, if we can't have Laurendil, then I am glad Eärnur seems to be the one to accompany them; I really liked him. Singly, they’re bad enough, but together..." he shook his head and gave Eärnur a sly smile and a wink. "I keep expecting to wake up some morning to find Tirion has disappeared or something. ROTFL Our dear Arafinwë is under no illusions, eh? Hm ... Ingwë still feels uncomfortable about Ingoldo and his fellows? Should I take that as a hint that the ones not imprisoned in Formenos might plan something, too? looks suspicious "Hmph," Eärnur said. "It’s been my experience that even if there is only one elleth in the group, it’s the ellyn who are outnumbered." lol So much about the supposedly 'weak' gender :D And Finrod is right about the powers of the Valar. It's unimaginable what they are able to do in comparison to the Elves, not to mention us poor mortals. Oh, poor Glorfindel. No wonder he feels so depressed at the moment! So far he had barely had time to come to terms with his past, and it is understandable that it just hit him fully now. I was very glad that Arafinwë was so understanding and that he and Finrod were there for him, giving him the feeling he has not to go through this alone. "According to Sador, you’ve taken all the fun out of stalking you, and Beleg is just plain disgusted." grin Like that! Author Reply: Glorfindel and Finrod, especially, have had experiences of treachery, beginning with Fëanor deserting them and burning the ships. There has been a long history or treachery among those who fled to Beleriand and Glorfindel as least can claim that his own death was a direct result of Maeglin's treachery. The Amanians really have no clue about it. As for Ingwë... he may simply be being cautious but he doesn't rule out the possibility that some trouble may come from that quarter, either directly or indirectly and wants to make sure that he is able to minimize any trouble if it occurs. While Glorfindel hasn't had time to come to terms with things, he is maturing enough that he doesn't pull what he did at Mid-winter and is willing to talk about what is troubling him. And at least Arafinwë has had enough experience with Finrod being a Reborn to know when to press and when not to yet still let Glorfindel know that he's there for him if needed. A couple of more chapters detailing the preparations for the Progress and then we'll be on our way to Tol Eressëa. grin

Tari	Reviewed Chapter: 58 on 5/18/2009
The Elves having to take armed guards when visiting another city is so sad to me. I never could understand why they felt they had to attack and maybe kill each other. Could it be that a bit of Melkor’s malice dwells in Aman? I certainly hope not. Glorfindel’s willingness to face the past and try to get past it once again shows how he is maturing. Author Reply: Well, considering what happened earlier, they're not taking any chances. As for the Kinslayings.... that was a product of madness and despair and on more than one occasion I've had one of the Valar point out that since Melkor's evil permeates all of Arda, even Aman is not completely free of his evil, though it's less affected by it than the rest of the planet. Glorfindel is indeed maturing though he's not there yet.

njomo	Reviewed Chapter: 58 on 5/18/2009
It is good to see that Glorfindel is able to talk to Arafinwë even just a little bit about what he is feeling. I think it shows Glorfindel has taken great strides in maturity. One can only imagine how difficult it would be to assimilate the experience of the ending of Gondolin as well as one's own death and rebirth. It is also good that Arafinwë is understanding and does not demand more from Glorfindel than he give during this time. It must make it even more difficult, as even we humans know, when a traumatic loss occurs at the time of a holiday. It's hard to ignore, and the "holiday" celebration around one can only serve to make one's loss, by contrast, harder to deal with. Very heartening that Glorfindel has such an understanding father and brothers. And two chilling notes: one the appearance of the word "treachery" and the second Ingwion and Finrod's discussion of the real powers of the Valar and Maiar. Easy at times to forget that their power is always (thankfully) tempered by their great love of the First-born. Now to finish the preparations for the Progress. I'm sure Irmo will delight in surprising us all! Joanne Author Reply: Hi, Joanne. Yes, I think we see Glorfindel acting more maturely here. Certainly he learned his lesson with Ingwe at Mid-winter. It's a good thing Arafinwe has experience dealing with Reborn. No doubt when the first anniversary of Finrod's death came around, he and Earwen had to deal with Finrod's reactions to it, so he's aware of what Glorfindel must be feeling at this time. 'Treachery'.... it's always been the bane of everyone's existence in Middle=earth. I think Gandalf speaks of it after the Battle of the Pelennor Fields as having plauged the history of Arda from the beginning. And it is easy to forget just how powerful the Valar and Maiar truly are and that they only show a small portion of that power to the Elves. ~Beings who can bring the entire universe into existence are not cutesy cherubs looking gushy. We all need to remember that. Irmo's 'answer' to their request will come soon and it will indeed be surprising.

Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 58 on 5/17/2009
I see Irmo came in his own good time! Heh! And like that they were alert and aware of Glorfindel's midsummer discomfort and did all they could to be by him as he needed it. Nice! Author Reply: I see Irmo came in his own good time Indeed! Remembering what happened at Mid-winter, they didn't want a repeat of that fiasco, so obviously they would keep a close eye on Glorfindel and let him know that they were there for him, however he needed them to be.

Hel	Reviewed Chapter: 58 on 5/17/2009
I hope that at some point we learn why the Valar call Arafinwë "Pityahuan". So Irmo sends Eärnur instead of Laurendil. I wonder who are the Reborn he will send and if some of them are known to the four. Looks like Irmo is also up to something. If the Progress will lead to something time will tell. All in all I share Glorfindels and Finrods misgivings about the whole thing. Author Reply: Hi, Hel. The story behind 'Pityahuan' will have to wait until I start posting the story of the Darkening, since that is when the Valar began calling him that. With the Valar, you know they are always up to something lol so why should Irmo be any different? We will see soon enough what happens during the Progress and whether certain people's concerns are justifed or not.

Kaylee	Reviewed Chapter: 58 on 5/17/2009
Oh, meldonya! I loved this chapter. I can't wait to see the royal progress! "Pityahuan"...I love that. :) I think my other favorite lines were "When ellith are around, the ellyn are always outnumbered...", the part about Tirion disappearing when Arafinwe's not looking, the part about Nienna's house always changing and the disappearing library (reminds me of the Chapel of Stars, being there only when needed), and the part about the Midsummer festival being held. Yes, it was heart-wrenching, but I appreciated its neat tie-in with the last Tapestry chapter. And I'm so glad Finrod was there! Pity he can't be there for Glorfi at Midsummer in Lindon, but Erestor was indeed a good substitute. grin And happy belated birthday, meldonya! is still working on your gift-fic ~Kaylee! Author Reply: Hi Kaylee. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. The Progress will be commencing soon enough. There are still a couple of chapters dealing with their preparations that need to be posted first. Thanks for the birthday wishes. grin I look forward to your gift-fic when you finish it.

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