Reviews (143)

Redheredh · 17 September 2006 · Chapter 6: Echoes

A good small story about the lot of those left behind. The dream was a very personal introduction to her internal life and an excellent bridge for appreciating her public one. Most aspects of Anaire are admirable and actually familiar to anyone who knows someone in her situation. You give her dignity and courage in facing extreme emotional adversity. She is a heroine queen mother; proof against despair that others can depend upon. I smiled at her memorizing her family in what could be seen as elaborate scrap-books. Although, it is a little sad, like other aspects of her daily struggle, that she must self-publish her own family's history in order for it to be justly remembered. Her having a good cry and recognizing her limited powers to direct her heart - but determined to apply them all the same - was endearing. A very nice portrait all way around.

Ellie · 15 September 2006 · Chapter 2: The Mirror of Galadriel

THis is lovely. I love the respect and deep admiration she has for her brother and you paint a wonderful big brother for her, too. Nicely done.

Ellie · 15 September 2006 · Chapter 6: Echoes

This was beautifully done! The beginning was so hopeful and so filled with life and love and joy and familial bliss. I was sad that she had to wake up from the dream. She tries so hard to fill her days and her time, but nothing fills the hollow ache her family has left behind. Wonderful story. Sad, but nice.

Bodkin · 15 September 2006 · Chapter 6: Echoes

Poor Anaire. Even if time, to elves, is not the same. Doubly lost, her family. Lost in trailing Feanor east - even after his betrayal - and lost to Namo's Halls. The vividness of the dreams must make things worse - to be reunited in mind and memory only and rouse to the lonely days. I feel so bad for the mothers and wives in much of Tolkien. So many of them do not even merit a name and those that do are abandoned by husbands and sons and daughters. Keeping busy - holding the faith. I hope Finarfin returns to her. In time.

French Pony · 13 September 2006 · Chapter 6: Echoes

And here I thought my birthday was over! Thank you so much for this. Nothing like an extended birthday, is there. I like the choice of Anairë as subject here, particularly because I've been thinking about her recently. You can see her determination to keep a stiff upper lip. For her, getting up and doing something every day is a conscious choice, a decision to keep on living in spite of what she's lost. That shows tremendous courage and strength of will, appropriate characteristics for someone who married Fingolfin and had Aredhel.

daw the minstrel · 13 September 2006 · Chapter 6: Echoes

It's hard to imagine that kind of time sweep and what it means to creatures who live (and suffer) through it. I think it's also true that often in Tolkien the women are left to deal with loss and we don't know how they did it. Nice job.

Redheredh · 13 August 2006 · Chapter 5: Refractions (from the Paradise of Elves)

LOL! That was great fun! So very clever all way around. I loved seeing Erestor again! The idea of that home videos can be the bane of an elf's existence too was hilarious. :D But, shame on you for not asking permission to pastiche Bodkin's story. *tsk,tsk* Someone is just going to have to teach you a lesson. Poor Legolas, much to concerned for his dignity - according to E2 anyway. Ha!

Bodkin · 11 August 2006 · Chapter 5: Refractions (from the Paradise of Elves)

Oh, brilliant, Perelleth. I'm so impressed. The ellyth are most definitely in charge of this - must be their natural talents with Female Pursuits. They've definitely got all those gorgeous males under control - whatever they might think. Bemused, too. And confused. And I love the twins pairing up and feeling that little Legolas isn't quite up to the mark. (I do think he needs a friend who is to him what the twins are to each other ... But I suspect that's impossible!) The Blessed Realm does give the most unlikely elves the chance to get together - and have a chance to interact. I love the whole feeling of Celeborn and Finrod and Elrond and Glorfindel and Thranduil and Erestor all massing together in the trees like a bunch of rainbow lorikeets and snarking away .. like a bunch of rainbow lorikeets .. as Glorfindel gets clever and douses Finrod with splashes of water - whilst acknowledging that they don't have a hope once the ladies get going. Brilliant - the mighty have fallen. Of course Elladan, Elrohir and Legolas don't expect to win. They know they're outmatched! Gorgeous references to all sorts of stories! Excellent use of tapestries - after all, you're right - what history will be left to tell once the elves have left Middle-earth. A shift into the production of family tapestries will be only too sensible. I loved it, Perelleth. Thank you so much. A delightful story.

daw the minstrel · 11 August 2006 · Chapter 5: Refractions (from the Paradise of Elves)

Oh dear. I don't think I'd like the idea of someone able to produce pictures of my actions and give them to my relatives. No wonder everyone is a little on edge. Except the wives, of course. They seem to believe they have it all under control. Lovely story, Perelleth.

erunyauve · 11 August 2006 · Chapter 4: Advice from a tree

>>“And what were they saying, child?” >>That was the ritual refrain that preceded every tale-telling in their family. It was usually the other way; Oropher would begin and the child would answer in eagerness. There was such sad tenderness in the way his adar now accepted his clumsy attempt at comforting him that Thranduil almost felt that his heart would break, and had to breath in deeply for a couple of times to steady his voice before continuing with his tale. This is a lovely tale - I like the way Oropher appears with all his complications, and it's good to see a young Thranduil who seems to be the believable past of the King he will become.

