mystarlight · 26 July 2018 · Chapter 1: Sent by the Valar?
Thank you for your wonderful story. I really love Gil-galad.
They Did Not Take Root In That Land by perelleth
Reviews (64)
Aiwen · 7 September 2008 · Chapter 6: All things now grow cold
I am enjoying this story. There are too few stories out there about the second age, and you are capturing the tragedy of the situation rather well.
Author's reply
Thank-you for letting me know that you are enjoying, Aiwen. This is my favourite chapter in this story. Hope you enjoy the rest as well.
elliska · 3 August 2007 · Chapter 9: Lest Our Friendship is Forgotten
This is outstanding! I was enjoying the beginning part--an overworked King buried in maps and paperwork, his thoughts on begetting days and his youth and the surprise everyone had for him...that was great! But I absolutely loved the part with the mallorn seeds. I have been looking forward to that through the whole story and I absolutely loved that scene and everything after it. I love the relationship Oropher and Gil-galad have in your stories. Perfect! Great story!
Author's reply
Thank-you, elliska! The image of the mellyrn ailingin Lindon and then thriving in Lorien under the power of Galadriel is what inspired the tale. The awe with which LEgolas spoke of the mellyrn in Lorien always made me think that they would be something of great reverence for the wood elves...a special token for them of what awaited them beyond the waters... Even if we know they never got to grow outside lorien, :-( I am glad that you like my take on the relationship between Oropher and Ereinion. I always read Oropher's reckless charge in Dagorlad as forced by the independent temperament of his own warriors, and he bedning to his people's ways, not out of spite towards Gil-galad. I don't think there woud be a particular high esteem between them, but a healthy and wise respect built through the long years. Glad that you enjoyed this!
erunyauve · 17 July 2007 · Chapter 9: Lest Our Friendship is Forgotten
>>Oropher had to laugh at that, watching the assorted gathering and conceding the point, although he was not sure that a Dwarf, or a Druadan, or even a Man, would ever make it to the heart of his forest. He's obviously reckoned without his grandson. The gift turned out wonderfully - I can only imagine the kind of detail and perfection elves could put into something like that. I think part of its significance is the way Gil-galad's childhood was interrupted - he has a lot of unfinished memories in Beleriand. >>The End ::cries::
Author's reply
LOLOL! Thank you Erunyauve, I ma glad hat you enjoyed this tale. It came out a bit darker than New Beginnings, but as the age advanced thimes obsiouly got darker. And yes, Oropher was not taking into account his own grandson, who would be firends with a dwarf and with a man! :-)...But hey, his son was but recently married! Thank you very much again for your encouraging words.
daw the minstrel · 15 July 2007 · Chapter 9: Lest Our Friendship is Forgotten
I do love your Oropher, Perelleth. You've captured his orneriness and his softness and his conflict over the world he lived in. I'm so jealous of the map gift. GRRM was here yesterday, saying he remembered when the Tolkien craze hit when he was in college. People wore "Frodo lives" buttons, for instance. And they had posters in their dorm rooms. And what was on that poster? A map of ME, because what Tolkien had done was make it a place people wanted to go.
Author's reply
Thank you, daw! I would have said that you were busy writing! :-) Oropher is definitely an entertaining character to write! :-) I though tof it as a 3D model made out of clay, with relief, and rivers and buildings and forests, rather than a map... but it is the same feeling, I suspect, that we get when looking at ictures or watching videos of the holidays... being reminded of people and places. I would love as well to have such a thing! :-) YEs, Tolkien did create a place where we all want to go..and meet the people who lived there!:-)
Redheredh · 15 July 2007 · Chapter 9: Lest Our Friendship is Forgotten
A happy conclusion! Which is what I, at least, was hoping for. ;) I am glad we got to go to the party and see how much Gil-galad appreciated his special gift. But, surprisingly (or maybe not) the celebration was practically a stag party. Aside from Miluinn, Gil-galad seems to have few close relationships with women. Hmm, have the females around him been too often predatory instead of nurturing? Or has Cirdan's seemingly bachelor lifestyle influenced him? You make me wonder... There are two points in particular I do want to spotlight, though. One is how you brought back the mellyrn seeds as a symbol of the ideals of quendi kind in Ennor. And, how those ideals might be meant to flourish elsewhere than staid Lindon. That was very nice. Two was the presenting of the arrow as a outward symbol of alliance. I know it could be considered a standard medieval gesture, however I prefer to think this was the beginning of the ritual, an explaination to the same kind of exchange between Gondor, the older settled kingdom of men, and Rohan, the kingdom of a different simpler sort of men who had once wandered and still lived closer to the land. In all, this has been a good historical-interlude gap-filler. Very enjoyable! Although, we always hate to see the end. But, that is what come with a beginning and middle. And, something with a beginning, middle, and end is the only way to make any long history into many wonderful stories. imho So, please keep at it?
