Reviews (23)

Bodkin · 16 October 2007 · Chapter 4: Necessity

That is beautiful, Perelleth. And sad. And hopeful, too, I suppose. I'm glad that Gildor announced that they would be together again - I think that the idea of an endless division between men and elves is truly sad, especially in the context of Elros and Arwen and their kin. Gildor makes a superb Guardian - and I do hope he is reunited with his wife and daughter on the far side of the sea.

Redheredh · 9 October 2007 · Chapter 4: Necessity

This was both a sad and uplifting chapter in the characters' lives. But as always, knowing the history helped to get me through the sadder parts. Such angst... good angst,though ;) I really liked your description of Mithlond at this point in time. Arwen taking over her mother's role was touching. As was Gildor's piling pledge upon pledge to also watch over this family. And, I loved the last lines. Perfect ending. OK,concerning the lovely quotes, now you know I can't not say this: imho Tolkien was talking about the Exiles in ME, not the Umanyar. :D

daw the minstrel · 7 October 2007 · Chapter 4: Necessity

I really enjoyed this, Perelleth. The ending gave me shivers. And I liked the idea of Gildor gently showing the twins how a descent into madness need not be forever. You captured Tolkien's mix of melancholy and joy.

Larner · 25 September 2007 · Chapter 3: ...And Quick To Anger

Alas, poor Gildor--runs off at Celebrian's displeasure only to think he's returning to it, too! Bless our Gandalf and his ability to rescue folks and truly bring them to their senses! Bless him indeed. And nice to see how this "harmless old man" proves to be none of those things! Heh!

Redheredh · 24 September 2007 · Chapter 3: ...And Quick To Anger

Nice wrap-up! There were a couple of the little details I especially enjoy, aside from Gandalf barely veiled warnings to Celebrian. One was her appearance on the stairs. Ooo, a very icy reception from a hot-tempered lady! ;) And Gandalf's "funny hat"! Loved how you played around with that! A powerful,sagely wizard deceiving/testing the foolish brigands in the guise of a weak, old man. Very faery. Gildor "feeling somewhat renewed" after getting cleaned up. Man oh man, how true, how true... His encounter with Arwen was very nice. Celebrian's paraphrasing Do Not Meddle "in family affairs" to Gandalf! And, his getting the quote in as well later. Aha! So, it was a promise to keep an eye on Galadriel! Of all people! Someone twice banned! No wonder Gildor was depressed about getting home again! I was happy for the ending resolution with everyone mellowing out. I gotta say I like your lineage for Gildor as Findis' grand-son. If you don't mind, I think I might go with that instead of vague connection I thought I would use for CSING. I don't remember his hair color being mentioned, but strong Vanyarin lines and family connections make me fancy him as a fair-headed fellow too. Weill, I enjoyed this 'long chapter'. Such warnings mean nothing to my kind! ;)

eiluj · 22 September 2007 · Chapter 3: ...And Quick To Anger

You have the best explanation for "Gildor Inglorion" that I've seen yet (though you might want to explain why "Inglorion" signifies the third house).

daw the minstrel · 22 September 2007 · Chapter 3: ...And Quick To Anger

What a great conclusion to the tale, Perelleth. I shivered at the irony of Gildor saying that Celebrian knew nothing of sorrow and Mithrandir telling her they weren't meant to give in to grief.

Bodkin · 5 September 2007 · Chapter 2: For They are Subtle...

Gildor has a point. A good point. But so does Elrond, really. And I'm glad that Celebrian defended him. I'm sorry that Gildor ended up so isolated though. It's not good for him. And the wolf lord is quite a scary character - although I'm delighted he turned up in time to save Elladan and Herion. And it's about time that Mithrandir turned up to exert his wiles. He's a useful Istar to have round in a pinch.

Redheredh · 23 August 2007 · Chapter 2: For They are Subtle...

