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Changes and Acceptances  by Mirkwoodmaiden 32 Review(s)
LindeleaReviewed Chapter: 10 on 3/31/2021
Whew. The first part was difficult to get through, but the joy at the end made the effort worthwhile.

It would have been such a tragedy if Elrond had hardened his heart instead of responding to Estel's desperation. I'm glad he finally realized the bond between his daughter and her chosen one.

Interesting encounter with Arwen's mother in the between-worlds; I have several similar scenes in my stories where Frodo, who also lives in the Blessed Realm (I think that's what it's called, though I might be mistaken as I'm only halfway through my first cup of coffee for the day), is "sent back" in a dream. In one story, he converses with Merry, and in another, he talks to Pippin's son Faramir. Thus, I had more than passing interest in the scene between Arwen and Celebrían. Beautifully done.

Whew. So glad for the happy ending to this chapter. Looking forward to reading more. ((hugs))

Author Reply: Lindelea!

In my stories, Elrond realises that he has been a proud and vain fool in not accepting Aragorn and Arwen. I always have felt for him. He has given so much and has lost so much in the service of Middle Earth, this last thing is hard for him to accept. His heart was hardened by pain but at least in my stories he find a measure of forgiveness both giving and receiving.

I really wanted Arwen to find peace and her mother was ideal for helping her find her heart. Really happy it worked for you!

There is a little more angst in the coming chapters but there is happiness and acceptance as well. This story was pre-pandemic. I wrote a lot more angst in those days. ;-))

Hoping you are well and counting the days to my second shot!

((hugs))

MM

LindeleaReviewed Chapter: 9 on 3/30/2021
This was a difficult chapter. I did enjoy the brotherly banter, and I'm very relieved at the resolution.

Looking forward to reading more. ((hugs))

Author Reply: Lindelea!

Yep! As I remember it was an emotional one write as well. I had brought Elrond to such a pass that it was going to take quite an effort on Aragorn's part to get through to him and still have it believable.

The brotherly banter between Elladan, Elohir and Estel (As the twins would always name Aragorn having known him since he was two) is always fun to write though.

Thanks for reading and writing back!

((hugs))

MM

LindeleaReviewed Chapter: 8 on 3/29/2021
This is so perfect for Galadriel: She had found a low-slung tree branch that was crying out to be sat upon and there she whiled away the better part of an hour, humming softly songs that she had learned as a young elf about the singing of the earth and the quiet that existed before Time began.
I also like the way she brings Arwen to understanding the impact of her behavior on Estel.

Poor Faramir, caught between a rock and a hard place.

I think perhaps you meant to put in a footnote to explain this: "Gerich veleth nin, ada**? I do so appreciate it when you provide translations for people like me. Elvish simply does not stick in my brain.

Alas, poor Elrond. And yet, he found love, and I think Elves marry for life? So is his long separation from his beloved part of his anguish here? Or maybe remembering the depth of his love, which he has had to set aside until he Sails and is reunited with her, will help him understand and accept his daughter's choice at last?

Author Reply: Lindelea!

I am glad I have pitched Galadriel right. I think of her as serene, joyful but tinged with some sadness because she has seen so much, both happy and tragic. She loves Arwen and Aragorn as well and is trying so hard to guide them well.

I feel for Faramir here. He is loath to cause Arwen even more pain...

And there is a reason Sindarin doesn't stick in your head...Because it is bloody difficult! I did not construct this sentence. It is borrowed from Two Tower film. It means "You have my love, papa." And yes I usually do add a footnote definition but this one slipped past me! Ooops! :-)

Yes! Elves do only marry once. Their loved one wait in the Halls of Mandos in Valinor. And their souls are twinned even after death. (There are two notable exceptions and you do not want to go down those particular rabbitholes).

The pain of separation never really goes away for Elves. Elrond sees the future of Arwen, how she will pine away after Aragorn dies and be alone without her family. I think his pain of separation from Celebrian and Arwen's future pain and the fact as he states that he had given and given to Middle Earth to the future that Elves will not really be a part of. And after giving so much and never asking the cost he will lose the two among those he loves most. It is a little overwhelming for him.

Thanks for reading and writing.

Be safe

((hugs))

MM

LindeleaReviewed Chapter: 7 on 3/27/2021
So many wonderful details, and you sketch every character so deftly and clearly. They are all believable.

Frodo shook me a little, if only because he gives such a vivid picture of how depression works.

Elanor is a bright-shining little gem.

Looking forward to reading more.

Hope this finds you and yours well. ((hugs))

Author Reply: Lindelea!

Thanks! I work hard at trying to sketch the differences in characters. There is a serious amount of depression that Frodo is dealing with. So happy you are traveling with the journey of this story!

BTW Chapter 12 of "Destiny's Child" is now posted!

Stay safe, Mellon Nin!

(((hugs)))

MM


Author Reply: Also in this story I delighted in writing about an Éowyn who is happy and confident and basking in her husband's love. As I was re-reading it I was happy considering the wringer of sadness she is having to travel through in the writing of "Destiny's Child."

((hugs))

MM

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 13 on 5/20/2020
I rejoice that all know peace at this time.

Author Reply: Larner!

All knew peace and like Gandalf says "All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us." Frodo was changed. The time of the Elves was over. But we go on.

Thank you for reading through the entire story again after so long! It is so appreciated!

Stay safe. Mellon nin!

((hugs))

MM

Author Reply: Larner!

Hello! Not sure if you will see this. But I haven't heard from Lindelea (Jean) in a month. That was via email. Do you know if she is OK. Just wondering.

MM (Celeste)

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 12 on 5/19/2020
The moment of decision must come at last....

Author Reply: Larner!

Yes! Some hard truths had to be faced. The Ring War ended well but that is different from ending happily.

MM

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 11 on 5/19/2020
I rejoice that they can have such a ceremony after the uncertainty of the child's birth.

Author Reply: Larner!

So very true! I really wanted a celebration filled with joy after such uncertainty! very glad you like it!

MM

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 10 on 5/18/2020
A difficult thing,to return to face the pain. But Elrond found his heart once more, and there is joy in the new day.

Author Reply: Larner!

"But Elrond found his heart once more." What a lovely way to sum it all up. SO true. Elrond admitting he was mistaken allowed life to flow in his heart once again, preparing for joy. Glad you liked it!

Hope you and your are well.

((hugs)) And thank you for writing!

MM

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 9 on 5/17/2020
It's about bloody time! At least he's finally allowing his heart to overrule his pride.

Author Reply: Larner!

LOL! Yep! Those part Noldorin, part Sindarin Elves can be SO stubborn, especially when their pride is wounded! I remember when I was writing this I had painted Elrond into such a corner that it was going to take a major effort to get him crack to make it believable. Thanks for taking the time to write!

Stay safe! Mellon nin!

((hugs))

MM

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 8 on 5/13/2020
A heavy memory to hold onto, I fear. May there be reconciliation before he leaves Middle Earth, and may he find joy in being reunited with his beloved, so long-lost wife.

Author Reply: Larner!

He will, at least in my story. I always find Elrond heartbreaking. He gives so much to Middle Earth. And loses what he loves most, both Estel and Arwen.

I've thought about writing about the reunion between Elrond and Celebrian but I just don't think I could do justice to the story.

Thanks for taking the time to write!

((hugs))

MM

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