Perhaps Finrod can come and play with me sometime Yes, please!!! That was what I had dreamed of for weeks – to see these two sparring with each other! Please? Maybe at the tournament at New Year? (Though probably better noncompetitive, for otherwise the winner(s) would be obvious even before it started)
There are a few elves who fought in the War of Wrath who might do as sparring partners if you promise not to hurt them overmuch. Well, I fear here Ingwë isn’t far from the truth. What Glorfindel said to Aldarion about himself not fighting with full strength may sound like boasting, but I am sure for a warrior like Glorfindel at least 95% of the elves of Aman aren’t truly a match. There has to be a difference between fighting in training, more like a sport, and fighting for his life with a deadly enemy. In the former case you're probably not learning to fight dirty, so to speak, and neither with the same force as in the latter case.
Now I’m very glad Glorfindel finally did find something to do. It is a relief to see him happy for a change. The only profession he ever knew was to be a warrior, after all, and he has to feel a bit needless in Aman, I think.
To ask Aldarion to teach him the use of the great war bow was a masterstroke. To be able to teach Glorfindel something instead of feeling taken out boosted his self-esteem and lessened his disdain. Not to mention the chance Glorfindel got of befriending other archers. It is a great way to change the thinking of at least some people - and I suppose these would spread their new opinion further. And these are more believable than the Reborn themselves, at least for the other Amaneldi.
Author's reply
I promise that Finrod and Glorfindel will give a friendly demonstration of thei fighting skills at the New Years tournamnet. Never fear!
Fighting in training and fighting for real are indeed two different things and Glorfindel had years of the latter in which to hone his skills. And of course, he did fight against a balrog; that's not something the ordinary fighter is likely to do.
As Valandur tells Glorfindel: think small, not big. Glorfindel is making the mistake many people make: how to convince everyone about something. Well, you can't, but you can convince one person and that person can convince another and so on. Glorifndel asking Aldarion to teach him to use the War Bow is the first step to changing the attitudes of the other Amaneldi.
Calenlass Greenleaf
· 22 May 2007
· Chapter 93: Lessons
Glorfindel gave him an innocent look and a shrug. "Why should I be? I was trying to be as gentle as I could with you. I wasn’t fighting at my full strength. This was supposed to be a friendly match, wasn’t it?"
Typical Glorfindel. *grin*
Chapter 94 was very touching. And enjoyable to read. :)
~Calenlass
Author's reply
Yes, typical Glorfindel, indeed. Glad you found this chapter very touching as well as an enjoyable read. A bit of lightheartedness before things get serious again.
Agape4Gondor
· 22 May 2007
· Chapter 94: Vanda Envinyanta
I just love this tale - every chapter is a learning process for me too!
Author's reply
Thanks Agape. I'm glad you are enjoying this tale. Hopefully we all come away from this learning something (about ourselves if nothing else).
MithLuin
· 21 May 2007
· Chapter 94: Vanda Envinyanta
A Book of Oaths! What a neat idea. And drives home that Manwë really does hear all things. Eonwë's given Glorfindel plenty to think about. That poor elf will need to find maturity somewhere - taking off like that sure stirred things up behind him.
Author's reply
I sort of stole the idea of a Book of Oaths from Judeo-Christian mythology of the Recording Angel and gave it a Middle-earth twist. Glorfindel's little stunt is going to have severe ramifications for many as will be seen in upcoming chapters.
Rhyselle
· 21 May 2007
· Chapter 93: Lessons
I know that there's about a dozen and a half chapters I still need to review, but when I read this chapter, I just had to respond right away. :)
I could just picture the expression on Glorfindel's face when Alassiel told him that she thought the fighters practicing in the training salle were preparing for the Mahtalë Mahtalion. I'm not certain just how much of the shock was for the reason and how much was for the fact that it was Alassiel who said it.
It is easy to forget that although peace does reign in Aman at this time (not counting the rebels who broke the Sere Valar when they kidnapped and beat up Glorfindel); ultimately, the day will come when Morgoth will be freed from his prison beyond the circles of the world and the Children of Eru will be part of the final battle in which he will be finally defeated for good, and Arda will be renewed. It is most long-sighted of the High King and the Noldoran to order this training.
One of my favorite lines in this chapter is:
"If I’m stupid enough to allow you to get inside my guard, Aldarion, I’ll deserve whatever injuries I sustain, and unless you can claim to remember the Light of the Two Trees, you are indeed a child. Now, shall we get on with it?"
I love the reminder of Glorfindel's true age here, and his statement of proficiency in sword work. The utter seriousness of his attitude while he was sparring with Aldarion was a wonderful contrast to the sudden lightheartedness he displayed after her disarmed the ellon.
The following bit of dialogue makes an important character statement, IMO.
Glorfindel gave him an innocent look and a shrug. "Why should I be? I was trying to be as gentle as I could with you. I wasn’t fighting at my full strength. This was supposed to be a friendly match, wasn’t it?"
Considering that without even trying hard, Glorfindel had just about wiped the floor with Aldarion; that line alone has to remind the observers and other fighters of just how good a warrior Glorfindel is--how good he had to be in order to survive as long as he did in Middle-earth. If he's easily overcoming fighters in a "friendly match"; he must be absolutely breathtaking to watch when he's fighting for real.
There are too many good lines for Glorfindel in this chapter. :) He switches between consumate warrior to elfling in a heartbeat. "Perhaps Finrod can come and play with me sometime, or even Ingwion." *giggle* Lovely!
