Lenielestel
· 18 April 2014
· Chapter 12: The help of all things
Reading through this fabulous epic for the second time! (Sharing it with a friend!). We read this chapter last night, and I was struck anew by your powerful way with words. I was reading aloud, and had to stop a few times because Thranduil's lines gave me chills! (Good ones!) You have made him an incredible speaker, and I love it!
You also do a fantastic job of helping your modern readership into a feudal frame of mind without breaking the storyline. Amoneth's slowness to grasp the necessary facts of court life makes me want to hit my head against a wall, but she is a great literary device for educating without exposition.
I feel for Thranduil here. You seem to have a very clear understanding of what happens to a leader when their own support system fails to support them properly. I hope that it is not from personal experience, but just a very good imagination on your part! In a small, insignificant way, I have been in Thranduil's shoes. For a time I was royalty in an mmorpg (puzzle pirates), and had my own Amoneths to deal with. (and a Marti, come to think of it.) You have captured the struggle and the feelings perfectly. Well done!
Radbooks
· 28 July 2009
· Chapter 9999: A seed that will bear dark fruit unto the latest days
I wanted to let you know how much I've been enjoying these stories. I started reading them the other day - Sunday? - and I haven't been able to put them down. They are very well written and I really like all of the unique characters you've created. It's fun to have a new story (series) to read. I had sort of been waiting until the series was finished, but I finally decided just to plunge ahead and I'm so glad I did. It's going to be hard when I get caught up in a day or two and have to wait for the updates! I probably won't review again until I get caught up, since I've downloaded this and I'm reading this on my eReader, but just know how much I'm enjoying it. Thanks so much for all of your hard work!
Author's reply
Sorry it took so long for me to reply. I've been doing a lot of home renovation and the internet has been on and off for me. I'm so glad you are enjoying them (and it was such a cool surprise to get this review). Now that I have largely finished the renovation projects for the summer, I intend to get back to posting soon, so hopefully, you won't have too much of a wait. I hope you keep enjoying. :-) And thanks so much for the review. I really appreciate them!
lwarren
· 10 January 2006
· Chapter 9999: A seed that will bear dark fruit unto the latest days
Another tremendous effort, elliska! Once again, I had read it before, but not commented, and after rereading just had to say how this story captivated me. Perhaps it was the return of Shadow to the forest, but for some reason the entire sequence of events just grabbed hold and wouldn't let go (I finished the last 2 chapters here at school this morning while my kids were taking a test! I know..BADDDDDD). I really, really liked the way you took the titles of each chapter using exerpts from different stories by Tolkien. Each little exerpt paved the way for the events of the chapter perfectly, IMHO. Let's see -
Thranduil and Lindomiel continue to be the epitome of royalty. *bows to the KING and QUEEN*
Aradunnon is a flirt of the first order, and of course, it came back to bite him later!
Amoneth - that elleth! How dense can one be (or as my pastor says from time to time, how stupid can you be and still breathe?) She certainly had to be led literally by the hand by the King himself before she finally got the idea that she couldn't let her mouth flap off without employing her brain first!
Nali - cool dwarf!
Marti - she had a new name there at the end, but I see that this cat hasn't changed her spots...or stripes...or whatever! Still trouble with a "T"!
Radagast - I love your Radagast! He always seemed somehow diminished by the sheer presence of Saruman and Mithrandir, but here you put his power into perspective so well as the servant of Yavanna. I came away thinking there was more to this wizard than meets the eye! :-)
I held my breath during the battle at Amon Lanc - Aradunnon was fortunate he only received a hack to the thigh! That was close!
I suppose, though, my favorite part was the relocation north and the delving and adaptation of the caverns into the King's fortress. All the politics that went on, the meetings with the village leaders (that ole' battleaxe that gave Thranduil such a hard time LOL), Amoneth (whip her into shape, Your Highness!), Nali and the dwarves, the tapestry rewoven (sigh)...I could go on and on. You really do the intimate details of governing the realm well! Anyway, the whole story was great (I'm rereading Part III tonight - I may have reviewed a couple of chapters for that one - but you may be hearing from me again, elliska! *gasp*) Wonderful writing as usual!
linda
Author's reply
Again, thank you so much for this review and I am so sorry to be so long in replying. This one is my favorite of the stories I have posted so far, so I am glad you liked it (and I don't blame you for reading while your students took a test--test days are boring for teachers).
how stupid can you be and still breathe? This cracked me up--you are so right. This poor girl was just not bright.
I'm glad you liked Radagast because I really love him as a character. I think he had a small role in the books, but Yavanna did choose him, so I think he mus have been powerful--just not a powerful that Saruman would have been impressed by.
And Marti is consistent, unfortunately.
