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Celebrian, Sell i Nos Galadhad   by Redheredh 4 Review(s)
perellethReviewed Chapter: 23 on 1/19/2009
Thank-you very much! I was delighted to see this, and got to enjoy it th weekend!

I had almost forgotten this poor kid burdened with the precious bow! And it is wonderful to see how you manage to transform a trip from one room to another 8 across a large palace, granted) into such an interesting adventure full of details that might split out into little different adventures of its own! The bowels of celeborn and galadriel's residence look as itnersting as the outer common halls!

The conversation with the butler was priceless. Little Rhiss stood his ground like a resourceful, sstubborn elf. celeborn would be proud of him, but I bet he already knows his good qualities! This boy is charming. I really love his pov, how he ponders and weighs and learns and reasons his way all through the populated corridors and the bred or malicious servants. Duplcity, rancor towards Hrassa... well, this trip is full of lessons for him!

Even the unexpected discovery of the last guard! A Silvan! And a well behaved and courteous one at that! i really loved his surprise, and how he checked his findings with his assumptions! This Rhisss is really an endearing side character!

Will Hrassa take him under his wing, before Elovaril flayls him with her tongue? That ending was a real cliffhanger! thank you very much!



Author Reply:
I am glad you enjoyed it! :) Lately, getting anything into shape to post has seemed impossible.

Oh, I had all kinds of things in mind for the great hall, but found it did not move things along. While, Rhiss needed to be set up for his integral role. Sorry if that was a spoiler.

I am happy that you like how he is turning out. *g*

If I ever get the next chapter done, I hope what happens next turns out to be entertaining.

Thank you for the review! They're always appreciated!

Kitt OtterReviewed Chapter: 23 on 1/18/2009
Hello Redheredh!
*not believing eyes* Really, truly an update? And all about Rhiss!
I enjoyed being in his head. *laughs* All those impertinent remarks that never came out. “I am not your son!” - Ha! I so wanted to say that for him.
Ah, I do feel for him, being a homesick country boy who misses his grandfather. I liked hearing his voice inside of Rhiss.
The description of the bow was very good; it was like I could feel its living wood too.
Interesting about the little politics and intrigues among the servants. Even (or especially) among them you have to be careful with whom you talk and serve. So I guess Elrovail’s not the only one to watch out for. *g* It’s kind of funny how the Lord and Lady’s names gave the little fellow safe passage.
*jumps* That scared me – I was sure it was Elrovail. Celebrian! Should have figured. By Manwe’s blowdryer, she’s a bossy little thing.
Now I must know if Rhiss will ever get to speak with Hrassa...
-Kitt : )



Author Reply: Hey there, Kitt!

*g* Yes, really. But, don't get too encouraged. ;P
I am glad you enjoyed the chapter. Intrigues and all.
Hopefully, I can get you to jump a few more time before the end of the story. Now you know why the princess needs a savvy governess to keep a closer eye on her behaviour.

Thank you very much for the review!

Manwe's blow-dryer *snerk!*

illereynReviewed Chapter: 23 on 1/15/2009
Oh, and I was also wondering about the fact that household guards had to be 'of certifiable Eldarin descent'. I take it you meant Eldar as in Exiles, not as a general term for elven descent? It seems a strange preference for Celeborn (who is Sindarin royalty) and a fairly impolitic decision for Galadriel (who rules a Sindarin/Galadhrim population). It seems a strange policy even for Gil-galad, who was raised by the Falathrim, and is representing himself as King of all elves.

On the other hand, the mention of Lady Elrovail's suspected...doings...with Hrassa was a really nice touch as a reminder of the different sexual mores of different elves. :D

Author Reply:
Ah, an afterthought! Love 'em. :)

Before quendi-kind left on the Great Journey to Aman, Orome had named the First-born, the Eldar, because they loved the stars.

The Eldar went west, out from the place of awakening, seeking to live in the light of the Two Trees. Those who stayed behind in the east were named the Avari, the Unwilling. So, those elves that embarked on the Journey are considered Eldar. Those that did not are considered Avari.

The Eldar consisted of three kindreds. It was a group within the Teleri who left the Journey, choosing to stay by the banks of the Anduin. These were called the Nandor. There are several definitions of that name, but one is "go back". Eventually, a group who became the Laegrim seperated from the Nandor and made it to Beleriand. Those that remained became the Silvan. (with some Avari mixed in most likely). The people who made it to Beleriand but stayed looking for Elu Thingol became the Sindar. Both groups along with Cirdan's folk missed the last transport west.

And thus, the rancor amongst the Sindarin peoples over what is Caliquendi and Moriquendi. Sindar are not Avari. But, the Silvan could be. The Exiles just think of all Umanyar as Unwilling.

Gilgalad is King of the Elves of the West - the Eldar. As opposed to elves of the east - the Avari. The Sindarin peoples are an alliance of both light and dark. I think that they embody, if not embrace, both aspects in a paradox the pious Exiles find hard to understand. So, Rhiss is subject to certain prejudices which he has to acknowledge.

Different cultural mores indeed. But, I like who Elrovail is, which is herself.

Thank very much for the question and comments!

illereynReviewed Chapter: 23 on 1/15/2009
Yay! A chapter! *dances around for a bit*

Nice change of view here; I really like you show us life in the back corridors, complete with intrigue! though I do wonder a bit at Rhiss' age: he seems more mature than I first pictured him as. How old is he again?

And you ended on a nice note of suspense - I can't wait for the next chapter!

Author Reply:
*G* Thank you too! For the happy dance!

Rhiss is a young kid, only a little bit older than Celebrian. As you say, pov has changed. We met him through Galadriel (and Celeborn's) eyes. He most certainly does not see himself being as young as they see him. Perhaps I used relativly grown-up language because this is his relative pov, but Rhiss'thoughts and actions are still those of a country boy away from home come to work in a big city company. Although, his situation is closer to an apprenticeship than to paid servitude. In my experience, most country boys, whatever their age, have a lot of horse sense in liu of street smarts.

I appreciate your enthusiasm very much! However, as you have seen I post rather slowly. But, I promise I will finish the story!



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