Bodkin
· 27 September 2005
· Chapter 10: Preparations
I like Mrs. Oropher. Even though she hasn't managed to complete the husband-training. It has to be admitted that she has a particularly difficult specimen to subdue. And Oropher is so much nicer and more attractive seen through her eyes than when he is bullying Ereinion. He is just so blind.
I’ll be the happiest elf in camp when I see you move eastwards.
I'll just bet he will. Personally I would give him the map and wave him on his way as quickly as possible. Just as you begin to feel there could be a touch of rapprochement - I like Siriel's mention of poisoned meals - Oropher has to go and be nasty just for the sake of it. There was no call at all for the reference to Ereinion's lack of family. Just mean.
(Although when he acts like a mischievous elfling, there is perhaps some excuse for those who find it difficult to see him as a king.)
Poor Finarfin. What has he done to get landed with struggling to control this lot of princes. Olvarin and Ingil are going their best to drive him to the edge.
The scene with Finarfin and Ereinion is so touching - He knew where to send the things that were important to him for safekeeping… Ereinion will like that when he remembers it. And Finwe's crown will be better returning to Valinor with his son.
And the Cirdan/Ereinion conversation - great. Things are settling down - a bit - and Ereinion is beginning to get the hand of kingship. But what he really needs is a friend or two and a lot of approval and love.
Author's reply
Even though she hasn't managed to complete the husband-training Have you? Now, i actually bow to you, bodkin! DAw seems to be in the run, and i failed miserably after ten years of career! :-)
He's not that bad when seen through his wife's eyes, isn't he? At least when he's not being mean to some unsuspeting elf. Yet I tend to agree with Círdan that Oropher is more likely venting his frustration than anything... and every leader needs such thorns upon his side...and some moments of relaxation, something Finarfn has not yet learned, it seems :-)
But what he really needs is a friend or two and a lot of approval and love. Yep. Things that make life easier. I tend to believe this must have been quite a solitary elf, despite his long and more or less succesful kingship. But then, he had Círdan by his side for all of his life, fortunately.
French Pony
· 26 September 2005
· Chapter 10: Preparations
Ereinion continues to learn the delicate art of being King, and he seems to be doing well at it. He just needs to find his confidence.
I gotta say, I like Oropher. There's something about his cantankerousness that appeals. And he, too, seems to be a natural leader. He's combining a willingness to appreciate and work with the Wood-Elves' laissez-faire way of doing things with his own naturally organized leadership style, and he's definitely got a grip on his own chunk of the world. He can't stay around Ereinion too long, but they're both effective leaders in their own different styles.
Author's reply
I'm glad you liked Oropher. Too little room in camp for two leaders, and Oropher sees himself as one... :-) Seriously, the fact that he's not an agreeable elf doesn't mean he's no a good fther and husband, and friend of his friends and leader of his people... and ready to depart as soon as posssible! :-)
daw the minstrel
· 26 September 2005
· Chapter 10: Preparations
No matter how many years would pass, there were things Oropher simply refused to remember.
Oh man, oh man, oh man, does that sound familiar. How many years does it take to learn to hang up the towel???? Ahem. Never mind. I'm calmer now.
I liked the description of Oropher's Sindarin qualities. They're probably what wood elves need to have someone doing while they live their free lives. I was also amused by the fact that Thranduil keeps his tunic on. I wonder if he's embarrassed by his bold father.
I’ll be the happiest elf in camp when I see you move eastwards
That's telling him, Ereinion! Why don't you just tell him not to let the door bang him on the butt on his way out?
He knew where to send the things that were important to him for safekeeping…
That's a touching line, particularly coming after Oropher's jab that Ereinion wouldn't know how father's acted.
Author's reply
How many years does it take to learn to hang up the towel???? LOL You too? An age or two, I'd say, yet we gave up after ten years....
I definitely came to like Oropher when I reached this chapter. He's mean to Ereinion, yet he's a good leader of his people, we must give him that.. and he'll do great job with them... the more eastward and nothwards the better! :-)
Redheredh
· 26 September 2005
· Chapter 10: Preparations
Perelleth! At last, SOA has been caught up. So, I shall get to say twice as much next chapter. ;) Just kidding!
