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Elf, Interrupted: Book Two: Glorfindel's Quest  by Fiondil 11 Review(s)
ImhirielReviewed Chapter: 38 on 6/7/2009
I'm glad to learn that Glorfindel's inability to see Eärendil's star isn't because of the Valar still manipulating him. I could soooo emphatize with his frustration and resentment, and I think complete solitude in the cottage and Nienna's firm promise to leave him alone will do him a world of good. And Eru himself has more "leeway" in further manipulations, I guess *g*.

The chastisement of the Maiar was appropriate - with the recent incidents where they were concerned increasing, it was time somebody stepped in. It seems, they, too, still have to learn how to handle the Elves, if, as you said in the answer to one of my previous reviews, the Powers mostly had a "hands-off" attitude towards the Amanian Elves prior to the arrival of the Reborn.

I loved the scene at the end between Námo, Nienna and Glorfindel; I really could sense the peace and serenity of the cloister descending on him as he sat between them and was reassured in honest, calm words.

Author Reply: Hi Imhiriel. The Valar are as puzzled by Glorfindel's inability to see Eärendil's Star as Glorfindel is but assume that there is a reason for it.

The Maiar (or at least some of them) do have to learn how to handle the Elves, especially the Reborn. Hopefully, Lisselindë will benefit from her time at Nienna's and learn what she needs to learn in order to be a better Maia.

I'm glad you love the scene at the end and that you could actually feel the peace and serenity of the cloister descending on Glorfindel. It's what he needs the most right now.

Thanks for your review. I greatly appreciate it.

TariReviewed Chapter: 38 on 1/7/2009
Very interesting. Why do I feel that there is more in store for Glorfindel that merely staying in a cottage by himself for a week?



Author Reply: With Glorfindel there is always more. *lol* We'll find out soon who survives the week, him or Nienna.

KittyReviewed Chapter: 38 on 1/5/2009
Uh, that was not the best idea of these Maiar to turn up so suddenly and threateningly and frighten poor Vorondil to death! Tiutalion is right, their definition of fun leaves something to be desired! Glad Nienna and Námo saw it in the same way.

See what the promise of a few ginger bisquits is doing for Vorondil! Only a pity that’s not likely to work for Glorfindel, too ;-)

As for our favourite balrog-slayer, he made it very clear what he thought of all this. But as much as he is acting the elfling sometimes, it is telling that he doesn’t shy away from facing down a bunch of Maiar in this way. Whatever his failings are, he is certainly no coward!
And I hope the Valar listen to him – no more manipulations! To me it is too obvious that he’s not taking that well. They might have more success when they are more open and straightforward.

That bit with Eärendil is a bit worrying. When the Valar aren’t the ones to keep the barrier up, but Eru himself, then that’s confusing – I thought he wasn’t too happy with the whole idea from the beginning? So why does he now continue it after the Valar have given up these barriers?

Well, the cottage doesn’t sound too bad, particularly with no Maiar guards around. I hope it helps Glorfindel to finally have some time for himself, and without feeling being watched and he’s not feeling trapped instead.


Author Reply: Even the Maiar can have an unintelligent moment or two. *grin* Luckily, Tiutalion knows his elflings and was able to get Vorondil back on track. Glorfindel is showing his true nature here when he faces down the Maiar. He defeated a balrod, after all, so these servants of the Valar don't scare him.

What Eru's plan is remains to be seen. While He did not approve of what the Valar did He's not above taking advantage of the situation for His own purposes.

As to how Glorfindel reacts to time alone... we'll see soon enough.

4merfanReviewed Chapter: 38 on 1/5/2009
ur glor reads like a teenage brat 4 the last 2 many chaps he needs 2 grow up

Author Reply: Well once I was able to decipher your so-called English... Glorfindel will mature eventually, but it will not be done overnight. We never saw Finrod for instance undergoing the same path towards maturity during the century after his release from Mandos but I assure you he wasn't always as responsible as he is now. And I don't think GLorfifndel's been bratty, merely frustrated.

SunnyReviewed Chapter: 38 on 1/5/2009
What _were_ those Maiar thinking, scaring Vorondil like that?? _Were_ they thinking at all? The scoldings they got were certainly _well_ deserved! From Tiutalion first, then Námo and Nienna, and then _Glorfindel_ added his bit! (Go, Glorfy!!)
The way to get Vorondil out of the tent was certainly … inspiring. Ginger biscuits … I have a _lovely_ recipe for that – and I may even have all the ingredients – including the stem ginger in syrup! I think I can feel a faint desire for fresh ginger cookies creeping up on me. As soon as my immune system crushes this invasion of viruses, and I get my appetite back I may even do something about it, despite the massive sugar overdose I am going to get out of it…

So Glorfindel gets a chance of a bit of privacy – including the guarantee of _no_ unclad Maiar hanging around watching his every move!
That will be good for him, I think. With all the stress he has gone through in the year since his reembodiment, he really, seriously, badly _needs_ a breathing space. And I really hope he will be able to unwind – at least a little. (But then this is Glorfindel. And I am not going to lay any sort of bet with him in this state!)
If it were me – and pre-Christmas madness followed by Christmas excitement, followed by New Year’s celebrations (and add to that those pesky viruses as well as four footed visitors – O, my poor, abused immune system!) makes me feel about as frazzled as Glorfy does by now – you would need to use physical force – and probably also a fair amount of either magic or truly out-there Science Fictional technology (though according to Clarke’s Law those two things are the same!) to pry me out of that cottage! And if access to Nienna’s library were part of the deal… or merely a guarantee of power for my iLiad or laptop, so that I could get at my ebooks … heh! All Bets Are Off! ;-)
Well, if Glorfindel is uninterested in books, I am sure that somebody would be willing to hunt up a pair of practice swords and armour, and play with him for a while. Just in case the peace and quiet alone is not enough to get him to unwind. :-)


Author Reply: Well, I hope once you recover you get to make your ginger biscuits. *grin*

I'm not sure if the Valar would permit him sword practice though perhaps they would under certain guidelines. More likely Nienna would just tell him to go take a long run instead to work off the excess energy. *grin* We'll see how Glorfindel handles "peace and quiet" in the next chapter.

