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| Deific Flame by Bejai | 3 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| perelleth | Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 2/1/2006 |
| Poor Amdir! Everyone's been dragged to a desperate situation none of them was looking for in the very place, but Amdir's lot looks very tragic. A loyal king to his people, to his allies and to "the child of his heart" It was powerful and moving, and so, so sad. It shows very clearly, too, the depth of responsiblity upon Oropher's shoulders in his desperate, impatient, charge, dragging along those who trusted him and who would not let him die alone, and leaving Gil-galad to either follow his father's mistake and drag the rest of his army to the same fate, or bearing the grudge of the silvan survivors for ever, yet saving the rest of his army for a definite assault, even if he knew that he would not survive. The weight of dooms and responsibility perfectly wrapped up in such short chapter. Congratulations. Of course, I am assuming that Gil-galad is Fingon's son...:-) but it made even more sense here...) And Celeborn being left behind was a nice loop. Apologies for the delay, you know how RL is... Author Reply: Thank, perelleth! (And no apologies necessary. I'm delighted to get a review whenever it comes). Amdir really wrote this chapter. It wasn't what I intended, but when I got thinking about it, the interplay between the roles that Oropher, Amdir, and Celeborn in this war really could have been a driving force between all that happened. I understand Gil-galad's choice, but can't help but wonder how things might have been different. Yes, my preferred interpretation is that Gil-galad is Fingon's son. Although I hadn't thought about how his decisions might have been affected by that fact until you pointed it out! Just goes to show that these characters have a life of their own, and get very insistent about how they're portrayed! So glad you enjoyed the chapter. More to come, as soon as I figure out how to wrap up the Last Alliance | |
| Redheredh | Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 1/29/2006 |
| Man, what a chapter... Amdir just pulls at the heart strings. He is the tragic character here. How can you not pity him helplessly loving - all his kin, his people, and his world. A peacemaker caught up in war. ...his body sinking as his soul snapped and drifted. Yet, he did not let go until he knew Amroth would live. His end drowned my own heart. Add to that - Oropher frustrated but forever courageous. Gil-galad absolutely determined despite his doom (or perhaps becaus of it!). Elrond torn though always loyal. Celeborn defeated at seemingly every turn yet still fighting. I personally enjoyed the opening very much. Celeborn ended up just where I thought he would and with the predictable results. The conversation with Valadil's mother was unexpectatly wonderful. But, Gil-galad carrying out his stratgy at all costs was almost chilling. Calandil coming on and bringing the impetus for the end-game was simply brilliant. Some might think you have shown Celeborn in too shining a light. But, really they just need to think about what you have explained here a little more and see things from a Sindar viewpoint. Which is a very easy thing for me to do. ;) 'Tis an incredibly credible conjecture of events. imho And it is in the way your write it down, creating the context, that it becomes possible to feel and better understand these events from Arda's history. What's that expression... it just doesn't get any better than this! Thank you for continuing this tale! Author Reply: Thanks, Redheredh. Writing Amdir's end was tough. I really do think he was a balancing force among these elven lords. You have the right of it: a peacemaker who can't escape war. Glad you approve of Celeborn's role. It helped me explain why he wasn't named as being at Dagorlad. He would have been involved, but this was the only way I could think of to reconcile canon with my perception of his character. I think Gil-galad made the right choice, but I wonder what might have been different if he had been there. Too shining a light. Heh. Well, he is my hero character ;) All these battles and wars do look different from an Sindar perspective. I'm sure they'd also look different from the Silvan point of view. It's been fun to explore. So glad you enjoyed the chapter! | |
| Bodkin | Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 1/29/2006 |
| Oh wow. Very distressing stuff - but handled beautifully. Oropher remains angry right up to the end - and reluctant to accept anyone else's wisdom. Amdir is torn between them all, and ultimately sacrificed by Oropher's charge. Celeborn must, in some ways, have been so frustrated to remain behind - and yet his role is essential (and gets out of him not having been named as present at Dagorlad). Two leaders lost already, Gil-galad fated not to return and, of course, countless other elves and men about to be slaughtered to be rewarded with an incomplete victory. "The Elves have ended every war we have ever fought in something less than victory," And Celeborn would know, wouldn't he, for he has been involved in most of them. Going to war knowing that you cannot succeed must require terrific strength of mind - I do feel sorry for Gil-galad. I hope he gets to be really, really happy when he returns in the Blessed Realm, because he has had as much of a bum deal as Elrond. Having to wait for the right moment as his allies are cut down. Not good. I'm not surprised the troops were restive. But he needs to wait for Sauron to come out himself or all will be lost. I'm so pleased to see more of this. But so sad - inevitable, but so, so sad! Author Reply: Thanks, Bodkin. Much of this chapter is trying to explain why Celeborn wasn't named at Dagorlad--surely he would have been involved! Having him behind the scene explained it for me. And in some way, I think it may also have contributed to Oropher's decisions. Writing Oropher has been nerve-wrecking for me; I do hope I got him right! Yeah, I agree with you about Gil-galad. In my head, he's reborn somewhere in Valinor, and lives happily ever after, the poor guy! So glad you enjoyed the chapter! | |