In the Woods of Ossiriand by perelleth
Agape4Gondor · 13 September 2008 · Chapter 8: Down The River Legolin
Yikes! They better get moving! But the dialogue was excellent - the anger and fear tangible. Nice writing!
Author's reply
THank-you, Agape. By now they are all hurrying to the ford. :-)
eiluj · 13 September 2008 · Chapter 8: Down The River Legolin
"One of Elwing’s children, raised by the kinslayer?" -- I'm wondering if we'll see the Twins in this story, and how they came to leave the Fëanorians in your canon. "The Onodrim are leading their trees beyond the mountains" -- Ooh: rescuing the trees from the imminent wreck of Beleriand. "A/N Malcaraucë is Quenya..." -- Sneaky, to end in the middle of an A/N! I couldn't wait, so I peeked. No wonder the trees are upset....
Author's reply
THank-you, eiluj. The twins do not feature here, sadly. I tend to write backwards, so this is kind a prequel to "new beginnings", in which Elrond and Elronds feature prominently, and a sequel to another tale in which the twins have recently come into Gil-galad's care.. but I fear I'm a bit chaotic... Apologies for the little joke in the A/N
daw the minstrel · 13 September 2008 · Chapter 8: Down The River Legolin
You really have some lovely elfy phrasing here: "the large pool where the stars came to swim with us" And also some charming affinity of elves with animals: "noisily encouraged by the horses" I like the way Brethil thinks about Oropher's emphasis on duty rather than privilege in the ruling class. I think lots of young fanfic writers don't realize that it's possible to look at status that way. On the other hand, Oropher is too angry an elf to be easy to be around. You include a good reminder of the doom Maedhros and his kin suffer under. What a burden.
Author's reply
THank-you, daw! As I was polishing this story for posting ( I half wrote it a year ago) I came across this same exchange between Brethil ad Gil-galad, and made me think as well. To Gil-galad, it is natural to assume responsiblities as CIrdan's foster son. BRethil sees it natural because he was raised in the same way.. I think people who have never been close to power have trouble identifying the burden that it is...
Agape4Gondor · 9 September 2008 · Chapter 7: The Erchamion
Very interesting tale. I spent the last two nights reading and have been hooked. Fascinating writing.
Author's reply
THank-you, Agape, I'm glad that it held your attention.
Redheredh · 8 September 2008 · Chapter 7: The Erchamion
Very exciting! I loved the image of the trees with their slowly swaying roots dangling into the abyss wriggling off orcs! Nice start with Oropher thinking he was as good as dead. Ha! His being restrained by Finglas was well told. You almost threw me for a loop when you had Taenben say that "...the Erchamion convinced the Ents to give a hand.." But, he was just being grinningly sarcastic and diplomatic. Right? After all, the Green-elves are the Onodrim's long-time allies. The Green-elves have convinced the Ents to accept the Noldor (long-time allies of the axe-wielding dwarves)into an alliance. Right? However, it does seem Finglas can push Maedhros buttons even better than Taenben. And Maedhros sure can press Oropher's buttons. ;D Heavens above, what is Fladif chasing?! Poor Oropher... I wager he regrets coming back into Beleriand for any reason. Took him a few sad shocks, but he appears to be back on track. Yay! Next chapter bodes to be just as much fun exciting!
Author's reply
HAve you been talking to Oropher? or you two looking into my computer? Maentew and Lalf are about to send the answer to your questions... YOu are right, I had great fun playing with the ents ( and all the rest) even if this story did not flow as others. I'm so glad you are finding it entertaining! THanks as always!
daw the minstrel · 7 September 2008 · Chapter 7: The Erchamion
Lots of factions seem to be coming together here. I suppose when it comes to overcoming old hatreds, the long life of elves is a problem. It's not like the old generation is gone so the new one can feel less pain.
Author's reply
ON the other hand, the fact that witnesses with such good memory are alive long after the events may help remembering things more clearly... and perhaps learning something more enduring...:-) Who knows? Thank-you, daw.
