Elf, Interrupted: Book Two: Glorfindel's Quest by Fiondil

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Sunny · 27 December 2008 · Chapter 36: Glorfindel in the Fana Nírion

*shakes head at Glorfindel* You know, despite Glorfindel’s rather … erratic … behaviour, I find myself in sympathy with him. I am sure the Valar have all the the very best of intentions (why am I reminded of the adage of “The Road to Hell is paved with good intentions”?) I am also reminded of when I got rid of my next-to-last wisdom tooth. I got an infection in the d**n thing, and the timing was seriously, badly unfortunate, being just before the Easter holiday that year, which meant that the dentist didn’t dare remove the d**ned thing at that time for fear of complications. Which led to me eating strong painkillers and sacrificing to the porcelain god all through that holiday… It was soooo wonderful to get rid of it! (The last wisdom tooth I got rid of _completely voluntarily_ (and me with my _serious_ phobia for dentists….) To begin with, Glorfy is very recently reborn, with all the attendant immaturity. He was even released early from Mandos, which was not necessarily good for him. He has been kidnapped and abused, followed by the psychological trauma of being a witness in the trial against his kidnappers (who were part of a larger conspiracy). Another traumatic incident followed around midwinter, Glorfindel being reminded of his Life Oath to Turgon, his actions upon that reminder, and Ingwë’s reaction to that – namely making Glorfindel a thrall for three months. I suppose Ingwë had his reasons for wanting to do that. *wants to give Ingwë a good, hard kick in the @$$* More trauma follows upon Glorfindel’s reconciliation with Ingwë, and then there is that second tournament, the climax of which is Finrod and Glorfindel ending up in the 10th dimension. More “excitement” follows before Glorfindel and Finrod gets safely back “home” again. And now the Valar are messing with his life again. _I_ am surprised Glorfindel hasn’t gotten _completely_ around the bend…. Instead, he is merely, um, temperamental. If his life in Aman continues to be like that, I am sure his eventual return to Endorë will feel like a holiday, Orcs and all…

Author's reply

What you say about Glorfindel and all that he has endured in the last year since being released from Lòrien is true and colors all his perceptions. I have a feeling though that a some point 'tempermental' is going to take on a whole new meaning where Glorfindel is concerned.*grin*

eiluj · 24 December 2008 · Chapter 36: Glorfindel in the Fana Nírion

Just the first of many guilty explanations those three are going to be making in the next few weeks! "The three campers listened with amazement at the way in which Glorfindel and the other two had outwitted Lord Irmo’s Maiar" -- Is this the sort of thing Nienna had in mind when she said Aldundil and Vorondil needed to learn to play? Are they supposed to take lessons from Glorfindel and his friends? Or perhaps Glorfindel's example is the *real* reason Nienna didn't want Glorfindel anywhere near her house? That whole valley is a Maurits Escher landscape. And the paths *outside* the valley weren't all that straightforward or trustworthy either....

Author's reply

I'm sure you're correct about the guilty explanations. And I think that this is an example of why Nienna doesn't want Glorfindel anywhere near her house. I actually had Escher in mind when I wrote about this particular valley. *grin*

Larner · 22 December 2008 · Chapter 36: Glorfindel in the Fana Nírion

Well, they wanted to talk--and now it appears they are meant to do just that! Now, to learn the reasons behind all this rigamarole!

Author's reply

Indeed... and the reasons will be made clear shortly.

