Stories of Arda Home Page
About Us News Resources Login Become a member Help Search

The Lady in the Glade  by The Karenator 13 Review(s)
Shlain Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 10/5/2020
Oh no! Don't you dare! I hope there's another plot bunny jumping around in your head. I want to read more this particular story. How wonderfully romantic and sad. Loved it.

NilmandraReviewed Chapter: 1 on 10/29/2008
I just reread this (again) and wanted to tell you again how much I love this tale. So much good stuff about hope and grace, plus nothing warms my heart more than Elrohir in love. I hope he finds her one day and she turns out to be me

elliskaReviewed Chapter: 1 on 7/4/2006
I am finally catching up on reading...

Wow, you do these mysteries well! This had such a ephemeral, surreal feeling to it. I loved it. I knew she was a spirit of some sort the whole time, but when I got to this I am but a small event in your life, dear one. Your duty is at your brother’s side in dark places and during dark times. Our time is precious and will be forever cherished. I will wait for you. and knew for certain what was coming, I felt so badly for poor Elrohir. I love Elrond's explanation and the idea of the Traveller's Graces. Great story, Karen!

Author Reply: Thanks, Elliska. I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I had a hard time whipping it into shape, but I have to say, I enjoyed trying my hand at writing a 'spooky' tale. Yeah, Ereiel was dropping hints all over the place, but the poor guy was too far gone to pick up on them.

I know you've heard the urban legends about a girl in a party dress that's picked up by some guy who takes her home only to have her disappear out of his car. This was the Middle-earth version, I guess. Ereiel saw Elrohir home safely and vanished. I like to think he'll see her again.

Thanks so much reading and taking the time to review. I'm WAY behind too, so don't feel bad. You're doing better than I am! :>)

DotReviewed Chapter: 1 on 7/2/2006
What a really lovely horse story. Wait, what do you mean it wasn’t about Dolroval?? He told me it was!

Ok, even though the horse stole the show a lot of the time, this was a truly enchanting tale – and quite unsettling in places too. You did a great job at with the atmosphere as Elrohir follows his horse to the clearing. I love that he pushed him forward too!! It was quite ethereal and otherworldly – it’s almost as though Elrohir wandered onto the path to fairyland or something. I love the way you write the mixture of emotions that he feels – he thinks it’s foolish for her to be there, he wants to protect her, he feels sorry for her, he’s a little disturbed, but mostly he’s captivated by this stranger.

And boy did she intrigue me! It seemed so odd that she didn’t know why she was there. I was starting to think along the same lines as Elrohir – that something terrible had happened to her and her family. Not knowing who Elrond was startled me, though. Aha, I thought to myself, this is no ordinary elf maiden!

The exchanges between Elrohir and his horse are just brilliant. I’m still grinning away here at the two of them.

I thought it was a very poignant moment when Elrohir feels the emptiness in her – it’s not sorrow or loss but just that there are no memories or experiences there. I must say, that’s a very interesting way of doing it. I would have thought she’d be old and possess great wisdom but I like the certain naïveté she has – like a new soul with this one purpose.

The language, as always, is gorgeous. This is one of the many descriptions that I loved: Tall white clouds spiraled high into the sky to the west, heralding the dull pewter wall following close behind. Very ominous!

What a truly lovely moment between Elrohir and Ereiel as they kissed one another and found comfort in each other’s arms. And it was so moving to see the softening of his feelings of vengeance. He’ll still strive to wipe out Orcs and evil creatures but it’s not fuelled by anger and grief – he sees in her the need to protect the innocent and keep them safe.

The last conversation between them is so full of meaning. And yet Elrohir can’t see it – he’s fallen in love. It was hard to see him so frantic about her disappearance. He genuinely believed that there was a woman out there alone and it’s clear that he was horrified at what could happen to her. I was so glad to see Elladan and Glorfindel. And to see that they believed him immediately and acted on what he said. But I was particularly relieved that they came to the conclusion that all wasn’t what it seemed and that Elrohir needed to get home. It wasn’t that they questioned the maiden’s existence – just who she was.

And Elrond, bless him, believed him as well. I just love how they all focus on helping Elrohir, recognising his despair as real and trying to ease it and comfort him.

I really wasn’t getting the Orc connection either. Yes, I can be a little dim! So I nearly fell off my chair when I realised what they were saying. Wow, you are clever! Not only does it speak to the bigger theme of Elrohir still being needed, still having a part to play in M-e’s future, but it goes back to that almost eerie feeling at the start when he seemed to have strayed into something strange. It’s like the path he took home existed on some other plane. It says a lot about Elrohir that he’s still concerned that there’s a woman out there who has been hurt. I think he not only needed the protection she gave him, but the realisation that there are other things in the world than what he can see in front of him. And to learn the importance of faith and hope, be it faith in the future, in destiny or a higher power. I really liked Elladan’s gentle teasing too – I think Elrohir needed that hint of normality. Something that really struck me is how Elrond and his family all have their acceptance and their faith tested and how they all learn to hope. And they learn that whatever they suffer, there are graces given everyday and so much to be thankful for here and now.