I really enjoyed watching Ingwe's plotting out how to change Aldarion's opinion of the Reborn. By making Glorfindel and Aldarion each other's teachers, and requiring them to work together, both are educated and both come to see that they can become friends and put aside, in Aldarion's case, his dislike for this particular Reborn. And thank you very much for the foretelling that links to 'Tad Edhel a Firion'. That was a very nice touch!
I could go on and on, but I'll hold off my burbling for now. I will review Chapter 94, but I need to think of the right way to express what feelings and thoughts that chapter brought to my mind and heart. In brief, I was stunned and ... well, I should be used to that after reading 94 chapters of this fic. :)
Well done!
Author's reply
The thing about Glorfindel's bout with Aldarion is that he isn't really showing off, he's merely "playing", though Aldarion and anyone watching have no clue to that. So when he states that he wasn't fighting at his full strength, the implications of what he's said coupled with the demonstration of his skills in a "friendly match" must have been mind-boggling to the Vanyar. He is, after all, an ellon who fought against a balrog, not something just any warrior would have dared to do or be capable of doing even though the end result would have to be death for the elf.
Of course, his "but next time I want to spar with real warriors, not with these children" must have ruffled quite a few feathers in that salle, but Glorfindel doesn't care. He's like a kid in a candy store with $5 burning a hole in his pocket.
Ingwë and Valandur steering Glorfindel and Aldarion together is probably a stroke of genius on their part, for through his friendship with Aldarion, now that Ingwion is away, Glorfindel will be able to connect with the younger Vanyar more easily. It may be too late to change the attitudes of the older elves to some extent, but the younger ones are willing to learn and grow and change when necessary and it's that generation that is the obvious target for change among the Amaneldi in their attitude towards the Reborn, the Exiles and the Sindar of Tol Eressëa.
I never intended to make a connection between this story and my other one about Aragorn's trip to Mirkwood, but it seemed a natural fit, especially when I recalled that Glorfindel carried a bow in that story and used it effectively against the orcs and wargs attacking their party.
jwdisney
· 21 May 2007
· Chapter 94: Vanda Envinyanta
Brilliant! I love the way you show more and more detail of rebirth and the struggle of the Reborn to "win over" the Once-born. :-) And the depictions of all the Maiar and Valar... I love seeing the "story update" emails twice a week to find out what's going to happen next! Thank you so much for the hard work you put into this!!
Author's reply
Glad you are enjoying the story. I'm gratified that you appreciate my efforts to tell a good story. I may not be updating as often as before, but I will be updating at least once a week.
Nieriel Raina
· 21 May 2007
· Chapter 2: Máhanaxar
I see why your beta loves your descriptions of the Valar. I've never been fond of Namo, but now, I just adore him! Thank you for changing that for me!
This is a great story, btw. I am enjoying it immensly.
NiRi
Author's reply
Thanks for letting me know how much you are enjoying this story. I'm glad I have been able to change your views on Námo. That is very gratifying to me. He's really not so bad once you get to know him. *grin*
Edlyn
· 21 May 2007
· Chapter 34: A Lesson In Manners
Good morning, meldonya.
Herewith is my review of Chapter 34. You warned me that Glorfindel's day wasn't over with yet and all I can say is that I never want to go through a day like this one was for him.
"The past was the past, he realized. It could not be altered." Hmmm, I wonder how many times Glrofindel is going to have to be reminded of this in the future? If the Eldar are like Men in this respect, I suspect that it will be a lot of times! I was reminded of a sign in front of a local church as I read this sentence: "Remember the past but do not live in it." I think that could be one of the underlying themes of your story, meldonya, to go along with the themes of rebirth, sacrifice, and love.
Well, if Glorfindel looks like I imagine him, I can definitely understand why the ellith giggle when they see him. But I'm wondering what Vorondil's problem is. Of course, he could just have the standard prejudice against the Reborn or just be immature.
I like Elessairon's reason for wanting warrior braids--what teenager doesn't like to freak out their parents? Though of course, I don't want him to ever have to be in the situation where he actually earns them.
Oh, Alassiel! I'm shaking my head at the elleth. She just can't leave well enough alone can she?
I was shivering as I read Glorfindel's description of his death. I can most definitely see how hearing him speak of it without any emotion would be heart-chilling. The fact of his death separates him from the rest of the Eldar there and his manner emphasizes that. He's been feeling alienated from that whole bright court since he arrived in spite of Ingwe's kindness and he's using this to get some of his own back.
Alassiel's reaction wasn't unreasonable, I thought. What can one say after a recitation such as Glorfindel's. I'd probably grab at anything to change the mood to try to reassure myself that somewhere the sun was still shining and that I wasn't trapped in the throes of a nightmare turned real. And of course, the kind of things you say at times like that aren't polite, aren't kind and definitely aren't smart. I don't think that Alassiel truly disbelieves Glorfindel's words, but that she doesn't *want* to believe them. I wouldn't want ot believe them either. To half-quote Deety from Heinlein's "The Number of the Beast": She wishes "the world wouldn't wobble."
Oh, Glorfindel! You are priceless! "Now what did I do?" I laughed so hard at that. I really needed to. It brought things back to some semblance of normalcy and broke the tension beautifully. Well, not all the tension. There's a number of Eldar standing there wondering whether they are going to end up with one-way tickets to Mandos.
