Reviews (35)

aiholic · 9 April 2016 · Chapter 9999: The End of Arda

I read this story almost a decade ago when it was first written and it is still as melancholically beautiful as I first read it. Unlike most I love elves in the modern world au fics but only in the capacity of elves trying to integrate with the humans and ended up being bemused elders at the antics of the younger ones. It goes without saying your end of the world fic is by the far the only realistic one I've read, as realistic as it goes with doom prophecies and elves but it is a lovely amalgamation with cool scientific facts. I love the atmosphere you've created with Thranduil and Celeborn, I can almost visualise the world dimming as time passes, which I'm not sure if its your intention but it works nevertheless. All I can say at this point is, thank you for the lovely fics you've written so far=)

Vana Tuivana · 6 September 2005 · Chapter 9999: The End of Arda

You know how you read some stories and you know you can never forget the feelings and the images they create in your soul? You know how sometimes you forget you're reading at all, so caught up in the moment are you, and think that you actually experience the story? You know how your heart feels full to bursting after reading such a story and your only desire is that everyone in the world should read the story and have that experience as well? That's how I feel right now. What a powerful ending, what a magnificently-told tale. There are honestly no words for the emanations I'm getting at this moment, but they involve lots of sitting and staring at my computer screen in awe. You, Perelleth, are truly a gem among writers, one whose abilities are so far above my own that I can't even comprehend it. Marvelous, fantastic, stirring, powerful, evocative, no more and no less than perfect.

Vana Tuivana · 6 September 2005 · Chapter 2: Unrest

Wow, do I ever want to live there. Wish you were my Environmental Science professor, Perelleth - you would make it all so interesting. :) Want to move north? Okay, so a real constructive review now: fantastic as ever. In this chapter especially, the dialogue between Celeborn, Thranduil and Feldman is so real, it's as if I can hear it rather than read it from the page. Wonderful writing, once again!

Vana Tuivana · 6 September 2005 · Chapter 1: Coming Home

You, my dear, are simply amazing. I love how you tie together so many little details so smoothly that the bindings go almost unnoticed - with the South American myths, current and future environmental issues, and of course our favorite Elves. Of course, it wouldn't be me without the grammar nitpick, so here it is. In the last paragraph, "had ringed" sounds awkward; a change to "rang" would be more concise and 'feel' better as well. And it's on to the next chapter for Vana!

Tinnuial · 7 July 2005 · Chapter 9999: The End of Arda

Hi... Your story moved me to tears. It was so utterly mind blowing and tragic and beautiful and bittersweet at the same time. Your skill at weaving in the bits of myth and legend from the so-called "real world" as well Tolkien's Arda is marvellous. I find myself wishing that the story would never end. I loved the characterizations, I loved the ending. Thank you so much for sharing this with us all.

Bejai · 29 June 2005 · Chapter 9999: The End of Arda

Perelleth, this was brilliant. I've been following it for some time now, and haven't had a chance to review properly. (Lots of traveling back and forth across the country of late, and it isn't over yet). I will go back and give this the kind of review it deserves when things settle down. But I wanted to let you know how much I've enjoyed and admired this story. Bravo!

Nilmandra · 28 June 2005 · Chapter 9999: The End of Arda

I like how this ends, with the mariner coming back for the last of the great elven lords. The light at the end can be interpreted many ways, and I think I have settled on my interpretation and am very happy indeed ;)

Nilmandra · 28 June 2005 · Chapter 4: The Lords of the Last Days

As I was thinking of Estel here, I thought they better hope that when Arda ended the rest of the solar system did not! I am with the humans - better to die than see it end, and I am glad that Cyrus did. It is interesting to think of the fate of the elves beyond Arda, but I especially liked the way they faced it, as an inevitablity and something met gracefully.

