Cadenza by Rose Sared

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Imrahoil · 8 June 2004 · Chapter 15: 15

I am not amused, but sorry for the inconvenience. Thank you for trying. Well, well, I hope someone (Bardor/Arwen) gets Frecern before he gets someone (Arwen/Bardor).

Author's reply

Imrahoil, I am sorry but you are going to have to unpack that first remark a little for me. I don't know what you mean. In the meantime, I promise that the plot is afoot and there is many a twist before Frecern gets his just deserts. He will get them; but it is a bit of a journey. (Not helped by the author trying to make up her mind just which of his many victims will be the one to deliver the fate he deserves! !

Jay of Lasgalen · 7 June 2004 · Chapter 15: 15

Ai, poor Throndar! That was so sad. What a sacrifice he made. I find I'm liking Minuial more and more - I couldn't stand her at first! The humans are growing on her, as well. Now if one of them could save her neck, it could change her opinion of them. But where is Arwen - and her brothers, and Legolas? Jay

Author's reply

Ha, the snotty elf is growing on you - and me I must admit. I have the feeling though that she may resist changing her mind to the end, using the sort of reasoning that says "Well, these humans may be ok but I still have no time for the whole race." Hmmm, I'll see. Leggy and Gims are back in the next ch, and (blush) thank you for reminding me of the twins, ahem, they are back in the next ch also (a bit peripherally, but no longer vanished at least!) Thanks for your time Rose

lwarren · 7 June 2004 · Chapter 15: 15

SQUAWK!!! RS!!!!! That's right - draw it out as long as possible!!:-) Poor Throndar...I kinda had a bad feeling about his idea to act as a spy the last chapter, but at least he got a very good lick in before he fell. Brave, brave soldier...Aragorn and Arwen will miss him! Now the blacksmith - I like him in this story, now that you've straightened his thought processes out! ;-) I would dearly love to see Gleowyn knock Frecern silly and then her father gut him (*V bloodthirsty-I-hope-that-rat-gets-his-just-desserts Grin*). And ah, yes, dear Aragorn in a rage is a sight to see (ummm, read!...). He's definitely giving his poor guard a fit, trying to keep up with him! Great action chapter -I just have one complaint....where is you-know-who????????*wails loudly* linda

Author's reply

Never fear, my dear, Leggy and Gimli ride to the fray in the next ch. Frecern will get his, I promise, but you know my labrinthyne mind, why make it easy when you can make it difficult! Sniffle, I hated killing Throndar, but it's war, someone has to die and he would have found it hard to live with himself in his percieved failure of his duty to Aragorn. Sniff, sniff I miss him. Back to the keyboard now. Rose

Bodkin · 6 June 2004 · Chapter 15: 15

Poor Throndor - at least he didn't have to worry about the tooth for long! I suspect he felt he owed his life for allowing Arwen to be captured and was willing to spend it to recover her. I knew they were looking in the wrong place - (she's in the nursery, Minuial!) - but at least they have rescued the Rohan royals. I hope Minuial doesn't get killed - but I would like to see her get saved by one of those great clumsy smelly humans.

Author's reply

Sorta " Where's the Queen?" "She's behind you." "What over here?" "No, over there." "Oh here?" "No! over there." I am sure if you have ever been to a pantomime you will know the drill. Very big G! Alas, poor Throndar, he served his King as his honour dictated. I felt very sad at his demise, but it's war. People die in wars, and rarely, it seems, the ones that deserve to. Thanks so much for the review, and keep up the good work on your stories, they are much enjoyed. Rose

daw the minstrel · 6 June 2004 · Chapter 15: 15

Oh yes yes! Lots of excitement here. But poor Throndor. I felt bad about that. He was brave. Where could Arwen be? I hadn't realized that this was the wrong place and I thought she was getting out. I love pissed off Aragorn.

