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Ripe for Change by Bodkin	9 Review(s)
Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 3/17/2006
I rejoice that Orome himself has led them home. They aren't yet certain what home is, but they do learn. Wonderful, Bodkin! Author Reply: Thank you, Larner. I think Celeborn was astonished and not altogether delighted to have Orome turn up here - but Bordain has stars in his eyes. They are all on the point of finding the forest they sought through all the long years.

elliska	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 3/17/2006
‘Is is not ironic,’ Glorfindel shook his head in mock disbelief, ‘that after whole ages of fighting the call to take ship, you should be pulled now to journey as far west as you can.’ I loved this line when I read it at the beginning of the chapter. I loved it even more when I got to the end of the chapter and saw what it was setting up/framing. But before I get ahead of the story, I enjoyed everyone's views on all the political and social aspects of the move. You know I love that sort of thing and there is so much for everyone to consider in something like this. Why is nothing to do with elves ever simple? LOL! Thranduil had told them that, with every league they travelled further west, the trees grew in immensity until it was as if a city of elves could be supported by each one – but he had not believed it. Oropher’s son had been just an elfling when Doriath fell: to him the Hírilorn was but a legend – he was used to the lesser trees of later ages. But it was true – and Celeborn found himself absorbed in silent admiration of the forest around him. I love this line. I thought it did a really great job of communicating the power of the forest. And I admit, you really had me worrying/wondering what could be going on with the call that Celeborn and the others felt to go West. Later, when Orome showed up, I was so surprised. That was just perfect! I absolutely love the idea that these elves are going to 'the place that was made for them.' And I loved the mark on the horse's shoulder and the mellyrn seeds. Galadriel and Celeborn's closing conversation was wonderful. Great chapter. You really surprised me with this. I loved it. Author Reply: I do find that, as you start thinking about the logistics of carrying out any act - other, perhaps, than warrior riding off to face orc patrol - you get enmeshed in how complicated it must be to organise anything in a world where you have forever to do it. It's bad enough for mortals! Bring together political and social implications - and moral justice - and population expansion - and factor in the will of the Powers, and it's all a giant bouillabaisse. This is one very powerful forest - anything that can make Celeborn take a step back must be special. The call to go West - maybe it just needed the right people at the right time, or maybe it just needed the right Vala to notice (I don't think the passage of time can mean anything much to the Valar. Great Journey to 500 or so years into the Fourth Age - it's nothing to them.) I don't think Orome has any real intention of hanging around to be admired, but he just wants to finish what he started. This story has been going about a year now - and it is turning out rather different to the way it started. I've tried re-reading the whole thing to see if it gels, and concluded that it probably doesn't altogether. But if I want to finish it - and I do - I've got to go with the current thread. Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed it!

