The usual disclaimer of I don't own Middle-Earth just my characters.

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A/N: I apologize if the first part of this chapter is rather boring, but I did not quite feel like doing a time skip. Otherwise, just check the bottom now on, for my comments. Please review, tell me your thoughts, especially on what can improve!

** anything in italics is in English

'' is thoughts

"The journey changes you - it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you… Hopefully, you leave something good behind." — Anthony Bourdain

Chapter 12 \\ 316 of the First Age \\ Pass of Aglon

Gaelanor stumbled out of the forest after Aredhel, finally leaving the dark forest behind. The fog had lifted a while ago, but along the way they had met a couple of spiders and other strange creatures. They had stopped only for a brief time during their journey for Aredhel, following the directions of Gaelanor tended to Gaelanor's wounds. They had washed it with a little of their water to help clean up the wounds, but their water had been precious. Gaelanor had a cuts across her forehead and cheek. The shirt of luinril mail had thankfully protected Gaelanor's arms and chest, but her right thigh had been unlucky. Gaelanor had sewed it up and bound it, but it was a bitch to walk on but they had to push on, for the forest was not safe to linger in.

Gaelanor drew a deep breath as she stared back at the forest. It was over, they were free. She winced as she shifted her weight, the wound on her leg bothering her a great deal. Aredhel grabbed Gaelanor's hand and practically dragged her up the hill. Gaelanor muttered curses under her breath in English, wishing she could rest. Resting in the sight of Nan Dungortheb was not a good idea. Aredhel let Gaelanor's hand go and Gaelanor followed Aredhel, exhaustion finally creeping up on Gaelanor. They had not slept in three days. Gaelanor wondered how Aredhel seemed to have such a boundless energy.

"Aredhel, I need to sleep," Gaelanor spoke quietly as they marched onwards.

"I do too, but we must leave this forest behind," Aredhel said, her voice full of command. Gaelanor sighed at this and ran her hand through her hair. It was disgusting and not even the grace of elves could save her from matted blood when she had hit her head on a rock, the mud, or the green goo that had come out of the spiders. Gaelanor had not stopped to washed it, remembering Glorfindel's warning about the water driving people to madness and hallucinations. She dared not risk it.

'I wonder if he is alive, I wonder if he is okay. I have not felt him die, there is that much hope,' Gaelanor thought, glancing back at the forest.

"Come on Gaelanor! Hurry up! It is already sunset!"

"Yes well, you are not the one injured," grumbled Gaelanor. They continued on in silence after this. Gaelanor offered silent prayers to Varda and Manwë that they would not run into any trouble. Gaelanor's strength was running out, slowly but surely and she was already weakened by her injury to her leg.

"We head east, then north Gaelanor!" Aredhel called out from in front of her. Gaelanor glanced up at the stars to make sure they were heading east and sure enough they were. She knew Aredhel was not stupid, but she was worn out by Aredhel's boldness. As much as Gaelanor could admire such tenacity she wish it was not so, she of been in Hithlum now, or heading back by Glorfindel's side. Now she was so far from Glorfindel and wondered how she could ever get back to Gondolin.

They stopped at sunrise, drinking the last of the water and having a bite of lembas. (1) Gaelanor was never more thankful for lembas and it's ability to fill up the stomach. She desperately wanted just a few hours of sleep but from Aredhel's determined expression, they were not going to get it. At this moment Gaelanor was never more grateful for the elvish constitution. Aredhel helped Gaelanor sew up the stitches that came undone. They re-changed the bandages before Aredhel ordered Gaelanor to 'hurry up.' They ran for a time, before walking, then ran again. They stopped at mid-day and stopped at a river. They took turns sleeping for a couple of hours, by then it was night time.

"We just need to follow this river, North, right? This is the river Aros."

"Yes and by following it, we should come close to the mountains and the Pass of Aglon. Then we can get help for that leg of yours," Aredhel sighed. Gaelanor could only nod as they hurried on. Her leg was really beginning to bother her, considering the rudimentary treatment they had been able to give it on top of not being able to rest. Gaelanor hope that there would be no infection setting in. At least if they reached the fortress of Himring, Gaelanor could get medical help. They pushed onwards and finally at dawn they reached the encampment of elves at the Pass of Aglon. (2)

"Aiya!" They yelled together as they approached.

"Aiya! Who are you," demanded an ellon of dark hair and dark eyes.

