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| The Jewels of his Existence by Orophins Dottir | 30 Review(s) |
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| Aislynn Crowdaughter | Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 1/9/2004 |
| Hi! This is a great story, and I am following it breathlessly. And now, Radgasts relevation - OUCH! A poison to create Orcs! Thank you that you have Legolas rescued from it at last (I hope you will not kill him off, at least!). I am very curious how this will develop, and I can't wait to see Thranduil coming to Gondor. Somehow, I can not imagine all the fine Gondorian soldiers and people liking it, although Aragorn by now may think well otherwise. Please go on soo! And I'd love to see this second door guard get the just reward for his racism and his rudeness to the supposed "beggar". Somehow I can not imagine Aragorn being very fond of having beggars and poor people sent of his door by rude guards... The only thing I'd have to say in critique are the following two: First, Aragorn appears too weak in this fic for a long time, IMHO. I mean, that guy is about eighty years and has lived most of them as a ranger, and suddenly he turns deaf and blind to the racistical and superstitious behaviour of his own subjects, his servants, the people of his city, even some of his guards, just because now he's king? A lifetime ob observation of his sourroundings and having a knack to hear what he is not supposed to (all valuable ranger skills) somehow suddenly lost just because of that crown? I have to say, Elessars ignorance of the treatment of Elves and his own wife in his kingdom is not entirely believable to me, even given Arwen truied to keep it from him. Besides: wouldn't he have brought some of his former rangers and made them oficcers? would not at least these have acted as his eyes and ears? This part had me troubled a long time. I think the king of Gondor would be sooner in what was going on between his people and the elves, and would not need Arwen to tell him, and he would act on it sooner than you have him here. But I like the way Aragorn is portrayed in the last few chapters of this one and "Roses". Second, if this poison and it's way of working was known to the woodland-elves of Mirkwood, and Legolas carried poison all along to escape it should it be applied to him, why then did he not recognize it and used the poison? Why didn't his brother recognize what happened? I think this would need some explaining. Otherwise, this and it's compagnion piece is a marvellous fic and I follow it breathlessly. Thank you!!! Aislynn Author Reply: Excellent. I like a reader who thinks and questions. To address your concerns: Aragorn is 80 and has been a Ranger: Precisely, and he is dealing with elves who have lived for thousands of years. Arwen had been around forever before Aragorn was even born, let alone when she first met him. If not as old, Legolas and all the others are so far beyond Aragorn in age and experience, that 80 is like a child. Elves do not even become adults until they are 50. Do you really think that they could not have kept information from him if they wished? Arwen does not want him told and, rightly or wrongly, the elves are honoring her wishes. At one point, it is mentioned that Legolas wants to let Aragorn know but she attacks Legolas so much for that (off page) that he never says anything again. Arwen is having a lot of problems with her decision to marry Aragorn and become mortal. (1) She misses her father and all she has given up as an elf for Aragorn. At one point, she watches Rumil ride away "as far as her mortal eyes" can see. Not far for one who has been an elf and seen for leagues and leagues. (2) She is living in a place totally unfamiliar to her and does not know HOW to be a mortal or what normal is among humans. She is now also expected to be a Queen of humans, where before she has been the sheltered and probably spoiled daughter and granddaughter of great elven rulers. She has lived her entire sheltered life among elves in Lórien and Imladris. (3) She is in terrible pain over what she has done to Rúmil in marrying Aragorn when she still loved him and in now having come to love Aragorn (and Eldarion) while she still loves Rúmil. She loves both of them. (Rúmil has a similar problem. He wants to hate Aragorn and cannot.) Like it or not, the prior relationship with Rúmil and Arwen is a premise of the story. The fact that Aragorn has been a Ranger, i.e., a soldier, would be absolutely no help to him in being king of two devastated kingdoms. Radagast and others stress that he is a "young king" and learning to govern. I am sure that he has been busy just dealing with the basic recovery needs of his countries. Another reason perhaps that the elves are trying not to trouble him? Plus, what happens to Legolas does not happen in Minas Tirith, but in Aglarond which is a distance from him. You cannot know everything personally and the young king does not yet have a structure in place to bring him the knowledge he needs. He is, however, learning and getting better. He has also has found out that Arwen and Rumil were lovers. He does not want this to end his marriage but it must have been a terrible blow to him. He loves Arwen enough and has enough strength to struggle to make a way for the two of them still. I love his strength in that. And, no, I