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The Jewels of his Existence  by Orophins Dottir 4 Review(s)
brynReviewed Chapter: 3 on 1/6/2004
Fantastic lines concerning Aragorn. They're short and stabbing. Oh Haldir, why must you be so cold? *sigh* A true Elven captain, that one. Would Thranduil really demand Eldarion? My heart goes out to Aragorn as well--he's been thrust into a situation he has no control over whatsoever. Given his nature, it's got to hurt even more.

Author Reply: Thank you. Those lines were difficult for me to write and you are the first person to comment favorably on them. I think a lot of people are just seeing Haldir as being "mean" to Aragorn. I see him as very conflicted about what he feels he must do. Haldir likes Aragorn, but his duty is to his brothers, Legolas and the other elves first.

I assume you realize that this story flip flops between "Jewels of his Existence" and "Roses of Iluvatar". They usually stand alone fairly well but there are times when you may be confused if you are not reading both. "The Lion of Lorien" chapter in "Roses" actually preceded this one.

This was an experiment that has been interesting, but I think I will eventually rewrite the whole thing as one combined story. That is, if I survive! Some folks weren't too happy with what I did to Arwen and Aragorn! Heck, I find it interesting, so I shall continue!

Humble Scribe to his Majesty Thranduil
(and fugitive from the Wrath of Imladris)

AMReviewed Chapter: 3 on 11/25/2003
Couldn't Haldir's anti Aragorn attitude be seen as elven prejudice? After all, if the man doesn't know what's going on (and he hasn't been King for long), how can he possibly rectify the situation(s)?
Loving the stories and others' more learned reviews.

Author Reply: It could, but I do not see it as such just yet. Haldir is alone against nameless terrors that are trying to destroy Legolas. He is fighting a desperate battle. He wants to trust Aragorn, but he cannot. Everything has become dark, and only his brothers, Gimli and Giluviel are certain. Perhaps the hobbits, but even there he is careful. He never speaks his mind to them.

Arwen is the saddest one to me. She divides herself from her husband and from Rumil. Rumil has been with her since childhood. and there is much between them that even Aragorn cannot know yet. Arwen is too afraid. Because she cannot face the mortality she has chosen, she is losing her immortal Rumil, and this will kill her even as losing Aragorn would. Poor, poor Arwen!

Humble Scribe to his Majesty Thranduil

daw the minstrelReviewed Chapter: 3 on 11/24/2003
Now that's sobering. What an awful picture of Legolas's suffering. I was struck by Haldir's claim that Thranduil could demand Eldarion in payment if Legolas dies. I know it's consistent with medieval practice but it just seems so barbaric and foreign. I also liked the almost poetic way you present Arwen's hiding place and the anguish of Rumil.

So what's wrong with Legolas's wounds? What is happening?

Author Reply: This is a dark tale and we are smack up against barbarism. The elves of Ithilien have tried ignoring it out of love for Arwen and their own courtesy, which can be a curse to them as well as a blessing. I hope that Thranduil will not claim Eldarion, but it must be known that this is his option. What has befallen Legolas is beyond Gondor.

Humble Scribe to his Majesty Thranduil

The KarenatorReviewed Chapter: 3 on 11/24/2003
Ah! Haldir is pretty ticked off. He doesn't even have anything nice to say to his old friend Estel. Interesting bit about Thranduil demanding restitution if Legolas dies...possible in the form of Eldarion. That could be chilling, too....yes, precious, it could. Haldir is studying up on fried turkey and has set the bird to marinate. He says he can do it. Legolas is armed and ready...we leave for our journey in moments. Have a Happy Thanksgiving, my lady. All your BLOND elves are well cared for. I look forward to reading more when I get home. Very good chapter. Karen

Author Reply: As I recall my history, the wergeld first started to substitute for the family being able to demand an atoning death for the loss of one of their own. They could take money instead, but I don't believe that they had to do so. Thranny has enough gold of his own,and we all know his temper.

Safe journey! Tell Legolas to watch well along the route, or he shall answer to me!

*tiptoes off to ignite the tapers to guide your path home*

Humble Scribe to his Majesty Thranduil

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