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Amdir Him  by Redheredh 5 Review(s)
Kitt OtterReviewed Chapter: 1 on 6/1/2008
Such an exciting opening: boats on ice! You describe the freshness of winter so well, and it felt good on a hot day. Certainly Galadriel would be ambitious on small scales like in a race, as well as on large scales likes ruling realms and whatnot. Now this is the side of the Lord and Lady I like to see… I know I’ve said it before, you do such a good job at giving them real personalities but still they remain the dignified G and C – even with bruised bottoms. : )
Malgalad and Fimerilin are definitely they are a match of wills. (Though I would almost like to beat them over their stubborn heads.) Malgalad’s youth shines through – adventurous and so self-conscious as when he fell through snow. I like his camaraderie with an oak tree versus willow. It was a bittersweet moment when he handled the items left to him by his parents.
*pouts* Did it have to stop there? A good way in fitting in Celebrian and Hrassa; she learns she too can be brave. Actually, I am impressed by Hrassa, as well, for coming along through Moria.
Very good story!
-Kitt


Author Reply: I am glad you enjoyed it! :D

I have said it before, but some people experience a time in life when they are just too young to marry, and stayed married. They have some growing up to do before they would make a good spouse.
The oak and willow was a nod to Marnie's "Oak and Willow".
The flute is Malgalad's legacy. It belonged to his long-fathers and was handed down through the generations. He sorta knows that, but it figures greater later in his life. People always say something cannot last that long. I say its elvish magic. They pour themselves into the object of their making and preservation was one of the side effects. Prime example is Celebrimbor when he created the Elessar and the Three Rings. Of course, they are eminently more powerful than everyone else's works. ;)
Sorry, that it did have to stop there. I have more outlined, but the muse pulled me away to another story. And I have never gotten back to this. Actually, Hrassa does not suffer from confined spaces, besides doing all the wood-elf things you would expect. But, a wood-elf needs to be in the right frame of mind. Else, as Malgalad demonstrated, he will not succeed with the trick.

Thank you very much for reading and reviewing!

BodkinReviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/18/2005
I loved the dancing too. And the - er - intoxication. Such fun to see them a little out of control.

And Malagalad's foot falling through the snow - and his embarrassment at the same. And the feathers. And his determination not to be left behind to run someone else's fief. And his sheer youth - no-one who says 'For I am no longer a child' is too far from the status! The practising of the smile in the mirror is a delightful touch - again showing his youth. (He seems much too young to go off anywhere really.)

Little Celebrian is a delight. I don't blame her for being less than happy away from growing things under all that stone. Hrassa seems to be coping quite well, though. The picture of tipsy Celeborn singing and dancing with his dangling daughter is a wonderful one. As is the sheer flirtatiousness of C&G.

It makes such a beautifully complete world - what's not to love?



Author Reply:
Bodkin! You sweet lady, I didn't mean for you to bother with another review. But, you do have a tendency to do that already, I guess.

Glad you are not offended by a little innocent indulgence. ;)

In a way, I see Malgalad like a teenager wanting to pick up his guitar and hit the road to become a serious musician. Especially after getting dumped by his girl. The suit&tie life is not for him or so he thinks. He rather enlist than stay home.

Hrassa does not suffer from claustrophobia anymore than he does from the cold - when he is in the right frame of mind. Celebrian has not developed any real skill in this area as yet. But, that is not her source problem. Ah yes, the infamous white mead of Lothlorien. The Dwarves had to be trading with the Elves for some commodity other than wood. ;)

Gosh, thank you again!

BejaiReviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/17/2005
Redheredh, this was amazing! I'm suddenly thinking that this is the story I told you I was going to beta for you, and forgot. *hangs head* Not that it needed it! Loved Amdir, his choice, his love, and how you deal with this little-known character. He's an interesting fellow, and I know there must be more to him than Tolkien said. You've fleshed him out masterfully here!

I also enjoyed Galadriel and Celeborn here. They seemed to light and happy, although still quite obviously powerful and mighty. So good to see them having happy moments!

Going through Moria. Perhaps Celebrian senses the Balrog sleeping there?

Wonderful, wonderful story. You've become such a strong, fresh, intriguing writer, and one I enjoy very much. Bravo!

Author Reply:
You always say such encouraging things! Thank you so much!

I try to picture what they would be like if they were not being royal. There has to be moments when they like to forget about all that.

*g* It seems "West Gate of... Moria?" was a little too subtle for many people to catch on to all of its points. I figured this probably was too.

Now, dare I manipulate your guilt into a favor? Oh yes. I dare.

Since you were too busy for a beta, I really really could use a post-mortem. Not a review, but some real con-crit. I will not be changing this story, but it will help greatly on the next. Ya know, you are a big reason I have improved. And that is because you get down to the nitty-gritty of grammer and phrasing, not just plot and structure. Not that my stuff ever has a real plot...

So, what do you really think about this story? My email box just loves getting attachments from you.

perellethReviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/17/2005
Me, too, would love to hear the rest of the tale. This is growing into "Hrassa's book of tales" of which I'm most glad.
It was strange to read about ice and end of winter in this seasonless place, yet I feel fortunate that I can picture the amusement, the feeligns and the sheer whiteness of the scene.
This lonely, melancholy prince is endearing, and I'm so glad that you chose him for continuing the tale.
Celeborn and Galadriel's fostering is a nice touch. I hope you paln on writing more, until it becomes a kind of account of those obscure, ignored elves. I think that's Hrassa's mission, and he should not fail in it!
Glad to see it today! I needed a piece like this, with its elegant descriptions, and its intimate tone. Thanks!


Author Reply:
Personally, I don't know if Celebrian is actually learning anything from these stories. Or should I say docu-dramas? ;)

You are right that Tolkien does not mention the weather much where only elves are concerned. Not so when Men are involved. But, then he usually leaves out the time of day too. Elves are definitely less effected by both weather and time. However, I do think it significant that his Elves still wear hoods and cloaks and shoes despite that.

Amdir still has a lot of growing up to do. Some of his problems are simple 'teen angst'. Personally, I like his flawed nobility.

Hopefully, Hrassa will continue to patiently pass on stories to Celebrian. It surely is one of the reasons he exists at all.

Thank you! Very much!

BodkinReviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/17/2005
I'm not surprised Celebrian wanted to stay up and listen to the rest. This is a fantastic introduction to the story of Amdir. I love his youth and determination - and immaturity. His grief at Fimerilin's quite sensible choice not to rush into something she doesn't understand is very clear - as is his determination not to be shifted from his decision by anything anyone else has to say. (Could be described as mutton-headedness.)

Love the portrayal of Celeborn and Galadriel - playing on the ice, enjoying the last of the winter's ice - competitive even in play.

And I want to know more!!

Author Reply:
Yep, smart and talented, but immature and inexperienced. I think he just doesn't want to take over the rather boring family business and is seeking his own career. But, is this nature or nurture? Galadriel was hampered by being female, but she left home for 'adventure' anyway. And Celeborn...well, there's that whole Nargothrond thing.

You liked the boating but not the dancing,eh? I suppose they were acting rather silly for being powerful potentates. ;)

Actually, I am finding I can only really concentrate on one story at a time. Right now, I am on CSING 10 which needs a lot of polish. And a Galadriel piece roughed out but not working yet that wants to be next in line.

So many elves, so little time...

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