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| The Roses of Ilúvatar by Orophins Dottir | 70 Review(s) |
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| Coriel | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 11/22/2003 |
| How sweet is that! ^_^ But it sounds like Legolas needs his protein. I remember Thranduil at least was not averse to roast meat. The Elves in Gondor ought to get together and make some their way if they don't like what's available. Trust me; it will do him good! If he gets any worse, I would not be surprised if Thranduil came down himself to force-feed him. Send him all my best get-well wishes! Author Reply: Ah, but Thranny never had Beef a la Gondor! Never fear, Rosie is now on the case, and I have the feeling that one of the older brethern Galadhrim is about to blow a cork over the food situation and general unpleasantness towards the elves. Perhaps Rumil. I haven't given him much to do of late. But then, Haldir in a snit is really quite impressive. It happens so rarely. Decisions, decisions. We will add your wishes of returned health to the growing stack by Legolas' bedside. Poor Elf Boy! How we all do torment him. Humble Scribe to his Majesty Thranduil | |
| Nilmandra | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 11/21/2003 |
| I love that Arwen has brought a touch of elfdom to Gondor - how lovely to have the benches and open windows. I am not an elf, and they would be my choice to sit too. Now, my poor Legolas is still ailing and I do not know why? When shall we learn of what malady has struck our dear princeling? He is thin and not hungry, and I am glad Rosie's bread aids him, but it sounds like our ailing prince should be sleeping beneath beech and willow, and eating the finest fruits and lembas the elves can provide. Dow his father the King know of this? PS Still pondering which Valar....:D Author Reply: Thranduil is resting, thank you, and Humble Scribe hopes to keep it that way! I do not like to think what he might do to Gondor if he finds out what happened to Legolas there. However, Rosie is on the case, and she's a better cook. Galadriel is sending lembas I would assume. To know what befell Legolas, see the new chapter 2 of "Jewels of his Existence". Depending on the insanity level of Real Life here, it may get into this story this weekend. Ponder away, revered Web Elf! | |
| daw the minstrel | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 11/21/2003 |
| This story is as well done and I expected it to be. The hobbits are vividly presented. Elanor is mischievous but loving. And I am touched by the picture of the ill Legolas. Author Reply: Thanks as always! I've slightly revised the chapter since you read it, but it's essentially the same. Primarily, I took out the bit about Haldir and Namo. I saw that as starting to get too complicated if I were juggling two stories as one here and the Wood-Elf insanity as well. Plus, the evil forces of the Stories of Arda list issued a new holiday challenge, and a vision of Galadriel and Christmas did spring full blown into my head. I'm glad I'm not the designated turkey cooker this holiday! Humble Scribe to his Majesty Thranduil | |
| The Karenator | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 11/20/2003 |
| So, my lady, have we, (meaning you), found out, yet, what afflicts our dear Greenleaf? He's just not himself. Whatever's happened, he's slow to recover. Sam is such a sweet fellow. He's as steady and solid as the earth. How can anyone not love someone who is so guileless and true to his own heart? What a nice scene with Sam giving his bread to Legolas. I just knew Rosie could beat Martha all to pieces with her cooking! You have done a great job of giving distinct personalities to each character and showing the cultural and ethnic differences of Elves and Hobbits....but in a very non-threatening way. Your characters seemed to embrace those differences rather than finding others 'wrong' for not being like them. I suppose the modern world could take a lesson or two..... Very nicely done.....now, when are we going to get the whole story?....inquiring minds want to know? :>) Karen Author Reply: Lo, my lady, a serious reply! Note down this date! Legolas and Sam have survived a very long journey that took them into an unbearable darkness. Yet, each in his own way found a way to bear the burden of that darkness. Along the path, Legolas abandoned his certainties about dwarves and their vast differences from his own folk and became one half of what I consider one of the most emblematic friendships in all literature. And, Sam? Sam overcame the overwhelming ordinariness of his existence. The gardener, who eavesdropped on wizards and never dreamed of leaving the Shire although curious about the elves, grew to be honored even by the Valar. He put one ordinary hobbit foot in front of another and, in the end, Sauron himself could not defeat him. I do so love Sam. Humble Scribe to his Majesty Thranduil | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 11/20/2003 |
| You have a wonderful way with showing the differences between hobbit and Elf, and particularly the ways in which each complements the other. This is very interesting: "The elf took it politely and wondered how he would eat it, for he did not wish to hurt Sam, but he was wary of all food made by mortals." What a gentle, soothing chapter! Author Reply: Thank you, dear Hobbit Mentor! Your words are high praise. I have decided to turn this into a writing challenge for myself. With "The Jewels of his Existence", I am going to treat the same time period of interaction with the elves from two entirely different viewpoints, those of Rosie and Sam (and perhaps other hobbits), and that of Gimli, the dwarf. Let's see what happens. I hope each story will stand independently, but they will be interwined. I may be able to post Chapter 2 of "Jewels" tonight but am not quite sure the eyeballs will stay open long enough! Humble Scribe to his Majesty Thranduil | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/14/2003 |
