In the Woods of Ossiriand by perelleth
mystarlight · 26 July 2018 · Chapter 1: Flight into the Forest
I love your story and will be over the moon if you decide one day to continue the story Oropher and Gil-galad. Your characters are so full of life and convincing. This is your third story I read about Ereinion and I am mesmerized by the world you presented. Thank you for writing and sharing
elliska · 17 March 2009 · Chapter 11: Till We Meet Again
This was a really great story. You did an incredible job showing every different group's POV and prejudices. Again, in this last chapter, Gil-galad is very kingly, even up to his nearly breaking patience. Oropher is a tough nut. I enjoyed the conversation about Thranduil and Cûiell too. Especially: Thranduil growled threateningly, the effect somewhat weakened by the furious blush that covered his face. That really cracked me up. Loved this--glad I finally got a chance to read it!
Author's reply
Seeing war and death form the pov of youths was a hard thing. IT was too much for this two, but only the beginning of the unnumbered battles and deaths they are going to fight in their long lives, It is somehow sobering, to know that htey will be there again and again and again... Thank you very much for your kind reviews, elliska! It was such an effort! I'm really thrilled.
elliska · 17 March 2009 · Chapter 10: Tainted By Light
Gil-galad is really well drawn in this chapter, from the way he manages Maedhros and Maglor to his conversation with Brethil when he first wakes up. I enjoyed Brethil's POV, having to see both sides of Gil-galad--one he approves of and one he simply cannot given his experiences. Very true to life. Well done.
Author's reply
I like Gil-galad a lot. The poor guy did have such a burden since the day he was born! And he has to do what is right, even if it will make him lose the children´s respect. And Brethil has to learn that things are not as easy as balck and white... even when they hurt. And the kinslayers forsake a last chance at redemption...with their best intentions, I guess.
elliska · 17 March 2009 · Chapter 9: To the Ford.
I loved Brethil learning who, exactly, Gil-galad is. And his determination to stay. But I love Cûiell--especially her inopportune questions. I can't fault that because I'm afraid I do it all the time too. I also love her willingness to swear to obey Gil-galad. Good for her--she's practical. And God the battle scene is again to tense for words!
Author's reply
Cuiell is a hoot. I was figuring what kind of elf maid would have caught Thrnaudil´s heart, and she stepped forth full of her boisterous, curious, unabashed manner...and her bow skills as well! :-) "And God the battle scene is again to tense for words!" Hehe. I'm beaming. I usually avoid battle scenes because I do not seem to konw how to do them. This one took quite long, so I'm so glad you liked it! THanks!!!
elliska · 17 March 2009 · Chapter 8: Down The River Legolin
“I am still sorry for you,” Love that. Good for him. “Beleriand is a battlefield, Oropher, with only two sides left. Love that too--because sometimes that really is just what it comes down to, as much as Oropher hates that. But the kinslayers' doom is terrible in the end. God you are killing me with these cliffhanger endings. I am so glad I am reading this when it is complete!
Author's reply
There were so many sides even for the elves that overcoming grudges must be a hard task for them. And Oropher had been deep in Ossiriand nursing his resentment, while Maentew had been out there, seeing hoiw many other people had been suffering, so he had had the training....
elliska · 17 March 2009 · Chapter 7: The Erchamion
“Winning this war? You Noldor have been saying so since that half-witted king of yours rescued that kinslayer from that mountain and Morgoth sent his dragon to burn all your realms down in revenge…” ROTFL! Oropher is a riot! This argument was great (I really enjoyed Thranduil taking the opposite side), but this was the best line ever. I loved it. Maedhros's parting shot was pretty cruel--he is probably lucky, given Oropher's temper, that he survived that. Great tension!
Author's reply
I really love writing this thick headed Oropher, who has his own reality firmly constructed in his mind and barely listens to ohter things. IN opopsition the grim, sad, dreadful doom of the kinslayers makes a cruel, nasty but despairing Maedhros, who really really knew what string to pull so he owuld insult, hurt and disarm Oropehr at the same time. THe remaining kinslayers must have been very sorry elves by then, I think...
elliska · 17 March 2009 · Chapter 6: Up the River Legolin
The discussion of all that happened in Doriath and the different points of view and memories is very well done in that chapter. Thingol had been both victim and accomplice of his own weakness. Very true! Again though you have left it where I cannot wait to see what happens next, so I am rushing off to the next chap. :-)
Author's reply
LOLOL! Cliffhangers at the end of the chapters were not a self imposed condition but rather a natural developement. I cannot tell you how difficult it was to keep the 2500 word limit, though! Thank you very very much, elliska. I am giving it up for today, I'll continue tomorrow!
elliska · 17 March 2009 · Chapter 5: A Last Stand?
