Independence1776
· 21 November 2008
· Chapter 38: CONTEST: Power Play
From the moment I read your summary, I knew what this fic was going to be about. And it exceeded my expectations.
How the orc dragged Finrod away by his hair made me shudder.
"In the end, it matters not that you lost, it only matters that you lost well, that you strove against evil and did not succumb to it.” Exactly.
~ Indy
Author's reply
Thanks, Indy. I'm glad you enjoyed this fic so much. The moment I saw the prompt I knew what I wanted to write about, though admittedly, I never saw the scene with Námo until I got to that point in the story. But it was important I think for Námo to put it all in perspective, not only for Finrod, but for us as well.
Anonymous
· 21 November 2008
· Chapter 38: CONTEST: Power Play
The bit at the end in which Namo comforts Finrod was rather good. I'd like to see more of that, I'd sort of like to get more into Finrod's head about the guilt he'd have been feeling.
The lead-in, though, that was basically just a rewrite of material from the Silmarillion.
Author's reply
Well I'm sorry you don't like the re-write as you call it (I don't). Actually much of it is adapted from the "Lay of Leithian" as I mention in my author's note rather than from the Silmarillion itself which doesn't offer as much detail.
I am assuming that you also left the anonymous review for the last posted chapter of "Wars of the Valar" in which you also disparaged my incorporating the text from the Silmarillion, even though it is integral to the plot. I find it odd that you even bother to leave any review, especially anonymous ones, since you obviously dislike such incorporations.
6336
· 21 November 2008
· Chapter 38: CONTEST: Power Play
Sometimes to loose well is as good as winning,in a way Finrod did win, Beren did survive to retreve the Silmarill and marry Luthien after all, which is what it was all about anyway!
I do enjoy how you flesh out these little snippits of Tolkien!
More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
Thanks Lynda. I'm glad you enjoyed this one. It's one of the most dramatic scenes in all of the Silm and one of my favorites so I was more than happy to flesh it out, especially the actual duel.
Calenlass Greenleaf
· 21 November 2008
· Chapter 38: CONTEST: Power Play
*sighs happily*
You've taken my one of my favorite scenes in the Silm. and turned it into something spectacular. Very spectacular.
~Cal
Author's reply
Thanks Cal. When I saw the prompt I knew just what I wanted to write about, especially the actual duel between Sauron and Finrod, which is one of the most dramatic scenes in the Silmarillion as far as I'm concerned.
Beruthiels Cat
· 21 November 2008
· Chapter 38: CONTEST: Power Play
I have to wonder if this Finrod's throne Sauron has fouled, or something he brought in for himself. I know it might be a stretch...but it would be nice to think Finrod's Song would release the prisoners' fëar to go into the West.I don't *think* you've ever had Namo actually sing before...powerful! This whole thing is just spectacular...more being said under the surface than appears.I will be awhile assimilating this one,it's that powerful. (no pun intended!) Considering what Namo says to Finrod at the end, it makes me think Finrod does collapse, but his song releases a few prisoners first to go to the West. They've lived beyond endurance...the ones who are left are the ones who are strong enough yet NOT to betray Finrod, where the others might not have been; so a twofold purpose is served. Namo's hand is very much in evidence here; there's more going on here than meets the eye. Namo himself reinforcing the power of Finrod's song long enough to call the weakest ones home; the timing of Finrod's collapse...he didn't fall until this had happened. A bit incoherent, I know, (apologies!) but I'm seeing more of your notorious layering here...
Author's reply
I have no idea if this is Finrod's throne or not, but if it is then the sight of it must have been even more horrific for Finrod than it was. We discussed much of this together when I first wrote this and while I was not thinking along these lines, your idea about the effect of Finrod's Song not only on his companions in strengthening their resolve not to betray him but also in helping the prisoners already there to either be released to Mandos or to be strengthened as well so when Minas Tirith was finally laid low by Lúthien they would still be alive to escape to Nargothrond as messengers, letting Orodreth know what had befallen his kinsman. I think you are correct that Námo's hand can be seen in all this as well. Thanks for a very insightful review, Cat. I very much appreciate it.
Ces
· 17 November 2008
· Chapter 37: TALLER: True Lies
That was wonderful! Poor Glorfindel trying to convince his brothers that he did sing The Song and they choose not to believe him! Is that typical or what?
And poor Erestor - did he ever find out what happened? Is there still time for him to take his revenge on Glorfi? Elladan and Elrohir thinking history is so boring - they must have been quite the handful for their tutor!
Leave it to Namo to put everything in perspective for the balrog slayer - love his appearances in any story! You really must do a story with him, the twins and Legolas sometime!
