Reviews (1,565)

I really love this chapter. Laughed my self silly while reading it. Finally Glorfindel is (for the most part) happy and not being a brat. Loved Manwe's little comment about the Valar coming to rescue Glorfindel. Why is there a rotten egg smell? You got to love Olorin. He's just..well..Olorin. Glad he came instead of someone else. Glrofindel should have a good time. Great story.

Can you say accident prone?! Poor Glorfindel seems to attract them doesn't he? By any chance does Eönwë keep a book of accidents too? No wonder he's such a powerful elf lord when he returns with all he's had to go through. I would like a chance to sit in his hot tub though - preferably with him in it *grin* but that's another story! But it sounds as though he will be using AND needing it a lot in the coming days! I'm glad Olorin is making an appearance to help with the training - I can't wait to see what he has in store for our elf! Ces

Another stellar performance, Fiondil. One query: "When he was finished with his bath, Manveru held out a large absorbent towel for him to slip around his shoulders, drying off and then dressing in the tunic and trews that the Maia brought to him" I have to admit that reading that sentence makes it seem as if Manvery is drying off and then dressing in the tunic and trews. Except for that slight stumble, everything else is smooth and wonderful. I can hardly wait to see what Glorfindel and Olorin can come up with next.

Glorfindel attracts trouble. I'm never sure what is going to happen to him next.

Huh, the Maiar are able to know beforehand what Glorfindel will do? Not fair! But I thought that remark of Manveru interesting that Glorfindel now was fighting on *their* level. Impressing. That makes me wonder if the Valar will allow him *ever again* to compete in a Tournament *grin* He would probably wipe the ground with his opponents ;) The Maiar are beginning to forget that Glorfindel is and Elf, it seems, or at least sometimes. Manveru gave him quite a scare! No wonder the poor guy was so upset. "Only the fact that Eönwë assured me that he had the situation under control prevented every one of the Valar from rushing to your aid." They're very caring, aren't they? Seems they love this troublesome ellon quite a bit ;) And I really like the teasing between Glorfindel and 'his' Maiar. Oh, Glorfindel has nightmares? That's bad. I think it has been a bit much lately what he has gone through. The one about the balrog coming while he was trapped must have been very frightening! Feeling helpless is something Glorfindel would particularly fear, I think, considering his nature. Hm ... it seems to be very practical to have a Maia around on a camping trip when they can build a bathtub out in the wilds in no time - one with running hot water! Oh, Olórin is the new teacher? Good :) Now I am curious what he has in store for Glorfindel. Will have to wait quite a bit for the answer, I guess - I'm leaving next Sunday very early and return on Thursday evening, so don't be surprised if there are no reviews.

He HAS been through rather a lot. Time to gain some respite, I think. A balrog while caught under a fallen tree--that is a combination to know in a nightmare! Shuddering!

Gee, Glorfindel seems to be going through 'an accident waiting to happen' phase! Murphy must be working over time! Sometimes I think the Maia forget that Glorfindel is Mirowanwi(sp?) and treat him as they would one of their own. Wonder what Manwe wants Olorin to teach him? I know, I know wait until the next chapter, but I wanna know now! More please, Lynda

"Cheating", are they? Yet Glorfindel still manages to sneak in an occasional surprise. Good for him!! :-) It sounds as if the Maiar are going to get some "interesting times" again - Glorfindel has nightmares. This time it is evidently memories of his death that sre being stirred up (which is bound to be no fun for everyone!!). And Glorfindel does - of course - refuse to discuss the nightmares.

Jancy here! Im not sure if i reviewed this before or read this one. I think i never read it before because I was so bad at Elvish,but I think after reading more of your stories I'm getting better at remember all the different words, and it makes the reading funner (or more fun?). I think I'm in love with Glorfindel becaseu of your stories. is that a good or bad thing? Always looking forward to more of your awesome skills.

At least he is recovering nicely, and the Maiar have learned from the experience--as has he. Now, to start this new training program!