Author's reply

Heh, heh, heh. Evil authorial grin. Pissed off Aragon is so much easier to write than calm, Kingly, Aragorn. I might need to keep him ticked for the rest of the fic! On with the fray! Rose

Imrahoil · 4 June 2004 · Chapter 14: 14

Are you planning a loophole for Frecern? I hope not, he really has it coming AND it should better be painful. Like the story very much, liked the prequel as well, just love your dwarves (never read a funnier comment on elves than "Your elves are disturbing the peace again ... Bah, Elves, ... They are worse than mice in the pantry. If you see one you’ve got twenty and the only way you know is by their noise in the quick of the night."). A mild complaint: Could you do something about the formatting of chapter 10 and 12 or does it involve lots of hard work?

Author's reply

Thank you, Imrahoil, I am glad that you are being entertained by this fic. big G!. You may be amused to know I just spent the last hour trying, with a notable lack of success, to fix the formatting problems on ch 12. I give UP! I think it is a problem with changing files from word to txt and back again. I am doing my edits a different way now so hopefully further chapters should be free of this prob. I hope! Thanks again for the review. Rose

lwarren · 4 June 2004 · Chapter 14: 14

Ok, my mistake (reread the conversation between Aragorn and Thranduil again). I actually think they were more angry at the circumstances than at each other. Aragorn's anger is easily understood - he's been lied to and tricked and they have taken his very "heart" hostage. Thranduil is angry that the irrational stupidity of men has forced him to enter into something (a war) he wanted no part of (aside from the fact that Arwen was in his care and she was taken). So, on a closer look, I retract some of my previous statements...they were bristling but more at the circumstances that had force them into the position they found themselves in. (I still had to grin at some of the undercurrents I felt during their little conversation - sorry to review twice, RS...will teach me to rush through a story....but is sooooo goood!) linda

Author's reply

I only posted this morning and your are re-reading already. Gosh! I think that these two characters always have their royalty trailing behind them like some cumbersome cloak that cannot be put aside. Basically Thrandy feels uncharacteristically guilty and cannot afford to allow that guilt to compromise his elvish sovereignty and Aragorn feels desperate and cannot leave his people to pursue his own agenda. Aren't you glad you are not royal? (mind you I am assuming here ) Review at your leisure, won't worry me, it is so much fun to get feedback on the story and how it comes across to my readers.(I knows what I means to say, but has it made it across the page, yep, yippee!) enough already Happy author off to write more. Rose

lwarren · 4 June 2004 · Chapter 14: 14

Ah, the truth will out! Thou art trying to kill me! But I am not so easily slain by your foul cliffies!!! So, Thranduil and Aragorn finally meet up, and they are both acting most kingly and - male! "There will be an accounting." :) All right guys, let's get Arwen and Gleowyn and the babe out of there first...then ya'll can tend to all those "guy things". Honestly, where is Legolas...they need his tact to act as a bridge between men and the Elvenking! I had to laugh, RS, they were bristling at each other like two cats! I loved the idea of an underground group plotting in Edoras - tho' Minuial could have been a tad more grateful! And that beginning scene with Gleowyn and Arwen and the little guy was so sweet and sad (I loved the part where Gleowyn thought that Arwen could make even changing diapers look queenly). Gleowyn thinks her husband is dead obviously...I think Frecern better watch out for her. A little vengence from her would not be amiss in the future. So you leave everyone hanging - Arwen and Gleowyn listening for "heavy footsteps" as the assault begins - Aragorn and Thranduil looking somewhat ticked at each other - Throndar sacrificing his dear self for the hostages - Minuial being snooty again - and where in the heck are Gloin and Greenleaf? No precioussssss, not very niccccce a'tall! *heheheheh* Great chapter - most timely. *g* linda

Author's reply

My dear heart, thank you for your enthusiasm. I admit it, I am enjoying this part of the story waaay to much. I must have sadistic tendencies! I think L&G may just get in to the end of the next ch - we will have to see. Rose

The Karenator · 3 June 2004 · Chapter 14: 14

I started reading this some time back, got lost in the woods and have found my way back out again. What a delightful tale! It flows just beautifully...along with your wonderful descriptions of places and people. You have also infused it with a terrific blend of humor and tension. A wonderful combination. I love your original characters! They're lively and fully rounded. As you can see, I have been most impressed! Now that the rag-tag resistance is moving and the combined forces are amassed, I can hardly wait to see what happens next. Just a terrific read, Rose. Karen