Ces
Author's reply
Hi Ces. I'm glad you liked this one. I have no idea if Erestor ever found out the truth though I wouldn't be surprised if he highly suspected who was responsible. *grin* As for a story with Námo, the twins and Legolas... hmmm... we'll just have to see, won't we? *grin* Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
The twins really don't have any relief from Glorfi, do they?
I feel sorry for Glorfindel, though, with no one believing him.
I won't say Erestor didn't deserve it... But it was certainly an inventive way to teach him differently!
The end part with Námo shows just how much Glorfindel is still looking for acceptance in some respects, even after all these years. (Not that any of us do, and I expect the Elves are no different.) But Námo knows perfectly well how to shock him out of self-pity.
~ Indy
Author's reply
Well, it's not that NO ONE believes him... just the people he wishes would. I'm sure that they actually do believe him but are merely teasing him about it, pretending that the Erestor incident was more important. And Námo is great at shocking people out of their self-pity. *grin*
Delightful! Loved the interplay between the worlds of Glorfy. Write more Glorfy with these characters. How fun!
Author's reply
Thanks Ellie, I'm glad you enjoyed this. I may eventually write more about Glorfindel returning to Aman at some later date, depending on how cooperative the muse is about it. *grin*
I am stifling my laughter in order not to disturb the meeting taking place on the other side of my boss' closed office door. I really needed this particular tale today, as things have been rather irksome, thanks to HQ people not answering questions being asked and changing meeting dates almost too late to get flights rearranged.
Lovely piece of humor, and it's good to see them all reunited. Where were they at, btw? The Laughing Vala? The tale of Erestor and the Garden Privy was a real hoot!
And, Glorfy? I believe you about the Song of Power... *grin*
Author's reply
Hi Rhyselle. I'm glad this little tale made your day. As for the location of the inn, it's in Tirion, and the Laughing Vala is in Eldamas. I'm sure Glorfindel appreciates your believing him. *grin*
*howls with laughter* Oh, meldonya!!!!!! Poor Erestor! And poor Glorfi, lol. But yes...history can be boring. Although I do like your stories detailing Glorfi's history! *grins*
~Kaylee!
*ROFL*
Ah, I can *so* see this conversation happen! Poor Glorfindel! Of course, knowing him, they didn't believe everything he did, even if it was true. In this particular case, to me it makes sense that he used a Song of Power when he appeared to Frodo as a 'shining figure of white light'. Didn't think much about that before, but it could really be. As the Red Book is written from the POV of Frodo and the other Hobbits, and they would not recognise what Glorfindel was doing, even canon doesn't contradict it. And there had to be a reason why Glorfindel was one of the few who was considered able to ride against the Nine. Imladris must have had many great warriors, so fighting skills alone might not have been enough to explain this.
The other story, with the locked up Erestor, was hilarious, too. How typical of the twins to bring that up! They must have been a plague for Glorfindel, having to deal with them for so long *grin* (I'm nearly thinking he deserves better than that, though I love the twins as much as Glorfindel!)
And just for the record, Glorfindel - I believe you and think to rescue Frodo was at least one of the most important things you ever did, if not the most important!
Author's reply
For all the reasons you've stated, and more, is why I wrote this little story. As for the twins... they love to push Glorfi's buttons, don't they? *lol*
Poor Glorfindel, why does nobody believe him?
Thinking back to Tolkiens discription of the flight to the ford I can believe Glorfindel did use a Song of Power to dispell the Ring Wraiths, the Hobbits and Striders fire brands were probably more of an annoyance than anything else, Glorfindel would need all the help he could get to herd them into the river so that Elrond could wash them away!
I think Erester deserved to be shut in the privy, he obviusly wasn't thinking when he made those comments and Glorfindel must still have nightmares about it at times!
More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
Well I think myself Glorfindel did more than just wave a torch in front of the Nazgul, hence this little tale. As for the rest... well, as Námo said, as long as Ilúvatar knows the truth, it really doesn't matter if no one else believes him. I'm sure Glorfindel and the others who survived the Crossing still have nightmares about it, so Erestor learned a very valuable lesson that day. *grin*
“Peace,” Arafinwë said, placing a placating hand on the ellon’s arm. “Your adar is a wonderful person and full worthy of respect. I’m afraid our Glorfindel is a bit of a whiner.”
“I never whine!” the ellon nearly screamed, causing heads to turn in the inn where they were sitting.
Doesn't that sound familiar...*grin*
"Boring stuff...history"
LOL
Thanks for writing such a humorous tale! I needed the laugh.
