As it is a rather rainy day I decided to finish.
Hmph, that dream is rather taunting; you make it eerie; so sad! But it is good to see he is recovering more, though with a wide range of emotions.
I love Cirdan – on my list of favorite characters. I’m glad he got to play a part.
That was such a wonderful way to end - “only a follower of Oropher.” Oh no, he *is* Oropher! Since Feren had died in a battle field, Oropher had come almost alone to my mind, though, ah, he certainly isn’t the only one who died in such a manner.
Thanks for an enjoyable tale!
-Kitt :)
Author's reply
I like indulging on a rainy day too.
Foresight/insight is an important virtue in ME, especially for a ruler. And the few mentions of Oropher by the Professor paint him as impulsive. Which I interpret as emotionally driven.
Oh my, I like him too! :) He is as important to the saga as Elrond and Galadriel, if you as me! But, like Celeborn and Gil-galad, he has more impact in the First and Second Age, not the Third, which when LOTR is set.
Heh! Bodkin did continued the story from here. But, she did so her way, which was wonderful. The grandchildren she gave him were a lovely aspect of his return to life.
Thank you! I am glad you enjoyed it, and let me know.
Kitt Otter
· 23 May 2008
· Chapter 3: Reconciliation
Ach, the Elf kindreds give me a headache. I could stare at the tree in the back of the Silm for hours and still not understand it. With oversimplification, it is divided between those who went on and Journey (with the many branches of slackers and the few who actually arrived) and those who had refused??
I almost would think that he was killed in the kin-slaying but I guess his being in Greenwood, nope. (I think I am catching on now! :))
Rostaro’s crafty: Not yet met his spouse! I thought it was interesting about the reborn children– I had just wondered about that yesterday when reading this and am glad you addressed it.
I must admire Aramille and her sisters’ patience and persistence - A really, really strange job they have, reintroducing the reborn into their lives.
-Kitt
Author's reply
*g* I totally understand.
There are actually only three important groups: Calaquendi/Amanyar - lived in The Uttermost West in the Light of the Trees, Moriquendi/Umanyar - lived in the West(western ME) blessed by the presence of Thingol and Melion, Avari/Unwilling - never left the East. The first two kindreds made it practically en total to Aman, and the Noldor became the writers of history so it is from their perspective. The Avari never truly came into ME history. It is the diversity within the Teleri that causes the most confusion; for everybody, even the Noldor.
See? Solving this was easy. ;) Rostaro craves order and uses his cleverness to that goal. I think the Professor was not as concerned about the question of children in the matter of elves.
Ulbanis and her community are based on medieval hospital orders. These orders are one reason you will hear a nurse addressed as 'sister' in long established British hospitals.
I appreciate the reviews very much. :)
Kitt Otter
· 22 May 2008
· Chapter 1: Arrival
Now this is different – but a very fun idea. You describe Lindar’s awakening senses so well! You had me hanging in suspense to his identity (kinslayer? EEK) – well, even if I read the summary he wasn’t Noldor. And still there is much mystery to be had over his life and death. *squirms* I am eager for my next read.
-Kitt
Author's reply
Yup, everyone has their own take on how an elf is returned from Mandos. I don't necessarily like Fiondil's, but do like Bodkin's. Go figure...
Hmm, Lindar? That is his root kindred, not a personal name. Sorry 'bout that. I had not thought to include that lesser known fact in the author notes.
The Lindar is what the Teleri originally called themselves. Which is the reason the Nandor called themselves the Lindi. The third kindred, the Singers, were dubbed the Teleri, the Last-comers, by the Noldor when last in line for the Great Journey. The Noldor referred to the followers of Elu Thingol as the Sindar because he was called Elwe Singollo - Greymantle. The Professor connected that description with many different aspects of Thingol's people. The Eluwaith did not discard the name, but more or less embraced it, just as Teleri ended up becaming the kindred's name. The Noldor's name for the land of Ossiriand was Lindon, land of song/music (they had heard but not seen the Green-elves - the Lindi - singing), and their own kingdom took on that name when the remaining Exiles moved there.