Author's reply
Thank you, Redheredh! As always, your thoughtful reviews make me ponder and consider! :-) Yes, weapons exchanging is far more ancient than middle ages! And since Gil-galad was giving him his beloved trees from beyond the seas, I thought that Oropher would as well gift him with a piece of the forest he loved... trees for trees, although of course, it was as well a token of alliance between realms as war brewed in the horizon... ;-) This tale flourished about forests: Mellyrn and the sentnce of the title, and te picture of the mellyrn in distant lorien and the raveged forests of southern Eriador... Given the wistsfulness with which both Haldir and Legolas refer to the mellyrn in Lorien in LOTR, I guessed they did cause an impression among the Wood elves, and that made me wonder how they had reached there. So I thought they would have been a good signal for the Wood elves of the hope and wonders that awaited them beyond the waters... so that they would not forget that they as well belonged there. It was only fair, as Ereinion discovered, that those living inland would as well have a reminder of Valinor. I am glad that you liked that! :-) And regarding women... whatever my thoughts, honestly I think this had all the markings of a true bachelor party! :-) I will keep at it. It gives me pleasure, the chance of refelcting on stories and characters that I like and to interact with good friends. Thanks again, adn take care.
eiluj · 14 July 2007 · Chapter 9: Lest Our Friendship is Forgotten
An interesting and complex story. I loved Ereinion's present and his reaction to it. "And without awaiting Gil-galad’s signal" -- that line just made me howl. Oropher was one contrary, contrary elf!
Author's reply
Oropher was one contrary, contrary elf! Independent? Self-willed? :-) Thank you, eiluj. I believe the story could have done with a bit more editing, but Rl intruded and I was left without time or inspiration enough. I am glad that you liked it, though.
French Pony · 14 June 2007 · Chapter 8: In the Lands of Men of Darkness
I think my favorite scene here was Elrond talking to Glorfindel about his relationship with Ereinion. He has so much to think about, second-guessing the father he never knew, the brother who sailed away forever, the king who acts like a grandfather -- trying to figure out his own motivations and desires just makes all that so much more confusing. This could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
Author's reply
This could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship Sure! :-) And they still have a long way to go before Elrond marries and settles down! I find it very difficult to write a convincing Elrond, for I think that he is so mnay things..that t this time he must still be a bit confused about his owrole and importance... although to tohers itmight be clear...
erunyauve · 11 June 2007 · Chapter 8: In the Lands of Men of Darkness
It always makes my day when you update this story - I'm going to be quite sad to see it end. >>“You are right, Lord Ciryatur. Not only are those lands beyond our borders, but also beyond our reach, in terms of available hands to be lent in their defence,” Gil-galad said pleasantly, a touch of honest concern in his deep, beautiful voice. “And since this is a matter of concern to all of us, this is what I propose.” This is a fabulous scene, because it picks up on what I feel was Gil-galad's strength - his ability to build alliances by convincing others that they share the same concern (because they do, though they might not see it). >>"Of course they will not! They will never march under another’s command, but they will follow me in the defence of their forest, that much I can grant… Come, Maentêw, help me order and fortify my realm. That's an interesting view on what we know is to come, if I understand you right. Oropher's independent actions in the Last Alliance (which I refuse to see as evidence that he was a poor King) become as much the choice of his people as his own, and less a matter of pride than a reflection of Silvan values. (And I'm pleased to see Maentew following him to Mirkwood!)