Author's reply

You are most welcome! I am glad you have caught up just as things are getting exciting! I hope to post 15 early next week, so you won't have to wait too long, however the way it is coming together in my head the chapter may leave you gasping again! (try to look sad about this - really) Thanks for your enjoyment and kind words Rose

daw the minstrel · 3 June 2004 · Chapter 14: 14

You must have nursed a baby. You describe it so well. But poor Gleowyn. How miserable she is. She needs to be rescued soon! Aragorn is scary when he's out for vengeance. Not that I blame him of course. And Thranduil is certainly someone I would want on my side! I also liked your picture of the "resistance," sort of like in Paris during the Second World War.

Author's reply

Well, as they say, about what you know and all that I am glad you enjoyed my cross-patch men, and the rather bumbling resistance. I feel that all groups like that must be made up by the ordinary suddenly thrust into extraordinary circumstances. You does what you must, I guess. Thanks for the kind words now I must get back to the fray Rose

mer · 2 June 2004 · Chapter 13: 13

Another person here who is enjoying this story. I noticed one of your characters ("Camthalion") has the same name as another elf in a story by someone called Runedancer. Is Camthalion a canon name or is it just by coincidence? I am very much looking forward to the next chapter. I loved reading all your other stories as well!

Author's reply

Thank you so much for your review mer. At times it seems like I only have my loyal three or four readers, then another one pops up to say something and it is like an unexpected gift, most welcome. I am afraid Camthalion's name was generated by the name machine hosted by the Mellon chronicles. Put in some name like George and up pops an elvish sounding one! I spent many weeks researching Sindaren sites and dictionarys to find Minuial and Ascallon's names, only to find Minuial is so common it is nearly canon and Ascallon may not mean what I wanted it to! So now I hie me to the generators, and get caught! Ha! Thanks a lot for your attention to detail. Ch 14 as soon as poss Rose

lwarren · 2 June 2004 · Chapter 13: 13

RS, yea!! An update...was really getting worried! *vbg* Of course, then I read it and am now hanging in the limbo of "in between battle and rescue", and it's not a comfortable place to be! :0 I thought Minuial sneaking into Edoras with her friends very tense...and poor Aragorn! That was also an interesting development about what will happen to the rule of Rohan should Elfwine not regain control of Edoras. And Gimli and Legolas...sigh!...entertaining as usual, those two! Poor Gliver...but I liked that line about how he copes...*g*. So, those stupid hillmen held a knife to the baby to ensure cooperation....sounds like they need to be dealt with slowly and painfully...and SOON! *snicker...did ya get the hint, huh????* Can't wait for the next update...bring on a PO'd Thranduil AND Aragorn AND Gimli AND Legolas...AND...ah, you understand! Great chapter...would enjoy more if not holding breath! ;) linda

Author's reply

Linda, you have no idea how lovely it is to hear from you again. I missed your cheery reviews, then realised I had to write another ch to get one! Try not to hold your breath, mainly because if you think this ch is suspensful just you wait for 14. I promise I am writing 15 even as I type, seeing as how if I rack up the tension much more my head might pop! Thanks, as always, for your loyal reviews Rose

tintalle1 · 31 May 2004 · Chapter 13: 13

Good to have you back, rose. keep them coming, I am getting pretty worried that Gleowyn will get herself killed if Arwen doesn't keep her from attacking Frecern.

Author's reply

Yes this story is getting very dangerous, and for who gets killed, ummmm. The next chapter is on its way, though it needs lots of thought to write it properly. Thanks for the review Rose

Jay of Lasgalen · 30 May 2004 · Chapter 13: 13

Oh, poor Aragorn - mind you, I would not want to cross him just now, or be one of those who has taken Arwen. I hope the next chapter will see all our heroes in action to rescue wife/sister/friend. Jay

Author's reply

Yep, action abounds in the next chapter. I am just struggling a bit with the dreaded POV question. Its coming together in my head at last so I hope there won't be too long a gap before another update. Thanks for the support Rose

daw the minstrel · 29 May 2004 · Chapter 13: 13

"Think you Gliver could cope without you?” Gimli grinned openly now. “It is how he copes best..." I loved these lines! Somehow I missed the last update. This is very tense. All of those who can help are on their way or waiting, and I think that this kind of before-the-action moment is the worst.

