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Elf, Interrupted: Book One: Glorfindel Redux by Fiondil	1161 Review(s)
hawkeye	Reviewed Chapter: 43 on 12/15/2014
You have a wonderful way of bringing the Valar down to "earth" instead of ethereal beings, high and remote. I also thought that you did a nice job describing the mansion. The crystals and stones was a nice touch, made even better by the notes about their special properties. I'm sure the Valar intended that they have those when they were designing the world. This meeting with the Valar went much better for Glorfindel, especially assuming that the last time he saw Manwë was during judgement? I can see how he would be so nervous, even though he knows that all debts have been paid. I think it helped that they didn't drag him into a throne room. After Ingwion was not allowed to accompany Glorfindel, I was surprised to see others besides Manwë at the meeting. The part with Ulmo using his beard made me laugh. I suppose tears are water so... That aside, I get the impression that Glorfindel really needed to say what he did. In fact, I would not be surprised that was why Ulmo was there in the first place. Sometimes I wonder if Námo enjoys being dark and mysterious. He does have a sense of humour though grins It's a good thing Varda is looking out for Glorfindel. I think all of the Valar find him quite amusing here. I'm not surprised that Glorfindel had a hidden motive for this meeting. After sacrificing so much, everything really, I think he probably feels entitled to know the fate of Turgon and his family. Being denied that knowledge would not only be maddening but also, on some levels, hurtful. I'm not saying that he is entitled, but I can see how he might feel that way. The Valar's methods are a little disturbing here. Because of who they are, they have a unique perspective on time, not being totally bound by it. In that sense, their actions are more than likely justified. Still, even they admit that they don't know what the end will look like. Glorfindel is in a tenuous place right now, both emotionally and psychologically. It would be an easy thing for him to take things other than how they were intended. In that sense, I really do worry for him. Hopefully his previous experience with Lord Námo will help to get him through, as there is no doubt that each of the Valar love the Balrog-Slayer. Now to see what the Valar learn from their examination. That is if they are divulging information ;) Thanks for another fun chapter, Fiondil! Author Reply: Hi Hawkeye. I'm glad you like how I portray the Valar and their mansions. Since Tolkien never gives us actual descriptions of either, I did the best I could with what little information he gave us. I'm sure Námo enjoys being dark and mysterious. As he says in another story, "I do everything on purpose". As for the Valar's methods, yes they can seem a bit disturbing, but we will see that there is a reason for what they are doing and why. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.

hawkeye	Reviewed Chapter: 42 on 12/15/2014
So Glorfindel is finally meeting with Lord Manwë though, based on your note at the end, not on Taniquetil. This, being Glorfindel, is bound to go somewhere. Ingwë's response was quite enigmatic and it's hard to tell if he's pleased or not. Interesting that he was so insistent on escorts for the ellith. Being Arafinwë's sister, Ingwion should be at least the same age as she is, so couldn't he be the adult supervision? Then again, Ingwë may feel that he at least needs to keep some sort of a hold on things, especially where Glorfindel is concerned. It was wonderful to see everyone really being good friends to Glorfindel. I think that's what he really needs at this point. "Tell that to Arafinwë and Eärwen." This was really special, and I can't help wondering if Ingwion has been talking to Arafinwë or if he is just able to guess. So was Ingwion 12 solar years? (That would be what, 6 human years or less?) That story made me laugh. Poor elfling. It would be intimidating for anyone to be brought before all the Valar, much less an elfling. It made me wonder if that was the first time the Valar got to meet a screaming elfling up close and personal giggles "It is not for thee to decide if thou wilt or no, child. The Elder King of Arda hath summoned thee this night. Come." This gave me shivers. I can't blame Glorfindel for having second thoughts though I will agree with Ingwion, the alternative is worse. Hopefully the Elder King isn't too hard on him :) Now we wait and see. Thanks for writing! Author Reply: Hi Hawkeye. Yes, Glorfindel is finally getting his wish, although not quite the way he imagines it. With regards to the ellith, Ingwë is merely expressing the mores of the society where young, unmarried ellith do not venture forth from the home without a suitable chaperone, meaning an older, married elleth. And actually, Ingwion is older than Findis, but he is an ellon and an unmarried one, so as a chaperone he would be considered unsuitable. Ingwë is simply making sure that there is no hint of impropriety. Ingwion would not be quite six, more like 5-1/2 and even a half-year can make a difference in terms of social and emotional development at that age. The whole point of this meeting is to help Glorfindel to recover from what has recently happened to him, so I doubt the Elder King will be anything but kindness itself. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.

