Elf, Interrupted: Book One: Glorfindel Redux by Fiondil
Tari · 12 February 2008 · Chapter 26: The Cost of Kingship
Lord Námo has to have the patience of a saint in order to deal with these mischievous elves. This is a perfect example of going through your second childhood which is what the elves are doing. Finrod will make an excellent king should he decide to rule once again. He has gained much wisdom.
Larner · 12 February 2008 · Chapter 15: An Unexpected Meeting
Healing comes, and they do act at one and the same time as the responsible Elves they were and self-centered children that they sometimes are. And Finrod's memories are expanding and enriching others as is needful.
Author's reply
Yes, they are slowly reclaiming their former selves while forging new identities as Reborn. Finrod has been 'out' for nearly a century now, so he's more advanced in his progress than the other two ellyn.
Larner · 12 February 2008 · Chapter 14: Adjustments
And now King and Queen begin to more fully understand; and the courtiers must also come to accept that there is no further stain from these judged ready to return to Aman. And the royal family sleeps in or around the oak, eh? Wonderful!
Author's reply
Having Glorfindel and Sador there and seeing how their son acts and reacts around them is allowing them to understand where Finrod is coming from. They don't have complete understanding yet, but this is the first step, for them and the rest of the Noldor.
Larner · 12 February 2008 · Chapter 13: iAndondi Entulessëo
Amarie has much to learn herself if she would be happily married to the ellon she's loved for so long--now she will herself begin to learn compassion. And she sees before her a lord in his own right, one who knows true nobility, rejoicing in all of noble spirit he meets, whether trained as potters or born first son to the King of the Noldor within Aman. She will learn, it is to be hoped.
Author's reply
Amarië has her own issues, but she is not irredeemable, and will learn where true nobility lies.
Larner · 12 February 2008 · Chapter 12: Lessons in Compassion
And he continues to learn and prepare for what comes next. His harping may give him acceptance and food and lodging, but his compassion will give him what he needs to truly face his renewed life.
Author's reply
Yes, harping is all well and good, but his compassion is what will truly define him and his life.
Larner · 12 February 2008 · Chapter 11: Artelemnar and Sador
I knew the name was familiar to me, as I've studied and restudied the roles of Kings as I've worked on Stirring Rings. He's been a hard one and needs to rekindle the flame of acceptance within him, I think, this Celepharn. Now, to think of Glorfindel dancing naked in the light of the song Irmo plays is a delightful one, although I'd personally like it more if it were Aragorn there--I suppose I'm hopefully tied to mortality, aren't I? Heh!
Author's reply
I don't always make up character names but will steal them from obscure sources. Most people would be unfamiliar with the Kings' Rolls in Appendix A or elsewhere and in this case I had to find a name that could be easily translated into both elvish languages. Glorfindel dancing naked would be a delightful sight to behold and I think you mean "hopelessly" rather than "hopefully" but both sentiments would be true, woouldn't they, seeing as we are mortals?
Larner · 12 February 2008 · Chapter 10: Tea with the Fëanturi
And he learns again to choose and to rejoice in the results of his choices, as he learns that the Valar are not as judgmental as he'd thought.
Author's reply
Up to now, all his choices have been in the hands of his attendants, just as if he were still an elfling, but now he has matured to the point where he must begin to make the choices in his life for himself and this is the lesson of the maze. Sometimes the lessons the Valar use may seem harsh and judgmental but that's from the elf's POV; from the Valar's POV, these lessons are lesson of love for the strengthening of the one being lessoned. The Reborn have forgotten much that all of us just take for granted and now they have to relearn what they knew instinctively as adults and had spent centuries and millennia learning and assimilating. The maze is something like a crash course in decision making.
Larner · 12 February 2008 · Chapter 9: In the Maze
And how long has this wager been going on, I wonder, and what was its specific nature? And thanks for the note of the spelling error within the chapter on Gilfileg--another error that has made it past multiple readings by myself and RiverOtter both. Man, sometimes I amaze myself with my inability to catch the simplest of errors.
Author's reply
I think the wager was how long it would take Glorfindel to make it to the center of the maze, but who really knows with the Valar? You're welcome... I really didn't read the chapter, just skimmed over it to refresh my memory of it and just happened to see the error. You're not alone, believe me. Even after my beta and I have gone over a chapter with a fine-tooth comb I still have alert readers pointing out errors.
Larner · 12 February 2008 · Chapter 8: Leaving Mandos
Pansies? But violets might reflect her nature the more! And now he returns closer to independence at last. Alfaloth, huh? Okay----
Author's reply
Well, pansies in this case with the meaning of "heartsease" I think is more appropriate even for the Elder King, who is definitely NOT a "her" LOL. And I thought it would be interesting to give a backstory to why he has a white horse named Asfaloth in ME. *grin*
Larner · 12 February 2008 · Chapter 7: Trouble in Paradise
And the day will come when he rejoices that the asea aranion lies in the hands of the proper King for use on others who, like himself, are needed within this world.
