Glorfindel Returns by Meltintalle
Disclaimer: If you recognise the charecter (and even if you don’t) I don’t own them.
Círdan the shipwright stood on the wharf, his elvish eyes straining to see through the gathering dusk. A ship had been spotted by a young elf from the top of one of the white towers earlier that day. The youngster claimed it was coming from the West. Few believed him—ships went into the West. They did not return.
Círdan blinked. Was that a trick of the light, or was there a grey sail on the horizon? At his side stood the young elf, who clasped his trembling hands together nervously. “I saw it sir—I did.”
The elf lord placed his hand on the youngster’s shoulder. “I believe you, Galdor. We’ll wait here together.”
The sun had set in a dazzling display of glory, a fiery ball that turned the glassy sea into a pool of molten flame. Now, the brilliance faded into dark golds, pinks, blues, and purples. Behind them, the first faint pinpricks of light could be seen.
They waited. The pink and gold faded from the sky, and a velvety darkness descended. High above, the stars came out one by one. Still, they waited. The moon rose, full and white. And there, in the lighted path across the water, floated a ship. It was not large, but it was beautiful. It was white, with sails of shimmering grey and an unlit crystal lantern hung from the bow.
The faintest of breezes blew the moon ship to the edge of the wharf, and Círdan and his young helper took the ropes and made her fast. Galdor’s eyes were wide with wonder, and even Círdan, who had seen this ship before, felt his heart beat faster. Who had been sent to Middle Earth this time?
A figure appeared from below-decks, and the young elf gripped his elder’s hand tightly. The figure came to the edge of the ship, and without bothering to lower the gangplank, leaped over the side, landing like a cat on the solid planking of the wharf. As he did so the hood, which had concealed his features, fell back, and Círdan dropped the hand clasped in his and leaped forward. “Glorfindel!”
The friends met and embraced. Then they stepped back to look at one another. “But how?” asked Círdan, “You fell! They buried you!” Struck with a sudden fear, he added, “You didn’t…did you?”
“Do what?” asked Glorfindel.
“You didn’t do as Luthien did, and strike a bargain with Mandos that will take you from us forever?”
The blond elf placed a finger to his friend’s lips. “Ssshh. Let us not speak of that now.”
Galdor trailed respectfully behind, hero-worshipping. All the elves knew of Glorfindel’s fight with the Balrog in the Eagle’s Crest, Cirith Thoronath, and how the Balrog slayer had fallen to his death in the First Age. And now, he had returned.
Círdan set out a meal for the two of them, and Galdor slipped into his duties as a page, serving what was needed, and standing quietly in the shadows when not.
“I would not have thought you so fond of Middle Earth as to wish to return,” began Círdan.
“I’m not,” said Glorfindel, a hint of his dazzling smile playing about his lips. “But I couldn’t stand the thought of leaving the guarding of escapes to anyone else.”
“You’re a bit late,” chided the shipwright. “You’ve missed the end of the War of the Jewels, and the Last Alliance. Númenor rose and fell, and the elves are waning.”
“Do you question Eru’s timing?” asked Glorfindel, serious once more.
“No!” Then softer, “No. I don’t. I’m sorry.”
“All is forgiven,” said Glorfindel. “Although,” he reached for another slice of bread spread with honey, “I’ll forgive anything if you keep feeding me like this.”
Círdan smiled. “I’m sure the cooks will love you if you flatter them like that.”
“I want them to,” said Glorfindel. “Very few with such exceptional skill in the culinary arts have returned to Valinor, and it was one of the major factors in my return.”
“Of course,” said Círdan.
“Of course,” said Glorfindel, and smiled.
“How long will you stay?”
“Here? At the Havens? For a while, but then I must go on to a place called Imladris.”
“I know of it. Eärendil’s son, Elrond Halfelven, founded it with the remnants of Celebrimbor’s people.”
“What is he like?” asked Glorfindel. Círdan smiled, and began to weave the tale he knew his friend wanted to hear: the story of the Second Age. The telling went on through the night. Galdor, standing in his corner, hugged himself with excitement. Círdan was a master storyteller, and every so often, the guest would interrupt with a, “Do you remember?” The young elf heard many small stories that made him smile. He would laugh later—he didn’t want to be discovered, and miss this golden opportunity.
