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| In His Wisdom by Gwynhyffar | 19 Review(s) |
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| Redheredh | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 12/10/2007 |
| Yay! You updated! :D What a jolting start! For us readers and the wood-elves! How interesting to bring in the Entwives! I am pretty sure being taken as slaves means they were going to be forced into growing food for the orc armies - or maybe serve to provide better food as perks to Sauron's commanders. But, imagine having to eke out produce in the lands of Mordor. They would eventually perish from the labor... I absolutely loved Thranduil's conclusions about Oropher being 'generally right' and his 'immovability'. "...and I see your hand in it as well." Poor Oropher. How did he lose trust in everyone? What that "something" was between Celeborn and Oropher would be very interesting for you to reveal. Please, please, please! No doubt 'something' to do with Galadriel? ;) For myself, I enjoyed Celeborn's appearance. Best thing was the contrasting difference in Oropher's and Thranduil's tactics in resolving the command heirarchy. Whose to say which way should settling the matter be done? I enjoy Oropher's theatrics, but admire Thranduil's quieter approach. However, I really would have like Thranduil to have been calm enough to convince Galion what they were doing was right. It almost sounded like that was the reason why Galion had come to him - to be converted to Thranduil's way of thinking. Which had been changed by what they both had witnessed. And Thranduil abandoned him rather than struggle with his questions. I expect by the time he becomes King, Thranduil will have aquired more patience and more than Oropher ever had. "What sort of person becomes king in order to control those around him-whether they will it or not?" Oropher asks, but he should know the answer. He was there when Gil-galad become King. Or was he asking that question of himself? Interesting... A good chapter! Looking forward to the next whenever it shows up. :) Author Reply: I did! Finally! :) I can't imagine how awful it would have been for the Entwives, and yeah, I agree, they would almost certainly have been worked to death. I think Thranduil is on a journey of discovery right now. He is beginning to see his father through other people's eyes and is gaining a more balanced view of both his and Oropher's strengths and weaknesses. He doesn't realize it, of course, but it's happening nonetheless. Galadriel certainly had 'something' to do with the 'something' between Celeborn and Oropher! That might be another story altogether, though. We'll see! I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter, and thanks for reading. I am hoping to update sooner than a year from now! | |
| starfox | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 12/9/2007 |
| First of all I will comment and say it's about time you updated! *grins* Now seriously, I enjoyed the chapter very much. It was as well done as the previous ones and a delight to read, especially to someone like me who loves different pov's on the history of ME. The description was excellant and I could picture the terrible scene that Thranduil came upon and almost smell the smoke myself. And you have got to love Oropher. No nonsense and taking nothing off anyone; elf, human, or any other race! I look forward to reading the next chapter. Soon. Hint, hint. Author Reply: Thanks, Starfox! I just can't see Oropher being the sort who lets other people tell him... anything really. When he's had enough, he's had enough and that's that. I'm so glad that you enjoyed the description! That is one area that I really had to work hard on, so I'm glad that it came out well. I will try to update sooner than a year and 1/2 from now! :) | |
| daw the minstrel | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 12/9/2007 |
| I really like what you've done with this chapter. The wood elves come across as a wholly different culture from men or the Noldor, and Oropher understands that, while apparently Gil-galad and Elendil don't. I also like the bit about the Ent wives. I'm trying to wrap my mind around what bad guys would do with an Ent wife! Author Reply: I think that the wood-elves would have to have very different ideas on things, given that Legolas is described as a 'strange elf' in FotR. I don't think Gil-galad or Elendil have had any real exposure to the woodelves. Probably Celeborn understands that they have very different mind-sets than the Noldor and probably even the Sindar, but Oropher is a big pig-headed here and isn't going to listen to Celeborn no matter what he has to say. I read in Letters where Tolkien says some were taken away to be slaves. ... I can't see that either. Author Reply: I just reread what I replied to you and I meant to say that I read in Letters where Tolkien says some of the Entwives were taken to be slaves. I still can't see it! | |
| Idhreniel | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 11/15/2006 |
| I like the way Oropher approached his son... very sad, but true words. Author Reply: I think Oropher is well aware of what can happen in war. He has seen his fair share. | |
| Redheredh | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 10/2/2006 |