Oh, there are clues aplenty, if you are a geeky enough. ;) But then, one can experience the apprehension so much better when not that geeky!
I am enjoying your enjoyment!
Thank you and thank you for reviewing!
Ellie
· 25 January 2006
· Chapter 5: Acceptance
I absolutely loved this tale. I really enjoy your writing style and your grasp of the "feel" of elves in Valinor and the "feel" of Valinor intself. This story was delightful! Thanks for sharing it here.
Author's reply
Thank you so much! Some people do not like my approach to Valinor and it's nice that someone thinks that it ain't that bad.
The review is much appreciated.
Bejai
· 13 June 2005
· Chapter 4: Recovery
Continuing on with the reviewing ;)
-- Loved the vision/dream. Recognized Celeborn and Galadriel immediately, even if our elf didn't. And just as he's about to find understanding, you poke him awake, and make your readers scream in annoyance. Sign of a good writer ;)
-- I love that he's remembering little things, like this: "In a friggin’ tree,” he said helpless to stop his laughter" Ha! You had me laughing, there, for a long time. And the wood-elf drinking song.
-- Poor Ilcanu ;) Getting chucked into the water.
Lovely, joyful chapter.
Author's reply
Thanks for saying that! I really am trying to improve at this writing thing.
Well, Oropher seems to have a good sense of humor. He appreciates the ironies of life along with the pleasures, I'd say.
I really do not know if Rostaro or Venyel even tried to stop him! But, I hope so. ;)
It makes me very happy that you enjoyed this story!
Bejai
· 13 June 2005
· Chapter 3: Reconciliation
It just occurred to me that I haven't yet reviewed chapters 3 and 4 of this story. I got the bad news I was expecting right in the middle of doing so, and haven't had a chance or the heart to finish it. But this story certainly deserves it!
-- You've got me intrigued by Rostaro, and reborn infants. I'm wondering about his backstory, which I'm absolutely sure you've got scribbled down somewhere or another. Yet again, you show your great skill in creating a world populated not just by the characters we know, but by the realistic, behind-the-scenes people who make the world run.
-- "She had heard very little of the grey princes’ doings since the muddled rumors that Finarfin wanted to be rid of them, especially his son-in-law." Ha! I'm wondering how much of that is truth, and how much is the rumor mill.
- "However I think, for most of those that do, at their heart’s last beat and falling into final unconsciousness, they concede. The very thing that preserved them cheats them of their chosen End. Their orë will not let them expire." I loved that explanation! It is very Silvan. That they would wish to remain, but that their own stubbornness will not permit it.
-- "Sunburn was not the worst that had happened to those first eldar returned to life." Great line!
Author's reply
Bejai, I hope things work out. Thanks for being so kind to review each chapter.
I am surprised, but a lot of people have expressed curiousity about Rostaro. Yes, I do indeed know exactly who he is. However, I really do not know where he is going from here. Maybe, Bodkin will want to take him along for a while.
A lot of 'rumor mill' actually, as you suspect. But, when you think about how the movement in 'Far Horizons' both stirred and smoothed the Amanyar political scene, it is easy to understand why Ulbanis might hear such things.
If you mean they would rather remain a part of ME and forego Aman, but they instictivly choose life (hope) over death, you're right. And life for an elf is dying to be reborn, to live until the End. I see the Silvan as tenacious survivors. Only those with great willpower could 'cast their spirits on the wind' as Bodkin likes to describe it. These people are not unhoused spirits or ghosts. I think of them being somewhat like the Little Mermaid - the way Hans Christian Anderson wrote it.
Ya know, I have a few stories about the first reborn in mind and they are not all forgivness and peace stories. To pass beyond the circles of the world is a great gift.