Independence1776 · 22 December 2008 · Chapter 36: Glorfindel in the Fana Nírion

"'Well, technically speaking, we’re on our way back to Tirion.' 'Which happens to be in that direction,' Aldundil couldn’t help saying, pointing towards the east, his expression wickedly amused." *bursts out laughing* Glorfindel jumped up, his scowl deepening. 'I am so sick of being manipulated!' he shouted and strode off into the mist, quickly lost to sight." Uh-oh. He reacted just about as well as I expected. Okay, what is it with Nyéreser and the warrior braids? "Glorfindel took a deep breath, trying to regain his equilibrium. It took him several minutes before he was able to answer. 'I’ve been an idiot for trusting them,' he said at the last, and looked away, glowering into the mist." Oh, dear. He's reminding me of Fëanor right now... "Because, contrary to what you think, they genuinely care for you, but you make it almost impossible for them to do so. Your suspicious nature, erratic behavior and downright rudeness has them trying to second and third guess which way you’re going to jump next. It gets rather tiring after awhile. So, they decided to play the game your way." Good answer! "Perhaps you should stop and think about it, hmm?" And good advice I hope Glorfindel takes! He's exactly what Glorfindel needed at this point. "Ingwion could only stare at Glorfindel in dismay, unable to give him any answer. Glorfindel, in turn, gave him a smirk, though there was no humor behind it." Oh, dear. Unless it's Atar behind it this time, this won't give Glorfindel any further reason to trust the Valar. "Only from your perspective, child. The moment Glorfindel found himself in my Halls, plans were made that may well change the course of history in Endórë, and our balrog-slayer is at the very heart of it all." Knew that, but still: eep. Just thought of something: if Glorfindel is this unhappy with the Valar right now at manipulating his life, what's he going to do when he discovers they "modified" his memory? (No, I'm not expecting any answers, but it's something I'm going to wonder about.) Wonderful chapter! And it's official- Nyéreser is fast becoming one of my favorite characters. ~ Indy

Author's reply

Well, he already knows that they modified his memory with regards to Eärendil and that's part of the problem that he's having. I'm glad Nyéreser is becoming one of your favorite characters. He was completely unexpected, believe me, but now that he's here, I'm glad he came.

Tari · 22 December 2008 · Chapter 36: Glorfindel in the Fana Nírion

Glorfindel reminds me of a tighly wound spring waiting for release. He is so full of frustration and anger he doesn't stop to see the whole picture. The Valar would never, ever, do anything to harm him. I hope he realizes this and soon.

Author's reply

I'm sure once he calms down Glorfindel will realize that the Valar do what they do out of love and wish only the very best for him and all the Children. It's just going to take some time for him to come to that realization.

Agape4Gondor · 21 December 2008 · Chapter 36: Glorfindel in the Fana Nírion

I can truly understand Glorfindel's anger... I too feel it sometimes as I read of their manipulation. I suppose trust is the answer - but that is another thing that Glorfindel and I have in common - a definite lack of trust in the Valar! Blessings - great chapter...

Author's reply

Hi, Agape. Trust is the key. In both elvish languages the word is _Estel_ which is translated as both "hope" and "trust" by Tolkien. It has a theological connotation. The elves, being elves, had another word _Amdir_ (in Sindarin)/_Ambatirë_ (in Quenya) which is translated as "hope" with the literal meaning of "looking up". Anyway, Finrod will tell you that Estel is the very foundation of Eä and it is what upholds it, that and Love. Blessings to you as well.

Hel · 21 December 2008 · Chapter 36: Glorfindel in the Fana Nírion

Glorfindel´s reaction if he learns about beeing the heart of some of the Valar´s plans will be interesting. But by now I´m really curious about what Glorfindel feels is so very important to speak about with Ingwion. I really come to like Nyéreser. Could it be that he has more interaction with the children than he says he has? At least I get this impression from the way he talks with the elves.

Author's reply

Glorfindel's reaction... well let's hope he doesn't find out or there will be no peace in Arda. *grin* I'm glad you like Nyéreser. He showed up without warning and seems intent on staying. I'm not sure what his story is in full, but I know he did fight in the War of Wrath among Maglor's troops. Maybe someday we'll find out more about him. He is intriguing, that's for sure.

GoldenFlower · 21 December 2008 · Chapter 36: Glorfindel in the Fana Nírion

Wonderful chapter, I squeed at the return of the not-so-very-mysterious-stranger, can't wait for more, would leave a longer rewiew but I must run. -zoom- ~GF

Author's reply

Thanks GoldenFlower. I'm glad you liked this chapter. Feel free to leave a longer review when you have the time. *grin*

Kaylee · 21 December 2008 · Chapter 36: Glorfindel in the Fana Nírion

Nyéreser is definitely on my "favorite Maiar" list. Questioning Lord Námo like that...well, he deserved to be questioned. *grin* Glorfindel did too, of course. I wonder what Ingwion will tell Glorfindel about *his* meeting with Nyéreser, if anything. *shakes head, laughing* Anyway, I'm almost well. I think. I *hope*, because I have work tomorrow and Tuesday. Ick. I don't think I can get out of it this time. *sighs* Wonderful chapter, meldonya, it put a big smile on my face. *grin* ~Kaylee!

Author's reply

Hi, Kaylee. I'm glad you like Nyéreser. He's one cool Maia. We'll find out in the next chapter what all this is about. I'm glad this chapter helped you feel better.

