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Cadenza  by Rose Sared 97 Review(s)
TithenFeredirReviewed Chapter: 20 on 11/29/2005
The end felt a bit sad in spite of everything turning out well. Minuial's speech was lovely. She seemed vunerable despite her strength and bluster. I don't agree with Gimli, though, that she sold herself short. Love is not proud. Then there was Legolas, tossing her knife and wondering why it felt familiar...clueless again.

Favorite sentence this time:

"Hope had always been her watchword." Very sneaky. ;-)

Lovely story, Rose. ~TF


Author Reply: You have been so steadfast in your reviews TF - I am glad I was able to entertain you. Thanks X X
Rose

TithenFeredirReviewed Chapter: 19 on 11/29/2005
The bit about the masons excavating Gimli's head was priceless, as was Arwen not telling anyone that she had cracked Minuial's skull. I felt really sorry for poor Legolas with everybody mad at him. But I had to agree with Gleowyn's wonder about a world with elves in it. ~TF



Author Reply: Oh if only the world did have elves in it. sigh. I keep decorating the landscapes I drive through in my work with elves. It improves it.
RS

TithenFeredirReviewed Chapter: 18 on 11/29/2005
That was gallant of Legolas to concede the kill to Ris, and a nice little touch that Frecern had two arrows in him. Good riddance. There was something very elvish about Elladan being drawn to the fire with everything else that was going on at the time, and it was neat to see a slightly vunerable, if dangerous, side to Minual. You have done a thorough portrait of her. I can't stop reading tonite. On to the next! ~TF

Author Reply: Gracious you were on a reviewing jag - thank you. Nothing like a good fire to draw one in - even elves.
RS

TithenFeredirReviewed Chapter: 17 on 11/29/2005
I really enjoyed the exchange between Legolas and Thranduil, with the younger elf sitting at his father's feet and at one point kissing his hand. Thranduil seemed to be pouting a bit, having failed in his charge, then relegated to merely guarding mortal captives. It must have seemed a degrading assignment, though he also did not want to risk his people to the battle. The birds were a nice, wood-elf touch, especially the ones that alighted on Gimli the Grump.
~TF

Author Reply: The little green birds come to the bird feeder outside the window by my computer - figured they deserved a place in the fic. Glad you enjoyed Gimli the Grump.
RS

TithenFeredirReviewed Chapter: 16 on 11/29/2005
Wow, that was an exciting chapter! I have to give Frecern credit, grudgingly, for being clever enough to fire Meduseld and cover his escape, but he obviously also doesn't care who he kills in the process. What a lout. I love Arwen being so capable in a dangerous situation. It is no surprise.
Favorite bit:

"Minuial swooped silently down on the trembling servant and spoke softly in her ear. 'Come mortal, would’st thou help me to find the Queen of Gondor?'"

On to the next. ~TF





Author Reply: Sorry to be so long replying - RL intrudes at this time of year. Such a good baddy Frecern - I'm working on another one but I miss him.

Tithen FeredirReviewed Chapter: 15 on 11/29/2005
I rather hate to say that this chapter has a very satisfying brutality, but that is how I see it. Minuial's frigtening effectiveness seemed very appropriate given her years as marchwarden in Mirkwood, and I cannot see an elven warrior in action being anything but a terrifying force. Throndar's end was at once heroic and realistically unglamorous. I just loved it that Bardor steeled himself and set to stalking Frecern. Aragorn's wrath was properly impressive given his usual restraint. He is coldly awesome when aroused. You write this situation in a way that is authentically grim and dirty. It is gratifying to see these characters behaving in a way that befits their skills, the harshness of their occupations and the dangerous world they live in. Such good badness! ~TF

Author Reply: Tough up close and personal violence at arm's length. Not nice to be a warrior in M-e, and an explanation for both the nobility and coarseness of those who practised such warfare in our own history.
Glad I convinced you without grossing you out too much. Tough people for tough times.
RS

TithenFeredirReviewed Chapter: 14 on 11/28/2005
Arwen and Gleowyn were alright for the time being, though poor Gleowyn believes her Telfaren is dead. While bringing the pieces together for their rescue you worked in some elvish goodness, like this:

"Gleowyn rested her eyes on the elven Queen, loving her in this moment simply for her wonderful calm beauty, along with her ability to turn the most basic of functions into art. ...The Queen’s eyes reflected only the poor light given out by the candle, but at that moment their brilliance could have out-shone the dawn."

You never forget that the elves have a magical presence.


"The elven King was riding in the front of his own warriors, the great banner of Lasgalen, revealed by the fitful moonlight, snapping in the wind of their riding. ...Thranduil reined up in front of Aragorn, bringing his own brand of elven glory with him, lightening the hearts of all who saw him."

I could just see this, not a common image of Thranduil mounted and coming out of the night. Oh, to see it for real. And although Minuial has reverted a bit to her "minuialistic' ways, still she is brave and magnificent as well. I so love these elves. ~TF


Author Reply: Anyone would think I have a soft spot for regal elves, huh? blushes. I am pleased beyond words that I can share the visuals I conjure to such effect. I sigh often for the chance to see Middle-earth and its inhabitants in rL the way I see them in my mind's eye.
Thanks as ever for the kind words and the fact that you enjoy my writing. RS

TithenFeredirReviewed Chapter: 13 on 11/25/2005
Oh, things look grim, but help, (and some serious vengeance), are on the way. Good tale! ~TF

Author Reply: Thank you for hanging in there! RS

TithenFeredirReviewed Chapter: 12 on 11/25/2005
Oh, good, the noose tightens on Frecern, and Minuial continues to evolve. I loved your brave, gracious Arwen. Must go on to the next! ~TF

Author Reply: The reading bug got you on the weekend aye? Good to hear from you and thanks. RS

TithenFeredirReviewed Chapter: 11 on 11/21/2005
How lovely it must have been for Thranduil and his people to enjoy a new and untroubled forest, though I'm sure that by now Eryn Lasgalen is probably almost completely healed. I loved Thranduil pausing to make himself a crown of flowers for the evening's feast. Some of the plants you mentioned had names I've never heard before. Did you use plants native to New Zealand for your forest?

Now it seems Minuial may be softening up to her lovers' attitudes. I'm glad about that, but I'm sure she won't do a complete turnabout. Still, it says a lot about how much she values Legolas that she would even consider giving his way a try.

Meanwhile Legolas seems to have reached the end of his patience. It was actually refreshing to see him let Aragorn have it, regardless of whether or not the king deserved it. ~TF

Author Reply: Hmm, impatient elf, gotta love him. I am glad Minuial is growing on you, she wins the hearts of many readers when they finally allow she is not a MS (well much anyway)
Love my elves in the forest, and yes, cheeky me, they are New Zealand Natives, as are the birds in Thranduil's tent later.
Thanks
Rose

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