Author's reply
i'm so ashamed! truly I expected to finish it a week or wo after I started posting it, but no way that i found time to sit fown and polish it, never think that I was waiting for this moment to arrive, I've ben feeling actually bad for those of you who supported the story back there... yet I thought i had time enough.. and.. you see, time has caught up with me... shame on meeeee! :-)hopefully I may beable to put an end to this sometime from here to next sunday, long flights in between...
elliska
· 18 September 2005
· Chapter 9: Night Fires
:-) Given how much I love birds, I adored the opening paragraphs of this chapter--especially the reference to the silver feathered vs the black feathered vs the golden feathered elves. The bird's POV was excellent!
And Celeborn! He got an ear-full and eye-full in this, didn't he. Between what he hear and saw with Galadriel and what he and Gil-galad heard Elrond and Elros saying! There was a lot packed into Elrond and Elros's conversation, for certain.
And I enjoyed the celebration, traditions you included in it and the appearance of Ulmo.
This is such a rich story.
Author's reply
Glad that you liked the bird, elliska, she just came flying in... and I found her amusing, and Ingil could not ask for more!
I'm quite glad that Tolkien did not dwell much on the Peredhil's decission, for I found that one of the most difficult partings to accept and understand, and I wondered how they would have reacted to each other's decision.
When I began the story I was not fully sure who's story this would be. YEt as it grew up, I found more and more similarities between Celeborn and Ereinion's problems, and in the end it turned out to be almost a coautios dance between both.
I'm glad that you liked the festival.I 'm sure they all needed that. Thanks for your words!
Bodkin
· 15 September 2005
· Chapter 9: Night Fires
I love that seabird and her perceptions on silver and black feathered elves. And adore the fact that she has a penchant for a particular golden elf.
Not one of Celeborn's finer moments. I'm sure that, in the future, he will remember that sneaking is a skill better left to others. He should be thankful that Galadriel had at least hurried away before that hand landed on his shoulder.
I'm sure Ingil appreciated the sardine. (Probably as much as Celeborn relished the other - er - offering.) Though it was tactless not to thank the lady.
Good to see Olvárin and Elros are getting along. Olvarin will be able to visit Elros once he is settled in Numenor, too.
The festival does seem to be a good night. Ereinion seems to be having fun - as do Galadriel and Finarfin. Celeborn, on the other hand . . . He and Ereinion are both torn between two worlds really. Open enough to have a grasp of both, but not really accepted by either. (Love the Finrod asides.)
And the Elrond / Elros confidences - so much covered - sorrow and division and position and resentments and responsibility and time and longing. Not the mention the Cunning Plan. Ereinion seems to have taken it better than Celeborn.
Watching Celeborn dismissed by the Eminence Grise was very amusing.
And listening to Galadriel disputing with Celebrimbor is very educational. (Although firing a dwarf's beard is less than tactful.)
Erestor has revealed his loyalties - and Galadhond has put his foot down. (So much more impressive than Oropher. Exudes power rather than clutching at it.)
I love this line “Be at ease, Lord Oropher,“ Ereinion added conversationally, “we keep the poisoned broth in separate bowls...” Beautiful.
And involving Elros and Elrond in the ceremony - with all the formal welcoming responses.
The song - both Vanyar and Ulmo's horns - very impressive. I can see Ereinion's concern. And I think it's time someone came in on his side. The chaos seems to be unravelling - just a little. And a better understanding is forcing itself on all this amazingly diverse range of people.
Author's reply
Yep, you see, at least there is someone who appreciates Ingil's vesion of M. Earth's song.. :-)
I'm particularly glad that you noticed and liked the Finrod asides. I was tempted to remove them many times, yet, first, I really like the elf, and he is rarely mentioned, second, and less important, it made sense to me, given Celeborn's sullen and contemplative mood, that he might be remmebering this particular elf. Whatever. He came to viist and I was glad to have him in.. :-)
And I think it's time someone came in on his side Yep. But there are times that nobody is by your side when you really need a hug... no matter how well loved you know you are. But he's resilient and strong, and Este was there to take care... I believe that there is nothing like a good night of revelry to help you see things in another perspective.
And now that I come to think of it, I muyself am sorely needing one..
