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Dawn of a New Age: First Age  by elliska 8 Review(s)
panzer71Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 7/15/2011
Thank you for your story,I can't wait for the next chapter.

AiwenReviewed Chapter: 2 on 5/28/2009
Very interesting. I hope you will add to this story.

Jay Greenleaf ElfReviewed Chapter: 2 on 5/19/2007
Welcome back, it's good to hear from you again. This is a rather interesting chapter. I love how you portrayed what the elves experienced the first time they saw the sun and other heavenly bodies, it makes one wonder what it might've been like for them.
I'm so glad that you introduced Oropher's father into the story since he is hardly around in any fanfic and I'd love to read what he was like and how he was towards Oropher and even Thranduil, I don't know why but I wish I could find a story where Oropher is still alive when Legolas is around or one with Thranduil becoming king and what his grandparents might think or what role would they play in Greenwood/Mirkwood. But anyway I hope to hear from you soon and looking forward to your next update and the update of Interrupted Journeys.

BodkinReviewed Chapter: 2 on 5/12/2007
I love the First Age being made real - and these characters are just delightful in their youth and enthusiasm.

It's great to see their different responses to the arrival of the sun - which must have been more than a little disconcerting to those who have grown to appreciable ages under the light of the stars - and it's most enjoyable to see them ... dodging into the council, delighted that Thingol was too busy to notice their lateness. I can sense some frustration in their elders!

But Thingol is very brave to send this squad to be the meeters and greeters for the Noldor! Although I suspect they will do a terrific job ... (one, though, that might leave Oropher rather less impressed than Celeborn!)

ninqwestilmenReviewed Chapter: 2 on 5/9/2007
Hello :) Been reading your stories for over a year now, about time I dropped in to say that you're doing a wonderful job. This story in particular is intriguing and wonderfully written. Oropher is such a wonderful character to read about :) and it will only get better when Thranduil shows up. Is this story going to uncover the mysterious saga between Oropher, Dieneryn and Amglaur?
Hope you update soon!!

French PonyReviewed Chapter: 2 on 5/8/2007
The sun really changed everything, didn't it? Not everyone is so sure this whole sun and moon deal is a good thing, and I like that. It makes sense that their eyes would take some time to adjust, but that the new, eye-poppingly colored world would inspire Elvish artists like nothing else. Especially Elvish artists who aren't distracted by dealing with the baggage of a Kinslaying and an arctic trek.

I think it's interesting that, even at this early date, Eöl is already a dark, secretive, somewhat twisted person with no respect for women. The prospect of just throwing him in the clink was intriguing. Thingol may not regret allowing him to leave Doriath, but other people will.

What Thingol may ultimately regret is what became of the Sons of Finwë, his friend. What he doesn't know yet. . .

RedheredhReviewed Chapter: 2 on 5/7/2007
Yay! So glad to see this!! Dashed home from work right to the pc, I was so anxious to let you know! Didn't even stop for eats!

That opening scene was so dryly amusing, and very helpful getting back into the story by reintroducing our main players. And they are such players! Plus, setting up for the next juicy scenes. I really liked getting both sides of the picture, so to speak, concerning the brightness of the sun. I am reminded of Plato's cave analogy every time I read an author's take on whether or not it is a good thing to look directly into the light or stay in the comfortable shade. Your comments about color and paint and Yavanna and spring fit in nicely. Myself, I like that sort of detail. But, anything that damages orcs and drives the enemy away, even for a short respite, was welcomed by most people, I am sure. Hmm, they do seem to be welcoming the Noldor with the same sort of suspicion, though...

The other two scenes were great too! What a wonderful, insightful, clever interpretation of Eol and Thingol wrangling over Nan Elmoth! Just brilliant and very entertaining to boot! Eol's attitude was perhaps not that typical, but understandable, I would think, by those who detested the change in the Sindar's way of life. You explain very well how some would feel confined and tormented, ready to throw the blame on anyone. You used these conflicting personalities very nicely in this almost-staged argument. It was like a wrestling match. A real fight, but both knew the rules and when to play to the audience. I especially liked how Thingol's noble kin rallied around him! That as so cool just because they acted in unspoken concert. You did well showing Thingol in all his elven pride, but also exercising his leadership and judgement. I enjoyed his very obliging threat to lock Eol up in a dark cell, if he thought that he was imprisoned already.

You used each character's personality to advantage in building other character's personality, as well. It is my personal opinion that a good 50% or more of politics is personality driven.

The inserted quote were most helpful in understanding and appreciating this chapter. I will say it again: I love your interpretation of Eol and Thingol and how Eol was got his lease. The King wanted him out of the his way, but also for the dark-elf to learn who is the boss. The insult to Melian was just the motivation he needed to carry through and garner his council's complete approval.

You have raised questions in my mind also about the relief of Brithombar and Eglarest! But, I liked your answer. ;)

"...the pack that you run with..." Absolutely loved that!
However... yes, I have to nitpick about something, don't I... the King is sending them all to Mithrim? Does he want these young turks out of his way too for some reason? Surely, he does not think they will make the best impression on Fingolfin or Maedhros? Are they a test of the Noldor's true temperament? Cellon was right to demand an truthful answer from his son. But, Oropher did volunteer, and setting him down for a wiser choice may not have been all that purposeful for Thingol. I hope some clear orders about not revealing the way into Doriath were issued. Thingol seems to know to be cautious, but does Oropher and company?

Now, Celeborn smiling at Oropher's imperceptive remarks and being the level-headed one was fun to read. Oropher wanting to know if the Noldor had really saved the day and had freed the Sindar from their enchanted fortress of a forest made me smile. But, his closing remark made me laugh aloud. :D

Good chapter, I liked it anyway and I look forward to the next. As they say, you are making history come alive!

daw the minstrelReviewed Chapter: 2 on 5/6/2007
It's interesting to see these events from this POV. And Oropher is a nicely mixed character, adventuresome but still able to be responsible when he has to. I liked Thingol's reference to his "pack." LOL

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