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 38 on 1/4/2009
It seems that Vorondil, as with White's Merlin, keeps growing younger--from late adolescence to full childhood. But good to see the growth in all of the--barring Vorondil, of course. Now, to see Glorfindel find himself in all of this.


Author Reply: Even though Vorondil is about 45 years old and thus nearly 19 on the human scale, the Valar's judgment regressed him to around 30 years old so he's acting like a pre-teen, as emotionally young as the five elflings. Theoretcially he will mature over time until he's reached an adult level. According to Tolkien, even though elves come of age at 50 they are not considered fully mature until they are around 100 so Vorondil has time.

Independence1776Reviewed Chapter: 38 on 1/4/2009
*raises eyebrows* Those Maiar... I wouldn't want to be in their shoes.

I'm glad that Vorondil is more easily cheered up with the thought of treats once he found out the real reason the Maiar were there. He's still a kid.

"Instead, he gave the Maiar who were his own People a hard look, a look mirrored by Nienna, and the four ellyn were treated to the sight of seeing several Maiar squirm." Those Maiar deserve it!

"Glorfindel, on hearing that, scowled. 'Well, concentrate on this,' he said, his tone dark and threatening as he faced the Maiar. 'We were in no danger of running away. I was told we were expected here and here is where we were going. Next time you presume to think you know our minds, I suggest you consult a higher authority before you act. It might actually save us all a lot of trouble.'" Somehow, I get the feeling that he may be talking to the Valar as well...

"'Enough of your manipulations,' he said. 'I’ve put up with it this long, but no longer. Continue to treat me as you have and you do so at your peril.'" Uh-oh. The Valar had better tiptoe around him until they're back in his good graces. I *really* don't want to see Glorfindel rebel again.

I hope a good night's sleep is all Vorondil needs!

Oh, dear. Why would Eru keep that barrier in place?

Finrod's response will be interesting.

"They found Glorfindel futilely beating on the front door, which was locked, and cursing roundly.
'Glorfindel,' Nienna said, 'stop abusing that poor door and come back into the cloister.'" *snickers* Why do I have the feeling that door has recieved a lot of abuse over the years?

"When the ellon just stood there, his head leaning against the door, [...]" This image is heartrending.

"Not far from here is a small cottage where you can stay, if you like. You will have complete privacy there. No Maia will be lurking about and all will approach in fana if they need to speak to you. Would you like that? My only stipulation is that you take the evening meal with me, otherwise you may do as you wish." Ooh... That sounds like something *I'd* enjoy, especially if I hadn't a moment to myself like Glorfindel hasn't.

I hope he stays longer than a week- he truly needs it- and I also hope he talks to Námo.

~ Indy

Author Reply: I'm sure the Maiar were beginning to regret their impulsiveness by the time Glorfindel got to them, never mind Nienna and Námo. *grin*

Glorfindel really does need a time-out right now away from everything and everyone. Whether he lasts for a week or not, of course, remains to be seen. Hopefully, even a week will do wonders for him even if he decides to leave after that. At least, I'm sure that's what the Valar are hoping for.

RadbooksReviewed Chapter: 38 on 1/4/2009
Oh, interesting that Glorfindel can't see Earendil and it's not because of the Valar. Although, why they would block him from it anymore wouldn't make sense either. Hmmm, an interesting development and while I have my own thoughts on this, I think I'll keep them to myself. *grin* I'm glad that he decided to take Nienna and Namo's 'invitation' to stay in the cottage for a time. He truly does need some time alone to digest all that has happened to him. He's been so busy that he hasn't taken that time to truly reflect on things and I know from experience that it's important to do that from time to time... of course, the Valar haven't made that particularly easy for him either. :)

I'm looking forward to Finrod's reaction to all of this!

Author Reply: Glorfindel certainly can use the vacation from everyone else right now. *grin* We'll see just how he handles it. Not everyone knows how to relax.

Agape4GondorReviewed Chapter: 38 on 1/4/2009
Sometimes, if one did not know better, it would seem that Glorfindel acts too much the part of a wounded Elfling... Yet, when one considers what he was before he returned from Death... and what he has been through since... one deems his reactions valid.

I'm glad he'll have a bit of a rest - I hope his 'subcreator' is going to give him a bit of rest?????

Author Reply: Glorfindel has had a lot on his plate since being released from Lórien so it's no wonder he's acting the wounded Elfling at times. A bit of time away from everyone is probably the best medicine for him. Whether or not he cooperates though is up to him. *grin*

6336Reviewed Chapter: 38 on 1/4/2009
Ah, just what Glorfindel needs some time to himself, nobody to bother him and tell him what to do or when to do it! Just hope his water boiling efforts have improved some or he will be one hungry ellon by evening!
Sometimes I think the Mair are just like overgrown elflings, they love to play tricks on people!
More please,
Lynda

Author Reply: I'm sure Glorfindel will manage with the water boiling well enough. And the Maiar are indeed like overgrown elflings some times, which is what makes them so funny.

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