Oh wow. Poor, poor Legolas! Glorfindel, I am disappointed in you >.< (but then, so are Van and Tindómion, and he better hope Fanari never finds out)
Looking forward to all the awkward meetings... When Thranduil catches up to Bainalph, for one, then Maglor and Tindómion (who hasn't forgiven his father yet in this timeline - uh-oh), to say nothing of what will happen when Sauron is revealed...
Speaking of Sauron: "Perhaps I would be more merciful if you had not spoken of killing my son." That's almost... sweet, for him. Aww, he does care for Van after all No, he doesn't, he's incapable of caring about anyone but himself. Van's just a tool to further his interests.
I feel sorry for Van, what with people wanting him dead just because of who his father happens to be. He'd rather be just about anyone else's son (or have his actual father love him, I don't think he's picky about this), but no-one asks him. And then there's the fact that his life has now gotten extremely complicated. What does Dana think she's doing? Ok, she knows what she's doing, everybody else simply doesn't have a clue. *hugs Van, and Legolas and Gîlríon, and Maglor, and... pretty much everyone except Sauron, I guess*On a lighter note, the faerboth was another great invention of yours (it is yours, right?) - now, to find out how the hell Glorfindel could touch on it with Legolas...
Oh, here's the flowers for this: @-}-- @-}-- @-}-- @-}-- @-}-- :)
Author's Response: Thank-you very much Khaosity
Aww, he does care for Van after all No, he doesn't, he's incapable of caring about anyone but himself. Van's just a tool to further his interests. I feel sorry for Van, what with people wanting him dead just because of who his father happens to be. He'd rather be just about anyone else's son (or have his actual father love him, I don't think he's picky about this), but no-one asks him,br /> No, I think he wouldn't be averse to Sauron loving him, but that would be complicated, since he would want to please his father, rather than fight against him. I do think Sauron is proud of him, although he never tells Van that.
Yes, the Faerboth was mine, though I asked Esteliel what it was in Elvish, and she was kind enough to work out the word. I am glad you like it! :)
Rereading this again. Gosh I love this story. A question though. What does Elvyr mean? *curious*
Author's Response: Hiya Urloth. Thank-you for reading again. I've not forgotten this story :)
Esteliel created Elvyr, and I believe it means 'star follower'. :)
How do you dothis lyrical, perfect prose so consistently?
A wolf howl. Legolas had never heard the sound, but he knew what it was. His people had known it in the deeps of time, and ever after. Heart bounding high and fast, he leaned to unloose the tent-flaps. Chill air whispered in, and the mountain night opened about him, roofless, immense. A horned moon scythed low in the south, and stars dazzled the sky. For a moment he let their light pour into his eyes and then turned as a figure moved nearby. Vanimórë. Legolas had seen before how his eyes retained their colour in the dark.
And this
There had been another with him, a tall slender man, creamy hair in a multitude of braids, long-lidded gilded-green eyes, and a face startling in its delicate beauty. He had not spoken to Legolas, neither had Celeirdúr introduced him, which even then had seemed discourteous, but there had been the flicker of a smile on a sultry mouth, a long, summing, and not unfriendly look.
aaaahhh - how very very deeply satisfying this description is in terms of language- perfect, succinct, not overwhelming and utterly sensuously gorgeous.
Author's Response: If you, Ziggy, like it, I am thrilled, because of the stunning way you write.
I read somewhere the other day that writing is like exercising a muscle; you have to keep doing it. I agree, but in the above cases, I *see* and *feel* what I imagine the characters see and feel, then it's a matter of trying to find words. *Sweatdrop*.
So thank-you, so much. I appreciate your encouragement very much!
I finally signed up for an account to leave you a proper reivew.Wow, where to start? This story gets more beautiful every chapter. As always the detail and richness you write into Middle Earth is mind blowing. I can see the lands and people of the south and Rhovanion so clearly, their cultures have so many deep layers, its beautiful.
The way you've written the Greenwood with all the politics and lords, is perfect. Isn't very different from the Noldor where the High-king had all the power.
You're OC's are always so beautifully imagined and so well thought out they could be cannon that's how seamlessly they fit into the world. I adore Bainalph. I love his serenity in the face of Thranduil and Celeirdúr's disgust, and his unwavering belief in his own right to enjoy his own desires. Thranduil does not deserve him, but I am pleased that Thranduil has gotten some senses knocked into him finally and has left to search for Legolas, am I correct?