The other elves found out about the visitor—Círdan was missed at the morning dock inspection—and rumours flew concerning his identity. Glorfindel glanced out the window and began to laugh. “There is a group of gossiping elves down there.”
Círdan looked. “What could be—”
“Me,” said Glorfindel. “They’re curious as to who I am…how long shall we keep them in suspense?”
“Just not tell…there are a few who should recognise you.”
“Ah, my friend, you’re getting as bad as I am.”
Aldaron looked up from the load of logs he was bringing in. Círdan was riding out on his seldom-used bay mare, and beside him, on an appropriated workhorse, was a tall, golden-haired elf. The elf lords were laughing together. It seemed to him that he should recognise the stranger. The team stopped and looked back at him, but Aldaron was impervious to their curious stares. Being wise old horses, they dropped their heads and began to eat, satisfied that they would not be called upon for a little while.
Aldaron rubbed at his left arm, a habit he had acquired after being wounded in the Dagor Aglareb. There was something about the elf. “Mae govannan, Aldaron,” said the stranger. “Won’t your horses run off with the load?”
“No,” said Aldaron, shaking his head. “Although I am suddenly thinking that I have taken sick and never left my bed with horses to drive.”
Glorfindel looked at him. “You seem fine to me.”
“Yes, but Glorfindel, if I’m in Middle Earth, reason says I can’t possibly be talking to you unless I’m feverish.”
“Which you’re not, and reasoning then says that I must be in Middle Earth for you to speak to.”
Aldaron gave it up. “Welcome back, mellon nin.”
“Thank you. It’s good to be back—everyone is being very nice to me…once they get over the initial shock, of course.”
“I’m not sure we’d dare to do otherwise.”
“You are too kind,” said Glorfindel, and bowed from the waist.
Círdan grinned—an all too rare sight, reflected Aldaron—and added, “He doesn’t seem to be armed—one could venture a few digs.”
“Oh?” asked Glorfindel, eloquently arching his brows. “Is that so?”
“You didn’t know about the knife he keeps in his boot?” asked Aldaron.
“No,” said Círdan, as Glorfindel immediately wanted to know how and where Aldaron came by his information.
“I saw you use it in the third battle,” said Aldaron, seating himself on the logs. “When you saved my life, that one time.”
The blond elf shut his eyes, reflecting. “Ah, yes! We were chasing the orcs across Ard-galen, and you fell.”
“You doubled back, and threw the knife into the belly of an orc that was about to finish me, gaining yourself time to bring your other weapons into play.”
“I’ll never believe you to be unconscious again,” said Glorfindel. “What else do you know?”
“You don’t really think I’m going to tell you, do you? I never thought I’d see the day when I had the upper hand in an argument with you…but now that it’s here, why should I give up the advantage?”
Galdor, trailing behind on a pony, watched wide-eyed as Glorfindel slid from his horse and picked up a thick branch. “Choose your weapon, Aldaron…let’s see if you’ve improved any…you’ve had long enough to practice!”
Aldaron chose a stout limb similar in size to his friend’s, and dropped into a fighting stance. “Ready when you are.”
Círdan backed away as the two elves began to spar, taunting each other while enormous grins threatened to split their faces. “You couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn!”
“At least I don’t trip over my own two feet trying to do fancy footwork!”
“Switch hands—I’m backing you into a corner!”
“Can’t resist teaching, can you? Hah! Fooled you…oh, guess not.”
Glorfindel grinned down at Aldaron from on top of the logs. “I saw that one coming.”
“Sure you did,” said Aldaron, rubbing a stray lock of dark hair out of his eyes with one hand while spinning his weapon in the other. “Now are you going to stay up there, or are you going to come down and give me the drubbing you think I so richly deserve?” He leaped back just in time, and landed a blow on Glorfindel’s outstretched stick, knocking it aside.
“Won’t they hurt each other?” asked Galdor.