"I am Aredhel, sister of Turgon, daughter of Fingolflin, son of Finwë. This is Gaelanor Losglóriol, wife of Glorfindel, son of Irimë, son of Finwë." (3)

"I am Mornamath, acting commander while Celegorm and Curufin are not here."

"Mornamath, Gaelanor needs medical treatment, please. Her leg is injured and she has cuts on her head. I will tell you our tale, but first, Gaelanor needs treatment." Mornamath called an ellon over and had him bring her over to a Healer's tent.

"Go sit on the bed, I will look for one of the healers," the ellon ordered. Gaelanor nodded her head and slipped into the tent and saw down, hissing. Gaelanor wondered how poor of a site she was, not having bathed in several days, covered in spider good, blood matted in her hair, clothes torn. Gaelanor dropped her pack on the floor and rested her head in her hands.

'This has all gone so wrong,' she thought. The flap opened and a female stepped in and offered her a smile.

"Aiya! So you are the injured female. I have been told your name is Gaelanor. I am Sairaeth," Sairaeth greeted pleasantly.

"Hello Sairaeth. My head is injured and so is my leg. I tried to sew it up, but do our travels, it has already opened again I fear." Sairaeth nodded her head at this taking a no-nonsense approach, motioning for Gaelanor to get naked for an inspection for other injuries. Gaelanor slipped off her clothing, her mail and the other smaller pieces of armor and her weapons, Sairaeth stared at her mouth opened wide.

"Uh...why are you staring at me like that?"

"Your armor and weapons, they are so beautiful. They shine brightly and shimmer with a color I have never seen before."

"Glorfindel had the armor made for me and my sword, Túranixë, mate to his sword Nixelos. Glorfindel had the bow made by Lord Egalmoth, as he has some of the best archers in his house. My brother, Maxehtë he made the twin knives and the two daggers. The shirt of mail is made of luinril, a previous metal back home, it is light and flexible. Maxehtë is making me a spear when I get home," Gaelanor explain as she took each weapon off and arranging them with great care.

"You are speaking of the Lord Glorfindel Losglóriol?"

"It seems my husband is a very famous ellon," Gaelanor said as she slipped the last of her clothing off. Sairaeth begin to inspect Gaelanor's leg after unwrapping it, tutting to herself.

"All of the house of Finwë are famous, my lady," Sairaeth said respectfully.

"Call me Gaelanor Sairaeth, I have always been loathe to use formalities of court," Gaelanor said waving her hand.

"I will need to re-sew this wound up Gaelanor. These stitches are mighty fine, but they have ripped, what looks like a second time," Sairaeth said.

"I figured as much. I tried to sew it up again once Aredhel and I finally left Nan Dungortheb." Sairaeth gasped when Gaelanor mentioned the Valley of Dreadful Death. Sairaeth begin to apply a gel that instantly numbed Gaelanor's leg. Gaelanor sighed with the relief that it brought her.

"You were in Nan Dungortheb!"

"I hope you never go through Nan Dungortheb Sairaeth, it is a terrible place, filled with the spawn of giant spiders and terrible creatures. The forest is so dark you slowly begin to hallucinate. I feared we would never make it out of there. I do not wish to speak of it anymore," Gaelanor said with a sigh. Sairaeth pressed a finger against Gaelanor's leg.

"Do you feel that?"

"No."

"Good. I am going to sew up your leg and then look at your head. Do you have any clean clothes?" Sairaeth inquired as she took out needle and thread.

"Yes in my pack."

"Okay. I am going to sew up your leg now." Gaelanor sat quietly as Sairaeth did that. Sairaeth then applied a salve and wrapped up Gaelanor's leg. She then inspected Gaelanor's head and applied the same salve and re-bandaged Gaelanor's head. Sairaeth brought over a cold liquid in a cup.

"This will ease the pain. I would suggest you stay here for a couple of days and try not to move around to much on that leg. You can change now," Sairaeth said.

"Thank you Sairaeth. Is there any way I can get these clothes washed?"

"Yes, I shall have it done. Rest well, I will be back later check up on you." Gaelanor said her thanks and changed into extra set of clothing she had packed. Tomorrow, she would repair her old clothes she promised herself as she drifted into sleep.

\\

Gaelanor found herself upon the seashore again. She smiled and dashed right into the ocean, laughing. She had never done this in the previous dreams. The water was warm and it relaxed her as she played in it. She briefly remembered in a bygone time of playing in the Caribbean. Gaelanor missed the ocean a great deal. Gaelanor glanced up as she heard her name being called. She looked at the shore and found Varda standing there. Gaelanor walked back to the shore.