6336 · 21 December 2008 · Chapter 36: Glorfindel in the Fana Nírion

Arrgh! Another cliffie! Bad Fiondil, bad,bad Fiondil! Well they made it safely to the Fana Nirion a.k.a. Grand Central Station! I can understand how Ingwion feels, sometimes he has to be a father/big brother to Glorfindel, good practice for when he marries and has elflings of his own! Now to find out just what Glorfindel and Ingwion have to talk about and why the Valar just did not let them talk is beyond me, but then the plot would not have been advanced, darn Muses! Give yours a hug for me, he makes you write good stuff! More please, Lynda

Author's reply

Don't worry... this cliffie will be resolved in the next chapter, I promise. *grin* We'll find out in the next chapter what this is all about. My Muse thanks you for the hug...

Kitty · 21 December 2008 · Chapter 36: Glorfindel in the Fana Nírion

Impeccable timing - just when I was about to review 'Wars' you had to update EI to distract me ;) Maybe Glorfindel, Sador and Beleg should have told Vorondil that they had to camp in the rain without tent - that's much worse, after all ;) The Valar might mean well, but I can understand why Glorfindel is tired of and furious at being manipulated. I'd not take well to being manipulated, either, and I'm probably much more patient than he is at the moment. It's telling that even Nyéreser thinks so. Sometimes I really wonder if that is the right way to achieve what the Valar want. A more straightforward approach might help Glorfindel to trust them more. Seems they now made sure these two are able to talk privately for quite a while ...

Author's reply

I have the feeling that the Valar are going to regret their approach to Glorfindel, but it will all work out in the end. The next chapter will reveal why Glorfindel and Ingwion needed to meet.

Kaylee · 18 December 2008 · Chapter 35: Misdirection

"What is the easiest way to get a child to do what you want?" Irmo asked. Finrod gave him a puzzled look but as he thought about it, his expression cleared. "You tell him just the opposite." Irmo nodded. "Glorfindel wished to see Ingwion, and we Valar are actually curious as to why, but if we had acquiesced to his request immediately he might have become suspicious, though there would have been no duplicity on our part. Glorfindel has become... wary where we are concerned. It was decided to encourage him to go to Ingwion by forbidding him to go at all." "If he ever finds out he’s been outsmarted...." Finrod couldn’t help saying with a knowing smile. Irmo laughed. "Well, I won’t tell him if you don’t," he said with a wink. Finrod joined the Vala in laughter. So too would I be laughing, if my throat wasn't killing me, meldonya. Where are Irmo, Este and Elrond when I need them? This was a lovely chapter. And what are Ingwion & co, and Glorfindel etc. going to do now? Heh, can't wait to find out! ~Kaylee

Author's reply

Thanks, Kaylee. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. Sorry you're still down with a sore throat. Hopefully this made you feel a teensy bit better. *grin* As to what everyone will be up to... we'll see soon enough.

Edlyn · 15 December 2008 · Chapter 35: Misdirection

Oh, most excellent, meldonya! I think my favourite line was Vorondil's "I... I want to see the birds flying through the rainbows again," he answered shyly. He looked up and they could see the wonder in his eyes. "They were so beautiful." My second favourite line was also Vorondil. "I hate camping in the rain," Vorondil muttered, frowning. "Why does it always rain whenever I go camping?" I wanted to sympathise because I've often had the same question! Irmo is sneaky, isn't he? The whole business withthe Reborn acting out was very funny but Irmo explaining to Fnrod the reasoning behind telling Glorfindel that he couldn't go meet with Ingwion was priceless. And I can just see Ingwion's face when he utters that last line. I'm sure that Glorfindel will be glad to see Ingwion but I certainly expect him to get upset when he realises how he's been manipulated. Maybe one day he'll grow up enough to realise that all manipulation isn't bad, especially when it's done by people who love you and for you explicit benefit. I was sorry not see Namo in this chapter but I know I can't always have my favourite Vala in every one. However, I'm very happy to see all the gwedyr together again and to find that Ingwion, Aldundil and Vorondil all chose to live. Eru bless and keep thee, meldonya. Stay warm! Edlyn

Author's reply

Vorondil has most of the best lines in this chapter, I think. *grin* Well, Námo may not have been in this chapter but I promise he'll be making an appearance again soon enough. Nienna will probably be calling in reinforcements as soon as Glorfindel shows up on her doorstep like a bad penny. *lol* I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. More to come, I promise.

