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| Elf, Interrupted: Book One: Glorfindel Redux by Fiondil | 11 Review(s) |
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| hawkeye | Reviewed Chapter: 50 on 1/14/2015 |
| I'm still here! Though, I wasn't too sure after this past week. Whoever said being grown up was easy was clearly deranged ;) Despite the outcome, this was nicely played by Glorfindel. I love his observation about knowing when he is being followed. That is something, I think, few of the elves in Aman have learned. Perhaps it is time that they did? Something I've been noticing lately is how unaware these elves can be. I don't mean surroundings, though that did come in to play here, but just generally unaware. They are complacent. Despite living on the doorstep of Eru's vice-regent in Arda, they have almost completely lost sight of what it means to be one of the Valar. So much so that they actually believe that they can take one of their own to Lord Manwë's front doorstep and expect that he will never know. For them, I think, the Valar have become a "common" occurrence. They have become, like many common things, "safe". They have become like other elves, not like the powers that they are. Not all the elves in Aman are like this. I get the feeling that Ingwë and Valandur wouldn't fall into that trap. It all goes back to that conversation between the Valar about allowing the elves to think they are in control. As obvious as it looks from this perspective, we all fall victim to this mentality. It is the easiest thing in the world to get so used to something, extraordinary though it may be, that it becomes commonplace. Complacency is simple. Vorondil disgusted me in this chapter and I had to consciously remind myself of his age. I wish someone could turn him around, but I am finding that harder and harder to see. Tragically, he could have learned so much from Valandur if he had taken the opportunity when it was offered. As glad as I am that Glorfindel was not killed, I think the elves committing the attack made a grave mistake by not following through. As Manveru reflected, Glorfindel really is not someone to be trifled with. He might be hurt, but he is very much alive, and now he knows who his attackers are. This is yet another case of complacency on the part of these Vanyar. First and foremost, Glorfindel is a warrior and I have no doubt he will not stay down for long. Tulkas' reaction to Vorondil does not bode well for the ellon either. It's not wise to make any of the Valar upset, but getting an expression like that out of that particular Vala would have me running for cover... Not that it would do much good, but still :) Thank you for another wonderful chapter, Fiondil. Author Reply: Hi Hawkeye. You're very right about the complacency and the unawareness. As they say, familiarity breeds contempt and the Elves of Aman to some extent are contemptuous of the Valar and the Maiar, thinking that they can get away with doing things without being noticed. Perhaps because the Valar don't appear to be doing anything to stop them makes them even more complacent. Vorondil... well, we'll just have to see. Right now he's not a very nice person and we will learn why that is much later in the story. For now, let us just say that the jury is still out where he's concerned. And no, Tulkas' reaction does not bode well for Vorondil or anyone else for that matter. Thanks for taking the time to review. It's very much appreciated. | |
| Kaylee | Reviewed Chapter: 50 on 8/10/2008 |
| Oh, how I wish Tulkas and the Maiar had interfered!!!! Poor Glorfi!!!! And what idiots, dumping Glorfi at Lord Manwe's front door pretty much. Do they think that the Valar will blame Glorfi for that, *honestly*?! ~Kaylee!!! Author Reply: Some people are just born stupid, I think. And I'm sure Tulkas would like to have interfered but there were other considerations and the Valar were laying a trap for the bad guys without seeming to do so. | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 50 on 2/13/2008 |
| Ah, opium, eh? They are fools, aren't they? Now, to see what comes of all of this. And I don't think Tulcaneer liked having his arm slashed open. I suspect he takes his name a bit too seriously as well. Author Reply: Yes, they are fools and that will be their downfall, their foolishness and the arrogance that goes with it. | |
| Rhyselle | Reviewed Chapter: 50 on 3/12/2007 |
