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Estel Counts  by Larner 9 Review(s)
Kaylee ArafinwielReviewed Chapter: 7 on 12/16/2010
Where the White Tree might be found? Good question! just wait until you're almost King, Estel...you'll find the White Tree yourself, a living one, on Mount Mindolluin.

You know, Estel's very like that unexpected sapling of the White Tree, isn't he...hidden away safe.

Kaylee Arafinwiel

Author Reply: You are so right, Kaylee.

GamgeeFestReviewed Chapter: 7 on 12/11/2010
Love his theories and musings about that famous song. It's so childlike and perfect.

Author Reply: I'm so glad you do, GF. Yes, much as any child might react to such a song.

Kitt OtterReviewed Chapter: 7 on 12/7/2010
Heh, the "Seven Stars" really is ambiguous! The Sickle's nice, but along with Estel I've a special spot for Menelmacar. :)
Another fun bit of foreshadowing here - he does get to hold both a stone and a sapling in his hands.


Author Reply: I'd understood that the Seven Stars referred to the seven princes of the Faithful who arrived in the ships from Numenor, although I'd not thought of them all being from Amandil's family; but I like to imagine that for young Estel he took the song literally. Orion is one of my favorite constellations to see, I find, and I was thrilled to learn that Tolkien included him in Middle Earth's cosmology.

But, yes--he himself gets to find the newest in the line of the White Tree!

eilujReviewed Chapter: 7 on 12/7/2010
I'm enjoying Estel's little-boy point of view (this early in his education and in his understanding of the world and of history) musing on some of these topics.

And three or four ages later we're still wondering about the identity of those seven stars! Someone -- perhaps it was you? -- speculated once that the seven stars might be Elendil and the six princes of his line who sailed from Númenor (Isildur, Anárion, and their four sons [Valandil not yet born]). That's the only one of the theories that sticks in my mind....

Author Reply: I'd understood that somewhere Tolkien indicated that the Seven Stars were the gems in the circlets worn by the Princes among the Faithful that returned to Middle Earth from Numenor, although I'd thought of them as being the leading lords from amongst the Faithful, not necessarily all from Amandil's line. But I do suspect that for young Estel the words would be taken seriously as stars in the sky. He probably hadn't yet heard of the Star of Elendil, and never dreamed he would wear it one day--indeed, he probably wore both the original Elendilmir and the replacement circlet crafted on Elrond's behest after the original was lost with Isildur in the river near the Gladden Fields. It is sad that the original was found by Saruman and hidden in a secret cupboard or closet within Orthanc, where later Aragorn and Gimli found it, some years after the Coronation. A fascinating topic!

harrowcatReviewed Chapter: 7 on 12/7/2010
Finally! I've got a moment to sit and review.

Have loved all these ofcourse but especially the ones about the stars, the rings and learning the harp. I can well imagine Aragorn not being gifted with stringed instuments. I would imagine him doing much better with wind instruments. However, you can't play and sing at the same time. I know, I've tried! *grin* A harp isn't a practical instrument for a Ranger. A small pipe would be much better. Mind you, if he can't find room for a comb he won't have room for any instrument so it is just as well he has a good voice!

Author Reply: These have been fun to write, I have found. Am so glad you enjoyed those in especial.

I have tried once to play a harp, and except when plucking individual strings I sounded rather horrid. I can play AT the piano (took lessons for years, but never approached my stepdad's caliber--he trained to be a concert pianist, so grew up with a nine-foot concert grand Baldwin in our living room), and I have learned a few other instruments as well, but I've always been best at singing.

I do suspect that the REAL Aragorn wasn't quite the total slob P.J. and crew presented to us in the character they crafted in the movies--although we know that he appeared pretty rough and dangerous when the Hobbits first met him!

UTfrogReviewed Chapter: 7 on 12/7/2010
Wonderful imagery with this one. I love how little Estel learned his history.

Author Reply: Am so glad you enjoyed it, UTfrog. I suspect that Elrond ordered that his education be thorough when studying the history of Elros's lineage.

EllynnReviewed Chapter: 7 on 12/7/2010
Ah, the stars. :) My domain, my love. :)
This is so beautiful! And I wish I could enter the story and tell him that he'll see the White Tree one day...

Author Reply: My stepdad was interested in music and was a consummate musician, but was also interested in astronomy, mathematics, aeronautics, engineering, and gunnery, as well as HAM radio. We spent many an hour peering through his professional grade telescopes....

And it would be wonderful could we enter the drabble to explain just how HE will find the newest White Tree when he at last fulfills his destiny!

CairistionaReviewed Chapter: 7 on 12/7/2010
Ah, little Estel, the answers to all your questions await a little further down the road!

Author Reply: It's wonderful to contemplate just what this child's future holds for him and the world he inhabits! Heh!

AndreaReviewed Chapter: 7 on 12/7/2010
Great one!

And he wondered where the White Tree might be found

Actually, he will be the one who truly "finds" the White Tree - a small sapling waiting for the King on the mountain!

Author Reply: And we look forward to that day with so much anticipation! Heh! Thanks so, Andrea.

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