do not think he would have hired a bunch of Rangers to solve his problems. Even if he had, the area was too great for so few men to know everything. Also, except for their leaders, the Rangers were just excellent soldiers and not skilled at ruling countries. Now, about the evil done to Legolas. Quick point: The poison he and his brother carry is NOT an antidote. It is a last desperate release if they have been taken by Sauron with no hope of escape. Chewing the herb kills them. I certainly did not want Legolas to die! The antidote is something Radagast has to make fresh. He even has to go a long way to get the ingredients fresh. Most medicines back then were efficacious for only a very short time period, often just hours. Next point: Legolas and his brother would not recognize what has happened as the same poison that Sauron used on the elves. As Radagast says, somehow Saruman has devised a way to deliver it through the skin in the powder that Legolas and the child were covered in during the explosion. Legolas and his brother knew that Sauron had a liquid that could be forced down their throats and, if that happened, they knew it was better to die, and would have taken the poison for its release. Haldir and all of them thought that Legolas had been hurt in the explosion until the wounds would not heal. Then they had absolutely no idea what they were up against and were desperately trying to figure out a cure. Hope all this helps and that you are not asleep reading it! And yes: Dalthor that nasty guard is goint to get his! I hate him. Humble Scribe to his Majesty Thranduil (who should arrive in the next chapter!) | |
| JS | Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 1/8/2004 |
| These stories are so amazing! I simly adore your portrayal of the elves. Beautiful. I eagerly await each new chapter. Thanks so much for sharing them. Also, Gilúviel has quickly become on of my fav OCs. Have you written any other stories that have him as an important character or go more into his history? Author Reply: Thank you. I too am very fond of Giluviel. He made his debut in my story "The Revenge of the Wood-Elf" and a lot of his history, but not all, is there. He and Legolas are heavily featured in that story as are many of the elves. It is a story that is part comedy and part tragedy and, I am afraid to say Giluviel has some very bad times in it. He was intended to be a one-time only character, but I liked him so much that he and his wife will be recurring in my fiction. I will have to alter the history of Wood-Elf slightly to adjust for their continuing, but the basic facts are there. If you read it, please let me know what you think. Have patience that he will appear and have a big part to play! I am planning a new story where he will also appear. Thanks for your kind review! Humble Scribe to his Majesty Thranduil | |
| AM | Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 1/8/2004 |
| Doesn't this belong with "Roses ... "? I love 'em both, but am perplexed as how you could meld them. Author Reply: It was getting very confusing, wasn't it? Well, I have merged both stories into one now. We will continue only at the "Roses of Iluvatar" story. Please see the new chapter there in which Thranduil finally arrives at Minas Tirith. I hope the new plan of continuance will be helpful. Humble Scribe to his Majesty Thranduil | |
| The Karenator | Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 1/8/2004 |
| My Dear Scribe, How fell this madady that befell our prince! Truly, the Valar and Eru, himself, did look with kind favor on our kind when the wizard was brought to the prince's aid. Elessar has much on his mind and much to sort out as he struggles to understand the lingering evil that has brought this doom upon men and elves alike. Far too soon, it seems, men thought they now lived in peace. Such a horror to find that evil still walks and it is yet unknown as to where it abides. Oh, how I rejoice at the news of Lalaith. As Tingalen would say in the common tongue, "You go, girl!" An elf witch after mine own heart, she is. I await more news of this strong and fearsome enemy of evil. May her wrath and power only increase in her desire to protect her own...and all without the aid of a ring of power. It is true; she is truly great among Elvenkind. No more should our kindred be forced to carry the object of their own death in order to preserve their fea. As we await more news from Gondor, my household shall be solemnly on watch. Daily, we will send forth our gratitude to the Creator for those who have seen our beloved prince through this terrible time. Until we hear from you again.... The Karenator Author Reply: Yes, Lalaith and her "controlled wind" have arrived. I almost choked on my cookie when I read your review, wicked one! I shall pass along your comments to my queen and advise you to be careful about entering dark alleys for the next day or so. Humble Scribe to his Majesty Thranduil | |
| bryn | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 1/6/2004 |
