Reviews (70)

ghemstone · 28 October 2004 · Chapter 999999: Author's Notes on Chapter Sequence

Please don't take this as me nagging at all, Lord knows how real life can knock your plans for six, but please just let us know what is happening with this fic. I really hope you haven't abandoned it, and are just waiting for your muse to put it an appearance. This is honestly one of the best fics that i have read on this site or FFNet, and it would be wonderful if there were some more chapters to read soon. Hope you are well, anyway, and definately hope to see something soon. Thanks ghemstone

bessie1 · 12 October 2004 · Chapter 11: Haldir

One of the best haldir stories have I have found. I hope you update soon.

Kinipela · 10 July 2004 · Chapter 999999: Author's Notes on Chapter Sequence

I don't mean to be a bother either.... but please, please, please tell us you haven't decided to stop writing this! It's too good to stop without an ending!!! *uses her best puppy dog eyes* Please?

ghemstone · 16 June 2004 · Chapter 999999: Author's Notes on Chapter Sequence

More Please. I usually wait patiently, until whenever the author decides to upload a new chapter, but you haven't updated since i read. I really hope you find time to write soon, but i have a horrible feeling that this may be left unfinished for some time to come. This is a beautifully written fic, and it would grieve me if it was left unfinished. Waiting (not so) patiently. ghemstone xx

Anna · 1 April 2004 · Chapter 999999: Author's Notes on Chapter Sequence

Er, not wanting to nag or anything, but this is one of the best LoTR stories around and it seems an awfully long time since an update appeared! Six long weeks, in fact... A

ghemstone · 27 March 2004 · Chapter 999999: Author's Notes on Chapter Sequence

Hi. Just a quick note to tell you how much i have enjoyed reading your story so far. I love fics that develop plots and characters the way you have, and i am enjoying watching the main characters preconceptions and prejudices changing, albeit slowly, and grudgingly! I do have to let you know that i love the way you have written Thranduil and Mir-Giluviel(sp?), and the queen is just downright awesome, powerful, beautiful, and has the formidable Thranduil wrapped around her finger. Fics like yours don't come along too often in fan fiction, and i am looking forward to more of this, hopefully soon, but hey, whenever it's uploaded, i'll find the time to read it. Thank you for such a wonderful piece of writing. I am eagerly awaiting the conclusion of this fic. In a good way!!

Kinipela · 18 March 2004 · Chapter 12: Sulka

Beautiful writing, beautiful characterization, beautiful story. Thank you for sharing your talent with us.

Elena Tiriel · 16 March 2004 · Chapter 12: Sulka

Okay, I guess that fourth bottle of Dorwinion on my birthday (and it really *was* my birthday) (but, in the interests of full disclosure, it wasn't really Dorwinion) -- not to mention the assorted toasts with miruvor -- was a bit much to handle and still remain at least marginally grounded in reality... Fortunately, birthdays only occur once a year! Somewhat more seriously, I really enjoy reading these stories, and am desperately waiting to see what happens to Sulka, the elves, the hobbits, Gimli, the kids, the assorted royals, and that slimy no-brain villain of a husband. Stories seldom intrigue me enough to think about them between updates, but this one has certainly grabbed my attention. Please don't sentence us to re-reading the last two chapters (over and over and over) for much longer!

Elena Tiriel · 14 March 2004 · Chapter 12: Sulka

"Give us that update to The Roses of Ilúvatar, Orophin's Dottir, my love," said Elena Tiriel, over the quaking author's shoulder. "Why?" said Orophin's Dottir. "Because it's my birthday, my love, and I wants it," said Elena Tiriel. "I don't care," said Orophin's Dottir. "I have given you a present already, more than I could afford. Eight chapters of The Jewels of His Existence, and twelve chapters of The Roses of Ilúvatar, not to mention two chapters of Author's Notes." "Oh, you did indeed, my love, but we wants more... we wants Haldir to have a romantic relationship with the mortal," said Elena Tiriel; and she caught Orophin's Dottir by the throat and strangled her, because the romantic setup looked so bright and beautiful. No one ever found out what had become of Orophin's Dottir; she was murdered far from the Drunken Elleth, and her body was cunningly hidden. But Elena Tiriel returned alone; and she found that no one could see her, when she was holed up writing her own continuation of Orophin's Dottir's shamefully abandoned story. She was very pleased, for she kept the continuation to herself, and thus did not have to keep within the decency guidelines of the Stories of Arda web site.

daw the minstrel · 14 February 2004 · Chapter 12: Sulka

I always like it when writers write about the value of the written word and what it can so for readers. And the relationship you are showing between Haldir and his brothers is one of my favorite parts of this story. But it looks as if you are also building an interesting relationship between Haldir and Sulka! I look forward to seeing where this goes.