“No,” said Círdan. “They’ve done this too many times, and are too well matched to hurt themselves seriously. It’s a delight to watch.”
A crowd was gathering. “I could swear that’s Glorfindel of Gondolin,” muttered one elf. “It looks like him.”
“It sounds like him too,” added another. “Do you remember how he would spar with anyone whenever he left Turgon’s hidden city? He loved to remind us that he was better than most of us…as if we could forget.”
The combatants paused, out of breath. “You’re out of shape,” said Glorfindel.
“What about you?”
“Oh, I’m just keeping you company…I don’t want to hurt your feelings, you know, by being so very superior.”
“And here I was, thinking that I was doing you a favour,” said Aldaron, promptly attacking again.
The blond elf ducked under the swing, and circled back around, his dark-haired opponent turning with him. “I wonder what would happen if we just kept going around in circles…would you get dizy?”
“Try it and find out.”
“I could swear that was Glorfindel,” repeated the elf. “I could! For who else could carry such nonsense off so well?”
“Then do,” said Glorfindel, pausing in front of the speaker.
“It’s impossible.”
“Is that so? Say, isn’t your name Celeblas?”
“Yes…how did you know?”
“Weren’t we introduced at the Mereth Aderthad?”
“You are Glorfindel!”
“I never said I wasn’t,” said Glorfindel complacently. “And you needn’t look so shocked, either.”
65 Comments
Oh, I really love this. I am very fond indeed of Glorfindel, and thorougly support the viewpoint that says Glorfindel of Gondolin is the same Elf as Glorfindel of Rivendell.
You’ve written it well; it isn’t cliched, nor is it boring.
Please update soon!
Whew, that was fun. I thoroughly enjoyed that chapter and hope to read many, many more. Please???
This looks promising.
Wot! You great scalwag! Leaving us in suspense like that, wot, wot! You must write more on the double! This story is almost better than this jolly scone I’m holding!
Mae carnen! I love how Glorfindel speaks archaic Westron; it’s a realistic touch that strongly emphasizes how separate he is from all of Middle-earth, especially the hobbits. This story is very well written, keep it up!
This was a nice chapter… getting to know Glorfindel all over again, and his prima donna horse (lol). Meeting the hobbits was quite interesting, too. The vase sounded lovely and will make a wonderful heirloom for this family. Please keep up the good work, Meltintalle! Patricia â€
Very nice story. I always like to read a good Glorfindel story, it helps to make up for the fact that they left him out of the movie. I look forward to a new chapter!
very good. can you please add more chapters as it is a good plot.
Loved that chapter… but you just HAD to end it with a cliffhanger, didn’t you?! Ah well… great story, keep it up!
Please, please, don’t let the wolves eat Glorfindel!
Ah, a clifffhanger! I hope you post a new chapter soon! 🙂 Very good, though it is scary to think of Glorfindel traveling all of that way without many weapons! And now he is injured. Thanks for writing!
Good story! I loved the fact that Glorfindel can’t speak the common tongue very well! It added to the humor. But what happens to him? Who stabbed him in the back? I can’t wait to read more!!! PLEASE CONTINUE!!!
I enjoyed the chapter and I thought the way he found the herbs and stuff was realistic. I don’t know about those kinds of things either so it sounded okay to me. I liked how he was having some kind of fever induced dream. I mean I knew what was happening there. I don’t know if it would be good to have that all the time. But it would be important (not that it would be fever induced) to think back on his previous life. Anyway, good chapter and I hope the bad and naughty trees don’t get him too bad! 🙂
Wonderful chapter! I don’t know a lot about herbs, so I’ll just take your word for it. This story is great… can’t wait until Glorfindel gets to Rivendell… if he ever gets there! Keep up the good work!
I enjoyed your altered writing style (not that the first 3 chapters were uninteresting). I know that elderberry and peppermint are good herbs for soothing sore throats, breaking fevers, etc, but I don’t know a thing about the healing properties of the plantain leaves, witch hazel or yarrow flowers. It sounded really elvish.
So, you’e got Glorfindel entering the Old Forest. I hope he gets to meet Tom Bombadil and Goldberry, but *not* Old Man Willow. He should be able to travel safely through the forest, though, since trees have an affinity for elves.