I love Oropher's argument over the Silmaril. That was great and well argued from all sides. “They are like magpies, love shiny things...” Snort! Great line! And the ending of this chapter is really tense. I'm a little too anxious to see what happens next--that is the advantage of reading once the whole thing is posted. I don't have to wait! :-)
Author's reply
I have had for a few years a job counterpart that really inspired me this snarky, inssuferable but wholly lovable Oropher. He is truth to himself and good to the bone, so you cannot help undesrtand his quickness in judgement and his seated prejudices! :-)
elliska · 17 March 2009 · Chapter 4: Friends or Foes?
Wood Elves bowed to no one’s permanent authority nor followed an established rule, and their councils were boisterous and uncontrollable until an agreement was reached either by consent or boredom. Yep, that pretty much describes the way I picture it too. I loved that description. It must have really annoyed Oropher to be 'escorted' around and made to sit and wait like that. I laughed at that. The tension in the camp is really well done, as is Oropher's reaction to Sirion's fate.
Author's reply
I usually think that elves in general had far less power conflicts that what we tend to attribute to them, for the sake of literary conflict, but in the case of the wood elves, the fact that they were mostly nomadic openly calls for such kind of organization... or lack of! For oropher it must have been irritating and exhilarating at the msae time, I think! :-)
elliska · 17 March 2009 · Chapter 3: New Acquaintances And Old Friendships
with a warning glare that meant that no, he was not a kinslayer but yes, with proper encouragement he might as well become one. Hehehe! I loved this line! All of the conversation in this was great. When you put together a group of haughty people, you can really make the best dialogue. Again, Thranduil is awesome! Taking charge of the conversation and making them answer the questions. Hehe! Love it!
Author's reply
A haughty Thrnaudil is so common in fandom. BUt I really think is fitting, given what we get to see of the king in the Hobbit... And they had been running wild in Ossiriand for many years, so they considered themselves rulers of the forest! :-)
elliska · 17 March 2009 · Chapter 2: Following The Trail
I love the Sindarin elves' distrust of men and the quick 'a kinslayer' conclusion when they realize one of the elves is possibly an exile. That seems very much in character given the time when this is set and therefore everything they have seen. I love Thranduil in this. He is definitely in the high spirits of his youth. "Let them be careful" indeed! They all are very elfy. Lots of little elfy details to enjoy and really characterize all three of them.
Author's reply
I had such fun picturing a young Thranduil! IF you rememberm this three apepar, unnamed, in NEw Beginnings, bothering GIl galad about the trees. I think I have some problems with the ages, but they characters`personalities were there already, all I ahd to do was picking them up and fleshing them out. IN my arc, both Gailiçdineth and Brethil áre with Thradnuil until he sails...somit is fun to picture them older and younger!
elliska · 17 March 2009 · Chapter 1: Flight into the Forest
I caught part of this story when you first wrote it but not all, so now I am finally getting a proper reading. :-) This is a really exciting opening chapter. The fight sequence is very tense and really well written. Those are hard to do to make them so that the reader can imagine/visualize them. This one really works. And the wounded elves trying to find their way to help is also very well done--the difficult time they are having is also very tense.
Author's reply
Wow! I can't tell you what fun i had reading your reviews! You were a trooper, to review each chapter! This story was born from the opening sentence, that I had had in mind from a long time, inspired by a paragraph in one of Chilean writer Francisco Coloane's wonderful patagonian epics... Then, thinking that such an opening deserved a fast and action-filled story, I decided to set up the limit of 2500 words per chapter that was really hard for me, since you know that I am prone to over wordy! And the result is this! :-)
Redheredh · 12 October 2008 · Chapter 11: Till We Meet Again
Nice, hope-filled ending. I wish there could have been a happier resolution. But hey, these are the times and the characters. The moment I liked the best though was Oropher warning Gil-galad that Maentew's loyalty was gift he should not abuse. Poor Oropher, the one not chosen, feeling saddened, but still a loving friend. Yes, I particularly liked that scene. And both kings, looking beyond the mountains as a land of healing and peace. Little do they know now that the distance between them will only grow. "She heard it too... she like it!...She loves it [her bow] too much." lol, he has his dad's brand of modesty. Cute exchange that scene. Ha! The Stinging One. I always enjoy your stories. This one is no exception. However, it's much more than fun when you put Gil-galad and Oropher together.
