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Golden Flower Blossoms by Redheredh	28 Review(s)
Kitt Otter	Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue 2 on 6/9/2008
I shall be busy with your recommendations! I was getting suspicious of the lembas corn being so hidden; no permission? laughs… really, you described the smell so well my mouth was watering! Celebrian and Ulbanis; talk was delightful. Very happy to see how well Celebrian and Ulbanis got along – they make a good match as conspirators. Neither is so shy; their talk was wonderful. I wish to have pried longer into it. I bet Ulbanis would be intrigued about the Three. Glorfindel had to be sent away for spending too much time with Celebrian? grins I suppose Glorfindel was only too delighted to have an oath to serve Earendil’s family. Still, it is not so nice a thing to keep Ulbanis in suspense of his fate for so many thousands of years. Too bad Elrond had to be disappointed… I like the get-together and that it tied in Rostaro by his map. Ha – the ladies ended it. It was a vivid scene: could hear and see the swirl skirts and chatter. But the best part was the end as Celebrian led Glorfindel out. Oh, I am glad we’ll eventually see Rostaro’s family; the mystery makes me crazy. Once again, enjoyable story! -Kitt : ) Author Reply: I am very glad you enjoyed the story. :) g Now-now, spending too much time with Celebrian was the excuse for sending Glorfindel off to his true mission. I wish I had taken the time to make the epilogue a full chapter, though. However, it may be a long time before I get back to Rostaro's fate, so don't make yourselve crazy! Thank you so much for the reviews. They are appreciated!

Kitt Otter	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 6/7/2008
Geesh, Glorfindel is so conceited… but I LOVED him here - maybe for that. The “Rat-slayer” is too funny… the way he deals with rats, I almost feel sorry for any Balrogs he had dealt with. It is sad about his family disowning him, though is raised an interesting philosophical discussion: is it so bad that they do not want to sit at Manwe’s feet? They have their own ways of service, I guess. I am plenty glad that over the centuries he has not forgotten Ulbanis! -Kitt Author Reply: Ah now, Glorfindel has some maturing to do, just like any hero. :D I just thought he would need a little more motivation to ever go back to Ennor. To me, the Vanyar represent institutional morality for the Eldar culture. He certainly did not. After this, when you get time, you might like to read Bodkin's stories "Exiled" and "Walking the Tightrope".

Kitt Otter	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 6/6/2008
Very sweet chapter! I was pleasantly surprise to see Rostaro as an infant. wishing to tickle him myself I loved the Elvish baby talk. I wish that his parents would be found… a nice project for Galadriel that would be, of course, but almost it would be sad for Ulbanis. Elrond and Celebrian are as wonderful as ever; they need grandchildren or to set up a nursery or something. It is interesting that Glorfindel spent his first days as a reborn there. What did Glorfindel do to give Ulbanis such a reaction? -Kitt :) Author Reply: Heh! He turned out to be a cute kid. Elflings walk and talk rather quickly, before 1 year old. At the time I was writing this, I was not sure that Rostaro would ever know who his parents were. Now, I know he will one day. But, that day is well off in the future. I need to finish the stories I have started first. tsk Why oh why does everyone want them to have a new family? This guest house is remote and Glorfindel was one of the first back from the battles in Ennor. Well, you have found out about G&U, I see. ;D

Kitt Otter	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 6/4/2008
I never considered how much the Rings would have affected their bearers. Very, very fascinating! And wonderful descriptions: right now it’s horrendously humid and I could easily relate to the hot and letter-poked Elrond. At least he has Celebrian for comfort. She’s so teasing and amiable; I just love how you make her. You got very well into Elrond’s head. His thoughts of Imladris makes me wistful for him, and I hope that they’ll find themselves another valley. How sad it to think he never did see his grandchildren. Lookin' forward to more… Kitt : ) Author Reply: Thank you so much! I am glad you like Celebrian and Elrond both. :) Getting over the past and looking forward again is an essential part of healing. I appreciate this and all your reviews!