hawkeye	Reviewed Chapter: 41 on 12/14/2014
I can see why Ingwë's temper is so legendary. But from his perspective, I think he feels betrayed. It might be a small thing, but I found the differences between Ingwë's response to Glorfindels toy and Ingwion's response really interesting. Ultimately, I think it really is their differences in age, and perhaps experience. I'm assuming that Ingwion did not wake up early and have an experience like Glorfindel and his atar. Regardless, Ingwë doesn't see the toy as a sign of weakness. He knows the shock Glorfindel has had and takes it for what it is. How much of that is his own deduction or as a result of pondering Lord Námo's words after he rescued Glorfindel from the healers is up for debate. It's telling that Ingwë never acknowledged Námo's presence. This also speaks to his relationship with the Valar. He isn't servile by any means, and doesn't mind reminding them of it. He certainly has plenty of courage, if nothing else laughs Ingwion really stood out in this chapter. He reminds me a lot of Finrod, but perhaps stronger in some ways. Perhaps older is, again, more appropriate here. In other ways though, I think that Finrod is able to be to Glorfindel what Ingwion can never be simply because Finrod was once a king himself and lived in Endórë. Both will be good for Glorfindel in the end, I think, though a part of me wonders if Glorfindel might not be better off with Finrod at the moment. Ingwion shows himself much like Ingwë when he goes to talk to the Valar himself. He loves and respects his atar, but is both able and strong enough to act when he needs to (at least he does here). He also shows that he has a healthy relationship with them on his own, especially when he almost calls Lord Námo on the carpet. I think Námo enjoys it when the Eldar stand up to him. So Ingwë is more angry with himself and his own helplessness. I was wondering if that was not part of his problem. Shrewd to his son to pick up on that. "Except one of the palace cats decided to have her kittens underneath the High King’s throne." I want to see Ingwë's face for this one. Does this mean court is postponed until the kitties can be moved? Thank you for another lovely chapter. I'm sorry my reviews have been rambling so much lately. You give me so much to think on that I can't possibly review it all. Hope you're having a wonderful day :) Author Reply: Hi Hawkeye. Ingwë is a father, unlike Ingwion, and I think he sees Glorfindel as another son, so his responses to him will certainly be different from those of Ingwion, who sees him as a brother. At the same time, Ingwion is able to take matters in his own hands when he goes to the Valar for help. And as he points out, his father may be angry at the Valar but he hasn't forbidden any of his subjects from dealing with them and that includes Ingwion. I'm sure Ingwë's expression (and everyone else's) was priceless when he saw the momma cat with her kits under the throne. And your reviews have been just fine. Thanks for taking the time to leave them. I appreciate it.