Author's reply
THank-you very much, as always, for your thoughtful suggestions, which always make me think and reconsider! As you say, there was not much chance for a happier ending here, but rather a kind of "see you!" while the characters follow their paths and ponder what they have learnt here. At least we know that Maentew and Oropher will end up resuming their friendship, though it will take them time! However, it's much more than fun when you put Gil-galad and Oropher together. LOLOL. THe more I write Oropher, the more I like him. I think he and Gil-galad give sense to each other. But I don't know if I will be able to reach the end of their tale...
Aiwen · 11 October 2008 · Chapter 11: Till We Meet Again
I just wanted to let you know that I enjoyed your story. I like the way you write Gil-galad. I wish there was more written about Gil-galad in general, also at least his obscurity tends to protect him from the worst sort of Mary Sues. There is so much more that could be said that the brief outlines which Tolkien wrote.
Author's reply
Thank-you very much for letting me know, Aiwen. I think it is exactly the brief outlines that Tolkien wrote about an elven king who ruled for an age and a bit more what kindled my interst for Gil-galad... but I agree that obnscurity also means protection. :-)
Agape4Gondor · 11 October 2008 · Chapter 11: Till We Meet Again
This has beena truly wonderful tale. I'm very glad that I 'found' it. I don't know details about the Elves of this age, but I was nonetheless captivated by the tension and the 'characters' you write of. I loved Gil-galad. And Thranduil. And, of course, Oropher. Thanks for taking the time to share it with us! Very well written!
Author's reply
Thank-you, Agape. I am glad that you liked this story, even if it is far from your usual haunts! :-)
daw the minstrel · 11 October 2008 · Chapter 11: Till We Meet Again
I really like the way the young people know quite well that Oropher is a wild one at the same time, they respect and love him. And he curbs his worst behavior for their sakes. The theme of forgiveness or grudges held is relevant and realistically rendered. What Maentew has managed to do is so rare, I think.
Author's reply
Thank-you, daw. I find I understand Oropher's wild temper better the more I write about him. I think different ways of healing take different amounts of time, and while mAentew was subjected to the presence of others, and had to learn to live with them -and their own grudges as well, Oropher chose isolation and that prevented him from moving on for a time....
Tink · 9 October 2008 · Chapter 10: Tainted By Light
I have read this chapter four times now, and have been sitting in front of my computer trying to compose some sort of constructive review. All I can say is that this story is breathtaking! Your version of the action is fast and furious, as it should be, and your take on these characters is right on target. I'm quite familiar with Tolkien's version, so I know where all the main characters end up, but you are still able to put some surprises in here. Please take that as a compliment! My favorite quote is "There must be darkness so the light can shine, your star-lightness...", ah yes how true.
Author's reply
Thank you very much for your ecouraging review, Tink. It is difficult to introduce intrigue when, as you say, we know what happens to the main characters and also the most important, relevant parts of their lives! I am so glad that this worked for you.
Redheredh · 6 October 2008 · Chapter 10: Tainted By Light
OK OK, it was just fine that you faked us out with Gil-galad, but did you have to do it with Gildor too? ;) Ah but, poor Glirdan... Well, it had to be someone. :( Brethil's reactions were just wonderful to read. I liked him and Gil-galad in this chapter very much. You gave some nice depth to Maedhros, and Maglor for all his short appearance. Meadhros may seem foolish in regards to Ereinion. Obviously, he has even more unspoken reasons for not wanting this young king to come with him, beyond the fact that there are a number of issues between them. "...no longer children..." Oh yes. Quite a number. I really like Gil-galad challenging him to "start now." "...mistreat you in turn..." lol! So, this balrog is the one that ends up beneath Khazad-Dum? ;D
Author's reply
So, this balrog is the one that ends up beneath Khazad-Dum? ;D I think so. At least this is where the story began.. :-) I'm glad that you liked Gil-galad here. Seeing him through Brethil's eyes was a nice exercise, because the boy could not, would not, understand everything nor agree with what was happening, so it was quite itnersting to me to try and reasoning as he would. Maedhros may seem foolish in regards to Ereinion I had not thought of that, but sounds quite possible to me. I thought that at this point Maedhros would be completely out of control, only obsessed with the Silmarils and seeing Fingon in Ereinion,not having the ability of thinking what was best for his friend's son, only what he would want at that point... while MAglor was more controlled or aware that they were reaching a point of no return and yet unwilling to redress the situation. ALthough it can be read that by taunting him, Maedhros was actually trying to set Giul-galad on the opposite course, who knows hwat was on his mind at that point! Thabnk you very much again. One more to go! :-)
Agape4Gondor · 6 October 2008 · Chapter 10: Tainted By Light
WOW - your Maglor and Maedhros are - - intense! Well written!