Alright! Such Good Stuff! Three different scenes, three different aspects of Gildor - before he got a bit more mellow. :D Just a few things that hit me while reading: "...not raised as Luthien..." Luthien possibly had a rather protected childhood, but not necessarily less aware of evil. Anymore than Celebrian in her time whether born at Nenuial or Lothlorien. However, Luthien's parents do seem to keep her well shielded from outside influences until she runs away... "...your are free to sail away if you so much despise the lands of Hither... or our company!" You tell him, Ms. C! "...release from my duty..." Whoa, a promise of service? To whom? What better reason for his sticking around for the destruction of the Ring! Or have you told us already and I forgot? I loved the discussion of elves and the weather! lol! Your way of explaining how one of the eldar could still be relatively bummed about it was well done! You made wonderful use of the rain and mud to get us acquainted with Herion. "...brother of Tar-Minyatur..." I loved Herion feeling a connection with Elladan's family. Surely, the Dunedain had noticed Elrond's family felt connected to Elros' heirs. Which would eventually pay off in a major way. I really, really like the swiftness of the fight with the orcs. The pauses and bursts within that fight felt credible. The abruptness of the wolves and the Wolf Lord was exciting. The Wolf Lord - loved that just for itself! :D Always get a kick out of Erestor and enjoyed his little narrative about Eriador's past even if the twins did not. "Many of our kin..." but "Your ancestors..." *snerk* Yes! Yes! 'More Dangerous' trees! "...not if his eyes blazed..." Yep. The Old Forest...something only the truly brave (Brandybucks and their hedge) would dare incur into. That's what I thought of as Gandalf ventured into the barricaded wood. I like the enchanted border very much! A very fairy-tale feature! Including his being precipitously sent back from fairy-land. I certainly liked the center piece of the story best. It was serious and humorous both, with natural-sounding dialogue. Lovely characterization of the man, the wizard, all the elves, and even the orcs. Great descriptions too. Best of all - more to come!

Jay of Lasgalen · 23 August 2007 · Chapter 2: For They are Subtle...

I started to read this this morning, but didn't have time to finish it. It's wonderfully complex - I understand Gildor's fear that Elrond is using Vilya, but can see why Elrond and Celebrían resent his interference. Later on, I love the exchange between Elladan and Herion. Herion seems rather irritated by Elladan's version of 'diplomacy'! Their encounter with the wolves and the 'Wolf Lord' is intriguing - I'm looking forward to more. Jay

daw the minstrel · 23 August 2007 · Chapter 2: For They are Subtle...

Three nice scenes, Perelleth. The quarrel between Elrond (and Celebrian) and Gildor was tense. I don't think I've ever read of someone questioning Elrond like that before, and it was quite effective. Then Elladan and the Man both come alive in their joking and courage. I could see why rumors might have flourished and so drawn Mithrandir. The wall of thorns and tunnel through it were cool. And there's more? Good.

Shemyaza · 23 August 2007 · Chapter 2: For They are Subtle...

I love stories like this. They are all the more fascinating because I play the MMORPG Lord of the Rings Online and I have tanked and spanked my way across the Barrows, fought the orcs and shades in Fornost and battled the men of Rhudaur with my little female Elf guardian. I've been to Weathertop and done the mini-instance on the top of Amon Sul. I've fought wargs, goblins and the Hillmen of the north in Angmar and sat in the Hall of Fire in Imladris and toasted my virtual feet! As you pen your tale, my virtual feet and real imagination are filling in the background and the landscape. It makes these stories come alive to me.

Larner · 23 August 2007 · Chapter 2: For They are Subtle...

Errr--a nasty reason for a falling-out between Elrond and Glorfindel. He's right, and I think he's wrong at the same time. Your reason given for the destruction of the last of Cardolan and the haunting of the Barrow-downs is interesting, and love Gandalf working his way into the heart of this enchanted wood. Very, very interesting.

elliska · 3 August 2007 · Chapter 1: Do not Meddle in the Affairs of Wizards

Wow! What at wonderful tale and so well told--very suspenseful the way it was slowly revealed. Gildor has always been fascinating to me and I love stories with him in them. We know so little about him. And I loved the end with the family. It is nice to see them in moments like this, though we still have reminders of the danger in their lives. Great story, Perelleth!

Larner · 26 June 2007 · Chapter 1: Do not Meddle in the Affairs of Wizards

A marvelously whimsical tale that yet holds the grief of the Eldar. Even Elrond had lost so much over the Sea--his father gone to seek aid, being sent to sail the Seas of Night; his mother flown away with the last Silmaril borne by his father as he sailed, his brother choosing mortality and a land within sight of Aman.... His past is over the Sea, and all to soon his wife will follow; and all will not be reunited yet for centuries. Love the way Gandalf aided Gildor in his recovery.