Again, thank you so much for the reviews! :-)
Finda
· 2 August 2005
· Chapter 9999: A seed that will bear dark fruit unto the latest days
That was a great story. Very different from the first one. I'm glad to see that Thranduil's brother and his wife (sorry, but I have a hard time remembering elvish names*lol*) have finally found their peace and happiness. It was about time*g* I like the way the elves moved north. All the preparations you descriped and the period of time you gave them for the move sounded very believable. I could always follow your characters' line of reasoning and it was very interesting to 'listen' to their different opinions. That was very intruiging about your fic.
Thank you. I'd be happy to read more:)
Finda
Author's reply
Yes, this one is very different. Much more serious. I had a lot of fun playing with the canon event of them moving north and how it made everyone feel. I'm glad it came off as believable. (And don't worry about remembering character names--it's hard for me sometimes and I have a list of them ;-) and those names/language that Tolkien made up are very complicated. I still have trouble with canon names--all the F elves and C elves in the Silmarillion).
Thank you so much for reading this story. And thanks so much for reviewing. It has been great to see how someone reading straight through sees it.
You are such a fast reader. If you plan on reading the next part, give me until this weekend to edit a few parts I decided I don't like in it. :-) It is also a very different story from this one and the first one. You see Legolas and a few other elflings born in Thranduil's family and you see the problem that is going to haunt him in this little series. It is the most complex story of all of them.
Again, thanks for the reviews! :-)
Finda
· 1 August 2005
· Chapter 9: He delved there a fortress
Hi:)
Okay, this is the last one for tonight. Wow, this is like a very good book I can't put down. I really like Thranduil's character in this story. He is how I've always imagined him. I also like the development his brother is going through constantly. With every chapter he seems to grow more confident about his role in life. I enjoied your descriptions of the wizwards. It fitted them well. Thranduil's conversation with Radagast and Gandalf showed just how 'tame' the king has become over the years. He still has his tempers but he's definitely more open to accept advise that doesn't come from his own council. Oki, I have to go to bed, it's getting late over here. Thank's again for writing this story.
Author's reply
I am really pleased that the story is keeping you reading. I often wonder what people think when they see a long fiction after it is all posted, if they want to put the time into it. So it is great to see the story is interesting enough to keep you going. :-)
I love Thranduil and I'm glad he comes across well to you. I think he would be a strong, smart elf to keep Mirkwood together, without a ring, with Sauron in Dol Guldur.
And I loved doing the wizards in this. I love them too, especially Radagast, for some reason. But I include them whenever it is reasonably possible.
Again, thanks so much for reading and reveiwing. It really means a lot and it is so much fun to get these reviews while I'm between stories. It is motivating me to get the next one ready to go. :-)
Finda
· 1 August 2005
· Chapter 5: The path that seemed right
Hi:)
It's me again*lol* I still love it. I like your battle scene and the fact that it holds 'surprises' for the elves they do not expect. An easy victory wouldn't have been that believable. I like the more romantic parts, too. So far you manage to combine romance and action very well. Another plus are the conversations and political discussions your character's have. That makes everything even more interesting and authentic.
Author's reply
Hi, sorry it took me so long to reply to these. I was buried at work and everytime I opened the site to go reply, someone else would come drag me away. Grrr. :-)
I'm glad you like the battle scenes. I find them really hard to write and make interesting so when people comment that they thought they turned out ok, it makes me so relieved and happy. :-)
I like the romantic parts and discussions too. The political stuff had a place in this story and it helps set up a confilict that is going to pursue Thranduil throughout the rest of this series. And the romantic stuff is just fun.
Again, thanks so much for the reviews. :-)
Hi:)
This is even better. I like the action and I always wanted to know how exactly the elves moved north. I've never found a fic about that either. That's so awesome. I'm so excited to read this:)
Author's reply
Again, thanks so much for the review! I was so happy to see this review when I checked my otherwise work-filled email just now. :-) You are a fast reader. I like this particular part of the story too because I get to play with a canon event--the move to the stronghold. And because I like the political stuff. I hope you enjoy.
(But since you are such a fast reader, I'll warn you. I am going to do some editing of part three this week (tried to get it all done this weekend but ran out of time). If you decide to read on, it will be a little better after the editing is done.)
But I am so happy you are enjoying the story and thanks so much for the reviews. :-)
perelleth
· 24 July 2005
· Chapter 9999: A seed that will bear dark fruit unto the latest days
Just one thing.. may I ask that you numbered and gave the Chapter's title at the beginning, and not only on the chapter list? It would make it easier to follow, above all when you cannot sit to print it all down on a single session--- ;-)
Author's reply
That is a really good idea. I will go back through and do that this weekend.
perelleth
· 24 July 2005
· Chapter 9999: A seed that will bear dark fruit unto the latest days
Hi elliska! I finally had time to go through this, in a most appropriate setting, as I have just spent almost the whole last week in Poland, in a forest the closest to greenwood I have ever seen! I was amazed, in truth, for although I've seen many places around the world, this is the first time I've truly felt I was entering one of Tolkien's scenarios! and with a Thranduil loooong story to enjoy as I had nothing to do in the evenings, once the day's job was done! I cannot tell you how much the environment helped enhance the already wonderful story!!