Tari · 15 December 2008 · Chapter 35: Misdirection

At first I though of the Valar as being both sneaky and shrewd. But now I see how “sending” the elves to the waterfalls allowed them to be cleansed, which they all needed. Now they can put the past behind them and look only to the future.

Author's reply

An insightful observation, Tari, and very true. Thanks for sharing.

Agape4Gondor · 14 December 2008 · Chapter 35: Misdirection

Ah ha! So they all come together at last - and it seems BECAUSE of the Valar - should be an interesting next chapter!

Author's reply

Yes, the Valar have been behind this all along. *grin* We'll see in the next couple of chapters actually how it all is resolved.

eiluj · 14 December 2008 · Chapter 35: Misdirection

"And you think Glorfindel is responsible?" -- Silly question. "Glorfindel has become... wary where we are concerned" -- Just a wee bit. And when he figures out how he's been manipulated this time, it won't make him any less wary! Clever rain, to wash dishes; I realize I should have taken advantage of our recent 4"-er to have *something* washed. "This must be the stream that flows out of the valley," Aldundil said. / "We can only hope," Ingwion commented -- Yes, the rules of geography don't seem to apply. I suspect a compass would reveal magnetic anomalies. Well, they've met. Ah: has Nienna manipulated the location of Glorfindel and Ingwion's meeting so she *doesn't* have to worry about Glorfindel wreaking havoc at her place? If Glorfindel knows what's good for him (now, *there's* a dubious concept!) he won't stop at Lórien on the way back to Tirion.... Wondering how Glorfindel will feel after his discussion with Ingwion: will he feel all this plotting was worth it?

Author's reply

Hi, Eiluj. You're probably right about Nienna deciding to have the meet take place outside her house for fear of the havoc Glorfindel (not to mention the other two Reborn) might wreak otherwise. *lol* We'll see soon enough if Glorfindel (and the Valar!)thinks all this was worth it.

Independence1776 · 14 December 2008 · Chapter 35: Misdirection

"Irmo nodded and Finrod stared at the mayhem around him as elves continued to scream and run about with Maiar and Lóriennildi chasing after them. 'I’m going to kill him,' he muttered darkly and Irmo gave him a thin smile. 'You’ll have to get in line, I’m afraid,' he retorted and Finrod could only snort in grim amusement." *bursts out laughing* I don't blame them in the slightest! "Glorfindel wished to see Ingwion, and we Valar are actually curious as to why, but if we had acquiesced to his request immediately he might have become suspicious, though there would have been no duplicity on our part. Glorfindel has become... wary where we are concerned. It was decided to encourage him to go to Ingwion by forbidding him to go at all." Oh, dear. Yes, I seriously hope Glorfindel doesn't find out he's been manipulated that way! The Valar are certainly devious, though. (Of course, given everything they have to do, I'd be surprised if they weren't!) Yup- the Vale is certainly tricky. "'What do you suggest we do instead?' Ingwion replied. "Surely the purpose of this outing has been achieved, wouldn’t you say?" 'With the Valar, I wouldn’t bet on it,' Aldundil said with a wry grin." *laughs* The Valar never do anything for just one reason. "Glorfindel!" Ingwion cried out. "What in Arda are you doing here?" This will certainly be interesting- in a good way. Wonderful chapter! ~ Indy

Author's reply

Hi Indy. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. I think that if Glorfindel ever finds out he's been manipulated he'll be very angry. Let's hope he doesn't. Yet as devious as the Valar may be, Atar is even more devious, as the Valar will eventually learn. *grin*

Ellie · 14 December 2008 · Chapter 35: Misdirection

What a wonderful way to meet! Each coming out of his own sort of mist so to speak. Love the Valar's tactics with the "children" in getting them to do what they want of them. Can't wait to find out what Finrod actually read about and what his atar will tell him. Very few writers attempt to tackle life in post-rebellion Valinor. Looking forward to more!

