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| Dancing Within Walls by Sphinx | 8 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Tathrin | Reviewed Chapter: Prologue on 9/12/2005 |
| Aw, that was beautiful. So elegant and poitnant it's almost like it wasn't a story at all. That doesn't make sense, but words fail to describe what you did. It wasn't so much like reading something someone wrote as feeling something that no one--no human, at least--ever felt. It was so very Elvish; I don't think I've read anything that was ever so Elvish before. Absolutely beautiful. Like Elrond, I just wish it had gone on forever. You capture everything and even a little bit more. It's just--wow. That was simply amazing and there's really very little else to say except "thank you," it was beautiful. | |
| Lamiel | Reviewed Chapter: Prologue on 11/22/2004 |
| Wow. This is truly beautiful. The metaphor of the dance is perfectly carried out in every turn and movement, the rhythm of music and metre in Elrond's thoughts, and the imagery is stunning. The inclusion of Vilya and the transition to the sea is a master stroke. You capture Elrond's sorrow, not so much at the eventual death that Arwen faces, but at their parting, and more, his parting from the land that he loves. "...and like the battlefield of the dawn, where setting moon meets rising sun, he will fight for her, and then flee." Stunningly beautiful. Thank you so much for this, and thank you to Thundera Tiger for the recommendation. | |
| Thundera Tiger | Reviewed Chapter: Prologue on 11/17/2004 |
| *gapes in complete shock and awe* Wow. I haven't had a story hit me like this in a long time. I read this about a month ago and I really should have left a review then, but I was pressed for time and didn't. I hope you can forgive my negligience(and spelling). But to be honest, I'm not sure I could have given you a proper review then because this story is just so...I don't even know if there are words for it. The thought that keeps coming to mind is elven, and I think that's probably the best one. You've created something so very elven that it goes beyond anyone's ability to properly describe it. Let's hit details since I seem to be babbling about abstracts. First of all, the idea of Elrond and Arwen sharing a last dance is inspired, and I love the imagery that it creates. Second of all, using that dance as a segue into Elrond's thoughts and using the rhythm and motion to keep those thoughts moving was a stroke of sheer brilliance. How did you ever think up all this??!! I'm insanely jealous! Anyway, you move through this piece quickly, and I love the almost rushed pace, because that's how I think Elrond feels. This is it. The last, the first, the final parting. After this, it's up to Aragorn. Loved Elrond's thoughts on him, by the way, and here again, you bring out something that is completely elven. He is Estel, he is Elessar, and he is both with a dozen other names filling the space between. The fact that Elrond thinks of him so naturally this way is testament to how different his thoughts are to ours. Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant! I also love how you give Arwen so much depth and character. She is very much her father's equal in many things, and Elrond is wise enough to see this and respect it. So few stories portray her like this, but your version of her...wow. This is really how Arwen was. Beautiful stuff! I don't even have words for the conclusion of this story. You hit upon the bittersweetness that Tolkien was so good at, and you pump it for all it's worth. The cost and sacrifice involved in Arwen's choice becomes painfully clear. And that last line...wow. Actually, the three last lines. All of them are done so well. A fantastic capstone to an absolutely fantastic story. Sorry if I seem to gush, but you really have blown me away with this. Thank you for sharing such amazing talent! Thundera Author Reply: I really can't think of anything sensible to reply with except a very sincere 'thank you'. :) Really. Thanks again, and I'm glad you liked it. Sphinx | |
| docmon | Reviewed Chapter: Prologue on 9/21/2004 |
| This was beautifully written! What talent you have with crafting words! Your words create a feeling, a mood, and something more, something palpable. A few lines were particularly touching or just damn beautiful: Estel is not Elessar, and Elessar is not Estel; they belong to one person, but other names lie between them. - You say so much with so few words. A true sign of a talented writer. He ages in that moment, and weariness envelops him with a powerful rush that can only be comforted in another expanse of blue. - this phrase, [with great contrast with the previous sapphire ] said so much as well, it takes you from this dance hall across the sea in a moment. He will die a little when he leaves, and he cannot regain what he has lost on newer shores. - with these words I felt teh pain in Elrond so acutely. He may be releiving his sea-longing, he may be going to the home of all his kind, he may be going to a place of utter peace - but he will lose his daughter for all that, forever. It is over, and in that moment, all is forgotten, all is absolved and all begins. - closing with these words mingles the despair with the hope - what a wonderful way to end. wonderful. just wonderful. monica | |
| LKK | Reviewed Chapter: Prologue on 3/29/2004 |
| Very beautiful, Sphinx. Your words danced as delightfully as the two partners. A lovely piece of poetry in prose form. Author Reply: Thanks, LKK!! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Sphinx | |
| Arryn/Sparky Cola | Reviewed Chapter: Prologue on 3/29/2004 |
| I loved this story. The way it flowed made it seem like a dance it itself. My favorite line was "He will die a little when he leaves, and he cannot regain what he has lost on newer shores". It is such a bitter but true statement that tempers the idea of achieving peace across the sea. I know I'm not being very coherent; that line just addresses an implication ignored by so many others. Author Reply: I'm so glad you liked it, Arryn. Thanks! I'm a firm believer that Elrond didnt leave just because of Sea-longing and everything else that Vilya brought upon him. He has a lot to remain in Middle-earth for, and the fact that he does leave makes it sadder. Sphinx | |
| Werecat | Reviewed Chapter: Prologue on 3/29/2004 |
| Aw... That was simply stunning. I was hooked by the way you described their movements in such a liquid fashion. And the ending line was simply perfect. Loved it! Author Reply: Thanks, Werecat!!!! One of these days, I will write a cat story, and it will be for you. :) How goes it all?? Sphinx | |
| LOTR lover | Reviewed Chapter: Prologue on 3/29/2004 |
| So beautiful. Poor Elrond, my favorite character in LotR. You did a fine job of capturing both of them, Sphinx. I can't say any more; I'm kind of overwhelmed. Author Reply: Thanks for the review!! Am sorry I am late with the reply, but was out of town for some time, and then Rl just caught up with me. Elrond's one of my favourite characters as well, and I daresay that we torture our favourite characters a lot more than we should. :) Thanks! Sphinx | |