Reviews (74)

Walker-skye · 1 December 2019 · Chapter 16

Thoroughly enjoyable, enriching to the characters. Thank you for a lovely tale.

green.laoch · 23 September 2009 · Chapter 16

I am amazed at the story you told and with such insight. Brought new ways to look at their relationship. So rich in detail and great connection with the cultural backgrounds. Loved it!!

whitewave · 17 December 2008 · Chapter 6

I truly enjoyed and even re-read the Elu-Celeborn "father-son" moment here. I really like your story and couldn't get enough of it. And Celeborn's foresight (?) about Daeron made my skin crawl--yet it is very possible that that was the bard's fate.

whitewave · 17 December 2008 · Chapter 5

An explosive first meeting! I like how he keeps her on her toes. Their union is most promising and I just can't get enough of this. I've always read about the Noldor and yet you have succeeded in drawing me in to your particular "area of interest".

whitewave · 17 December 2008 · Chapter 4

I enjoyed the "culture-clash" scene between the Sinda and the Noldor very much! You captured all the right things indeed--from the flashy armor of the Noldor to their name-calling of the other elven kindreds. Poor Angrod foot seems stuck in his mouth in this one. I also liked Melian's counsel and you're able to flesh out the Doriathim very well.

whitewave · 17 December 2008 · Chapter 3

Events have taken a most delightful turn. I like how you portray Celeborn as both youthful and wise and I can't wait for him to meet Galadriel.

whitewave · 17 December 2008 · Chapter 2

The scenes in this chapter are just begging to be captured in a painting. I especially liked your description of the rising of the Moon and the Sun and how the Sindar would have felt/thought as these events happened. I like how you fleshed out the main characters but especially Celeborn and Daeron--who are sadly so "under-exposed". I can't wait to see how Celeborn and Galadriel will meet and fall in love.

PipMer · 19 January 2008 · Chapter 16

Hello! I have read both this story, and 'Battle of the Golden Wood', and just wanted to mention how I throroughly enjoyed both. I love how you portray Celeborn and Galadriel, and I also got hooked on all of the history of the Noldor. I learned a lot reading this story! I will read more of your stories in the future!

Nariel · 27 July 2007 · Chapter 13

I loved the ending of when Celeborn announces his intentions to Galadriel! I loved reading the reactions of her brothers. I kept giggling(giggling?) in my head. My favorite line here though has to be where Celeborn talks of how Luthien enchants each of the brothers in turn but then tells how Finrod's heart '...is already taken, by a maid left behind in Valinor.' I guess it is only my fav because Finrod is my fav character so anything having to do with him will hook me and this line is so sad when the reader thinks of the reality of the impact...It is just too sorrowful... Namarie!

Nariel · 27 July 2007 · Chapter 10

This must have been really hard for Finrod to keep a conversation with Celeborn about romance, especially since it probably reminded him of Amarie, his own love, who did not follow him into Exile... It is good that you gave Celeborn someone to talk to over his problems with Nerwen. It's even better that it is Finrod because Tolkien mentioned somewhere that of all her brothers Finrod was/is her favourite. This has to be one of my fav chapters in the story. Namarie!

Nariel · 27 July 2007 · Chapter 16

I have already read your story on FF.net a looonng time ago but decided to post my review here though. I really love how you portray the romance between Galadriel and Celeborn. Especially Celeborn! You made him seem more than a decoration for Galadriel. You gave him a 3-D feeling to him. I also do really adore how Galadriel is like a sort of warrior princess. Thanks though also for including Finrod and a bit how he felt on their relationship! I do hope you will continue writing more stories on Celeborn and Galadriel soon! Namarie!