Thanks for your kind reviews Bodkin! :-)
French Pony
· 13 September 2005
· Chapter 9: Night Fires
Oh, the seabird! She is marvelous. It is a wonderful thing to be able to see things from her perspective -- including the fact that sometimes birds really are dumb enough to try to buzz through the legs of someone standing in front of a rock. And her "gift" to Celeborn -- which we all knew was coming, it was just a question of when -- reminds me of the old "Far Side" cartoon called "How birds see the world." It consisted of a view straight down onto people and dogs walking around in a park with targets on their heads.
And Elrond and Elros will soon learn that the way to keep a secret is to not talk loudly and drunkenly about it at a party.
There seems to be a trend with Elves juggling. The thought of Galadriel juggling flaming torches is one of those brilliant images that just works beautifully.
Author's reply
Well, I'm not that sure about elves juggling, but the image came from this past summer, in the town I was living at the solstice time, there happened to be a convention of jugglers. Yes, don't ask me what they talked about when in sessions, but at night they filled the streets and the beach, and it was sheer magic to see them juggling torches around! so I suppose that it came from that...
The seabird came flying and I had to let her in, lest I ended up crowned like Celeborn, but she was great fun, poor thing, trying to impress her thick prince with a wobbling sardine....
daw the minstrel
· 13 September 2005
· Chapter 9: Night Fires
I liked the bird's perspective. What a shock for Celeborn to hear Galadriel in the building!
The Peredhil are amusing here. I've never seen them portrayed as tricksters like this before. This was a really magical celebration, especially the dawn.
Author's reply
I suppose that the peredhil, as some "others" here, had a lot of growing up to do back then... and they sorely needed to reaffimr themselves, I suppose... I liked the seabird, too, poor thing! :-)
elliska
· 10 September 2005
· Chapter 8: Before the festival
Boy Oropher is just really causing trouble in this, isn't he? Imagine that. He's in so few stories so I am enjoying seeing him here. (Although I doubt I'd enjoy him very much if I were Gil-galad or even Celeborn right now). ;-) I really like seeing the different points of view from the different cultures. I think you are doing a good job showing how complex a mess Gil-galad would indeed face now that he is trying to lead so many different people after they all lost their homes. Sorry to be so late ine reviewing.
Author's reply
YEp, Oropher is like the thorn in everybody's side, isn't he? but there are always people like him, everywhere. As you say, we don't see much of him out there, and I was curious as to explore his behaviour at this particular moment....
I've begun to understand better him while writing this story. He's following his own agenda, firmly believeing in what he does, and doing it for the sake of his own people, not for personal benefit, so...in the end you have to cope with him... and send him east the sooner the better, Gil-galald says... :-)
You're welcome anytime, elliska, :-)
ponypetter
· 7 September 2005
· Chapter 8: Before the festival
I find myself wishing Ingil would stay in Middle Earth. He seems like such a nice addition. He's a useful elf to have around, and isn't as hotblooded as some of the others.
I love that Olvárin’s poor crew is enjoying their new freedom. He deserves their disregard for his wishes after the way he treated poor Gil-Galad.
The differences between Gil-Galad's vision and Oropher's is interesting. While Oropher sees that many of the Moriquendi won't be happy under Gil-Galad's rule because their culture and beliefs are different, Gil-Galad wants to see everyone united and happy. Oropher doesn't come across as a very likeable individual though. I can't quite see how on earth he would manage to convince people to follow him into the unknown, much less crown him King of an already established people. Obviously he too has some growing to do.
Author's reply
Thanks for your kind words, ponypetter!
There are mixed opinions, about Ingil's remaining, as Círdan could tell you...:-) but i too, find him amusing, an almost exasperating contrast to Middle earth's caothic reality...
Oropher's been a difficult chracter to pinpoint. I've always seen him as rash, but a good, caring leader of his people.Yet a Doriathrim, among wood elves... His story is difficult enough, so I believe that we must give him some credit... and take into account his most probably long and winding path in life. I agree with you that this is not one of his most graceful moments, yet those who know him ( see Celeborn, Erestor's patience,) know that below that harsh, provoking, vexing surface, lies someone who truly cares for his people. Pity he has such a restricted view of whom "his people" would be! :-)
Bodkin
· 7 September 2005
· Chapter 8: Before the festival
'He had been glad, above all, to leave behind the strained atmosphere in camp.'