hawkeye	Reviewed Chapter: 40 on 12/12/2014
I was wondering if Ingwë had a temper somewhere. Now that the initial shock is over I think he may feel a need to reestablish himself, or at least his control. He hasn't lost control, but I think he felt vulnerable. For someone who is used to being in charge, that must have been a truly terrifying experience. What really disturbed me was Glorfindel's treatment (or lack thereof) at the hands of the "healers." As a "healer" myself, the rule is first and foremost "do no harm." Yet the healers do just that. Not only do they fail to treat Glorfindel appropriately, they do him extensive emotional harm. As much as I sympathise with Ingwë, I'm glad Lord Námo stepped in when he did. Hopefully the healers and Ingwë will be more careful in the future. Given Ingwion's initial reaction, I was afraid we might be headed back to square one with everything. I so hope, for both Glorfindel's and Ingwion's sakes, that they can be brothers in the future. Glorfindel especially needs the friendship, and I think Glorfindel could probably teach Ingwion quite a bit as well. I also really liked Námo's reminder of Glorfindel's past. Sometimes it is easy to forget :) Thank you for a wonderful chapter. :) Author Reply: Hi Hawkeye. Oh, yes, Ingwë has a temper. Indeed he is known for it because it happens so rarely, but when it does, everyone ducks and takes cover. grin The healers were absolutely clueless about dealing with a Reborn, and one that had suffered a traumatic psychic shock. Luckily, Námo stepped in. Ingwion and Glorfindel are destined to be gwedyr or otornor, as we will see. Thanks for reviewing. It's appreciated.

hawkeye	Reviewed Chapter: 39 on 12/10/2014
Even as well as he knows Lord Manwë it must have been a bit awkward (at the very least) waking up like that. Poor ellon. I was a bit surprised at first, seeing the Valar in a more technical? context. The more I think about it, the more it does make perfect sense. Still, it will take a little getting used to. It does add a lot to the story though. Ingwë has taken this whole thing surprisingly well, even though this must all be freakishly foreign to him. Manveru's mistake really brings home the point that the Valar and Maiar, for all their power, are not omniscient. I think this is an important point because it really highlights both Atar's place and his presence. Glorfindel, though he did over react a bit (who can blame him?), responded appropriately by refusing to go to the mountain. From his perspective, he had been told by the Valar themselves not to go on the mountain. It would hardly seem appropriate for him to take a Maia's word for it, however well meaning the Maia might be. Atar is a work again here, looking after his children in their flight. As a warrior, again, I think Glorfindel acted appropriately in seeking to protect the king. Unfortunately, also again, his actions are misplaced. This is the second time Glorfindel has "been" to Gondolin in a short time. It will be interesting to see how this affects his maturing. Neither Glorfindel nor Ingwë were exactly punished, but I thought it interesting that Manwë went out of his way to make sure that Ingwë was not in trouble where Námo didn't do the same for Glorfindel. Perhaps this has to do with the age difference between them. Glorfindel did act out more than Ingwë did, but surely he was running to Another no less than Ingwë, yet the response was quite different in his case. My guess is that, as a reborn, Glorfindel is quite unpredictable, even to the Valar themselves. Hopefully the experience of Love Imperishable had a restoring and healing affect on Glorfindel's fëa. I found it interesting that even the Maiar, who are closer to Atar, were awed by what they witnessed. I really enjoyed this chapter. Thank you for sharing :) Author Reply: Hi Hawkeye. The Valar are first and foremost scientists. They would have to be in order to bring the universe into existence with all its laws of physics and such and I try to show this here. Ingwë is not in a happy place for sure and he is seeing a side of the Valar he probably hasn't really seen before. And of course Glorfindel would take the prohibition too literally instead of checking to see if it was still in effect (as it wasn't in this case). Námo's treatment of him when he finally caught up with the ellon is different from the way Manwë treated Ingwë, but the relationship is different and a Reborn's unpredictability, especially when that Reborn is Glorfindel, does play a factor. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. Thanks for taking the time to let me know. I appreciate it.