To it. I love how you describe the organization and relationships between Thranduil and his family council. I like how he has the hierarchy set and respected and how he is able to draw on his authority to call to task even his mother or his uncle, not to speak of his own brother!!!
The battle chapters at amon Lanc were very well done, it is amazing how you write fighting scenes with such skill and not boring at all! one can follow the action perfectly, while picturing the fast pace of events! I'm amazed at that!
Then the council arguments are so well done! the neccesary balance between expenses and incomes, the need to have more funding, the reactions when it comes to cut trees and how the king has his decision prevail through sheer authority. Ruling is a very difficult task, and I believe that you're portraying politics and management of a realm in a most convincing, detailed and interesting way! congratulations!
THen the trip to Lorien and the discussions there! Galadriel is great, teasing and taunting THranduil in her characteristic way. She's a great elf, no doubt, and I'm glad that Thranduil is able that recognize that, although the fact that she's the only one who agrees with him makes him cringe, and that made me laugh! A nice detail! Amroth's reaction was to be expectd, yet I could feel Thrnaduil's impotence as mine! I liked that.
I love how you're entwining canon facts and pieces of history from the second age. The council at Imladris with the Five Istari and the Wise being puzzled by their strangeness was very amusing. Mithrandir dealing with Thranduil's suspicions and praising his will to overcome it seemed almost prophetic to me. I believe that's the difference between him and Oropher...btw, mAy I move to Elrond's library? I loved how you depicted it...
Thranduil's emotion at Elrond's generous offer made me smile. For all his greatness, he has not yet grasped the fact that Elrond is deeply concerned, as every other elf in ME should be, about the possible return of the shadow. The fact that an elf would muster an army and march four weeks from his realm to fight an enemy some believe to be sauron seems incomprehensible to Thranduil...;-) at least, hit is something he wouldn't do...That's the difference between them too, and it was honest to show it. Elrond is a little, tiny bit more enlightened than Amroth, one could say.. ;-)
I laughed aloud when poor Araduronn had to inform his hot tempered brother that he had "lost" Radagast!! poor one, you did not spare him one in this story!
All the thing with Amoneth caught me by surpise. It was kind of PIgmalion sort of thing, and I found it quite strange in the beginning, but then it sounded quite logic. Maybe they all might have thought to offer/impose some guidance first? Oropher's Queen, above all? But it was interesting, although I felt for poor Araduronn when he was made wait standing before his brother.. that was very tense! And then Thranduil threateining to send him from Eryn Galen.. The needs of rank and station, that's it. I liked that you chose to show it in that almost ruthless way!
Moving to the stronghold was heartbreaking, and difficult for the people,and again the discussions and the tense council meetings got me hooked!It is oh so difficult to please everyody and to widen everybody's point of view from their own considerations to a global need! Despite the apparent unity we come to see that there are inner point of dissidence, so life won't be easy for the next years!
BTW, I also liked that you made it light of the fifty years Thranduil had to be separated from his wife. I agree with you that time is of different consequence for elves, so fifty years cannot be such a span! great, for it is not so common, author's tend to refer to elvish relationships and feelings of estrangement in terms of human reckoning! :-)
All in all, I cannot help wondering why i did not start with this earlier. As I've told you, so many Ocs kept me from engaging in it, but , truth be told, once I decided to print it out and carry it along on my travels, it proved a more than entertaining company.
So now, I'm on to IJ 3 in a couple of weeks or so, when I have a long haul flight, so beware, for then i'll start begging for the continuation to that story!
Congratulations for this great story arc, elliska, it is truly impressive and very different from other Mirkwoods in the sense that politics, organization of the realm and strategy have a more important role here, and that is something I enjoy!
Seee you on IJ 3! ;-)
Author's reply
I was so happy when I saw this in my email! Thanks for the long, thoughtful review. It was a great surprise. :-)
Oh, the forests in Poland! I would love to see that! Do you need a servant? I don't eat much and I'm a hard worker. :-)
I am glad you liked the battle scenes--I found those amazing hard to write. I do historical reenactments, so I know a little about tactics, but it is hard to write. But I wanted it to show the difficulties building in Amon Lanc.
I confess that I love the politics and council meetings and things of that nature. I had fun when I wrote this deciding what sorts of advisors Thranduil might need and what their positions would be on different issues. And I like to think Thranduil would make good decisions, even when all the options are hard. I felt for him when he decided to cut the trees. Those are, of course, brazilwood trees. That was a hard decision.