I'm not surprised! The only thing to wonder at is that Cirdan came back at all!
Elrond and Erestor are being evil. In the nicest possible way. And I hope they are getting a lot of pleasure out of their plots.
I don't blame Ereinion for being angry and hurt - and Celeborn has been played like a violin by the devious Oropher. I hope, in a way, that his kindness and desire to protect turns him to supporting Gilgalad - and that he feels mean for not being his usual high-principled self.
Poor, poor Ereinion. (Am I repeating myself?) Stuck with an impossible job, surrounded by people who won't listen to him, or have their own agendas - only his devotion to the care of his people can have kept him doggedly plugging on, instead of throwing it all in to become a beach bum in Bali.
Oropher is an infuriating little toad. 'forests where orcs have never been sighted' Is that so, Oropher? Hah!! My foresight says again Hah!! Serves you right. I'm so pleased that lots of those listening to him told him off. Good for Master Galadhond. Keep your finger on the pulse.
Step on him, Celeborn. Observe that Ereinion is a nicer person and a better king (at least now) with a greater care for his people than this self-centred, narrow-minded arrogant little snotrag. (Do you get the impression I don't like Oropher?)
I love Finarfin's desperate attempt to manage Olvarin and Ingil. (Cirdan is so funny - suggesting that Ingil might stay while had any of his people heard him say those words he might have found himself in serious trouble.) None of them will know what to do with himself once this chaos has passed.
And surely Ereinion's gallantry and courage are enough to gain the sneaking admiration and support of Celeborn. Especially in comparison . . . (Give me the dwarves over certain elves. More reliable and trustworthy any day.) And Erestor and Elrond are being very naughty to stir up this pot even more.
Author's reply
Your review made me laugh, bodkin, much as your spinoffs to reflections!:-)
First, I must say that Círdan is amusing himself imensely, so he wouldn't be away for longer than needed! :-) That's what you get when you're something like the mind behind the curtains.. nothing moves in that camp without Cirdan's knowledge, and he's simply watching the game...
Ereinion on his part, has to play with all the pieces, while some of these pieces are less than willing to be played by him.. I believe Bali would suit him were he not so convinced of his role and his duty, poor thing! :-)
I suppose that Celeborn was torn between loyalties and some tiny grudges, too... and he has to mind his step carefully, but his equanimity is to be praised, as well as his loyalty...things are a bit rough right now, but we know everything will smooth out in the end...
I came to like Oropher a bit more while writing this story. HE's an arrogant elf, but he truly cares for his people. There is a difference in focus, though. While Ereinion sees all elves under his protection, Oropher is a bit more narrowly focused ( a bit? ) so it is more difficult for him to grasp -care for- the whole picture. That's the difference between leaders, I believe. Not that Oropher is not a good one, only I believe that his narrowed focus prevented him from the generosity of thinking in the bigger picture and caring for a wider people... and then he stormed out of his forest without waiting for the boy king's command and got speared through... sigh.
None of them will know what to do with himself once this chaos has passed. Now, Bodkin, confess, have you been reading my not yet posted, half written EPILOGUE? :-)
Heartfelt thanks, this, and your spin off made a wonderful closing for a busy day! I´m going home with a wide smile!:-)
Nilmandra
· 7 September 2005
· Chapter 8: Before the festival
Oh, geez, you have me feeling bad for poor Ereinion, who has to put up with all of these people, Celeborn for being honest and doing what he thinks is best, Finarfin - well just because. And wanting to knock a few heads together as well! I never thought the Vanyar spiteful, but who knew they could mock the music of middle-earth? Oropher is at his raucous best. I can see this Oropher racing up a hill and getting himself speared.
But Elrond and Erestor...what they are up to better not be making their king's life more difficult....