"Hello Gaelanor," Varda said.

"I do not mean to be rude, but why do you call upon me in dreams? I am not so important," Gaelanor said.

"Everyone is important Gaelanor, even to the last ant and leaf, for everyone has a part to play," Varda said to her.

"Did I something wrong? Is that why I am here?"

"No, you did nothing wrong. I wish I could shield you from pain Gaelanor as if you were my own child. I wish you would return back to Valinor, to dwell here with the other Eldar and your kin," Varda said. Gaelanor looked upon Varda confused.

"Kin?"

"You have kin here in Valinor, as they did not sail to Middle-Earth."

"I think you are just trying to get me back to Valinor."

"A great darkness is upon Middle-Earth, I see the troubles that the Firstborn face and I fear for you. A great wrong has been done to you."

"Aye, that may be, but you fear for all others as well."

"There is nothing we can do to stop the Doom of Mandos, the Firstborn bring upon their own fate," Varda spoke softly. She gave her a small smile and Gaelanor felt sheepish for questioning a Valar, such a powerful being.

"Remember when you are feeling unsure, lost, and afraid, do not avoid it. Take a breath and remember you will be okay, even if you do not feel fine at the time. Great things can happen by confronting what scares you the most. Forgive yourself for not being at peace, but remember Gaelanor, all endings are also beginnings," Varda spoke again.

"Are all the Valar so cryptic?"

"We are, we see much, and even though we are closer to Eru than others, it does not mean we know and understand his will at times."

"May I ask a question?"

"You may."

"I have kin in Valinor, who are they? Why was I born on Earth and not here in Middle-Earth?"

"Your mother is Laurëalassë and your father is Arioloron, that much I shall say. It is up to you remember all the details. Gaelanor, the world seems darker when a light that has shone has gone out. Yet all life must go on, like the waves, forever crashing against the shore. Forever the waves shall crash upon the shore, without care of the rocks, the turtles that seek to return, or even as we walk. That is the ocean, forever waving even without us to see it," Varda said. Varda gave Gaelanor a cryptic smile and put Gaelanor's hands together. (4)

"You already know this, but never give up Gaelanor. No matter how the darkness descends upon the world, never give up the hope. Let your hope be a bright start that illuminates the world and inspires others where they would give up," Varda said and she kissed Gaelanor's forehead.

"You always leave me with such questions," Gaelanor muttered. Varda laughed at this and the dream swirled around before fading and turning into stars in the inky sky and the sound of crashing waves and seagulls.

"Wake up Gaelanor," a voice called beyond. Gaelanor's eyes opened then and she saw Aredhel leaning over her. Aredhel smiled then.

"Good you are awake. I have talked to Mornamath and he will take care of everything for you. Just ask. I am going to go out for a ride Gaelanor. I will be back later," Aredhel said. Gaelanor sighed and nodded, Aredhel left the tent and Sairaeth entered bringing along food.

"We do not have any fruits here, the Pass of Aglon is rather cold, but I bet it is better than lembas," Sairaeth said.

"It is, thank you," Gaelanor said taking the tray of food.

"I have been asked by Mornamath to tell you to not wonder to far from the camp. This place is dangerous and often fights with yrch break out. I will be back in a bit," Sairaeth said.

'I wonder if I should join the fighting. I feel like I promised not to risk my life needlessly. Would they allow me to fight with them? Should I even fight? Would I be welcome as a healer?' Gaelanor sighed as she began to turn herself around in circles.

"Gaelanor, would you like a bath?" Sairaeth asked as she walked in.

"Yes please! I would be most grateful!" Despite the cold bath Gaelanor enjoyed herself. She repaired her clothing afterward. Sairaeth told Gaelanor that the commanders of the camp, Celegorm and Curufin, the sons of Fëanor were currently out. They pleasantly chatted and Sairaeth informed Gaelanor all about life in the camp. Most of the yrch fights were small, but there were occasionally injuries that kept the healers busy. The camp was well fortified and Sairaeth had never been close to the fighting and she hoped she would never see the day she had to use a sword, even if she was trained to. Gaelanor fell into an easy camaraderie with Sairaeth and the elves of the camp. Gaelanor never spotted Aredhel again in the following days. Gaelanor spoke to Sairaeth then, asking if she could speak to Mornamath.

"Sairaeth told me you wanted to speak to me?" Mornamath said as he entered the tent.

"Do you know where Aredhel has gone? I know you are not her keeper, but I have not seen her around."

