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Golden Flower Blossoms by Redheredh	28 Review(s)
utfrog98	Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue 2 on 2/4/2006
Please keep this going. I have enjoyed it so much. It covers subject matter that I had not really thought much about skillfully. Thank you! Author Reply: Well, I intend to continue in some fashion with this sort of subject matter, certainly. Whether that will be skillfully or swiftly remains to be seen. ;) Thank you for reviewing! It is a good thing to do for every story you read.

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue 2 on 2/4/2006
The picture of Galadriel blushing when Celeborn kisses her on the lips in public. He'd have enjoyed that. She's not easy to disconcert - I can imagine that, even if she had grown accustomed to the habit east of the sea, she would have started blushing again when he arrived in the Blessed Realm and kissed her in front of her parents. I like this party - and the arrival of the maps. Finarfin would want maps. Nice, ordered maps with borders. And roads and trade routes and centres of population. And made by Rostaro - who clearly, then must have been there. And, too, Ulbanis is suffering official disapproval that prevents Glorfindel from visiting her. He'll find that frustrating. I fancy he would rather ride to the rescue on Rosinante and tilt at some windmills. But he's learned patience over his return to Ennor. ....... Don't the New Realms need houses for the return of the Umanyar? Peaceful places among ancient trees, where the rigid rules of old have been superseded by accommodation to need? I would have thought that the Valar might have given the nod to such changes in traditional ways. Love the way the ladies come in and drag their lords to dinner - and Celebrian comes back for Glorfindel, who makes her an excellent brother. This is a lovely story. I'm sorry to see it end. You wouldn't consider writing Rostaro's story now? Please? Author Reply: lol! You are certainly right! ;) I have always thought that generally the Umanyar would have less rigid marriage customs, resulting in different expectations about displays of affection. They would be more likely to wed without the "benefit of clergy" as Tolkien says in LACE. They would express themselves more with their children because they live in a more dangerous world than Aman. Well, the occasion is rather like a world conference that Finarfin is, by everyone's reasonable expectation, hosting. Especially with his familial connections. The elaborated maps are meant to be presented and displayed for all the guests as part of the festivities. But, I am not sure I understand what you mean about Rostaro having been in the new West. He definitely worked on these pieces before he helped out with Oropher. But, it was circumspection on his part not to talk about his specific assignment with anyone then or later. Yep, she does vital work, but is not the very model of an aramille. Glorfindel knows how important her work is to her and will not jeopardize it. You are certainly right again - he has finally learned patience. Hmmm, this is a intriguing possibility. The regimes are different than the old. Surely, there have been reborn failures that could have been prevented by wise care and the edhil would want to prevent them from continuing. Ulbanis is someone the Valar have deigned to address these sorrows; they personally advised her what her path should be. Their favor is no doubt another reason why she has not be sacked by the adminstration. Must I keep reminding you that she is your oc...? Heh! I liked the ladies taking charge, too. I figure Glorfindel has become a part of Celebrian and Elrond's family. Another reason he can delay seeing Ulbanis or getting all angsty over ever going back to the Holy Mountain. Well, Rostaro's childhood is nothing spectacular. And like Celebrian says, until he wants to know, there will be no looking for his parents. However, he has obviously become entangled in the Sindar royals' fortunes in Aman. There has to be a reason for that, one would think. ];} Many thanks for reviewing, you encourage me no end. Yes, you bear much of the blame for this, so deal with it. :)