Jen Littlebottom · 14 February 2004 · Chapter 1: The Garden of the Queen

Aww... little Elanor is so sweet! And the elves all doting over her is just darling.

Lindorien · 14 February 2004 · Chapter 12: Sulka

You have really good characterizations in this chapter. The interactions between Sulka and her husband and Sulka and Haldir. Very nice, very believable. The character of Adros is priceless. this was a very interesting chapter. It made me think. thanks, Lindorien

The Karenator · 9 February 2004 · Chapter 11: Haldir

Oh my lady Scribe, How it warms my heart to see the fondness of three brothers: hardened in battle and by the ills of Arda, yet so tender and loving Elves are they together. Though I do not know why they have not cast Orophin into his own cot! The two older brothers are truly patient and kind to allow this spider to their bed. We shall not mention this to Daeron. He would be hard put to even stay in the same room as the young Orophin if he so thought to view him as an arachnid. It doth come as a shock to this lady to hear of Haldir's affection for the mortal woman. Yea, I know he doth deny feelings for this married! human! but it is unlike the March Warden to give his care lightly. Rumil doth see much. While it is my fondest hope to see Haldir settled and content, it doth cause me great concern that he has seemingly lost his heart to this woman. Mayhaps, he is only concerned for her and touched by the tragedy of her life, but he treads dangerously close to a difficult situation. Pray, watch over him so that his heart is not shattered again as it was at the loss of his beloved Nimloth. I fear he shall not withstand another such blow. Wake that spider up and put him on watch! Until such time as I gather news again from your capable pen, I shall hold the brothers dear in my heart and wish for only their happiness. Pray, my lady scribe, do keep us abreast of the news and give my love to all those there with you. Your devoted servant, The Karenator

Halandleg4ever · 8 February 2004 · Chapter 11: Haldir

Another good chapter. So Haldir and a human? Hmmm.... And I like how Haldir's brother put out his clothes and took care of him. And spider? Very cute! Keep up the good work!

daw the minstrel · 8 February 2004 · Chapter 11: Haldir

Fascinating picture of these three brothers. You work in interesting ways with the idea of elven bonding. But I have to say I am deeply glad I don't have to break a skin of ice to wash and don't have to sleep in a bed with Orophin!

The Karenator · 7 February 2004 · Chapter 10: Legolas

Ahem...my lady scribe...Daeron has newly arrived within the safety of my keep. He is...well...most distressed at seeing the recounting of his begetting day celebration set forth for all to see. Legolas had to pound him on the back several times before he drew breath. He insist that he did not climb upon the mantle to hide from the spiders but was there merely to capture some of the skittering beast. How Legolas did laugh at that! Haldir is looking particularly wroth with them both. Glorfindel suddenly remembered he was due somewhere else. However, it will amuse the scribe to know that when Daeron recalled the great and brave deeds of Isilya on that eve, armed with only the most delicate of dancing slippers, his eyes did fairly glow and his smile break free from his mortification. He seems now lost in some delight about which we may only guess. I am certain he shall forgive you before this age is through. As for the remainder of the tale, he was most pleased with Mir's actions for he is the first to agree that Mir showed great wisdom in the handling of his uncle. There is much love between Daeron and his adar's closest friend and ne'er would he see the king suffer such anger as to bring shame to the House of Oropher, but this love also understands and shares the king's upset over the circumstances of Legoals' wounds. A father's protectiveness is ne'er to be underestimated...not that of brother or cousin. Though he says nothing of this, it is my belief that he feels much sorrow that he was not with Legolas and Mir when this horror came upon his kin. He remained in the Great Wood as he was bid by his king and uncle to watch over its borders along with his older brother and older cousins. You know well, how he despises being separated from Legolas and Mir. I do not know how long he shall linger here for I see now his desire to come to his liege and queen. But Legolas shall restrict him here within these walls until you have sent word that he may be received by the king. Until such time as we receive news of this tale, we remain wholly in your service. Your devoted servant and friend, The Karenator

Nilmandra · 7 February 2004 · Chapter 10: Legolas

I missed Thranduil's arrival - but am glad for it, even if I do attend to him late. He is indeed powerful and a vision of strength. I wept as I saw the love with which he beheld his sons - and how wonderful for Legolas to wake in his father's arms. One of my favorite scenes in Little Women is when Beth wakens, coherent for the first time in many days, and the first thing she sees is her mother who has long been parted from her daughters. As difficult as it is for me to imagine Thranduil threatening a child, perhaps the one thing that could cause him to slip that far is seeing the harm done his own child. I do not think that he could actually have harmed Eldarion. I do not think that Elladan and Elrohir could harm their sister, nephew and Aragorn. I think for all of their talk, Glivuiel has it right - he would wish to die before being faced with such a thing. I am enjoying his character very much - and seeing the depth of his emotions. I wish to hold and comfort my elf, though, too. Do you need any more healers?