hawkeye	Reviewed Chapter: 38 on 12/8/2014
Ingwë must have felt like he was waking in a dream here, and I think that, more than anything else would be terrifying. Dreams can be frightening, but the knowledge that they are not real is some comfort, even if very remote. To awaken to something like a dream from which there is no waking would unnerve anyone. Here you can really see the effect of Ingwë's many years of experience with the Valar. Even in this bizarre situation, he is able to say with a clear head that he trust Lord Manwë completely. That kind of trust is only born of years and years of close friendship. It is, in many ways, more than that though. The kind of trust Ingwë shows for Manwë at least initially reminds me very much as that which a child has for a parent. Ingwë knows that it will be okay because Manwë has proven time and again that he is worthy of trust. Lord Námo even alludes to this when he says Ingwë will only return with one he trusts the most. There are misgivings though. Regardless of intent, Ingwë can't help but feel like he is being treated as though he is not to be trusted. Maiar, for all that they aren't Valar, are terrifyingly powerful beings. Having fourteen show up to "escort" him couldn't help but feel like overkill. Fionwë's responses are annoying enigmatic, whether or not he is intending to be difficult. I think that probably helped lead to Ingwë's eventual flight. Knowledge is power, and the shock of finding his people in such an outlandish state and the lack of answers finally got to him. (On a side note, when Fionwë said this: "Does my lord require anything?" I must confess wanting to slap him. I'm sure there is copious literature somewhere detailing the extreme foolishness of slapping a Maia, but still.) The way that the Valar and Maiar address Ingwë shifts a lot. I noticed that they call him (and other elves) "child" quite frequently. I suppose to them, even the oldest elves would seem very young, but I wonder if they don't see the elves, at least in some ways, as their children. Atar is definitely at work here. Ingwë, for all his fear, knows innately where the safest place is to run. But, in order to hear Him, Ingwë actually needs to stop and be still. That is so like Atar; not forcing or shouting, but always present and always calling to his children, even the wayward ones. Again, you did a beautiful job of showing how fear is cast out by perfect love. The damage to Ingwë's fëa is concerning. To be the king that he needs to be, Ingwë needs to be fully able to function. Between Manwë and Atar though, I'm sure he is in the best hands :) Thank you for another beautiful chapter, Fiondil. Author Reply: Hi Hawkeye. Yes, trust is certainly important here and it must have felt very twilight-zonish to Ingwë. As for Fionwë's annoyingly enigmatic responses, that is only from Ingwë's POV and he's in a sense tripping out here and he's not seeing or hearing things clearly, as you will see in the next chapter. At any rate, what you say about Atar is very true and I'm glad you liked that part of it. It will take a while for Ingwë's fëa to recover from the experience, but it will only make him stronger and a better king, I think. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it very much.

hawkeye	Reviewed Chapter: 37 on 12/6/2014
Ingwion made me smile in this chapter. I'm interested to see how this new friendship plays out. As the son of the Ingaran and one of the oldest elves, Ingwion will bring some unique experiences to the friendship. As haryon, I'm guessing he has similar duties to what Finrod has for his atar (holding his own court, etc). Perhaps this is one reason why Ingwion has the maturity to know when to "restart" things and see Glorfindel in a new light. Oh, and that's interesting that he's older than Arafinwë. Again, it will be interesting to see how this all plays out. Oh good, Alassiel and Glorfindel are going to get along. I got all kinds of exasperated at the reactions of some of the Vanyar, though. Really? Can they not just accept someone for who they are? It is, sadly, very true to life though. They are afraid, I think. Afraid that their paradigm will change, they their importance and sense of security might be in some way diminished. I think that it's interesting that those who seem most threatened and mistrustful of Glorfindel and his experiences are not those with the most to lose (Inwë and Arafinwë). Rather, it's the lesser important people who are the most insecure. And yet, it is surprising that so many people missed Lirulin beginning to fade. Perhaps fading is just less common in Aman. Then again, having Tinwetariel and Ingoldo for in-laws can't be helpful either, though I would hate to think of them actively contributing. Glorfindel, not surprisingly, knows exactly what to do. However painful, I think Lirulin needed to hear what Glorfindel had to say. Hopefully she is still able to take it to heart. "He much prefers people who defy him, spit in his face, and tell him where he can take himself." This made me laugh. I can't imagine who would have been that silly grins You have a wonderful way of "humanising" Atar. I don't mean that in a negative way, but I mean bringing him, in all his power and majesty, to a point where he would genuinely rejoice in the awakening of his children. So often, even in everyday life, he is so far and remote, and yet he is not. The lullaby was beautiful and brought tears to my eyes. I think, so far, it is one of my favourite parts of the story. It is a beautiful picture of the Father's love. The ending has me feeling uneasy. I get the feeling we're in for another round of adventure ;) Thank you for a beautiful chapter. Have a blessed day, Fiondil. Author Reply: Hi Hawkeye. Ingwion is several hundred years older than Arafinwë, actually, so I would think he's achieved a level of maturity, given his status, that allows him to "restart" things with Glorfindel. He will prove to be a very good for Glorfindel as you will see later on. I'm glad you like how I portray Atar even if indirectly. He may appear to be removed from everything but that is not really the case as we will see later on. This scene is one of my favorites also. As for the ending, yes, there is another round of adventure on its way. :) Thanks for reviewing. I'm glad you found this chapter beautiful. Thank you for letting me know. I appreciate it very much.

