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We Were Young Once ~ I  by Conquistadora 6 Review(s)
mystarlightReviewed Chapter: 14 on 11/14/2019
Galdhrim's loyalty is amazing. Your story is difficult to put it down. Yesterday I read till 2 a.m but it was worth it!!!

caseyReviewed Chapter: 14 on 4/1/2005
Well worth the wait!
As usual, beautifully written canon characters. I love that you never fall into the trap of making Thranduil perfect. You allow him his (perfectly canon) faults, yet still make him such a likeable elf! And the loyal Galadhmir suddenly has to take his brother to task for his behavior! I love his gentle character. He is truly the eternal "younger brother". In fact, I was suprised at first by the intensity of Galadhmir's disgust over the apparent betrayal in this chapter. It was almost as if he personally had been betrayed (romantically) by Thranduil. But after re-reading it, and reflecting on earlier chapters, (as well as your well placed reminder that Lindoriel IS his "blood"-sibling) I think it was justified.

Although just to play this out a bit: I wonder if, after centuries of living in close proximity to the Noldor, the family's general attitude towards them would not have mellowed a bit more? They all seem to have daily contact with thier neighbors, even developing friendships. I just wonder if crossing that line into romance would be that unthinkable to the family as a whole. (Especially without the iron-willed influence of Oropher to keep them stirred up?)

What is your take on that? As "immortal" beings with perfect memories, perhaps elves are more rigid in thier beliefs? Or is it just that this particularly stubborn bloodline can't let go of the past? (If indeed you see that as the case)

Interesting thoughts.


Looking forward to more from Orperionath!

Col




Author Reply:
Hmm . . . I see what you're saying. ;)
On the whole, I think the family's attitude toward the Noldor has indeed mellowed a great deal, and I think even Oropher would be able to get along quite well with some of them. But the sticking point would be the fact that he doesn't want Thranduil *married* to one of them. Having them for neighbors is fine for now, and keeping them for friends and allies is great, but he has very particular ideas about who will make a suitable bride for Thranduil, especially if they're trying to carry on a strong Sindarin strain of descendants. Add to that the fact that Thranduil whould have been hypothetically keeping this whole relationship under the rug; Thranduil usually tells people things, especially if he thinks it would be perfectly justified. So, if Thranduil ever did decide that he wanted to marry Elemmire or some other lovely Noldo, it probably wouldn't be unthinkable, but it would certainly be an absolute disaster from Oropher's perspective. :/ His son is his huge investment in the future, and he doesn't want to see it "tainted".

Galadhmir was so upset mostly because he was completely broadsided. He may seem like it sometimes, but he's really not a very suspicious-minded individual. I've had all my confidence in someone destroyed in one incident like that; it's not a pleasant experience.

I hope I can have things up and running again before too long, but of course they made sure we had LOTS of homework to keep us busy during Spring Break. :P I'll give it a good shot, though!

Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 3/16/2005
My, Thranduil the matchmaker, now that is a new role.
I thought I'd reviewed this chapter earlier, but I must've forgotten. Anyway, update again soon....

Author Reply:
I'll try! ;)

LuineithelReviewed Chapter: 14 on 3/13/2005
I read all 14 chapters this afternoon and found this a wonderful tale. I love your portrayal of Oropher who is too often not looked upon kindly; but you give him dignity, reason and pride. I also enjoy Thranduil as well as the many other members of their extended House and look forward to reading about the pathes they take.

Thank you very much!

Best wishes,
Luin

Author Reply:
You're welcome! I'm glad you found it. ^_^ Hopefully I can have an update ready for you sometime in the near future. Thank heavens Spring Break is almost here; I'm starting to feel the effects of being away from home all semester. Eight more class days . . . ;)

elliskaReviewed Chapter: 14 on 2/17/2005
I was so happy to get this update email! But I was at work and had to wait four hours to read it! Another great chapter. I like the relationship you have established between Amroth and Thranduil. The elfling seems very sweet but also smart--smart enough to read his question troubled Thranduil. And that question does have to be weighing on his mind at this point. Along with, "When is Adar coming back!" :) I think it is interesting that Thranduil seems to have a good idea that ruling kingdoms is part of his future. You have to wonder how much Oropher knew/wanted/expected when he went East. I completely agree with the thought you put forward about his reasoning for leaving.

And all those thoughts were an excellent backdrop to the 'encounter.' Ooo, not good. Poor Thranduil. I felt for him there. But I like the way he handled it. He tried to be gentle but was his typical firm self when pushed. Perfectly in character there from my point of view. I really liked that part.

And you had me scared for a minute with the last part. Those 'I can't believe what I'm seeing' moments can have very bad consequences. But like a good 'brother' Galadhmir waited to get all the info before jumping to conclusions. Thanks Heavens.

This last line was great. I like your humor a great deal!

Again, I was so happy to see this. I love your stories and I'll wait however long it takes for school to slow down a little. But really, Coriel--I advised college freshmen for 15 years. I would never have advised anyone to take 18 hours. Those freshmen courses (especially at a good private school like yours) are designed to teach you more than content. Don't over do. Go slowly enough that you can enjoy your experience as well as obtain your degree in a reasonable time. For someone like you, who obviously loves to learn, college should be fun too. Sorry--too many years stressing over my freshmen advisees to be able to stay off that soap box. It sounds like you have some great classes. Have a great semester.

Author Reply:
I agree entirely! But as regards my class schedule I really don't have much choice in the matter. The freshman core curriculum at Christendom requires six classes for both first and second semester: language, math, theology, philosophy, history, and english literature first semester, with a science replacing the math second semester. I skipped out on the math requirement with the intention of doing it during the summer, but I'll probably end up taking geometry first semester junior year, which is as soon as I can squeeze it in! In the meantime, I'm just trying to survive from day to day. ;)
Sometimes, staying for an extra year to finish up seemed an attractive prospect, but they just hiked the tuition by 10%. >_<

Amroth is a sharp kid. I'm looking forward to showing more of him if I can do so without bogging down the story. And poor Galadhmir is such a trusting kind of guy; that incident shook him up a bit.

Anyhow, thanks again for a great review, but now I have to run to Latin class! :)

TithenFeredirReviewed Chapter: 14 on 2/17/2005
Interesting. There is very little action in this chapter, quite a lot of musing and a broken relationship, but I found myself reading on quite eagerly. The chapter had a strong mood to it; the atmosphere complimented Thranduil's thoughts and his encounter with Elemmire very well. And I loved that little punch line you threw in at the last. Big chuckle there! TF

Author Reply:
Thanks! This was the gottagetthisdoneandouttatheway chapter. Things should be picking up before long, I'm happy to say. At the rate this is crawling forward now, I don't know how much longer I can stand being cooped up in Lindon! :)

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