I am glad you found something of interest in this chapter. ;)
Alassiel
· 10 June 2005
· Chapter 5: Acceptance
This was a wonderfully engaging tale. I really like the idea of a healing sisterhood dedicated to the help of the re-housed, something in the manner of a medieval healing order. I also thought the recall of physical memory and sensation as the re-housed one climbed the stairs out of Mandos was very effective.
I hope your scholar Rostaro will feature in other tales, as he intrigues me.
Thank you very much for a fascinating story.
Alassiel
Author's reply
Thanks you! That was Ulbanis' origins alright. That and pilgrimage hostels.
Personally, I do not like refering to the reborn as 're-housed'. For me, it brings up associations with unhoused spirits. I do say Holy Spirit and not Holy Ghost. I like to think the revived spirit is returned into its original, renewed body. Like the medieval idea of the last resurrection. ;) Gosh, a lot of people have asked about Rostaro, but I have no immediate plans for his future.
Thank you very much for reviewing!
perelleth
· 10 June 2005
· Chapter 5: Acceptance
Again, politics puzzle me here, it seems way too much complicated, Aratar of Alqualondë? that would be King Olwë? And I had never imagined Cirdan, among of all elves, with secretaries, and audiences… and issuing safe-conducts to ensure welcome and acceptance to fellow elves in elven realms…Would they be made prisioners if they had not a safe conduct? Life in the blessed realm seems quite far from easy, I'd say! ;-)
Wow!!! He was Oropher after all!!!! My! Brilliantly done, girl! I hope he finds his loved ones in Eressëa…Great job done here, Redheredh, even all the Noldorin-directed barbs! It so perfectly fits Oropher! Even dead he would be a nuisance to Mandos!, and, of course, a special case when reborn. And I most definitely liked Rostaro! A masterfully crafted portrait of a “Less than Blessed, much politicized realm!" Well done!
Author's reply
Hmm, perhaps it the same problem for you as with many. They need to think of Aman as a blissful, placid, healing place. Like a resort. I tend to see in as a place that's run as a resort. And not everyone is a oblivious guest.
The Aratar is like an 'Archbishop of Westminster'. Where the Aramille was a 'mother superior' or abbotess of her hospice. Ulbanis just may find herself summoned to his chambers one day soon to explain her actions.
For two ages, the last ships have been sailing from ME. Cirdan has to have a residence/operations in Alqualonde and Eressea. I don't know how everyone gets the idea that an ancient city or a civilization can be managed like a cabin in the woods. There are hundreds of people on the move any one day in Arda. Tolkien simply focused on the elite. But, there are plenty of others trying to get where they are going besides heroes and royalty. Those that provide for them do require more than one person to get those needs met and see that things get done. Despite some readers' illusions, elven society does have social classes. As to the need for a pass, I would throw any stranger out of my backyard if he did not have a badge or a note from my trusted neighbor. I certainly would not keep the dogs from cornering him. Sorry about the rant...no I'm not...
Thank you for the reviews, I am very glad you liked the story! Someday, Bodkin may get Oropher to his son's place safely. Personally, I want to be there when he meets his grandson's in-laws.
perelleth
· 10 June 2005
· Chapter 4: Recovery
Ohh!! The dream sequence is so moving, how he fights to get a hold upon the elusive memories… it’s truly painful, how this stubborn elf fights for his sanity while kind of rejecting well intentioned aid. I’d say he simply knows instinctively what is best for him.
Mmm, I wonder, he behaves in a quite familiar way… Not so many stubborn Sindar/Sylvan elves that we know of…I think Rostaro is going to be good for him, though. They both seem to understand each other, and Rostaro is ready to risk something in order to help him. I like the easy relationship that is slowly building between them. It looks as if they truly understood each other, no matter the obvious differences…they almost share the same dry sense of humour, after all! :-)
Author's reply
I guess he does run on instinct a great deal of the time. And use to having things his way or no way.