"Aredhel went for a ride and never came back. She said not to worry, so I have not," Mornamath said.

"Thank you. I have one more question for you. Is there any way I can fight with you? I hate feeling useless here. I have my own weapons and gear," Gaelanor inquired.

"I can see what I can do for now, but when Celegorm and Curufin come back, it will be up to them."

"That is fine," Gaelanor agreed.

Mornamath found Gaelanor a position among the guards watching out for yrch raids. Gaelanor settled into a routine, wondering if Aredhel would ever come back here though knowing it was probably unlikely. She would wake before dawn for her watch and in the afternoon she would spar. This went on for a time, before a yrch raid showed up trying to clear the Pass of Aglon, but the army held it back. This first made Gaelanor react very emotional afterward, her first fight again yrch, without being at Glorfindel's side. She had thrown up again, but brushed it aside. The yrch had to die or she would die and this fact settled hard upon Gaelanor. The next yrch raids went easier and she bonded with the elven army moreso after this.

It was after six months that Celegorm and Curufin came back. They were walking with Mornamath while he informed them of the events of the six months when they spotted Gaelanor. She was in the sparring ring, fighting one of the ellon as others watched on. Her golden hair was distinctive as no Noldor had golden hair. The two sons of Fëanor glanced at each other and paled.

"Who is that?" Celegorm asked Mornamath.

"That is Gaelanor Losglóriol. She arrived with Aredhel, but Aredhel has left. Gaelanor has stayed on, taking on guard duty. A couple of times she has helped with the healers as well," Mornamath answered.

"Well she seems to have decent fighting skill," Curufin murmured.

"Aye, those techniques, they are definitely Glorfindel's style. It would not surprise me if Glorfindel is the one who trained her. However there are techniques in there that I cannot quite place where they come from," Celegorm answered watching Gaelanor. Gaelanor finally disarmed the ellon and they both shared a laugh as called out "I yield."

"She is pretty," Curufin commented.

"She is clearly taken, all the pretty ones are taken," Celegorm said.

"Gaelanor! Over here!" Mornamath called. Gaelanor put her sword back in the scabbard and walked over to Mornamath. She looked on curiously at the ellyn in front of her.

"Hello," greeted Gaelanor as she drew close.

"Gaelanor, this Celegorm and Curufin Fëanorion (5) and leaders of this camp," Mornamath introduced.

"It is nice to meet you," Gaelanor said studying them. Gaelanor felt an instantaneous distrust for these two and a burning bile in the back of her throat. She wanted to scream, to shout out, 'get away from me.' Gaelanor ignored the internal dialogue and alarm as she put on a smile.

"It is a pleasure to meet you as well Gaelanor. May in inquire who are your parents? Your golden hair is distinctive and only the vanyar have them, except for our half-siblings, whose mother Indis is one of the vanyar," Celegorm asked.

"My mother is Laurëalassë and my father is Arioloron," Gaelanor said, recalling what Varda had told her. Gaelanor looked startled as the two ellyn paled.

"Are you fine? Should I ask the healers to look at you?" Gaelanor asked worriedly.

"No, no we are fine. We are just surprised after all, it is a pleasure to meet someone of such noble heritage. Mornamath, she may continue to do guard as she has a fine set of skills. Celegorm and I wish to retire," Curufin finished quickly. He kissed Gaelanor's hand and Celegorm and Curufin quickly retreated. Gaelanor looked upon them confused and torn between wanting to scrub her hand fiercely.

"What was that all about?" Gaelanor asked.

"I have no idea. They must know your parents."

"I figured as much. Do you know who they are?" Mornamath gave Gaelanor a strange look at this question.

"No I am sorry. How about you tell me about them?"

"I would if I could Mornamath," Gaelanor said and gave Mornamath a haunted look. She walked off then, feeling like her foot steps haunted. Her heart pounded in her chest and she felt the rush of adrenaline, a coursing of the feelings of fear arising her. She sought the tent that she shared with Sairaeth and laid down trembling. She drew up the blankets around her wondering where her fear was coming from. Curufin's comment she is pretty rang through her head.

"She is pretty," Gaelanor muttered. Gaelanor felt like a landslide had hit her and her mind and memory tumbled into a black pit. Her sense of self completely shattered.

Notes \\

1 - lembas – For all purposes I am just going to pretend Gondolin people know how to make lembas, I could be (and probably) wrong. But shh.