Author's reply

We may not see what Finrod read or learn what Arafinwë tells him about those times except in generalities. It's my intention to actually write about that time period once I get a couple of the other stories out of the way. I won't be posting the Darkening story (as I call it) any time soon, though, otherwise there will be plot spoilers to EI but I hope to post it sometime next summer. You'll just have to wait. *grin*

GoldenFlower · 14 December 2008 · Chapter 35: Misdirection

Hahaha, I really don't think Namo would be all to pleased with Finrod if he did indeed kill Glorfindel xD. I can just see him being all like, 'RAWR' and kicking him right back out of the Halls. Can't wait to see what happens between Glorfindel and Ingwion in the valley. Speaking of the valley, I LIKE the valley & I think it would have been absolutley hilarious had Glorfindel and Co. fallen into the waterfall. As usual, munderful chapter and I cannot wait for the next one :D:D:D ~GF

Author's reply

I don't think Námo would be pleased either. *grin* Glad you liked the chapter. Thanks for letting me know.

Kitty · 14 December 2008 · Chapter 35: Misdirection

Ah, so *that* was why the Valar have forbidden Glorfindel to meet Ingwion? I *knew* they are devious, but I didn't expect that much deviousness! :) They're right, of course - the best way to achieve something is to forbid it *lol* Still, I hope Finrod doesn't give them a hard time about it. Sounds as if our three Reborn had a very uncomfortable night. I don't envy them. Vorondil is right, camping in the rain is no fun! And even less without a tent. Btw, going back in the vale to see the waterfall and the birds again is a nice idea. It sounds very lovely - I'd like to visit there, too! There really seem *all* paths to be leading into the vale, eh? Very useful for the two groups to meet! Obviously it worked, though, and I am glad for it. And of course, I am rather curious to learn why Glorfindel wanted to meet with Ingwion.

Author's reply

The paths to the Fana Nîrion are rather like Escher's paintings... recursive without realizing that you are going back on yourself. Same with the valley itself, as Glorfindel and his companions have discovered. I'm sure Finrod won't be too hard on them, knowing that the Valar actually wanted Glorfindel to find Ingwion. Still, I suspect he'll go into big brother mode with them. Should be interesting to watch. *grin*

Nieriel Raina · 14 December 2008 · Chapter 35: Misdirection

*smile* Great chapter!

Author's reply

Thanks, NiRi. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

6336 · 14 December 2008 · Chapter 35: Misdirection

I am beginning to think that valley has the wrong name, Grand Central Station or Picadilly Circus seems like a better choice! So now we know what Glorfindel and Calaphern(?) were cooking up! I have said it before and I will say it again, the Valar are a devious bunch of beings! Irmo is correct though, even though the Valar want Glorfindel to talk to Ingwion they can't just come out and let him, he is so conflicted about them at this time that anything they tell him is suspect in his mind. I hope Finrod is not too hard on his gwedyr when he catches up to them, they are still learning to live again after all. More please, Lynda

Author's reply

You may be right, Lynda, *lol* but I think we'll just stick to "Fana Nírion" for now. The Valar are indeed devious and knowing Glorfindel so well they're forced to be even more devious where he's concerned. We can only hope that eventually he learns to trust them again. As for what Finrod plans to do to them... we'll have to wait and see.

Larner · 14 December 2008 · Chapter 35: Misdirection

It does appear these were intended to meet this day. And love Vorondil's reasons for wishing to revisit the valley! A wish for pure beauty for beauty's sake! Wonderful!

Author's reply

Indeed... too bad many of us are unable to enjoy pure beauty for beauty's sake without an agenda attached to it.

ellie · 9 December 2008 · Chapter 34: Leaving Lórien

I think someone(s) is/are going it be in sooo much trouble! Can't wait to find out what their conspirators did in Lorien. I wonder what lies in wait for the intrepid warriors on the quest to speak to Ingwion. Another enjoyable chapter as always!

Author's reply

As to how much trouble they will be in remains to be seen. *grin* We'll find out what happened back in Lórien in the next chapter. All I will say for now is that Finrod will be very... um... unhappy. *hee*

6336 · 9 December 2008 · Chapter 34: Leaving Lórien

Ah ha, I knew it, a small detour on the way to Tirion. This is scary, I am starting to think like Glorfindel! Irmo knows exactly just what Glorfindel is doing and just how invisible are those Maiar he sent with him and supposedly recalled to Lorien? Am I right in thinking that they have found their way to the Veil of Tears, that misty revine seems awfully familiar? I can understand how Glorfindel feels, he can't do anything without somebody looking over his shoulder, second guessing him. It must be frustrating, but he does need to talk to Ingwion even if he does have to come in the back door, so to speak! More please, Lynda

Author's reply

You are correct about the valley they are in... we will see what transpires within the valley soon enough and just what Irmo knows or doesn't know.