Author's reply
Well you made my day with your review, although I did not have the time then to answer you! Yes, I do think that Oropher was a wise king, and that he charged wildly because it was his people's demand, not out of spite towards GIl-galad... I think that the level of his compromise towards his people slowly turned him into one of them and they were all carried away. I am glad that you stil find this interesting, despite all the political machinations and conversations! :-)
Redheredh · 11 June 2007 · Chapter 8: In the Lands of Men of Darkness
I just love the little bits of business you put into the interactions between the characters. ;) "Exactly under that now soot-stained section..." "What are you going to do?" "Have another map drawn, of course..." I get a real kick out of how you so consistently do that! Oropher being himself was always quite enjoyable, too! Especially when flexing his muscles - both mentally and physically! Yay! Maentew is going to the Greenwood! I hope he once more can feel like he has a home. However, once again, you show some great insights into Gil-galad. Glorfindel is a wonderful vehicle for these revelations presented through conversation. Cirdan and Gil-galad's ending conversation was wonderfully intriguing, but sad. Still, there was humor. "According to Erestor's and your own words, Master Shipwright, I was never a child..." I had fun imagining Ereinion meeting Celeborn the first time. Poor, poor Cirdan. ;) You might like "Between Two Worlds" by Marnie. Only one more chapter? Darn...
Author's reply
Hmmm.. apologies for the delay! and thank you for the review. Again I am dragging to reach the end of the tale. I do not have the time or the insoiration to carry this beyond conversations and political maneouvering that mainly intersts myself.. :-) but I am glad that there are bits of humour here and there! :-) I will look up for Marnie's tale as soon as I am on holiday. I sketched that meeting long ago, but don't know if I will ever get to polish it.. :-)
daw the minstrel · 10 June 2007 · Chapter 8: In the Lands of Men of Darkness
Well, Gil-galad may be unwilling to ask what's going on in the Hall of Maps, but I'd like details. :-) I love Gil-galad. What a sad and gallant figure he is in Tolkien's world. I also like shirtless, sweaty Oropher. Shallow, I know.
Author's reply
I also like shirtless, sweaty Oropher. Shallow, I know. LOlol. That is the most self-indulgent paragraph that I have ever written. But a girl needs her treats... :-)
French Pony · 13 April 2007 · Chapter 7: They did not Take Root In This Land
I like how Oropher and Gil-galad seem to be developing a working relationship without sacrificing the thorns and prickles of their individual personalities. Together, they could be a formidable force, but they must learn to respect each other first. Yes, the stuff about shipbuilding is fascinating. It's funny how such big, complicated effects can come from something as simple as a saw, isn't it?
Author's reply
Thank you, FP. THey both have their thorns and prickles, as you well remark! But beoing apart for so long is good for their relationship, I feel. They are a challenge for each other! ;-) And yes, you are right, such big, lasting impacts coming from a simple saw. Fingon did not know what he was doing....
erunyauve · 11 April 2007 · Chapter 7: They did not Take Root In This Land
>>The Noldorin king was kneeling on the ground, facing the sea, and he seemed quite busy humming worriedly to a short row of young, silvery-limbed trees that lined the front side of his secluded garden. What a lovely, sad image! >>“No matter what you sing to them, they do not feel at ease here,” he informed softly. Yes, that's really the Noldor's trouble - I've always had a strong sense of Galadriel that she really didn't love Middle-earth. >>Mine is a dwindling realm, Oropher,' he confessed with a resigned shrug. 'Much as these trees, who yield their fruit, fulfill their duty but dig not deep in the ground, raise not tall to the sun, for perhaps they know they are not meant to last long' Right, that's why Gil-galad needed Oropher in the Last Alliance - Oropher's people were actually growing. >>The Noldorin tools made it easier to cut and shape irregular wood into fitting parts and planks…but since we know how to select the right trees, and discuss our needs with them, we do not require shaping parts with such detail I love this idea, that Cirdan and his folk talked to the trees to get them to grow in the right way to build a ship.