You have me on the edge of my seat with Sauron, and I am so afraid for Van! I don't want him to get hurt, but I am afraid he will be when Legolas and Maglor learn of his parentage. Van is just so damn noble, and no-one can look passed his blood and see that's he's a better man then any of them!
I have enjoyed this first book of the 'Crucible of Stars' series immensely. Its so beautifully written, as all your work is, lovely lady. Simply breathtaking.
Author's Response: Encairion, thank-you so much. I have been in the hospital for eight hours, due to a horrible reaction to an antibiotic, and you have really cheered me up. All I could think was I would never finish my writing, lol.
I have enjoyed exploring a little of the Greenwood (as it was then) and Thranduil and Bainalph, so unexpected an arrival in the story, and I am thrilled you like him.
Yes in A Far, Fierce Sky, we see more of Thranduil and Bainalph, and what lies behind Thranduil's hate.
I don't want him to get hurt, but I am afraid he will be when Legolas and Maglor learn of his parentage. Van is just so damn noble, and no-one can look passed his blood and see that's he's a better man then any of them!
I am afraid Van will be hurt in some way, or at least helpless, but this will all unfold as the story progresses.
Thank-you so much for bothering to make an account and reviewing! Hugs!!
Oooh, now it gets even more interesting! :D Can't wait for all of these powerful characters to meet - I sense explosions!
Author's Response:Thnak-you! They will meet, but as you will see, the true meeting is some time away, owing to distance. Thank-you so much for following this story.
I really enjoyed this chapter, getting to understand Thranduil's character and past better :)
Author's Response:Thank-you so much. It was something that I felt I had to delve into, if I was going to write anything at all about Thranduil :)
:D Really interesting idea with the Lords. Bainalph is a really interesting character - hope to see more of him!
Author's Response:Thank-you! This is an earlier Greenwood than Mirkwood. :)
You will see more Bainalph. People seemed to like him, and he just *appeared* and became a character all his own. :)
I found the part where Legolas felt as if all three had taken him to be very powerful and erotic. Likewise when Maglor and Van were supporting him, front and back, it’s very powerful image of strength and support.I can't believe I'm saying this, but I actually like Sauron in this...You write him so well, so cunning and manipulative, it's brilliant!
Author's Response:I love that you love that image of Van and Maglor with Legolas. The imagery of their 'support' is because that is what Legolas needs so much.
Oh Sauron, lol! Esteliel said basically what you said, that she likes Sauron in this. Well, Van is not as different to his father as he would like to think; they have quite a lot in common, so Sauron is obviously a *real* character, not just a blank wall of evil, or a flaming eyeball. :)
“Thou knowest me not at all.” - Ohhh, the irony! The whole scene between Sauron and Van was so good, somewhere between a battle and a dance - it had me on the edge of my seat!Tindómion's words are really like a dagger to the heart for Glorfindel, aren't they? But oh so true
"one, a legend of valor and self-sacrifice had taken him by force, while the other, damned, a kinslayer thrice over, had made an oath to protect him, and saved his life" - That line really brought out the juxtaposition of the whole situation and yeah, it's really ironic!
The imagery of the flowers dying to reflect Legolas' inner state was so powerful and moving! He needs a hug!
RE: Mistakes - Sorry about that, I just do it practically automatically. I spend hours each day going "How do you think you spell such-and-such?" and "Just read back over that sentence, does it make sense?" xD The curse of working in the profession, I'm afraid.
Author's Response:Don't worry. I am constantly faffing with the writing, just the oldest first. It shall be done eventually :)
I am so pleased you are enjoying this, Van and Maglor and Legolas, Tin and Glorfindel, and I hope, the others soon to come in future chapters :) Hugs!
I like the way you describe Van through Shemar’s eyes : ) I feel sorry for Shemar now, having to cope in a world that is so alien to him, knowing a craft that probably won’t come in handy for awhile…Likewise, I feel sorry for Legolas, he’s been through so much and I doubt that’ll be the last life he takes in defence of his son.Maglor’s memories after he says “I do not take oaths lightly” was really vividly described, I could see everything happening before my eyes.
