We Were Young Once ~ II by Conquistadora
Redheredh · 3 September 2006 · Chapter 24: Dust to Dust IV
I am appreciating Galadhmir more and more. What love and strength he has brought to this crisis. Dire events, vicious injuries, and hopeless ruination have lead to a frightening moment of release for Thranduil. Although, I am a little befuddled at his comparing his demise to a mortal death. Poor, desperate Galadh... I am so glad to know already that Thranduil survives.
Redheredh · 3 September 2006 · Chapter 23: Dust to Dust III
What a courageous elf is Galadhmir! The change to his pov was well chosen for the results of the battle to be conveyed. The wolf was a great touch. What a wrenching transition for them all to have to make. I hope I do not sound perverse saying that I like the descriptions very much. Just more great drama in this chapter.
Redheredh · 3 September 2006 · Chapter 22: Dust to Dust II
I am sure it felt just as quick and slow as that. Excellent image for the scene. The short chapter worked as a reflection of the critical moment. What lead to it and its aftermath are outside of Thranduil's urgent decision. Could have done without the NO!, though. It's become a film cliche, I personally dislike.
Redheredh · 3 September 2006 · Chapter 21: Dust to Dust
A lull in the campaign and we are treated to one of the anxieties of war. Waiting for it. Interesting mentions of Malgalad and Dorthaer, what a contrast between them. Unsettling seeing Celebrin, now baptised in blood, and anticipating his next encounter with questions about what is expected of himself.
Redheredh · 3 September 2006 · Chapter 20: Banners Unfurled II
"Thranduil! Is that all the farewell I merit from you!" Darn, that hurt... Still, could there be any adequate farewell under the circumstances. For anyone.
Redheredh · 3 September 2006 · Chapter 19: Banners Unfurled
I can only forgive Thranduil dragging his feet because you made a point of his almost unacknowledged anxiety about being a father. A truly compassionate fellow would know that marriage did not promise children immediately. But then, he certainly should know Lin better than anyone else concerning this assumption. Still, he agreed and he, not Lin, is almost pathetic about the postponement. Reminds me a bit of Eowyn's abandonment of her charges. Poor guy. The preparations for war set the scene for Celebrin's inclusion very nicely. Galadhmir is to be admired for having true sympathy for Oropher and the courage to face a father's pain that Thranduil appears afraid to face. Very strong emotions flowing underneath everything in this chapter.
Redheredh · 3 September 2006 · Chapter 18: The World Is Changed II
Well, it's about time! For all the good it's gonna do... Well, it will give Lindoriel to get use to her new status. But, what unhappy news to darken the occasion and Thranduil's progress to marriage. :( That was a painful last image and Sauron has only further increased his proposed victims' determination.
Redheredh · 3 September 2006 · Chapter 17: The World Is Changed
Egad! You have been prolific with the chapters! But, comment I must on each... The sinking of Numenor!! Other stories have looked at the effect on the sea coast, but never the forest realms! I like the unanticipated destruction and its aftermath. For a few worried minutes, I though we were going to witness casualties. Whew!
Jay of Lasgalen · 28 August 2006 · Chapter 26: Dust to Dust VI
Poor Thranduil. You describe his agonising pain so well, as well as his mental anguish over his father's death, and his feelings of inadequacy in taking over the kingship. The last few chapters were almost too painful to read. It seems typical of how I imagine him that he ignores his healers' advice and gets up far too soon - and eventually, despite his detemination, collapses. It's probably the best thing for him. :( Jay
Author's reply
Yes, he tends to do that. From one extreme to the other . . . Fortunately, I wrote a great deal of these notes beforehand. I usually have a fetish for writing about the painful and depressing, but this last week I felt completely uninspired. I blame stress, but there it is. Anyhow, it's a great feeling to have finally pulled it off. :)
valjean · 27 August 2006 · Chapter 26: Dust to Dust VI
Well...if Sauron is hard to kill, then I guess Thranduil is darn near indestructable, 'cause he's still kick'n when Sauron finally goes down. Hah! Sauron didn't count on the people of the Wood being so completely and absolutly stubborn. I really loved the last three chapters. They're so vivid, and so sad. But they also convey the iron will and determination that will keep Thranduil and his family going through the ages. It's a great set up for Book III. Have fun in Rome, and I look forward to hearing of you again in December. Until then, Paux Romama, Paux Christi.
Author's reply
Pax tecum. ;) Thanks, I know it will be great. That is, so long as I manage to get away without being strip-searched at the airport. :P
valjean · 27 August 2006 · Chapter 25: Dust to Dust V
Oh Serataron dies TOO! That sucks!
Author's reply
Doesn't it, though. :'(
valjean · 27 August 2006 · Chapter 23: Dust to Dust III
I knew what was going to happen, but that does't make it any better! Oh, that ws so SAD! It was beautifully written. If Oropher was going to die, at least it was a very well written death.
silentplanet · 26 August 2006 · Chapter 23: Dust to Dust III
ah!! don't leave us here, it may just kill me. Thanks for a great chapter though.
Author's reply
No, no, there are a few chapters left before we officially wrap it up. ;) They will be posted shortly.
jwdisney · 26 August 2006 · Chapter 23: Dust to Dust III
Oh. My. Goodness. What a beautifully written ode to the elves of the Last Alliance, and an explanation for what tragically happened to the Elves of Greenwood and its impact on the survivors. Tolkien sketched it roughly, but you painted a very vivid picture that made me feel part of the action and aftermath. Thanks for all your hard work on this story!
