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Celebrian, Sell i Nos Galadhad   by Redheredh 2 Review(s)
BodkinReviewed Chapter: 16 on 12/28/2006
So gorgeous. I love Elrovail and Hrassa - they clearly know each other very well indeed. So well, really, that newcomers like Aurthon and Laerlinath can only blink as they try to decode all the unspoken messages.

Molehill seems quite a good description of the maze in which they are all roaming! And the thought of Celebrimbor getting lost in it is most entertaining. He has had longer than A and L to try to slot himself into this bewildering group of ancient elves - but I suspect his physical confusion reflects his incomplete grasp of all the ins and outs of what is happening at some very deep level.

I love the grooming scene! And considerations as to fashion. And I'm very impressed by Hrassa's shirt - not only a beautiful fabric and made by the Lady, but also in remarkably good condition for its age! Nice bit of flirting between Celeborn and Laerlinath - I expect Aurthon was quite relieved to hear that he's very married. (Plus Laerlinath knows that Galadriel is dangerous!)

And Celebrian has come for her cogndir? Put the claim in quickly!

Author Reply: Oh dear... obviously there are problems with not posting quickly enough for past chapters to be in mind when reading the latest. I have changed the phrase 'a shrill chirp' to 'a shrill chirp of sound' for clarification. That was Celebrian's unrestrained shout to Nitmilru. Celebrimbor was not lost, but further delayed. Elrovail is just being derisive. Still, she does have Quare's number, it appears...

However, I am glad that you are ok with the elaborate description of everything. :) Although, not much ever happens; mostly stage-setting for what comes later.

Hrassa's shirt is indeed old. Most of his gear is. Indeed, metal and stone objects would last practically forever. But, if *lovingly* cared for, I can see elven textiles lasting a few centuries of use.

I am convinced that Celeborn enjoys young ellith - in a sheltering, very paternal and teasing, sort of way. As Celebrimbor once mentioned, he is very indulgent with his wife and, I think, would be with all her gender if he could be. Although, one of that gender might choose the word 'patronizing' instead ...

Thank you so much for reviewing, Bodkin! I really appreciate it!

perellethReviewed Chapter: 16 on 12/25/2006
I was out of town for the week-end, but it was a most welcome present and a nice surprise.

Your adjectives and imagery always stun me. The first three paragraphs left me speechless, seriously, the whole story is like a fresco, rather a miniated parchment, with so many little details that it is a pleasure to find out with every reading. And most of the action takes place in the same night! I bow again to you. YOu surely do not pretend it, but this court at Ost-in-Edhil is getting a deeper baroque flavour to me with every chapter. I suppose you are drawing from another period, but for some reason that is what it evokes to me. And in a very good way. The second part, with Celeborn and Hrassa rearranging their appearance attended by Aurthôn and his wife was perfectly done, in my opinion, with Aurthon's attempts at light conversation and Hrassa showing his best manners, and Celeborn flirting with Laerlínath while you show all the details of what they are actually doing...I almost picture all of them with long curled white wigs and powdered faces...

Who would have thought that Hrassa was capable of being such a comediant? ;-) He was great, and it is great fun to follow the exchange between him and Elrovail, the cues and hints, as perceived by Aurthôn. His analytical and calculating mind is always at work, although he surely has trouble understanding the truth of waht is going on behind the comedy being played before his eyes -and his wife's. Yet, for some reason, Hrassa is being polite and kind to him, and I am glad for that. Poor Aurthôn would not survive the first assault!

It is always more than worth the wait. Now I am looking forward to Galadriel's reaction, and Celebrimbor finally finding his way in own palace...and how Celebrían got there? This is deliciously tangled, with so many people running around in the palace while the party goes on! I must go back and re read.



Author Reply:
My goodness, you are always extremely generous with your compliments! But, I am very very glad if you enjoyed it that much! Thank you.

Looking back, I think I should have had the first chapter as a prologue to the rest. However at the time, I wanted to keep some continuity to Celebrian coming to see Hrassa in jail in the evening when things really get started.

And yes, I do have a another period of history in mind most of the time. :) Renaissance Florence. Although, as of yet, unsure whether or not I see Celebrimbor as a DaVinci. ;)

I think Hrassa, in choosing to be more commoner than a courtier, would lean towards pantomime or pranks before too subtle tart twists of phrase. Not that he does not appreciate clever language or decorum! Only that physical comedy would appeal more to him personally. To him, it might seem more forthright and clearly meant in fun. He likes causes, not politics.

Aurthon and his wife are young and growing. In an ideal situation, they would not feel the full weight of their future positions until their elders felt they could handle it. However, I am with Laerlinath in thinking Celebrimbor is not bringing her husband along quickly enough. 'Course, Galadriel may have slipped up alittle with scaring the bejeeses out of the new governess, too.

Thanks for being so patient waiting for this chapter! I truly wish I was capable of working faster. Celebrimbor will arrive on the scene next chapter - as well as another party.

I have tweaked that vague bit "a shrill chirp" to "a shrill chirp of sound". That was Celebrian's excited shout to Nitmilru traveling outward. But, with such a long time since the last chapter, you certainly point out the need for some clarity in that sentence.

I really appreciate your taking the time to review! Especially during the busy holiday season!

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