Redheredh · 27 June 2005 · Chapter 9999: The End of Arda

Having Earendil come for them was marvelous! Loved Thranduil’s vitality being reborn. Celeborn’s hesitation was so telling of his dedication and own hope. Poor Maglor, discovering he might still face judgment. And Daeron, poor fellow, still cluless... ;) Your description of the End convinced even me that it was finally over for Earth. How hard it must be to witness your old, beloved home going up in flames and becoming ash despite it having served its purpose. Ah but, then the Light captured inside the Silmarils was released! Arda gave up the other two jewels and their music along with Earendil’s flowed back together in harmony with the music of Ea. A song in which the elves themselves perform a special part. Your descriptions of that restoration through the rhythmic waves of light felt very genuine - that it would happen just that way. I’m coming, my lady, I’m almost there. Once again, I saw the weary albatross winging to meet his patiently waiting mate. A beautiful ending. Thanks for sharing this excellent story.

Redheredh · 27 June 2005 · Chapter 4: The Lords of the Last Days

Oh perelleth, there were tears in my eyes, both happy and sad, as Cyrus lived out his final years. I am so glad things came to some clarity for him and he was able to see that the cycle of life and death in which he found comfort would go on. That the cause he had fought for and worked towards all his life was simply moving outward and was not lost. Now, I understood why he could not suspect the ultimate goal of Greenwood Great until the time was right for the story to unfolded it. However, as a fan of Dr. F, there were times I wanted to shake him and say ‘Think, man!’. Oh yes of course, he was focused on his duties and there was no concrete evidence to make him really suspect anything more until his talk with Silvertree. I know he had to find out the way he did... but geewhiz... The other people around him seemed tuned into it. Well, perhaps he proved more courageous then they to keep going without knowing what he should hope for. Nonetheless, I am still not sure myself whether it would have been morally wrong or not for Slivertree and Greenwood to offer their solution before there was the best odds of it happening. Cyrus did make up for not catching on by confronting Slivertree and asking for the truth. That was great how you wove together the collective-unconsciousness and consciousness about music and harmony in science - and faith. Their conversation was very satisfying to someone like me. You have to know already that I liked that remark about Celeborn being more than a king. ;) Cyrus actually helps us all come to terms with so many things about his and our lives and the world’s coming End. For someday it shall in either ice or fire. By our swift, careless hand or God's slow and sure touch. With Cyrus, you made me think of how the Numenorean kings were given the privilege of choosing their time to let go. For in my eyes he was a long-lived, courageous and noble heir to what had gone before, one of the best of Men. His people, those who kept the friendship of the elves, boarded their ships and sailed before the storm of destruction that engulfed their former land to start anew, carrying their legacy with them. The events of long exodus was a grand closing to human life on Earth. We can only hope that mankind will show such dignity in its actual demise as you allowed the inhabitants in your tale of the End. Clarke’s influence with you really showed here in the way things happened as future history. The regeneration of humanity with its new myths was nicely described. Neat how the elves were commemorated in the names of things and how that lends the object some of their power. And so the four of them were remembered along with Cyrus after all. ;) Also, imho you never went too far with your Notes on a story such as this. Most of us needed the quick education. "This way, the myth dissolved into daily use and embedded itself in the deepest layers of human conscience, to remain there as a familiar and indescribable feeling, as part of an atavistic memory that had once been truth and was now but the stardust of a legendary past." A moving, cautionary tale with a lovely, poetic ending. Now, all that’s left is the epilogue. I wonder what it all looked like from the moon...

Bodkin · 27 June 2005 · Chapter 9999: The End of Arda

Earendil came! Earendil decided to intervene to retrieve the last of the firstborn! Good for him. I like the apocalyptic vision of Manwe girding up for the final battle. '“I…I promised my Adar that I would take care of his forest...” he answered nonchalantly. Celeborn almost choked in outrage. “When did you lose your compass Thranduil? No, don’t answer me; being modest as he was, your father surely understood that all forests in middle earth were his forest…” “Except Lórien, of course,” Thranduil agreed placidly.' Ha! I feel for the old man left on the dock watching the departure of his lord - but, in a way, the truth of his legends must be a consolation to him as he awaits his own end. '“Your father must have violated one or two hundred safety regulations when making these things, Maglor, “ Thranduil grunted in exasperation.' What a delicious line. Do you think Feanor acknowledged the existence of such things as safety regulations? I think he only ever saw one thing - what he wanted. 'not before the end will they be undone' So is that what is happening? Well - Galadriel has been very patient. I hope she gets her reward! (As do Celeborn, Thranduil, Maglor and Daeron. They have done their very best - and merit a place among the just.) And, I can hope that beyond Arda they will be reunited with those they have lost. A very powerful piece, Perelleth.

