Curufin was trying to keep his history short, as this was supposed to be Glorfindel's introduction to the train. But since the two of them had shared an era in Arda, it seemed appropriate to say what he had been doing for those many decades after his death, while Glorfindel was in the Halls of Mandos. But Curufin had missed most of the Second Age and all of the Third Age, and so he only knew the major events of these times second-hand. "Someone did tell me the history of the Ages I missed. I met some of my relatives in both the worlds I lived in, after I was transported out of Arda and into the first of those worlds. Galadriel and Maglor and Celebrimbor educated me about the Second and Third Ages. That's where my learning comes from. Those three were good professors." He smiled, despite the pain of thinking of his son.
"And as for Gil-galad, you are right, we are indeed close kin. When I looked upon him, I could clearly see the kinship. . . and yes, I felt protective. He was young, bold, powerful, and honorable, but you and I know that's not always a guarantee of safety! And I wonder, if he never named names, maybe he still suspected it was me. He might have caught a glimpse of me, even though I was trying to stay hidden and not to project my own image into anybody's mind. If he did, I'm fairly easy to identify, since I look so much like my father. Besides, some of the refugees I escorted across the Blue Mountains actually guessed who I was, and they might have mentioned it to the Ossiriandic Elves, and the rumor might have spread. Perhaps that's why I'm now the most likely suspect? Or have you got another reason?"
"If the Valar knew of your part in the defense of Gondolin and the escape of the survivors, then it is well they recognized your valor and your virtue and took steps to make sure you returned to Middle-earth. But tell me, if you will, what did you do after you returned? I am eager to hear your tale! Did it have something to do with the Hobbits?"
He smiled. "Team Purple took on a very dangerous task in that last mission. And if it wasn't the equivalent of tackling a Balrog, then it was close enough! I wonder if the train entity is aware to some extent of our histories, and if it puts newcomers on the team it thinks will most benefit from our skills and experiences. If so, maybe that's why you're on Purple Team. As for Orange, in the last two missions, we've been given assignments that require technical skills. We spent a great deal of time repairing damaged devices upon which the inhabitants of the world we were sent to protect relied heavily. We fought, too, but the repairs were essential."
"I'm very pleased that you are here, and that you will see this experience as valuable. And, Glorfindel. . . I am grateful that you see me as a friend, and that you recognize that I am a different person than I was in the days of the Kinslayings." He grinned brightly and warmly. "And I'll do my best to spread the word: Glorfindel is here! We are all lucky to have you."
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"And as for Gil-galad, you are right, we are indeed close kin. When I looked upon him, I could clearly see the kinship. . . and yes, I felt protective. He was young, bold, powerful, and honorable, but you and I know that's not always a guarantee of safety! And I wonder, if he never named names, maybe he still suspected it was me. He might have caught a glimpse of me, even though I was trying to stay hidden and not to project my own image into anybody's mind. If he did, I'm fairly easy to identify, since I look so much like my father. Besides, some of the refugees I escorted across the Blue Mountains actually guessed who I was, and they might have mentioned it to the Ossiriandic Elves, and the rumor might have spread. Perhaps that's why I'm now the most likely suspect? Or have you got another reason?"
"If the Valar knew of your part in the defense of Gondolin and the escape of the survivors, then it is well they recognized your valor and your virtue and took steps to make sure you returned to Middle-earth. But tell me, if you will, what did you do after you returned? I am eager to hear your tale! Did it have something to do with the Hobbits?"
He smiled. "Team Purple took on a very dangerous task in that last mission. And if it wasn't the equivalent of tackling a Balrog, then it was close enough! I wonder if the train entity is aware to some extent of our histories, and if it puts newcomers on the team it thinks will most benefit from our skills and experiences. If so, maybe that's why you're on Purple Team. As for Orange, in the last two missions, we've been given assignments that require technical skills. We spent a great deal of time repairing damaged devices upon which the inhabitants of the world we were sent to protect relied heavily. We fought, too, but the repairs were essential."
"I'm very pleased that you are here, and that you will see this experience as valuable. And, Glorfindel. . . I am grateful that you see me as a friend, and that you recognize that I am a different person than I was in the days of the Kinslayings." He grinned brightly and warmly. "And I'll do my best to spread the word: Glorfindel is here! We are all lucky to have you."