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Elf, Interrupted: Book Two: Glorfindel's Quest by Fiondil	18 Review(s)
Jancy	Reviewed Chapter: 53 on 4/16/2009
Jancy here! Im not sure if i reviewed this before or read this one. I think i never read it before because I was so bad at Elvish,but I think after reading more of your stories I'm getting better at remember all the different words, and it makes the reading funner (or more fun?). I think I'm in love with Glorfindel becaseu of your stories. is that a good or bad thing? Always looking forward to more of your awesome skills. Author Reply: Hi Jancy. I'm assuming that you mean you haven't read this story before but now you have? At any rate, don't be afraid of the Elvish. I always define any Elvish that I use at the end of each chapter. As for being in love with Glorfindel... that should be a good thing, as he's the hero of the story and, really, what's not to love? grin Thanks for letting me know how much you enjoy my writing. I appreciate it.

Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 53 on 4/16/2009
At least he is recovering nicely, and the Maiar have learned from the experience--as has he. Now, to start this new training program! Author Reply: Yes, both Glorfindel and the Maiar have learned some valuable lessons from this. We'll see how his new training comes along in the next chapter.

Sitara	Reviewed Chapter: 53 on 4/14/2009
I believe this is the first time when it's plainly and matter-of-factly spoken that Glorfindel will go back to Middle-earth. Not as a probability, but as a certitude. I don't know well the reason but I felt chilled to the bones during the time of Orome's conversation with the Maiar. I don't think that right now Glorfindel has any idea about actually returning to Middle-earth, or, at least, I cannot remember something along those lines. He decided to find Earendil, but this wasn't supposed to mean, in his mind, to actually go back. Another reason for being Glorfindel and not Finrod the one to return...as a fact, Finrod, unlike Glorfindel, has no unfinished business on Middle-earth. He has no part to play there anymore. His vow was fulfilled (and with high interest, if someone asks me "grin"). Glorfindel had ever felt after his re-embodiment that somehow he had left unfulfilled his oath given to Turgon. According to the canon, to stand beside Elrond is primarily the purpose of his returning, this being of course weaved in the greater tapestry concerning the downfall of Sauron. Alone..I think this is what made me feel less than confortable, but, after all, he won't be alone. Asfaloth will go with him, although I would have prefered to see Nyereser going to Middle-earth as well. For some unfinished business, of course. "grin" Liked Namo's brief appearance and, of course, the Ainur's interaction with Glorfindel. Felt good to learn some news about the others, Ingwion especially. "looking grim" I suppose we'll have to wait and see what happens next, don't we? Author Reply: Hi Sitara. You're correct that at this point in time Glorfindel does not know that the Valar plan to send him back to Middle-earth. If he wonders at all about why he is being offered all this special training, he probably thinks along the lines of "I'm a warrior and I never stop training and I always seek improvement", much like an athelete would do. And of course in the back of his mind is the knowledge that someday will come the Dagor Dagorath and he needs to be prepared for it, along with all the other warriors. And you are correct about Glorfindel having (in his mind) unfinished business in Middle-earth whereas Finrod does not. Finrod, in fact, has stated that he is content with his life as it is and has no need or desire to return to Middle-earth. It will be some chapters before we get to the Tol Eressëa royal progress, so everyone will have to be a bit patient until then. This story isn't over by a long shot. Thanks for your comments, Sitara. I really appreciate them.

Erulisse	Reviewed Chapter: 53 on 4/13/2009
I think you know by now that I adore your writing. I found one minor grammatical error in this chapter. You state: "The Halls of Mandos were built only after we settled here in Aman," Nyéreser explained. "Even when we built Almaren there was never a hint of Lord Námo’s future role as Lord of the Dead. Before that he was one of our most able strategist, along with Lord Oromë, in our wars against Melkor." The last sentence should be changed to say that either he was our most able strategist, or he was one of our most able strategists (plural). Pretty minor, but it made me stumble when I was reading. Also, on my second re-read of the Wars of the Valar, I did take note of three grammatical errors. I am very uncertain about whether this is appropriate stuff for a "review", but since I have no direct Email for you, I can either leave it as a review, or if you prefer and you give you an Email, I can Email you the three points. Thanks for your wonderful storylines. I read everything you write many times because of your excellent background research, your command of the syntax, and your character development. An update from Fiondel always makes my day. Author Reply: Hi Erulissë. Thanks for the typo alert. I'm not sure how I missed it because I remember my beta pointing it out to me. Oh well... put it down to having a senior moment. grin Anyway I'm happy to hear you enjoy my writing so much. Thanks for letting me know. I've sent you a PM so you can contact me about the errors you found in "Wars". Thanks again. It's good to have more than one set of eyes looking at the text; after awhile it all looks the same to me. grin

