Elf, Interrupted: Book Two: Glorfindel's Quest by Fiondil
Tari · 18 August 2009 · Chapter 71: Town Meeting
It’s wonderful to see the different groups of Elves put aside their misunderstandings and try to unite. Open trade between them will be beneficial to all. Who knows what else could develop. I’m waiting to see who throws a “monkey wrench” into the mix.
Author's reply
Very true, Tari, and hopefully open trade will lead to better things for all. We will have to see how it works out.
Larner · 17 August 2009 · Chapter 71: Town Meeting
A good meeting, and additional healing is obviously going on now. Still the saboteurs to identify, of course....
Author's reply
True, Larner. Whether the saboteurs are ever identified, though, remains to be seen.
Agape4Gondor · 17 August 2009 · Chapter 71: Town Meeting
Very interesting meeting, though long overdue. I was slightly taken out of the tale here... “And I was born in Beleriand,” Dúlinn said." because I couldn't quite figure out who Dulinn was - just newly introduced - and I was surprised that one of the 'envoy' would speak during this little discussion between Finrod and those of the Progress. Just a note. I also liked the fact that Dulinn reminded the crowd that their own people were the ones who raised prices... just in case the townspeople forgot. Nice touch. Lovely chapter.
Author's reply
I am not sure what you mean, Agape. Dúlinn is introduced at the beginning of the chapter and at the point of this discussion when he mentions that he was born in Beleriand he and the other Councillors have been introduced to the kings. Once introduced he was free to enter into the conversation if he so desired, since it is because of his name being Sindarin even though he is a Noldo that prompts Arafinwe´s comment in the first place. Anyway, I am glad you enjoyed the chapter. Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate it.
Aiwen · 17 August 2009 · Chapter 71: Town Meeting
I enjoyed this and look forward to seeing what happens next.
Author's reply
Thanks for letting me known, Aiwen. I really appreciate it.
6336 · 17 August 2009 · Chapter 71: Town Meeting
Well they are starting to get there, the Town Hall meeting was a step in the right direction, maybe they should have one in Avallone and Kortirion as well. I see another of your Tapestry stories has made an appearance, one more question answered, What did happen to Brandir? Now I know!:<) I really would like to find those Elves who 'greeted' the first Tol Eresseans and let Namo have a little chat with them! More please, Lynda
Author's reply
Most likely there will be town meetings in the other two cities as well. I am sure many people would like to see the Amaneldi who "greeted" the first Tol Eresseans having a little chat with Namo. *grin*
Kitty · 16 August 2009 · Chapter 70: At the Blue Dolphin
Glad Finrod and Edrahil have come out of this without any lasting damage and Edrahil has recovered enough to not feel too guilty - or at least it seems like it. Sador was great here! I think it takes something to forgive the Fëanorians and their people for what they did, and even if the time in Mandos may change one's sight, it can't be so easy to forgive your murderers. He's really very mature already. But admittedly, I just feel sorry for Eredhel and Dúnamdir myself. For them it can't be easier, either, to return under these circumstances. So I was glad they found understanding there and that Finrod sent them to Pêl Cuil 'Wain to ask for jobs. Hm ... Beleg could be right that these rumours are meant to counter the purpose of the Progress. But considering who's there, I hope they will be able to find out more. Having Finrod, Glorfindel and Beleg together, not to mention the others, has to count for something ;)
Author's reply
Hi Kitty. Yes, it is very hard for Eredhel and Dunamdir and their plight is not unique. Hopefully, with the kings aware of what some of the elves who return experience they will be able to help smooth the way for them. We will see later how the rumors are handled.