I also had a great time with Thranduil in Lothlorien and Imladris. I always wondered how Sauron could grow in Amon Lanc and why no one squelched him while he was still weak. This was me trying to work out how that might have happened. I don't see Amroth as a particularly stellar example of leadership (since he fled with Nimloth when the Balrog came) so I thought he might refuse. But Galadriel and Celeborn were in the east looking into these things canonically, so I loved working them in. Whenever I can put Galadriel and Thranduil in a room together, I do it. :-) And I think Elrond definitely would have done what he could. I love Elrond more and more all the time.
And I had an absolute blast with Gandalf and Radagast--I love the wizards, especially Radagast, and I use them where ever canon allows. I would not have wanted to inform Thranduil that I had lost his guest! :-)
Amoneth definitely needed some guidance--she didn't listen to the guidance offered gently by some, so Thranduil had to take that in hand. I love Thranduil, but sometimes I do enjoy writing Angry!Thranduil. That was another situation where I would not have wanted to be Aradunnon. You're right, he didn't get a single break in this story. ;-)
I think moving to the stronghold would have been very difficult for Thranduil--seriously. He lost Menegroth, Sirion, and three homes in Greenwood before this. I really see this move as a 'here, and no further' sort of stance for him--that's why he found a stronghold. He will lose no more ground. And he doesn't--that is why I love him as a character. And I see both his decision to remain in M-e after the Ring War and Legolas's decision to move to Ithilien as a commitment to help heal and rebuild M-e. Another reason why these characters and Celeborn (who does the same) appeal to me so much (and why I thought your story was so perfect--I can so see it).
Be warned--IJ3 is really complex. I reread it recently and even I said 'whew!' when I finished. I am going to re-edit one chapter of it next weekend. But it plays with that bit of dissent (sp?) that we saw at the end of this story and lots of OC's from the first story come back into play. I am going to start posting the 4th part this week. It returns to being much less complex.
I really appreciate the reviews! It is so much fun to see them. :-)
Jaylen
· 4 January 2005
· Chapter 9999: A seed that will bear dark fruit unto the latest days
Hello Elliska,
Just wanted you to know that I started reading your stories a month ago and I am hooked! They are wonderful reading. The characters and history in them are very rich. You have done a wonderful job creating this history to fill in what Tolkien didn't. I can't wait for your next posting. This is indeed a wonderful "Journey".
Jaylen
Author's reply
Thanks! I just came back from vacation so it was so nice to see new reviews.
I am very glad to know you are enjoying the story. I really like doing the 'fill-in' type stuff. It's a lot of fun for me. I'm glad it is turning out ok in other's eyes.
The next part will be along soon. Hope you continue to enjoy.
Brazgirl
· 18 December 2004
· Chapter 9999: A seed that will bear dark fruit unto the latest days
Very interesting the last dialogue. So, I expect to read more from you in 2005! This story was a great thing to read and I am more than willing to read the rest of it. Great job, Elliska.
Author's reply
Thanks! The next part ought to be along soon. My beta is finished largely with the first three chapters and we are arguning over the fourth now that I am back from vacation.
Brazgirl
· 18 December 2004
· Chapter 14: Held the evil at bay
What a nice chapter! Lindomiel is very teasingly, especially around her husband. You made me laugh at lot. Thranduil's brother and Amoneth are great together.
Author's reply
Thanks for the review. Sorry it took me so long to reply. I was out of the country and in the mountains with no Internet access. I like Aradunnon and Amoneth too. I'm glad they are turning out ok in this for you.
Bodkin
· 18 December 2004
· Chapter 9999: A seed that will bear dark fruit unto the latest days
Gang up on Curunir, chaps - you could save yourselves a lot of trouble if you did.
And the return of the Black Swan. Oh dear.
Can't wait for Part Three.
Author's reply
Yes, sometimes you think it would be funny to write something like that since we know the future. :)
I like this Black Swan name. I wonder if I can get that into Sindarin somehow.
Part Three is on its way. My beta and I agreed that we aren't posting anything until entire stories are finished. She has 3 chapters of 6 from the next story done and we are arguing over the fourth. But it will be up soon.
Thanks so much for the reviews.
Bodkin
· 18 December 2004
· Chapter 14: Held the evil at bay
I'm quite surprised that Curunir managed to survive long enough to become a thorn in the flesh of the Fellowship. I would have thought that the smug four-asterisk person would have found himself the victim of a boot at the very least - and, considering the number of people he has managed to offend, he would have made an adequate Saruman-skin rug for them to wipe their feet on. I mean - he has offended every Wood Elf in the Greenwood, Galadriel must be looking forward to the prospect of stamping on a part of his anatomy that presumably exists even in wizards. Only enormous elven self-control enabled him to survive to be a problem to their children.