Redheredh	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 3/16/2006
What a wonderful opening... It was beautiful. Indeed! I love your descriptions of the forest and of Orome in this chapter! I too felt the awe! Glorfindel, the Home-builder! Yet, another name to tuck into his resume. ;) I like that you supposed the weather might be much milder here than back in Rivendell. His and Bordain’s conversation was hilariously sublime and very informative. I like the mention of Haldir and those like him, those followers not necessarily caught up with longing in the same way as were Bordain and Celeborn. Not then anyway... This mystical call thing... and it being felt mostly by the ellyn... rather like when a big sports event is coming up and the wives are not feeling quite the same draw to the television or, in this case, the stadium. ;) Bordain represents his kind very well, I think. The kind of elf that would prefer the hunting horn to the lury Ulumuri. But, Bordain had been present at the beginning and end of the Journey. That idea in itself is fascinating. And now, I wonder what it truly was that let the Nandor turn aside. Did whatever this is suddenly stop calling to them or has a Vala purposely intensified the original effect, at this point in time, because the right people(the right leaders/caretakers) have finally arrived? One might think that from previous chapters. The wives make a good showing this chapter as well and are nicely managing any slacking off by their mesmerized male-folk. Loved Logael’s reunion with her family and how differently she and Galadriel were effected by Orome. Yay! for the restorative powers of a cup of tea. The twins rock the ship of state so confidently. Strategic planning for a future government is not for the faint-hearted. They are being rather bold in their speculations, although they will most likely prove to be correct. That was a welcomed look at why a ‘long-lived’ society needs expansion when the only other real solution is stabilizing the population. Will they run out of space before the End? But, then there is always outer space! :D But, the Huntsman showing up was so grand! Those three going out into the night to find who-knew-what was very exciting! And your description of the forest and Orome and his effect on Bordain and Losgael and the Ride and the mark on Lumbren - outstanding! It engendered the proper awe for the rustic Vala. And Tauron had to take Bordain and no other on a wild ride! Who better to appreciate and enjoy the favor! This was like a trophy being handed over to the representative of the ones who finally made it to the place prepared for them. Laerwen may not have been draw there perhaps because she was female, but also because – even with all her power – she was not among those Orome first discovered. The ones the Valar originally tried to save from danger. But then, why did this place await Bordain and those of his kind until now? You have created an interesting mystery for us. The mallorn nuts... now that was intriguing. Galadriel would know all about growing this particular plant. Did Orome get the seeds for or from their destination? The question of who is really in charge is also intriguing. I am reminded of what you have said about Laerwen and Thranduil (as well as Galadriel and Celeborn) that their relationship works because they are a she and a he. Well, you now have two powerful ellyn working well in partnership because they possess different strengths and both are in charge, so to speak. Bordain just might be of the mind that leadership, which includes taking responsibility for the lives and happiness of others, requires an ability he himself lacks. After all, he seems to be unwed and without children, and until now a horse - in a land where all these things could easily have been his. He is undergoning a process that could lead him onto kingship just as it did Elwe. Ai, I have rambled on too much! But, I have enjoyed this chapter soo much! I'll ponder on Elwe and Melian another time. Oh yes please, let there be one more post even if it is only for an ending. At least, tell us what this 'forest-longing' is all about! Author Reply: Well - Glorfindel wouldn't want to get bored, would he? He's an elf who likes to have a purpose! And, while some were drawn West on the Great Journey, others weren't - and some never felt the sea-longing. - I think there must have been a different level of call, depending on all sorts of factors. Perhaps some were meant to remain... And it does, clearly, compare to the appeal of a television showing a major sporting event - that's probably why the female members of the party weren't quite so affected. They still had to make the food and look after the kids and answer the phone. Multi-tasking. Even female elves are not immune. Bordain has rather taken over here. He was no more than a passing character - but he has just caught my imagination so - one of the first, from the very beginning. Maybe the call to them required the right people together at the right time. Maybe Bordain is a catalyst - things can happen in his presence. Maybe he drew Orome's attention and made him think that the time was right. I can't imagine that the Valar perceive time even in the same way that elves do - it could be they scarcely notice the time that has passed. The physical presence of the Valar must have been pretty overwhelming (especially, perhaps, to those who had come to think of themselves as the superior life form of Middle-earth!) Galadriel had to take it better - she has probably encountered Valar before, while Losgael is unlikely to have met them. Yes, a nice cuppa will have settled her down! The twins can do all the ruling malarkey - but they are familiar enough with it all that they are happy to try to manoeuvre their way around the worst of it. And impatient enough not to let it evolve. And I can't think of a society that would have needed more the possibility of opening up the West. I reckon you would have got some very very stressed elves if more kept growing up into an inflexible society. Riding with the Huntsman must have been quite a scary experience - but awe-inspiring! And, after all, Celegorm rode with him - and was on companionable terms. And Bordain - who doesn't, I think, even realise the power that being one of the first conveys on him - it a good candidate for spending time in the company of this particular Vala. And maybe each is drawn to a different part of the forest (which would be a sensible way to avoid competition.) Galadriel and Celeborn seemed to recognise that Glorfindel's choice was a perfect place for Elrond and Celebrian - maybe Laerwen knew that her 'place' was right for her. (It's north of where E and C settle, incidentally.) The mallorn nuts - I think there are no mallorns there now. Orome recognised the significance of the trees to Galadriel and presented her with the nuts so that she can cultivate them among the trees already there. And I think destiny and the Valar might have other things in mind for Bordain - maybe further west still. But I don't know. This doesn't seem to want to end - each new bit just leaves trails that want to be followed - so I'm sure there will be at least one more part. I'm just hoping an ending presents itself there! Elwe and Melian... Yes... Too big a problem for me, I think! Thank you for reading - I'm pleased you like it enought to want more!