Author's reply
Thank you erunyauve! I am glad that you are still following this late! Every time I read about the origins of the mellyrn that got to Lorien I always had this picture of those magnificent trees dwindling and hardly surviving in the hAvens, and how vexing, depressing that must have been for Gil-galad and his people... I'm glad tha tyou liked the idea of the different ways of shipbuilding. The Teleri were forest tenders as well, and much as we artificially direct growth and "manage" forests to fit our needs, it was appealing to me as well the idea that the shipbuildersw ould discuss their needs with the trees and the forest would agre to yield what they needed within the boundaries of what was safe for it.... Thank you again for following through. There are just two chapters left...
Bodkin · 11 April 2007 · Chapter 7: They did not Take Root In This Land
I'm glad Oropher has learned that Gil-galad's elves are quite capable of playing in the forest! Although it'll take more than that to smooth his prickles. He is so defensive! And running into traps twice! (You won't always get a third chance, Oropher. Beware.) I love Gil-galad's worried tending of the mallorns. And his treasured book of Ancient Knowledge for Children. Poor elf. He is struggling so to hold everything together, while everybody demands his attention. And aid. Whilst blaming him for everything that goes wrong. (I am fascinated to learn that Earendil's Tale led you to develop a philosophy of ship-building! Isn't it remarkable what we discover and construct in writing these stories?) The complexity of your council meetings and the careful negotiations that are so easily tipped on end by an incautious remark are wonderful.
Author's reply
THank you, Bodkin. I had always been interested in the reasons for the Numenorean's wild deforestation of southern eriador during the second age, and all I had comep up with was the tale of hte saws, which has been almost written for two years..more or less. And then when I read your choice of mixed clinker and carvel I began to think, because I had always thougth that the Teleri would build clinker. So the carvel might have come from an external source, as it happened in our history. So I began to fish for the sources, and it all came up perfectly bundled, thanks to Vingilot and you! :-) The complexity of your council meetings and the careful negotiations that are so easily tipped on end by an incautious remark are wonderful. Heheh. I wished you could have been listening ot a couple of very serious meetings I had this week! You'd have seen how lacking my imagination is!
elliska · 9 April 2007 · Chapter 7: They did not Take Root In This Land
I forgot to mention: I loved the book Gil-galad had. The idea of him having a book with all those 'foreign' trees and such that used to read to him as a child and he still has the book! I loved that.
Author's reply
I'm tickled pink that you pickedup that detail, because I really really liked it. The poor elf keeping a childhood boo kas one of the few trasures from his family... :-) THanks again!
Redheredh · 9 April 2007 · Chapter 7: They did not Take Root In This Land
Alrighty then - I suspected wolves( or hounds) when the game got started, and it was scary enough being stalked like that without the guardians turning out to be something more supernatural. "Perhaps the battles of Beleriand would have turned out otherwise, had the Sindar taken part." Oh my, we could have a great discussion, I think , on how the Sindar did indeed aid the Noldor when they most needed it. But, not necessarily in open battle. ;D I absolutely loved the scene with the mellyrn. Poor things... Gil-galad's tree book was facinating too! I am assuming that these little guys cannot provide the seeds Galadriel carries to Lothlorien, though. And, the ones grown there are even bigger than those in Eressea or Numenor! I hope you let these tired specimens get back to their origin place and finally flourish. However, the thing that struck me most in this chapter was Oropher's acknowledgement that there is indeed a Blessed Realm in the West. "...that beyond the waters there was a land of peace and plenty." I loved that most of all! It is so easy to blind ourselves to the end game of life and what lies beyond the so-called ordinary world. "I do. You know that it is difficult for me to stop arguing..." Ha! That I can identify with myself! I am impressed with your insight into canon and trust your expertise, but... ;P I got a real kick out of Pengolod taking up movie!Elrond's position. :D It will be interesting to see how he ends up in Ost-in-Edhil before this conflict comes to a head. The A/N were most well-come. Just as with your notes on economics and ecology, this was needed education for us readers. I really admire how you extrapolated on the historical example. And, you notes are not insanely long. I should know. This chapter was very entertaining and thoughtful. I actually felt sorry for Taurlong, hehe!