Thalanee · 15 August 2009 · Chapter 69: In Search of a Lost Soul
I really wanted to give edrahil a hug there. Small wonder he tried to flee to Mandos thinking he had killed Finrod. For someone so recently reborn, Mandos probably seems a lot safer than Lorien too. `Odd, I don´t feel dead´ *sniggers* Another favourite line ;) Greetings, Thalanee
Author's reply
Which is why he tried to flee to Mandos. He still thinks of it as "home". Glad you liked Finrod´s line. Coming from him, he would know better than most what it feels like to be dead. *grin*
njomo · 12 August 2009 · Chapter 70: At the Blue Dolphin
Hi Fiondil, One thing that struck me while reading this chapter was how thin a line some of the returnees walk. You used the example of Eredhel and Dúnamdir well. It is truly sad that there's no one they know that will even give them a welcome. Sador's act of forgiveness is no more than I've come to expect from him. Glorfindel's question however really gave me pause. I was holding my breath waiting for the answer from Eredhel and Dúnamdir. I wonder what the reaction would have been, especially from Glorfindel, if their answer had been different. Also interesting was the discussion about the life oath. And one hopes Pelendur is slowly learning more and more about Haldir and learning to appreciate just who his son is. But I was laughing to myself over Pelendur's comment about Haldir and Glorfindel seeming to not acknowledge each other's existence. I had made the same comment to myself not long ago. But it does make me think, and I believe this was one point you were trying to make, that the life oath changes the relationship two elves might othwerwise have. And as Glorfindel states, there is death on both their parts (Glorfindel and Haldir) and that has had an effect on their relationship as well, though I'm not exactly sure why. Hmm, maybe just the fact that Gondolin is no more and they're no longer in Beleriand, and the House of the Golden Flower doesn't really exist anymore. Makes sense I guess. And the life oath is still in effect between Glorfindel and Turgon. Yah, I'm a little dense at times and have to talk myself through things sometimes! As always, much food for thought here, and I'm looking forward to the next chapter. Any hints as to where we go next will be gratefully accepted! Thanks Fiondil. Joanne **Almost forgot--just a "housekeeping" note- There's a typo in the following line: "Glorfindel and Haldir exchanged bemused looks before Glorfindel turned to Pelendur." Just need a "d" on the end of "turned".
Author's reply
Hi Joanne. First, thanks for the typo alert. I have made the correction. The returnees have a different problem than the reborn in that they have not gone through the process of being "cleansed" and so they have to deal with any "crimes" they may have committed. Your analysis of the relatonship between Glorfindel and Haldir is very well thought out and pretty much what Glorfindel was trying to say. The only hint I can give is that their next destination will be Avallone.
Tari · 11 August 2009 · Chapter 70: At the Blue Dolphin
Their adventure ended on a happy note filling the valley with laughter. That might have surprised the villagers, but I'm sure it also lifted their spirits. How are Veryandur and the rest of the elflings doing?
Author's reply
I am sure it did, too, Tari. The elflings are doing just fine, givng the Mistress of Pages grief as all elflngs do. I am sure Earwen is giving them all a lot of motherly love and attention. We will see how they fared once Finrod returns to Tirion.
Larner · 10 August 2009 · Chapter 70: At the Blue Dolphin
Indeed it is definitely time to find out the identity of the saboteur. Interesting developments!
Author's reply
Thanks, Larner. Time and past time to find out the saboteur´s identity.
6336 · 10 August 2009 · Chapter 70: At the Blue Dolphin
Hm, seems that the Master Waever and her ilk still have a few comrades left on Tol Eressea to cause trouble. I think Arafinwe and Olwe had better find out who is spreading the rumors sooner rather than later, otherwise we might find Laurendil and Manwen being 'rescued', with disasterous results for all! More please, Lynda
Author's reply
That would be disasterous indeed and then they would need to be re-rescued by Finrod and company. *lol* We will see how these rumors affect the Progress and those involved in subsequent chapters.
Radbooks · 10 August 2009 · Chapter 70: At the Blue Dolphin
Sador is incredibly... I don't know what to call him, just saying 'forgiving' doesn't seem strong enough. I don't know that I could sit there and forgive the men who may have caused my death. I suppose all that he's been through has brought him to a place where he's able to do that, but it would be tough! I'm glad that at least a few of the people of the town are getting to know them on a personal level and a place like an inn is one of the best places to have on your 'side'. Lots of people frequent inns and so the innkeepers would have more influence than other places might have. Looking forward to the next chapter!
Author's reply
Sador has gone through so much in his short life but he has come through stronger and refined like gold so he is able to do what he does, though I do not think it is an easy thing even for him. It takes a lot of courage on his part to forgive and you can only applaud his efforts. Inns are indeed very important and that is why they have chosen this one. Luckily the innkeeper and his family are very accommodating and sympathetic.
Tari · 7 August 2009 · Chapter 68: Trouble With Reborn
Edrahil tried to kill Finrod, yet the first thing Finrod did upon being freed was to ask how Edrahil was doing. That is the sign of a true leader.
