Battle of the Golden Wood by Marnie
Bodkin · 2 September 2004 · Chapter 24: One More Parting
I just read this (last chapter) on HASA - it is just soooooooo beautiful, that I have tears in my eyes. They are so important to each other - but she cannot stay and he cannot go. They must have been reunited in their own time - they love each other too much. I might have to go back and reread the whole thing. In a minute.
Betty · 17 May 2004 · Chapter 0: Many Farewells
Hi. I don't often write reviews. I'm one of those silent readers every author knows about but wishes would speak. Tonight I am speaking, and though I haven't gotten far into this story, I want to thank you for writing it. In the book, the other battles across middle earth are almost a footnote, but I'd like to know more about them all.
daw the minstrel · 27 February 2004 · Chapter 24: One More Parting
All I can say is "wow." This was a painfully truthful portrayal of married people. They love and hate and want one another and feel smothered by one another. Their bodies and their spirits take part. And no one can hurt them like they hurt one another. This was just wonderful, Marnie.
Sphinx · 27 February 2004 · Chapter 24: One More Parting
Do I have praise left? :) Nope. You know, throughout the duration of this story, I have wondered just exactly *why* I seem to like your Celeborn so much. Certainly because he's hunky. Certainly because he's articulate. Certainly because he doesnt allow himself to be tied to a local mallorn by the Queen Bee and is made to entertain the local maidens. Yup, all those things. :) But it could also be because he's just so bloody human. Sure he's an elf. But he's an elf that doesnt forget to have a heart. And that's the main thing I love about this story. Not Galadriel, not Calandil (*sob*), not Oswy. There have been beautiful images throughout here, and I need not point each and every one out here, because then we'll be at the keyboard all night, preciousss. I'm so glad you continued with it. And I'd just like to say a heart felt 'Thank you' for all the help and plot bunnies and writing that you've given me. *prods you to head towards another incomplete epic* Lovely, Marnie. And you know it.
Sulriel · 27 February 2004 · Chapter 24: One More Parting
Beautiful and Bittersweet. I'm sorry to see it end.
Nilmandra · 26 February 2004 · Chapter 24: One More Parting
This was a fine, though bittersweet end. They let each other go, that there love would not die. I have hope though, that eventually the sea did call to Celeborn, for I think Tolkien said he did eventually go, didn't he? I hope so - not because Valinor is better than earth, but because the time of the elves did fade, regardless, and I want him to find some happiness again with his kin - a wife and a daughter sundered. Can I believe he waited out the death of his granddaughter and then left with his grandsons?
Nilmandra · 26 February 2004 · Chapter 23: Preparing for the Future
Wow. Thranduil is gracious indeed. He sees Galadriel's love far more objectively than Celeborn can, and his words are worth their weight in gold. She does love him, but she is broken. Celeborn's gift to Oswy is priceless - much like the proverb 'Give a man a fish and feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime' - he truly has given the boy a future. Now I am on to read the end - and see how it is that Celeborn and Galadriel will part.
Coriel · 26 February 2004 · Chapter 24: One More Parting
A very nice ending. :) Though I'm certainly glad I don't have their problems. Mixed marriages will do that, I suppose. :'( But anyway, a very, very nice story altogether. I have a feeling mine won't be half as good if I can ever scrape it together, but oh well; I'm still trying. :)
Bejai · 26 February 2004 · Chapter 24: One More Parting
I knew the end was coming. You've been telling me so, I've been looking forward to it, but oh! Is it bittersweet. I am going to miss this story. You've been working on it, what, a year? Or nearly so? I stumbled upon this fandom just over a year ago. It took me a while to wade through and find the gems -- and this story was one of them. I'd slowly discovered that Celeborn and Galadriel were fascinating, and was looking for someone to tell this tale -- it was a joy to find it. What an end! Finished like it was started -- a conversation between two people. Your story has this very satisfying symmetry to it, like you could fold it in half and see the reflection on the other side. A gentle beginning, a roaring climax, a quiet ending -- and tremendous emotional impact throughout. Taken as a whole, this is just a tremendous masterpiece. Skillfully and articulately done, masterfully crafted. You have done no less than create the definitive picture of both Galadriel and Celeborn -- as separate individuals, as rulers of a realm, as husband and wife, as mighty Eldar. Such a multifaceted piece. And that, of course, is what makes it so valuable. Now the end. As ever, your imagery was stunning. But what I loved most about it this time was that you painted the voice of Middle Earth for us. The sunset and the blooming flowers, the woods and the water. This is the voice that Celeborn hears. This is why he cannot leave. And it creates such a gulf between them. "And other matters of this world of ours, which those who entered it only to fall homesick for Valinor might not find important." Heartbreaking. She hears the sea, he the land. And then you tell us about the places where they overlap, the last, gentle touches. The image I can't get out of my mind is this: the line between the sea and the shore, touching, but of different worlds. You have powerfully drawn the