Author's reply
Thank you, Redheredh! YOu made me laugh and then groan comparing PEngolod with Movie Elrond! Ouch, that hurt! ;-) But perhaps you are true. WEll, point taken. :-) BUt on the other side, I'm so excited that you picked up Oropher's reaction to the trees! For despite the fact that when I started writing the tale I was intent on the mellyrn and explaining the deforestation while linking the technology trasnfer of which Fingin was to blame to a tale that is alost wholly written, as the tale developed I found the missing connection and reason for the mellyrn, and it was the impact of those foregin trees on a Sindar's eye. Thank you again. I have the feeling that this chapter came out too dense, and I feared that my own explanation for the Men's deforestation would not itnerst anyone. But it was fascianting to me, at least, to link technology, learning, and techniques to the later deforestation that takes place during the Second age, and from which the forests of southern Eriador will never recover!
elliska · 8 April 2007 · Chapter 7: They did not Take Root In This Land
I loved Oropher and the wolves and Gil-galad's guards! Hehehe! Poor Oropher. I imagine that he was pretty disgusted to be' trapped' by the wolves and then have to call his game with the guards a draw. Even if he did get this in: “Well, you must know that we did not use the trees to our advantage,” Oropher admitted with an easy smile. “Otherwise, you would have not stood the slightest chance. I love Oropher. He always wins somehow. But his conversation with the guards was certainly a chilling premonition of things to come. And I enjoyed the debate about what would have happened if the Sindar had joined the battles during the First Age. I have those debates later in my story as well. It definitely is fun to speculate about. But my favorite part was the mallorn trees. I loved the sad little things. Surely you will show us how they went east. And I also enjoyed the info about ship building. It was fascinating.
Author's reply
THank you, elliska! I think that the Sindar role in the battles of Beleriand must have been a subject of discussion from time to time... :-) although I have no position there. The picture of those wonderful trees not taking root in the shores of LIndon always made me think. IT must have been quite vexing for those in Lindon, but I do have an explanatin for that.. :-) And the whole tale about shipbuilding one day exploded as the true reason for the deforestation in the Secnd age... or how techonology and raw materials have an ipact on culture, economics and so on, which is, after all, my area of expertise. As you see I cannot get free of real life! Thank you for following through, elliska!
daw the minstrel · 8 April 2007 · Chapter 7: They did not Take Root In This Land
The stuff about Oropher rushing ahead into battle is certainly prophetic. How far away in time is that in this story? I'm out of town and don't have my books, but I thought the Last Alliance was not all that long after the sinking of Numenor. So are you going to show us how the mallorn tree got east? I have to say I've never thought much about ship building and tools and so on.
Author's reply
Well, I think you are back home right now, I apologize for the delay... the L.A took place about two thournad years after this... and yes, short after the drowning of numenor. It was the deforestation that takes place in the Second Age that took me thinking, and at one point it connected with shipbuilding techniques... :-) I'm not burdening you with a long tale. We do know that the mallorn trees reach Lorien and only get to grow there... There are just two chapters left of this.. :-) THank you daw. I have a feeling that this chapter came out a bit too dense.
French Pony · 19 March 2007 · Chapter 6: All things now grow cold
Now that my work is done, I'm catching up on stories. Nice reward, huh? There seems to be a lot of treading on toes going on here, and not just literally from Oropher. All these Elves seem to be tiptoeing around herds of elephants in every room in this palace, and they deal with it by needling each other. I was happy to see Glorfindel and Ereinion having an open, honest conversation at the end of the chapter. Someone definitely needed that, out of this whole large cast.
Author's reply
TIptoeing around herds of elephants, that is a good way of describing it, LOL! I suppose that seeing herds of your people sailing away to tother lands safer than yours would od nothing to boost the self esteem of a ruler... so every sailing might be a sad event for all involved I suspect. And needling provides a comofrtable excuse for releasing frustration, I find. Hope you enjoyed your break, FP! :-)
elliska · 18 March 2007 · Chapter 5: Upon the Rocks of Strange Shores
Well, at least Gil-galad did apologize and tell Oropher all the info (even if it was after he already knew it). So I suppose that is appeasing. But of course we know that his promise to leave Oropher out of his war games doesn't end well for Oropher. And the departure was very well done. You had me worried there about Oropher's guard. Great chapter! :-)
Author's reply
I am so glad that you enjoyed this during your break, and grateful that you tok the trouble of reviewing each chapter! And still find time to update Interrupted Journeys! NOw that was a productive break! :-) Elves sailing seem a sad yet hopeful event for me. I am glad that you liked that scene!