French Pony · 11 August 2006 · Chapter 5: Refractions (from the Paradise of Elves)

Snerk. Snerk, snerk, snerk. Don't the Elves know that the chances of a successful mission decrease exponentially the more alpha males get involved in the task? Clearly not. Hence all the problems of the First Age. While they sit and argue, the ladies nip in and accomplish the task swiftly and efficiently. I love the way they coo over the opportunity to get pictures of their families' doings. Now, it might have been an illusion, but dang, I could have sworn I saw Mom Pony giggling along with them. That's just her meat.

Haleth · 3 August 2006 · Chapter 3: "In Vino Veritas" (Truth in Wine)

Many people interpret the fate of the sons of Feanor as having been sealed by their Oath. It's very refreshing to see someone taking an alternative interpretation and giving them a tiny flicker of hope. It's really good to see someone very familiar with both the Silmarillion and HoME using the ideas expressed there to develop the characters and give us a small window into their interactions. For whatever reason, it never before occurred to me how very much alone Fingon must have been after Fingolfin and Finrod's deaths, Turgons disappearance and sending Erenion to live with Cirdan. Thank you for the insight.

Bodkin · 2 August 2006 · Chapter 4: Advice from a tree

I love this, Perelleth! It ... it shows so many aspects of the characters of Oropher and Thranduil - and the Ents, come to that. Doggedness - obstinacy beyond reason - openness to the natural world - love - loyalty. Pain, too, and the reluctance to let go of the past. A gem.

Eruanneth_Luin · 28 July 2006 · Chapter 3: "In Vino Veritas" (Truth in Wine)

Ah, Perelleth, think not you are the only one who wishes to read and write tales of the less ‘popular’ elves (yes, I wrote a short Maedhros tale and co-authored a longer one of Maglor). Your story was recommended reading and I found it both intensely gripping and revealing. That these two ‘best of friends in better times’ can still come together and heal the breaches of Doom and treasons says much for the enduring strength of friendship. Thank you for this poignant glimpse that emphasizes not only the plunge from the heights of creative beauty to the morass of an un-winnable war, but also the effects of those involved in the still ongoing struggle against evil.

Redheredh · 26 July 2006 · Chapter 4: Advice from a tree

This was wonderful! The love and affection, the courage and sadness... Plus poetry. Thranduil meeting a talking tree was such a great way to enter into this story. And I sympathized with poor Oropher not wanting to give up without finding a solid answer to the question. But, the Ent does tell him what he needs to know. Oropher wondering whether it actually was one of the Onodrim, or that his son may have encountered other forces, was very telling. His and Siriel's conversation and how Oropher makes his decision was lovely. The woodland lifestyle they were living was another great part of this story. But, you ready know how I *love* details like that. :D I can see how the simplicity of this life was so appealing to Thranduil's dad. I think they both had a living refuge there. Just a great ficlet - and an beautiful, lyrical song from the Ents.

Nilmandra · 25 July 2006 · Chapter 3: "In Vino Veritas" (Truth in Wine)

I missed this. But I am glad I found it now when I could give it proper attention. This is so very well done. The history and range of emotions ring very true. .and I say it again, no one does conflict as well as you - but the end is my favorite. We know Finrod already walks wtih his father beneath the trees in Valinor again, so indeed Mandos must have listened to him and said enough! But I love how you've drawn his philsophical musings into this. The hopelessness and yet drive of Maedhros, the bitterness of Fingon's lot - the fear of treason and treachery - this is not easy tale, nor are the squabbles petty. When these elves fell, they fell from a great height. And I just love that Finrod knew that redemption would come.

French Pony · 25 July 2006 · Chapter 4: Advice from a tree

This was so beautiful. I loved the way that Oropher slowly came around as he listened to Thranduil recite the advice. He probably doesn't listen to a whole lot of counsel in general, but he is a smart cookie, and he knows when he ought to listen. You can feel the deep relationship that the Ents have with the Elves, who taught them to speak long ago. Now they return the favor with some well-meant advice.