I wasn’t expecting the ending! But it was just perfect. I love that Gandalf appeared and could reassure him. You did an incredible job of intertwining Elrohir’s feelings about Ereiel and those about his mother and Gandalf was able to help him see that some questions did not need to be asked or answered – everyone has a part to play and in believing that and keeping the flame of hope burning, the right end will come about. Some things have to be learned from experience, but Elrohir here is being given the gift of the knowledge that has come from other people’s experiences. He may see this lady again some day but who knows, perhaps he won’t need to.

This was really wonderful, Karen. It was interesting after your last story to see what Elrohir made of his own encounter with a ghost! And it was beautifully and tenderly written and gives us much food for thought. Most enjoyable :-)






Author Reply: Dolroval does indeed think this story is about him. He really is a sweet fellow, and he's loyal to Elrohir. He just can't pass up a challenge. Two ornery males butting heads.

I thought it was a very poignant moment when Elrohir feels the emptiness in her – it’s not sorrow or loss but just that there are no memories or experiences there. I must say, that’s a very interesting way of doing it. I would have thought she’d be old and possess great wisdom but I like the certain naïveté she has – like a new soul with this one purpose.

I thought about making her wise and all knowing, but gee, there are plenty of those types of elves around. The more I thought about it, the more I wanted her to be innocence. You touched on all the feelings he had for her and how she brought out many facets of his personality. He wanted to protect her and love her. Remember what he said in 'The Circle' about protecting the innocence of the hobbits? I hoped to continue that theme. Then the parallels between Ereiel and Celebrian became apparent. Anyway, I was trying to make a large loop.

he sees in her the need to protect the innocent and keep them safe.

Yes! Exactly! :>)

It’s like the path he took home existed on some other plane

I hoped it would come across that way. I wanted them to be in something like a protective bubble he was completely unaware of. He had no idea he was the one being protected. I'm so pleased you saw that.

there are graces given everyday and so much to be thankful for here and now.

Yes! Gee, I just love your reviews.

Gandalf was a surprise to me too. He just showed up, peeking over the door of Dolroval's stall. I was very reassured by his presence and by the physical evidence he brought Elrohir. Ereiel was real for the time she was with Elrohir, and what she gave him, and what she taught him was real. I think Gandalf knew more than he was willing to disclose, but I just couldn't get him to tell me.

Thanks so much, Dot, for the time you put into your reviews. I can't tell you how much I enjoy them. Shoot, they're better than my story. You make me feel so...competent! :>)



meckinockReviewed Chapter: 1 on 6/30/2006
I hate to tell Elrohir, but the star of this show was definitely Dolroval. I don't think I've seen such a personality in a horse before. Loved how he played against Elrohir and got smitten by the maiden just like his master. Elrohir really comes alive here; we can see him as an individual instead of as half of a pair, and his captivation with Ereiel and later his desperation over her disappearance really come alive. His frantic search for her was painful to read, especially the parallels to his search for his mother. I was relieved when he found Glorfindel and Elladan and they believed him; yet the moment he had to finally give up the search was horrible. Glorfindel really stood out. I loved him standing there holding Elrohir by the back of the neck and just repeating over and over that she was not there. And yet out of all that personal romance and tragedy, a transcendent theme of redemption and grace. Sometimes we all have to be reminded that we are worthy, and Elrohir is lucky that he has not only Ereiel waiting for him somewhere, someday, but his father and brother and sister and friends and of course Gandalf, right here and now. A beautiful tale, Karen.

Author Reply: That horse has turned into something of a major nuisance. But thanks, he was fun to have around. I also enjoyed separating the sons of Elrond for a short while. They're great as a pair, but for me, it's been harder to get to know them as individuals when they're together. Since Elrohir was already alone and on his way back to Imladris, it was the perfect opportunity to let him have his own ghost sighting.

I'm glad you enjoyed the story, and I'm glad the themes made sense. It's hard when everything goes to pot to see grace in our lives, but I believe it's there. We just have to look for it sometimes.

Thanks for the kind words, but most of all, thanks for your help in whipping this into shape. I appreciate you more than you'll ever know.

Thanks again.

GwynhyffarReviewed Chapter: 1 on 6/29/2006
Karen, that was great. I cried! I must be touchy these days. Anyway, there are so many parts that I really loved.

“I am but a small event in your life, dear one. Your duty is at your brother’s side in dark places and during dark times. Our time is precious and will be forever cherished. I will wait for you.”