On the other hand, I'm glad to see that Amoneth has learned to be a more-or-less responsible grown-up member of the family. And if you're not allowed to get away with a bit of saucy behaviour on your wedding day, then when can you? She managed the meeting with Nali very well - and was sufficiently appreciative of the skill involved in the design of the Stronghold. It seems a little ominous, though, that she and Aradunnon will be living so far south. I hope the author has no plans to eliminate these two newly-weds.
Though talking of families - good to see a bit of pressure on to provide the kingdom with some royal elflings. Who will, of course, be much better behaved than those belonging to anyone else. Because there is no expert parent to be compared to one who has no children!!
Good magic doors. Very impressive bit of Thranduil the King there.
Author's reply
Thanks for the review. I'm finally back and get to read them and respond to them.
Yes, Saruman might not have lived through this experience if he really had done it. He did set everyone off, didn't he? I just see him as naturally overly sure of himself. I vaguely remember Gandalf commenting about his arrogance somewhere early on in a conversation with Frodo.
Aradunnon and Amoneth have shaped up ok. Living in the south will be dangerous, I think.
Because there is no expert parent to be compared to one who has no children!! **Snicker** Exactly!
I'm glad you liked the doors. I worry about doing Magic!Thranduil but I love him.
Elena Tiriel
· 17 December 2004
· Chapter 9999: A seed that will bear dark fruit unto the latest days
This is a great story, Elliska! I've been hooked from the beginning -- actually, since its predecessor. I'm surprised and actually sorry to hear that this is the end (especially after that tantalizing glimpse of Marti), but hope you start your next one soon after the New Year. Enjoy your holidays!
- Barbara
Author's reply
Thanks so much! I just got back from vacation and I didn't get a chance to see any of the reviews before now so it was so nice to come back and read them all.
I am glad you are enjoying this. I was sorry to end this one too. A lot got cut and I didn't like all those changes but I will be the first to admit that my beta is always right about stuff like that so...with a growl, I let it go.
The next installment is almost ready to go. It will be up soon, I think, but my beta and I have agreed not to start posting any part until it is all completely edited. Too much grief otherwise and also, if it's done and we've agreed on it, either one of us can post it so there won't be delays just because I'm too busy with my nutsy job. :)
Enough rambling. Thanks so much for the review.
French Pony
· 16 December 2004
· Chapter 9999: A seed that will bear dark fruit unto the latest days
I'm deep in the middle of finals week, and you're deep in the mountains, so this may not really be the proper moment to leave a long, detailed and (hopefully) witty review. This is just to say I have eaten the plums -- sorry, wrong poet. This is really just to say that I read the last two chapters, enjoyed them, and will leave more thoughts on them when the rumbling stops.
Author's reply
Yuck! Finals week! DOn't miss that even a little bit. I thoroughly enjoyed my retreat though flying back was a bit hectic.
I'm glad you enjoyed this and I appreaciate your reviews very much. I hope you had an enjoyable break from school! Hope to talk to you again soon with the next bit of this story (and with another of your own?).
daw the minstrel
· 16 December 2004
· Chapter 9999: A seed that will bear dark fruit unto the latest days
Ooh. Marti?
You do Saruman very convincingly. He's so maddening. I could just see Aradunnon glaring at him as he insulted the wood elves.
Author's reply
:) Yes, Saruman is wonderful. I always remember some comment (can't quote it) that Gandalf made to Frodo early in Fellowship where he says something about Saruman's arrogance so that is what I picture was Saruman's weakness--his desire to be above everyone left an opening for corruption. So I can see him like that even at this early date.
Thanks for the reviews. I appreciate them greatly.
daw the minstrel
· 16 December 2004
· Chapter 14: Held the evil at bay
Excellent handling of the matter of the doors. They seal but don't need Thranduil's direct presence to open. I like that.
This chapter really wraps up this part of Thranduil's like, the forced journey he makes to the caves. And there's resolution to most of the personal issues, including the traditional ending of a wedding. I like it.
Author's reply
Thanks for the review Daw. It's nice to come back from vacation to them.
I wrote this part about the doors soon after reading the part of the Silm that describes Melian's Girdle and it says, "none thereafter could pass against her will or the will of King Thingol." I based this on that thought. The doors would be tough because requiring Thranduil's presence is complicated.
I studied Medieval Lit--there almost has to be a wedding for something to seem 'ended' to me. :) I'm glad you liked it.
Brazgirl
· 8 December 2004
· Chapter 13: United again under one will
I had a busy week but here I am. This chapter is amazing. Totally centred in Amoneth, which was great. I believe the lessons are doing great to her. Clearly she is becoming a fine person, a better one. If she recognizes her selfishness in some actions she can change them in the future. And Thranduil was wise in this chapter... a fine tutor, indeed. I loved to read about his and his brother's reaction to that odd elf. It was great. I think this was one of your best chapters, if not the best one.