Nilmandra · 25 July 2006 · Chapter 4: Advice from a tree

This is lovely, Perelleth - so full of deep meaning, so full of Tolkien! No, Oropher would not fail to heed advice from a tree. And whatever the fate of Elurin and Elured, they are never beyond the One. Beautiful. I must go reread the song of the Tree again.

shirebound · 25 July 2006 · Chapter 4: Advice from a tree

As the first rays of morning crowned the heads of the trees, it felt to Oropher that he had finally found his peace and his place, among the trees What a lovely, lovely story.

daw the minstrel · 25 July 2006 · Chapter 4: Advice from a tree

Oh my goodness, Perelleth. I am just floored by the words of the ent. They're poetic and true. Poor Oropher. I understand his unwillingness to accept the death of the boys (and that's always seemed to me to be one of Tolkien's cruelest stories). But he has to go on. Thranduil's list of tasks was overwhelming. We (I) forget how hard these people must have worked. No need for Game Boys for these kids. And I loved the way Thranduil held on to the memory of his father in a gentler time. Thank you so much. This was beautiful.

elliska · 22 July 2006 · Chapter 3: "In Vino Veritas" (Truth in Wine)

Catching up... Wow! This is just packed! A king is he that can hold his own... I love M's reflections on his own words as he travels through the destroyed lands. I always did think that comment on his part was arrogant and you show why very well here. It must have been the day you made me High Prince of the Noldor, Cousin, when I finally understood how doomed I was… Wow, I never thought of it that way. Too true. What must Fingolfin and his sons have thought when M gave up his claim! And Fingon's mood is so incredibly well portrayed here--the many evil deeds, his losses, what Luthien accomplished when they could not, the betrayals... His full doom really becomes thoroughly evident. And M must face that pain. The reader feels for them very powerfully throughout this conversation. And the discussion of estel. Very powerful. I really enjoyed this (I do love First Age stories)!

French Pony · 16 July 2006 · Chapter 3: "In Vino Veritas" (Truth in Wine)

Too tired from travelling to write a long review, but I really enjoyed this. I love the mixed feelings evident in both Fingon and Maedhros when they greet each other, and the sense that they're rebuilding an old, damaged friendship. They both needed that drink, and it seems to have helped them loosen their hearts a little. Regardless of the hangovers, they'll feel better about the world and each other in the morning.

Redheredh · 16 July 2006 · Chapter 3: "In Vino Veritas" (Truth in Wine)

Ya know, I really like this. Exactly the kind of conversation I would want to overhear and observe. Actually, it's rather brilliant. You examine so much in a Socratic/Tennessee Williams kind of way. Very emotional and entertaining. Very well written. My thing with the Oath is that those who took it faced Everlasting Darkness - the Abyss, Hell - if they did not fulfill it. Because of both fear and pride, they would not take it back when they had the chance. Making apologies and seeking forgiveness requires humility, admitting terrible mistakes and being willing to make penance. If going to Hell was that penance, I can see their dilemma. Til the last, the Sons of Feanor, Maedhros and Maglor included, had difficulty seeing that the means was just as important as the ends. The greater good was badly served. Free will. A bonus and a bitch for the immortal Eldar, the higher born Children of Iluvatar. Even angels sin. But, thinking of the Feanoreans fulfilling their destructive lives with a false sense of dignity is sad. Finrod simply believes in Eru's forgivness and redemption for his own kind despite losing their struggle against sin. I loved your taking a look at these pivotal days from these characters' viewpoint. Now, I do go with Orodreth being Gil-galad's dad, but you've got his other parentage nicely and believably worked out. The cousin's personalities are quite well-drawn. As always, you make me laugh at human nature and its endearing frailties in the shape of elves. I hope you have more of this sort of thing left to dig out of that hard disk of yours. :)

daw the minstrel · 16 July 2006 · Chapter 3: "In Vino Veritas" (Truth in Wine)

There's lots of deep stuff going on here, Perelleth. Free will, eh? That's well argued, I think. And you even succeed in making me feel sorry for Maedhros.

Bodkin · 16 July 2006 · Chapter 3: "In Vino Veritas" (Truth in Wine)

You know, I can't help but feel sorry for many of the Noldor princes. They just didn't know what they were getting into. They were used to being Golden Boys for whom Everything Went Right - and then they weren't. I'm not surprised Fingon is close to the edge. Life has been grinding away at him unforgivingly and one death has been followed by another until it must be hard to hang onto any hope. It would be Finrod who would promise that higher 'estel' somewhere in the future - and it must be a comfort to Fingon, who is so much less mired in Feanor's clinging oath-bound nastiness. He did well to take Ereinion and attempt to detach him from his kin. Didn't save him in the end, but it was the best he could do. Maedhros, on the other hand ... What is about that wretched oath? This SoF, (and Maglor), are both intelligent enough to know that it will bring only disaster in its wake. How could they not be clever enough to know that seeking to abrogate it could be no worse than trying to fulfil it? Better to condemn themselves as oath-breakers than to attempt to slay half elvenkind in pursuit of those stupid Silmarils. I can't help feeling that the SoF are still desperate to win their father's approval - something they may well have been lacking all their lives. Feanor was too obsessive to be able to see out much and take much note of others' feelings. (I wonder why Tolkien gave Feanor so many sons - the two Ms seem fairly clearly defined, and the three Cs are quite an unpleasant lot, while the two As are little more than names - to me, anyway. Maybe to fail to understand the needs of two sons seems worse than not to pay any attention to the needs of a whole bunch.)