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Ripe for Change by Bodkin	77 Review(s)
Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 3/15/2006
I love the hints of resumed intimacy, the trust the two of them are beginning to show one another once more, the mutual wish for healing I see. Author Reply: At the end of her time in Middle-earth, Galadriel was worn very thin and finding it difficult to endure. I see Celeborn sending her ahead as much as her choosing to leave him behind. But, by the time he sailed, Celeborn was suffering the same kind of erosion - and Galadriel knows what he needs to help him heal.

Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/15/2006
Oh, my, praising the works of Eru and the Valar in the altogether and realizing that they are perhaps not quite as alone and isolated at they'd thought? Could become very interesting.... Author Reply: I do like Celeborn and Galadriel - their relationship must have been so strong. And they would never have lasted the ages without a powerful understanding of each other... which includes being able to play!

perelleth	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 3/15/2006
Don't worry if you`re not sure whether this is finished, or nearly, or not yet, we do not mind at all, as long as it keeps flowing with such rich scenes. Oromë's guest appearance was great, the awe inspiring Vala, even for those who live there was really well managed.. why! even I was impressed! I liked the scene between Bórdain and Glorfindel. They seem so similar to each other, despite their apparent differences. And pointing out that Glorfindel was used to going against the current was very amusing, apart from true!! Author Reply: I did think I could get them there and just leave them to get on with building their new haven ... but the end just didn't feel end-y enough. And there's a bit more that clearly needed to be another chapter. But, on the other hand, I really don't want this rambling on indefinitely! Bordain introduced the idea of Orome earlier when he was talking about the days before the Great Journey - and I couldn't help but feel that he would both appreciate and be poleaxed by the arrival of the Vala. I'm glad you thought he was impressive. It must take a lot to impress an elf! Those from the days of the Two Trees would be a bit more accustomed to the presence of the Valar, I think, but even then... Bordain and Glorfindel do have something in common, I think - both very ancient and powerful - although I think Glorfindel is more aware of his power than Bordain. Thank you - I'm glad you're enjoying it ... to the extent of wanting more, too!

daw the minstrel	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 3/15/2006
Well, I'm eager to find out what this new home will be like. I wonder why the man are more drawn than the women. It does look like sea longing, like compulsion, like a drug almost. And yet it's right. Author Reply: The notorious male inability to multi-task? I don't know that I've come up with a convincing reason. Galadriel's Noldor/Vanyar blook might make her a little less susceptible to the call of the forest - but that wouldn't account for Losgael. Maybe worry lessens the effect. And having spent longer west of the mountains in the case of the so-far-only-mentioned Haldir. A new effect, not previously identified: forest-longing! Author Reply: Galadriel's Noldor/Vanyar blook Blood. I meant blood. I don't know that her blook would have any effect on anything.

Imrahoil	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 3/15/2006
Orome, surprise, surprise (for me). Perhaps I should read to the end before commenting and perhaps I should better stop guessing, I'm always that far from the mark. Author Reply: Orome was mentioned when Bordain was first introduced to Galadriel's horse. (Who would have thought the horses would take on such a defining role? Not me! Not at first, anyway.) Guessing is fun. I'm glad to keep enough mystery to make you guess! I always think I'm being terribly obvious! Thank you for reading and commenting.

Imrahoil	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 3/15/2006
I can't remember, are Elu and Melian accounted for? If not then we know now, don't we? Author Reply: You sort of feel that Elu and Melian must have their own place, don't you? Elu has been gone over two ages - and others have returned more swiftly. And Melian must be waiting for him... The trouble is, he is such a strong character. I'm not sure I want Celeborn to return to Elu's sidekick. I'm not sure Celeborn wants to return to Elu's young kinsman. I'm sure Galadriel doesn't want to return to learning at Melian's feet. And yet, they must be somewhere...