I also liked the italic *memories*… a lot.
Very nicely, written, Meltintalle. Patricia
very good. please add more chapters as i am desperate to read more of this story.
Hoom, hoom. I like how you put Tom and Goldberry in your story. But hoom, come now, let us not be hasty. We shall have to see what you write next.
very good chapter. well written. i definitly want to know what happens. please add more soon.
As usual, an excellent job! Hope the trees learned their lesson! By the way, I wanted to say one thing: thank you for being so consistent with your updates! Nothing is more upsetting than waiting a month or more for an update to a story, but you keep the tale going with really good speed. I (and others, I am sure) really appreciate it! Thank you for this wonderful story, Meltintalle!
Nice job! I don’t know how you update so quickly but thanks. 🙂 It was nice to see a story with Tom B. and Goldberry in it, that doesn’t happen often. Just a note but I don’t think that Glorfindel is a Noldor elf I believe he is a Vanyar elf because of his hair and eye coloring. Not a big deal but I thought you might like to know.
I read Radbooks review, and agree, in part with it. Glorfindel’s ancestry was never stated by the Tolkiens, either the Professor or his son. With the blond hair he was either 100% Vanya or partially Vanyar. If he wasn’t totally Vanya, he could, theoretically, have been part Noldor. That’s why you usually read someone referring to Glorfy as an Elda. Definition for Elda (pl. Eldar) = Light Elf, one who went to Aman and saw the light of the two Trees; Calaquendë (pl. Calaquendi). ~~~ I really enjoyed the Old Forest sequence. Well done! Patricia â€
This is brilliant! The best story about Glorfindel I have come across yet. Please don’t leave it too long before adding another chapter!
This is a very good story. I Like it quite a bit. Glorfindel has always been my favorite character in The Lord of the Rings, and you did an excellent job in embellishing his character. Good plot so far, ensnaring writing style. This is one of the best fan fictions that I’ve come across. Keep up the good work. For a complete story of Glorfindel’s fight with the balrog, look in The Book of Lost Tales Vol. II.
I really enjoyed the dream sequence in this chapter. You did a nice job of describing how Glorfindel protected his people and how he fought the balrog. How far are you planning on taking this story? Just until he reaches Rivendell and meets Elrond? I hope you continue it until well beyond there because I really enjoy your writing! 🙂
Very beautifully wrote. I loved how you did the dream. And it also provides a little history as to what happened to Glorfindel.
Nice little plot twist, Meltintalle. *claps hands with glee at the red pepper in the food* Glorfindel is such a courteous elf, defending the poor barmaid. It was interesting, his meeting up with some of the bullies who worked for the horrible King of Angmar. Their captain might not take it too kindly when Glorfy’s refuses to join them. hehe He and Wilwarin might have to make a *run for it* through the Midgewater Marshes. ewww! He’s still two weeks away from Rivendell, even with Wilwarin’s ground eating speed. At least there’s plenty of wilderness out there for them to hide in. I’m eagerly awaiting your next installment of this engrossing story. *hugs* Patricia â€
Well done on both of the new chapters! I gave CoE a little time to add chapter 6, and then I come back and find 6 and 7. The more I read of your Glorfindel, the more I like him. Especially defending the poor barmaid. And I especially liked your description of the duel with the Balrog–it all makes sense and fits beautifully. Even Glorfindel’s slightly odd sense of humor. I think his “don’t start the funeral” line has to be my favorite in the story thus far! As for constructive criticism… I can’t really offer any. As far as I can tell, your spelling and grammar are flawless, and that’s saying a lot. Keep up the good work!
very good chapter. good plotting. please add more chapters soon.
enjoyed the story! Please write more! 😀
I love chapter seven. Glorfindel is getting cooler all the time. Keep up the excellent writing.
Very nice. You really did your homework, and it shows. I would really enjoy more chapters if you have the time to bang them out.
Really nice chapter. I think that the story is coming along very well. I love your writing style. Glorfindel has to be the coolest elf in the history of Arda, even if he can’t keep track of his horse.