Author's reply

Yes, and if you want tense you should look inside what I laughingly call a mind . I am trying to work out how best to tell the story of what happens next. Don't worry, I do know what happens next, but the telling of it is another thing entirely! Hope to update as soon as the muses deign to tell me in which sequence they would like to take the stage. Thanks for your enjoyment of my world Rose

lwarren · 17 May 2004 · Chapter 12: 12

RS, here I had resigned myself to waiting for an update, and what do I find this morning (besides 3rd grade dwarfs in my room)? Chapter 12!!!!! It made my day bearable, I can tell you that, especially when I read the part about Gimli and his little crossbow stunt! Honestly, the Dwarf is too much sometimes! It's a wonder Legolas didn't skewer him! ;) Anyway, I liked the mental games they were playing with the prisoner...."they wouldn't hurt the women, would they?"...idiot, you should have thought of that before you left them! You are seriously worrying me now about Minuial...I didn't like your tone in your reply to review of Ch. 11. However, I did like the way she and Throndar were actually working together to defend Edoras. So, she's to take a message to Thranduil, and he'd better help or he's out one Marchwarden, hmmm? Well, can't say as I blame her! But I'm sure he'll turn up...hopefully soon! And speaking of soon, here's hoping you finish those gowns for that special occasion without any problems...aren't daughters grand? linda

Author's reply

Heh, heh, heh. No seriously linda, I havn't yet decided on Minny's fate, though I have had evil thoughts. She may be wearing a red shirt. We'll see. The dress is finished, and hopefully I will get on to some writing tonight, Aragon angst this time I think. Rose

daw the minstrel · 15 May 2004 · Chapter 12: 12

Gimli was scary funny with that crossbow bolt. Actually, all the crossbow stuff is kind of scary. I liked Gleowyn's fierceness at the end. If anyone had threatened my son as a baby (and maybe even now), I'd have gone after then with anything I could reach. And if Minuial wants to comment about civil conflict, she might think about the Silmarils!

Author's reply

Yes, humm, the Silmarils, I think of them every time the elves in my head try to take the moral high ground. (HA) I guess in an immortal lifetime you are doomed to experience the best and worst of everything. I've done much musing about immortal lifetimes over the last week or so, now I'm even more confused! Next update next week I hope Rose

lwarren · 14 May 2004 · Chapter 11: 11

Oh no! You're caught up? And now we have to WAIT for new chapters? Say it isn't so!!! Ah well, waiting is good for the soul, they say (who are "they"?---Off with their heads!) Now, on to the chapter --- I do love it when the forests greet the elves - and Thranduil meeting the biggest tree as "one monarch to another." *big smile* Minuial - finally, girl, you understand...you do whatever it takes to keep the elf happy! ;) Seriously, I'm glad she's going to look closer at the mortals who have captured her beloved's heart and esteem...tho' the coming confrontation with the rebels probably won't endear the race any further to her...but how convenient that she's with Arwen and I hope you're not planning any nasty surprises for her....ummm, us...I'm just beginning to really like her.... Aragorn - finally fed up with the hill people's little tricks...Take that nest of vipers, burn them out if necessary...I'd say he had reached the end of his considerably long and patient rope. Legolas seems at the end of his also, and it's payback time! Thranduil - can he kick some rebel butt now...huh? pleasepleaseplease???? I think he needs to really pay attention to that little "niggle" of worry he was feeling...the celebration can wait 'til later! :) Great chapter - things are heating up nicely (and not just in the story, either!) You will hurry, won't you? *tries the patient, pleasant approach* Please? linda

Author's reply

Well a long pointy stick to poke me with might work better that and a tribe of the sort of elves that sew would be handy. I promise that post ball dresses I will get into some elven butt kicking and Aragorn torture for a change. As for nasty surprises - heh heh heh. Rose

daw the minstrel · 14 May 2004 · Chapter 11: 11

Poor Aragorn. I can see how this would just kill him and yet he has to do it. I assume the men are all at Edoras? And I assume Thranduil is going to kick butt? I fervently hope so. That's what I want to see!

