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Of Elves, Men and Peredhil by Rhyselle	5 Review(s)
Celeritas	Reviewed Chapter: 26 on 12/16/2009
I like Melian's explanation here--that the Doom of the Noldor would force others as well to act in certain ways to fulfill their fate. It's good that she is still looking out for her children with her wisdom here.

Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 26 on 11/28/2009
And we rejoice that this is so, that Elrond will remain within Middle Earth for two more Ages of the Sun, but in the end they will be reunited. Love that Melian is there for her granddaughter, and that Elwing finds healing within Lorien's groves. It must be worst for her at times.

ellie	Reviewed Chapter: 26 on 11/28/2009
That is so sad. so she was powerless in all of this. I'd feel pretty crappy about it as well... Poor Elwing!

Sitara	Reviewed Chapter: 26 on 11/27/2009
Hello Rhyselle, Thank you for your answer. I appreciate your straightforwardness and indeed it looks like we should agree to disagree in respect to that matter. I can agree that there are some metaphysical external influences, likely to affect people's decision, even in the real life. However, I think that ultimately, I am the one responsible for my decisions, regardless of the circumstances and influences. True, as Melian said, there was more operating there than simply individual attitude and emotion. But, at the same time, Elwing's will could have changed the enfolding of the next events; for better or for worse, this is not the point now. The vicious circle could have been broken, by Elwing's hand, as Melian had counseled once Thingol to do, after all. To break free of the Oath or of the Doom. I think it was possible. I apologize for bothering you with my comments, as well as for my English and I'd like to assure you it isn't anything personal. When I said that for me it's always a pleasure to read your stories, I meant it. I don't think there is another author who has written something like "Resurrection", for instance. For this, you have my deepest respect. Apologizing again for intruding, Sitara Author Reply: Thank you for not taking offense at my response to your review. I just felt it was appropriate to explain why I chose to write it the way I did, so that other readers, as well as yourself, could see where I was coming from in this particular instance. I have to admit that my reaction today was colored by a rather disheartening morning and afternoon of real life issues that have been less than enjoyable. I apologize for letting my frustration cross over from real life into this venue. I do appreciate that you are willing to be forthright in your opinions--that honesty is much appreciated; even when we do disagree. :) I'm very glad that you liked "Resurrection", which is my very favorite pieces that I have been blessed to write. I hope that in the future, you will find other things that I write to be enjoyable to you. Sincerely, Rhyselle

Sitara	Reviewed Chapter: 26 on 11/27/2009
I strongly disagree with Melian. Although, taking into account how she left Doriath, where she was queen not commoner, I could think that Melian was hardly about to say something else. Blaming the Silmarils, the Oath, the Doom or whatnot isn't a fair approach and, furthermore, it won't get Elwing anywhere. She should face the ugly truth: that, regardless of the Silmarils or anything else, there was for her a choice to make and so she did. Good or bad, it's not the point the now. The point is that her choice had consequences, which for she should assume her own personal responsibility, as any other character should do. If they’d want to be considered beings with a functional brain and will, that’s it. Author Reply: Sitara, You and I will have to agree to disagree on this matter. I do not say that Elwing is not taking responsibility for her choices and actions, although in the constriction of the 100-word drabble form, that is not shown in this particular drabble; but THE SILMARILLION is in the same vein as the epic literature of the past, such as BEOWULF and the LAIS OF MARIE DE FRANCE, wherein Oaths and Dooms weren't just words, but were things that had force and influence. It is not for nothing that Tolkien stated in THE SILMARILLION things like "and the oath of the sons of Fëanor was waked again from sleep." Phrases personifying the Oath and the Doom are repeated several times in the text, but you may choose to interpret it differently. That is how I choose to view them. Melian was pointing out that there was more operating here than simply individual attitude and emotion and action. Perhaps your worldview does not hold that metaphysical external influences affect people's decisions. In this particular interpretation of the universe of THE SILMARILLION that I am writing, I chose to hold that they do. If you find this idea distasteful, please do not feel obligated to continue to read this series, which has only four more drabbles to go.

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