Courage or stupidity. Hmmm. I sometimes think that they are in fact the same thing and it's only after the fact that one determines which term is more appropriate to the recently ended situation.
Courage, I think is what Alassiel has, especially after her comment about finding the fact that Glorfindel is older than her is hard to believe. She's got courage but not maturity yet. She's going to really be something once she grows up.
ROTFL! "Do I look like your mother?" Oh, my sides hurt!
The quickness of Lord Namo's mood changes (or at least his expression of such, I'm sure he knows exactly what he's going to do and how he's going to express himself at all times) is frightening as well as the speed with which he effects his will.
*Shudder* That particular lesson in manners is one I could definitely do without. It was appalling and frankly cruel, particularly to Alassiel. She needed a lesson, yes, and so did Glorfindel, but this?
Ah, the protector in Glorfindel is awake again.
I can most certainly understand his anger at Lord Namo (*I'm* angry at Lord Namo for doing what he did!). Given that everything in his former life is gone (and he feels that his reason for existing ended with his perceived failure to get his charges to safety), the only thing from it that Glorfindel still "owns" is his death.
Ah, Lord Namo has a point. With his memories at the remove caused by his Rebirth, Glorfindel can intellectually remember his death but not physically or emotionally remember it.
"This is not a punishment, Glorfindel," Námo said, shaking his head. "It’s a lesson... for both of you.--It sure looks like a punishment to me! Well, if I'm honest with myself, there's lots of times that "lessons" feel like punishments (at least from the inside).
Oh, dear. Glorfindel has to kiss an elleth to get his memories back from her. I can just see his face! Glorfindel definitely has a gift for lightening the mood, doesn't he? And the adolescent is back, who'd much prefer to face a balrog again than--ewwwww!--kiss an elleth.
And then to live through that horror again... no question about it, Glorfindel may be foolish on occasion but he is most definitely courageous.
I like Ingwion, in spite of his calling Glorfindel an Etyangol earlier. He's honest and honourable enough to own up to his own failing in regards to courtesy.
Ah, Elessairon to the rescue before Glorfindel makes everything his fault. I read his comment about getting out the ridiculous robes and heard my neice saying "I'll be so glad to change into my blue jeans!" Teenagers are the same everywhere regardless of race, aren't they?
I think my favorite bit of the whole chapter was at the end:
"Next time?" Ingwë asked, raising an eyebrow.
Námo sighed dramatically and pointed at Glorfindel who was still lying with his head in Ingwion’s lap, the sense of dizziness he had felt earlier beginning to fade. "With this one, there’s always a next time."
It was a perfect way to end the chapter.
You gave us so much in this chapter, meldonya. We learned the details of Glorfindel's death, picked up more on how the others around him think of him, went from terror to laughter and to terror and back again to laughter. I'm of two minds about Lord Namo's actions in this chapter and of the deeper reasons for his timing in showing up.
You've made it clear in previous chapters that there's a lot more going on than any of the Eldar are aware of and that the Valar have an agenda of their own. So I'm wondering if Namo arrived merely to defend Glorfindel or to deal specifically with Alassiel and the attitude of the Vanyar elves or both. Of course, once he was there, the reactions of Glorfindle and Alassiel led to the rigorous lesson.
Glorfindel is continuing to switch between adolescence and adulthood depending on his emotional state. His reaction to the voiced doubts about his death and experiences was purely adolescent but his reaction to Alassiel's distress was purely adult and chivalrous, even to the point of challenging Lord Namo. I've getting glimpses of the ellon he was prior to his death butthis was a very telling episode. If I had to pick only a few words to describe Glorfindel from what I learned about him reading this, they would be: prideful, stubborn, chivalrous (especially in regards to those in distress), and mouthy.
I'm going to have to think about Lord Namo. I really feel that he crossed a line by doing what he did to Alassiel. Glorfindel is arguably still in his charge and subject to his chastisement, but I can't see what gave him the authority to do what he did to Alassiel. He abused his authority in her case and that saddens me. I know that he Valar aren't perfect (we saw that in the Silmarillion, obviously) but still.
It was an excellent read, meldonya. I hope you are over your cold and that you are having a good week.
May you live blessed,
Edlyn
Author's reply
Ah! Another review-longer-than-the-chapter! I love it. *lol*
Anyway... "Remember the past but do not live in it" is indeed one of the underlying themes of this story. I know myself that it's a very difficult dictum to follow, so it's something I felt I wanted to explore, especially given the elves own feelings about the past, their regrets for what has been lost, etc. We will see in subsequent chapters how "reliving" the past effects Glorfindel and the lessons he learns from it.
Glorfindel does overdo his "death scene" here, since he's obviously trying to gross the Vanyar out in a fit of adolescent pique, and he knows it, so when Námo shows up, he naturally thinks it's because of that (thus his "What did I do now?"), little suspecting that this time Námo is on his side. Alassiel, of course, is representative of many of the Vanyar there who are not sure how to react to someone who has actually died. As Glorfindel is describing his own death, I'm sure many of his listeners are wondering if their own loved ones suffered similar agonies as they died. Alassiel's own father died in the War of Wrath and her reaction to Glorfindel's tale is probably a denial that perhaps her own father suffered a similar fate. That would be impossible for her to accept, even on an intellectual level, thus her retort. I imagine several other elves there felt the same way as she, only she voiced her thoughts before anyone else.