That's really beautifully said. The words fit together nicely and the deeper meaning, though lost on Elrohir at the time, is touching. His place is indeed at his brother's side in the coming times of darkness.

The scene at the end with Elrond and the gang made me smile, especially Glorfindel telling Elladan to be quiet if he wants to help.

Great story! I enjoyed it very much.

Author Reply: You cried? Get outta here! Forgive me while I jump up and cheer! :>) What a nice compliment. Thank you.

I'm so glad you enjoyed this. You're right that Elrohir didn't understand what Ereiel was telling him. I kept thinking of 'dark places' like the Path of the Dead. I bet that was grim. And scary. I'm sure Elrohir thought about Ereiel more than once during the Ring War and the things she said to him. But the part that comforts him most is probably the promise she'll wait for him. I've got hope he'll see her again.

Thanks Gwyn! I truly appreciate you reading and taking the time to review. It means a lot to me.

BodkinReviewed Chapter: 1 on 6/29/2006
This is just lovely, Karen. Elrohir is such a wonderful elf! (Not that the others aren't just as gorgeous.) He had got a lot of the Knight in Shining Armour about him - and I can so see why Ereiel found herself getting rather more involved with him than she expected.

I love the way Elrohir watches over the coolly stitching maiden - and then gets that wonderful horse to effect the introduction! Dolroval - what a horse! From the moment he nudges Elrohir awake he is a total show-stealer.

Ereiel offers Elrohir simply everything he needs - and the parallels with Celebrian are just so touching. Then, for her to disappear like that! It must have been like every worst nightmare coming back to haunt him.

I'm so glad that Elladan and Glorfindel believed Elrohir and helped him search - even beyond the point where they knew that they would not find anything. And that Elrond trusted him and sought an explanation of what had happened. Gandalf, too, come to that - and the crown of flowers, preserved and returned to Elrohir are a promise. She was there, and she will wait for him. In Valinor, I hope. (What better reason for the twins to go - when they are ready!)

So like Elrohir not to see himself as a key element in the fight against Sauron, one worthy of saving. He is, of course, worth saving for himself... (Love Elrond's assurance to his beloved son - “I am your father,” Elrond said, “perhaps not the best person to be objective about your worth, but I would say your task here is not done.” ) ... But Elrohir is also part of a team - and that team needs every member to climb this particular mountain.

Such a wonderful story. Like a dance. I hope Elrohir finds her again. When he has finished what he has to do.



Author Reply: Thanks, Bodkin. I like Elrohir too. There's probably always been a knight in shining armor in him and Ereiel simply brought it out. It would be hard to not fall head over heels for him, wouldn't it?

Dolroval was fun to write. What is it with me and goofy animals? Maybe I should be writing a modern day version of 'Animal Farm' and forget the two legged characters. I'm glad you liked him. He had a whole bag of antics, but alas, it was a no-go for this story.

Ereiel disappearing was Elrohir's worse nightmare. But in the short time she was with him, she did seem to help him get a tighter focus on his feelings about his mother and his response to what happened to her. Revenge vs. doing the right thing and protecting those who can't protect themselves, I guess.

I think she's waiting on him too. Most likely in Valinor. I've always thought the twins did sail. Celebrian was important enough for them to spend years taking revenge on the orcs. I can't see them not going to be with her. Blood is pretty thick.

I'm so glad you enjoyed this. Nilmandra is going to have to increase her birthdays. I've had a blast reading all the 'gifts'. Great stories. All of them.

Thanks again for reading and reviewing.

daw the minstrelReviewed Chapter: 1 on 6/29/2006
Gorgeous take, Karen. Layer after layer of nice stuff.

I like the way Ereiel and Celebrian blend in Elrohir's mind, so he can't tell which loss he mourns, which woman he's protecting. Dolroval is a wonderful creation too! Very elfy connections there. Gandalf as Lucy is also just right, and of course, they're all left with estel.

But I think my favorite moment is when Glorfindel grasps Elrohir by the back of the neck and offers both guidance and comfort.

Thank you for this.

Author Reply: Thanks, Daw. I'm glad the overlapping theme of losing Celebrian and Ereiel came through. Ereiel not only prevented Elrohir from stumbling into a nest of orcs, she also helped him clarify feelings he had about losing his mother. His resolve to fight evil came more into focus. Ereiel brought out his protective instincts and gave him the opportunity to look at his motivations.

Dolroval is thinking of starting his own series of stories and reviews. That dog gets way too much attention in his opinion. The ranger practically had to beat him back with a stick to make him stay in line.

I love Gandalf. He's just worthless though at answering questions. He'd much rather philosophize.

I'm glad you liked the part with Glorfindel. I think he loves Elrohir very much and felt a little protective himself.