Redheredh · 24 June 2007 · Chapter 1: Do not Meddle in the Affairs of Wizards

Oh, I do so enjoy stories with story-tellers in them! ;) This had a great build-up for the audience of children and the reader. You called it a history lesson. Indeed, it was delightfully educational about what is - for me at least! - a less-studied period of time. I really like how Gandalf reminded Gildor of Cirdan. Your including astute observations like that always makes me smile. And of course, getting in apropos quotes of the books!! lol! The flirtatiousness a the end of the tale was very entertaining! I say with light-heartedness that Elrond should never take anything - especially his lady wife - for granted. Indeed, Celebrian could have married any one of many princes - such as Gildor! A well-told tale, as we have come to take for granted from you, Perelleth. ;) And, birthday wishes for Nilmandra, too!

meckinock · 24 June 2007 · Chapter 1: Do not Meddle in the Affairs of Wizards

I really liked how you gradually revealed the location of the setting and the identities of the participants. It was somehow more powerful than if you had just started out with "Celebrian gazed out onto the gardens of Imladris before looking down at her assembled audience." Not that you would have said that, but you get what I mean. Hopefully. I'm on a dense roll today. Anyhow, how cool that it turned out to be Gildor, and that Gandalf was the one to help him. This was lovely, Perelleth.

The Karenator · 23 June 2007 · Chapter 1: Do not Meddle in the Affairs of Wizards

Wow, Perelleth. You've woven a beautiful, magical tale. I sat on the edge of my seat like all the elflings waiting to hear what happened next. Gandalf was so...Gandalf. When he confronted the snared wolf was one of my favorite parts. ‘“This is entirely unexpected…” the man muttered in a voice that suddenly sounded more surprised than enraged, studying the wretched creature intently. I was caught by this line. It made such a good transition from Gandalf's annoyed chastisement of earlier to the sudden realization that something had gone terribly wrong. It was also very touching to see Gandalf remain by Gildor's side throughout the ordeal. But what I want to know now is the real story. A lovely story as always, Perelleth. Due to circumstances beyond my control, I don't get to review as much as I used to, but I always, always enjoy your work. But then, hopefully you know I'm one of your biggest fans. (See, I didn't mention once anything about you writing a book. Not once.)

Nilmandra · 23 June 2007 · Chapter 1: Do not Meddle in the Affairs of Wizards

Perelleth, I loved this! I know I told you in the email, but I have to say it again here. Now I want to know the real story, the one only Celebrian, Gildor and Mithrandir know! And of course, how Celebrian came to know it. Plus I am thinking how sad it was for Celebrian to sail not long after the time this story was set. We know there were shape shifters in Tolkien's world, but I have never seen a story done about an elf, and using Gildor - who is named and we know is part of the Wandering Companies - was a great person to use. I liked his rage and how he was slipping deeper and deeper into other worlds he could not fully return from. I felt like one of the kids at Celebrian's knee. Thank you for writing this. :D

Bodkin · 23 June 2007 · Chapter 1: Do not Meddle in the Affairs of Wizards

Celebrian is a wonderful story-teller and the tale is a great tradition. It is lovely to see Elrond happy and surrounded by family - but the sorrow is still there: the partings and the loss, the closeness to the natural world and its suffering, the wearing of time and the savouring of the present. Fascinating development of Gildor - I wonder how Galadriel responded to his reappearance ... And Mithrandir really ought to give up that addiction to pipeweed. It'll shorten his life span ... maybe.

Dreamflower · 22 June 2007 · Chapter 1: Do not Meddle in the Affairs of Wizards

What a wonderful story--both the embellished children's tale, and the other stories that lay behind it! I've always liked Gildor, Frodo's and Sam's first Elf-encounter, and I've always been curious about him! I like your take on him.

French Pony · 22 June 2007 · Chapter 1: Do not Meddle in the Affairs of Wizards

Celebrían tells such a wonderful story -- you always have to wonder what kind of stories storybook creatures like Elves would listen to, and that is a great one. All the better, of course, for being "embellished" reality. It's lovely to see the Elves of Imladris really working to make the place a sanctuary of happiness in the middle of the dark, dangerous world where they live.

daw the minstrel · 22 June 2007 · Chapter 1: Do not Meddle in the Affairs of Wizards

This is a fabulous tale (fable-ous too), Perelleth, even better than the first time I read it. You do such a nice job of picking up Gildor's words and working out why he might have said them. The awe-struck children are fun to watch, and yet our knowledge of the story teller's fate lurks in the background, adding a note of melancholy.