Reviewed by: elfscribe -- Score: 10

Keiliss's stories are true to canon and yet go beyond, feeling like a complete world that exists out there whole somewhere, and I feel pleasure anytime I enter it. Marvelous descriptions, lovely evocative imagery and language. I love her ability to paint a slow, evolving relationship that finally blossoms into true love. This story, like so many of hers is truly, deeply romantic. Even though Erestor is now a captain of warriors in this story, he is still the fascinating sensual creature that is Keiliss's alone. Here also is her Glorfindel, having to slowly relearn who he is after his rebirth. I love the fact that Glorfindel paints and is at heart, a pacifist, and that he needs to relearn how to enjoy touch. Gorgeous descriptions of Erestor:["He was dressed for the season in a sleeveless, forest green tunic and black leggings, his feet bare, his only adornment an armband of silver and jet pushed up to just below his right bicep. Light moved on his hair; it was amongst the darkest Glorfindel had ever seen, ebon with an inner sheen. Somewhere in the pit of his stomach sensation stirred, a shiver of something akin to lust roused, there and then gone."] Very sensual. I love that it is the light in Erestor’s hair that arouses Glorfindel, the painter. The scene in which Erestor is fighting that finally does Glorfindel in, did me in too. Gildor's characterization was also fine. His warm friendship, giving Glorfindel what he needs, being there for him but also wise enough to step away when he senses that Glorfindel has healed enough to find love. Lovely descriptions of the landscape as the seasons change: ["Winter settled in around Imladris, wrapping the valley in rain followed by snow that sat heavy and full on the trees covering the slopes. Winter gave way to early Spring, and as the river ran swift and loud and the trees began to bud, Imladris drowsed in bee-heavy summer heat."] The sex scenes are understated but wow. That final scene with Erestor and Glorfindel was charged and erotic, due in large part to how well she had built up the attraction between them and her fresh use of language. The first line [The rising sun was painting a line of pale light across the ceiling] is so good. It conveys the characterization of Glorfindel as a painter, his struggle to redefine himself and his world, that he is at first merely watching and not involved, that the sun is rising on his new life but it's a thin line still, not yet a full canvas, and so he has some growing and healing to do. What a visually poetic way to illustrate the story’s theme.

Reviewed by: Russandol -- Score: 10

This is a story to read slowly, to savour watching the relationship from the first look between Erestor and Glorfindel to its blossoming. The pace of the tale helped to give me the impression of having all the time in the world, like the elves within it. Things happen when they are right and not before, and in the meantime I witness in wonderful detail the passing of the seasons in an Imladris that is conjured before my eyes. Maybe because Glorfindel has chosen to be a painter, the story seems shaped out of precise brush strokes, adding a bit here and a bit there until Glorfindel can see the whole picture, as I have done while reading. There is far more to the tale than the romance. As much as I've enjoyed the moments between Glorfindel and Erestor (and I am not sure which one is my favourite, because they all are the right mixture of tenderness and growing sensuality), it is Gildor who becomes the unsung hero in the story. For Glorfindel, the settling into the "life after" and the acceptance of how things have changed are achieved through the discreet support from Gildor until he knows it is no longer needed. No love triangles, no drama, just friendship that made me feel good. I shouldn't finish without a mention of how much I liked Erestor's silky black hair, so real in the descriptions that I could almost touch it. So, so close...

Reviewed by: Red Lasbelin -- Score: 10

love this story. I love Glorfindel most out of Tolkien's characters and this was a pleasure to read. Keiliss is good with taking a story and giving a twist to what would otherwise be very familiar. When you flip characters' established positions like this, it doesn't work if you don't stay true to who they were originally, while changing things about them. I think she did that. It was a slow blooming, Glorfindel's journey into his new life. Full and bright at the end, but closed at first, only then slowly unfurling. I loved that Gildor stayed, without complaint, no murmuring. He stayed and I think it showed what love there was between the two of them, it's not something he'd have done casually. I think ultimately Erestor was right for Glorfindel, Erestor listened and saw him for who he was now, untinged from the past and loved him. I think they compliment each other, I think Erestor brought out things in him he didn't even realize and they could build a life together with a very different focus than Glorfindel had experienced previously. Gildor recognized the change, saw what was happening and he's very sensitive to paths and understood Glorfindel and his paths split. He stepped out of Glorfindel's life in such a way that could only be loving. No recriminations, no guilt trip, no 'I stayed for nothing'. Through shaky beginnings, nightmares and finally Glorfindel finding who he is now, Gildor did his best by Glorfindel. And - God help me, I think you got me to like Gildor/Glorfindel. A lot, which is never a pairing I would have admitted to liking!