One more thing: Thranduil saying he missed his wife was so cute! I wanted to cuddle him... and Amoneth is right: Lindomiel would be most upset if Thranduil starved in her absence.
Author's reply
It's the time of year for being busy, isn't it? I appreciate you taking time to review! I'm glad you liked this. Yes, Amoneth is showing signs of improving for real this time, thank goodness! And I do think Thranduil was a good tutor to recognize what she needed to be able to learn her leassons.
I felt sorry for poor Thranduil missing Lindomiel. I'd cuddle with Thranduil anytime. :)
Bodkin
· 5 December 2004
· Chapter 13: United again under one will
A First Age story with Thranduil growing up?????? Yes, please. My eyes are brightening at the very idea. What a terrific idea.
(Aradunnon and Amoneth have to hang on long enough to get round to the begetting though. At the current rate that could take a couple of millennia.)
Must stop using reviews for conversation. (But it's just too much fun to speculate.)
Author's reply
It is very hard not to use the reviews as conversation, isn't it? I often find myself writing a review and then thinking of something afterward and I have to restrain myself because I can be very chatty--boy I bet you would have never guessed that. :)
I just like teasing you. Aradunnon and Amoneth do have to be around long enough for the begetting. And I actually haven't decided what to post next. We wrote some stuff that we really intended to be back story just for ourselves but that I ended up liking. Might work that into an actual full plot. Or I might just go ahead to the part we actually planned to be next, which is Legolas' birth. I have to decide that in the next few days.
But remember I did say once: there are only four people in this story that get a guaranteed easy sail to Valinor--Galadriel, Elrond, Gandalf and Legolas. 'Cause Tolkien says so. Its open season on everyone else. Everyone. *Another evil grin*
Yes, it's a First Age story that starts out with Oropher and then has Thranduil growing up (I just love Thranduil). We ended the outline where this series started out (so it goes through the War of the Last Alliance). The problem was caused by the Yahoo Group again. Someone in it mentioned the Silm on CD. Of course, I've read the Silm before and I liked it very much. So I bought it on CD and I've been listening to it in my car on the way to work (I drive an hour one-way each day, so I've got lots of time). And I just found myself thinking about Oropher and Thranduil amidst all that and my friend and I started talking about it when we were editing the next chapter of this fic and it went downhill from there. We even wrote the first chapter. My husband is threatening to take my computer away from me. He says I'm obsessed. :) But, the fact is, it will probably get written. I am going to be out of the country for three weeks in December. I won't have any computer access and I'll go insane. I see a major part of that First Age story getting written on sheets of actual paper during that time. I will go through withdrawal otherwise. I've said before, fan fiction is like a drug. It's too much fun to stop.
Author Reply: Bodkin,
By the way--been meaning to ask you this for a while so I'm going to do it now since I thought of it. You use 'daernaneth' and 'daeradar' in your stories. My Sindarin is most limited. Is that canon or did you make it up? I saw it first in your stories but I've since seen it in others, I'm sure. If you put it together, did you get the 'daer' part from canon and if so, what does it mean? (I mean, obviously I know the term means grandmother/father but I can't find 'daer' anywhere and I'm curious how you made the word).
Since you have reviewed every chapter of this fic for almost 40 chapters, I hope I'm not being too presumptuous in assuming you might review another time and let me know. :) Thanks!
Bodkin
· 5 December 2004
· Chapter 13: United again under one will
I suppose 2000 years is quite an age gap though. It's not so much that he is fully adult now as that babies of the family seem to pick up some 'it's somebody else's problem' attitudes as they grow up. They're supposed to be easy to get on with and fun to be around, partly because they let someone else do their thinking for them.
Just read daw's comment and your review of it - two things: 1) Amoneth and Aradunnon have a kid!!!!!! (So you can't be killing them off in the near future,) and 2) Ithilden and Alfirin's early years!!!!!! (The prospect must have been nearly enough to put her off marrying him. I reckon Galion must have really been on her side - that's partly why she supported him over the drunk in charge of dwarves scenario.)
Author's reply
I think Thranduil does tend to look at Aradunnon in some circumstances as his baby brother. You couldn't help it. :) And Aradunnon has to have some of the 'it's Thradnuil's problem' syndrome--and I bet he's gald of it. Who would want to be a king?! I have always been in some level of management and I've learned one thing firmly--no need to have too much responsibility. It's way too much work. :)
Yes, they have a kid. That only takes one year though. *evil grin*
And yes, poor Daw. She says something simple like that and we're all off to the races thinking 'ooo, I wonder if she'll do this or that.' It has to be hard and I don't make it any easier on her because I'm always speculating. But really--can you imagine? You'd have to be deeply in love with the guy to marry into such a difficult situation. I imagine Daw will have to go bad and re-read some of her own fic just to see the little details of all Alfirin's interactions with the staff--like that one you pointed out. It's so much fun writing this stuff and thinking about all the scenarios and all that.