Well, Ilcanu would not say his humour is dry, that's for sure!
perelleth
· 10 June 2005
· Chapter 3: Reconciliation
Wow! The politics here seem to be as entangled as they were in Middle Earth! Finarfin wanting to get rid of Celeborn and Galadriel? Now, that puzzles me a bit… Well, knowing how much you appreciate certain... Sindarin elf... I can grant you your heaetd praise of the third kindred ;-) I believe I can guess where this is leading.... ;-)
Rostaro is wonderful. He’s such an interesting character…he has all the sincerity one would ascribe to a Valinor born elf, and their playfulness, but with a soft touch of his uncertain, second upbringing. He’s kind of a singularity, too, isn’t he? IT is a most curious thing, too, for in fact this is his first life… I wonder how he died and what happened to know… we’ll never get to know, I suspect, but it’s a nice back story!
Author's reply
Politics or just society? Not even close to raal politics yet.
Now, those were muddled rumours after all. News will get distorted depending on who is repeating it. Yes, perhaps I was projecting onto Rostaro a little bit...but then, I would not write about them if I did not think them worth some words.
Thank you for liking Rostaro. But, he not so unusual, I think, except that he had a childhood interest in the Sindar that was fed by the reborn coming through his amille's house. Lots of little boys are fascinated by wild indians, but how many become knowledgable experts in their cultures and civilizations? I think he is singular in that.
I always have a backstory... ];}
perelleth
· 10 June 2005
· Chapter 2: Dreams
Weekend begun sooner than expected, and I'm taking advantage! ;-)
Now, an interesting thought, that a fëa would reject Mandos and still the Vala would send him to the Halls…
This poor one is truly upset, the Halls seem to have done no good to him… even Mandos has his failures, it would seem? Poor anguished elf, perched upon a tree and fighting fleeing memories. “They’re in Greenwood!” Heartbreaking call! His anguish is almost unbearable! I hope he finds his peace soon!!!! The Ataramillë is such a caring and compassionate character, she truly hit the niche market that was needed, special place for special people, indeed :-)! NOw, we know he's from greenwood... this is too intriguing!
Author's reply
I am so glad you enjoyed it enough to continue. There are some answers later on, of course. But, not being omniscient creatures, we will never know everything. Even in our own stories.
Nilmandra
· 9 June 2005
· Chapter 5: Acceptance
I have to say I spent as much time guessing at who Rostaro might be. His lack of parents to be reunited with made me think at first he was Elured or Elurin, but they were not nursing infants. Plus, there were two of them, and Elwing and other kin are in Aman. I am curious why the Valar would rebirth a child without his mother, though, so feel free to tell us Rostaro's story!
Author's reply
You're curious about Rostaro? Hmmm... seems you're not the only one.
But, to answer one of your questions at least, a child that dies at birth would not have any memory of their parents. Should children be deprived of a promised second chance at life - perhaps in a safer place then the first - simply because they had no sins to be forgiven nor life to be remembered?
So, do you think They should wait until the mother dies and then sent them both back together? What if she survived Ennor and sailed to Aman? Do you think they would know eachother on sight after the child was grown up? Somehow, I don't think that would be the case.
Yes, an interesting premise to write a story around. Though not right away.
But, I am very glad this tale caught your interest beyond the simple story.
Nilmandra
· 9 June 2005
· Chapter 5: Acceptance
Ah, I am so pleased I was correct. How wonderful to see the strong leader, the playful Sindar/Silvan fall out of the worn and weary elf we saw earlier. I am thrilled he is rejoining his people.
Very good storyelling. I felt I was there like a fly on the wall, observing all that was happening. And I like happy endings.
Author's reply
Well, whether he rejoins his people remains to be seen. Hopefully, Bodkin will let us know if he actually makes it.
Thank you, I appreciate the compliment. It is a happy enough ending, I guess. As Bejai has pointed out, his beloved is not with him and shall not be again. But, that's life in Arda.