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 2/4/2006
I love Celebrian. She is a wise and experienced elf and knows all about making accommodation to unworkable rules. I enjoyed watching her follow her nose through the gently confusing grounds to sniff out the corn stash. And the unspoken conversation on said subject. The description of the slightly run-down appearance of a smallholding - things built for use and not eternal splendour, is excellent - Aman so often appears glossy and perfect, but not all elves are kings and not all places are palaces. I can just see this - As in the poorer parts of Tirion, the place had a neglected quaintness that came from worn-down things that were infrequently replaced. The Blessed Realm has a reality beneath its meditative peace and eternal tranquillity. The delicate approach to an exchange of information - I'm not surprised these two offer friendship to each other. They are so suited. And poor Elrond! How can he begin to know the level of the discussion, since so much is left unsaid. I like the description of him as being one with a shielded heart. How can he not be? He has lost so much so relentlessly. It will take him an age or two to open himself to any risk. And even then.... Ulbanis has had a long, long wait to discover the Glorfindel's fate. I wonder if there is an element of punishment in that! She's not supposed to develop any level of relationship with her clients. Almost two ages of worrying over him! And Celebrian's story of his arrival and their careful creation of a background for him so that he can go to Lindon and protect Elrond. Sent away for admiring Celebrian too much! Clever. And they are both seeking the name of a particular? That must be a disappointment to Celebrian! I like her further enquiries on Rostaro. More is clearly needed on the subject! And there are a few things Ulbanis could learn from Celebrian. And the Amille is Vanyar. Blonde, then. Author Reply: g I realized after writing this scene how much it made Ulbanis sound like a moonshiner or pothead. But, hers is the problem of those who brew home remedies in rural communities. They mean to alleviate life-threatening suffering, not provide recreation. Descretion and judgment are very important when handling such potent substances. Thank you! Still, simplicity is part of that meditative peace and eternal tranquiltiy, I think. A simpler life is available to anyone, whether a king in a palace or worker in the field. Every elf has the opportunity to enjoy the true rewards of life in Aman. If not the inclination. That is the allure of the forest live as well. "delicate"? What a interesting word to describe it! What if these were two crafty lords instead? I really feel that as ring-bearers Elrond and Galadriel had to develop stronger mental and emotional defenses. Elrond is burdened with being handed off between guardians as well. Then, he loses his brother, the closest and most trusted person in his life. You are right, he would have to become emotionally tough. This probably helps him as a healer - to have some detachment along with great compassion. What an emotional balancing act that has to be. What does it feel like to lose those who love you and have to learn to perform as well as ever, but without a net? Where do you find the courage? Time does ease emotional pain, I think. We learn that we can set it aside until another time. Which sadly does come, sometimes before we are prepared for it. I had not thought that the Valar were punishing Ulbanis for making a friend of Glorfindel! Thinking too much like her, I guess... But, just fate tearing people apart is a good reason for the rule in the first place. And, she does not learn her lesson and goes on to mother Rostaro. But, in his case, to a good outcome, we hope. "clever"? Thank you! ;) I am supposing that Celebrian knows all about Glorfindel's affairs and has an idea that someone of them was The One. I really think she assumed Ulbanis' role was maternal from the getgo. Rostaro stirred up her maternal instincts, too. But, any connections are still too vague, it seems, for either of them to want to upset things as they are. At least, at the moment. Heh! Yes, another one... Thank you so much for reviewing! I am very glad you find this entertaining.

perelleth	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 1/30/2006
Rat-slayer indeed. It made me laugh, too! This self-centered Glorfindel is so funny, and how he feels overwhelmed by the number of thngs he may have done, or forgot doing, to cause her sorrow and hey! it is not about him in the end! There's a hidden piece of so profound knowledge about how males' brains (is that a contradiction in terms?) work that I had to stop there and give a laugh or two! Even if our views on this matter (Valinor) are totally different, I like how you manage to imply the depth of the problem. A disowned, rejected, malcontent Vanyarin Glorfindel makes an interesting approach of his story. And I really like the relationship he has with Ulbanis... a strong friendship that might... evolve eventually? Only... I was a bit unsettled by how harshly they deal with -and speak of- the rats in the first part... they're Yavanna's creatures, after all... but,that's only me, I'd guess. ;-) Tell mother Ulbanis for me that building a store upon stone pillars and leaving a good gap between the stone stair and the entrance to the store has been an ages long solution to keep rats from grain.. and she would not need to massacre the creatures then! :-) ( LAthough, on second thoughts, she would not need her rat-slayer, either, and that would be a pity....) Nice, entertaining chaper Redheredh! Apologies for the dely, but I´m on the run again... and online time becomes a rarity these days... Author Reply: I am so pleased you found it entertaining! :D And men do so have brains! Glad I did not totally turn you off the story! I was afraid I was doing a PeterJackson and getting too caught up in developing the hero's motivation to the detriment of his future personality. Ya know, Bodkin is wondering where this relationship is leading as well. But then, she can dictate where we can only suggest. You feel sorry for the rats? Oh, I do understand for I dislike cruelty to animals as well. However, elves are farmers and hunters so... Ulbanis did say she would have done something more to discourage them if she knew they would become such a problem. It may be that the usual methods just did not work as well as they should have. But, I think the wide-spread problem will be alleviated. Perhaps by Yavanna herself,if the Valar deign to involve themselves. Glorfindel would have come to see Ulbanis no matter what before he would leave Eldamar. He just happened to show up when she also needed him. Thank you so much! I hope the trip is going well and I am really happy to hear from you! Thanks very, very much for the review!

Ellie	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 1/29/2006
I felt so sorry for Glorfindel. I had never before considered that his parents might have disowned him. Poor guy! I like the realtionship he has with the Mother and I loved his signature on the letter. I hope you will write a runion chapter for them. This was precious. More, please! Author Reply: Gosh, I just figured if he were a Vanyar and not Noldor royal like most people assume he would need some heavy personal motivation to do the crazy... eh, heroic... things he does. Next chapter, some more explanation, but not from Glorfindel himself. ;) And who knows about a reunion. However, it is not planned as part of this story. Thank you for taking the time to review! I do appreciate it.

Bejai	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 1/29/2006
Heh. Glorfindel the Rat Slayer. Too funny! I enjoyed how this chapter went back and forth between humor and seriousness. I think with Glorfindel, things would have a tendency to do that. The list where Glorfindel apologizes for everything he might have done made me laugh out loud ;) I enjoyed your realistic portrayal of the business and politics that would have to be behind a house for the reborn -- charity, the support of the community, an annoying landlord, a sense of responsibility both to the people you serve and the people who make it possible. I think it would be so, even in Valinor. Author Reply: Oh so you liked that ephitaph? Glad you enjoyed his confusion. ;) Hey, you are active in your church and can appreciate the subject matter. So, I appreciate the compliment. Although, I am sure you would have said to take it out of you had betaed the chapter. ];} Thank you again for the reviews!