Ces	Reviewed Chapter: 53 on 4/13/2009
You are really whetting my interest on Glorfindel's return to ME! I swear, if this was a book in my hand, I'd be page turning to those chapters! I like the fact that Glorfindel is in training to be sent back, learning to stand on his own and able to push forward his ideas on what he wants to do. He (for the most part) seems to know his limitations on this training, yet still able to know when he's ready to take more on. And he's not being pushed by the Maia or Valar either. No wonder he's such a formidable opponent once he returns. I get the feeling not too much phases him after all he's been through. All this makes me wonder though, if Elrond had chosen two elves for the Fellowship, what kind of team Glorfindel and Legolas would have made. Another update soon please! Ces Author Reply: I think I'm whetting everyone's interest in Glorfindel's return to Middle-earth with this chapter, although it will be some time before he does leave. At any rate, I'm glad you are finding this such a page-turner, Ces. grin I suspect that if Glorfindel had been a part of the Fellowship he would have alerted Sauron almost immediately. Legolas was a safer choice, since he was young by Elvish standards and not as powerful as Glorfindel. He would have gone 'under the radar' so to speak, whereas Glorfindel would have lit up the scopes like a Christmas tree to continue the metaphor. grin I'm sure Elrond found him useful when Imladris was attacked after the Fellowship left. And don't worry, I update every Sunday, so you don't have to long to wait for the next chapter. Thanks for your review, Ces. I appreciate it.

Tari	Reviewed Chapter: 53 on 4/13/2009
Glorfindel really got himself in a mess this time, but it all worked out for the best. His wounds could have been fatal had the Maia and Valar not been around. They restored his hroa and got him back to normal quickly. I’m sure a mortal would have taken much, much longer to heal. It is nice to see he and Lisselindë finally getting along. His training on a level with the Maia should be most interesting. They have had many more centuries of experience. I wonder how many bruises and wounds he’ll sustain this time Author Reply: I think if Glorfindel had been mortal he might not have survived the attack. At any rate, it does help to have the Valar around to patch one up again. grin Even if Glorfindel never reaches the same level of expertise as the Maiar, his fighting form can only improve and that will be for the best. We'll see next chapter how he gets on with it.