Nilmandra
· 9 June 2005
· Chapter 3: Reconciliation
Your use of description in these first chapters is amazing - the reborn elf's senses reawakened, renewed - and how much he noticed speaks to his Teleri past...or more particularly, his Silvan past.
His fall into despair, his guilt, the way he is hung in time and unable to move on is just heartrending. I suspected Oropher last chapter, and now I am more strongly sensing it is him. He is Sindar by birth, Silvan by choice. He died an unneeded death, perhaps, due to his pride. He likley died in his son's arms. And he probably feels like he deserted his people, even to the point of not staying as an unhoused spirit to be among them.
Now I shall read further and see if I am correct.
Author's reply
It is amazing to me how people pick out the same details and find different clues in them. ;)
I am so glad you find this interesting!
Larner
· 8 June 2005
· Chapter 5: Acceptance
Aha! The tale is now told, the identity known!
Well told, and quite the mystery. You had me guessing all along the way! Had it in mind it might be Amroth.
Author's reply
Thank you, I appreciate the compliments.
Amroth? Close, but no lembas. ;)
I glad you like it!
Larner
· 8 June 2005
· Chapter 4: Recovery
Aha--am glad the language is coming back, and hopefully more besides.
Author's reply
Rostaro does not intend to let him down either way.
Glad this is keeping your interest!
Larner
· 8 June 2005
· Chapter 3: Reconciliation
Sounds like a good choice of guide for this quest. Lovely use of the languages. Wish I knew them better myself.
Author's reply
Yeah, Ulbanis knows her job and how to get it done.
Thanks for reviewing!
perelleth
· 8 June 2005
· Chapter 1: Arrival
This comes in a particularly busy week, so I'm saving the rest for the week-end, but the beginning is very promising... and intriguing!
I like the feeling of lightness and strangeness of the newborn. The entire chapter is like a new kindled light. It’s wonderfully done, so full of hope, but also of uncertainty, weirdness and anguish for the poor elf, before he grasps his own nature! The pace, too, is a bit languid, fitting for one who’s just returning to the world of living and is finding his way! Wonderful!
Author's reply
Thank you so much! I'm pleased you think the pacing appropriate for the events.
I hope you enjoy the rest of the story too. Even though it does change focus a bit and turns into an exhibition fest.
I'm glad you liked it! And I am looking forward to more 'New Beginnings' and 'Many Fruitless Victories'. ;D
Larner
· 8 June 2005
· Chapter 2: Dreams
Poor quendi, feeling he must have betrayed others.
I am enjoying this so far, and hope to finish it tomorrow.
Author's reply
It sort of survivors syndrome. He's not really at fault here.
Hope you enjoy the rest!
Larner
· 8 June 2005
· Chapter 1: Arrival
Very interesting start. Not to remember and yet to be aware of the negative possibilities would be unnerving, I'm certain.
Author's reply
I'm happy you found the premise interesting. Interesting enough to read on to the next chapter anyway. ;)
Thanks!
Bejai
· 7 June 2005
· Chapter 2: Dreams
-- I'm intrigued by the fact that there are homes that the reborn come to, to learn and to heal. I'd never thought of that. You have such great skill in weaving a realistic world populated by realistic people.
-- "As expected, she found him sitting cross-legged, perfectly balanced on a strong branch in the birch with his head bent back gazing at the stars." Wonderful detail!
-- "The third time he had dreamed his end, he awoke to swear he had refused Mandos and been taken anyway." You know, I was just thinking about this today, after you told me who you were writing this story about. Would this particular elf have obeyed a summons to Mandos? I'm so delighted that you're addressing it.
-- "Now, he drew back his inner Light until he was imperceptible. She knew this to be an ingrained ploy of forest quendi, something learned by those who needed to hide from the truly dark creatures of Endor." That was a breathtaking detail! No wonder the elves of Endor always seemed "dark" to the Noldor!