Bejai	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 1/29/2006
Whoops! Somehow, I missed this chapter. Sorry about that! I'm really intrigued by your idea of the reborn, and love the fact that there are people who look out for them. Interesting the pain they have to take, speaking "only" with lips so as not to upset the recently-returned. And Elrond's thoughts about the fate of newly reborn children was spot on, especially considering his life experience. A very interesting insight, there. Heh. I love Elrond and Celebrian interacting with little Rostaro. They would be quite confident around children, having raised three of their own, plus many of the fosterlings at Imladris. Right. Now onto the next chapter. Sorry I got behind! Author Reply: Wha? Dear Lady, 'tis I who owe you every courtesy. Thank you. But, I sometimes do feel that the whole hard truth is better than soft-hearted lies. Depends on the person, I suppose. Yes, that was my thought too. I know I have a nanny for C&G, but they have a larger household and child-issues all their own. Thanks for the review! And the next!

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 1/29/2006
I love the picture of Glorfindel in his saggy, muddy-kneed leggings comforting Ulbanis. And how well she understands him! Author Reply: Ha! And how well you rephrase my descriptions! ;) I do appreciate the instruction though. You and your second reviews... Not that I am unhappy to see them! Not at all!

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 1/28/2006
What a gorgeous Glorfindel - self-centred, of course, but hey, that's pretty much what you'd expect from a hero who has returned to be rejected by the rather smug elves west of the sea. (In a way it makes his relationship with Ulbanis more mother/son. Kids never know when it's about you rather that you-in-relation-to-them.) I love him comforting her - and offering to become Aman's own Pied Piper. I had never thought about things like rats and death-watch beetle and bacteria arriving back in Aman with the host. And it would be like mice and rabbits and Australia, wouldn't it? (I remember seeing film of grain stores in Australia that were nothing but seething masses of mice. Ugh.) No understanding of the problem and no natural predators. Even the cats, over the generations, have unlearned ratting. Glorfindel's family sounds a right pain! I'm not surprised he is desperately seeking a purpose in his new life. A good thing that (I hope) Manwe will listen to him and see the perfect task for him. Ulbanis recognises from his letter that he is happy - he has grown into the role given him and it has suited his needs. And even after a couple of Ages, he is still her friend - and rat-catcher. Just out of interest - and not, of course, because a romantic interest between Glorfindel and Ulbanis would be a delight - do the vows of those dedicated to Nienna last for ever? It's one thing among Men, where life-long vows last at maximum about 70 years - but life-long among elves is until the end of the world! And, even in Aman, where things take their time, change eventually happens. Now I'm going to go and read it again a couple of times. Just to enjoy the political and social nuances of elven society, of course. Not to picture a wet and unhappy Ulbanis and a muddy, depressed Glorfindel together over spoiled grain, a crate of dead rats and squelchy grass. Not at all! Author Reply: To me, Glorfindel has a tough job that requires a good measure of self-confidence and that would not come from being an actual prince. So, his talents have got to be stellar. Thankfully as a Vanyar, he has a good heart to go with it. I had thought about the Pied Piper image he might project, and perhaps that sort of thing being carried out by a Maia or Vala as the answer to Aman's problem. ;) Ah yes, here again I violate the sensibilities of many about the paradise that awaits in the Undying Lands. But, I have never met a Land of Milk and Honey that did not have a few problems going on within it. Natural or otherwise. Once again, we can pretty much guess the Valar's motivations for sending help eastward, but what were the motivations of their agents? And how much freedom were they allowed before their contracts would be abrogated? I like to think of the Istari and Glorfindel as, in a sense, privateers. I fancy like any people that have come through an crisis together, they will remain close even if they never see eachother again. Service buddies often never want their comrades to use any name other than their nicknames. Even grown children appreciate being called by old endearments. I actually do not know about Ulbanis' vows. I suppose, as in our world, clerical callings can be relinquished. But, ya know, Ulbanis does belongs to you... if you have some suspicions about her future. Ha! You should talk! After the all the mud you have put E2L through! Thanks for the review!

Ellie	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 1/25/2006
Loved teh chapter and little guy is sooooo cute. Loved the interaction between Elrond and Celebrian and the baby and the reation to Elrond playing airplane with the baby (too funny). Must admit I'm not confused as to the mother's relationship to Glorifndel. Please clarify this for me. I'm reading several stories right now and they are getting a bit jumbled in my mind. Looking forward to more of this tale! Author Reply: I am very glad you like Rostaro et al in this chapter. When he was reborn, Glorfindel spent his first days of new life getting use to being alive again at this guesthouse and was cared for by Ulbanis. Next chapter will clarify their relationship. Thank you very much for reviewing. It is appreciated.

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