differences between them! The comparison to Aredhel and Eol was unexpected, but apt. Possession and passion become hate. And that would have been precisely their fate if Celeborn had refused to release her. What a brilliant way to put it. Exactly why they parted is a troubling question, and yet again you erase all the unreasonableness and show us that it must be. And this: "I have learned this lesson at least from Eol," sullenly, Celeborn pursued her metaphor where she did not wish it to go, "I will not follow you into a trap from which there is no return." Ooffph. Some cruelty in that, and truth. How very like Celeborn. Likewise, you show us why Celeborn cannot follow. As Galadriel cannot turn back the "death" of the sea, neither can he force it. It had never occurred to me to spin the sea/death metaphor in that direction. "For the call of the sea is like death. We cannot resist it when it comes, but we may not choose the time of it ourselves, cutting short the time we are given here to accomplish whatever task Iluvatar desires of us. I may not take my death into my own hands, not even to follow you." Wow, Marnie. And there we have it. Celeborn cannot follow because it is impossible. And just when I though 'hmm, there is a loophole, here, a possible fallacy in the metaphor, because some people do force their deaths, distasteful though it is,' you address that very thing. "He was too stubborn, too strong to fade from sorrow." He can't do it. Not in death, or fading, or following. It is not in him. This was a perfect chapter, and a perfect end. I feel nearly tongue-tied as a write this review, for I feel like I haven't done it justice. How do I articulate the impact this story had on me? Like fine art, like music, I feel like the best I can do is gesture helplessly, and say "it is just … just … wow." Bravo.
Lyllyn · 21 February 2004 · Chapter 23: Preparing for the Future
Very satisfying and well crafted. Do we get to see what happens with Galadriel and Celeborn? You have made Celeborn 'real' to me, so of course now I want to know if eventually they will reunite. Thank you! This has been a wonderful read from start to (?almost) finish.
Sphinx · 19 February 2004 · Chapter 23: Preparing for the Future
Thranduil's Little Moment in a fic dominated by Celeborn. Suprisingly straightforward - but of course, I have come to expect that of the Sindar. After all, he does so love to throw dwarves into dungeons.:) But it feels like the story's about to end, and that you're not going to go all the way in ending it. It has been such a dominant feature of this story - the interconnecting POV's of elf and man - and the clearsightedness with which you allow us to see Celeborn through Oswy's eyes. Sidetracking. The gift of the horses to Oswy was such a lovely part. I felt for Celeborn, even more than I felt for Thranduil. What I would now love to see is how Galadriel speaks to him, one last time. At least, in this fic. Sphinx, impatiently tapping her foot
Sulriel · 18 February 2004 · Chapter 23: Preparing for the Future
Breath-taking and heart-wrenching. I especially loved Thranduil and Celeborn's private conversation, it is a wonderful glimpse of these two. -and of course, I'm tickled to see Owsy's new career!
Bejai · 17 February 2004 · Chapter 23: Preparing for the Future
Another exceptional chapter, Marnie. Celeborn's anger was so genuine. I think that everyone has been there from time to time -- just absolutely burning with righteous, justified anger, and needing more than anything just to have it out, but then reigning it in because the object of the anger simply could not bear the confrontation. Doesn't make the anger go away; just turns it into despair. Another manifestation of the love he has for her. Love which he doesn't think she returns. Thranduil's explanation was breathtaking. We'd talked of comparing Galadriel's malaise with human illness, of trying to explain her in a way we mortals can understand. And you did it, but also did much more. To show that it is as if Galadriel has been holding off mortal death for an age, with the strength of her will, the strength of duty -- and indeed, love. It works on so many levels. Her sacrifice to him. Puts their relationship in a new light. Perhaps the knowledge that she was willing to do such a thing for him will help him with his own sacrifice -- releasing her. I really enjoyed the brief, genuine details, things not really important in advancing the story, but which nevertheless add layers of reality to the world. Thranduil and the jewels. The explanation of why Thranduil and Celeborn divided the spoils as they did ("the Galadhrim must have more land, else we starve." Where did you get that? So utterly perfect, so simple.) Thranduil taking off the flowers, "uncrowned" to speak to Celeborn of matters painful to both. The smell of the food. A new tooth in a baby's mouth. You remind us that the world is rarely full of epic moments, but rather is made of a thousand unremarkable details. Enjoyed to the winding up of Oswy's story, especially this part: "How perilous is the Golden Wood! For look, did not the folk of Oshelm venture there, never to be seen again in the fair fields of their birth? Such victims of sorcery we are! The heart trembles to retell it." The sorcery was there, for all its benevolence. Loved your nod to that. And one more chapter, I take it? I will miss this story. We are coming at last to the final price required of them. Considering the installments they've already made, I'm starting to think that the Valar are more than a little unfair. Well, perhaps not "starting" ;) This just reinforces my firmly held opinion. Good luck finishing this off.