Bodkin · 27 June 2005 · Chapter 4: The Lords of the Last Days

Oddly, I'm glad Cyrus didn't survive until the absolute end. And there was a lot of promise in his death - reunion with loved ones in the knowledge that he had done all he could. And the imagery - the puma and the albatross - was beautiful. I'm glad, too, that Celeborn told him all that he did - and that he was given the gift of their true names. And somehow, I'm not surprised that Thranduil and Celeborn were determined to and successful in cheating their way round the complete destruction of the human race. The idea of them being tied to the fate of Arda whilst freeing the secondborn to move beyond it ties in very well with their vision of power and sacrifice.

French Pony · 26 June 2005 · Chapter 9999: The End of Arda

What a nice ending. It looks like Thranduil and Celeborn will finally get to see their families again, and they've certainly earned that privilege. I'm not at all surprised that Maglor and Daeron ended up in Central Asia. They'd really like the music there, I think. There's a style of overtone singing, called xhoomei, that really does sound like the earth itself is singing, especially the kargiraa variety. And, to answer one final question: I've never used the gourd and bombilla, mainly because my sister wasn't very well able to explain to me how to use them, and they were so pretty that I didn't want to mess up and do it wrong and maybe ruin them. I'm not even sure how well they'd take a washing, and I'd have to wash them before I use them. So if you know, tell me, because I've used the antique Japanese teacups my sister gave me and the Korean teacup my father gave me. And I've just always seen it written maté, with the accent. Became habit to write it that way, I suppose.

French Pony · 26 June 2005 · Chapter 4: The Lords of the Last Days

Well, of course music is fundamental to human understanding and perception of the earth. I know that; that's why I'm an ethnomusicologist. (Sneaky way to answer one of your questions, that was.) But seriously, folks, I once heard a record that was an attempt to make the "music of the spheres" literally audible. Back in the days when electronic music was still a new and exciting thing, a composer (or a committee of composers; it was a while ago that I heard this) came up with a way to translate equations about the movements of the planets in the solar system into sound waves, and recorded them. The result is a chorus of different electronic voices going "BWAAwaaWAAwaaWAAwaa" at varying pitches and intervals. Very weird, very mid-sixtes, and kind of cool. So I guess I can say that I've heard the music of the spheres. . . or at least the arranged version. But there's so much music of the earth as well. One of the rewards of being an ethnomusicologist is the feeling that, if you listen to enough music from enough places, you might get a little second- and third-hand taste of what the Song of Arda might sound like. I have to say, I am impressed with the calmness and collected-ness with which the people faced the destruction of the Earth. It seems, though, that the moon's orbit and stability was not affected by the environmental collapse, so that's good. And I'm glad that Cyrus finally learned about his friends before he died.

The Karenator · 26 June 2005 · Chapter 9999: The End of Arda

Better late than never, I suppose. I'm not sure how I managed it, but I missed this story. Actually, I know I've been rather 'lost' lately. Moving my parents. Anyway, this story is extraordinary! I've read a few 'current day' stories, but I can assure you that I have not read anything that touches this. I'm impressed by your 'green' knowledge and even more impressed by how seamlessly you fit everything into this tale. I'm having trouble even putting into words how good this story is. Let me just say that it's outstanding in every way. Your characterizations are real and hearty with life. And your descriptions of a waning world are amazingly clear and focused. The Science-Fiction elements are so well done that you make moving to the moon seem logical and entirely possible. Of course, I already believe in Elves, so that was easy. The ending was extremely well done and fascinating. Like the stories of people who have seen the white light and tunnel during near-death experiences, we see here the light that leads the Elves to what awaits them as well. Personally, I think that once Galadriel finishes hugging and kissing her tardy husband, she might have a few bones to pick with him. Just wonderful, Perelleth. Just wonderful! Karen