Námo's reactions to the interplay between Glorfindel and Alassiel are rather frightening in the speed in which he effects his will and we see here a glimpse of what he could have become had he followed Melkor instead of Manwë. That's what makes this scene even scarier than it normally would be. As for the lessoning... we will see shortly what consequences there are for Námo in what he had done here. He may or may not have crossed a line... how many times do we wonder if God hasn't crossed some line when he's chastising us? Sometimes our own actions force him to act as he does. Certainly Glorfindel and Alassiel are pushing the envelope just a little further than is wise at this point, so that even a Vala can say "enough!" and react accordingly.
As to Námo's supposed authority over Alassiel and his abuse of that authority... in a later chapter Námo states that as soon as someone enters Mandos, that person's entire family becomes Námo's responsibility even if they are unaware of it.
eiluj
· 19 May 2007
· Chapter 92: Sword-Brother to the Maiar
How fortuitous that, with Ingwion and Vorondil both gone, Valandur is available to mentor Glorfindel.
"But someday you’ll be able to reconcile with your king, won’t you, ammelda? That is something to which you may look forward." -- Good for Alassiel! And luckily neither of them has any idea just how many thousands of years from now Glorfindel will still be looking forward to seeing Turgon....
The Maiar calling him “sword-brother” -- that’s lovely.
Then, out of nowhere, a snowball hit him square in the face -- “out of nowhere” is rarely so literally true as in this instance!
Author's reply
While it is a good thing Glorfindel doesn't know how many thousand years it will be before he and Turgon can meet, when you are for all intents and purposes immortal, it doesn't really matter, does it?
eiluj
· 19 May 2007
· Chapter 91: Running With the Wolves
A dangerous sense of wildness took him and he feared to lose himself in it. -- Well, he *was* envying those who got to go on the Hunt....
Author's reply
Be careful what you wish for....
Rhyselle
· 18 May 2007
· Chapter 69: Glorfindel on Taniquetil
I felt bad for Glorfindel when he woke up... I've never been beaten up but I've had a near concussion and migraines where even the thought of dim light hurt... much less the glare that the snow was making the he suffered from. I have to say that he is a persistent fellow... many people would have given up and just lay in the snow, but he kept going. He is still quite the elfling, seeing things in black and white; when he realized where he was, it just never occurred to him that he had not actually violated the prohibition of his climbing the mountain of his own will. But youngsters frequently don't get it that they aren't responsible for the things that other people do to them.
He's got a lot of mixed feelings about the Valar, it seems... fearing them and loving them and wanting to trust them but being afraid to. He wants to obey what he's been told to do, but he also resents having to obey, even if he hasn't articulated it yet. Hmmmmm. He and Ingwion seem to have much in common when it comes to that...
But the ones I really felt sorry for were the Maiar who were set to watch and guard him, but not allowed to succor him from his pain and fear. That must have been a very difficult task to accomplish. It certainly would have been very hard for me to do what they did without 'interfering'.
As I've written before, I find so much of this tale tied around the concept of obedience... Glorfindel's struggles to obey his promise to not climb the mountain were heartbreaking--not just because of the physical damage he'd sustained (a considerable amount of it, in fact)--but because of the emotional pain he was enduring because he could only think that he'd disobeyed the command of the Valar and he was afraid of the consequences. I think that it never really occurred to him that his choice to crawl away from a place where he would have receive help was a more than adequate demonstration of his desire to obey the Valar. All he could think of was that he was in trouble and was being bad and, well, stopped thinking.
Since I'm still a very beginner in learning the Elvish languages, I wasn't able to figure out the meaning of the name of the elf who was helping him. His identity is a puzzle but I find that my not knowing just who he is doesn't bother me... I know that his presence is a gift of the Valar to Glorfindel as is the service he is providing by caring for our Reborn Balrog Slayer.
I can just picture the look on Glorfindel's face when Yáravinyon asked him who he thought had told him where to find Glorfindel. :) Poor ellon... he's confused and upset and feels very very put upon right now.
I know that eventually, he'll mature to the point that he becomes the confident and more than competent Elf Lord we meet in The Fellowship of the Ring. It's interesting getting to see him make the steps necessary to becoming that fulfillment of his character.
Author's reply
As I've said in response to other reviewers, Glorfindel's physical pain makes it difficult for him to think straight, so he's really acting on pure emotion, in this case, fear: when he realizes where he is, panic sets in and all he can think of is that he's got to get down the mountain before someone finds out, never taking into account that the Valar are probably quite aware of who's sitting on their front doorstep, so to speak.
>> But the ones I really felt sorry for were the Maiar who were set to watch and guard him, but not allowed to succor him from his pain and fear. That must have been a very difficult task to accomplish.
One has to wonder, extrapolating from the above observation, if God's angels who are set to watch and guard us, also must stand back and not interfere when we are hurt (spiritually or physically) unless specifically enjoyed by the Father to do so. It cannot be easy and like you I wouldn't want to have to be in such a position.
The identity of the mysterious elf is revealed with a full explanation of his name in a future chapter. You can always skip ahead, but why spoil the surprise?
It is interesting to compare the Glorfindel we meet in LOTR with the Glorfindel we meet here. One has to remember that nearly five thousand years separate the two Glorfindels. He obviously has had lots of time to get his act together. *grin*
Edlyn
· 18 May 2007
· Chapter 33: Connecting the Dots
Hi meldonya!