| This is wonderful! Rose's easy, informal speech is such a contrast to the Elves' slower, more formal and mannered way. (I wasn't sure why you wrote of Frodo being present when Orophin spoke with Elanor, but I'm not familiar with 'your' Universe of post-quest Middle-earth.) What a perfect judgment Legolas meted out to little Elanor, and what a true princess she is. Rosie is seeing the best of Elfdom, and no mistake. Very, very nice! My goodness, a hobbit child must seem incredibly tiny to Elves, especially Elves who haven't seen Elvish children for a long time. Author Reply: Humble Scribe apologizes for delay in replying. She has been doing battle with evil as ever. Elanor's role is going to be important in these two tales. I hope you will visit the new chapters of both as they arise, esteemed Hobbit Maven. *bows low to her mentor in all things hobbity* Humble Scribe to his Majesty Thranduil | |
| Tinnuial | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/1/2003 |
| Another marvellous story!! The poor, poor roses....and the heartbroken elves! The interaction between Orophin and Elanor is simply adorable... Why is Legolas in bed? Is he ill for some reason? Or is this something to do with the sea-longing? Poor fellow... Thanks for posting... :) Tinnuial Author Reply: Thank you again. The Karenator (May she be blessed forever as my sounding board! Read her stories, do!) and I have touched upon this in our correspondence with each other. These vignettes are rather on the back burner at the moment as the "Revenge of the Wood-Elf" is rather consuming; however, I begin to think that Legolas, who as an elf cannot suffer illness, has been injured in saving a child. This is not yet cast in stone, but I have a fascination, as you may be able to detect in this story, with the relationship of elves with the innocents of mortal life such as children. Orophin is in truth my darling as are his noble brethern, Rúmil and Haldir, and Lord Celeborn. Ai, Celeborn! Marnie and I see that you are far beyond just being "Mr. Galadriel"! | |
| Nilmandra | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/1/2003 |
| I can't believe you have me crying over roses! Or perhaps it is not the roses I am crying over (although I will admit to having a yard full of them) but the love of a dwarf and an elf. One of the themes of Tolkien I love is the depth of love and friendship he allowed his characters, perhaps so like to what he had in the trenches of war. Bonds of friendship formed in hard times, when friends depended on each other for so much, can be as deep as any lovers and yet not erotic. I love how well you have captured Rosie's voice - she is wonderful - and your elves are elfy. We see their grace and dignity and courteousness and general respect for all living things. Why our poor prince must lie upon a couch is another matter though, and I am grieved that he lies thus - for surely only a severe injury could cause such a thing. Author Reply: Ai, my courtesy has failed entirely! I am woefully late in this reply. I beg you not to tell my liege, for he is a firm believer that reviewers are to be thanked for their welcome efforts. These stories are giving me an opportunity to think about fear and prejudice and the evils that they bring about in this world. They are evil in and of themselves, and they allow greater evils an entry. The core impulse for these stories is a remark made by Haldir: "in nothing is the Power of the Dark Lord more clearly shown than in the enstrangement that divides all those who still oppose him". I think I shall add that quote to the synopses. Humble Scribe to his Majesty Thranduil | |
| Coriel | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/1/2003 |
| An endearing glimpse of Rosie with the Elves! She does seem a bit out of her element, though she should catch on soon. Dang, I need Legolas here to teach my baby brother a thing or two! Author Reply: Apologies for this late reply! The ever present battle against evil has kept the Humble Scribe too long from her duty to courtesy. Rosie is well on the way to full understanding. She and her little daughter will be greatly needed in these two intertwined tales of Gondor. I hope that you will cast your eye upon the new chapters as they arise. Thanks for the review! | |
| The Karenator | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/1/2003 |
| Okay..Legolas is still recovering. From what, my fair and scribbling, I mean scribing, lady? I loved the sweet little Elanor. She was just being a child, but as all children need, she was given direction. And what wonderful direction it was. If all people of authority were so wise! I'm a good friend of Orophin and Rumil and Haldir and I was glad to see them make an appearance. A good story about respect for all living things, the people who place trust in you and bouncy little girls. Loved it. :>) Karen Author Reply: Hooray, you're back! Don't quite know yet what terrible angst I will have to inflict on Legolas. Poor Elf Boy! People are always hurting him. *sniffs sadly* This just popped into my head right after slaughtering all those poachers. I think my mind needed a rest! | |