Imrahoil · 17 February 2004 · Chapter 23: Preparing for the Future
Thank you, you have just saved me from murder. I was quite ready to tear Thranduil to pieces because of the last chapter - well, Galadriel is one of my favourite characters -, but he is forgiven now.:) Seriously, it is so easy to believe in your Celeborn and your Galadriel as greater, powerful beings, their relationship has such a depth of emotional conflict. And in addition a wonderful style of writing, a wonderful O.C. (Oswy's battle against the ring was awesome), a wonderful Haldir-Rumil-Orophin-relationship, ... To put it briefly, I'm going to miss this story.:)
daw the minstrel · 17 February 2004 · Chapter 23: Preparing for the Future
Oh, my, as always this was gorgeous and sad and glorious. The time of the Elves is over, although it does look as if Thranduil's people will endure for a while at least. And the time of Men is beginning. This story has moved me with every chapter.
Orophins Dottir · 13 February 2004 · Chapter 22: An End Comes
Oh, Thranduil! One cannot take you anywhere. Loved the line: "'Thranduil,' said Celeborn, 'We have only just begun speaking again. Let this not be the shortest truce in Eldarin memory.'" So satisfying to see that horrid place destroyed. I feel so sad at the distance between Galadriel and Celeborn. Umm, is anyone going to tell Rumil that Orophin is still alive? He might like to know! Good chapter. Humble Scribe to his Majesty Thranduil the Tactless
Orophins Dottir · 13 February 2004 · Chapter 21: Leaving or Staying?
Oh, this one cost me three handkerchiefs (tastefully edged in lace as befits an elf)! Bless you for not killing Orophin! I was dreading that as well you know who did torment me with my fears! All is forgiven. I have called off that pack of killer spiders that sought you. The vampire bats have also been driven back to their caves. Do exercise a little caution crossing streets on moonlit nights until we corral the last of those werwolves. I will let you know. Onward to the next chapter! Orophin's Dottir
Orophins Dottir · 13 February 2004 · Chapter 20: Dol Guldur
Go, Celeborn! At last, you ride to meet with Thranduil! Your description of Mirkwood in the beginning of this chapter gave me an icy chill. I really felt the evil of it. Celeborn carrying the poor destroyed and broken body from the tower just tied my heart into a knot. I suppose I had always let myself "not" think of what they must have found, the horror of it all. Can't do that any longer, thanks to you! A very powerful and heartbreaking chapter. Humble Scribe to his Majesty Thranduil
Sphinx · 7 February 2004 · Chapter 22: An End Comes
You know....everytime you bring out a chapter of this story, I somehow manage to convince myself that each is the best. Yet, every time the next surpasses the preceeding one. Good Lord, Marnie. Your prose. *bows* Seeing it through an unbiased POV was a great touch. Your Thranduil was just how I'd like him to be - harsh, unwilling to allow the so-called 'greater' elves to lord over him. Celeborn's acceptance of his kinsman was searingly felt - though I wanted to wallop Thranduil for acting so pricey. But the unpredictability of this story in terms of emotion never fails to stun me. It is subtle - yet so very profound. No one else, at least none that I can recalle, have given Celeborn and Galadriel such vibrance. Sorry for taking so long on this.;) I tried to review on ff.net, but that kept collapsing on me, so I headed here.
