Sunny · 30 November 2009 · Chapter 30: #30 - Reunion I and II
I have followed this series end enjoyed it a lot. Excellent work!!
Of Elves, Men and Peredhil by Rhyselle
Reviews (109)
ellie · 30 November 2009 · Chapter 30: #30 - Reunion I and II
beautiful! what a perfect ending! thanks for providing a whole month of reading pleasure! what a wonderful muse you have!
Larner · 30 November 2009 · Chapter 29: #29 - Mercy
Out of such tragedy, one so important act of mercy and compassion--a saving grace or these two remaining sons of Feanor.
ellie · 29 November 2009 · Chapter 28: #28 - On the Oceans of Heaven
I think that earendil would have been robbed of the perfect words for such an experience as there likely are none. At least he has Tilion to keep him company up there.
shirebound · 29 November 2009 · Chapter 28: #28 - On the Oceans of Heaven
Oh, how glorious! I never imagined what this moment might have been like.
Larner · 28 November 2009 · Chapter 28: #28 - On the Oceans of Heaven
The idea that at least one of Melian's descendants became a demi-god, achieving Maiar status for himself, is very satisfying somehow. Now he's a familiar of many of Varda's Maiar. I'd think he'd have a fun time with the task over time!
Raksha The Demon · 28 November 2009 · Chapter 28: #28 - On the Oceans of Heaven
Ooh, very pretty drabble! Loved the bit about Tilion passing by the new heavenly traveler and greeting him.
Larner · 28 November 2009 · Chapter 27: #27 - First Rising
How glad they must be at the recognition! How joyful! Yes, to recognize their semi-mortal lord and friend in the new star risen that evening? A moment of awe indeed!
Larner · 28 November 2009 · Chapter 26: #26 - Comfort
And we rejoice that this is so, that Elrond will remain within Middle Earth for two more Ages of the Sun, but in the end they will be reunited. Love that Melian is there for her granddaughter, and that Elwing finds healing within Lorien's groves. It must be worst for her at times.
Larner · 28 November 2009 · Chapter 25: #25 - Presentation
There is a season for renewal for what were living things; beyond that it is merely a false enlivening. Love the organic feeling to this hope that the Valar would give to the whole of Arda, and not this time merely to Aman.
Larner · 28 November 2009 · Chapter 24: #24 - Awakening
What a wonder to awaken to--to think he'd merely saved an exhausted gull or albatross, and to find it his beloved and the mother of their children, and to learn that now their children survive at the whim of those who slew all else within their home? Ah, how joyful and grievous this awakening has proved!
Larner · 28 November 2009 · Chapter 23: #23 - The Price
Feanor never appreciated the full cost of what he wrought, there in the days of his obsessive work on the Silmarils. And now again they have cost the lives of countless innocents.
ellie · 28 November 2009 · Chapter 27: #27 - First Rising
I never thought about what thier return trip might be like. I'm glad they weren't punished and got the treat of being the first to see earendil.
ellie · 28 November 2009 · Chapter 25: #25 - Presentation
I bet earendil was rather shocked to to find this out. He was a good boy and did everything right and still got stuck with the awesome responsibility of the Silmaril. You just gave me a plot bunny... Thank you, ...maybe depending on how much it haunts me. I am enjoying these little bits immensely! Do you really have to stop at the end of the month?
ellie · 28 November 2009 · Chapter 26: #26 - Comfort
That is so sad. so she was powerless in all of this. I'd feel pretty crappy about it as well... Poor Elwing!
shirebound · 28 November 2009 · Chapter 25: #25 - Presentation
I love the word "Worldsmith". This is a lovely scene.
shirebound · 28 November 2009 · Chapter 27: #27 - First Rising
Oh, what a thrilling moment!
Sitara · 27 November 2009 · Chapter 26: #26 - Comfort
Hello Rhyselle, Thank you for your answer. I appreciate your straightforwardness and indeed it looks like we should agree to disagree in respect to that matter. I can agree that there are some metaphysical external influences, likely to affect people's decision, even in the real life. However, I think that ultimately, I am the one responsible for my decisions, regardless of the circumstances and influences. True, as Melian said, there was more operating there than simply individual attitude and emotion. But, at the same time, Elwing's will could have changed the enfolding of the next events; for better or for worse, this is not the point now. The vicious circle could have been broken, by Elwing's hand, as Melian had counseled once Thingol to do, after all. To break free of the Oath or of the Doom. I think it was possible. I apologize for bothering you with my comments, as well as for my English and I'd like to assure you it isn't anything personal. When I said that for me it's always a pleasure to read your stories, I meant it. I don't think there is another author who has written something like "Resurrection", for instance. For this, you have my deepest respect. Apologizing again for intruding, Sitara
Author's reply
Thank you for not taking offense at my response to your review. I just felt it was appropriate to explain why I chose to write it the way I did, so that other readers, as well as yourself, could see where I was coming from in this particular instance. I have to admit that my reaction today was colored by a rather disheartening morning and afternoon of real life issues that have been less than enjoyable. I apologize for letting my frustration cross over from real life into this venue. I do appreciate that you are willing to be forthright in your opinions--that honesty is much appreciated; even when we do disagree. :) I'm very glad that you liked "Resurrection", which is my very favorite pieces that I have been blessed to write. I hope that in the future, you will find other things that I write to be enjoyable to you. Sincerely, Rhyselle
Sitara · 27 November 2009 · Chapter 26: #26 - Comfort
I strongly disagree with Melian. Although, taking into account how she left Doriath, where she was queen not commoner, I could think that Melian was hardly about to say something else. Blaming the Silmarils, the Oath, the Doom or whatnot isn't a fair approach and, furthermore, it won't get Elwing anywhere. She should face the ugly truth: that, regardless of the Silmarils or anything else, there was for her a choice to make and so she did. Good or bad, it's not the point the now. The point is that her choice had consequences, which for she should assume her own personal responsibility, as any other character should do. If they’d want to be considered beings with a functional brain and will, that’s it.