Due to the line “I am what- and who – I am” I now have Van singing “I am what I am,” in my head!
Do I sense a Legolas/Maglor/Van scene coming up soon? I think I do!
Author's Response:Thank-you, again! Shemar is adrift, yes, as is Legolas. But at least both are with people who will support them and not let them fall by the wayside.
Legolas would do anything to save his son.
I could see everything happening before my eyes.
Oh, wonderful. I am so pleased it worked!
I now have Van singing “I am what I am,” in my head!
LOL!
Do I sense a Legolas/Maglor/Van scene coming up soon? I think I do!
You may be almost spot-on :)
Yay, they're free :D I liked the way you wrote the battle more or less from Legolas' point of view, with all the emotion that accompanied it.
Author's Response:Thank-you sweetie. because Legolas (at this moment) is no warrior, but does not, whatever he think, lack courage, I felt it would work to show how he felt during the battle.
I'm glad Kaltish received his dues and Shemar is "free". Love the ending bit with Sauron :D
Author's Response:Thank-you! :) I am so pleased you are enjoying it. Sorry about the mistakes, but this will come under scrutiny after Power and Passion.
I sense Shemar will soon be rescued :D *Claps hands together in delight*
Author's Response:I am glad you are pleased! Thank-you!
:O Poor Shemar! I hope he gets rescued!
Author's Response:I am not GRR Martin. d;-) Sometimes I let characters live d;-)
lol, it's getting to the point where I wouldn't be surprised if a rock actually turned out to be Elrond :P So many concealed people popping out!
Author's Response:I think there is no more popping after this. Well, not really :)
Another great scene between Van and Las. Gil's squeak made me giggle - he's such a little sweetie!
Author's Response:Lol, thank-you. Gil always seems such a sweetie in Esteliel's stories :)
I like the way Tindómion is taunting Glorfindel to think through his past actions :)
Author's Response:I am glad you liked it. Tin is actually horrified, and for all his long friendship with Glorfindel, this is not something he can accept.
I'm praying that poor concubine finds someone to rescue him!
Author's Response:You will see what happens to Shemar shortly :) Thank-you!
Ahh, Glorfindel is beginning to reveal his true colours now!
Author's Response:Glorfindel is beginning to reveal his true colours now!
Let's hope in the end, they are golden! :)
Thank-you for all the reviews. I am behind since yesterday, as one of the family was here. I will catch up!
“You will stand out like a sunflower on Orodruin” – *Applauds* Brilliant laugh-out-loud line!I also really enjoyed the last scene between Legolas and Vanimórë, all the raw emotion pent-up finally spilled out.
Author's Response:You will stand out like a sunflower on Orodruin” – *Applauds* Brilliant laugh-out-loud line!
Lol. XD perfectly true, though!
Thank-you, sweetie. I am glad the chapter worked. :)
:O I didn't see Sauron's sudden appearance coming! Ooh, such drama! And yum, Van, you are so naughty to poor little Las!
Author's Response:I actualyl did not see Sauron in this at all when I began. Oh well, stories have a way of doing that, lol!
It’s/its – “entered his bloodstream, it's essence”“All us well. Escort” – was that meant to be an ‘is’?
Wow, the scene where Glorfindel connected with Legolas was really deep!
Dana’s appearance was unexpected, but really fitted with mentions of her that were dotted around the chapters.
D’aw, Tanout appearing at the end was so *sweet*!
Author's Response:I've got to edit this story, sweetie, but I have two more to do first. I know about the it's/its, but I seem to type it automatically, and just have to go back and take them out XD.Hugs and thank-you!
Another its/it’s – “from it's roots”.Glorfindel’s revelation to Celeirdúr was very anticipated and the scene really delivered :D Looking forward to Thranduil getting that letter! :D
Author's Response:Thank-you so much. The letter took a long time arriving, as I look back on this, but it had to fit with the amount of time passing in Szrel Kain.
Some really lovely, cute scenes between Las, Tanout and Van here :D
Found a it’s/its error: “that swells with it's own weight of water until it falls”Mm, Legolas, you’re not the only one who feels breathless when Vanimórë is around! Especially when he decides to interfere with people’s dreams ;)