Author's reply
I think it was you who once mentioned that elf-society hasn't much depth in many fics. And I identify with the working elves like Ulbanis and Barancevion rather than the aristocacy. So, of course, they are in my stories. ;)
*sigh* that's me, all right. Tedious details are part of my psyche. And yet, I think I generally avoid specifics. Go figure.
You're welcome! *I* wish someone would address why Legolas's sea-longing is such a sad turn of events. No one seems to be able to really explain why it is a sorrow instead of a revelation for him. Why this yearning was buried so deep in the silvan heart. I mean Galadriel even tried to warn him... sorry, I'll stop now...
I am so glad you noticed that idea. But, you already knew I think the Noldor lack the capacity to perform most wood-elf tricks.
Thanks for reviewing!
Bejai
· 7 June 2005
· Chapter 1: Arrival
What a wonderful, lyrical start. I love how you walk us through those simple and wonderous motions of living. It seems appropriate that he doesn't yet remember who he is either, that it would take some time.
-- Loved this: “You are reborn. Live now in peace and never return to this place.” Heh. Namo is kicking him out, and doesn't want to see him again.
-- "He wanted to give her time to think about how he must feel not being so certain who he was." Ha! That was great.
-- That moment when he thinks he might be a kinslayer! What a horrible thing that would be to wake up to.
-- Wonderful that the first think he remembers it that he is a Lindar, a Silvan of Eryn Galen. Given who he is, it seems entirely appropriate!
Author's reply
Heh, I do like some subtext with my narrative. But, I can't always get it to work. It's easier though when you have a canny, if not clever, elf like Oropher.
Glad you liked this chapter and found it entertaining!
Bejai
· 7 June 2005
· Chapter 5: Acceptance
Ah! You finished it, then? ;) Redheredh, this was brilliant. What a breathtakingly, jaw-droppingly well done story. I'll go back and review the chapters individually, 'cause they deserve it.
- Love how you played with us until the end, dropping little hints, but not telling us who it was. So coy, so writerly of you!
- Cirdan! I love Cirdan. The image of them peeking through the curtains -- and instantly recognizing Oropher -- was wonderful. Love too that they keep it to themselves ;)
- That moment when he names himself! Wow. Powerful. Made a chill run down my spine.
- His wife isn't there, then? Well, this is Tolkien. We can't have entirely happy endings.
I'm just in awe of this story. The tale of rebirth, of finding himself and being who is his always been ... I'm having a hard time articulating how much I enjoyed this. I have an Oropher/Last Alliance chapter of my own to write one of these days, and this story will certainly inform the decisions I need to make about characterization.
Bravo! Bravo!
Author's reply
Yep. ;D Thank you for the compliments! They mean alot coming from you.
I wasn't trying to drop clues so much as be true to the circumstances.
Well, there is backstory to that I left out entirely.
Oh, thank you for saying that!
True. I have always thought the Silm rather grim.
Please write it soon!
*blushing uncontrollably* geez, now what do I do? Say - Thank you!
Silvae
· 7 June 2005
· Chapter 5: Acceptance
Oropher?! That was great and very original, I thought.
Poor Ilcanu - kids should not be allowed close to the more... difficult patients.
Anyway, good luck and a lot more of well-written chapters, please. =)
Silvae
Author's reply
Thanks, I appreciate that very much!
Maybe another story about another elf since this one is completed. Bug Bodkin, it's all hers now. ;)
Very kind of you to review, thanks again.
Leaward
· 7 June 2005
· Chapter 5: Acceptance
This is the first Redheredh story I've read ... and now I shall definitely read more. What wonderful details you provide, and so much emotion. I had thought that Feren might have been who he turned out to be ... An excellent tale, and masterfully told.
Author's reply
Thank you so much! I hope you are not disappoint with what little else there is to read. This story was not so much about leaving clues as being true to what would actually happen with him under these circumstances.
I'm very glad you liked this! Thank you again!