I just can't stop myself. My beta and I, as we argued this last chapter and the next one, started wondering about some of Thranduil's formative years. That led to writing the outline of a First Age story. God help me. It never stops.
Bodkin
· 5 December 2004
· Chapter 11: In the furtherance of feuds
Just noticed a title typo - feuds is 'eu' not 'ue'. Sorry to nitpick.
Author's reply
For heavens sake, always tell me those things. I hate that stuff. I never notice it. I'm off to fix it. Thanks! :)
daw the minstrel
· 5 December 2004
· Chapter 13: United again under one will
I was so interested in Amoneth's struggles. I've just been thinking about my next story and wondering how Alfirin thought about stepping into the management of the royal household, young as she was and aware as she must have been that there were people who were used to running it already. This is cool!
I also like the idea that she likes watching Aradunnon at the council meetings. He must look different to her there when he's a councillor, not a lover. And I have to say, it's certainly clear that Thranduil runs this place!
Good for Amoneth in her behavior at the feast with Fuinil. She was in a tough position. She's plainly still sorting out what's acceptable and what's not. I have to admit it hadn't occurred to me that Aradunnon was supposed to be learning a lesson either.
Author's reply
Ooo. A 'early years of Ithilden and Alfirin' would be a really cool next story. I like those two--they deserve more air time. :) And that would be a toughy for her. With Lindomiel, there was Dieneryn to help introduce her and to smooth things along when they were too much for Lindomiel. Alfirin would have no one--just Ithilden and Thranduil, who would have zero time for her in that respect. She'd need to find a friend in the staff fast. That might be hard given the staff have been running the palace for years themselves and might not see her as necessary--an intrusion even. That would be a tough balance and there would have to be some friction. And at the same time she'd be dealing with adapting to the palace--unlike Amoneth, she did not live in that environment her whole life. Caves, servants, formality, boy! You could have a lot of fun with that.
As for Amoneth, as I implied, this whole sequence was intially three chapters and it got some severe chopping into this one. There were two main things going on in it--Thranduil's management of the move now that it's actually happening and Amoneth's struggle to work things out. I felt like they both needed to be there. Everything can't be all peachy in this move--Thranduil can't make everyone happy. It's just not possible when you are dealing with circumstances like this. And the Amoneth/Aradunnon thing has to be worked out--they have a son in the next part and he has a role throughout the whole story--going to require a marriage! :) I tend to explain every little thing and my beta says--move it along. She won. She usually does. :)
Anyway, when cutting, since I am a sucker for characters over action, I decided to keep the parts with Amoneth and only imply the difficulties with the move. I think her main problem with understanding how to treat Thranduil is that she is young and she's had little responsibility--she was 100 when she came with Lindomiel to Greenwood. Lindomiel was raised running Amroth's household and stepped into running Thranduil's with the help of his mother. She's had responsibility her whole life and so she understands the whole package that comes with it. Amoneth has helped Lindomiel, but she has not had anything she was fully responsible for. She doesn't know how to lead so she doesn't understand how important it is to support people publicly and correct them privately, for example. I think struggling with managing a household of people who love and respect someone else--Lindomiel--would show Amoneth a lot that she doesn't understand about Thranduil. And Thranduil knows that as well.
I think Thranduil also knew Amoneth had to see Aradunnon (and possibly even Thranduil) in a different role to respect that role--she sees him around the breakfast table, not the council table. Time to see that difference, and she did.
Amoneth did her best at the feast with Fuinil and it wasn't too bad. Except for when she first opened her mouth, she thought about what she was saying. That's a big step for her. She's learning. At least she's trying to sort things out. She's thinking. That's the first step in learning.
And yes, the fact that Aradunnon needed a lesson was less obvious. But he did, and now he's received it. He seems to do a little better than Amoneth at learning faster from his lessons. So he will be helping her more. And that will only make her learning go better. They are on the right road.
Bodkin
· 5 December 2004
· Chapter 13: United again under one will
I was so happy to see this! A great Sunday afternoon read. Is Aradunnon a lot younger than Thranduil? Because he definitely seems to have some 'baby of the family' characteristics. I suppose it comes partly from being the 'spare' - younger princes really don't need to take life as seriously as the 'heir', but he really does still seem to need to have things pointed out to him in words of one syllable. Hopefully, now he knows that he needs to support Amoneth and work with her, they will both get on rather better with their whole maturing experience.
And Amoneth - glad as I am to see her being put through it, she is too scared of putting a foot wrong at the moment to learn as much as she could. Maybe now she has been praised for what she has done so far, she will be able to open up a bit to the information coming in from the sides. And the shock of having rebels expected her to leap in on their side will have done her good - she has ranged herself alongside the authorities now.