elliska · 18 March 2007 · Chapter 4: Words May Reopen Wounds
Wow, finding out what happened to Maentêw...the whole conversation about Annatar...that was pretty scary. Well done! If I were Oropher, though, to hear all Maentêw and Amdir knew without telling Oropher, I would have been just as hot as he was. No wonder he refused to follow them in the Last Alliance if that is what he dealt with before it. And: It was not I who used to lead secret forays into Eöl’s forge when we were but shootings, if my memory serves me well… I love the thought of this! But I absolutely loved Oropher and the chieftain! That was priceless.
Author's reply
As I told you in the review before, I think that I am settling for an oropher who voluntarily retired from politics until he was forced by events to come back. ANd the more I think of it, the more I believe that perhaps his charge was not forced by his dislike of Gil-galad but rather by what his own stubborn, independent people would expect of a Sindar leader they had allowed to lead them...
elliska · 18 March 2007 · Chapter 3: A shadow arises that hates us
Oh this chapter is packed! Ennin ago you would have insulted Ereinion for his arguments and most assuredly you would have walked away in rage…and look at you! Now you are even trying to understand his motives! Again, *snort!* I love the relationship Oropher has in this with Cirdan. And poor Glorifindel--his questions in this chapter show his great character. And I love that the maids enlisted him as a mediator! Oropher's musings over the rise of Shadow are excellent, as is his conversation with Cirdan on that topic. But he was definitely trapped in the end! At least he found out the truth of the meeting before he embarrassed himself. :-)
Author's reply
GLorfindel must have been an unknown entity for those in Lindon, a reborn sent... with what purpose? Annatar coming from the East and GLorfindel from the west, both claiming to have something to do with those beyond the sea... Poor GIl galad must have been pretty confused regarding both! I see Oropher as someone who voluntarily hid in the deepest of the forest... and was reluctant to come back to light, though unable to resit it when h eknew it was necessary... and I must confess that I am finding some paralels with him myself! ;-)
elliska · 18 March 2007 · Chapter 2: They led their lives free of care
Oh and I forgot to put in: loved the references to the Old Forest and the goings on there.
Author's reply
Thank-you! THere must have been so much going on at that time, as the shadow slowly spread! Actaully this story was born out of my re reading of LOTR; when Bombadil speaks of the Old Forest and the darknes that crept there!
elliska · 18 March 2007 · Chapter 2: They led their lives free of care
I am most glad to see that the position as official thorn on the King and his chief counsellor’s side has been filled by someone so talented. *Snort!* The incident with the lost guard was great. It certainly shows the distrust the Silvan feel clearly. But that last conversation and what is really going to going on in the ceremony is very intriguing and making me very happy that I get to read this without waiting for updates! ;-) Again, wonderful dialogue and wonderful Oropher.
Author's reply
I found out that showing the court in LIndon through the eyes of two outsiders proved an entertainig source of misunderstandings. The SIlvan are distrustful by nature, and none there is even aware of their nistrust, which I find hilarious! And I confess that I enjoyed a lot writing Oorpher again.
elliska · 18 March 2007 · Chapter 1: Sent by the Valar?
Ok, I have had time for proper reading and not just skimming of the beginning of this. I am so glad I found it and I still can't imagine how I missed so much Oropher. I love the way you portray him. His conversation at his arrival with Cirdan is a hoot--he won't give up his guards and they won't give up the bows! Great! But the part that had me howling the most was Glorfindel's questions about who is vassal of whom. Talk about the way straight to Oropher heart! Great dialogue! You know I love the politics.
Author's reply
I am glad to see that you managed a lot of time for yourself in the spring break, elliska! and glad that this stroy provided some entertainment! Glorfindel is exasperating in his strangeness, while Oropher is still the usual thorn on everybody's side, but you will find that he has calmed down a bit since the last time he was in LIndon!