Author's reply
Yep, life's a bit difficult for everybody, isn't it? The thought of getting that crowd started into that new age, and that poor King ruling that mixed people for three thousand years and more made me shudder when I first thought of this story...!
never thought the Vanyar spiteful, but who knew they could mock the music of middle-earth Mmm, middle earth sounded *thus* to them, it was intended to show the different perceptions different people have of the same things... so it is good and well that you thought they were mocking it! :-) To these elves, used to the harmony of Valinor, the mixed voices of middle earth were an enthralling challenge, the Vanyar being the musicians above all elves, they would never mock middle earth, only had a different perception of how it sounded! :-) They are taking this very seriously, and they don't even know that the rest of the camp is suffering from their experiments! :-)
I can see this Oropher racing up a hill and getting himself speared. LOL, me too! THis story served me to better know and appreciate this elusive elf. I'm getting quite fond of his bluntness and his stubborness... even if it is Ereinon at the receing end.. :-)
Thanks for following here!
daw the minstrel
· 7 September 2005
· Chapter 8: Before the festival
I love the idea of a House of Words! It seems very wood elf to me.
It sounds as if Celeborn and Gil-galad are coming to some sort of truce. You have to give Celeborn credit for recognizing the truth when he hears it.
Oropher doesn't come off too well in this, I'm sorry to say. I'm fond of the House of Oropher myself so I regret that, but he does seem to have been an elf who acted first and thought later.
Author's reply
Well, I was quite uncertain about how Oropher would come out. In all sincerity, I can see his point, something I found very difficult to do before writing this story. To me, he had each and every right to isolate himself in the north. Only, I wanted to explore different approaches to it. We know that he was brave and hasty, and I can understand that at this time, he might be worried for his people, resentful to those who had something to do with all that mess and desperately searching for a way to redress waht had been done wrong before. They were both fighting for the lives and well being of their people, it is only that one had a restricted and the other a wide view of what "their people" meant...
Anyway, I like Oropher and his house, too.. :-) Some people make themselves useful by being exasperating...
French Pony
· 6 September 2005
· Chapter 8: Before the festival
I like the idea of the "house of words." It does seem to be an appropriate thing for at least one tribe of the Quendi, the speakers, to have. Oropher and his people are already showing signs of a very different culture and outlook on authority than Ereinion or Celeborn have. It looks like it will be in everyone's best interest to have Oropher and crew move away to do their own thing. Ereinion may just prove his maturity by letting them go.
And I liked the description of Cirdan's travels.
Author's reply
Ereinion may just prove his maturity by letting them go. And do a favour to his blood pressure, as well, :-)
As I say in the footnotes, the house of words is a common feature among some African cultures, and it seemed very appropriate to my conception of wood elves' culture as I've been figuring it out from what I've ben reading in fan fiction, for I must confess that I had never given much thought to that, myself. The diferent approach to authority seemed believable since they have different backgrounds and ways of living... wood elves we know used to live more scattered, while Thingol, much as the Noldor, kept an "ordered" court...
elliska
· 5 September 2005
· Chapter 7: Flying words
It is nice to take a moment and read some fanfiction...
Poor Gil-galad. I felt bad for him and his horse--I'm feeling sensitive right now and that really struck me. And I feel bad for him and his political foolishness that he must endure and try to manage. That conversation with Cirdan was great. “Mmm, first, he drank a long draught, and then he did that waving thing with his hand… why didn’t you teach me that, Círdan?” LOL!
And Celeborn and Oropher were just as bad. Oropher is a riot in this...the boy king--he really is insulting. :-) And then he is crawling out of the dwarf's tent! Too much. Erestor managed that well!
But I think I liked Finarfin best in this--he really handled Celebrimbor well!
Author's reply
I'm glad it helped you, although this was not the funniest chapter.. :-(
I shudder to think that poor Ereinion had to rule that mixed people for three thousand years and more! Patient boy, he was, indeed...
Oropher is narrowly focused on his people and his own vision and grudges. To me, that was Thingol's politics since he gathered his people around the girdle, and more or less forgot about the rest, so they could see only a tiny bit of the bigger picture. His gnorance of Noldorin's tragedy was telling...:-) Ereinion, on the other hand, was forced to learn the big picture almost by force, by the example of his father and grandfather, and by Círdan's teaching, I'm sure, so he's more aware of the general well being, while Oropher is still trying to understand how it is that a Noldoboy! less than an enni of age is acknowledged King by most of those around. So Erestor has to step in and *help* him understand.. :-)
I do feel for Finarfin. I mean, Finrod's death is such a terrible one, he must have felt toward Celebrimbor much the same Oropher feels towards Ereinion guiltless, yet son of one of those who did such horrible deed. Forgiveness is such a difficult deed to achieve!
