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Beech Leaves by Redheredh	30 Review(s)
Kitt Otter	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 5/23/2008
As it is a rather rainy day I decided to finish. Hmph, that dream is rather taunting; you make it eerie; so sad! But it is good to see he is recovering more, though with a wide range of emotions. I love Cirdan – on my list of favorite characters. I’m glad he got to play a part. That was such a wonderful way to end - “only a follower of Oropher.” Oh no, he is Oropher! Since Feren had died in a battle field, Oropher had come almost alone to my mind, though, ah, he certainly isn’t the only one who died in such a manner. Thanks for an enjoyable tale! -Kitt :) Author Reply: I like indulging on a rainy day too. Foresight/insight is an important virtue in ME, especially for a ruler. And the few mentions of Oropher by the Professor paint him as impulsive. Which I interpret as emotionally driven. Oh my, I like him too! :) He is as important to the saga as Elrond and Galadriel, if you as me! But, like Celeborn and Gil-galad, he has more impact in the First and Second Age, not the Third, which when LOTR is set. Heh! Bodkin did continued the story from here. But, she did so her way, which was wonderful. The grandchildren she gave him were a lovely aspect of his return to life. Thank you! I am glad you enjoyed it, and let me know.

Kitt Otter	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 5/23/2008
Ach, the Elf kindreds give me a headache. I could stare at the tree in the back of the Silm for hours and still not understand it. With oversimplification, it is divided between those who went on and Journey (with the many branches of slackers and the few who actually arrived) and those who had refused?? I almost would think that he was killed in the kin-slaying but I guess his being in Greenwood, nope. (I think I am catching on now! :)) Rostaro’s crafty: Not yet met his spouse! I thought it was interesting about the reborn children– I had just wondered about that yesterday when reading this and am glad you addressed it. I must admire Aramille and her sisters’ patience and persistence - A really, really strange job they have, reintroducing the reborn into their lives. -Kitt Author Reply: g I totally understand. There are actually only three important groups: Calaquendi/Amanyar - lived in The Uttermost West in the Light of the Trees, Moriquendi/Umanyar - lived in the West(western ME) blessed by the presence of Thingol and Melion, Avari/Unwilling - never left the East. The first two kindreds made it practically en total to Aman, and the Noldor became the writers of history so it is from their perspective. The Avari never truly came into ME history. It is the diversity within the Teleri that causes the most confusion; for everybody, even the Noldor. See? Solving this was easy. ;) Rostaro craves order and uses his cleverness to that goal. I think the Professor was not as concerned about the question of children in the matter of elves. Ulbanis and her community are based on medieval hospital orders. These orders are one reason you will hear a nurse addressed as 'sister' in long established British hospitals. I appreciate the reviews very much. :)

Kitt Otter	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 5/22/2008
Now this is different – but a very fun idea. You describe Lindar’s awakening senses so well! You had me hanging in suspense to his identity (kinslayer? EEK) – well, even if I read the summary he wasn’t Noldor. And still there is much mystery to be had over his life and death. squirms I am eager for my next read. -Kitt Author Reply: Yup, everyone has their own take on how an elf is returned from Mandos. I don't necessarily like Fiondil's, but do like Bodkin's. Go figure... Hmm, Lindar? That is his root kindred, not a personal name. Sorry 'bout that. I had not thought to include that lesser known fact in the author notes. The Lindar is what the Teleri originally called themselves. Which is the reason the Nandor called themselves the Lindi. The third kindred, the Singers, were dubbed the Teleri, the Last-comers, by the Noldor when last in line for the Great Journey. The Noldor referred to the followers of Elu Thingol as the Sindar because he was called Elwe Singollo - Greymantle. The Professor connected that description with many different aspects of Thingol's people. The Eluwaith did not discard the name, but more or less embraced it, just as Teleri ended up becaming the kindred's name. The Noldor's name for the land of Ossiriand was Lindon, land of song/music (they had heard but not seen the Green-elves - the Lindi - singing), and their own kingdom took on that name when the remaining Exiles moved there. Oh, there are clues aplenty, if you are a geeky enough. ;) But then, one can experience the apprehension so much better when not that geeky! I am enjoying your enjoyment! Thank you and thank you for reviewing!