Reviewed by: Levade -- Score: 7

Ever gone looking for something with an "unusual" Glorfindel? You know, not a braggadocious balrog-slaying, swaggering, confident, Gilderoy Lockhart'ish fellow? This is the story for you. This is indeed a different Glorfindel. He doesn't want to fight, or be involved in the guard, though he does lend his expertise and experience eventually. He is reluctant and a bit reclusive, inward-looking, and contemplative of everything around him. This is Glorfindel as he might have been had he never crossed the Ice, and Keiliss does a grand job of exploring those facets. Gildor also plays a role in this, and I found myself really enjoying his interactions. Erestor is also a different variety than you might be used to, but not one of those predictable sorts. I don't think Kei does predictable in characters. This was a stretch for Keiliss, and well-worth reading. A lovely addition to her stories.

Reviewed by: Adonnen Estenniel -- Score: 6

Probably the most notable thing about this is the languid, unhurried pacing and tone of this piece. Even though the timespan covered in the plot itself is relatively short, the author did a wonderful job of making things seem stretched out. I never once felt that the characters were moving too fast, that they were making a mistake. Glorfindel and Gildor and Erestor were sure of themselves and what had to be done and how to do it. That, more than anything else, made the story that much more believable and likable. I thought the unusual portrayals of Erestor and Glorfindel were charming as well, and they added to the tone of the piece. Glorfindel's discomfiture in his new surroundings was illustrated perfectly throughout, and I loved the sense of absolution he gained from Erestor's companionship; it seemed very right in the the end.

Reviewed by: Oshun -- Score: 5

You really made me fall in love with your way of writing Erestor and Glorfindel all over again. I like the relationship with Gildor very much--warm and generous and comfortable--friends with benefits, who do not fall in love. But Erestor and Glorfindel is a lovely, lovely story. I really enjoyed the slow and gentle pace of their getting to know one another, of Glorfindel realizing his attraction, but not pursuing it. I chuckled when they barely gave themselves a decent interval before actively pursuing the next level when Gildor leaves. And after all of that restraint, unresolved sexual tension, etc., etc., their first time is explosive. Very satisfying and heart-warming story.

Reviewed by: obsidianj -- Score: 4

This is a beautiful, gentle piece. Step by step Glorfindel returns to life. From the first months in Imladris trying to get a grip on reality and life around him, piecing together old acquaintances, love and friends. It takes time. It is a slow journey supported by vivid descriptions of the landscape of Imladris. I like it that Glorfindel has cats and a dog as companions. The developing love between Erestor and Glorfindel is beautifully handled.

Reviewed by: Himring -- Score: 3

Much as I sympathize with Glorfindel's need to take time to find his feet and re-evaluate his priorities, which is very convincingly described, the character I particularly fell in love with in this story is Keiliss's version of Gildor Iinglorion--so vivid he seems to jump off the page (or screen)!

Reviewed by: Liadan -- Score: 3

Glorfindel has many adjustments to make in his new life not only in Imladris, but also rediscovering who he is. In turn, many Imladris residents have to reassess their preconceived ideas about Glorfindel.

Reviewed by: Melusine -- Score: 3

How would one react to being re-born after death? Would he be the same or would he find himself, his true self? The author takes us through a year in which Glorfindel begins his new life in Imladris and slowly goes from coping to growing to living. What an adjustment he goes through, and we see it in scenes that show us without overwhelming us. Lovely tale!