Redheredh · 1 September 2008 · Chapter 6: Up the River Legolin
Maentew says so many insightful things this chapter! Then also, so many arresting things. The glimpse of what happened in Doriath and Elwing's escape especially. But, he puts the blame where it is due. Mostly... Personally, I think Thingol was only trying to find a task that would him rid of Beren, rather than gain him a possession he had never even seen or needed. Heck, the Noldor themselves might have tried to stop the man from taking the jewel and done the king a favor. Problem was Luthien was her parents' daughter. Hmm, Thranduil recalls Maedhros... maybe he is more dangerous than dad... Elves killing eachother, over a rock... so much for being higher beings. I always say even angels can sin. I liked the relationship Thranduil and Maentew have fallen into. ;) But what an ending! Everyone is falling into falling into chasm!! To be swept away in the river? If they can survive, so may some of the orcs! Thrills!! :D
Author's reply
I like to think that the SIlmarils had some power of their own, and as FInrod said, the curse awoke when the silmarils were named with some desire of other. I too believe that Thingol wanted to send Beren to his death, but I like to believe also that the Silmarils had some alluring power perhaps of the same kind as the One Ring. Perhaps greed is not the most opportune word, though, but anyway, Maentew was pondering Thingol's "greed" in retainng the silmaril and hoarding it and keeping it in secret and eventually dying for it, and it is there that I think that mild greed, mixed with the power of the object, ensnared the powerful king and made him fall. Don't know if i make much sense... :-)
daw the minstrel · 31 August 2008 · Chapter 6: Up the River Legolin
I don't think I've ever before seen a story about Ossiriand breaking up. This is fascinating, Perelleth! they were elves indeed; doomed, cursed, twisted in their wickedness, but Firstborns still, all of them capable of killing their kin… and that was what frightened him most Now there's a profound thought. Tolkien is so odd. He talks about the elves in such an idealized way, but when he writes his story, he shows them with far stronger passions than he seemed to allow for. The ending of this chapter is pretty breathtaking! I'm trying to imagine how you're going to get them out of the fix you just "dropped" them into.
Author's reply
I had never thought about that directly, either, and I agre that is fascinating. The valar came, cleaned the house and did not matter that they did ruin in in the process... :-) ANd the repeated kinslaying is something that really stuns me. I remmeber that when I first read the Silm many years ago and reached the part of the attack on Sirino and that detail that many of Maedhros' host turned against their own ranks, so sick of fighting and slaughtering, I got tear eyed, to think how those elves must feel doing something so hideous and against their nature! What I learn form that is that falling is not beyond even the best.. and that is quite sobering!
CandissD · 26 August 2008 · Chapter 5: A Last Stand?
Great chapter! Can't wait for more!
Author's reply
Thank-you, Candisss I'm glad you are having fun!
Redheredh · 24 August 2008 · Chapter 5: A Last Stand?
The Erchamion!! Fatefule meetings, indeed!! Geez Luise! How is Oropher going to handle meeting him face-to-face! But, I can guess how you will restrain Oropher's hands from around his neck. I hope The Erchamion's brother is with him to calm things down on his side... Seeing Gil-galad doing his boy-king thing with the kids was very enjoyable and most welcome. I am hoping that Maentew will get back on Oropher's good side by seeing Thranduil safely to his father's side. But, considering the whole circumstances that may not be the outcome. Loved that map! ;) Worried for Gil-galad, though. He won't like being put out of action, perhaps for a long time, with the war on. *g* Nice! A cliff-hanger ending! Literally!!
Author's reply
Ah you wise woman who actually spotted the trick! :-) As I'm writing backwards in time, I fear Maentew will not get into Oropher's good side until close ot the end of the Second Age! I can guess how you will restrain Oropher's hands from around his neck WOuld you mind sharing, if you have a moment? For I am no that much convinced of hw I've dealt with that... Thanks as always. I'm glad you are enjoying
Tink · 24 August 2008 · Chapter 5: A Last Stand?
Whew! I held my breath in suspense at the end of this! Don't think I would want a bunch of angry huorns chasing me. Maybe they have some foresight as to their future plight? I guess they would, and since they know the end of Beleriand, I guess they plan to take as many orcs and wargs and "minions of evil" along into the depths as they can. *Shivers*
Author's reply
THank-you, Tink. Treebeard says to Pippin and MErry that he had once lived in Beleriand, so somehow the ents -or a number of them- must have escaped the drowning... and taking sides as they went, I thought!
daw the minstrel · 23 August 2008 · Chapter 5: A Last Stand?