Raksha The Demon	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 3/15/2006
Interesting story - you rise well to the considerable challenge of writing a story about life in what is, essentially, Paradise. Good to see that things have changed somewhat in the Blessed Realm since the young, rebellious Artanis left it. Wonderful description of Orome and his interaction with the Elves! Author Reply: I enjoy writing in the Blessed Realm - it may be elven Paradise, but I cannot help but feel that, given the strength of character of many of the elves who dwelt there, there will inevitably have been friction. Probably soothed considerably by putting distance between them! The pace of change might have been pretty slow there, but there will have been change - I suppose that's part of trying to work towards paradise. I'm glad you liked Orome. I was doubtful about that for a bit - but it was sort of suggested to Bordain earlier in the story - and he is the Lord of Forests!

Kitty	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 3/6/2006
I look forward to hear more of Bórdain. Interesting character! And Elrond is right: The separation of the kindreds is not wise. They have to get along better in the future, if they don¹t want to end up as the humans in our days! Loved the way the twins lured their grandfather away from his paperwork. They could be right about this being Finarfins way to hold them back from moving west! Sometimes they prove that they are much more intelligent than most people give them credit for. And the document titles ... rofl ... I'd probably doze off if I had to read them. Well, the twins will make sure the steadily stream of paperwork will dry up considerably in a short time, of that I am certain! Thank you for your explanations in the reply to "Long Memories" - of course I was interested! And after reading it I sat here and could see Taryatur and Oropher breathing fire at each other snicker Author Reply: Bordain has rather taken over here - Goerfer was supposed to be the main addition, but he just turned out to be far less interesting than Bordain! Elrond is right - but achieving harmony is enough to keep him busy from now until the end of days. Could be a good thing, I suppose. Stops him from brooding! And he is patient and persistent, so he might just get there - with a little help from his friends and relations. Finarfin spent a long time divided from his daughter - he's had her back about 600 years or so - and Celebrian in the Blessed Realm for a millennium or so - and I suspect he is dragging his feet a bit. Once they cross to the new realms, they will be back to visit - but it's not the same as having them living in the neighbourhood. The twins are intelligent and adult elves - they are quite capable of taking on the roles of their father and grandfather, but, I suspect, they don't see why they should bother when Elrond and Celeborn already fill them so well. And, of course, elves don't get old and retire. It must be frustrating if you are a go-getting up-and-coming young elf - and I think one of the ways the twins have dealt with it is to appear to have had a very protracted adolescence. But it is an act - although I'm sure they will have a way of reducing the paperwork involved! (I suspect Elrohir will read it and then Elladan will dispose of it!) I can get a bit carried away in replying at times - it helps me work out the reasons why various things are set up as they are, too! I was rereading some old Reflections the other day - and thinking that some things that were originally established more or less as a joke or a throwaway line have become quite important plot points in this world. (And a few things have edged away from the early assumptions, too!) Thank you, Kitty. I'm glad you are enjoying what happens in this version of the Blessed Realm!

perelleth	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 3/5/2006
First, apologies for the delay. Things -and me- have not been much right, so I lagged well behind... ( Never before had I seen my perelleth inbox so full! ) I knew it was only a question of time before you returned to this, after Arwen and all, and I was very glad to see an update. I like the story per se, but, let's be honest, the glimpses of Finrod are a major treat to me! I am so glad for Celeborn that things are finally clearer for all. He indeed neds engaging into something that satisfies the "doer" and "mover of things" within him. His wondering whether Galadriel would follow was so sweet! After all those years -and their parting! Yet, I cannot help but feel happy for Finarfin and Olwë's people too. They must have sighed in relief as soon as those powerful, somewhat quarrelsome and "know-it-all", restless relatives from beyond the sea finally decided to move a bit apart... Their life-styles must have clashed at times, even if they are all patient and wise enough not to let show... ‘It is your sister who tried hardest to seal her home away from the outside.’ Ah! Gentle-elf Finrod, refraining from answering the impudent youth that she was only putting to practice what she learned from Thingol!!!! They are wise, this Eldar, aren't they? ;-) Author Reply: Good to hear from you - I hope things aren't too frantic! When the Arwen story went into full flow it stopped me thinking about this one - but it's got to find a solution somehow! You like seeing Finrod? I'm just doing something else that features him a bit... It's amazing easy to start these projects, I find! Celeborn is not one who could sit on a cloud playing the harp. The fear of having to do that is probably one thing that kept him east of the sea for so long. Now he knows he is needed to do the same old job in a new location he is much happier - after all, he has moved around a fair bit, supporting, guiding and defending his people. And he and Galadriel, (I reckon), have a much greater understanding of and tolerance for each other's needs than is often shown. Well - they're grown-ups: they wouldn't make their co-dependence obvious in public! It must have been a relief to get separate development set up so nicely. There can't have been a wood east of the Pelori that didn't have its contingent of elves from over the sea - and even the elves of Aman must have found niggles escalating into rather stronger reactions. Mind you, Elrond is right that they need to work together and develop understanding - both easier and more difficult at a distance. I suppose Elrond could try retaliating to a Doriath-reminder by pointing out that Aman is a giant play-pen for elves .... but they wouldn't. Two very calm and reasonable people of great intelligence. And the age-thing - Galadriel has just (in this new project) been complaining about being looked on as an inexperienced elfling by her adar's advisors. It must be impossible to be a grown up among elves - there's always someone who can come up with an embarrassing nursery story. (Except for Bordain, of course.) Thank you - I'm glad you found time to sit back and take it easy for a few moments anyway.