| Nice chapter this. The little elleth was sweet and a perfect example of what they were facing death to protect. There was a lot of very natural feeling interaction here, too. Poor Thranduil. Life promises little but momentary happiness now. I like Oropher wisely not leaving unpleasent possiblities completely to chance. Whether that is Amdir's non-cooperation or his own demise. Don't get me wrong, but I enjoyed the contrast between the beginning and end. Plus, how things are slowly - but perceptively - sliding closer and closer towards the precipice Thranduil dreads. Author Reply: Sadly, Oropher is more than aware of what can happen in battle. He also knows what it is to be the one who survives. I'm glad you're enjoying the story and thanks for the review! | |
| elliska | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 9/30/2006 |
| Catching up on reading as usual...I really loved the little girl at the beginning of this chapter and Thranduil's concern for the young volunteers (home before snow! How is it that all young people think things like that--every war has had them). It does a good job of showing how much Greenwood sacrificed since we how few of these elves return. Very sad. And of course I loved the conversation with Oropher. We know he's right. Also very sad. Author Reply: Thanks for reading, Elliska! Young people always seem to be convinced that they are invincible and bastions of strength, I think. It's sad that they have to learn the truth of the matter and usually learn it the hard way. The little girl doesn't really understand what is happening, but she knows that she has to do her part, so she does. I love little kids. | |
| Bodkin | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 9/28/2006 |
| What an ending! Oropher suspects he might not make it - I wonder if that's foresight, an understanding of his own character or just a greater awareness than most of the dangers of war. Of course, in battle the king is a target, no matter how well-guarded he is - and probably has a greater chance of being killed than an individual warrior. I like the elleth at the beginning - and the young warriors convinced they are invincible. And Thranduil's determination to leave them to guard the wood - and the wood to guard them. Thranduil will need his friends before this is over. I hope they will still be there. Author Reply: Oropher knows the possibilities of war and that as a fighting king he has a bulleye on his chest. I think he also knows himself and is honest enough with himself to know that it could be the last battle he fights. Thranduil thinks it would be a good idea to leave some behind to take care of their home - and to grow up a bit before sending them off to war. Too bad they can't all just stay home. | |
| French Pony | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 9/27/2006 |
| Oropher is right. Thranduil is indeed an effective leader. He's got that touch, and can communicate just as well with a little kid as with overeager novice warriors. Already you can see where the whole "greatest King of the Wood-elves" will come from. Author Reply: Thranduil is concerned about impetuous young elves rushing off to something they have no understanding of. He thought the little girl was cute. :) | |
| daw the minstrel | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 9/26/2006 |
| I can see the hard struggle Thranduil went through to leave his home weakly defended, but I think my favorite parts of this take place while they're on the road. I like the novice master and Thranduil's gratitude that he's no longer under the master's thumb. I also enjoyed the joking among Thranduil and his friends, and even the suggestion that things are complicated enough that Oropher hasn't had a chance to talk to Thranduil for a few days. Oropher may have chosen to enter this war, but he didn't do it blindly. He seems to know what it might cost. Author Reply: I think Oropher is more than aware of the cost of war. He isn't a stranger to it and he knows that anything can happen. Thranduil is pretty aware of that too, but he's also concerned with what's going to happen at home while they're away. His friends help keep his mind off of all things serious, even if only for a few minutes. Thanks for reading! :) | |
| Redheredh | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 8/13/2006 |
| This chapter offers quite a few whys and wherefores about Greenwood's participation in the Last Alliance. Very nicely done explanation and examination of a vital decision. One of the great advantages Sauron, and Morgoth for that matter, always had was their vast numbers of orcs. Somewhat like in warfare today, it seems only intelligence (secrecy) and 'technology' were what the elves had going for them. That situation was definitely there at the end of the Second Age. Without their numbers, the Alliance would be overwhelmed and a dark wave would slowly devour all the Silvan as well. I like that Thranduil was uncertain whether Oropher is right in fostering what could be false bravado or needed moral. Author Reply: Oropher knows that the time has come to stand up and help in the struggle against Sauron. He also knows that because of Sauron's weakened state, there isn't a lot of time to spare. Thranduil is afraid that the bravado Oropher is fostering will lead to a skewed sense of ability rather than simply high moral. Thanks for reading! | |