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In His Wisdom  by Gwynhyffar 6 Review(s)
IdhrenielReviewed Chapter: 3 on 11/15/2006
I like the way Oropher approached his son... very sad, but true words.

Author Reply: I think Oropher is well aware of what can happen in war. He has seen his fair share.

RedheredhReviewed Chapter: 3 on 10/2/2006
Nice chapter this. The little elleth was sweet and a perfect example of what they were facing death to protect. There was a lot of very natural feeling interaction here, too. Poor Thranduil. Life promises little but momentary happiness now. I like Oropher wisely not leaving unpleasent possiblities completely to chance. Whether that is Amdir's non-cooperation or his own demise. Don't get me wrong, but I enjoyed the contrast between the beginning and end. Plus, how things are slowly - but perceptively - sliding closer and closer towards the precipice Thranduil dreads.


Author Reply: Sadly, Oropher is more than aware of what can happen in battle. He also knows what it is to be the one who survives. I'm glad you're enjoying the story and thanks for the review!

elliskaReviewed Chapter: 3 on 9/30/2006
Catching up on reading as usual...I really loved the little girl at the beginning of this chapter and Thranduil's concern for the young volunteers (home before snow! How is it that all young people think things like that--every war has had them). It does a good job of showing how much Greenwood sacrificed since we how few of these elves return. Very sad. And of course I loved the conversation with Oropher. We know he's right. Also very sad.

Author Reply: Thanks for reading, Elliska! Young people always seem to be convinced that they are invincible and bastions of strength, I think. It's sad that they have to learn the truth of the matter and usually learn it the hard way. The little girl doesn't really understand what is happening, but she knows that she has to do her part, so she does. I love little kids.

BodkinReviewed Chapter: 3 on 9/28/2006
What an ending! Oropher suspects he might not make it - I wonder if that's foresight, an understanding of his own character or just a greater awareness than most of the dangers of war. Of course, in battle the king is a target, no matter how well-guarded he is - and probably has a greater chance of being killed than an individual warrior.

I like the elleth at the beginning - and the young warriors convinced they are invincible. And Thranduil's determination to leave them to guard the wood - and the wood to guard them.

Thranduil will need his friends before this is over. I hope they will still be there.

Author Reply: Oropher knows the possibilities of war and that as a fighting king he has a bulleye on his chest. I think he also knows himself and is honest enough with himself to know that it could be the last battle he fights.

Thranduil thinks it would be a good idea to leave some behind to take care of their home - and to grow up a bit before sending them off to war. Too bad they can't all just stay home.

French PonyReviewed Chapter: 3 on 9/27/2006
Oropher is right. Thranduil is indeed an effective leader. He's got that touch, and can communicate just as well with a little kid as with overeager novice warriors. Already you can see where the whole "greatest King of the Wood-elves" will come from.

Author Reply: Thranduil is concerned about impetuous young elves rushing off to something they have no understanding of. He thought the little girl was cute. :)

daw the minstrelReviewed Chapter: 3 on 9/26/2006
I can see the hard struggle Thranduil went through to leave his home weakly defended, but I think my favorite parts of this take place while they're on the road. I like the novice master and Thranduil's gratitude that he's no longer under the master's thumb. I also enjoyed the joking among Thranduil and his friends, and even the suggestion that things are complicated enough that Oropher hasn't had a chance to talk to Thranduil for a few days. Oropher may have chosen to enter this war, but he didn't do it blindly. He seems to know what it might cost.

Author Reply: I think Oropher is more than aware of the cost of war. He isn't a stranger to it and he knows that anything can happen. Thranduil is pretty aware of that too, but he's also concerned with what's going to happen at home while they're away. His friends help keep his mind off of all things serious, even if only for a few minutes.
Thanks for reading! :)

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