Reviews (143)

Redheredh · 9 July 2008 · Chapter 14: Healing. (Who Heals the Healer?)

Once again you bring a depth of character to your protagonists, which is very satisfying to one's spirit and heart. I really liked Arahad. Talk about recovering the good from the bad... One thing that caught me off guard was sitting and "such was the grace of the place that no sorrow would last long there". A personal memorial had become a blessed place for more people than those that had personally known the man. Another wonderful aspect of unexpected grace was, of course, the circling back of Celebrian's lesson to ease Elrond’s suffering. As if she had prepared a message of hope for him simply by being herself. This is a lovely, sentimental story that encourages us not only to persevere but to pursue hope.

harrowcat · 9 July 2008 · Chapter 14: Healing. (Who Heals the Healer?)

This is beautiful Perelleth. I am so glad that I dropped by to read.

Nilmandra · 8 July 2008 · Chapter 14: Healing. (Who Heals the Healer?)

Oh, Perelleth, thank you. I don't think I can do this justice late in the evening, but you captured so much here - a deep understanding of the two kindreds and what makes them tick; of sorrow and hope and keeping on. Of Elrond seeing Celebrian's 'stubborn resistance and brave departure' in a new light. Of seeing how he is really tied to this old chieftain - that he stayed to fight the good fight, just as the Dunedain continue to do. I don't think he understands the gift of death - not really - for he had to keep on for so many long years when the old chieftain had done his part and gone to his rest. And you show that so beautifully. I think of how tired we are in our short lives and wonder why anyone would want to live forever here. The tree illustrations are beautiful too -and long lasting. We all need more time to sit and think, and look at the wonderful world around us, and consider the liliies. ;>) Thank you - you really brightened my rather painful night.

The Karenator · 8 July 2008 · Chapter 14: Healing. (Who Heals the Healer?)

Perelleth, this is beautiful. Every word of it. It reminded me of the old saying, 'bloom where you're planted'. Despite his infirmities, Arahad had learned to take joy in life's cycles and its natural pull toward balance. His words and example are indeed wise. There's great peace in accepting we can't change everything, and there's great comfort in knowing we are the ruler of our own will. I got teary eyed when Elrond called the child with the apple-stuffed pockets by name. It's not like I was surprised, but the natural progression of the story made me feel like it was. A gorgeous piece.

meckinock · 8 July 2008 · Chapter 14: Healing. (Who Heals the Healer?)

Oh, Perelleth. What a beautiful story. Anything I try to say about it will fail to do it justice. Once again you've penetrated deep and eternal truths about life in a poetic and yet completely honest way. It's wonderful the way even Elrond, ancient and wise as he is, finds renewal and understanding from a source he didn't expect.

daw the minstrel · 8 July 2008 · Chapter 14: Healing. (Who Heals the Healer?)

Oh wow, Perelleth. That story of the apple tree just stunned me. She told me that everything happened for a reason, and that perhaps the tree would die because of my carelessness, or perhaps other, unexpected thing might happen That just floored me. And the boy learned a deep lesson about taking care, and watching patiently to see what would happen, and hoping for the unexpected. This was just terrific. One of your best, I think.

Nilmandra · 2 June 2008 · Chapter 13: Night Oft Brings News...

You ferreted out some nice nuances and depth from the steward's new 'law' and how the men might have seen it - and what burden Faramir took upon himself in laying the use of it on his own back. We realize anew what risk he took in letting Sam and Frodo go. I like how you worked in his own loyalty to his father, and the knowledge that things had indeed changed, that his father had not always been like this. And of course, wrapping this up with the finding of the horn... sigh. Poor Faramir. Poor Denethor. Poor Boromir. Proud, strong, valiant men, all.

meckinock · 1 June 2008 · Chapter 13: Night Oft Brings News...

Thank you so much, Perelleth! This is such a layered and complex portrayal of Faramir - Captain, son, and brother. The Captain is so vivid, creaking in his boiled leather and attuned to his men's morale. Faramir the son, confronted with a father who has changed beyond his capability to understand. I loved the brief glimpses of his memories of better times, his enduring love for his father. And Faramir the brother, whose heart is about to be broken. This was just lovely, Perelleth. Like all your stories, it is subtle and full of meaning and wonder at existence and our part in it. This was a wonderful gift.