Author's reply
You're welcome. I'm glad to do it. :) Hopefully the next part will be just as successful. It already threatens to be at least twice as long.
Jay of Lasgalen · 26 August 2006 · Chapter 23: Dust to Dust III
The horror of the aftermath of battle was very graphic here. There's no glory, no victory, no celebration - just mud, blood, pain and death. *Shivers* Very well done! It was a desperately sad chapter. Of course I knew Oropher was doomed, but the search for his body and the elves' grief on finding him was still tense. I've never believed that Thranduil could have escaped unscathed from the carnage either. He has a long road of healing ahead. I look forward to it! Jay
Author's reply
It's coming! Just a moment . . . ;)
irene · 26 August 2006 · Chapter 23: Dust to Dust III
The King is dead, long live the King! We knew what was going to happen, nevertheless this Chapter was thrilling. Beautifully written, the grief, the pain, the horrible losses...in my opinion, Gil-galad shares the blame for this disaster. Well, he too will have to pay. I'm looking forward to Part III! "Aran", I guess. Thank you for a very good read!
Author's reply
You are most welcome. :) Yes, "Aran" is scheduled to appear in December.
valjean · 25 August 2006 · Chapter 22: Dust to Dust II
Oh...(I can't think of appropriate word to incert here...at least not one that includes four letteres, so I just let you use your imagination.) I hate it when there's a character death,(especially if I like the character), even when it is necassary in order to preserve canon. Darn, darn, darn, DARN! Ahm. Other than that, it was a good chapter. Kind of short, but it works with the subject matter. Hang in there,it sounds like you're nearly done!
Author's reply
Don't I know it. :'( Poor Oropher is going to have to get a write-up on the blog at least. Getting there! I think there are three or four chapters left. Unfortunately, I don't think I can write them all tomorrow . . .
k_lara7 · 25 August 2006 · Chapter 22: Dust to Dust II
The Fall of Oropher has been much debated on what events transpired to cause his death and the decimation of Greenwood's Army. You bring the conflict to life so well here.
Author's reply
Thanks. :) It came to me all at once, and I just put it down as I saw it.
k_lara7 · 25 August 2006 · Chapter 20: Banners Unfurled II
Sorry to not have reviewed sooner, very busy this week. It's reassuring to know that Thranduil lives through the upcoming war, or the tension would be unbearable. Hopefully when he returns, he'll be ready to settle down. Not that we don't know the casualties will be severe... One can truly sympathize with the women being left behind.
silent planet · 24 August 2006 · Chapter 21: Dust to Dust
I am dreading the end of the Ernil section, since it obviously ends rather sadly...you are going to have to write more about young Thranduil.
Author's reply
I plan to, once I have the time. :)
valjean · 24 August 2006 · Chapter 20: Banners Unfurled II
No dear Thranduil, unfortunatly Sauron will remain a thorn in your side for a *very* long time. Geez, I hate good-byes, but I must say, that one was done very well. To think that so many of them are saying good-bye forever, and they don't even know it! It' so sad! :(
Author's reply
Thanks. :) I was struggling with it for a while. I knew what I wanted to say, but it never seemed to crunch out in words exactly the way I liked it. It *is* sad. I'm starting to really hate the idea of finally letting go of Oropher. :'(
Silent Planet · 24 August 2006 · Chapter 20: Banners Unfurled II
just want to say that I have been following your story, and it has been marvelous and I'm very glad you are updating, even if only for a while. Thank you very much!
Author's reply
You're welcome! :)
Ginger Rich · 23 August 2006 · Chapter 19: Banners Unfurled
The war is coming, and everyone is so tense. Poor Lindoriel, she must suffer through the war without a husband. Somehow I figured that would happen. And poor Galadhmir, having his son "possibly" going to war. That would break my heart if I were him. Nothing bad better happen to him. I'll be too sad. But continue quickly with the next chapter! I'm hanging onto the edge of my seat. - ginger
Author's reply
I'm workin' just as fast as I can. ;)
valjean · 23 August 2006 · Chapter 19: Banners Unfurled
Isn't that always the way? Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong at the most inopportune time possible. Celebrin doesn't what he's getting himself into. Actually, I don't think any of them really inderstand what it is they are walking into... By the way where has Celeborn been? He sort of fell of the map after Eregion...
Author's reply
Yes, it seems life is like that. Always pulling the rug out from under you. I think Celeborn went up to Imladris with Elrond. He might have just stayed there; I don't think anybody really knows.
valjean · 22 August 2006 · Chapter 18: The World Is Changed II
It sounds like your trying to do what I had to in order to finish my porfolio for AP Studio Art in time. Just set up the easals like an assembly line and worked on each one for an hour each. And I did that all day, every day for a week. If you can some how manage two chapters a day, you'll be my hero forever. It's always sad to hear how far the great can fall, but Numenor definatly had to go. Unfortunatly Sauron didn't have the good grace to through in the towel when he ought to have. He's like a cockroach; you can't kill him.
Author's reply
Ai, cockroaches . . . :P I can remember writing several research papers the night before they were due, but turning out good creative writing is always harder than producing ten pages of the dry stuff on demand. We're getting there, though. I shall not give up yet!