It's Friday afernoon and as I'm waiting for the time to set up a colloquium room (I have to wait for the current occupants to clear out) I decided to get started again on reviewing.
First of all I liked the mention that Ingwe noticed Glorfindel's expression and so forth. I would like to think that the High King would be the type of person to notice things. A ruler who doesn't notice things can find himself in all sorts of trouble.
The mental image of Findis herding Alassiel from the study was amusing. I can just see the expression on the elleth's face as she looks back to try to get a glimpse of hte beginning of the talk or to overhear what Ingwe has to say to Glorfindel.
So the Valar aren't the only ones who don't say or do anything without a reason behind it.
I wonder why it is easy to identify the wrong reasons for doing something but so hard to identify the right reasons for doing something. I have felt like Glorfindel in regards to that issue many tmes and I'm certain that I'm not the only one to do so. But I truly like the way that Ingwe is handling Glorfindel in regards to the matter. If for no other reason than this conversation with the High King Glorfindel coming to Vanyamar is a good thing. Of course, I'm certain that the reasons behind the visit are far more complicated and myriad.
I like it that Ingwe's gried isn't just for Glorfindel's suffering but for all the Noldor's suffering. I also liked it that Glorfindel is honest enough to say that any suffering they went through they brought upon themselves. A sign of maturation, I think. Though I know that he's got a long, long way to go before he finishes growing up (if he ever does!)
I can just hear the "What did I do wrong now?" in Glorfindel's head as he approaches Lord Namo.
Oh, what a connection to make! I'd be screaming, too! I think that is the worst thing about making these mental and emotional connections for any of the Reborn. One never knows what will set them off, when or where they're going to happen or how badly they're going to affect one physically as well as mentally and emotionally.
I'm so glad that it was Ingwe who comforted Glorfindel. For one thing it will help build trust between them and given the subject matter of the connection, it would probably have freaked the ellon out even more to find himself in Namo's arms. As far as facing the memory, oh, that had to be so very hard, even with the support of Ingwe and Namo.
I am as outraged as Ingwe to hear that Turgon wouldn't let any of his people turn back, forcing htem to go on, despite their fear and possible changes of heart. Glorfindel must truly have felt bound by his oath to Turgon to push aside his desire to turn back and keep marching onwards to the Helcaraxe.
I also think it likely that that oath and the later oaths (like the one he takes when he is elevated to lordship of the House of the Golden Flower) he made to Turgon has made his feeling of responsibility towards the King so strong. Mind you this is merely my opinion on the matter given my background.
The shared look between Ingwe and Namo has to be the same one my mother and fther shared at times over me. I suspect that Glorfindel's response to being reminded of the ban on his going to Taniquetil was highly coloured by how out of control he feels. Not only is he stuck in a city he didn't want to come to in the first place, he now has to look forward to possibly more of these mental connections being made at who knows what time and place, and the reminder that he is restricted from free movement just was the straw that broke his temper to the point where he can't think about "to everything there is a purpose and a time for every action under heaven." No, patience is not Glorfindel's strong suit at this time (It wasn't mine as a teenager, either, if I recall).
Goodness, its been a busy and rough day for Glorfindel and it isn't anywhere near over with yet!
Excellent as always, meldonya. I really like seeing how Glorfindel deals with his new circumstances and the hints of his future relationship with the High King. I also think that the Eldar are incredibly lucky in the quality of their rulers.
May you live blessed!
Edlyn
Author's reply
Well, it's Saturday evening here as I respond to your review! *grin*
Ingwë has probably had lots of practice noticing things, especially noticing the expressions and moods of those around him, a necessary talent when you are a ruler who wants to keep his throne. Inattentive rulers tend not to last too long.
Turgon's arrogance and intransigence is a subject for debate, of course, but I have shown him in my stories as suffering from such deep-seated guilt over the destruction of his city and that he is the primary reason for that destruction that his fëa is unable to withstand Judgment and he sleeps under guard of four Maiar until such time as he is strong enough to enter the Ring of Doom and face the Valar. Someday, perhaps, I may write about that.
We will see in subsequent chapters why Glorfindel has such an obsession about Turgon that goes beyond just the consequences of having given Turgon his oath.
Glorfindel's reaction to the ban is of course very adolescent, wondering if the ban applies to him specifically or to all the Reborn. I think he would not mind it so much if it were the latter rather than the former, so the fact that the ban is directed towards him specifically probably rankles, thus his reaction to Námo's reminder.
And yes, the day isn't over for our intrepid Balrog-slayer. There's more to come and not all of its is pleasant.
Kitty
· 17 May 2007
· Chapter 92: Sword-Brother to the Maiar
Glad to know Lirulin is regaining her strength. I wonder how much her parents-in-law and their twisted sight on things may have had to do with her fading.
I suppose Glorfindel’s problem is one that many of the Reborn and the elves from Endorë share. So many of them were warriors and have fought all these centuries, and now they have no purpose – a difficult situation, no doubt.
Glorfindel reliving this council session in Gondolin was rather disconcerting for him. But it is probably only to be expected that the returning of more of his memories from his first life has to have some repercussions. Hm ... and if he and Turgon quarreled in this council and never got to truly reconcile before Gondolin fell, that explains probably his obsession, as Ingwë noted. Though I got the impression Glorfindel thinks he has failed his King, while I’d say he doesn’t owe Turgon anything. Glorfindel was right, after all, and he saved Turgon’s daughter, son-in-law and grandson.