Redheredh · 1 June 2008 · Chapter 13: Night Oft Brings News...

Oh wow, what an ending! The build-up to that phrase "...and recognized him" was well done. But, stopping it right there, right like that! Brilliant! These could have been two distinct vignettes, but you tied them together beautifully as being illustrative of Faramir's struggle with his father's struggle. Loved the paralleling/duality throughout! Very Tolkien! Great soldier story besides! Nice details! Thanks for sharing it, and Happy Birthday to Meckinock!!

Neilia · 1 June 2008 · Chapter 1: The Ring Goes West

This is the second account I have read of King Elessar sending the ring back to its owner with Galadriel. I like the premise very much and enjoyed this tale. Hugs, Neilia

Raksha The Demon · 1 June 2008 · Chapter 13: Night Oft Brings News...

A sweet vignette, with good extrapolation of Faramir's thought processes and interaction with his men. I can see how the Steward's decree to slay all strangers found in Ithilien without his leave would trouble Faramir; and how fortunate for Middle-earth that he did not follow that decree when he found the hobbits and Gollum. Denethor's behavior must have troubled Faramir greatly, since Faramir would have been observant enough to see that Denethor was ageing at an unusual rate. I believe that Faramir was not a saint, that he loved his father, but did not just take all the pressure and coldness and arbitrariness without at least some flickers of resentment, resentment that he controlled most of the time; one has the impression during Faramir's confrontations with Denethor in ROTK that Faramir is keeping himself on a short leash and figuratively walking the line between himself and his father on tenterhooks. Yet Faramir's natural instinct is to compassion; and that is well developed in this story. Nicely done!

daw the minstrel · 1 June 2008 · Chapter 13: Night Oft Brings News...

I really liked the way Faramir struggles to remember and love the man his father has always been, even as that man is lost in his struggles. And his sense of the land as still worth loving is touching. But the moment when he thinks he sees Boromir dead sent a shiver down my spine. Tolkien was so good at that kind of thing.

Larner · 1 June 2008 · Chapter 13: Night Oft Brings News...

Faramir sees how the uncertainty and too much meditation on the ways of the Enemy have changed his father from what he'd once been. He wonders about his father's activities in the high tower room, and resents the new directive to slay all strangers found walking through the land. I rejoice they all resent that directive, and shudder at what might have been. And then he sees his brother's funeral boat....

Redheredh · 4 September 2007 · Chapter 12: Soul Music

This was a very sweet story. The subject of music is so suited for French Pony, but it also reflected the tenderness found in her some of her stories involving fathers and sons, whether blood and foster. I had to smile at Fingon’s assessment of little Ereinion’s recovery – “… beginning to worry about consequences.” And, at his having to hold back his amusement! :) But, his guilty feelings at even having a child were so sad. I really like the parallel parables of each generation learning what is much like a family secret or an oral tradition. “… that an ordeal that still gave him nightmares on occasion could be summed up in such a matter of factly manner.” Very nice bit and shows just how deflating and clarifying a child’s simple assessment can be. The interaction between each generation was touching. Their love and compassion comes though. Well written and well done. Oh and, a Happy Birthday to FP!

erunyauve · 2 September 2007 · Chapter 12: Soul Music

>>It seemed as if a dim glow pulsed on the stone wall as the music coursed through it. Encouraged but this dimmest light, I stood up and resumed walking with decision, and it seemed as if the light grew stronger, and the music deeper. It echoed in the wall, and it resounded and gleamed at my passing, and my own light was strengthened by it. Comforted, I tried to join the song, and soon I was singing to myself in harmony whit that unknown melody as I continued walking. The glimmer of that music now surrounded me and guided me at the right turns, and in no time I was back in the wider tunnels of my grandfather’s cellars, and I heard his strong voice calling. This is beautiful - wonderful use of an idea that was very dear to Tolkien, the power of song.

Larner · 2 September 2007 · Chapter 12: Soul Music

Yes, four generations now have learned the strengthening power of song! Wonderful!

daw the minstrel · 2 September 2007 · Chapter 12: Soul Music

What a great story for FP! These three generations come across so well. I've always been intrigued by adult Gil-galad and little Ereinion is a sweetie, so earnest about being brave and so trusting of his father. But I'm glad Fingon has someone to comfort him too.