Each chapter gets better and better! If someone had to take Glorfindel’s horse, I’m glad it was one of Aragorn’s ancestors! 🙂 It’s interesting to read about the time when Angmar was so powerful – I’ve not read stories set during that time.
NO! Poor Wilwarin, stolen! What is Glorfindel going to do now, he’s got a bunch of bad guys on his tail and a prince that might have his horse and he still has to get to Rivendell. Tall order, but I have confidence that you can pull him thru Meltintalle
very good chapter. good ending.the last line was brilliant.
Very nice – love to see Glorfindel so tough. I was wondering if this Red Captain was an original character or if he was from cannon. If he’s an OC you did a nice job with him! 🙂 Well, you did a nice job with him anyway but I was just curious.
Wonderful chapter! I meant to review the last one, but I wasn’t sure what exactly to say, and then before I was aware it slipped my mind. *blushes and shuffles her feet* Sorry about that. Anyway, this was brilliant! At least Wilwarin wasn’t technically stolen, just bought without asking. And Glorfindel’s declaration to the Red Captain at the end was nothing short of spectacular. Great chapter(s), and keep up the excellent work! -Ithiliel
OK, how did Glorfindel know about Aeglos??? He died in Gondolin in 510, Ereinion was born in 445 but wasn’t present at the Nirnaeth Arnoediad in 471, when Glorfindel set foot outside of the Hidden City to fight alongside his king, Turgon, and the High-King Fingon.
Based on your timeline, Gil-Galad is already dead. Unless… Glorfindel got to see one of Vairë’s tapestries in the Halls of Mandos. An embroidery depicting the last High-King’s fight against Sauron.
Aranarth must have a way with horses to have made friends with the temperamental Wilwarin. I didn’t see that coming. lol It showed a very honorable streak in the lad, leaving the silver pennies as well as paying for the room and board for Glorfy and his horse.
I was glad that Glorfy told the Red Captain who he really was, just before the a**hole died. How dare that creep call our hero a half-breed. Interesting how the Witch King taught his Captain a little bit of magic. As if he could beat our Glorfindel with parlor tricks like that. Hmmph.
Chapters 8 and 9 were excellent work. Good research on your part. Thumbs up!
*hugs* Patricia
Wow. You write so beautifully. I love this chapter. That was an amazing chapter, I love how you have Glorfindel singing about Gondolin. That captain-of-the-guard what’s-his-name is a real snake in the grass! To think that someone would accuse an elf of such indiscretions as I am sure that they would not even think of. Especially with a human girl! That good for nothing captain-of-the-guard. Hopefully Glorfindel got that prince out of a bit of trouble by slaughtering (some of) the people who were after him?
Please write more! I really enjoyed it so far and ill be checking back for more chapters. ~Eowyn
This is really awesome! I love stories about Glorfindel’s history!
Wow, I love it. The journey along the road was beautifully written. I still adore your style. I wonder what Arwen is running from? A life of tedium, no doubt. It’s funny that he’s come to Rivendell with so little fuss and no recognition (so far). I love what that adds to the story, it makes it interesting, adds a hint of anticipation. I love Erestor, he seems a little scatter-brained, but maybe we caught him on a bad day. So, now that he’s here, will he find Wilwarin again? or is she a lost cause? I hope not, she seemed like a rather nice animal, and it would be a shame not to see her again, or the prince, for that matter. I don’t think that Glorfindel should forgive him automatically for taking his horse, at least he should give him a bit of a hard time.
Oh, i SOOOOOOOOOOO Love this story! It is amazingly good! I must have the next chapter! Really i must or i shall go insane!!!!!
Please update soon! I cant wait!
This is maddening! Now we have to wait to figure out who is with him. Is it Elrond? Or maybe Arwen again? I don’t know whether to applaud you on a job well done or tear my hair out in fury because I can’t wait for the next chapter. Hurry!
This is a great story! I just found it recently, as I haven’t been on this website for a while, and I really like it. Please update very soon! I will be waiting!