2 – I have been estimating on the travel time using maps and what in last chapter I noted. Check the tumblr link (on my profile) for the link to it, via "A Note"

3 – I would think that Aredhel would state her kin as way of letting everyone know who she is, but also I think this was a more traditional greeting in Middle-Earth. I am _ son/daughter of _. Also a reminder of how important she is.

4 – Gaelanor's story is going to be unfolded in the next chapter. Please see below about it. It discusses Gaelanor's abilities, and her being 'equal' to Glorfindel.

5 – yondo/ion means son of when you attach to a name. Haedrin, Glorfindel's son would then be Haedrin Glorfindelion, though he could also be Haedrin Gaelanorion as well. Gaelamir would be Gaelamir Glorfindeliel or (add yelde instead of iel).

My Comments Upon Gaelanor: (due to epic note via chapter 12 which has yet to be released)

Basically an essay due to annoyance. Basically.

My biggest challenge while trying to write Gaelanor is addressing her abilities and balancing her out. Now remember, my goal has been attempting to never outshine the characters in canon or take their places. Glorfindel still recuses Frodo, Galadriel is still amazing and has Nenya, Elrond is a great fighter and powerful healer and saves Frodo.

On personality:

I want her to be Glorfindel's equal, because in my mind, I do not think Glorfindel would marry someone who would be less kind or less courageous, at least personality wise. I think Glorfindel is one of the greatest characters (I am pretty biased mind you), with such an amazing personality. It is said that when he fights the Balrog in defense of Tuor he, Glorfindel, would have defended them even had they been fugitives of any rank. Considering Gondolin absolutely adored Glorfindel and it seemed, in reality, all of the Noldor does as well because it is said in The Book of Lost Tales, Part Two, The Fall of Gondolin: Still do the Eldar say when they see good fighting at great odds of power against a fury of evil: "Alas! 'Tis Glorfindel and the Balrog," and their hearts are still sore for that fair one of the Noldoli. Because of their love, despite the haste and their fear of the advent of new foes, Tuor let raise a great stone-cairn over Glorfindel just there beyond the perilous way by the precipice of Eagle-stream, and Thorndor has not let not yet any harm come thereto, but yellow flowers have fared thither and blow ever now about that mound in those unkindly places; but the folk of the Golden Flower wept at its building and might not dry their tears." To me this shows that Glorfindel has such great character and was well loved. It's why in my eyes, Glorfindel would love someone who could be as great as he is, someone capable of that kindness, that courage to face down a balrog, to have such great love in their hearts.

Now onwards towards abilities (in which I greatly discuss Glorfindel):

Not only that, but Glorfindel's actions are so incredibly noble that he is re-embodied after a very short amount of time (which is unheard of for the elves). Not only that, but it seems his noble sacrifice earned him such powers that he was as powerful as a Maia (The Last Writings: Glorfindel 1 & 2). Glorfindel then dwells for a time in Valinor and he becomes a friend to Olorin (later known as Gandalf). So Glorfindel's time to come back was never stated, but sometime after 1200, and he is an emissary for the Valar. He's that amazing that the Valar said him as an emissary (and probably with the Blue Wizards, but seriously, no other elf has that title in canon it seems). So before Glorfindel was re-embodied he was a lot less powerful, meaning, obviously, he went from like L50 to like L85 (with Valar being L100 and most maiar at probably L70-95). I'm kind of joking about the levels, but that is how I view it, sort of.

One of the most important parts that helped me decide with the story, is something Gandalf says: "Indeed there is a power in Rivendell to withstand the might of Mordor, for a while: and elsewhere other powers still dwell." What this tells me (other than that it is directed about Glorfindel and most likely Galadriel AND TOM BOMBADIL I ALMOST FORGOT HIM), is there a capability for incredibly strong characters, they just kind of get side-eyed. Now Glorfindel is super powerful, as Gandalf mentions, he could, probably with Elrond, could hold of Mordor for a time.

However, despite the badassness of Glorfindel and even of Elrond, they do not go with the Fellowship. Tolkien writes originally he thought about Glorfindel going with the Fellowship. But I mean, if Glorfindel went, with Gandalf, "Stand aside, I got his." But even if he did not and Gandalf died, Aragorn would not have taken control of the Fellowship. Glorfindel is an ancient fart and Aragorn is just a speck of dust in his eye. Glorfindel, in my eyes, and possibly Tolkien's eyes, would have just been to badass, which got me thinking.