Author's reply
LOL. YEs, they were at a critical point in their "careers". Less than intense woudl not be credible, would it? Thank you for your comments, Agape.
Agape4Gondor · 6 October 2008 · Chapter 9: To the Ford.
WOW - you've got me on the edge of my seat! I love BOTH the tensions you have going - with the Elves amongst themselves and with the approaching enemy. Very nicely done!
Author's reply
Thank-you, Agape. I'm glad the tension worked.
daw the minstrel · 5 October 2008 · Chapter 10: Tainted By Light
Gil-galad is admirable here--brave, controlled, forgiving. I like seeing this scene through Brethil's eyes because you can see how he expects certain things and is shocked and disappointed even when they don't come, and yet he learns, mostly because he admires Gil-galad, and rightly so.
Author's reply
THank-you, daw. I'm glad you liked Brethil's pov. The poor boy is caught in a moral dilemma and a painful situation for him.
Trix · 24 September 2008 · Chapter 9: To the Ford.
This certainly is an exciting story so far! Yay Maglor to the rescue! Boo Balrog! All the OCs are great...they should have their own movie!
Author's reply
Thank-you, Trix. I was aiming at exciting, so I'm glad I succeeded!
Redheredh · 22 September 2008 · Chapter 9: To the Ford.
*G* I really like Brethil and his quietly stubborn ways. His interactions with Gildor are quite interesting. He now knows about Gil-galad and you use it well. I like that whole bit about swearing to obey orders. Cuiell had to ask and alleviate his own responsiblity before he would promise. *grrr* You are just darn lucky you had him rescued before he was more then almost drowned! Yay! The calavery arrived in time! Go Maglor! Go Ents! Go Oropher! Thrilling!! Oh, you think you are being so clever sending Gil-galad, who we know survives, after the beast - just so no one else will die? ;) Perhaps just to make him look good! ;D Dang, this sort of devilry is deadly, and one would sorta expect a character newly met will end up dead! ];}
Author's reply
Brethil is really sweet. I could not kill him, since I already have him sailing with Thranduil to Valinor! :-) Oh, you think you are being so clever sending Gil-galad, who we know survives, after the beast Did I?, did I? :-) - just so no one else will die? ;) Perhaps just to make him look good! ;D Dang, this sort of devilry is deadly, and one would sorta expect a character newly met will end up dead! ];} You are right at least in one of your assumptions. Thank you as always. You made me laugh and, of course, go an check.
daw the minstrel · 21 September 2008 · Chapter 9: To the Ford.
Looks like the various parties are coming together and chaos is all around them. Things sound a little iffy for Brethil, but I have faith in you, Perelleth!
Author's reply
Thank-you for the trust.. :-) I am not go at making characters suffer...
Redheredh · 13 September 2008 · Chapter 8: Down The River Legolin
Excellent chapter! I really liked your taking up Brethil's pov. He had plenty of interesting things to say. I sure do like that boy. The kids' enthusiasm about the horses was just another of the charmingly realistic details you always include. :) Absolutely laughed out loud at Oropher's droll wager that he could shoot Maedhros at a distance! And Maentew's response! Oh definitly, Oropher speaks true! But, Maentew as well speaks true! Nonetheless, Taenben speaks the truest! Loved that entire passage! And the last passage! "Malcaraucë!" !!! Holy cow... someone is going to die... btw,You used Gil-galad as Fingon's son brilliantly. Get a move on yourself and post the next chapter - Please!
Author's reply
Thank-you, Redheredh! I do love BRethil myself, even if he was born adult, and then I wondered how he had been as a child! :-) Oropher speaks true! But, Maentew as well speaks true! Nonetheless, Taenben speaks the truest My kind of situation! :-) Good, decent honest people each holding a part of the truth and in the end ready to admit that perhaps the Truth is something bigger than the sum of their individual truths... I see it so seldom in RL that I am always using this type of situation in fanfiction, trying to convince myself that it is possible for good people to reach agreements... btw,You used Gil-galad as Fingon's son brilliantly This tickled me particularly, you know. TO me Gil-galad is not just Fingon's son but also kind of FIngon's redemption in the next generation. By the Time HoME was published I had read the Silm so many times and built my ow image of Gil-galad's bittersweet doom that I could not change my version of him being the last king of that line... I fear you will have to wait until next week end.. I've madwe a point of posting on a weekly basis... so as not to burden readers.. :-)