Parmalokwen	Reviewed Chapter: 53 on 4/12/2009
Ooh, poor Glorfindel! Being injured is no fun. I am glad to see this series finally turning in these past few chapters in the direction that I knew it must: Glorfindel's eventual return to Middle-earth. Glorfindel is a warrior with a restless nature and it's exactly what he needs. Finrod does seem to be the other logical candidate to send back to Middle-earth, as he was well respected during his first lifetime by Elves, Men, and Dwarves. The only problem would be that as a senior member of Finwë's house he might make problems for Gil-galad simply by his presence, even without intending any harm, effectively setting up a situation where Finrod has the potential to play Celegorm to Gil-galad's Finrod, (if that makes any sense,) which is something I'm sure Finrod would never want to do. Glorfindel, never having been a king, would not be in that position. And of course we all know that Tolkien decided Glorfindel should go. Which brings me to where I think Finrod is going: That royal progress to Tol Eressëa sounds like impending trouble, given what a hornet's nest you've already established the place as. I think the same qualities that would have made him a good person to send back to Middle-earth make him an even better person to solve the problems between the Returned and Reborn on Tol Eressëa and the Once-born on the mainland, as he couldn't make the same problems for Finarfin as he could for Gil-galad, being his son and not his uncle/elder cousin. (Which version of Gil-galad's parentage are you using?) When during the Second Age (by Middle-earth reckoning, I'm sure the Valinorean count of years is different) does this story take place? Author Reply: Hi, Parmalokwen. Well, I think perceptive readers would know that this is where the story would eventually lead. Since Tolkien tells us that Glorfindel spent a long time in the company of the Maiar prior to returning to Middle-earth, it stands to reason that I would begin showing that phase of Glorfindel's life in Aman. As for Finrod going to Middle-earth, your reasoning is sound. Once a king, always a king, so it would be rather difficult for him to not be a king back in Middle-earth. Glorfindel, while a lord of one of the Twelve Houses of Gondolin, was still used to being in a service position so he would not be a threat to Gil-galad the way Finrod might be. BTW, I adhere to the version which Christopher Tolkien said was his father's final decision on Gil-galad's parentage, namely, that he is the son of Orodreth, and therefore Finrod's great-nephew. There are reasons why Finrod might not be a good choice for Tol Eressëa other than the one he states in Book One when the Tol Eressëan embassy comes to Tirion, but certainly he is in a position to affect the situation there, even if it's behind the scenes. We'll see in subsequent chapters when we get to the royal progress what role Finrod wishes to play. As for the timeline... it is the year 504 in the Second Age. Glorfindel was released from Lórien in 503. According to Appendix B 'Tale of Years', c. 500 Sauron begins to stir again in Middle-earth. The Valar decide the release Glorfindel from Mandos earlier than he should have been to begin preparing him for his return to Middle-earth. Sauron rising again is the 'signal', as it were, for the Valar to act, sending Glorfindel as their emissary.

Sunny	Reviewed Chapter: 53 on 4/12/2009
You know, this chapter is really deceptive. Like a fractal, it hides its true complexity until you look closer… Rereading, I spotted another bit of material for the Tapestry series: Young Eärendil gently twining his daerada around his little finger. And daerada knowing this, but happily letting it happen. And I don’t think Glorfindel (or his partner-in-mischief Ecthelion) would remain unaffected, either. ;-) Or anybody close to the High King (with one notable exception) for that matter. I sort of forgot about this, getting sidetracked by my little brainstorm about the Valar. Speaking of which - wouldn’t Varda make an excellent munitions engineer? The stars being sort of the ultimate boom toy? VEG (I think I have been reading a bit too much Military SF lately – it tends to warp my thinking a bit) Author Reply: I guess there is more to the chapter than meets the casual eye. Your idea of soliciting Tapestry stories from Glorfindel's description of Gondolin in this chapter certainly has merit and perhaps the Muse will someday show me such a story. It has to be the right prompt though, so I wouldn't hold your breath in the meantime. grin Hmm... Varda as a munitions engineer... and taking a page from Melkor's book... now that would be something to see, wouldn't it. grkn

Hel	Reviewed Chapter: 53 on 4/12/2009
So Glorfindel and Ecthelion were in constant trouble becouse of their pranks. Why I´m not surprised. It will help Glorfindel to remember the good times he had in Gondolin and that there were times that his king was happy. And it looks like he is accepting negative answers to his questions concerning the people from his past better. I´m curious to see the training the Maiar will devise for him to get him near their level at fighting. Author Reply: So, Hel, here I am going through Elf, Interrupted doing some minor editing now that the story is completed and I come across this review that you sent and to which I never (for some reason) replied. Mea culpa. Please forgive me. At any rate, you are correct that it will help Glorfindel tremendously to remember the good times in Gondolin and not just the bad. And of course, that's true for us all when we get so caught up with all the bad stuff that life throws at us that we tend to forget that there are good times as well.

Rede	Reviewed Chapter: 53 on 4/12/2009
My favorite chapter are where we get to see glimpses of Glorfindel's first life in Gondolin. Yoou have an amazing ability to create two worlds at the same time! Author Reply: Thank you Rede. I appreciate your kind words. I hope someday to be able to write more about Glorfindel's life in Gondolin. I think it would be quite interesting and very challenging.

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