Nilmandra · 6 February 2004 · Chapter 22: An End Comes
From this final battle to the throwing down of Dol Guldur - from despair to hope to despair - you showed us the end and the beginning and the end. Yes, for Thranduil's realm - and for Men, it is new life and a new age. But how you remind us that the curse of the Noldor remains, and Thranduil does not forget it. Anything, even beautiful things wrought for good, turn to ill, and Thranduil will not take that chance. Galadriel knows it, but how you have shown Celeborn's despair! He married into the curse and is torn between love of a wife and love of his land. This chapter was well shown through Oswy's eyes, for I don't think we could have borne the emotion of the elves. I liked his seeing men with the wood elves, and his view of the destruction. But my heart breaks for Celeborn - and the wonderful imagery of Galadriel as the stormy sea. Wow.
daw the minstrel · 3 February 2004 · Chapter 22: An End Comes
Poor Celeborn, caught between these two. I do like your Thranduil, although he is kind of a pain. I think you're very true to what Tolkien has told us to have Thranduil's army mixed with other races. But the elves of Lorien do sound so very beautiful. I also liked Galadriel's song. That's very much in Tolkien's world.
Bejai · 3 February 2004 · Chapter 22: An End Comes
Here I was, about to email you a "so ... how's BotGW going?" prod, and the author alert is right there! The description in this chapter was so powerful. The elves dragging the dawn behind them and bringing life back to Mirkwood, the description of the men as "noisy, clumsy, but full of swift impatient life and bearing their own strong beauty," the sunshine in Galadriel's palms, the shuttering, clammy air. In a long story like this, it is so hard to come up with ways to describe the sights and sounds and smells of Middle Earth in an interesting way. But those details are so important -- they absolutely animate the story. And you do it so masterfully. An original turn of phrase, an unexpected image, and you paint this world in wonderful, otherworldly colors that delight my soul and stick in my head. The details of your imagery are simply breathtaking. I also really enjoyed that moment where the orc was standing there, panting, surrounded by elves. A beat in the middle of a battle, a moment of pity for the things that had been the slaves of darkness -- just before they ended it. It was a lovely touch. I could imagine the smell of the orc, the sound of his breathing, the movements of the horses, the reluctant hesitation of the elves. A wonderful detail. Loved too the discomfort between Celeborn and Thranduil and the men of Thranduil's army distrusting the elves of Lorien. "No songs about a Lord" of Lothlorien cracked me up. Poor guy is so overlooked! And the ending of this chapter was exactly what I hoped it would be. First his realization that "This was his lady - unaccompanied, unmuffled, unchanged by the cold white voice of arcane craft in the form of a worthless ring. She needed it not. She never had" and his hope that "surely now she would see it." And he's right. She doesn't need the ring. She just brought down a building with a SONG. His hope is so heartbreaking! And the Thranduil, refusing to let her sing of beginnings for fear of the curse it would bring. Jaw-dropping material there. I knew it was a theme you've been weaving around, but for Thranduil to just come out and say it ... utterly unexpected, and simply perfect. The blunt, bitter truth for both Galadriel and Celeborn. Perhaps they could have avoided speaking of it, but now it is in the air, and can not be called back. She will sail, and both will remember that what they began is ended. Was there really a curse? As Celeborn says, all things have an end. But this moment -- and the curse, whether it exists or no -- is now irrevokably a part of their parting. She thinks there is one, and so there is. What a powerful chapter! I'm looking forward to seeing how you resolve this between them. I dare say that it will be harder for the two of them to find a measure of peace than it was to fight a war and bring down a tower.
Coriel · 3 February 2004 · Chapter 22: An End Comes
Ah, yes! Very nice. I'll have to keep this in mind when I put an ending on my side of it, if you don't mind. :) I hadn't expected Thranduil to be there for the fall of Dol Guldur, but it seemed appropriate. Dates may be a bit iffy, but I suppose it could work. How like Thranduil to stop Galadriel mid-song without so much as a by-your-leave. It may have seemed rather froward of him, but he had a legitimate grievance, and she knew it. After all, she's been kicking herself over Lorien for a while now. (BTW, I think you posted two copies of your last chapter! It won't seem so intimidatingly long if you delete one of them. ^_^)
Coriel · 3 February 2004 · Chapter 21: Leaving or Staying?
Oh, hooray! Well, he certainly scared ME! So glad to see Orophin back; you had me really worried for a while. :)
Coriel · 16 January 2004 · Chapter 18: A Turning Point
Another thing, the way you've described Sauron as flesh-and-blood, prowling among Elves, is a singularly chilling thought I hadn't dwelt upon before, though I had known it. As far as his alias goes, "Annatar" Lord of Gifts, I can't help but wonder if Tolkien was not inspired somewhat by a certain part of the Mass. I know I'm reminded of it every time I read the translation of the Lavábo, since we attend the same Latin rite Tolkien was familiar with. "Take not away my soul, O God, with the wicked, nor my life with men of blood. In whose hands are iniquities, their right hand is filled with gifts."