Ellie	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 1/25/2006
I absolutely loved this tale. I really enjoy your writing style and your grasp of the "feel" of elves in Valinor and the "feel" of Valinor intself. This story was delightful! Thanks for sharing it here. Author Reply: Thank you so much! Some people do not like my approach to Valinor and it's nice that someone thinks that it ain't that bad. The review is much appreciated.

Bejai	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 6/13/2005
Continuing on with the reviewing ;) -- Loved the vision/dream. Recognized Celeborn and Galadriel immediately, even if our elf didn't. And just as he's about to find understanding, you poke him awake, and make your readers scream in annoyance. Sign of a good writer ;) -- I love that he's remembering little things, like this: "In a friggin’ tree,” he said helpless to stop his laughter" Ha! You had me laughing, there, for a long time. And the wood-elf drinking song. -- Poor Ilcanu ;) Getting chucked into the water. Lovely, joyful chapter. Author Reply: Thanks for saying that! I really am trying to improve at this writing thing. Well, Oropher seems to have a good sense of humor. He appreciates the ironies of life along with the pleasures, I'd say. I really do not know if Rostaro or Venyel even tried to stop him! But, I hope so. ;) It makes me very happy that you enjoyed this story!

Bejai	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 6/13/2005
It just occurred to me that I haven't yet reviewed chapters 3 and 4 of this story. I got the bad news I was expecting right in the middle of doing so, and haven't had a chance or the heart to finish it. But this story certainly deserves it! -- You've got me intrigued by Rostaro, and reborn infants. I'm wondering about his backstory, which I'm absolutely sure you've got scribbled down somewhere or another. Yet again, you show your great skill in creating a world populated not just by the characters we know, but by the realistic, behind-the-scenes people who make the world run. -- "She had heard very little of the grey princes’ doings since the muddled rumors that Finarfin wanted to be rid of them, especially his son-in-law." Ha! I'm wondering how much of that is truth, and how much is the rumor mill. - "However I think, for most of those that do, at their heart’s last beat and falling into final unconsciousness, they concede. The very thing that preserved them cheats them of their chosen End. Their orë will not let them expire." I loved that explanation! It is very Silvan. That they would wish to remain, but that their own stubbornness will not permit it. -- "Sunburn was not the worst that had happened to those first eldar returned to life." Great line! Author Reply: Bejai, I hope things work out. Thanks for being so kind to review each chapter. I am surprised, but a lot of people have expressed curiousity about Rostaro. Yes, I do indeed know exactly who he is. However, I really do not know where he is going from here. Maybe, Bodkin will want to take him along for a while. A lot of 'rumor mill' actually, as you suspect. But, when you think about how the movement in 'Far Horizons' both stirred and smoothed the Amanyar political scene, it is easy to understand why Ulbanis might hear such things. If you mean they would rather remain a part of ME and forego Aman, but they instictivly choose life (hope) over death, you're right. And life for an elf is dying to be reborn, to live until the End. I see the Silvan as tenacious survivors. Only those with great willpower could 'cast their spirits on the wind' as Bodkin likes to describe it. These people are not unhoused spirits or ghosts. I think of them being somewhat like the Little Mermaid - the way Hans Christian Anderson wrote it. Ya know, I have a few stories about the first reborn in mind and they are not all forgivness and peace stories. To pass beyond the circles of the world is a great gift. I am glad you found something of interest in this chapter. ;)

Alassiel	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 6/10/2005
This was a wonderfully engaging tale. I really like the idea of a healing sisterhood dedicated to the help of the re-housed, something in the manner of a medieval healing order. I also thought the recall of physical memory and sensation as the re-housed one climbed the stairs out of Mandos was very effective. I hope your scholar Rostaro will feature in other tales, as he intrigues me. Thank you very much for a fascinating story. Alassiel Author Reply: Thanks you! That was Ulbanis' origins alright. That and pilgrimage hostels. Personally, I do not like refering to the reborn as 're-housed'. For me, it brings up associations with unhoused spirits. I do say Holy Spirit and not Holy Ghost. I like to think the revived spirit is returned into its original, renewed body. Like the medieval idea of the last resurrection. ;) Gosh, a lot of people have asked about Rostaro, but I have no immediate plans for his future. Thank you very much for reviewing!

