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| Beyond Imladris by PSW | 3 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 4/1/2025 |
| It's interesting to follow Dorhaur's thought process as he works through what he has just learned from Estel, and what he knows of Elrond. His head argued fiercely, but his heart refused to be completely convinced. Nicely stated, and very real-feeling. Hmmm. Is Elrond hesitant to begin this particular conversation for some reason? (I have my ideas.) I do love that they have in common the blessings and problems of "two sons riding together". I am really enjoying the description of the Dúnedain community and lifestyle. Elrond's description of the parallels and differences between Rivendell and Mirkwood Elves is also fascinating. "It never stops, then?" Has there ever been a parent who didn't ask this question? Well, I suppose one solution to the problem would be for the Elves to foster multiple children of the Dúnedain! (That would certainly liven up Rivendell, LOL.) But somehow, I don't think that's what they're talking about. There is also such a thing as isolation and overprotection, which would be far from ideal for someone with Estel's potential future role and responsibilities. Aha. So Estel is not about to encounter physical danger at the top while his elders are occupied elsewhere. Somehow, that's a relief. Author Reply: Ha - yes, he's gotten into enough trouble in the past few weeks, he doesn't need any more ... And, that is one solution! I'm not sure the Elves could take any more though. :-D I got to wondering about the isolation question only as I was writing this. If he was raised among Elves, who don't have children in times of war and unrest, he really couldn't have known many (if any) other children. At least, I'm not sure how that could have been. And I can't imagine Estel/Aragorn didn't have some misgivings at some point in his young life about leaving all he loved and going to lead a people he barely knows. It's part of what I was trying to convey in 'Like Swords' - I'm certain he loves them and thinks of them as his people, but I don't think he thinks of their lands as his home. He says several times in the books that his heart is in Rivendell - and even though on the nose it probably refers to Arwen, I suspect it's deeper than that... I figured Elrond probably is realizing about this time that he doesn't know as much about children of Men as he thought - not having truly raised one as his own before, but primarily fostering them. It's good he has a Man of character at his disposal. Thx as always for your lovely comments! | |
| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 3/17/2025 |
| I was going to read the next chapter (this one) tonight, but I've hit the wall, and one of the cats just told me in no uncertain terms that I need to turn off the laptop and go to bed. So I'll have to come back (tomorrow? I hope?). I see that the story is marked "Complete", making it easier to put off reading to make it last longer, somehow. But do you have other stories about Estel's life with the Dúnedain, especially with Dorhaur and his family? (I'm too tired to go looking right now.) Cheers. Author Reply: Cats do tend to do that! :-D Dorhaur and Daelin are in one more story, though it's not particularly 'about' Aragorn's life with the Northern Dunedain as much as just a snapshot of why Aragorn seemed to know so much about the effects of the Nazgul when he was first talking to the Hobbits. That story is 'Upon Amon Sul'. (Any of my stories that start with a preposition with have something to do with the Northern Dunedain... ;-) Author Reply: *...with a preposition have something ... | |
| Mirkwoodmaiden | Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 2/4/2025 |
| PSW! ""It is different for Thranduil's people, I believe," the Elf continued. "The Elves of Mirkwood live in far greater harmony with the rhythms of Middle Earth. Thranduil's line hails from Doriath, and among his people also are those who chose to stay within Mirkwood—though it was not called so then—from the beginning, rather than journey toward the light of Valinor and the Two Trees. They live in great communion with the trees, and defend against the Enemy daily with their very sweat and blood. More children are born there." He sighed, regretful. "More Elves die there." Elrond shook himself gently. "In any event, the rest of us live within Middle Earth, and yet in many ways, outside of it still. Imladris, Lothlórien, the Havens. We … we wait, we hold ourselves apart even as we spend ourselves against the Enemy. We live here, we love our home, and yet … we have chosen not to fully commit ourselves to this place. Always, we look to Valinor." I love this discussion. I think it is in line with how I see the elven enclaves. In my story "Reunion in Mirkwood" there children and elves going about their lives. They are not waiting; their lives are not on hold as it were which is the sense I have with both Imladris and Lothlorien. Estel...always mischief with this one! (((hugs))) MM | |