Author's reply
Oops! I can't believe I didn't answer this before, Tari. Forgive me. I only realized I hadn't because someone happened to be reviewing this chapter at this time and I saw I hadn't responded to your review. You are indeed correct that Finrod is a true leader, more concerned for others than for himself. That's why he's my favorite (or one of my favorite) Elf of all.
njomo · 5 August 2009 · Chapter 69: In Search of a Lost Soul
Hi Fiondil, What a lot to experience in one day. Hopefully Edrahil will be back on his feet soon, although knowing how Glorfindel's similar experiences affected him, it might take awhile. Under the circumstances, I can't see how Námo could act other than as he did, and he was...wonderful! Lucky Edrahil to have one such as this meet and comfort him. And he has some friends who will help him now. Wonder if Glorfindel may be of special help in his recovery? Yes, that was quite an eye-opener about Finrod and Celeborn! As always, can't wait for more. Thanks Fiondil. Joanne
Author's reply
We will see n the next chapter how Edrahil recovers from his ordeal. I am glad you think Namo acted appropriately. Now you know why Finrod was reluctant to talk about his own experience of the blood trance given who he ended up attacking. *grin* At least, he was able to help Edrahil put the experience into perspective with this anecdote from his own life.
Kitty · 5 August 2009 · Chapter 69: In Search of a Lost Soul
Seems the Valar have finally found a way to hand another job over to the Firstborn ;) Had really expected Námo or another of the Valar to turn up and was a bit surprised that the job was left to Finrod. But he did very well – I'm impressed, even if Námo was complaining that it was taking him so long. For Finrod it was the first try, after all. Poor Edrahil. So this slipping of his leash (agree with Glorfindel on that expression!) was caused by coming out of his blood-trance long enough to realise what had happened and believing he had killed Finrod? No wonder his fëa slipped away! Oh, Finrod attacked his later brother-in-law when he himself experienced the blood-trance? Nice spicy detail :D Anyway, I'm glad they're back, though it seems that rescue mission was a bit much for Finrod. And now I am wondering what the Tol Eressëans will say about that incident. You know, I'm getting the feeling that they will talk about this Progress for many years, considering all that is happening! And we're still at the very beginning!
Author's reply
As an apprentice to both Irmo and Namo, Finrod needs to learn to do certain things as part of his new role as a Guardian of Arda and this is one of them, being able to search for those who are lost to themselves for whatever reason. It is, of course, similar to the healing ability that Aragorn has when he calls Faramir, Eowyn and Merry from death. Yes, the Progress is just beginning. It remains to be seen how it all ends.
Larner · 4 August 2009 · Chapter 69: In Search of a Lost Soul
And the lost is found once more, reassured and at one with his earthly lord, and able to rest properly. At least Finrod had others there to catch him when he collapsed.
Author's reply
Very true, Larner, on all accounts.
Aiwen · 4 August 2009 · Chapter 69: In Search of a Lost Soul
Oops, I nearly killed my brother in law! That must have startled everyone around him.
Author's reply
Probably it did and I am sure Galadriel was not amused. *grin* Luckily it turned out well in the end.
Radbooks · 4 August 2009 · Chapter 69: In Search of a Lost Soul
No longer do the Valar come and do all of the work for Finrod and Glorfindel... they have to do things themselves now. Finrod is very bold and willing to try things like that. He would ask for help if he needed it, or if it didn't work! I hope that Edrahil is able to truly forgive himself, but I'm sure the others will help him with that. I wonder what all of this is going to do to the people of the town and how they view them... I'm sure I'll find out! :)
Author's reply
Yes, Radbooks. The Valar are not going to jump in and save the day all the time. It is time for Finrod and Glorfindel and all the rest to do things for themselves and not rely on the Valar all the time. That is especially true for the Reborn. I am sure the others will not allow Edrahil to wallow in self-pity. As for the townspeople and what they think, that remains to be seen.
Sunny · 4 August 2009 · Chapter 69: In Search of a Lost Soul
So Edrahil did bang on Mandos' gates - though fortunately Námo didn't seem that peeved to see him. More irritated with the fact that it took Finrod that long to fetch him back ;-)
Author's reply
I am sure that much of Namo´s irritation was an act, and he would have shown up at the inn and given Finrod explicit instructions if he had felt it necessarz. *grin*
6336 · 4 August 2009 · Chapter 69: In Search of a Lost Soul
Ah, so Edrahil went to the only place he felt safe, Mandos. Makes sense, since most reborn seem to want to go back at one time or another! I still think all reborn should come with a guide on their care and feeding! Maybe Arafinwe and his lady should write one! More please, Lynda
Author's reply
More than likely, Finrod´s parents are contemplating doing just that! *lol* I know many parents of newborns wish the same thing.