Ellie	Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue 2 on 5/11/2006
I was just rereading the last two chapters of this tale. I really wish you would write a sequel with Glorfindel finally finding a love and receiving approval from his amille (did I spell that correctly?). You could have his parents reactions to this as well as the reactions of the others who were present in the "map room" at the end of this tale. Surely you could eek a few chapters out of that. Pretty please with a cherry on top? I really enjoy your writing... Author Reply: Ellie, you darling person, you! Having someone wanting more is the greatest flattery a writer, or artist of any sort, could ever hope for! Thank you for asking! However, eh I am working on other things, both writing and RL, that necessarily delay any consideration of adding more to this particular tale. You already know that I am not prolific or swift as some, but I will continue to slowly fill in my own story gaps. Thank you again. And if over a lifetime I had not finally learned how to say 'no' to what I cannot deliver, I would foolishly attempt to please not only you but myself and start on a sequel.

perelleth	Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue 2 on 2/7/2006
ME, again. Got thinking. Of course the elves would not have been "out of time" but rather prisioners of it until the end of Arda. I think Bodkin´s wonderful paradox got me confused here. What I meant is that IMHO they would be flowing in time, but out of history, until the end. Author Reply: You are right, I think. The world will know them not for they are outside its circles now. But, events in Aman will proceed until the End. I like Marnie's story "Seeds of Old Trees" becuase it posited a future outside of Aman in outer space since they were barred from our earth. I like to think that some of the StarTrek cross-overs I ran across were not so AU at that! ;D

perelleth	Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue 2 on 2/7/2006
YEsterday got very entangled, but here I am. This Epilogue was a treat to me, because I DO LOVE MAPS!!!! so I was rubbing my hands just guessing the characters, colours, drawings Rostaro might have used for such a present! Finarfin was very thoughtful regarding his guests and Elrond very efficient, to find such an artist. And now I like Rostaro even more, no matter whose son he is.. ;-) I also like to think that Thranduil would miss his cherished Dorwinion. When you get to realy like a particular vine, it is almost impossible to find another that substitutes it... and he must have missed it for looong! By I am digressing. As I told you in my previous review, the setting and the context are terribly intriguing and well developed, so it takes no effort to forget that we are speaking of Elvenhome, and get completely immersed in this promising stage. Tolkien says that they were "out of time", until the end of Arda, and in that sense I understand that they would also be "out of history", but it is very difficult to imagine conflict and developements in that situation. Your context is perfect to me, and it gives much room for guessing and following them, and I really love that. I much prefer Aramillë to Reverend Mother, yet I was sure that I could trace them around here! Good job! The setting for the conversation between Celebrían and Ulbanís is perfect, apart from their words I thought I could glimpse their expressions, their looks and gestures, that were surely part of that exchange full of hidden meanings. Again, good good job! I liked how the "girls" put an end to the meeting, and how GLorfindel took time for himself and made such a discovery. The whole scene was very vivid, as Celebrían came to interrupt him and drag him to the light. And now I wonder what intrigues me most: whether going ahead and following GLorfindel and his conflict, or going a bit back in time and seeing how Elrond and Celebrían undoubtedly exercised a kind tutoring over young and promising Rostaro. You choose. I'll be waiting.:-) Author Reply: And I am glad of your return. ;) I get an enormous kick out of the theatrical use of maps. You know the kind that cover the wall or are inlaid into the throne-room floor. The fancier the better! I just thought Finarfin might host a "world conference" to recognise the new realms. These maps were meant to be put on display for the benefit of the other guests. I am so glad you like Rostaro, but I fear part of his appeal is his unknown heritage. What will happen to that appeal when it is revealed? You sounds as if you have a favorite wine that is unsubstitutable. Thank you very much for saying that! Thank you again! I read Dune decades ago and the first movie and cable version were very entertaining for me as well. But, the servants of Nienna in this story are based more on the medieval hospital orders than an esoteric cult. I think both our ladies know it is better to say nothing than to say too much. ;) I enjoyed how they took control, too! Glorfindel just wasn't in a party mood, I think. But, a little personal attention always turns a guy's mood around like flowers do a gal's, I guess. I will probably have more to tell about these characters after a while. However, I don't think that E&C really had much contact with Rostaro until he was grown and on his own. Then, their paths crossed again. Bodkin would probably know more about what happened with Glorfindel or Ulbanis after this point in time. We'll just have to wait and see after I get another chapter of CSING done. If I ever get it done... Thank you for reviewing!