SO ,all in all, it is to be hoped that with the new age everybody shall learn something, even if it is that waving thing! :-)
Bodkin
· 1 September 2005
· Chapter 7: Flying words
Poor Ereinion. He seems so alone - the stallion must have meant even more to him than it would to others. I keep telling myself that at least the Second Age was quite long and he had time to grow into himself and his role.
Very interesting explanation for Cirdan's beard. I wonder if any other elves started to develop one - and then found another use for sharp blades.
Life isn't getting any simpler round camp, is it? I hope Olvarin benefited from his dose of Ingil - and do wonder why Finarfin is so sure that his mother wants Ingil back! I feel he could be loved more from a distance.
Or in the case of Oropher, a very big distance. Insuperable, preferably. He is an infuriating and paranoid example of an elf - and he is corrupting Celeborn, who should have more sense, but is probably feeling a bit Finarfined out just at the moment.
I love Erestor. He is a very skilled blackmailer. And managers who can manage Oropher should be highly valued.
Ereinion's response to Celebrimbor is great, too. I think he empathises with one who is never right and always looked at sideways. Although Celebrimbor isn't particularly easy. I'm glad he guilted Finarfin into going to see him (I'm longing to know what he saw in the forge) and offering to take gifts and messages back to those female relatives left in Valinor mourning the descendants of Feanor. And pressurising him to give his loyalty to Ereinion is probably not a bad thing. But Celebrimbor must be longing for someone who can accept him and know his background and love him anyway. Shame it was Sauron who came along and told him he was marvellous.
This is such a fun story. Love it.
Author's reply
Círdan's beard was a unique thing, we're told, at least until Gandalf shows in! and yet I wonder how he cared for it, either...Don't ask me how I came up with this stuff, honest, I don't know...:-)
I believe that this was a hard time for Ereinion, actually growing up and being in charge of all that mess... thanks he had Círdan and Erestor to support him. That relationship helped him develop into what he is tryimg to be now, and what he´ll most probably become during the age, but it was a difficult beginning for him, too...
feeling a bit Finarfined out ROTFL. Celeborn does trust Oropher's judgement, I couldn't believe it myself when I was writing that down, but then, Celeborn knows him better than any of us. Oropher's following his own agenda, and means well ...for his people. SO I'm trying to be patient and understanding with him...but I set Erestor upon him from time to time...
I, too think that Ereinon empathises with Celebrimbor, based upon his own experience...and I found that endearing. Finarfin's reluctance, though, I found only too understandable too, in the face of what Curufin had done to his beloved son... tragedy is so deeply embedded and embroiled in this camp, they can only begin healing if they learn to look ahead, I deem. It must have been a very difficult time, and not the least for those waiting home...
and do wonder why Finarfin is so sure that his mother wants Ingil back! I feel he could be loved more from a distance What if Ingil's was Vanyarin standard behaviour? :-)
Anyway, I fear you´lll have to wait until the Epilogue to read about this....fortunately I'm managing to amuse you, it'd seem, so it won't be torture...
Thanks for your kind words, bodkin, I'm thrilled that you're finding it amusing. At times it feels too entangled even to me, and too "full of words" but yet I don't seem able to write it differently, so it is good to know how it turns out for readers... :-)
Nilmandra
· 31 August 2005
· Chapter 7: Flying words
I particularly enjoyed Finarfin's interaction with Celebrimbor. He set him into his place and made sure Celebrimbor knew it well. I am very curious to know what he saw, however.
I am glad that Finarfin has a new respect for Ereinion, too. Poor Ereinion - one can hardly imagine how it feels to be a young king surrounded by all these ancient and (allegedly wise) Valinorians.
Erestor's chipper interaction with Oropher was hilarious. Oropher is a bit..um..paranoid?
Author's reply
I am very curious to know what he saw, however.
