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Silver and Gold by jenolas	6 Review(s)
Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 12/3/2003
Oh, what a lovely insight into their friendship. I’m guessing there aren’t too many people who get Celeborn to go climbing trees in his undergarments! I really like the idea, though, that it felt right to him and that he had a sudden desire to be among the trees. Oropher isn’t the only one to feel a little stifled in Lothlorien, I’d say. I love the easy relationship between the two elves here. They seem quite relaxed in each other’s company when there is no one else around. I thought Oropher in hysterics at the image of Celeborn hiding in the bushes was hilarious! Oropher in love is so sweet! It’s really interesting that only a short amount of time spent with Amiel has taught him to respect Celeborn’s relationship with Galadriel a bit more. But I admire him for deciding to leave Lothlorien and seek a simpler life, especially as he seems to accept leadership only because others place their faith willingly in him. I really like your view of his reasons for going. He really seems to be merely trying to provide for his people what he feels they need – freedom, I suppose more than anything. I think this idea of leader rather than ruler is a trait you’ve successfully managed to consistently portray as well with Thranduil. What a wonderful closing image of the two friends together, standing firm in their friendship despite the knowledge that they would soon be parted. I’m so glad, by the way, that you included the excerpt from Unfinished Tales – it’s good to know that they made the effort to remain in touch for a while at least, and it saved me tormenting you with questions as to whether they did or not!;) Author Reply: I think it likely they kept in touch, especially around the time when Gil-galad was gathering the Elves together for battle against Sauron.. of course Oropher's attitude to 'authority' did not change even on the battlefield.

daw the minstrel	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 12/2/2003
This is a fascinating picture of Oropher. Even the quote you gave at the end of the chapter was provocative. I think you're getting stronger and stronger as a writer, Jenolas. Author Reply: Your appreciation of the story and compliment for my writing are both recieved with many thanks.

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 12/1/2003
Hmmn. I feel bad now ‘cos I felt very antagonistic towards Galadriel in the last chapter but she’s redeemed herself a bit now… Maybe not totally but at least she’s sensitive to Celeborn and doesn’t want him to lose those he loves simply because of the maiden he chose as his wife. I like that these two can be honest with each other. The image of the Silvan Elves dancing under the stars was absolutely breathtaking. I’m actually really glad Celeborn witnessed this because it seems to show his friend as he truly is – so free and happy. “His feet were bare, his golden hair hung unbraided and the light in his eyes spoke of such happiness and love of life as Celeborn had never seen before” – what a really beautiful image. “Nay, for had I met you there, we would still be together now”. snigger Down boy! Seriously, though, how wonderful that he found someone he instantly connected with – and I always love the way you write the deep union between elves. And Tariel introducing them has added yet another layer to this amazing friendship. I really like your depiction of Oropher – obviously he’s stubborn and strong-willed as well as loyal and intelligent, but you write him with a certain innocence about him,or maybe it’s just a type of simplicity, and it seems somehow completely appealing. Author Reply: Galadriel is another of the 'enigmatic' characters, and not all she seems on first appearance, and like everyone else, she behaves according to the situation. When alone with Celeborn, her husband of many centuries, she can truly be herself. As for Oropher, well I like to think that Thranduil inherited his temperament, and Legolas his love of nature.

daw the minstrel	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 12/1/2003
It's fascinating to see Oropher being drawn to the Silvan way of life, as Tolkien told us he was. I don't think I've ever seen another fic portray that process. And your characterization of Oropher seems right on too: he's charming, impulsive, hot tempered - just the elf to get others to follow him even to their doom. Author Reply: Yes, there must have been a series of event leading to his move to Greenwood, and I felt his motivation could be examined a little more closely, even with the limited information available.

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/30/2003
Woo-hoo, an Oropher story! Wow, I didn’t expect it to be set quite this long ago – but how lovely to think that Tariel’s friendship with Oropher and all his line stretches back so far. Oropher is certainly very charming when he wants to be! I love the way you kept Tariel’s character true to the way she appears in your other stories – her frankness and perceptiveness as well a wonderful way of chiding people without them realising until afterwards exactly what she said! That scene between Oropher and Galadriel was so tense. As Celeborn realised, with two such strong personalities and completely opposing viewpoints there was bound to be friction. I feel sorry for Celeborn. He seems to feel such sadness at the thought that he is losing his friend, but there is no way he could contradict that wife of his! This story was such a great way of showing a little of the reasons behind what Oropher will do later and you create an amazing picture of his closeness to all of nature as well as his love of the Silvan elves and their way of life. It gives such a clear idea of what he intended Greenwood to be before the shadow would change everything forever. It’s a lovely idea too that Tariel and he could have been lovers but accepted that this was not meant to be and instead became the greatest of friends. I just really like the idea of this friendship lasting through all the ages and she still offers advice and compassion to Oropher’s grandson. And she still tries to match-make too! Thank you for this – you had me really intrigued by the suggestion of a history between them in the last chapter of ‘Immortal Friends’ and I was so delighted you wrote this!:) Author Reply: I am delighted you like the story and the more detailed look at Oropher and Tariel in this first chapter. Celeborn is really in an awkward place, but he has the inner strength to deal with his role. Oropher must have been close to nature, a Silvan Elf at heart, to even contemplate the move he finally made.

daw the minstrel	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/30/2003
The one I feel sorry for here is Celeborn! Imagine being in the middle of that argument and having Oropher appeal to him for his support. Is he kidding? Celeborn would have to be an enormous fool to take his side again Galadriel's. When Oropher goes home, Celeborn and Galadriel presumably go to the same bed! Author Reply: They surely do, as Oropher would realise but he is arrogant enough to ask anyway!

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