elliska · 26 June 2005 · Chapter 0: Prologue

I found this when you were on the Chapter 3 update but I got distracted and forgot to review it, so I will now. I have only read two other 'modern' stories past the first chapter. I generally dislike them, but this one is outstanding. I love the theme--our destruction of the environment is something that I take very seriously in RL, so I enjoy seeing the theme in lit. And I love the way you handled it here. Greenwood Great! Love it! And I love the idea of Celeborn, Thranduil, Daeron and Maglor! Zero ecological imprint! If only we could do it. Great! And I found I really liked your OC, Cyrus. He was a good mix for Thranduil and Celeborn. A Man who had also spent his life fighting. (“I’ll never give up, though!” he stated calmly, and left the office without looking back. I loved that reaction). I was glad to see that in the end his contributions mattered and Camp Feldman was an excellent touch. I am also glad that in the end, Celeborn told him somethings (their names, about the Song of Arda). That was very moving to me for some reason. The story of the albatrosses in chapter 3 (I think) moved me to tears. I absolutely love birds and I've been on a number pelagic birding tours to see the birds one can normally only find at sea. This was a wonderful description and portrays our dying planet very well. And the puma! We have a smaller, Florida variety of those where I live. Very endangered. I held a young one born in captivity once. It was awesome. I love Warrior!Thranduil and this was an incredible, if sad, view of him. I think I was as awed as Cyrus was. Those two stories were very powerful. But what impressed me the most was your ability to portray Thranduil and Celeborn in character so nicely in modern settings. I absolutely loved the conversation in chapter 2 when Cyrus is quizzing Greenwood about his 'sect' and all its different branches. That was great. And as I said, I love Thranduil with the albatrosses and the puma. And I love Silvertree's personality--he seemed to hold everything together to me. The end was so sad. “Say better another fruitless victory, for fight we must, even if there’s no possible victory in the end, except beyond our limited sight...” “You hope, still? “Always. That’s our gift.” “Hope?” “We call it Estel, hope beyond knowledge…” That was great. I love that the Elves, who had always helped mankind, did so one last time to achieve their fate beyond the bound of Arda. I loved the Epilogue. Silvertree and Greenwood's last conversation about why they stayed. Great! Seeing the four of them sail away with Eärendil was wonderful but sad. And I liked this: First it was like the distant rolling of the waves on a rocky beach, but then it grew to a deep sound, an overwhelming melody of impossible beauty that seemed to come from the very light and pulse around them as the radiance grew in intensity shrouding them and seeping into their bones. Very well done. Very powerful. This was a wonderful story all the way around. Thanks for sharing!

daw the minstrel · 26 June 2005 · Chapter 9999: The End of Arda

What a wonderful ending! Destruction yes. But also a kind of hope and fulfillment for the elves who stayed as long as they could.

Redheredh · 20 June 2005 · Chapter 3: Sailing the wind

You worry me with Cyrus' dizzy spell and all this talk of being old. :( Then, there's that parting thought about never seeing his friend again. Comparing the recalcitrant horses to bureaucrats was evil genius. The only other appropriate comparison I have read is a dogpack. Hmm, was there not just a little resentment on Greenwood's part when he said: What a terrible doom for a man to fulfill his nature! To change his destiny with his own deeds and dare to pity those creature who are not granted that same gift! They never bothered to designate which was the Bard and which was the Poet? Ha! They are a little like 'professional' twins, I guess. Cyrus once again having to face the hopless truth was sad. He reminded me of Turgon's hopes and then Earendel trying to convince the Valar to interfere in a matter that was always doomed to destroy the world they lived in. And nothing lasts. That was a cool moment when Greenwood points out that this is one of the truths revealed in mythology. A very Tolkien thought, that. Finally, he recognizes the mysterious nature of his hosts. But, they have disappointed him and seem to be warning him off. So, who died in the clearing? Was not the unyielding puma really Cyrus? Is that him as well circling earthward, returned to his mate for the last time? I wait for you, Cyrus, I always wait... It's a happy thing that he could once again reconcile his spirit and regain his friendship with Greenword. He deserved to get one up on the elf! Cyrus' voice held all the anguish of a long life coming to its end, a desperate plea for some hope to hold on to, even if it was a wavering light at the end of a dark tunnel. I too really want that hope to come. Although, not necessarily as Cyrus wishes - the world being saved. Excellent chapter. Now, I mean this in a *very* good way... but, I am dreading the next.