I believe this is the first time when it's plainly and matter-of-factly spoken that Glorfindel will go back to Middle-earth. Not as a probability, but as a certitude. I don't know well the reason but I felt chilled to the bones during the time of Orome's conversation with the Maiar. I don't think that right now Glorfindel has any idea about actually returning to Middle-earth, or, at least, I cannot remember something along those lines. He decided to find Earendil, but this wasn't supposed to mean, in his mind, to actually go back. Another reason for being Glorfindel and not Finrod the one to return...as a fact, Finrod, unlike Glorfindel, has no unfinished business on Middle-earth. He has no part to play there anymore. His vow was fulfilled (and with high interest, if someone asks me "grin"). Glorfindel had ever felt after his re-embodiment that somehow he had left unfulfilled his oath given to Turgon. According to the canon, to stand beside Elrond is primarily the purpose of his returning, this being of course weaved in the greater tapestry concerning the downfall of Sauron. Alone..I think this is what made me feel less than confortable, but, after all, he won't be alone. Asfaloth will go with him, although I would have prefered to see Nyereser going to Middle-earth as well. For some unfinished business, of course. "grin" Liked Namo's brief appearance and, of course, the Ainur's interaction with Glorfindel. Felt good to learn some news about the others, Ingwion especially. "looking grim" I suppose we'll have to wait and see what happens next, don't we?

I think you know by now that I adore your writing. I found one minor grammatical error in this chapter. You state: "The Halls of Mandos were built only after we settled here in Aman," Nyéreser explained. "Even when we built Almaren there was never a hint of Lord Námo’s future role as Lord of the Dead. Before that he was one of our most able strategist, along with Lord Oromë, in our wars against Melkor." The last sentence should be changed to say that either he was our most able strategist, or he was one of our most able strategists (plural). Pretty minor, but it made me stumble when I was reading. Also, on my second re-read of the Wars of the Valar, I did take note of three grammatical errors. I am very uncertain about whether this is appropriate stuff for a "review", but since I have no direct Email for you, I can either leave it as a review, or if you prefer and you give you an Email, I can Email you the three points. Thanks for your wonderful storylines. I read everything you write many times because of your excellent background research, your command of the syntax, and your character development. An update from Fiondel always makes my day.

You are really whetting my interest on Glorfindel's return to ME! I swear, if this was a book in my hand, I'd be page turning to those chapters! I like the fact that Glorfindel is in training to be sent back, learning to stand on his own and able to push forward his ideas on what he wants to do. He (for the most part) seems to know his limitations on this training, yet still able to know when he's ready to take more on. And he's not being pushed by the Maia or Valar either. No wonder he's such a formidable opponent once he returns. I get the feeling not too much phases him after all he's been through. All this makes me wonder though, if Elrond had chosen two elves for the Fellowship, what kind of team Glorfindel and Legolas would have made. Another update soon please! Ces

Glorfindel really got himself in a mess this time, but it all worked out for the best. His wounds could have been fatal had the Maia and Valar not been around. They restored his hroa and got him back to normal quickly. I’m sure a mortal would have taken much, much longer to heal. It is nice to see he and Lisselindë finally getting along. His training on a level with the Maia should be most interesting. They have had many more centuries of experience. I wonder how many bruises and wounds he’ll sustain this time

Ooh, poor Glorfindel! Being injured is no fun. I am glad to see this series finally turning in these past few chapters in the direction that I knew it must: Glorfindel's eventual return to Middle-earth. Glorfindel is a warrior with a restless nature and it's exactly what he needs. Finrod does seem to be the other logical candidate to send back to Middle-earth, as he was well respected during his first lifetime by Elves, Men, and Dwarves. The only problem would be that as a senior member of Finwë's house he might make problems for Gil-galad simply by his presence, even without intending any harm, effectively setting up a situation where Finrod has the potential to play Celegorm to Gil-galad's Finrod, (if that makes any sense,) which is something I'm sure Finrod would never want to do. Glorfindel, never having been a king, would not be in that position. And of course we all know that Tolkien decided Glorfindel should go. Which brings me to where I think Finrod is going: That royal progress to Tol Eressëa sounds like impending trouble, given what a hornet's nest you've already established the place as. I think the same qualities that would have made him a good person to send back to Middle-earth make him an even better person to solve the problems between the Returned and Reborn on Tol Eressëa and the Once-born on the mainland, as he couldn't make the same problems for Finarfin as he could for Gil-galad, being his son and not his uncle/elder cousin. (Which version of Gil-galad's parentage are you using?) When during the Second Age (by Middle-earth reckoning, I'm sure the Valinorean count of years is different) does this story take place?

You know, this chapter is really deceptive. Like a fractal, it hides its true complexity until you look closer… Rereading, I spotted another bit of material for the Tapestry series: Young Eärendil gently twining his daerada around his little finger. And daerada knowing this, but happily letting it happen. And I don’t think Glorfindel (or his partner-in-mischief Ecthelion) would remain unaffected, either. ;-) Or anybody close to the High King (with one notable exception) for that matter. I sort of forgot about this, getting sidetracked by my little brainstorm about the Valar. Speaking of which - wouldn’t Varda make an excellent munitions engineer? The stars being sort of the ultimate boom toy? *VEG* (I think I have been reading a bit too much Military SF lately – it tends to warp my thinking a bit)

So Glorfindel and Ecthelion were in constant trouble becouse of their pranks. Why I´m not surprised. It will help Glorfindel to remember the good times he had in Gondolin and that there were times that his king was happy. And it looks like he is accepting negative answers to his questions concerning the people from his past better. I´m curious to see the training the Maiar will devise for him to get him near their level at fighting.

