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| Golden Flower Blossoms by Redheredh | 3 Review(s) |
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| perelleth | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 2/6/2006 |
| Well, this is a quite toughtless review, since I do not have much time, but I couldn't resist reading.... and was worth it... Even if I cringe at the underlying sense of tightness, imprisionment, strict rules and prohibitions, which does not sit well with my vision of Aman, it is exquisitely wrapped up and makes a wonderful, interesting, perfectly crafted, multi-layered world with such a depth that makes the reader want far more information, and then more, and more, and more. Did you read Frank Herbert's Dune boooks? The two ladies hinting at shared knowledge, that unspoken pact of silence, the equal sense of practicity, the respect for a policy of secrecy yet the knowledge to bend its limits to fulfill the inner aims of their order, without being hindered by its rules is clearly, elegantly conveyed through this fluid flow, dance of words and silences, of words spoken and things left unsaid. Exquisite. And Glorfindel's misfortunes are well crafted and truly beliavable in your context. I began to believe for a minute that Rostaro was Glorfindel's son! That's intriguing! Celebrķan shows herself as a consistent character, a powerful, intelligent elleth, and a worth companion to Elrond. I wonder what would Elrond have thought had he ever heard these two ladies conversing... I'll try to snatch some time for the Epilogue later in the morning, but I really enjoyed this one. The opening description was wondrous, Redheredh. I'm amazed. Author Reply: Perelleth! You are more than thoughtful! I am so glad you liked this chapter! I am sorry for the mental stress I have inflicted on you by my messing with paradise. I probably would prefer your vision if it was myself in Aman. ;) But, thank you so much for stepping past that and looking at this story according to its own premise. And yes, I have read the first two Dune books and enjoyed them immensely. I am flattered that you would think of them when reading my story. Dune is the reason I have assiduously avoided using the term Reverend Mother. I am very happy that you enjoyed their conversation. Thank you! lol! Putting that idea about Rostaro into the reader's head was my goal. Celebrian just wasn't entirely sure. And if you noticed, Ulbanis did not say who gave Rostaro his name anyway. Often people say Galadriel would not choose a loser husband and I don't think Elrond would choose a loser wife especially after waiting so long. He is not someone who would have to settle. Somehow, I think Elrond would have liked the ladies' interaction just as he did when he joined them even though it was not exactly the subject he would have chosen. Thank you so much for taking the time and letting me know you liked it! You made my day! | |
| Ellie | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 2/4/2006 |
| Loved the exchange between the two women. It was wonderful to see them become fast friends. I hope Elrond ends coming and helping out there some time. I am confused as to Glorfindel's connection to Rostaro. Please clarify... Thanks for another wonderful chapter! Author Reply: Well, who knows how fateful this meeting is? *sigh* Like everyone else, you will just have to read the story as it unfolds. ;) Thank you for reviewing! | |
| Bodkin | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 2/4/2006 |
| I love Celebrian. She is a wise and experienced elf and knows all about making accommodation to unworkable rules. I enjoyed watching her follow her nose through the gently confusing grounds to sniff out the corn stash. And the unspoken conversation on said subject. The description of the slightly run-down appearance of a smallholding - things built for use and not eternal splendour, is excellent - Aman so often appears glossy and perfect, but not all elves are kings and not all places are palaces. I can just see this - As in the poorer parts of Tirion, the place had a neglected quaintness that came from worn-down things that were infrequently replaced. The Blessed Realm has a reality beneath its meditative peace and eternal tranquillity. The delicate approach to an exchange of information - I'm not surprised these two offer friendship to each other. They are so suited. And poor Elrond! How can he begin to know the level of the discussion, since so much is left unsaid. I like the description of him as being one with a shielded heart. How can he not be? He has lost so much so relentlessly. It will take him an age or two to open himself to any risk. And even then.... Ulbanis has had a long, long wait to discover the Glorfindel's fate. I wonder if there is an element of punishment in that! She's not supposed to develop any level of relationship with her clients. Almost two ages of worrying over him! And Celebrian's story of his arrival and their careful creation of a background for him so that he can go to Lindon and protect Elrond. Sent away for admiring Celebrian too much! Clever. And they are both seeking the name of a particular? That must be a disappointment to Celebrian! I like her further enquiries on Rostaro. More is clearly needed on the subject! And there are a few things Ulbanis could learn from Celebrian. And the Amille is Vanyar. Blonde, then. Author Reply: *g* I realized after writing this scene how much it made Ulbanis sound like a moonshiner or pothead. But, hers is the problem of those who brew home remedies in rural communities. They mean to alleviate life-threatening suffering, not provide recreation. Descretion and judgment are very important when handling such potent substances. Thank you! Still, simplicity is part of that meditative peace and eternal tranquiltiy, I think. A simpler life is available to anyone, whether a king in a palace or worker in the field. Every elf has the opportunity to enjoy the true rewards of life in Aman. If not the inclination. That is the allure of the forest live as well. "delicate"? What a interesting word to describe it! What if these were two crafty lords instead? I really feel that as ring-bearers Elrond and Galadriel had to develop stronger mental and emotional defenses. Elrond is burdened with being handed off between guardians as well. Then, he loses his brother, the closest and most trusted person in his life. You are right, he would have to become emotionally tough. This probably helps him as a healer - to have some detachment along with great compassion. What an emotional balancing act that has to be. What does it feel like to lose those who love you and have to learn to perform as well as ever, but without a net? Where do you find the courage? Time does ease emotional pain, I think. We learn that we can set it aside until another time. Which sadly does come, sometimes before we are prepared for it. I had not thought that the Valar were punishing Ulbanis for making a friend of Glorfindel! Thinking too much like her, I guess... But, just fate tearing people apart is a good reason for the rule in the first place. And, she does not learn her lesson and goes on to mother Rostaro. But, in his case, to a good outcome, we hope. "clever"? Thank you! ;) I am supposing that Celebrian knows all about Glorfindel's affairs and has an idea that someone of them was The One. I really think she assumed Ulbanis' role was maternal from the getgo. Rostaro stirred up her maternal instincts, too. But, any connections are still too vague, it seems, for either of them to want to upset things as they are. At least, at the moment. Heh! Yes, another one... Thank you so much for reviewing! I am very glad you find this entertaining. | |