perelleth	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 6/10/2005
Again, politics puzzle me here, it seems way too much complicated, Aratar of Alqualondë? that would be King Olwë? And I had never imagined Cirdan, among of all elves, with secretaries, and audiences… and issuing safe-conducts to ensure welcome and acceptance to fellow elves in elven realms…Would they be made prisioners if they had not a safe conduct? Life in the blessed realm seems quite far from easy, I'd say! ;-) Wow!!! He was Oropher after all!!!! My! Brilliantly done, girl! I hope he finds his loved ones in Eressëa…Great job done here, Redheredh, even all the Noldorin-directed barbs! It so perfectly fits Oropher! Even dead he would be a nuisance to Mandos!, and, of course, a special case when reborn. And I most definitely liked Rostaro! A masterfully crafted portrait of a “Less than Blessed, much politicized realm!" Well done! Author Reply: Hmm, perhaps it the same problem for you as with many. They need to think of Aman as a blissful, placid, healing place. Like a resort. I tend to see in as a place that's run as a resort. And not everyone is a oblivious guest. The Aratar is like an 'Archbishop of Westminster'. Where the Aramille was a 'mother superior' or abbotess of her hospice. Ulbanis just may find herself summoned to his chambers one day soon to explain her actions. For two ages, the last ships have been sailing from ME. Cirdan has to have a residence/operations in Alqualonde and Eressea. I don't know how everyone gets the idea that an ancient city or a civilization can be managed like a cabin in the woods. There are hundreds of people on the move any one day in Arda. Tolkien simply focused on the elite. But, there are plenty of others trying to get where they are going besides heroes and royalty. Those that provide for them do require more than one person to get those needs met and see that things get done. Despite some readers' illusions, elven society does have social classes. As to the need for a pass, I would throw any stranger out of my backyard if he did not have a badge or a note from my trusted neighbor. I certainly would not keep the dogs from cornering him. Sorry about the rant...no I'm not... Thank you for the reviews, I am very glad you liked the story! Someday, Bodkin may get Oropher to his son's place safely. Personally, I want to be there when he meets his grandson's in-laws.

perelleth	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 6/10/2005
Ohh!! The dream sequence is so moving, how he fights to get a hold upon the elusive memories… it’s truly painful, how this stubborn elf fights for his sanity while kind of rejecting well intentioned aid. I’d say he simply knows instinctively what is best for him. Mmm, I wonder, he behaves in a quite familiar way… Not so many stubborn Sindar/Sylvan elves that we know of…I think Rostaro is going to be good for him, though. They both seem to understand each other, and Rostaro is ready to risk something in order to help him. I like the easy relationship that is slowly building between them. It looks as if they truly understood each other, no matter the obvious differences…they almost share the same dry sense of humour, after all! :-) Author Reply: I guess he does run on instinct a great deal of the time. And use to having things his way or no way. Well, Ilcanu would not say his humour is dry, that's for sure!

perelleth	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 6/10/2005
Wow! The politics here seem to be as entangled as they were in Middle Earth! Finarfin wanting to get rid of Celeborn and Galadriel? Now, that puzzles me a bit… Well, knowing how much you appreciate certain... Sindarin elf... I can grant you your heaetd praise of the third kindred ;-) I believe I can guess where this is leading.... ;-) Rostaro is wonderful. He’s such an interesting character…he has all the sincerity one would ascribe to a Valinor born elf, and their playfulness, but with a soft touch of his uncertain, second upbringing. He’s kind of a singularity, too, isn’t he? IT is a most curious thing, too, for in fact this is his first life… I wonder how he died and what happened to know… we’ll never get to know, I suspect, but it’s a nice back story! Author Reply: Politics or just society? Not even close to raal politics yet. Now, those were muddled rumours after all. News will get distorted depending on who is repeating it. Yes, perhaps I was projecting onto Rostaro a little bit...but then, I would not write about them if I did not think them worth some words. Thank you for liking Rostaro. But, he not so unusual, I think, except that he had a childhood interest in the Sindar that was fed by the reborn coming through his amille's house. Lots of little boys are fascinated by wild indians, but how many become knowledgable experts in their cultures and civilizations? I think he is singular in that. I always have a backstory... ];}

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