Author's reply
And hopefully he won't mistake it for a weed by then. *grin*
Larner · 12 February 2008 · Chapter 6: Awakening
And once more he learns to reawaken, in preparation for the time he will be able to truly live once more.
Author's reply
This time he awakens for real and must learn yet again what it means to be incarnate. It will not be easy but it is a necessary part of the whole process of dying and being re-embodied.
Larner · 12 February 2008 · Chapter 5: Endings and Beginnings
And he walks with Olorin, the wisest of the Maiar, and one who will in the fullness of time, share his fate, facing the great Balrog of Khazad-dum as part of the task of facing the greater one of Barad-dur! I'm glad our Gandalf was one of his caregivers, learning to accept what comes as Glorfindel does.
Author's reply
There are many parallels between Glorfindel and the Maia who will one day be known as Gandalf. Olórin has much to teach Glorfindel and to learn from Glorfindel.
Larner · 12 February 2008 · Chapter 4: Progress Reports
They were almost infants when they were abandoned in the forest to their fates. And at last they trust enough to face what will be side by side rather than intertwined.
Author's reply
They were infants. At age 7 they were the equivalent of 4-year-olds in human terms. Still, with Glorfindel's help they are finally findng the healing they need.
Larner · 12 February 2008 · Chapter 3: Return to Innocence
Turin was a haunted creature, wasn't he? But now Glorfindel learns a bit of his own future as his spirit heals.
Author's reply
Not sure what you mean by any of this since I never mention Turin in the chapter or anything about Glorfindel's future that I recall. Oh well....
Larner · 12 February 2008 · Chapter 2: Máhanaxar
And he in the end knows judgment as he judges himself; yet I doubt they find him as wanting as he finds himself. And now he has earned rest and reawakening as he prepares for what will come in time.
Author's reply
The hard part is over... now there's only healing left.
Larner · 12 February 2008 · Chapter 1: Here At the End of All Things
I actually read the first few chapters some time ago, and am now rereading in order to post now. I'd downloaded the first few chapters during one of the moments when Hughes let me online, and then it went down for six days and I couldn't respond. Poor Glorfindel--thinking he's failed his charge; but he DOES need to rest and heal now.
Author's reply
Glad you're finally reading this epic tale, Larner. *grin* Yes, Glorfindel does need rest and healing now, though not for as long as he really needs as we find out in the next chapter.
Tari · 11 February 2008 · Chapter 23: Initiation
What a touching ceremony. Sador is now a true "brother in arms" with Finrod and Glorfindel. Somehow I think he deserved it. You may receive replies from my home computer from time to time. My email addres there is faernaimladris@gmail.com. I was a bit saddended to read that you don't wish to return to America. I've done a little bit of traveling, and the only place I might have considered moving to was the North Island of New Zealand. That may change next year as some of us will be spending two weeks on the South Island visiting sites used in the LOTR trilogy. You're welcome to join us if you can. Tari
Author's reply
Yes, Sador certainly deserves all the honors he is dued, even if he doesn't think so. I'll keep my eyes open for any private emails you care to send. And why would you be sad to read I don't wish to return to America? There's a whole world to explore and I spent most of my life in one country. There really is nothing for me back in the States and I'm having too much fun seeing other places and living in other cultures. Thanks, though, for the offer to join you in NZ, but my teaching schedule might not allow it. We'll have to see.