Shame Uncle Engwe can't be put through a bit of training. He is able to take advantage of being an elder and cause more trouble than he should. (Point Aradunnon towards his uncle and tell him - that could be you, if you don't learn to control yourself.)
Now I'm going to read it again.
Author's reply
Aradunnon is probably quite a bit too old to be this stupid about somethings, but many adults are that way--really successful in parts of their lives and really failures in others. Its your willingness to recognize your shortcomings and improve upon them that determines how you ultimately turn out as a whole person. He would be nearly 3000 here and Thranduil would be around 5000 given where I have chosen to put his birth (I say in the first part that he was forty when Elu Thingol was killed--you do the math, I'm terrible at it). :)Anyway, Aradunnon is quite old enough to know how to treat Amoneth better. He just isn't bright with women. As an adult, I think you could be good at your job (even one such as troop commander) good at supporting the family that you grew up with, but not so good at knowing how to manage your own family, the one you intend to start with a wife. That's his problem. He has improved, though--he's paying attention to her and not flirting. Now he needs to learn to listen to her and help her. I think they've got it, finally. They just need to keep working on it.
You are right on that Amoneth is currently too afraid to open her mouth. She has needed to see some praise so she can relax and see the lessons before her. Now maybe she will.
And Engwe is just a lost cause. A little too much Oropher/being the elder/remembering the bitterness of Beleriand. He would have to forget too much to change. But Thranduil has him under control--he's only annoying privately.
French Pony
· 5 December 2004
· Chapter 13: United again under one will
Amoneth and Aradunnon really are two of a kind, aren't they? It occurs to me that one of the many things they have in common is that they're both mightily intimidated by Thranduil. Even as Aradunnon assures his fiancee that Thrandui won't bite, you know he's worried about those teeth as well. And Aradunnon has one more thing in common with big bro: They both appear to fall for women who won't call for guards. Some men like blondes, some like legs, some go for, I don't know, elbows or something, but these two seem to go for women with bravado.
The feast seems to have been a success. For Amoneth's next challenge, she should try planning out a vegan Passover seder. A feast with no meat, milk, fish, eggs (beyond the ritual ones, I guess; I've never understood how vegans deal with that), or leavening. Of course, now you've got me thinking about flourless desserts. My Sephardi cookbook has a large section of desserts based on fruit, nuts, eggs, and syrups. They tend to be extremely rich. For a party, I once made tishpishti, which is a Turkish walnut cake without flour for Passover. It absolutely swims in rose syrup, and when I took the dish home, my friend's whole car smelled like roses. Now I'm thinking that Amoneth has inspired me to try my hand at scodelline, which is a rich egg-and-almond cream.
Fuinil is bad news. If Amoneth were slightly more clever than she is, she might have pretended to go along with him and learned all about the plans and the secret fort (people like Fuinil always have secret forts) and gone running off to Thranduil at the best opportunity. But that kind of Nancy Drew work is well beyond her, and probably would even be well beyond Lindomiel, who's just too nice to think of doing something underhanded like that. Dieneryn could probably pull it off, though.
But I wonder about Fuinil. His name is familiar. I think he's cropped up before in this story, but it seems I remember him from somewhere in last story. I shall have to go check. And I do believe that we haven't heard from the Black Swan in a while. She's been biding her time quite patiently, and that's never a good sign.
Author's reply
Hi French Pony. You just kill me, you know. I am vegetarian (though not vegan and I do not make a fuss over it), and I have attended many a Passover seder because my best girlfriend as a child was Jewish. I just burst out laughing at that whole imagine you painted because I pictured her mama fussing over me. Believe me, its not a pretty picture and her father never approved of my presence at his table. Those Sephardic recipes are to die for, aren't they? My dissertation director wrote a lot on the Sephardic Jews in Spain because their language and lit is of tremendous historical value in the Spanish tradition. So he was very interested in all things Sephardic. He would invite us over to his house for feasts (literally--he was the most phenomenal cook) and we would just drool. I wrote this chapter after a re-enactment and the feast was great--thus the specific food references (I'm not that good at food--love eating it, don't want to eat my own). Now you've got me hankering.
Fuinil is bad news. He will appear again. Amoneth is definitely not so clever as to trick him into revealing the location of his secret fort. Ah, the Black Swan. I am going to try to keep my mouth shut about this part of the plot if for no other reason than I have not chosen its final course amongst the many possibilities and I don't want to box myself in yet by saying too much in a review. It is far too earlier for that.
Suffice to say that everyone could not possibly be happy with moving again or the danger in the forest. There are certain to be people that are bound to be resentful or angry or frightened--it is an entire society afterall. Those types of people would make Thranduil's life difficult by doing stupid things like accepting help from tricksy, self-centered Men and arguing over settlement sites. And listening to others who are equally bitter.