This is a key thought guys, bare with me. I often say, "just because you can, does not mean you should, and just because you should does not mean you can or will." Let me give an example, the Gods. The Gods are supposedly all powerful and they can move the boulders out of our way. Yet if they do, what does that mean for us? The work is meant to be done by us, by our hands, and by walking on our feet. When we are born, we know nothing, our parents have to feed us and clothe us and we do not get much choice. However, as we grow older, we begin to feed for ourselves, cook for ourselves, clothe ourselves, travel on our own, learn to manage our money, get a job, and start buying goods for ourselves. We start from a journey where we can do absolutely nothing for ourselves into full on responsible adults, but along the way we often make a lot of blunders. So why don't the elves do all the hard work? Elrond puts it perfectly: The time of the elves is over, my people are leaving these shores. The elves were at their height in the First Age and it waned in the second, thus the Last Alliance of Men & Elves. But where is Glorfindel in all of this? As I mentioned he comes back from Valinor, but he does not play a super active role, other than probably advising Gil-Galad and Elrond and controling the elvish forces at the Battle of Fornost via Third Age 1409. Though we see him again with rescuing Frodo and then at the Council of Elrond.

Truth is, powerful characters, is the end-game content. Ever play an mmo and you are running with a character so high above you, that you get like only 1exp? To me, that is what Glorfindel has become, or even any of the elves (despite their strength has waned and they are leaving Middle-Earth behind). Just like our parents cannot hold our hands forever, the same applies for the Old Ancient Wise Ones. If they did all the heavy lifting, we get nothing out of it and certainly they do not, except either annoyance, boredom, or amusement. Eventually the torch is passed from the old generation to the new generation. The heroics of the elves end, but now it is time for the new generations to step up and take up the torch.

So what am I saying?

I am trying to take Gaelanor (a reborn elf) from someone who thinks like a human, to doubts their self-worth, and step by step let them grow into themselves. Gaelanor is American originally and I do not know about you, but considering she is like my friends age as well as mine, she is like lot us. Gaelanor does not think she is beautiful, she does not really love herself, and has a great deal of issues with self-esteem. Eventually I could expand upon this in the fanfiction a lot more (I did do a lot of time skips).

Now Gaelanor is reborn and thus this affects the story. This fanfiction is still about Gaelanor's journey, from arriving to Middle-Earth, to falling in love, to growing up, to awakening to her memories of her past, overcoming her fears, but also become an incredibly powerful figure, much like Glorfindel. Like Glorfindel, or even more so than him, Gaelanor does not lead armies into battle, she is a supporting character. Gaelanor is meant to bring hope and inspire. She is not meant to take the places or the actions of any those in canon, whose destinies are to be fulfilled. This however leaves a lot of room for my character to become strong, still be courageous and not take the place of the others.

So yes, Gaelanor, being reborn, plays a huge part in the story. But also, the comment I originally made in one of the chapters, about Glorfindel "You fight almost as well as I do," well of course she does. She is a reborn elf and even if she does not remember it at the time, she has close to 3,000 years of life before she is slain. She has a natural talent for fighting because of this. So break down of Gaelanor's age:

Pre-Gondolin: Somewhere close to 3,000 years of age

End of First Age: 3,500? ish?

End of Second Age (3441 years): close to 7,000 years of age

End of Third Age: Between 9,000 - 10,000

This means, holy hell, Gaelanor has thousands, upon thousands of years of experience between real battles, sparring, and even healing and tending to others. So yes, she is going to be great, but that is because years upon years of experience.

In conclusion:

I do not think there is anything wrong with over powered characters, but the reality of it, is that they should be held back. Really strong characters are the ones who help save the day in a supporting manner, with their strength they keep the story going, without Elrond's help Frodo would have died. The overpowered characters can protect the characters that are weaker for a time. In Eragon, Brom was not overpowered per se, but he died for Eragon to step up.

The really strong characters are meant to step aside, for the other characters to grow into their own (which for Aragorn stepping into leadership would not likely have happened if Glorfindel went along). It is why it has always bothered me that a 'girl' shows up, months before the Council of Elrond, or just before and quickly manages to learn how to fight. Even if one has a natural fighting ability, that does not make you a top dog. I am a natural at martial arts, but despite the almost two years of practice, I was no where near as good as my Sensei, who had been doing for like I guess, 30 some plus years? Probably more. The only excuse Gaelanor has of fighting almost as well as Glorfindel is, her body knows what to do on an unconscious level because of her fea, her spirit (which for elves exact more control over their hroa/body than man) knows how to fight.

Got it?