hawkeye	Reviewed Chapter: 36 on 12/3/2014
This chapter is rich in so many details. But, on a rather shallower note, I'm really glad that it looks like Alassiel will not take as long to turn around as Amarië did. I'm still feeling sorry for Finrod laughs Manwë's threat disturbed me greatly. A part of me wants to believe that it was in jest, but that seems like a jest in pretty pour taste. Perhaps not entirely serious? The thing is Manwë doesn't strike me as one to trifle with people. Manwë is, in many ways, very much like Atar. Maybe that is because he is the Eldest and, if I recall correctly, he is the most like Atar. (I'm not sure if I have the quote right and I don't have my Silmarillion with me.) Anyway, I really do hope that Manwë would not relegate Námo to being with Melkor :'( It's an interesting double edged sword though. On the one hand, Námo did infringe on Glorfindel's and Alassiel's free will. Being that the eldar belong to Atar and not to the Valar, that could be a serious thing. But as Alassiel points out, she would never have given permission, even though it was probably the best thing that could have happened to her. The significant thing is that the all seem to have learned well, Námo included. Glorfindel seems really grown up in this chapter. Perhaps being in Gondolin has brought out some of those qualities he had as a Lord there. Interesting that he seems to realise that he isn't ready to have his sword, and even more interesting that Lord Námo didn't see it coming. I felt really bad for Glorfindel here, on a lot of levels. It's almost as though he's realised what he once was, but that he isn't that anymore (yet ;). Manwë's trust will go a long way for Glorfindel here, I think. And I'm interested to see when Námo chooses to give the sword back. I'm wondering too if it will coincide with when he is ready to go to Taniquetil. Anyway, sorry for the rambling review. I loved this chapter. Thanks so much for sharing :) Author Reply: Hi Hawkeye. Oh, I have no doubt that Manwë meant every word of his threat, and Námo knew it. He had crossed a line and he knew he had and Manwë called him on it, not as a fellow Vala, but as the Elder King and Eru's vice-regent in Eä. He has both the power and the authority. Glorfindel certainly looks mature here and we see a glimpse of the Elf-lord he was and always will be. As for the sword, we'll see what comes of it later. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.