L*M · 3 December 2006 · Chapter 12

Okay, I've read the first twelve chapters and now I'm going to put down my thoughts so far. It may get long and a little disjointed. First off, as with your other work I've read, it was well-written and well-conceived. You create a vivid Doriath and make such characters as Galadriel, Daeron, Celeborn, and Thingol distinctive. Finrod, the All Around Nice Guy of the Noldor princes, is well-captured, with his generosity of mind and spirit. I enjoyed the Sindar view of things. To name a few - the Sun and Moon. Okay, no big deal for the Noldor, maybe even a letdown after the Trees. But for the Sindar it was altogether new and terrifying. I had never thought anyone could consider the moon bright. No wonder the Elves had wonderful eyesight: They needed it, living in a world lit only by stars. (The comment that Celeborn's archers were training on the Noldor from 800 yards really struck me. 800 yards! Without scopes!) Also, writing. A small thing, but it was an interesting scene. And the Valar. It actually reminds me of a view Men would be more likely to take. The Feanorians could certainly hear criticism of the Valar, but considering how Finrod slapped down Andreth, I don't think he would have tolerated much from Celeborn. One of the biggest things was the reaction to the Noldor. If Finwe hadn't died, it would have been much better for the Sindar and the Noldor. They should have been allies against Morgoth and to a degree they were, but the alliance was never easy. I enjoyed the little culture clash when Celeborn first met Angrod. They must have seemed very strange to each other, with much the other party didn't understand. On the Noldor's side, of course, was their lack of understanding and regard for the "primitive" Elves. Celeborn understands in a way they (initially, at least) don't. But it's curious that when Men - a race more unskilled and unwise - enter the scene, they meet hostility from the Sindar and Green-elves but friendship from the Noldor. Even Caranthir was quicker to see their value than Thingol. I also found your take on Celeborn and Galadriel's romance well-done. Both Celeborn and Galadriel seem strong, fiery, sometimes foolishly so. Their marriage might not be the smoothest, but it could be strong. And I found the whole concept of the unshadowed Sindar protecting the cursed Noldor interesting. Didn't work for Finrod. "And so we are all ensnared." Thingol got sucked in, too clever by half with Beren and then becoming possessive of the Silmaril and not giving it to the Feanorians who, all sentiment aside, had the right of ownership. But maybe it worked for Celeborn and Galadriel. The saddest thing about the Doom of Mandos is the thousands of people who were, simply, collateral damage. Nothing personal, but that's the cost of casting your fortunes with people doomed by the Valar. But that's sometimes hard, especially with the Men who stumbled into the mess fleeing from Morgoth. Bereg and Amlach had a much better point than the Silmarillion seems to want to admit. There were a few small things in the story I'd disagree with. One, that Nerdanel was "tamed" by Feanor. She stayed in Valinor and was one of the few people who kept her head and was not swept off by Feanor. It's probably one of the reasons Tolkien calls her, like Celeborn, "the wise". Two, the analogy between Galadriel and Maedhros at the end of Chapter 9. As unpleasant as Galadriel's situation was, it bears little resemblance to being tortured by Morgoth and then hung to a cliff by your wrist. Last, the line about "the twins" - I presume Amrod and Amras - "who preferred not to dine off silverware if they could get gold". Now, according to Tolkien, the woods of East Beleriand were wild but fair, and the Noldor went there only to hunt. But Amrod and Amras lived there and "came seldom North while the the Seige lasted". Turning amenities into luxuries seems incongruous with boycotting the great cities to live in a wild forest. Well, I'll close now. I'm looking forward to finishing your story.

Allacaya · 2 February 2006 · Chapter 11

Hi, I love your story of Galadriel and Celeborn!!! It is awesome. I couldn't put it down and wrested the internet connection out of my internet provider's arms to continue to read it. (The tiring connection, likes to desert me when it is most unhelpful.) Will you write a sequel? I would so like to know what happens now. Their view of Luthien and Beren's story and the Fall of Gondolin and Doriath. I really like your writing style and how you portray the characters. Love to read more Allacaya

Nerdanel · 15 January 2005 · Chapter 2

Oh, I absolutely love this chapter! I had never really thought about what the Sindar would think upon first seeing the Moon and Sun rise. This was an (I think) accurate and beautiful description of that event. It reminds me, actually, of a short story by George MacDonald called "The Day Boy and the Night Girl" about a boy who had never seen the night time, and a girl who had always lived underground inside a castle, and had never seen the Moon or Sun, nor even knew what they were, never having read books. He has a chapter on when she first emerges outside at age 16 and sees the Moon (full) for the first time, and he describes all her emotions and ideas. It is beautiful. This reminded me of that. Wonderful job!

Aurendil · 14 January 2005 · Chapter 16

I decree (:P) This is canon. It fits perfectly with the 1st age history. It explains the subtle political situation and discribes the feelings of both sides much better then I imagined. Celeborn is given his well deserved place; Nerwen is the most powerful Noldo but too proud and dommed to be wise yet; Luthien, Finrod and many others are very well drawn. I only wished to see Fingolfin's host more distant to Fëanorians except maybe Maedhros and Maglor. But then since Curufin and Celegorm were accepted later by Finrod in Norgothrond, maybe there is no reason for Fingolfin to avoid them at all. It's because I like the Noldor. It's a shame they all ended up lost; but it was predicted, wasn't it?

Eruanneth_Luin · 22 October 2004 · Chapter 11

Involuntarily she took a step forward, drawn, her mood lightened merely by looking on him. He was elegant even in disorder, long limbs sprawled. His hair, like water in starlight, trailed across cheek and chest, glimmering as he breathed. Tendrils pooled in the hollow of his throat, leading her eye to the fair skin shadowed by the open neck of his tunic. > Ah, the vision of this powerful, regal elflord, Celeborn, so vulnerable and helpless before the fire of his love, resigned to dispair, yet such beauty and innocence. Of course, elves are endlessly appealing; facets of their personalities sparkling like gems, some blinding like Anor, others muted as starlight. Thank you for the enduring vision of the Lord Celeborn.