Nariel · 23 August 2007 · Chapter 11: What If...

Yesss! Another Finrod droplet! I do hope there are more with him. (Maybe someday Amarie will star in one...) I am so glad you have written another droplet. They are very well done. I don't really think that much that Finrod and Elrond would be friends. but reading this brought to mind the fact that Elrond is a loremaster, and who better to ask than Finrod Felagund, the first Elda to meet mortal men? I have always thought of 'what ifs' and even began a whole novel length story about Finrod and Amarie, but I have had a MAJOR writer's Block so after a few months I quit writing it. It is a story about Amarie going with Finrod into exile. The problem with these stories is that it may sound simple when it is in your head, but when it's on paper it's longer than you had expected and then the whole business of changing what happens in The Silm. Sorry, bout that, but it's so true. *try it if you must!* Well, overall I do love your droplets. You have done a terrific job writing them! Namarie! P.S. I do hope to see another story soofrom you! (Hopefully about Finrod)

Larner · 8 August 2007 · Chapter 11: What If...

All of remaining time to consider all the permutations of what might have been, eh? Yes, as good a reason to marvel at the Maia of stormy waters and go drink instead of picnic as any, I must assume! A worthy gift for Bodkin!

Agape4Gondor · 7 August 2007 · Chapter 1: The Ring Goes West

That was lovely! For Men and for Elves.

Redheredh · 6 August 2007 · Chapter 11: What If...

"...still great challenges to be faced... and bitter mistakes of incalculable consequences to be made..." I just love ironic conclusions! ;D So, is history/fate immutable or perhaps inevitable? Finrod is saying both yes and no - just like most Eldar would. "...there are no limits for us while Arda lasts..." Whoa! Everywhere but Earth! Wait, could there be another rebellion when someone finds a way to cross back? OK, that is the 'what if...' scenario that I want to see you to ponder since you made me think of it. That was an absolutely perfect quote in the Notes!! Good show! And... Many More Happy Returns to Bodkin!

Bodkin · 6 August 2007 · Chapter 11: What If...

Lovely, Perelleth. I love seeing wise Finrod out-eldering Elrond and confounding him with the what-if game. Elrond is bound to have tied himself in knots trying to second-guess his major decisions - but watching Olwe and Finrod and other legends should help him learn that not even the Lore-Master of Middle-earth could know everything and walk the tightrope untouched. (I think Celebrian has already adjusted to the knowledge.) I love to think of Finrod in Numenor. Now that would make a story! What a joy to see these character together - and to watch Elrond being comforted by someone who really understands his dilemma. Thank you so much, Perelleth. I loved it.

Nariel · 17 June 2007 · Chapter 9: Nor shall anything of my realm endure...

If only, if only Thingol was wise... Perelleth, The sorrow of Galadriel at her beloved brother's death is so tragic. Now she truly is alone. The title of the story is actually one of my favorite lines in The Sil. The other one is when Finrod dies. *Weep, weep...* Can you try a droplet of your version of how Finrod felt either at his parting from Amarie, the fateful question his sister asks, Thingol's reaction to Finrod's death or when he is telling Nargothrond that it is their duty also to help Beren? Can you? I just am glued to your FInrod. If only, if only Finrod were mine... Namarie!

Nariel · 17 June 2007 · Chapter 8: The Ring Goes East

I first read this on FF.net. It was so touching. I could feel the internal struggles both Finrod and Finarfin had inside themselves. It's nice to find an author who writes stories about parts of the Sil that is never really seen and does well on it.

Nariel · 17 June 2007 · Chapter 3: "In Vino Veritas" (Truth in Wine)

I just had a really wierd thought. After reading this it came into my head that Finrod was more mortal Atani than shining Elda. I realise though that my thought was not very original, but hey no one else is speaking out. *Come out, come out wherever you are* if you had this thought already. Don't you ever have the thought that if Finrod had the choice between a mortal or immortal life he would choose the mortal life even if he still loved Amarie? Now in the story you wrote something about Maedhros being in the position of Clegorm and Curufin. THAT would be a story to write! Especially if the author used first person. Wouldn't that be angsty? Well, Namarie!