Agape4Gondor · 4 August 2009 · Chapter 69: In Search of a Lost Soul
Oh my! My heart went out to poor Edrahil.... I have felt the same way... I want to go home... Thankfully, there are folk out there who love us and can help. I was truly surprised that the Valar did not immediately 'show themselves' to the group.... Perhaps they are beginning to 'wean' them from needing their help... they are becoming strong enough, the Reborn, to take care of each other. Nice chapter - though again - very sad.
Author's reply
The Valar cannot always jump in and save the day, of course, so they are taking a backseat, so to speak, on what is happening (so far) in the Progress. That is not to say they will not interfere if necessary, but certainly they know that the Elves, especially the Reborn, need to take care of each other and solve their problems on their own. I am glad you liked the chapter, Agape, even if it is a bit sad. Thanks for letting me know.
Eärillë · 2 August 2009 · Chapter 61: On to Tol Eressëa
It seemed like a filling chapter, but it was great nonetheless. I enjoyed it very much. I don't know why, but my favourite scene in this story was when the camp was being determined. It looked like fun, actually, and I vaguely wondered about Finrod or Beleg setting up camp back then in Middle-Earth in the First Age. When Lindarion voiced his irritation of the security measures Finrod took, I thought Finrod would retort (not particularly a hostile one, but a retort nonetheless). It was a bit weird that Finrod said nothing about it, even just to explain the situation to his uncle. I wonder also what the scouts meant with "The trees are most welcoming." Did they speak to the trees? Was it the shade of the trees that they were talking about? Or was there a chance of 'hostile' trees - like in the Old Forest in the Shire? While reading, I spotted a small mistake (all right, my nitpickiness kicking in). "Finrod turned to his atar, patiently waiting." The sentence had a dangling adjective phrase... Should it not "..., who was patiently waiting" - or something like that? I wish I could read more... Well, hopefully I will still be able to do so later today (after all, it is still mid-day here). - Rey
Author's reply
Thanks for the heads-up on the error, Rey. I have fixed it. Not all chapters have action to them and some are what can be called set-up chapters for the next part of the story. I am sure the scouts spoke to the trees. They are elves after all. *grin* As for Finrod not responding to Lindarion´s complaint, he probably did not think it was worth commenting on. He was acting more like the king he once was at this point, remembering other such encampments and the security measures that were taken.
Agape4Gondor · 1 August 2009 · Chapter 68: Trouble With Reborn
Such a sad chapter. I do so hate it when the 'scars' from their life in Beleriand rear up and assail these dear Reborn... Very nicely written chapter - but extremely sad.
Author's reply
Sad, perhaps, Agape, but I am glad you liked it nonetheless.
Sitara · 1 August 2009 · Chapter 68: Trouble With Reborn
Huh...Edrahil nearly killing his chosen king, for whom he gave once his own life, in a not so pleasant manner, to say the least, it's a bit rough, even from my point of view. A lot of action in this chapter, Fiondil, and I'm thinking this may be the "prologue" for further moments of action and adventures on Tol Eressea, perhaps. They ought to catch the real troublemakers, after all. “Which one of you orc-brained idiots let him loose?” Well, you know what they say about the things coming out of a child's mouth..."lol" But I have no doubt that the wise Lord of Lorien had already foreseen any events of this sort when he decided to send Edrahil along with the others. I can't wait to read your next installment and find out just why wanted Arafinwe to take with them these two Noldor warriors as well.
Author's reply
Hi Rey. Yes, I suppose Irmo did forsee something like this happening but felt it necessary for Edrahil to go with everyone else. There is always a madness to the Valar´s methods. *lol*
6336 · 31 July 2009 · Chapter 68: Trouble With Reborn
Poor Edrahil, not a good day for him or Finrod! I am with Glorfindel, there is never a Maia or Vala around when you need one or there just does not appear to be one around! I would be very surprised to find that Irmo has let either of his charges out with out a keeper, I think he will step in when he is needed, he is just waiting to see how well they handle things by them selves! More please, Lynda
Author's reply
Not a good day for anyone, that is for sure. You are probably correct about Irmo waiting to see how well the elves handle this situation. Thanks for your comments, Lynda. They are always appreciated.