Halandleg4ever · 6 February 2004 · Chapter 10: Legolas

Excellent chapter as always. Legolas' strength and ability to stand up to his father for Aragorn was brilliantly done. Amazing. I look forward to reading the rest of the story.

daw the minstrel · 6 February 2004 · Chapter 10: Legolas

I am so impressed by how you make your elves engaging and real and yet keep them elfy. For instance, your elven men kiss and groom one another in a way that human men (at least those I know) do not. It's not slashy; it's just elfy. As a sqeeing Legolas fangurl, I enjoyed this chapter. His strength showed through, at the same time as his love and respect for his father and his friend. And the ending with Haldir is very touching.

bryn · 3 February 2004 · Chapter 9: Thranduil

Oh wow--you've got such a great plot going and the characters are developed so strongly... *happy sigh* I'm thoroughly immersed in the tale! I've always loved Thranduil, but Valar help me--his wife Lalaith is absolutely incredible. :) I've never seen her portrayed as such a powerful woman (in the few tales she does appear in). Never. It's such a fresh perspective--and I always love reading from a new angle. It's exciting and broadens the mind to even greater possibilities... I think even Galadriel could learn a thing or two from the Queen of Mirkwood. *lol* Which, speaking of new angles--I think your decision to write Arwen's past love affairs a bold one. Kudos, Orophins Dottir, for fearlessly taking that path! And not only that, but you've made it believable as well. It's not an easy thing to do, but you've succeeded. :)

Halandleg4ever · 3 February 2004 · Chapter 999999: Author's Notes on Chapter Sequence

I think you've done a beautiful job on this story. Their pain, their sadness, their love... Great job. I would love to read more!

JS · 30 January 2004 · Chapter 9: Thranduil

Bravo Orophins Dottir! I believe that this is my favorite chapter yet. There are so many parts about it that I found so touching: Giluviel's excitement over Legolas gaining weight, Sam's stubborn optimism and the lovely family picture of his parents and brother holding Legolas, to name a few. I'm also a huge Thranduil fan, and I love your portrayal of him, strong to any adversaries but also a fiercely protective and loving father. And I loved Aragorn's bewilderment... lol he was all worked up and ready for perhaps a furious confrontation, but what he gets right off the bat is Thranduil laughing with Arwen. Love the irony. :) Also great portrayal with Lalaith. I was delighted you included her in this story. Giluviel was also wonderful to read about, as always. My only questions: Where's Gimli? Has he ever had the pleasure of meeting Thranduil before? And my heart caught at the mention/confrontration with the intruder. I had thought Legolas was safe now that he was healing at that his father was there. But now the gentle elf still seems to be a target! I eagerly await your next chapter. Hope it comes soon, I'm dying to know what Thranduil will do!

anna · 27 January 2004 · Chapter 9: Thranduil

I do love this story and wasn't having any trouble at all following it in its double format - a noble experiment indeed - and I will comment properly on it when I can. But there was one thing that does puzzle me: the exact familial relationship between Legolas, Giluviel, Lalaith and Thrandruil. Arwen remembers Giluviel's mother, now dead; and Radagast remembers "both their fathers"; and Lalaith's thoughts about "the child she had loved into her own being", as opposed to the child she had carried in her own womb. So I've figured out that Giluviel and Legolas are foster brothers rather than siblings (although obviously, emotionally they're as close as two close siblings can be). But can you explain the relationships or will that become clear as the story progresses? A great story, though. And I love your characterisations, particularly of Haldir - and your OCs. I think I'm a little in love with Giluviel, if you don't mind. Anna

Lindorien · 24 January 2004 · Chapter 3: The Second Breakfast of the Elves

Is he sick from the cooking? Why are sam and Rosie there? what's the time period for this story. This is really quite lovely, all of it. What a nice portrait of the hobbits and the elves so courteous. But Arwen is three thousand years old. Would she really be worried about teaching the cooks how to cook. 'Course, she wouldn't want to upset Aragorn. He likely doesn't even notice. The fare probably looks great to him after eating over a campfire all this time. Somehow, though, I always pictured the people of Gondor as being a bit more sophisticated in the cooking tastes. What exactly are they doing to all that innocent food? lindorien

daw the minstrel · 24 January 2004 · Chapter 9: Thranduil

I am so entranced by these dangerous wood elves. Their power makes me glad they are benevolent (for the most part). I would not want to be the one who angered them, though. Arwen's deliberate charming of Legolas's parents was very amusing.