~Cal
Author's reply
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed this. Thanks for letting me know.
And is that a good thing or a bad thing? *lol* I'm going to assume it's a good thing and also assume you liked this one.
Edlyn
· 10 November 2008
· Chapter 36: NOTION: Bibelot
This is beautiful, meldenya. I can just see the book and wish so much that it was tangible and I could hold and open it myself. It made me remember picking up a girdle book at the New York Public Research Library that was made in 1340 C.E. and the awe that I felt at touching something made so long ago. It must have been even more so for Elrond and Glorfindel to read Earendil's diary... You have made my day with this one, and I'm definitely going ot come back to it again and again.
Eru bless!
Edlyn
Author's reply
Edlyn, I'm glad you liked this one so much and I'm glad I made your day. *grin* Thanks for letting me know. It's much appreciated.
6336
· 9 November 2008
· Chapter 31: COURTEOUS: Lack of Manners
Hi, spotted a typo, 7 lines up from bottom of first section, disappear instead of disappeared.
Lynda
Author's reply
Thanks for the heads-up. I appreciate it.
Larner
· 9 November 2008
· Chapter 36: NOTION: Bibelot
Such a journal would be indeed treasured by those who knew of its existence, and I can certainly appreciate why Gil-galad kept it secret from Elrond and Elros once they'd made their diverging choices. Alas for the brothers so parted. But now with Glorfindel by his side Elrond has the chance to become what he will be when the time is right.
Author's reply
Yes, it would indeed be a treasure and although the original purpose for its existence was never realized when Elros chose to become Mortal, it still became a bridge for two people to meet and become friends and that's all that matters in the end. And Elrond indeed has the chance to become what he will be with Glorfindel's help.
Independence1776
· 8 November 2008
· Chapter 36: NOTION: Bibelot
Yes, it would take anyone time to to understand Elrond. He's been through so much, even at this point in time.
Ooh... hints of what's to come in EI. Love the mature Glorfindel.
This is a wonderful story. Elrond's pain and Glorfindel's confusion about the peredhel comes through quite well. I would truly love to read that diary, and I bet Eärendil is happy Elrond at least can read it.
One thing: "It’s leather cover had once been dyed a deep green [...]" the it's should be its.
~ Indy
Author's reply
I'm glad you enjoyed this story and yes... hints of what's to come in EI. *grin*
Thanks for pointing out the typo. It's been corrected.
harrowcat
· 8 November 2008
· Chapter 36: NOTION: Bibelot
A gem of a chapter or should that be a Bibelot?
Author's reply
Thanks harrowcat. Glad you enjoyed this and I think 'bibelot' would be appropriate. *grin*
Kitty
· 8 November 2008
· Chapter 36: NOTION: Bibelot
That bibelot is really a treasure! And I can see why Gil-Galad kept it after Elros’ choice to become mortal – to which one of the twins should he have gifted it after they were separated?
Now it seems to finally break the ice between Elrond and Glorfindel. This book is important for them both – for Elrond as the son of Eärendil, for Glorfindel because he once died to save Eärendil, together with all the other refugees from Gondolin. So I could well imagine they will find together while reading it.
Hm, Elrond feels frightened by Glorfindel? Well, it’s probably a bit intimidating to know he is the hero of Gondolin and Reborn and all that. A pity Elrond didn’t witness Glorfindel in the first time after his release from Mandos – then our dear balrog-slayer wouldn’t be frightening, I guess ;-)
Author's reply
It's probably a good thing Elrond never saw Glorfindel when he was first released from Mandos or else they probably would never have been able to work together as well as they did. *lol* And I'm sure that Glorfindel became less intimidating once Elrond allowed himself to know the former warrior of Gondolin better.
Radbooks
· 8 November 2008
· Chapter 36: NOTION: Bibelot
Oh, wonderful tale! I can just imagine a father wanting to leave something like that behind for his sons. I also imagine it would have been a difficult decision for Gil-galad and Cirdan to hold onto the book and not show it to Elros. I am glad that it can be used to bring Glorfindel and Elrond together... hopefully, Elrond will now be willing to hear some of the stories of his father that Glorfindel will tell him. Nicely done!
Author's reply
Thanks Radbooks. I'm glad you liked this fic. It must have been very difficult for Gil-galad and Círdan to make that decision, but probably it was the right thing to do. When the story came to me I thought it would be nice to show how Elrond and Glorfindel's friendship came to be. It must not have been easy for either of them at the time. This little gem was what helped bridge the gap between them; they suddenly found common ground in the person of Eärendil.