| Fantastic lines concerning Aragorn. They're short and stabbing. Oh Haldir, why must you be so cold? *sigh* A true Elven captain, that one. Would Thranduil really demand Eldarion? My heart goes out to Aragorn as well--he's been thrust into a situation he has no control over whatsoever. Given his nature, it's got to hurt even more. Author Reply: Thank you. Those lines were difficult for me to write and you are the first person to comment favorably on them. I think a lot of people are just seeing Haldir as being "mean" to Aragorn. I see him as very conflicted about what he feels he must do. Haldir likes Aragorn, but his duty is to his brothers, Legolas and the other elves first. I assume you realize that this story flip flops between "Jewels of his Existence" and "Roses of Iluvatar". They usually stand alone fairly well but there are times when you may be confused if you are not reading both. "The Lion of Lorien" chapter in "Roses" actually preceded this one. This was an experiment that has been interesting, but I think I will eventually rewrite the whole thing as one combined story. That is, if I survive! Some folks weren't too happy with what I did to Arwen and Aragorn! Heck, I find it interesting, so I shall continue! Humble Scribe to his Majesty Thranduil (and fugitive from the Wrath of Imladris) | |
| bryn | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/6/2004 |
| Orophins Dottir, I'm not even three paragraphs into the first chapter and I can't stop snickering. First, because the opening line: "Somehow, and never did he figure out how, Gimli had found himself in charge of Legolas’ baths." took me by absolute surprise. The kind that leaves me blinking for a few seconds and then dissolving into undignified snorts. Secondly, I now have visions of Gimli attempting to comfort Legolas by "elvish" means... and crooning Dwarves--ESPECIALLY Gimli--are a thing no person should envision. ;) Oh, you've done a great job winding down to the end of the chapter. It ends on a beautifully delicate note. Author Reply: *bows low* It means a lot to me to have you review my stories. 'Tis a burden you may wish to throw back, but you ARE the person responsible for my starting to write these stories! I love Gimli. I always had the idea that elves in the aggregate would make him very uncomfortable. He may be comfortable with HIS elf, but collectively? *dwarven shudder* I thought he would make an awkward attempt to comfort Legolas at this point in the story. I could not make him go all "kissy face" but I thought the battlescarred hand on the head might be in keeping. Glad you approved. Humble Scribe to his Majesty Thranduil | |
| Lindorien | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/2/2004 |
| This is really, really beautiful. What a lovely portrayal of a friendship! I can see where people might think this slashy, but not me, coming as I do from a large family where bedsharing was the norm, rather than the exception. When people visited, they shared beds -- and complained about the other snoring! beautifully written. Author Reply: Thank you. I was a little nervous posting this, but should have known that the intelligent readers here would see it for what it was meant, a story of friendship. Your review is appreciated! | |
| Nilmandra | Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 12/25/2003 |
| I like your look at Thranduil - he would be a mighty force to stand against. How interesting to think that Saruman could be behind this. I do trust the leaders here - Aragorn, Faramir, the Lorien elves - to sort this out and keep Saruman from forcing a wedge between elves and men. | |
| The Karenator | Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 12/25/2003 |
| My Lady Scribe, How my heart doth fear for our fair Rumil as he travels the path of men. Some comfort do I find in the knowledge that Strider, Faramir and Gimli are there to receive him. For they will stand at the side of our warden should evil come to try him. Such fear doth I sense in poor Gimli and my eyes fill with tears as he bears the sorrowful news brought to him by this Elven messenger. Though Gimli is a strange creature to the Elves, he is a true and just friend to Legolas. The king rides ever nearer to the city of men and with him the uncertainity of his warth. Our friends will be well served to find a path and solution to this foul malady that has befallen the king's son. For Thranduil will brook no injury to his child and his retribution will be swift and final. Such foul news hath been discoveredd in the cave and within the walls of the travern. The worst of fears have been confirmed and evil doth yet walk in the shadows of Arda. Our friends must be swift in giving report to the king and to dealing with this wandering remains of what was once great in the cause of the Valar, but has now fallen into a darkness so still and cold that not even a ray of goodness lives in his heart. My Lady, I cannot assuage this fear that doth grip my very being, but I shall entrust this crisis to the warriors of experience. I will stand watch over my dear Legolas and offer my assistance in calming the distraught adar should he arrive before Aragorn and his party. It is my most heartfelt prayer that he will heed any words you have to offer him for much store doth he put in your wisdom. Until we meet again, my Lady. The Karenator | |
| daw the minstrel | Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 12/24/2003 |
| Oh, excellent. This meeting was fun to read about. I liked Rumil's thoughts about how unpleasant buildings were compared to trees, especially when the buildings were full of men. And I liked the descriptions of fierce!Thranduil. Rumil's thoughts to himself in general were particularly well done. | |