My favorite chapter are where we get to see glimpses of Glorfindel's first life in Gondolin. Yoou have an amazing ability to create two worlds at the same time!

Thanks for feeding an addict. Still enjoying immensly. "I attacked a balrog, what else would you expect from me?" and "I didn’t feel this bad when I died." is the Glorfi we all love. And Finrod and Beleg, in particular, will envy him new scars. Orome is naturally correct, Glorfindel needs to learn not to rely on the Valar and Mair for help. He'll be a little less reckless the next time, hopefully. I suppose that the stories exchange had helped Glorfindel to better undestand Maiar and Valar, so he was willing to drop the subject of Tuor and Idril. And I loved the stories Glorfi told about Gondolin. The part how Turgon “encouraged” him and his friend to start up with their pranks again, especially. One can only wonder about the future relations between Glorfindel and his king - with Glorfindel having few thousands years to mature and getting much more "older" than Turgon. I'm beginning to like Lisselindë. Help!

Beautiful chapter - and I was pleasantly surprised to find it here. Though Glorfindel suffered greatly, he took it all in stride - a very good indicator IMHO of his maturation. I loved the tale of Gondolin. It is not an easy history to read, but well worth every moment - every struggle. Again - lovely chapter...

P.S. Liked Turgon's comment about his family being the death of him, I wonder if he realised how profetic(can't spell, only had one cuppa) it was!? Lynda

Oh, so good to see that Glorfindel did not make it back to Mandos the hard way! Orome is correct though, Glorfindel needs to learn not to rely on the Valar and Mair for help, they won't be there when he goes back to Ennor, he will have to rely on himself and others. Just when did the Valar decide to send him back, was it their idea or Atar's and was Glorfindel the intended 'victim' or was he just in the right place at the right time? I can understand why they would not want to send Finderato, he is too well known but Glorfindel, while an heroic figure is still used to serving in ways other than Finderato is. Lissalinde is right, any way he can increase his awareness of his surroundings be it good or evil is an adavantge. Hope Glorfindel/Maya can survive the upgrade in training! Looking forward to the next chapter and the Royal Progress! More please, Lynda

Oh, meldonya! What a thrilling tale! *grin* I especially liked the stories Glorfi told about Gondolin, and the questions to the Maiar about going with Glorfi, and the Valar making plans to send Glorfi back to Endore, and...well, everything! Although I felt very bad for poor Glorfi being so hurt, but, I guess once you've faced a valarauco...*wry grin* I'm glad Orome had the sense NOT to send Glorfi back to Namo! Can't wait to see what'll happen to our favourite elfling in a week! *grin* Tye-melin, Kaylee!

"I attacked a balrog, what else would you expect from me?" and "I didn’t feel this bad when I died." Yes, that is the Glorfindel we all know and love, all right. ;-) And the fact that Glorfindel is still alive, makes it a lovely day, even though the Maiar are changing the dressings on his wounds. (I loved that little exchange, too!) I suppose that when Glorfindel gets together with his gwedyr, there will be a certain amount of bragging. (Of course there will! They are after all male, and this sort of thing makes for excellent bra… ah, _story_ material when the wounds are all healed and there is a bit of distance to the whole event.) So I wonder if Finrod and Beleg, in particular, will get envious at the great time Glorfindel is having and want to get in on the fun as well. So Turgon couldn’t keep the fertile minds of Glorfindel and Ecthelion from hatching plans for jests even when he sent them to separate outposts? *chortles* Somehow that doesn’t surprise me. What _did_ surprise me, a little, was how he, ah, “encouraged” them to start up again. Though I don’t suppose he expected Idril and Tuor to help out. (Is there any chance of seeing one of those jests? Perhaps as a story in your Tapestry series?) Námo – the strategist of the Valar? *lifts eyebrow at author.* You know, that more or less makes sense. Lets see … Varda, Ulmo, Aulë and Yavanna are chief scientists/engineers in their various fields. Nessa and Vána – you have shown them as assisting Yavanna with bioscience experiments, and it sort of fits with Tolkien's descriptions of them, too. Oromë does scouting, and I suppose he would also gather intelligence. Vairë is the historian, and it wouldn’t be too unreasonable to extend that to collating and analyzing itelligence – which would make her the Valar’s intelligence officer, or something of the sort. Estë, Nienna and Irmo are well established as healers. And Tulkas would make sense as a tactician. Manwë would be the general who kept his eyes on the big picture. Not that the Valar wouldn’t help each other as needed. And I suppose one of the Valier _could_ have been a Valarin version of Honor Harrington, but for some reason I think it is unlikely… ;-)