Erunáro throwing the snowball in Glorfindel’s face to push him into the snowball fight was a nice conclusion. And it worked – I think it is about time Glorfindel stops brooding and worrying and is enjoying himself again. Oh, and I love their calling Glorfindel ‚sword-brother’.
Author's reply
Glorfindel has a heightened sense of duty. Once an oath is given, whatever happens afterwards between the two parties, the oath stands and the obligations of that oath stand. We will see in a later chapter that Glorfindel did take the same oath that Laurendil took with Finrod, and as I said in an earlier statement, not even the Valar are sure what the full ramifications of such an oath are when even death cannot sever it.
As Manveru says, it's time for Glorfindel to move past the self-pity he's wallowing in for no particular reason. Hopefully the snowball incident will help him see that so that he can re-experience joy in living.
Kitty
· 17 May 2007
· Chapter 91: Running With the Wolves
Well, it was to be expected that the events finally would catch up with Glorfindel. Just after it happened and during the trial he took it far too calm. To learn just *how* badly he had been beaten, and to know Tulkas had stood aside and watched instead of helping him has to be disconcerting.
And Valandur’s inapt remark didn’t exactly help, either. He should have realised that Glorfindel is not in the mood to jest.
I’m not entirely sure what to think. On the one hand, Glorfindel acted a bit childish. On the other hand, it is understandable that he felt abused. And I doubt he is someone who would sit back and watch others take care of problems, but would prefer to take on the task himself.
Tulkas and Nessa had an interesting way to handle the problem. And I think Tulkas is right – Glorfindel will act as a bait again in the future, out of his own free will. Maybe even as soon as during the attempt to solve the problems between the elves in Aman. But thinking back to LotR, it was Glorfindel who was sent where the Nine most probably would be found, to help Aragorn and the hobbits, and particularly Frodo. He was prepared to take on all of the Nine all by himself, if needed be. One could see it in the same vein, I suppose. (By the way, I’d like to have this story told from Glorfindel’s POV!)
Author's reply
Glorfindel's response to what has happened to him is a mixture of childishness and adult outrage, but I think most of us would tend to vacillate between the two responses ourselves in similar circumstances. Certainly, he put his reactions on hold during the trial and its aftermath, but it's finally caught up with him.
I thought Tulkas and Nessa's way of handling the problem very pragmatic and I was actually thinking of the scene from LOTR (and I hated it that PJ left it out of the movie) when I wrote Tulkas' speech to Glorfindel. I'm assuming that you mean you would like to see the story of the Flight to the Ford told from Glorfindel's POV. That would be interesting. Who knows? Maybe someone will be inspired to write such a story.
Shemyaza
· 16 May 2007
· Chapter 92: Sword-Brother to the Maiar
Interesting story, although I'm not entirely sure where you are going with it! :P
The one thing that is nearly always missing in most stories about Valinor when reference is made to Manwe Sulimo or the Maiar is the Herald of Manwe. Eonwe holds that position and his sister Ilmare was a handmaiden to Varda Elentari. Your story is no exception yet I would have thought that somewhere along the line the greatest in arms of all the Maiar, beloved by Tulkas would have some sort of house room. Granted he is one of my favourite characters, but it peeves me that he gets omitted from so many stories dealing with Aman.
Is it just that authors don't know who he is, so they only ever mention Olorin, Saruman, Radagast and Sauron in the capacity of being a Maia? Or alternative they come up with Maia of their own creation, which is understandable but I would have thought that someone in the eminent position of Herald of Manwe and the Maiar who commanded the Armies of the Valar in the War of Wrath would at least have deserved an honourable mention!
Poor Eonwe, nobody loves him.
Author's reply
Eonwë is mentioned in an earlier chapter as standing guard at Cuiviénen when some of the Elven fëar journey into the Past and not just any Maia would have been given that job by Manwë. Actually he will appear in his own right in an upcoming chapter that proves critical to Glorfindel. You'll just have to be patient. You don't seem to care that I have yet to even mention, never mind give a role to, Eonwë's sister, Ilmarë, and neither Radagast (Aiwendil) nor Saruman (Curumo) have been mentioned or brought into the story. Can't have everyone you know. I hope that if you stick with the story and reach the part where Eonwë is introduced that you will like my version of him.
I, actually, happen to love Eonwë very much, which is why I adapted his earlier name as my screen name when he was Manwë and Varda's son, Fionwë. I always wished Tolkien had either left him as their offspring or had kept the name.
Beruthiels Cat
· 16 May 2007
· Chapter 92: Sword-Brother to the Maiar
A new term for Glorfindel...rather makes me wonder what those two have in mind for him in the future. Did he just read the riot act to everyone, or do I miss my guess? Makes me wonder exactly what he may have said to Turgon all that time ago, and why his memories "chose" that particular moment to overlap. Hmmm...and now he's on the mountain, (even if just a little bit) and not alone there. Again methinks the Author has something up the sleeve other than the esteemed arm, lol...More, please!
BC
Author's reply
Methinks the Reader is reading too much into things, lol... Glorfindel's diatribe is one of those emotional connections that he is beginning to make about his former life, except this time he actually re-enacts it, a sort of PTS flashback, as it were.