Author's reply

yes, yes I promise we will be seeing "battle" thranduil in a chapter near you soon! But first I have to put poor old Aragorn through a bit more angst! last update today then next ch next week if I get to finish my daughters ball dress this w/e Rose

lwarren · 13 May 2004 · Chapter 10: 10

I hate goodbyes *sniff*...but Gimli and Legolas handled theirs quite well, despite the fact they are worried sick about who's going to watch the other's back now. That was a very touching scene...now, to war!!!!!! Minuial is so funny - she knows Thranduil quite well! And I liked the Elvenking a lot in this chapter! He was quite lordly and royal, even when Arwen and Minuial were giving him fits :)! Would stay to review longer, but am surrounded by some really bad weather (tornadoes, to go with the third graders in my class...a classic combination!) Thoroughly enjoyed this chapter....looking forward to the battle royal, on both fronts! (0H, Gleowyn has a babe? Cool! Can't wait for that meeting, what with Arwen "cooing" and all :).) Update soon...must have my daily fix! ;) linda

Author's reply

Dear Linda, how scary, and the tornadoes must be a worry too! I am afraid the daily fix will end as of tomorrow because then I will have caught up with myself and I have yet to write Ch 13 ( past the first para anyway) because I have to make two ball dresses for my daughter and her friend this weekend (I know, excuses, excuses!) Just went to see Troy with her - sigh, manflesh. Lots and lots of manflesh - I wonder if my son wants to see it, I am sure I can convince him!I do hope you enjoy this update anyway, I will miss your daily cheer up! (Will inspire me to write next week, anyway) Rose

daw the minstrel · 13 May 2004 · Chapter 10: 10

So everyone is preparing for battle but we get nice, personal glimpses of them. I am especially fond of Thranduil, I have to admit. He's kingly, even when the women are running circles around him.

Author's reply

Heh, heh, Kingly he may be, but he can't beat a detirmined woman. All sorts of mayhem happen in the next ch but then there will be a bit of a wait until ch13 because of RL commitments, and the fact I have caught up with myself at last! Thanks for the reviews and your wonderful writing which just makes my day. Rose

lwarren · 12 May 2004 · Chapter 9: 9

Please pardon me whilst I wallow in a few well-written snippets from this chapter... :) Minuial - "...and let the tree gossip to her of the other elf who had graced its boughs this growing time. The tree sang of strength and endurance, sun and wind, of birds and the healing touch of the quick one the grove had begun to love." *sigh*...lovely, I love it when the trees and the wood elves converse with each other. Minuial (girl's kinda growing on me) - "So many immortal lives lost to middle-earth; the pain and suffering resonated still. Her eyes filled, remembering Haldir, the golden, invincible warrior..." *sniff* *wail* (That is STILL one of the hardest scenes from TTT for me to watch...I know when it's coming and still moan and get teary.) "...his clear voice alone and lovely and, to her ears, aching with isolation...From the gloom in the front of the wall other elven voices joined in...The sound filled the evening until it seemed the very granite of the citadel would harmonise." (Music so governs everything for them, doesn't it?) Gliver's wife - mice in the pantry? disturbing the peace again? If you see one you've got 20? (I'm looking for mice tonight!) *snicker* Thranduil - "He was not the fading kind." "Their thoughts have grown inflexible...it was time for a storm to clear the dead wood." uh-oh. And so on and so on....What can I say? Wonderful addition, RS. The brief scene with Arwen was nice, Aragorn would still call her back to him no matter what. Thranduil alternated between funny, and terribly superior, and sad. I couldn't decide whether to slap him or hug him and pat him on the back! :) Am still wondering if he's going to be able to leave his son to fight this threat alone...it would be one way to bridge that "gulf deeper than the chasm under the bridge of Khazad-Dum" between them. Hmmmmmmmmm. As always, this story just contines to get better. linda (And you need reassurance about your writing? Are you crazy, girl? ;) Just keep on is all I can say! signed, mother l.)