Well, that's an exciting finish, I must say. Interesting to think about how elves far and near learned about Earendil. It's not like they had cell phones and TV. And it's an incredible and tangled story, as you show. Neither Oropher nor Thranduil looks easy to live with at the moment, but I suppose that's natural.
Author's reply
YEs, news would travel very slowly and somewhat haphazardly at times.. making things more exciting! Thank you, daw...
Redheredh · 16 August 2008 · Chapter 4: Friends or Foes?
lol! "...a minor cosmic event." Loved that whole bit! I like all-business Taenben, just the elf to have in charge. He is a great example of how the Laegrim are able to live as a free and independent nation of nomadic people. That was a good trick of setting up for nicknames. Lalf to introduce the idea of Tharn-uil-dol. There is a natural reading/speech phenomenon that moves the letters in a word. But, that is not minimization. Still, your guess is more creative than some. The thing I most enjoyed was learning more background to the exodus from Menegroth where/how Maentew and Oropher fell out. It was very sad how Oropher learned of the second Kinslaying. The reference to the Elmoi at Neniual really made me grin. Is the inundation of Beleriand close at hand? Is that what the trees are anticipating? I am glad there is someone writing about this period of history, but more glad that someone is writing about the Umanyar who *supposedly* had no part in the War of Wrath.
Author's reply
Well, I'm glad it was passably acceptable. The idea has been so long with me ( long long before I ever knew there was something called fanfiction) that I could not resist using it. I too think there are much worse occurrences out there! :-) I should have placed a note about your Elmoi, for I'm following that idea, but it now sounds so natural to me that I even forgot, sorry!!! Oropher learned of the second Kinslaying. Did he? :-) Not exactly... He learnt about a city being razed...and he's been wholly isolated in his woods, so he is assuming things in his rash manner! The gaps in the history of Middle-earth are fascinating. Of course all those who wre left behind by ht emighty host from the Wet would have played their part, wouldn't they? :-) Thank you as always for your words! :-) It makes everything doubly fun.
daw the minstrel · 16 August 2008 · Chapter 4: Friends or Foes?
I've never given much thought to this part of the Silm but it's fascinating to see it here. No wonder Thranduil was so mistrustful of any moment of peace. He saw it fail again and again.
Author's reply
YEs, I had never thought about that, but for Thranudil, as for other survivors of the First age it surely was oh no! all that again! with peace and war and peace and war... PArt of their world weariness too, I suppose!
Redheredh · 15 August 2008 · Chapter 3: New Acquaintances And Old Friendships
Oh, several nice tidbits! Thranduil's unpredictable reaction. "Are you a Kinslayer?" "Is he your son?...Has he a name?" ...these children would be as dead as all the rest. chilling thought! "Well, you must be used to it, anyway..." *g* Aha! Gil-galad! {({({The Shimmering One})})} lol! Children and dogs... *g* An enjoyable chapter with several interesting revelations! I am curious if the medical power has a basis in science. And very much curious what creature is roaring in the forest!! LOST flashback! Does the woods need their help?!
Author's reply
THank you, Redheredh. MAentew is fighting his own demons and guilt, thinking that Oropher was right after all and he was wrong... I am curious if the medical power has a basis in science A good question! Well I can guess that the powder was made by a mix of antiseptic antiinflammatory and pain killing natural substances, such as arnica, beard moss, yarrow leaves, spider web, some kind of mold, some herbs and most probably the juices of one or two disgsusting insects, all smashed and powdered together. Perhaps not approved by Aman's School of Medicine, but surely tested by practice! :-) You killed me with the LOST allusion! Wiill you beleive me if I tell you that I enever ever saw a single chapter? :-)
daw the minstrel · 14 August 2008 · Chapter 3: New Acquaintances And Old Friendships
Gil-galad! I love Gil-galad. Thranduil would do well to listen a little more so he knows who the wounded elf is. His temper is typical here. We'd better hope he learns wisdom with age. Cuiell will be a good match for him, though. I love her curiosity. Maentew and Gildor are fun to watch as they inspect the "children" and remember events Thranduil and the others do not.
Author's reply
I love Gil-galad, too! Curious, since we know so little of him... that is what makes him interesting I suppose. Thrnaduil will have to learn to listen, adnd he will have to become better than his father at that. It is funny picturing a young Thrnaduil under the the influence of such a formidably tempered father. Thank-you very much, Daw.