Kitty	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 3/16/2006
Good to know Goerfér and Losgael will go West, too - I'd love to see them again when this fic is finished. And Bórdain, too. Well, in this chapter he had some wonderful moments - Galadriel giftet him with a horse, and then he was allowed to ride with Orome once more. What an experience! You're right - it is a problem that the older elves don't retire to make room (and work) for the younger generations. One of the few problems of immortality. So it may prove useful that the elves from Aman want to go further West and establish new realms. I hate to say it – triple the bureaucracy will be at least nine times the paperwork – but three. grin Somehow that sounds so familiar. Maybe the elves (and Estel) have established the bureaucracy of our days - who knows? ;-) Author Reply: Oh yes, Goerfer and Losgael are drawn West - and they're drawn quite closely into Galadriel and Celeborn's circles, too. Despite Losgael's doubts! Galadriel has identified her as an interesting and strong-minded female - and Goerfer is, of course, kin. Bordain just leapt off the paper at me - he tried to hide in the shadows, but he was just too special. And ever since he said he had seen Nahar in the forests where the elves came to be, I felt he simply had to ride with Orome. The immortality of elves does make development difficult - why would you need new jewelsmiths when the old ones' work just keeps on getting better and better? It must make it very difficult for those who are several thousand years old and tremendously skilled - who are still looked on as apprentices. And what is there for Finrod to do? He will never (hopefully) have to inherit Finarfin's role. The younger elves must have felt a desire to develop a purpose of their own. I did think of cubing the paperwork! Squaring it didn't sound enough - every time you add a layer of bureaucracy another forest has to fall to the pulping mills! But Elladan and Elrohir will do their best to keep the paper-shuffling to a minimum. Thank you for reading.

perelleth	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 3/15/2006
Don't worry if you`re not sure whether this is finished, or nearly, or not yet, we do not mind at all, as long as it keeps flowing with such rich scenes. Oromë's guest appearance was great, the awe inspiring Vala, even for those who live there was really well managed.. why! even I was impressed! I liked the scene between Bórdain and Glorfindel. They seem so similar to each other, despite their apparent differences. And pointing out that Glorfindel was used to going against the current was very amusing, apart from true!! Author Reply: I did think I could get them there and just leave them to get on with building their new haven ... but the end just didn't feel end-y enough. And there's a bit more that clearly needed to be another chapter. But, on the other hand, I really don't want this rambling on indefinitely! Bordain introduced the idea of Orome earlier when he was talking about the days before the Great Journey - and I couldn't help but feel that he would both appreciate and be poleaxed by the arrival of the Vala. I'm glad you thought he was impressive. It must take a lot to impress an elf! Those from the days of the Two Trees would be a bit more accustomed to the presence of the Valar, I think, but even then... Bordain and Glorfindel do have something in common, I think - both very ancient and powerful - although I think Glorfindel is more aware of his power than Bordain. Thank you - I'm glad you're enjoying it ... to the extent of wanting more, too!

daw the minstrel	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 3/15/2006
Well, I'm eager to find out what this new home will be like. I wonder why the man are more drawn than the women. It does look like sea longing, like compulsion, like a drug almost. And yet it's right. Author Reply: The notorious male inability to multi-task? I don't know that I've come up with a convincing reason. Galadriel's Noldor/Vanyar blook might make her a little less susceptible to the call of the forest - but that wouldn't account for Losgael. Maybe worry lessens the effect. And having spent longer west of the mountains in the case of the so-far-only-mentioned Haldir. A new effect, not previously identified: forest-longing! Author Reply: Galadriel's Noldor/Vanyar blook Blood. I meant blood. I don't know that her blook would have any effect on anything.

Imrahoil	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 3/15/2006
Orome, surprise, surprise (for me). Perhaps I should read to the end before commenting and perhaps I should better stop guessing, I'm always that far from the mark. Author Reply: Orome was mentioned when Bordain was first introduced to Galadriel's horse. (Who would have thought the horses would take on such a defining role? Not me! Not at first, anyway.) Guessing is fun. I'm glad to keep enough mystery to make you guess! I always think I'm being terribly obvious! Thank you for reading and commenting.

Imrahoil	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 3/15/2006
I can't remember, are Elu and Melian accounted for? If not then we know now, don't we? Author Reply: You sort of feel that Elu and Melian must have their own place, don't you? Elu has been gone over two ages - and others have returned more swiftly. And Melian must be waiting for him... The trouble is, he is such a strong character. I'm not sure I want Celeborn to return to Elu's sidekick. I'm not sure Celeborn wants to return to Elu's young kinsman. I'm sure Galadriel doesn't want to return to learning at Melian's feet. And yet, they must be somewhere...

Raksha The Demon	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 3/15/2006
Interesting story - you rise well to the considerable challenge of writing a story about life in what is, essentially, Paradise. Good to see that things have changed somewhat in the Blessed Realm since the young, rebellious Artanis left it. Wonderful description of Orome and his interaction with the Elves! Author Reply: I enjoy writing in the Blessed Realm - it may be elven Paradise, but I cannot help but feel that, given the strength of character of many of the elves who dwelt there, there will inevitably have been friction. Probably soothed considerably by putting distance between them! The pace of change might have been pretty slow there, but there will have been change - I suppose that's part of trying to work towards paradise. I'm glad you liked Orome. I was doubtful about that for a bit - but it was sort of suggested to Bordain earlier in the story - and he is the Lord of Forests!

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