Author's reply
Sitara, You and I will have to agree to disagree on this matter. I do not say that Elwing is not taking responsibility for her choices and actions, although in the constriction of the 100-word drabble form, that is not shown in this particular drabble; but THE SILMARILLION is in the same vein as the epic literature of the past, such as BEOWULF and the LAIS OF MARIE DE FRANCE, wherein Oaths and Dooms weren't just words, but were things that had force and influence. It is not for nothing that Tolkien stated in THE SILMARILLION things like "and the oath of the sons of Fëanor was waked again from sleep." Phrases personifying the Oath and the Doom are repeated several times in the text, but you may choose to interpret it differently. That is how I choose to view them. Melian was pointing out that there was more operating here than simply individual attitude and emotion and action. Perhaps your worldview does not hold that metaphysical external influences affect people's decisions. In this particular interpretation of the universe of THE SILMARILLION that I am writing, I chose to hold that they do. If you find this idea distasteful, please do not feel obligated to continue to read this series, which has only four more drabbles to go.
Sitara · 26 November 2009 · Chapter 25: #25 - Presentation
A beautiful drabble, depicting a meaningful moment. The moment when hope was born, indeed. Perhaps now Aulë and Yavanna would realize that the Silmarils’ purpose has never been to „fix the Trees”, but to fix Arda? ”lol” Well written, Rhyselle.
Author's reply
I liked the idea that Earendil had given up the Silmaril "for good" when he handed it over to Lord Manwe. Thus his surprise at this new life mission. :) I admit that I have toyed with the idea of an Au where Feanor had said "Yes" to Yavanna to begin with, but then we would have probably lost the heroism and selfless sacrifice of Earendil, and Arda would be immeasurably poorer for that. Thank you for the compliment!
Sitara · 24 November 2009 · Chapter 24: #24 - Awakening
I’d look this time at the fact that Eärendil was the first to touch a Silmaril with unblemished hands and to give it up, by his own free will, for the good of friends and enemies alike. So, for once, I’ll leave Beren and his descendants be. “lol”
Author's reply
:) I always thought that it was because Earendil was truer to the Mortal side of his inheritance that he was able to do the things he did. Those who clung to the Elvish side of their Peredhel-ness seemed to be touched by the flaws of the Eldar: jealousy, covetousness, and pride. As far as he knew when he made these choices, he would one day die, and so his decision to dedicate his life to finding a way to get to the Blessed Realm to obtain help for all of Middle-earth, Elves and Men alike, shows the depth of his willingness to sacrifice all.
Parmalokwen · 24 November 2009 · Chapter 23: #23 - The Price
For little price do Elven-kings sell their daughters (and their sons, and their people, and their kingdoms): for gems, and things made by craft. I've long thought that Beren was right.
Author's reply
Perfect quote, Parmalokwen! I think that is the main difference between elves and men. Elves take so long making them and invest so much of themselves in their creations that they seem to be particularly susceptible to jealousy and covetousness of their creations, moreso than Men. Probably because Men know that they will die and ultimately lose them, while Elves can own them for the duration of Arda's existence. Thanks for reviewing!
ellie · 24 November 2009 · Chapter 23: #23 - The Price
this is powerful and challenges the assumption that the folk of doriath actually wanted to keep the silmaril as much as dior did. nicely done!
Author's reply
There are always multiple viewpoints on any decision. It is incredibly rare for there to be true unanimity in any choice, much less one as fraught with danger as the one that Dior made. Yet, would he really have been allowed to give the jewel to the Feanorians even if he had had the strength and will to release it? This particular Elf could be countered by another who feels that Dior was right to keep the Silmaril from the Feanorians. And both viewpoints are valid. Thanks for reviewing!
Sitara · 23 November 2009 · Chapter 23: #23 - The Price
An extremely legitimate question which must be answered not solely by people belonging to the House of Fëanor. For justice's sake.
Author's reply
Yes, this does apply to more than just this situation. One can dream of a world where such things do not happen, but in this case, fiction mirrors reality far too closely for comfort.
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 23 November 2009 · Chapter 23: #23 - The Price
*shivers* I can just see this happening to any of Oropher's forebears or in-laws in the chronology I have written, not to mention any other elf of Doriath of course! Beautiful but tragic, meldenya! Kaylee
Author's reply
I was surprised when the muse presented this to me. But then, looking back to what I'd been doing that day, I shouldn't have been. One can't look at the rulers and the decisions they make and not think about the effects of those decisions on the ordinary people over whom they rule. I rather hope that this individual is not reborn at the same time Dior is or there might be mayhem in Lorien!