As for being "on the mountain", the prohibition was against him going to Taniquetil, to Manwë and Varda's mansion, not necessarily against being on the lower reaches of the mountain where the city lies. That's why Erunáro threw the snowball, as a means of getting Glorfindel to stop thinking about a prohibition that has nothing to do with snowball fights among friends. That's why Manwë and Námo are finally relieved that Glorfindel has gotten past the literal-mindedness of his thinking in terms of the ban and can just enjoy himself like everyone else.
And last time I looked, the ONLY thing up my sleeve IS my esteemed arm! *lol*
Beruthiels Cat
· 16 May 2007
· Chapter 91: Running With the Wolves
Very appropriate that Tulkas should be the one to show up since he seemed to be the main target of Glorfindel's grudge! Nessa is wonderful here, a perfect foil to Tulkas' ways.I can just see them taking off together at a moment's notice to have a jog around Aman, lol...and I loved the "tickling"! I'm not one to believe in coincidence, but last night I was thinking of MZ Bradley's scene (as written) of the wild hunt (after watching the movie version of Mists of Avalon. Dreadful, I know-it should have been a miniseries, but I digress) So this chapter packed an extra punch for me. Glorfindel's need to vent found the perfect outlet...MOST excellent!
BC
Author's reply
I wanted to introduce Nessa in this chapter but knew I couldn't do it without Tulkas' permission, so I let him tag along. *lol*... I'm glad you liked this chapter and I thought Nessa and Tulkas worked very well together. I don't think Tulkas is quite as dim as he lets on, either. I read "Mists of Avalon" so long ago and never saw the movie that I have no memory of the wild hunt scene. Perhaps some day I will re-read it. I recall that I (being an Arthurian freak anyway) rather enjoyed her version of the Arthurian legend.
MithLuin
· 15 May 2007
· Chapter 92: Sword-Brother to the Maiar
Glorfindel of Gondolin has come unstuck in time.
I loved the Council with Turgon scene, and it must have bemused everyone. The Maia throwing the snowball was priceless!
Author's reply
I'm sure everyone from Ingwë on down were wondering just what Glorfindel was going on about, especially babbling in Sindarin. Luckily Valandil, being a loremaster, has studied Sindarin and was able to translate. Still, it must have been rather unnerving for everyone there.
"The Maia throwing the snowball was priceless!"
Who says Maiar have no sense of humor? *lol*
Calenlass Greenleaf
· 15 May 2007
· Chapter 92: Sword-Brother to the Maiar
More Glorfindel goodness. :) Two updates were greatly enjoyed.
~Calenlass
Author's reply
Glad you enjoyed them.
Rhyselle
· 12 May 2007
· Chapter 68: The Hunt
While the POV of this chapter seemed to start out as Sador's, I realized after a bit that the person who tied the segments together this time was Arafinwe. I really liked learning so much more of the Noldoran. :) I particularly liked how he refused to allow the innkeeper to dislodge the guests already in residence at the Laughing Vala--very classy!
Sador's reaction to Lord Namo's mansion was intriguing... particularly the bit about longing. I got to thinking back and Sador really hasn't had a lot of post-Mandos/Lorien interaction with Lord Namo other than the episode when Haldir was in the tree on Tol Eressea in comparison to Finrod and Glorfindel. Although I'm certain that could change in time...
His greeting to Finrod was great, especially when he made the joke about starting a new fashion statement about the single warrior braid. And I liked how Ingwion took Sador as an otorno as well... :) Sador's blood family might be scarce, but his family of friendship continues to grow apace.
The bit about Namo giving Sador that look that made the ellon nervous intrigued me too. Too bad he didn't let us know what was in his mind as he looked at Sador... I'm really curious!
We learn more about Orome here, and, like the other Valar you have introduced us to, he's a unique and interesting personality. I look forward to seeing more of him!
One line that caught my attention was (in reference to Alassiel):"She is a fierce warrior-maid," Oromë said with a small smile, "but now is not the time for her. That time will come soon enough..." This was really intriguing to me and I almost missed it. Foreshadowing of something... Hmmm. I've used the word "intriguing" several times today... I guess I'd better dig out my thesaurus if I'm not going to keep repeating myself! :)
I really enjoyed this chapter, the action is beginning and we're off to resolve at least some of the problems of Aman... but I'm sure there's still lots of challenges for our heroes as they continue on in their Reborn lives.
Author's reply
Arafinwë becomes the focus of a number of chapters as we learn something about his own life while his children were all in Endórë and the effects of family history on him.
Sador, of course, is just being the typical teenage brat with his older brother.
Námo's reaction to Sador is partially explained later though via Oromë rather than Námo and you have to pay attention or you will miss it, but obviously, Námo is evaluating the ellon in light of his recent experiences. While Sador is no longer under Námo's care, the Vala does have a proprietary air when it comes to the Reborn. I'm sure Námo was taking Sador's measure as that moment.
Sador not having as much interaction with Námo prior to this is due primarily to the fact that he hasn't "tripped any alarms" so to speak the way Finrod and Glorfindel have done, forcing Námo to act. His relative youth and lack of emotional baggage helps. That doesn't mean he won't have additional interactions with Námo but I think they will be more on the order of the "bedroom scene" on Tol Eressëa rather than the sort of encounters Finrod and Glorfindel have had to date.
We will see to what extent Alassiel becomes a "warrior-maïd" although the road to that will be somewhat rocky. Alassiel has a few faults that need to be addressed first.