We'll see...in due time... :-)
What I found appealing of this particular moment of the legends was that so many different points of views converged and had to find a way to coexist. Valinoreans who had remained, who had turned back, who had been kinslayed, and elves from different middle earth kingdoms, with their own backgrounds and experiences, and a young king, son of an exile, and a kinslayer, too, supposed to be in charge of that mayhem... I really felt for Gil-galad at that time, and it prompted me to explore the different grudges, misconceptions, twisted and one-sided views, and the emotional reasons behind.
Oropher is purusing his own goal, much as were Doriath's politics for quite a long time, so changing habits is a difficult thing. He's fully ignorant -and he couldn't care less- of the history of the exiles, and his aparent paranoia could be perfectly ascribed to his secluded life. Doriathrim lived behind their girdle for a long time, and the open world might have taken a bit for these elves to get accustomed to...ERestor and Celeborn know how to treat him, though :-)
French Pony
· 31 August 2005
· Chapter 7: Flying words
I have to say, I feel kind of sorry for Celebrimbor here. Sounds like he is unlucky enough to be the only average schmoe among the wild 'n' crazy Fëanorians, and therefore the one who gets the blame for their misdeeds. Considering the reception that he's getting from all the other Elves, one can see why Annatar's friendship would appeal.
And poor ol' Oropher, to be turned into your punching bag. He just doesn't get it, does he? But the thing is, though his methods might not be the greatest, he does have a point. Pity he can't communicate it properly.
And I loved the explanation for Círdan's beard.
Author's reply
As with any other Tolkien's characters who were more or less threw in for good measure in LOTR , and then had to find their place in the rewriting of the Legends of the First age, Celebrimbor is quite a vague character. I believe that as the only survivor of his house, he would be seen as a reminder of the tragedy the feanorians brought about...an uncomfortable position, I agree for someone with a lesser background :-)
I agree with you. We know so little of Oropher that I tend to see him as a quickly angered and single focused elf. But I grew to appreciate him through this story. He has his point, and he'll pursue it with the utmost stubbroness, lack of subtlety and care for his own people... and he'll eventually set east, to everybody's peace of mind, even his own ! :-)
GLad you liked the tale of Círdan's beard! I enjoyed trying to figure out a legendary explanation for such an unsual fact...:-)
Thunder Pichu
· 31 August 2005
· Chapter 7: Flying words
Oh dear... Celebrimbor never seems to end up on top. Poor guy.
More to the point, I think this story is so well written I'm tempted to think of it as second only to Tolkien where the Elves are concerned. Honestly, I am so jealous!
I know reviews are supposed to provide a well-rounded critque, but I can't think of anything bad about this. Keep writing!
Author's reply
WEll, to me this is a well rounded critique, anyway! I'm flattered! I'm glad you like these elves, as I tried to make them look elvish, even when stuck with day to day, lack of lustre situations...
Keep writing! I am. Just keep enjoying!
daw the minstrel
· 31 August 2005
· Chapter 7: Flying words
I have to say your Gil-galad is enchanting. I like the scene between him and Cirdan in particular. The stuff about the maps grows more confusing by the moment.
Author's reply
I'm glad you like this version of young Gil-galad. I like him too. A High King for a whole age and we only get glimpses of him...maybe these unaspicious beginnings are the reason why he wanted himself erased from history? :-)
The Peredhil's practical joke about the maps will grow into something else, trust Oropher to follow any available information...Thnaks for following, daw, ,-)
Imrahoil
· 26 August 2005
· Chapter 6: The council of Ereinion
This gets better and better. Thank you very much for some badly needed laughter.
“lest you end up sending my son in some suicidal mission...” Nobody's thinking about your son in that capacity, Oropher! ;-)
Author's reply
Yes, Oropher is a bit exasperating..I've met some people just like him, always able to find a bard side to every issue...
I'm glad to have provided needed laughter. I had great fun writing this story, and it is good to learn that it comes through! Keep aboard, there's still a bit more of silliness looming :-)
Nilmandra
· 26 August 2005
· Chapter 6: The council of Ereinion
There are entirely too many things to laugh at in this chapter...not the least of which is a soaked Celeborn and an enraged prince trying to strangle Elrond. I think the other thing that is humorous is really the youth of so many of those present. Ereinion and Elrond and Elros...the edain... the children...Finarfin must think he has stumbled into a nursery school!