Author's reply

Goodness you are kind, your reviews are just the highlight of my day, thanks so much. I guess I really got discouraged when Adagio got turned down for the second time eight to one on HASA, I figured that thirteen rejections from my peers probably should give me a clue. But then the writing bug got me again, and the story wanted to be finished and I found SA and thought it sounded like a more friendly archive so I took the plunge and posted again. This time people seemed to have liked my humble offerings, imagery and all, so I intend to finish the saga this time. HASA has some wonderful stories on their lists though, so don't let my funk influence you in your search for great writing. ( part of the problem may be that I am a bit illiterate about punctuation which really annoys some of the folk on HASA not to mention my New Zealand spelling and approach to humour, amongst other things) Enough already, the reply is getting longer than the review! Thanks again Rose

daw the minstrel · 12 May 2004 · Chapter 9: 9

The Elven singing to lament their dead was haunting. I really liked the way Elves picked up the song from all over the stronghold, joining their voices together even when they were scattered. I also liked the tiny glimpse of Arwen's life, looking out the window but having Aragorn's voice within calling her back. Poor Thranduil! He just doesn't understand, CAN'T understand why his son is the way he is. He's going to lose Legolas to the sea longing and had already lost him to the mortals who will replace Elves on Arda. The stubborn king just can't accept it.

Author's reply

The elves seem to have almost as much trouble with their immortality as mortals do with the lack of it! I am glad you keep enjoying this fic, I appreciate the reviews. Rose

lwarren · 10 May 2004 · Chapter 8: 8

Ah, from the action and heroics of ch. 7 to the poetry of ch.8. And the humor still weaves its way through the tapestry of the story like shining silver threads (see? you've got even me waxing poetic here; well, sort of *snerk*). Lovely, lovely images tho'....just have to mention a few of my favorites -- "...the song drifting like dream from lay to lay, with no more complication than a bud unravelling itself in the spring." *sigh* Minuial - "...like an unstrung Galadhrim bow, ..." Arwen compared to Minuial - "The power of water on stone, sun on leaf, light over dark, even as her life's grace faded in tandem with her lover's..." *sniff* Celeborn - "...has a mouth like a discreet clam." ;-) "....and all the ethereal company strung out behind like pearls on a necklace." You paint such pictures!!! I enjoyed the whole interlude at Imladris, especially the unusual combination of Arwen and Minuial ("Who could fathom women?" Obviously being an elf does not give the males any extra insight into the girls!!) And poor confused Minuial - it must be l-o-v-e! She seemed most insightful into the real character of Legolas, tho' - fierce in combat, will "follow but refuses most stubbornly to be pushed", as self sufficient and powerful as the river (nothing more powerful or inexorable than the force of water!), and does not easily forgive slights given his friends. I wouldn't have thought she would be, given the way she seems to invite those fights they have. Again, a nice touch with Arwen feeling Aragorn's trouble and distress. Finally, I giggled at Gimli's feisty dwarfs and flighty archers remarks. :) I thoroughly agree with Legolas - I think the bandits' and traitors' time is limited now that the elven calvary has arrived, since I don't think Thranduil is going to be too happy with seeing first hand what they did to his son. And Aragorn considering that "door"...the Numenorean gift of being able to choose the minute and hour of their death - that, to me, is a scary thought. Oh, and I'm with Earnulf -- "Elves. Lots and lots of elves." alllllllriiight! Wonderful - cannot wait for more! :0) linda

Author's reply

Thank you I am glad you enjoy my pictures, basically I translate this video that runs in my mind into text, should have been a film body I think. I do appreciate your reviews. Rose

lwarren · 10 May 2004 · Chapter 7: 7

"...life lurched into banality again, the old enemy driven off for yet another eve." Almost expired, right along with friend Gimli while reading this little jewel of a chapter. Once more, another wonderful addition. Legolas' acrobatics on the rope and with his bow and arrow were (as my son would say, "Tight!"), and again his use of his elven abilities to bring Gimli back was touching. Good tension throughout, with little touches of humor. I may be refering to the elf as "Mother" Legolas from now on! :-)

Author's reply

No, no you can't expire. I need you to boost my flagging confidence in my ability to write. I might have to refer to you as Mother Linda! Do appreciate your appreciation. Rose