| I wish I knew what happened to the review I submitted... I guess the internet ate it. :) So, here I try again. I was rather amused about the decision to leave the inn via the window. Somehow that just seems totally in character for Glorfindel. :) The idea of Vorondil attempting to sound like a servant also amused me... I guess it worked as no one from the inn seemed to notice it. I'd like to know what Glorfindel was thinking when he was standing at Lord Námo’s gate--I'm sure that by now he's fully aware that he's being followed. Vorondil's impatience probably isn't making their little group less obvious! "Welcome to the Máhanaxar, gentlemen. I've been expecting you." So Glorfindel! :) And now we begin to see the Lord of the House of the Golden Flower come forth. It's so easy to forget just how experienced and powerful Glorfindel is, when we've been watching him be "young" for so long since his death. And again we are shown just how young and inexperienced that Vorondil is: it never occurred to him that there would be a need to be armed. The description of the fight was well done. Glorfindel's "come on" gesture was good. I could just see it! I was thinking that had he the opportunity to practice swordsmanship in his new body, he would have likely done even better against his attackers. Unfortunately that many against one, no matter how talented the one is, does usually lead to only one result. It did show how cowardly they were in that they proceeded to beat him up once he was down--and I was quite disappointed with Vorondil's actions of kicking him in the ribs and stealing the ring. The spitting was bad too... didn't his amillë teach him better than that? I felt bad for the Maiar having to let them assault Glorfindel. It certainly would go against their desire to protect and defend the Children of Iluvatar. The taking of the ring really bothered me, even without Tulkas having the reaction he did. I'm wondering just where Glorfindel's fea is going to end up when he awakes. Finrod certainly does NOT need another episode of thinking that Glorfindel is dead, even if he can't remember the first one! Well, at least the poppy juice would also ease his pain, even as it keeps him knocked out. He's going to be awfully uncomfortable when he finally wakes up again. I'm glad to see the Maiar watching over him. I do hope that if there is any indication of his fea taking off again, they'll be able to track it and alert the Valar. It occurs to me that Tulcaner is going to have to come up with an explanation as to why his arm has a knife wound it it. And Vorondil is going to have to keep that ring hidden from those who went to Valmar with Glorfindel and attended his Begetting Day celebration, because all of them will recognize it. I have a feeling that, like the "warrior braids" he is wearing without having earned them, his hubris is going to lead him to wear that ring in the wrong place at the wrong time and what he did is going to come out. And I bet he won't like it one little bit! I just hope that Ingoldo and Tinwetariel also end up getting what they deserve for their horrible manipulations. This chapter didn't feel as much as if I were in any particular character's head as I read it. I felt more like I was watching from the outside rather than from an inside position where I was able to be more cognizant of a characters thoughts and motivations. Perhaps it's because I don't really want to be in Vorondil's head! LOL! Good chapter! :) It really bothered me that Vorondil took the ring Author Reply: We do indeed begin to see the Lord of the House of the Golden Flower come forth here, and perhaps had he had had moe practice and an actual sword, he might have prevailed even against 7-1 odds (Vorondil, of course, doesn't count). Of course, at this point, Glorfindel is overestimating his own abilities, but, as Manveru points out, he can be excused on the basis of his last fight having been with a balrog. And Manveru is amused that it still takes five Eldar to keep Glorfindel down (it took three Maiar to do the same). Glorfindel is not an elf to be trifled with even if he hasn't gotten his "act" together quite yet. The POV here is deliberately "outside" and actually it's from the POV of the Maiar keepting track of the events, though I don't specifically state that, and the focus is through Vorondil's eyes for the most part. "It really bothered me that Vorondil took the ring." — As well it should, my dear, as well it should. | |
| Bodkin | Reviewed Chapter: 50 on 3/12/2007 |
