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| Aftermath by Bodkin | 13 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Manderly | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/23/2006 |
| I am always glad that someone on this site has a birthday. Some of the best stories are the ones being gifted to someone's birthday and this one is no exception, though it certainly was a heart-rending one. As heartbreaking as it was, the story did leave us with hope. Lives were lost, but through the two who survived, life will continue for the Wood Elves. Author Reply: Thank you Manderly. Birthdays are good! This story was intended to be fluffy elfling fun - but refused to turn out that way. And there is hope - we know that! The dark will be defeated - in time. Cuilant's parents might well feel that their sacrifice was for something, since she survived - and poor Glambren will grow to defend the forest. While their survival gives the warriors more reason to fight. | |
| daw the minstrel | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/23/2006 |
| The fate of children in a time of war--you don't flinch from hard subjects, Bodkin. This one was tough, but the children are in the care of wise adults, and they'll have time to heal. Poor things. Author Reply: It didn't start out to be quite this way - but it just got darker. And it's so easy not to think about the shadier side of war - but it seems a bit of a cop-out to pretend it's all some jolly game that doesn't hurt anyone ... (although killing off favourite characters is definitely baaaad and shouldn't be allowed.) I think Glambren is going to have a harder time than Cuilant. At least until she realises what is missing from her life. But they will have wise carers who will love and guide them. | |
| French Pony | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/23/2006 |
| Very nice. You have such a wonderful eye for psychology. Glambren was absolutely pitch-perfect. A brave child, but he can't stand up to a trauma that leaves even adult warriors pale and shaking. The scene with him hiding behind the waterfall, trying beyond hope to pretend that the massacre was just a game was especially powerful. I am curious about one thing, though. I wonder where the idea that Wood-elves cremate their dead on open pyres comes from. I've seen it around in several places, and it always gives me pause when I read it. There's just something about the idea of a pyre big and hot enough to burn a body being built in a flammable forest that rubs me a little funny. Author Reply: Thank you FP! It's amazing what kids can cope with - but they have their own way of dealing with things, I think. And it can take a lot of effort to coax them to out. I'm glad you liked Glambren. The cremation of the dead ... I don't know really. It's not easy to dig holes in forests - I suppose it feels like freeing the spirit on the wind and disposes of the husk most efficiently. I can't imagine elves burying orc corpses in the forest, either - burning them sort of deals with the contamination. But yes. You are right. Fires and forests don't go together too well. | |