Bodkin
· 12 May 2007
· Chapter 90: After the Ceremony
Good - friends for Sador. Good - Haldir and Gwilwileth showing their appreciation and revealing rather more of the past. Not so good that Haldir's father can't cope with it - but the revelations are greatly needed and long overdue.
I'm glad, really that Haldir's mother didn't follow her husband. Choosing to reject his narrow-mindedness will probably be better for all of them in the long run.
What a thought - the Halls of Mandos being ready for their inhabitants long before the inhabitants were ready for the halls.
Sador is growing up. More easily, in some ways, than his 'brothers'. Perhaps because he was not entirely grown up in the first place.
Author's reply
Hopefully those who witnessed Haldir's confrontation with his father and Arafinwë's own response to it all will get them thinking along the right paths.
The idea that the Halls of Mandos were being built long before the Children appeared is one that doesn't really impinge on people's consciousness, yet it is there nonetheless and even the elves must wonder about that.
Sador, of course, doesn't have the emotional baggage or the history that Finrod and Glorfindel have so it's easier for him to adjust to his situation more readily and mature perhaps faster than Glorfindel is doing even though they were released from Lórien at the same time.
Bodkin
· 12 May 2007
· Chapter 89: A Ceremony Revised
Family discount, indeed! Finrod should be sure to keep Sador around - if only to act as his memory and defuse a lot of fraught conversations!!
I think Axantur needs a bit of shaking up! That's one of the troubles with immortality - it goes on for ever and you see no need to change.
And a very effective ceremony.
Author's reply
I'm sure when Finrod realizes how Sador saved his bacon with Amarië, he will be very very grateful. *grin* Axantur isn't the only elf needing a bit of shaking up. Hopefully the change in this ceremony and any subsequent changes will help bring them out of their complacent ruts. The presence of the Reborn and the returned Exiles should help there.
Bodkin
· 12 May 2007
· Chapter 88: The Worth of Butterflies
Vana seems a good person to turn up right now. Not too heavyweight! And able to offer Sador something he needs more than explanation.
Author's reply
Sador definitely doesn't need any heavyweights right now. A light touch is just what he needs right now after recent events.
Kitty
· 11 May 2007
· Chapter 90: After the Ceremony
Very honourable of Arafinwë to want to show Haldir’s father that he doesn’t approve of the way he treats his son. And considering what happened at breakfast, it is only too necessary. I was so furious at Pelendur for saying *that* to his son, though admittedly I felt satisfaction as his own wife slapped him. And I enjoyed the reactions of Haldir and Sador. Hopefully Pelendur now has a lot to think about! To be compared to Fëanor must be a rather nasty shock for him. And I think Arafinwë made it quite clear how displeased he was with him.
But considering all that happened during meals lately, I’m at the point to tense up as soon as they are all going to eat anywhere public!
Hmmm ... I’m with Arafinwë in this – never thought about just *when* the Halls of Mandos were built. Sador is truly a wise one to note that and to think about it.
Look forward to this royal visit to Tol Eressëa; though I suppose it has to wait until the others are back. In my opinion Finrod, Glorfindel and Laurendil should really accompany the Kings; not only for protection, but because the elves there may trust them more and listen to them. They are the legendary former King of Nargothrond and the legendary balrog-slayer, after all.
Author's reply
Hopefully Pelendur (and others) will see that Arafinwë will not tolerate the continual denial of the Reborn by family for too much longer. I'm sure Haldir is not the only case where a Noldorin family refused to welcome a family member back into the fold. That situation is not going to be tolerated too much longer I think and you have to wonder how many elves remain in Mandos past the time they normally would be there simply because Námo knows that their family would reject them and they would have nowhere else to go. That to me is very sad. Hopefully, things will change for the better soon.
It does sort of make you wonder what Námo must have been thinking as he had the Halls of Mandos built, knowing why they were necessary. It certainly gives me shivers.
We will most likely see the royal visit to Tol Eressëa later on and you may be surprised as to who accompanies Arafinwë.
Kitty
· 11 May 2007
· Chapter 89: A Ceremony Revised
Dear Sador! Hopefully he’s writing to Glorfindel and Finrod in advance to tell them about ‚their’ gift, so they – and particularly Finrod – are forewarned and react in the right way to Amarië’s thank for the gift *grin*
And it is so sweet of him to be so concerned for Arafinwë’s safety on Tol Eressëa. But thinking about it, I believe even if there may be a certain risk, it is about time the elves there see for themselves the Kings feel responsible for them, too.
Sador seems to be something like a new broom to protocoll at court. Axantur will survive if he has some new words in the Merendë Andohrívëo ceremony. It’s not as if he has to change the whole ceremony, even if he thinks so.
And having the Valar showing up and singing along was a mighty seal of approval, wasn’t it? I doubt many elves would dare to question the change after that.
Hm ... Sador doesn’t remembered what happened when he entered the Halls of Mandos for the first time, after he died? He *has* witnessed the first rising of Eärendil's silmaril, as far as I understand it.
Author's reply
Sador does remember what happened when he entered the Halls of Mandos as witnessed by his description of his Judgment in an earlier chapter, but he doesn't equate what he saw with Eärendil, probably because the feelings he had as he saw the silmaril from Mandos are not the same when he looks up at the night sky and sees the star. He hasn't made the connection, or perhaps Námo has not allowed him to make the connection yet. And from his perspective in Mandos, there was no 'rising'; it was simply there before him.