perelleth	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 2/6/2006
Well, this is a quite toughtless review, since I do not have much time, but I couldn't resist reading.... and was worth it... Even if I cringe at the underlying sense of tightness, imprisionment, strict rules and prohibitions, which does not sit well with my vision of Aman, it is exquisitely wrapped up and makes a wonderful, interesting, perfectly crafted, multi-layered world with such a depth that makes the reader want far more information, and then more, and more, and more. Did you read Frank Herbert's Dune boooks? The two ladies hinting at shared knowledge, that unspoken pact of silence, the equal sense of practicity, the respect for a policy of secrecy yet the knowledge to bend its limits to fulfill the inner aims of their order, without being hindered by its rules is clearly, elegantly conveyed through this fluid flow, dance of words and silences, of words spoken and things left unsaid. Exquisite. And Glorfindel's misfortunes are well crafted and truly beliavable in your context. I began to believe for a minute that Rostaro was Glorfindel's son! That's intriguing! Celebrían shows herself as a consistent character, a powerful, intelligent elleth, and a worth companion to Elrond. I wonder what would Elrond have thought had he ever heard these two ladies conversing... I'll try to snatch some time for the Epilogue later in the morning, but I really enjoyed this one. The opening description was wondrous, Redheredh. I'm amazed. Author Reply: Perelleth! You are more than thoughtful! I am so glad you liked this chapter! I am sorry for the mental stress I have inflicted on you by my messing with paradise. I probably would prefer your vision if it was myself in Aman. ;) But, thank you so much for stepping past that and looking at this story according to its own premise. And yes, I have read the first two Dune books and enjoyed them immensely. I am flattered that you would think of them when reading my story. Dune is the reason I have assiduously avoided using the term Reverend Mother. I am very happy that you enjoyed their conversation. Thank you! lol! Putting that idea about Rostaro into the reader's head was my goal. Celebrian just wasn't entirely sure. And if you noticed, Ulbanis did not say who gave Rostaro his name anyway. Often people say Galadriel would not choose a loser husband and I don't think Elrond would choose a loser wife especially after waiting so long. He is not someone who would have to settle. Somehow, I think Elrond would have liked the ladies' interaction just as he did when he joined them even though it was not exactly the subject he would have chosen. Thank you so much for taking the time and letting me know you liked it! You made my day!

Ellie	Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue 2 on 2/4/2006
I loved the way the ladies swarmed in a took over. Too funny! I hope Glorfy will be happy now. Poor guy. I still want to know what Rostaro menas to him. Excellent story! Leaves room for a sequel. wink wink nudge nudge Author Reply: I enjoyed that, too! Maybe, we'll find out someday. ;) Heh! I will continue to relay what I find out about these characters. But, who knows when and what that shall be? Thank you so much for taking the time to review! I am glad you have enjoyed it.

Ellie	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 2/4/2006
Loved the exchange between the two women. It was wonderful to see them become fast friends. I hope Elrond ends coming and helping out there some time. I am confused as to Glorfindel's connection to Rostaro. Please clarify... Thanks for another wonderful chapter! Author Reply: Well, who knows how fateful this meeting is? sigh Like everyone else, you will just have to read the story as it unfolds. ;) Thank you for reviewing!

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