CandissD · 11 August 2008 · Chapter 1: Flight into the Forest
Another great chapter! :) Can't wait to read more!
Author's reply
Thank-you, Candiss. There you go.
Redheredh · 10 August 2008 · Chapter 2: Following The Trail
What fun! They all show their good upbringing by setting aside the bickering when things get serious and use their some common sense. Yet, they are and remain youngsters. Cuiell is the scout, Brethil is the infantry, and Thranduil is the commander - and the little prince. "...our woods..." "Let them be careful instead..." *g* Being on their own, it is good they work well together. But, the woods are herding them too, it seems. Towards what? Maentew should recognize Thranduil if they come out from cover. That's going to make things interesting... Ha! His queen was a tough-girl wood-elf! ;D Figures!
Author's reply
THank-you, Redheredh! Fun is what I meant when I started writing it, but then it became a pain..there. (it took a year to almost complete, how's that?) His queen was a tough-girl wood-elf! Speaking of writing backwards, these three appeared, unnamed and apparently much younger- in New Beginnings, and then Thrnaduil's wedding with the lively wood elf girl is mentioned in "They did not take root in that land" so they of course demanded to be there when I wondered when and how -and why- Oropher crossed the Ered Luin at the end of the First Age...and who he would have met on his way... ;-)
daw the minstrel · 10 August 2008 · Chapter 2: Following The Trail
I love this picture of the young Thranduil, not in charge but tending to dominate even so. I also like the idea that these three followed Oropher and are getting themselves deep in trouble. Perhaps they can redeem themselves with whatever they do for the strangers.
Author's reply
Thank-you, Daw. These three went out for an adventure and are already getting far more than what they expected, as it usually goes with adventures...
Lissas Elves · 9 August 2008 · Chapter 1: Flight into the Forest
Fascinating story! You take us right into the action and keep the tension up with the warriors' worry over the wounded captain and the angry tress. Hopefully the Laiquendi will be able to help them. I look very much forward to next chapter!
Author's reply
Thank-you, Lissa. There will be anext chapter very soon.
Sphinx · 8 August 2008 · Chapter 1: Flight into the Forest
I love the way this started off - fast, edgy and deliberately elusive. What a wonderful time the War of Wrath must have been for all those clashes of wills. I wonder who the captain is. :) Waiting to read more!
Author's reply
Thank-you, Sphinx. One canot help wondering what was going on in the rest of Beleriand during the War of Wrath, while the army of Valinor fought Morgoth.. :-)
Tink · 8 August 2008 · Chapter 1: Flight into the Forest
This certainly is fast paced! Very enjoyable and exciting chapter. Who is the mysterious Captain? I want to know! Please, more!
Author's reply
Thank-you, Tink! That was my intention so I'm glad that you let me know it worked!
Redheredh · 8 August 2008 · Chapter 1: Flight into the Forest
*g* Oh, you're just trying so hard to keep their captain's identity secret, aren't you! You barely let us in on Gildor, for pete's sake. The one real clue you dropped was that he is less than a yen old. Elrond? Or maybe Elros? :D I suppose it could be Gil-galad... But, why would the King be on patrol? Anyhoo, great beginning!! I loved the menace of the woods themselves and the elusiveness of the Laegrim. But, liked Maentew's automatic correction that he was an elf of Doriath best. Ha! Really now, Gildor, do all Umanyar look alike to you? ;D Yay! for Maentew! Fun to see him in another scrape! Which I expect he will get out of only relatively unscathed... Yay! for another tale from you!
Author's reply
LOLOL I'm not "trying!" It's just the captain is wounded and not doing much for the present time so.. who cares who is he? ;-) I seem to write backwards (chronologically speaking) and Maentew has been insisting for months in telling his tale. LEt's see where it leads us. :-) Thank-you as always for reading and for sharing encouragement!
CandissD · 8 August 2008 · Chapter 1: Flight into the Forest
Off to a very good start :) Can't wait to read more!
Author's reply
Thank-you for reading, CnadissD. There is more to come.
daw the minstrel · 8 August 2008 · Chapter 1: Flight into the Forest
What a terrific opening line! You caught my attention right away. I like the way the trees are guiding them and the "gifts" they're finding along the way.
Author's reply
I'm so glad that you found the opening engaging! (For months it was all I had! :-)