| Of course someone used to guarding himself - and others - from Morgoth's creatures would be aware of the presence of Vorondil and his bunch of yahoos! Although the teenage side of Glorfindel's present self may be what makes him believe he can take on so many of them armed only with a knife. Vicious yahoos they are, too. And stupid, if they think that being delivered, clearly beaten up, to the slopes of Taniquetil wiil excite vengeful fury from the Valar. At least, they are if they expect it to be aimed at Glorfindel! Author Reply: Well, even the Maiar weren't too impressed by the Vanyarin thugs. And as someone else once said: The trouble about trying to make yourself stupider than you already are is that you very often succeed. And these yahoos (I love that word!) are a prime example. | |
| Calenlass Greenleaf | Reviewed Chapter: 50 on 3/7/2007 |
| Finrod??? *forgets about poor Glorfindel* As much as I love 'Findel, I love Finrod even more... Now I *really* can't wait for the next update. :-) Happy writing! Author Reply: Well, I'm glad I made someone's day *lol*. The next update will occur sometime over the weekend. | |
| hanci | Reviewed Chapter: 50 on 3/7/2007 |
| I forgot to mention, I was glad to see Ingwë aware of the happenings in his city and sending messages to Valmar. Maybe the one for Ingwion will arrive in time to settle matters a bit? I really had to smile when Glorfindel spoke to the Vanyar, they had thought themselves inconspicuous... I like your use of different points of view, it offers such a variety and fullness to the story. And Valar only watching and waiting... I'm glad they are there, but I shudder to think what will happen when they finally decide to act... Meanwhile, I'm really curious what Ingwion will do - and Glorfindel, when he wakes. This is not a cliffhanger, it's something worse. Author Reply: Yes, this is something far worse than a normal cliffhanger, isn't it? But never fear, all will be revealed, though not necessarily soon. with the different viewpoints I was hoping to show that even those who think their actions are unobserved may not be doing things in secret as much as they think they are. I'm sure those Vanyar and Vorondil would have been very shocked to know that they were being watched all that time, their actions noted to the last detail. | |
| MithLuin | Reviewed Chapter: 50 on 3/7/2007 |
| Oh, no, this cliff-hanger isn't nearly as bad, because this time, we at least know what has happened and who is responsible. Six Vanyar don't seem nearly as bad as some nebulous dark force with nefarious purposes ;). Vorondil doesn't make a very good warrior, does he? He didn't even think to bring a weapon. The poor Noldo is being used, but I hope he learns his lesson. I am a bit worried for Glorfindel though - they told him he won't like what will happen if he ventures onto Taniquetal. Author Reply: Ah, you've fallen into the same trap as Ingoldo and Vorondil. The prohibition applies only to Glorfindel freely choosing to go to Taniquetil. It cannot apply to his being taken there against his will, although we will see later on that even Glorfindel has taken the literal meaning of the prohibition to heart when he finds himself on the mountain. | |
| Nikara | Reviewed Chapter: 50 on 3/7/2007 |
| Argh! You are really quite good at leaving off at awful places. Now the past few chapter's events make a lot more sense. Poor Glorfi, he's certainly having a rough time of it. Author Reply: I'm going to take this as a compliment *lol*. We writers have to give you readers some reason to want to come back and read the next chapter, which is why they're called "cliffhangers". | |
| Kitty | Reviewed Chapter: 50 on 3/7/2007 |
| *growls* How DARE they??? Honestly, that they needed so many to hold Glorfindel down and then only had the courage to beat him up while he was unconscious is so pathetic! They should be ashamed. And how on earth to they think the Valar could believe Glorfindel went there of his own if he's beaten up so badly? As I said - they're absolutely stupid. Though I am glad to know there are the Maiar around Glorfindel, so at least his life is not in danger. All in all, the cliffhanger is not as bad as I had feared, at least not now. Can’t wait for the next update! Author Reply: Yes, these people are somewhat stupid and pathetic in their crimes. But then the same can be said for most such people. While this cliffhanger is not as bad as the last one, it is bad only in that it will be several chapters before we get to see what happens to Glorfindel next as I will be backtracking to fill in what has been happening to Finrod and Sador in the meantime. | |