Larner · 17 October 2009 · Chapter 6: Hero
Two sons of Feanor down, then? Celegorm fell so very far.
Author's reply
Indeed, Celegorm's later life was less than heroic. Again, thank you!
Blood and Fire by Clodia
Reviews (41)
Larner · 16 October 2009 · Chapter 5: A kindness
Why isn't there a secret exit? Good grief! What a fool's paradise they have lived in! As for the bargain--doesn't sound like a bargain to me.
Author's reply
We-ell, Menegroth was delved as a fort (this is why I allow myself archers' galleries: any fort that lacks a way to make successful intruders very sorry indeed is not a fort worthy of the name) and secret exits tend to be problematic in times of siege. Perhaps the defence would have been more successful if the defenders had had more time to prepare it. You're quite right, it's not much of a bargain. I think the Noldor were not particularly used to bargaining and this one was not meant seriously anyway. Again, thank you! (I know this phrase becomes repetitive, but seriously: I do appreciate you reading and your comments!)
Larner · 16 October 2009 · Chapter 4: Some things are not meant to be put into words
It does appear a retreat would be preferable. How utterly senseless this seems now, and it must have seemed then as well.
Author's reply
I think it was precisely the senselessness of a war over a shiny stone that made the Sindar think that the Noldor might not carry through with their threats. They could equally well have tried negotiating for it, rather than merely demanding the Silmaril with menaces. Dior was not Morgoth Bauglir, after all.
Larner · 16 October 2009 · Chapter 3: In the spring, perhaps!
At least these ones DID survive!
Author's reply
Yes, it was an interesting experience to write a story in which who lived and who died was fixed in stone from the outset. Again, thank you!
Larner · 16 October 2009 · Chapter 2: It was her choice and she chose it
Again, denial of the inevitable will not stay it. I don't quite understand Nimloth's attitude. She should see the writing on the wall, one would think.
Author's reply
We-ell, the inevitable is always more obvious with hindsight. I think perhaps it would have been less obvious to the Sindar that the Noldor (whose kingdoms and armies, after all, had fallen after Nirnaeth Arnoediad) were not merely issuing empty threats at this point. Thank you for reading!
Raksha The Demon · 15 October 2009 · Chapter 6: Hero
One of my favorite chapters holds up well under another reading! Wonderful counterpoint of the Sindar ambushing the Noldor forayers into Menegroth and the duel between Celegorm and Dior. The latter is wonderfully evoked; Celegorm is arrogant but with a design - trying to rile Dior by constantly slandering Dior's mother - and Dior is just too steady and disciplined to take the Noldo's bait. Thanx to considerable author skills, the duel comes off as suspenseful and compelling. Dior really shows his quality here; I love his bringing up how Celegorm's own dog betrayed him to save Luthien, and the final stroke being reminiscent of Beren, as observed by Oropher, is a nice touch.
Author's reply
I'm so glad to hear it! And as ever -- thank you for such a kind and thoughtful review! Really, you summarise everything I wanted to say here so well. ^^
curiouswombat · 15 October 2009 · Chapter 6: Hero
How wonderfully well written this battle is - I think I can feel, smell, touch the living and the dead. I want to cheer on the Sindar, I want to hug Erestor...
Author's reply
I'm so glad to hear it! One of my reasons for writing this was to get some practice with action, so it's always reassuring to be told it works. As ever, thank you for reading and commenting!
Praveen · 14 October 2009 · Chapter 5: A kindness
Going well. Looking forward to the next chapter :)
Author's reply
I'm very glad you think so. Again, thanks for reading and commenting! ^^
Praveen · 13 October 2009 · Chapter 4: Some things are not meant to be put into words
I quite like this. More sooon please.
Author's reply
I'm glad you like the story. Thanks for reading!
Raksha The Demon · 13 October 2009 · Chapter 4: Some things are not meant to be put into words
Typical Noldor arrogance to assume they'd just march into Doriath and seize the Silmaril with little resistance from the young king - Dior was no pushover. Darn that Oath! Good descriptions of the battle and killing.
Author's reply
I can only repeat what I've already said, that I'm glad this story stands up to a second reading! As ever, thank you, Raksha! ^^
elliska · 11 October 2009 · Chapter 2: It was her choice and she chose it
At about this point, Oropher lost interest in the discussion. Love it! And the ensuing side conversation while the debate continued. And their conclusion that of course they will come but the will still stay. I can tell I am going to enjoy Oropher's characterization here.
Author's reply
Again, thank you for reading! I'm glad you liked this. ^^
elliska · 11 October 2009 · Chapter 1: It was all so beautiful
Very poetic description of the halls. I like it very much. The tone is very appropriate to the subject and it creates a very vivid image. And the promise of Oropher-centric story makes me very happy indeed! I will definitely be reading this one!
Author's reply
I'm glad you like the halls, I did want to make Menegroth as vivid as possible to highlight what was lost. Thank you for reading! I hope the rest of the story doesn't disappoint. ^^
curiouswombat · 11 October 2009 · Chapter 2: It was her choice and she chose it
Again, how much I find myself drawn into this version of Middle Earth. Knowing what is to come, just as Oropher, Celeborn, Galadriel, Erestor and Melinna do, and waiting for it with bated breath. Thank you so much for these wonderful tales.
Author's reply
Thank you so much for your wonderful reviews! I do hope the rest of the story doesn't disappoint. ^^
Larner · 10 October 2009 · Chapter 1: It was all so beautiful
He did not desire to believe his decision would bring about his own death. Alas for Dior and those who remained with him.
Author's reply
Alas for Dior indeed. Thank you for reading!
Raksha The Demon · 10 October 2009 · Chapter 1: It was all so beautiful
A lovely evocation of the somewhat faded glory of Doriath; still beautiful and now so imperilled. We know what will come, but not how these characters will think and feel (and, in the cases of Galadriel and Celeborn and Oropher, act) during the struggle that is to come. A promising, and gently chilling beginning.
Author's reply
Raksha, thank you! I am glad this stands up to a second read. ^^
Inzilbeth · 10 October 2009 · Chapter 1: It was all so beautiful
You create quite stunning imagery of Menegroth here. This looks very promising.
Author's reply
I'm glad you liked the imagery, it was important to me to create some idea of what was lost with the fall of Doriath. Thank you for reading!