Aislynn Crowdaughter · 16 October 2004 · Chapter 2

Hi! What a beautiful description of the first rising of the sun out of the view of the Sindar! This is a great image, how the first sunrays tint the world into light and giving colors to everything and the Sindar marvel at it and fear it the same. Greatly written! I like! Aislynn

Aislynn Crowdaughter · 16 October 2004 · Chapter 14

Hi, Marnie! I came about this story late and only after I had finished to read "Seeds of Old Trees", because at first I was not so deeply interested in reading a Silmarillion-centered fic; but after "Seeds" I hae developed a liking to both celeborn and your delightful view of his and galadriels relationship. Now I am sorry I did not start reading it sooner! What a delightful, insightful view of the troublesome reaquaintance of the Noldor and the Sindar you write here! I love the slow development of galadriels and Celeborns love for each other, and now, just as they are about to plight their throth openly, this! Adn what a great picture you paint of Thingol, declaring his judgement! "He breathed again, deliberately, preparing to give judgement. Authority settled on him as he stood. Tall and beautiful and terrible as a Lord of the Maia in wrath he seemed to Celeborn, but with a heart hot with love for his folk. He had not forgotten, nor would ever forget, that the Teleri of Aman were once his people too. "Hearken to my words," he said. "In all my realm I forbid the open use of Quenya. Never again will my people speak, or answer to, the tongue of those who slew our kin in Alqualondë. All who use it shall be held slayers of kin, and betrayers of kin, unrepentant. Let the Golodhrim learn to speak and think - aye, even to dream - in the language of the Lindar. Let them remember those they murdered every time they open their mouths. Now, go!"" WOW! What a great description of this moment, of Thingols majesty while declaring his sentence, and the part about the oldhrim having to remember their deeds each time they open their mouth to speak gives it more depth; I had not thought about the sense of the edict like that, but of course it gies the whole judgement even deeper meaning. Beutifully written! Thank you for this great story! Aislynn

Bodkin · 14 October 2004 · Chapter 16

I think C and G work as a couple to play with because they are not Mills and Boon - they challenge each other constantly and neither will let the other get away with mushiness. C can let G be independent and forceful - and she can let him be himself. Getting to their level of maturity must have been an interesting and, at times, noisy process. They also interact with others on a real level. Whereas B and L are just . . . self-centred yet insubstantial and only approach credibility if everyone around them is a cardboard cutout I love the idea of the short stories you have in your head.

Lois · 13 October 2004 · Chapter 2

Some very pretty writing. But... the moon rises in the east and sets in the west, same as the sun. Even in Middle-earth. Do please fix this... Ta, L.

melian · 13 October 2004 · Chapter 16

It's finished already? Waaah! It's such a lovely story that I want it to go on forever! =) By the way, just to let you know: A few days ago, I got a notification that Oak & Willow had a new chapter up, so I clicked on it and was brought to "Those Who Loved Tinuviel", which was within the O&W page. Today it seems to have been corrected. Just fyi. You're my favorite fanfic writer and I hope you have more stories (especially about Celeborn!) to give us. My best regards to you.

Bejai · 13 October 2004 · Chapter 16

Well, 17 was a good chapter, but I completely understand your exhaustion. I couldn't help but snerk everytime I saw your description of this story: a "short telling" of the First Age. Ha. And Luthien and Beren ... As bad as Amroth and Nimrodel or Romeo and Juliet, who I always want to scream at to GET A GRIP. It would have been interesting to see it from the point of view of those around them, but I fear it would have been quite the grind to write. I had one chapter of that here a few weeks ago, and couldn't imagine going on for 10, just to wade through to get the stuff you're interested in. I do think you should publish 17 as a short, perhaps tweaked just a bit so it is a one-shot. There were some breathtaking images! I hope to see you write the more interesting parts as the First Age starts to wind down, and maybe some of the other nontraditional ideas you've mentioned. A fresh start is always a good thing! I would much rather have you cheerful and interested in what you're doing than burned out.

Bodkin · 13 October 2004 · Chapter 16

Chapter 17 has gone! It was there one minute and gone the next! So decisive of you. I'm glad I got to read it.

Sphinx · 13 October 2004 · Chapter 16

*quiet panic* It's over? *confused* Hope everything's well.

Bodkin · 13 October 2004 · Chapter 17: Part Two: The Tale of Those who Loved Tinuviel

Does it sound horrible to say that in some ways I shall be quite relieved to be spared the comings and goings of Tolkien's own Romeo and Juliet? There's quite a range of things about the story that I find . . less than appealing - it seems like a romance from a distance, but it's not really, except in the same sense as R and J, which also drives me to drink - I tend to think that they would both have been improved by a swift left hook early in the proceedings, but it's Friar Lawrence who REALLY makes me cringe. On the other hand, if it means no more Oak and Willow, I'm not so happy, because I like seeing C and G develop their relationship and the First Age stuff is fascinating. It could just spare Luthien and Beren (since changing the story to make it more bearable isn't on.) Hopefully you have another project simmering, which is just DYING to be written and I will have to look forward to that.