Leaward · 20 June 2005 · Chapter 3: Sailing the wind

I'm coming late to the party -- I just discovered this story this morning and found it a lovely reason to set aside all the mundane housework that is staring at me still. It threw me at first to see a 'modern day' Tolkienesque story but as I started reading, it just grabbed me and made me keep reading. I've read some of the other reviews now and I'm with Daw ... I'd never thought of the analogy of Numenor's drowning with the modern day glacial melts. It's so nice to see a well-researched and original idea that keeps to Tolkien's theme -- and I think the Professor would heartily agree with your premise. I loved the scene where Thranduil and Celeborn are watching the night sky and Cyrus 'felt' their despair. That seemed to true to their characters, and I so wanted them to be able to go west before the end of the world, yet it also seems right that they would have tried to save their beloved forests rather than abandon them. So many of your insights, the seeds, and even his work with the soil, and the puma and the albatrosses and puma tells me you have a little 'Elven' quality in you. :D You truly have a gift in your writing to show depth without beating the reader over the head with it, but allow the reader to discover the layers on their own. I LOVE that type of story. Now I'm interested to see where this leads ...

Nilmandra · 20 June 2005 · Chapter 3: Sailing the wind

What struck me again is the difference in elven and human thought...the evenness of ones tied to the fate of Arda and very weary of it, and a human who attempts to rise above it and order and control Arda as he wants. I think we need to set Cyrus to read the book of Ecclesiastes. The use of the puma was especially interesting...in that it would not yield. I liked that. Now i am curious to see why Cyrus thinks he will not see his friends again.

Bodkin · 20 June 2005 · Chapter 3: Sailing the wind

Despite his age, there's something young and hopeful about Cyrus - almost as if he thinks that, even at this last moment, Greenwood and Silvertree are going to be able to turn round and save the day. I love the albatrosses. And the horses. And look forward to discovering the outcome!

French Pony · 19 June 2005 · Chapter 3: Sailing the wind

Now this was a good chapter. I love the feeling that Cyrus almost get it -- he almost sees Greenwood and Silvertree for what they really are, he almost understands the idea of a long life coming gracefully to its end, he almost understands what the whole program is about. . . but not quite. I also really like the way that the animals as well as the humans and elves, all have their own personalities. The petty-bureaucrat horse, the aging pair of albatrosses, the puma making its final choice, everything seems very much alive and full of personality. And I'm kind of tickled by the fact that the word "puma" derives from Quechua, but that's mainly because one of my colleagues is studying the music of Quechua-speaking people, so I heard a lot about that area of the world in class this past semester.

daw the minstrel · 19 June 2005 · Chapter 3: Sailing the wind

Never see his friend again? What's that about???? The image of Thranduil in the forest was eerie and wonderful. You're so good with all the specifics of things like how the albatrosses make. There a real reverence for the natural world here, that seems to fit in with what Tolkien told us about elves.

French Pony · 15 June 2005 · Chapter 2: Unrest

Sorry this is late -- I was out of town when you posted this chapter, and I did read it, but I'm only now catching up to things as I should be. And I don't have a whole lot of time at the moment, but I did want to let you know that I had, in fact, read the chapter. I think I kind of like your footnotes -- you do them with a certain flair. And I was especially amused by the whole thing with the maté, because I have one of those gourds on my windowsill as we speak (gift from my sister).

Nilmandra · 14 June 2005 · Chapter 2: Unrest

I think this chapter, with the progressing state of destruction of the forest, reminded me more than anything of how wearying it must be for the elves to be tied to Arda, to live so long as it does. They must just patiently go on, knowing that one day the tides of destruction will overtake them, and only then will they find out what exists for them, if anything, beyond the circles of the world. You are doing a nice job of keeping Greenwood's and Silvertree's perspective long term.