Poor Glorfindel. Thank goodness he's an Elf--a Mortal would probably have succumbed to the shock of the injury (not to mention, probably couldn't have reacted fast enough not to be munched outright in the first place). I wonder who, specifically, inspired the Maiar to decide to hold their powers down to Glorfindel's level. *grin* We all know that Eru draws with crooked lines... although Orome's "Nor were you meant to" gives us a hint as well, I suppose. I still would not have wanted to be facing Lord Namo at that moment, though, when Nyereser told him what they'd done. I love how Glorfindel is still irrepressible, despite the gravity of his wounds. "I killed a Balrog... what else would you expect from me?" This made me laugh and set me off coughing again, but it was worth it. :) I really liked the conversation where Orome asked the three Maiar which of them would go to Endor with Glorfindel. It feels like there's all sorts of levels here, and I found myself intrigued by Orome's response to Nyereser's thought that it would be Finrod who would be sent back to ME--not the words themselves but by how he said them. There seems to be a wealth of history behind why the moment anyone even comes close to suggesting that Finrod return to ME that the Valar seem to squelch the audible speculation fast. (Having been re-reading about the rebellion of Feanor in the SIL this past week, it occurs to me that Finrod is, quite possibly one of the most charismatic of the royal Eldar currently alive. It is quite likely in my mind, that Feanor's ability to sway people with words and fire them to action--whether right or wrong--might not have been a gift that was solely his own. Finrod seems to have something of this ability as well--although he, obviously, is not using it the way his Half-Uncle did.) Ah, well, I'm sure we'll find out in time--and to the Valar, all times are soon. *Grin* Ah, even in a lean-to miles away from "civilization", being ill and injured still means being woken up far too many times for the patient's preference (I never understood why in hospital they wake you up to give you a sleeping pill...). I do love Grumpy!Glorfindel... when I'm ill, I'm grumpy in the mornings, too, but I do tend not to swear. Lisselinde is coming right along here, isn't she, from when she was first told off to learn from Glorfindel. At one point in the story, I would have adamantly said that I would not have wanted to interact with her at all, but she's growing and changing, just as Glorfindel is, and I really like that a lot. Silly me saw the line about them having fed Glorfindel beef broth for 4 days and my first thought was "I didn't realize that there were cows in the forest". Then I had a *headdesk* moment as I reminded myself that they were Maia, and the beef for the broth could have come from practically anywhere. *grin* Although considering that Nyereser and Tiutalion went hunting, my initial thought was that the broth would have likely been venison or rabbit. That's what happens when a reader makes an assumption. I like how Lisselinde is teaching Glorfindel how to further refine his senses. He will most certainly put this to good use in Middle Earth. I do wonder whether a Once-Born elf would be able to lean this as well, or if the change in the level upon which the Reborn fea operates is the reason that Glorfindel is so darn good at this? Food for thought. If the latter, I can't wait to see what Beleg can do if he gets this kind of training on top of his own natural talent and learned skills. (Considering Orome's interest in him, I wouldn't be surprised to find him getting this training one day.) I think that my very favorite part of this chapter is Glorfindel talking to the Maiar about his friendship with Ecthelion and their jokes and jests together and with Tuor and Idris. The bit about Turgon inviting them to return to their pranks was really touching to me. I thought it was very mature of Glorfindel not to badger the Maiar for more answers about where Tuor and Idril were. A year ago, he wouldn't have let it drop. The reassurance that they were well was enough. (Although now it has me thinking about all the possible things that could fall under the definition of "well". *grin*) I really am getting more and more intrigued about the proposed Progress to Tol Eressea. There are all kinds of threads tied up in this, and all I can think of is that Arafinwe going there is going to be like adding a spoonful of baking soda to a cup of vinegar. It's going to get messy one way or another when things blow up. I'm really looking forward to seeing what happens! A wonderful chapter, dear friend, and, as you can see, it triggered one of my "is it longer than the chapter?" reviews. But you gave me a lot to think about and I like it when that happens. Happy Easter!