Caddy de La Bris · 9 February 2008 · Chapter 142: Songs of Power and Glory
Hi Fiondil, I re-read the reviews from Elf Interrupted I and I found: You will post EI II in spring respectively at Easter. That is not so far away, is it? I am not asking about the story but - will it be as long as EI I? I am so looking forward this story, you cannot imagine. And I hope there will be my three favourite elves: Glorfindel (of course), Finrod (of cource), Sador (of course), Beleg (of course), and all the others (of course)... Perhaps some of the Valar: Namo (of course), Manwe (of course)... Do you see that I cannot wait so long? Hoping... Caddy
Author's reply
I have no idea how long EI2 will be. I never intended EI1 to be as long as it is, so we'll just have to see. And (of course) ALL your favorite characters will be back and maybe even one or two new ones along the way. Anyway, I've already started writing the opening chapters, so I should be well along with the story by the time I'm ready to post. It won't be long now. *grin*
Tari · 9 February 2008 · Chapter 22: Bathtime and Bedtime Stories
That's my perseption of the Valar and Maiar too. Any chance you'll move back to the States? Tari
Author's reply
Only if Númenor and Beleriand both rise again. *grin*
Tari · 8 February 2008 · Chapter 22: Bathtime and Bedtime Stories
I am at loss for words. This chapter was so touching and filled with so much love. This is how I would prefer to see the Valar. They can admonish when necessary, but also show great love and understanding. They remind me of our guardian angels. I don't know why, but they do. Tari
Author's reply
Perhaps because they are, or rather, the Maiar are. At least that's how I see them: the Valar as Archangels and the Maiar as Guardian Angels. Works for me. *grin* Anyway, as I've pointed out in other responses to reviews, these beings stood before the Throne of Ilúvatar... how can they not be joyful and loving (save one), even someone like Námo? To make them out as cold and forbidding and disinterested in the doings of lesser beings makes them no better than the pagan gods of our own world. That may be how they are perceived by us, but that's not the same thing as saying that's what they are. Glad you're enjoying the story so far... it only gets better. *LOL*
Tari · 8 February 2008 · Chapter 20: Aftermath
Sorry there was such a gap between my replies. I was so engrossed in the story that I kept jumping right to the next chapter. Too bad this is only a story. I sure could use some of that hugging, especially from an Elf. I find a lot of wisdom in your writing which many people in this day and age to could use. I get together once a month with three other Ringers, all of whom are Gondorian. Too bad you don't live closer. I sure could use some support. All they want to talk about are the Gondorians and sometimes the Rohirrim.
Author's reply
Well, I quite understand being so engrossed in a story you just have to keep clicking "next" to find out what happens. *grin* I'm glad you're enjoying it and finding wisdom in it. At least you can actually get together with people... there's no one here in China that I can do that with. The best I can do is chat with friends. Perhaps you should introduce them to this story... maybe they'll enjoy it enough to move out of Gondor every once in a while. *grin*
Tari · 6 February 2008 · Chapter 18: Reflections Before Sleep
I had to pause in my reading to post a comment. I am so consumed by this story that I am neglecting the one I’m supposed to be writing. It does my heart good to see the male species freely crying. That is such a release for the soul. It’s hard to picture grown elves as children again, but wouldn’t it be nice if we could clean our slates like that? Everything is so real, that I feel as though I am there with them. I don’t know if it was intentional, but I see a lot of Christianity in your story and I love it. Well, on to the next glorious chapter. (I’m glad Amarie is coming around. Hope it’s for real.) Tari
Author's reply
You've apparently been so consumed by the story you've forgotten to post a review every few chapters like you said you would. I was really surprised to see this comment at chapter 18 when the last comment was chapter 3 or 4. LOL Anyway, since elves are not humans and don't follow the same human conventions about what constitutes proper behavior, they are less inhibited in their emotions (amongst themselves; no elf worth his salt would allow himself to emote this way before the Secondborn). And the Christian aspects (and more specifically, the Catholic Christian aspects) are indeed intentional, seeing as how I am just that and know of no other way to write. *grin* I think we'll see that Amarië has indeed come around for real. I look forward to reading your next review, whichever chapter that may be.
Tari · 4 February 2008 · Chapter 3: Return to Innocence
I love it. You brought another of my favorite elves into the story. Beleg! I do hope there will be more of him to come. This is so good. I love the way the Valar heal the wounded elves. They are so kind and loving. Tari
Author's reply
Námo has a gift for healing wounded elves and his Maiar are good at what they do as well. As for Beleg... you'll have to wait and see. *grin*
Tari · 4 February 2008 · Chapter 1: Here At the End of All Things
I am FINALLy able to start reading you story and what a story it is. I already love the first chapter and can hardly wait to find out what follows. I will post a comment every two or three chapters so as not to be obnoxious. Tari
Author's reply
Hi Tari! I'm glad you're able to finally begin reading this tale. Enjoy! And one can never be obnoxious posting a review (unless of course the review itself is obnoxious. *grin*). Review away.
Ces · 1 February 2008 · Chapter 142: Songs of Power and Glory
I don't even have the words to express how much I loved this story. I am truly speechless. Characters I didn't think I would like I have come to love. The little elflings you write about have captured my heart and I looked eagerly for them in each chapter. It's not an easy thing to have as many characters as you do and be able to weave each and every one into the story. Yet you managed and never lost track of any of them and you brought them all to life. And the Valar. Your descriptions are so beautiful. Namo is and probably will always be my favorite but I would love to meet them all. I laughed and I cried throughout the entire story and I enjoyed each and every word. Thank you and I will wait for the next installment as patiently as I can! Ces
Author's reply
I'm glad you enjoyed this story. Keeping track of all the characters.... when Rhyselle finally presented me with the list, I was floored. I created ALL of those characters? LOL Anyway, I am back to writing Book Two athough it'll be a few more weeks before I'm ready to post the first chapter. It won't be long now, I promise.