I really enjoyed this chapter. Meeting Arwen, The Twins and Erestor is always a treat! 🙂 And the person in the doorway… I’m torn between thinking it is Elrond, the obvious choice and wondering if it might possibly be that boy, Aran. I’m not sure if that’s where he was headed. Anyway, a very nice chapter. Oh, I loved what he wrote on the headstone!
very good chapter. it is a very good plot, the twist was quite good. good cliffhanger.
Thank you for posting the eleventh chapter! I liked the part where he set straight who’s sword was who’s.
I love this chapter. Keep writing. Glorfindel is and awesome guy, and I love how unstuck-up he is with other elves. He is really cool. I also like his Squire. So stiff and pompous, in love with formality. I swear that I know someone just like him. Thank you for writing so well, it gives me something to look forward to every time I get on the computer. One of the first things I do when I get on the computer (other than check my email) is to go over CoE and see if Meltintalle has written another chapter of Glorfindel Returns yet. It makes me very happy.
I absolutely loved this chapter. I read it over again a couple of times. I like Soronmir’s reaction. Update soon!
Wonderful! Glorfindel is marvelous… he just takes everything in stride, whether battles or banquets. I’m happy for Soronim, being reunited with his lord after all those years. I do pity Erestor a little, though. This is great, keep it up!
I always wanted to know what Celebrian’s personality was like, now thanks to you, I have a good personality to go by!
You’ve done it again M! I give this chapter two thumbs up!
Very cool! Absolutely loved this chapter. He is so modest and unassuming… though I think many elves were (let’s not mention Feanor!) But anywell, nicely done!
Oh, i’m SO sad to see this story end. It was such a good one! I loved it so much!
Well, I guess this answers my questions. This is a wonderful story, very well-written, and I’m sad to see it end. Ah well, if there is a sequel forthcoming then I’ll live! *gives Meltintalle a standing ovation* You deserve it, mellon nin, for a wonderful story!
Very, very good. I love this story. I’m glad that you finished it (not that I ever doubted that you would), because unfinished stories are the bane of my existence. But, in the same breath, I’m sad to see it end. Will there be more about Glorfindel in the sequel? I hope so, even if it is only a passing reference. Once again I must say that your writing style is magnificent. You are clear and concise, but at the same time able to paint beautiful and poetic pictures with your words. You’re consistent in your style, you never fail to deliver. I got to know all of the characters in whole new ways. I can’t wait for the next story that you write.
Wow! I loved the part about when Wilwarren and Aranath came back and the tale about when Glorfindel spiced Maeglin’s wine! A great ending to a great story!
Great story! I love Glorfindel’s comback too!
Ah! it sounded like you had some experience with horses (i’ guessing you do considering you got a story published in horse and family). So tell me, just into horses, or do you ride?
I loved it! Your ending was very delightful and funny! But I must say there is still a part of me who is sad that it is over. *sob* Ah well, I’ll just wait for the next story.
Don’t ever stop writing. I want to see your name in lights someday!!
I apologize for not reviewing 10, 11 & 12 sooner, but I’ve been busy doing beta and research work in the Live Journal community. I know it’s not much of an excuse, but it’s the only one I have.
Now that you’ve completed the story I won’t go into details this time about everything that I liked in the last 3 chapters. You already know, I hope, that I have been enjoying this well written and nicely researched story from the very beginning.
The conclusion was excellent. Two thumbs up. I look forward to reading more of your work (I like your “Forgotten Heroes”). When you get ready to tackle “Defeating the Witch King”, let me know if you get bogged down.
*Hugs* Patricia
I loved the way you ended the story with Glorfindel getting the horse back and the scene with the Elrond and the prince. And then Glorfindel laughing with Erestor and Elrond. I really like the way you have written Erestor’s character as well – though we just caught a glimse of him but I liked what I saw. Many people don’t do a good job of capturing him the way I see him and you did. I really enjoyed this story and I appreciate you taking the time and effort to write it for my enjoyment. I look forward to the next story. 🙂
This was good! I liked it alot. (chuckles) and it was funny.
Wow. that story was very well written. I liked how you added humor to it while still keeping to the plot. Keep up the good work.