But Ereinion humbles himself in the end to his king, and I cannot help but wonder how Finarfin reacts?
Author's reply
Were it not for Círdan, Finarfin must feel truly akward, you're right :-)IT was truly a time of change, with many new people standing forth and so few of the elders remaining...the change of generation is always a confusing time!
But Ereinion humbles himself in the end to his king, and I cannot help but wonder how Finarfin reacts? Ah, we'll hear of that conversation in next chapter I fear! :-) Ereinion won't be receiving lessons in waving his hand, though!
elliska
· 25 August 2005
· Chapter 6: The council of Ereinion
Oh my, this was a circus so I guess it was appropriate that they were in a tent! :-) It all looked like it was so starting simply with one single dwarf and Gil-galad firmly in control. That didn't last long! Utter chaos. “I…apologize for beating you in front of Círdan and your King, Lord Ereinion.” I spit my drink on my monitor when I read that! And it only got worse from there. Hilarious!
Author's reply
Hope you're monitor is OK.. ;-) Oropher is rather exasperating, isn't he? Things tend to progress like that, from bad to worse down to the deepest foundations of failure, as one of my bosses used to say.
I must confess that I laughed, too, when I wrote this chapter...even if I was a bit terrified as the cast seemed to swell to no end...
French Pony
· 25 August 2005
· Chapter 6: The council of Ereinion
Ereinion never gets a break, does he? One day, he will learn the magic of delegating. Until then, he's stuck with an increasing buildup of people who all need him right now. Unlucky for him, but a comic goldmine for the rest of us. I loved seeing him try to imitate Finarfin's wave, and the introduction to Thranduil was just priceless.
Author's reply
Ho, you're right! Ereinion is needing an MBA...:-)
Anyway, even the magic of delegation has its comebacks and, no matter how perfectly scheduled all projects and comissions are, there comes a day when everybody needs your input right at the same time and everybody bumps into your door or tent!:-)
You picked the waving thing! I'm told that it is a very difficult skill....
Bodkin
· 25 August 2005
· Chapter 6: The council of Ereinion
Poor, poor Ereinion. Someone should fix up a padded wall for him to bang his head against without really hurting himself.
'Long years spent pretending that everything was fine while he grew up as a lonesome Noldo among Teleri had taught Ereinion to keep a good grip of his emotions. . .' Poor, poor Ereinion. He deserves a happy ever after - I hope the Second Age is good to him. (At least until the end!)
Oropher is a very annoying brat. I enjoyed his son turning up and making things difficult for him. May he do it many more times.
At least the shipwright knows a good lad when he sees one. (It must be very aggravating to be a king only when it suits people - and disregarded when it doesn't.)
I love Elros - and the dispute over the word 'timber'. Perhaps Cirdan should make them swim. I'm sure Olvarin would like to. Although he needn't strangle Elrond in mistake for Elros! Ingil proved useful, though, so I might forgive him for shining so intensely with his own perfection. And he gets to do the family trees for Olvarin - because he's the one who has him in a headlock!
This shouldn't be too long in coming, though - a good kinslapping was in order - in order and shortly to be delivered. Brilliant.
At least Ereinion is able to make some impression on the youngsters. Still they - and Elros and Elrond - are probably the only people around younger than he is.
He is going to be rather relieved when - if - he ever manages to pack all these people off to east and west and put his feet up.
I just love the chaos and piling of Pelion on Ossa. Everything that happens just makes it all worse.
Lovely.
Author's reply
The exercise of responsibilities without actual power is one of the most tiresome burdens I can think of (and one very common nowadays, when almost everything has to be negotiated and agreed by all parties even remotely involved!) That's why I so deeply sympathize with Gil-galad, a king of convenience, in a moment when not everybody was actaully ready to admit that he was king indeed... I suspect he must have developed a strong sense of self and must have learnt to enjoy what life offered to him at each moment, for his is not a life to be envied,in my pov... I suspect he is one who must have welcome Mandos hospitality with some measure of relief! :-)
Everything that happens just makes it all worse. ROTFL I hadn't thought of that! it simply felt... natural chaos, as life tends to be? :-)
Thanks for your words, bodkin!