hawkeye	Reviewed Chapter: 35 on 11/27/2014
And now comes the reaction. I must say I really enjoy these parts of the story as they give so much more insight into different characters. Ingwion is already redeeming himself, for which I am very happy. I'm guessing, even without being reborn, Ingwion would be quite a bit older than Glorfindel. Is he about the same age as Arafinwë? (Is it even possible to make such comparisons with immortals?) Tinwetariel is annoying, but Ingoldo makes me uneasy. I hope Ingwë is watching his back. I thought the comment that Inwë made at the end of the chapter was interesting. Why would Ingoldo fear Ingwion but not Ingwë? Perhaps it is because, being Ingwë's brother, Ingoldo is able to pass over him as "just" a sibling. Sometimes the people easiest to overlook are, sadly, those closest to us. Ingwion showed a lot of self possession in this chapter. He seemed to take his uncle and aunt very much in stride, not backing down but not rising to the bait either. I wonder if he gets that from his Atar. Beyond this he seems to be very teachable, meaning he knows when to admit his mistakes and when to learn from them. I hope to see more of him :) "Don’t," Findis sniggered. "Eärwen wrote and told me that my brother has never been happier since Glorfindel and the Sinda... what’s his name?... Sador... came to live with them. I suspect it’s like having my other nephews back." Trust it to your sister to not by sympathetic. This made me laugh, and I'm glad that Arafinwë and Eärwen are happier now with more "children" in their lives. They make good parents It keeps them young ;) Speaking of which, I do hope to see the other two soon, especially Sador. Interesting that Ingwë made such a point of making Glorfindel's ban known to Ingwion. Apparently he felt the need to make it a king's order instead of just telling him as his Atar. I'm a little concerned that he said that in front of Ingoldo and Tinwetariel. They might be all too happy to make life even more miserable for Glorfindel. If they do, I hope Ingwion makes their lives miserable. Happy Thanksgiving, Fiondil! Thank you for another lovely chapter :) Author Reply: Hi Hawkeye. Ingwion is very much older than Glorfindel and in fact he is several hundred years older than Arafinwë. As to why Ingoldo fears Ingwion more than Ingwë, you would have to read "In Darkness Bound" to find the answer to that. We will see that Ingwë making known to everyone Glorfindel's ban will have serious consequences later on, but to say anything more would spoil things for you. At any rate, Ingoldo should make you uneasy, as you will see why soon enough. We'll catch up with Sador and Finrod eventually, I promise. Thanks for taking the time to read and review. I hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving as well.

hawkeye	Reviewed Chapter: 34 on 11/17/2014
The attitude of so many of the Vanyar is really starting to get old, though I suspect those kinds of people get old quickly anyway, regardless of the circumstances. Glorfindel was a hero in this chapter. Passing through death the first time was horrific enough, but I think this shows even more of Glorfindel's character because this time he knew what he would face and how it would end. It was also telling that, despite her rudeness, Glorfindel still came to Alassiel's defense, even going so far as to be angry on her behalf. I can see, as a lord, how this kind of character would be important. And, I think I would fully expect to see him react this way, but what surprised me was it seemed like he was genuinely concerned for her and her welfare. That kind of goodness is something that I always associated with Glorfindel, but he hasn't had much opportunity to show yet. So we are going to see Ingwion in this story. I love reading about these significant, yet so little discussed, characters. I am a bit confused on a point though, so please forgive my ignorance. It really surprised me that Ingwion would goad Glorfindel the way that he did. I seem to recall reading that he went and fought in Middle Earth? Given that history, I wonder why he, at least at first, seemed so standoffish. In either case, I was impressed that he willingly admitted his mistake to his atar. Hopefully he won't get into too much trouble. It seems like Elessairon might be a possible friend for Glorfindel. He certainly could use a few :) As a side note, you keep adding characters that I like and want to know more about. It's amazing :) Thanks for another lovely chapter! Author Reply: Hi Hawkeye. With regards to Ingwion, Tolkien had several versions of his story in some of his early writings about the War of Wrath and in some of them he's named Ingil instead and even his ultimate fate differs from one version to the next. Since Ingwion in any form never appears in the Silmarillion and as I took that as my starting point I felt free to develop Ingwion's character as I saw fit and in my universe for reasons that we learn later, Ingwion, in fact, did not join Arafinwë in the War of Wrath. Instead, Ingwion's cousin, Intarion, who, in this story, resides in Mandos at the moment, goes in his stead and dies there attempting to save Arafinwë's life. His daughter is Alassiel. I won't say anything more about Ingwion as it will spoil things for you, but I hope you will give him a chance to redeem himself. He really is a nice ellon. grin I'm sure Elessairon will end up being a friend to Glorfindel as well. Glorfindel's reaction to what Alassiel suffers just shows that as adolescent as he may act at times, he is indeed an Elf-lord, puissant and noble. His character shines here and we see the Elf-lord that he was and will be. Thanks for leaving a review. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter.

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