Thanks again. I'm always happy to hear from you. You know how to encourage me and offer wonderful advice. I value that.

NilmandraReviewed Chapter: 1 on 6/29/2006
I hope you've had a stiff one, Karen. Hold on, now. Ok (SQuee! Bounce! Huggle!)

I love this story. You are so imaginative, so talented at this type of thing. Of course, I adore Elrohir and I love the role Dolroval played. And the elf-woman was just fantastically done. Poor Elrohir was so taken with her, so in love, that he was missing the clues she gave him. She saw him to Imladris, not the other way around. But whoever she was, she loved him too. She'll wait for him. Oh my... and his reaction when she was lost was just wonderful. I love that G&E were looking for him, and my heart sort of did a flip flop at the thought of him alone and weary having run into a band of orcs. I am not sure the family could have survived another loss like that.

What I absolutely love though, is that they believe him. They believe him enough to look, they believe him even when nothing is found, and they take him home to Adar, who believes him and goes looking for an answer. I love Glorfindel making him go home.

And Gandalf! Finding the wreath! He knows! I know he does. Grace indeed.

There is so much I love I could comment all morning, but i have to run to work. I know how incredibly busy you are and can't possibly say how glad I am that you did this for me. Its wonderful... my darling Elrohir finding love. She will wait for him indeed. Thank you, Karen.

Author Reply: I hope you've had a stiff one, Karen.

Just coffee. Enough to make me all bouncy.

I'm so glad you like this! I started writing it in plenty of time to get it up for your birthday, but the rewrite took forever. That dang horse wanted to steal the show. Between you and me, I think he had quite a crush on Ereiel.

Ereiel didn't have many lines, but you're absolutely right that Elrohir misinterpreted most of them. She was trying to tell him something. Since I'm the writer, I get to interpret the behind-the-scenes parts the way I want, :>) and I don't think she was meant to fall in love with him, but well, things happen. I'm like Elladan in believing she is waiting for him.

When Elrohir met Elladan and Glordindel and explained what was up, I think E&G didn't doubt his story for a second. If we could have eavesdropped on them, I think they came to a slow realization during the search that something was off about this woman. I think Glorfindel especially sensed something out of the ordinary; he just didn't know what. I would have also like to have heard the conversation with Elrond when Elladan told him about Ereiel. I think Elrond was pretty sure Ereiel was not to be found by the time Elrohir woke up. And absolutely, the family could not survive another tragedy. Elrond has been through enough...and he was still facing losing Arwen to mortality.

I think Gandalf knows too. Recognizes his own kind? Maybe. Or maybe he felt Namo had sent her. Maybe he's behind all the Traveler's Graces. Something to ponder.

I'm so glad you like this. I wanted to continue the 'ghost' theme from 'The Circle'. Since Elrohir so easily accepted Hurin's sighting, I wondered how he'd react to his own. He fell in love with his ghost. Poor, sweet elf. Ereiel had more than one purpose in his life and over time, I think he'll see them all. She brought out his best instincts and helped him clarify feelings that lingered over his mother. Yep, I think she's waiting for him...somewhere.

Happy Birthday...a week late.

perellethReviewed Chapter: 1 on 6/29/2006
Wow Karen! That was lovely! I really love ghost stories and this one was perfect, so perfectly fitting in the Thrid Age! I liked the descriptions and all the details, like the storm and the sudden gust of wind when she disappeared... chilling in a most mysterious and sweet way..how that can be? :-)

The horse was great! He almost stole the scene with his own personality! And then Gandalf, showing his nose and offering his talents as an expert in X files! The conversation between him and Elrohir, or rather the exchange of questions was subtle and deep, despite the apparent levity of the frustrated conversation. And the difficulty to accept Grace even if it kicks you in your... backside was powerful. A wonderful story, KAren, and I agree with you, let us declare June NIlmandra's birthday month! :-)

Author Reply: let us declare June NIlmandra's birthday month! :-)

Motion carried! The vote is unanimous. June is officially Nilmandra's birthday month!

I'm so pleased you liked the story. I love ghost stories too. I've always loved a good mystery. But, being the wimp I am, I don't like to be scared. I'm a big fan of Casper.

Dolroval takes a bow! He wanted a bigger roll, but he kept getting in the way of 'moving the plot forward'. He, of course, thought he was the plot.

I think it is hard sometimes to accept that we have value in the grand scheme of things, as individuals and as a part of the whole. Most of our lives are so busy, we fail to notice the grace we receive every single day. I do. This was a good reminder to me that even when things looked pretty doggone bleak, there's much to be grateful for.

Thank you so much for reading and reviewing. I'm tickled pink that you enjoyed it.

First Page | Previous Page | Next Page | Last Page

Return to Chapter List