Redheredh	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 2/27/2006
Oh wow, a new chapter! And the story is still WIP! I am happy. :D I just love Bordain. The civilized (domesticated?) beech tree was a fascinating idea. As was Bordain’s assessment of the three kindreds' characteristic desires. I have always felt the Lindar were like highlanders. ;) His relationship with Celeborn is wonderful too – a very interesting interdependency. C&G’s conversation in the garden was very enlightening in sooo many ways. Lovely inner thoughts about each other and their followers. But, the idea that Tirion was a corrupting influence upon youth made me laugh out loud. I actually like Losgael’s managing ways. Her and Bordain’s walk in the market was very educational and pealed back the top layer of society quite nicely. You reflected on the situation of our modern abundance very clearly. I liked how you held on to the theme of the journey being important, but still having a beneficial end as well. We can choose what we will do with knowledge. That was a welcome discussion between Finrod and Elrond. Unity is important. However, as it is they will be lucky to get - as they say – suspension of distrust. A harmonious future needs more focus than what even Elrond can provide, it seems. Ha! It is your sister who tried hardest to seal her home away from the outside. Thank you for saying that! Anyway, the future is in good hands and minds, thank goodness. And I suppose, slow is to be expected when you are moving a host of any sort. And that was a really enjoyable conversation with Galadriel and Celebrian, too. ;) Like all your dialogs, so illustrative of family and feelings within straightforward events. I love the settings you choose! One almost feels a part of the conversation rather than simply being an observer. The section with Celeborn and his grandsons was very entertaining! E2 does their thing as only they can! The report titles were humorous in themselves for being so close to the real thing. Accomplishing their goal to end the paperwork is just the sort of warm-up challenge the guys need before heading off west themselves. The last scene was absolutely lovely. And loving. A very sweet ending for this chapter. But, what is even better is that we can anticipate at least one more chapter! Author Reply: Thank you! I got on a roll with the Arwen story and this one just decided to bog down for a while ... but I do enjoy writing Galadriel and Celeborn and it doesn't want to end quite yet. I think I know when it will - but every now and then they sort of jump up and surprise me. Bordain is a prime example of a character who comes out of nowhere - he really was never intended to become quite the elf he is. And I just love the complex layers of society stuff that you do so well - there have to have been elves doing all the kind of everyday tasks that are essential to keep society running, but all we ever see, really, is the upper echelons. Then - Blessed Realm, millennia of powerful elves all communing with nature - the world around them must have become more aware than you would expect. Could have been quite shattering for those arriving from over the sea. Shadowlands stuff. As far as corrupting the young goes - what did all the youngsters do? Some of them will have been moral and motivated, of course - but there must have been quite a few sons of the comfortably off and powerful who were searching for a meaningful existence - and Pelthaes had dropped into that world from a very isolated and subsistence kind of life in the woods. I think he would either hate it or dive into it. Elrond is right. (He insisted on making the point.) And they do need to work on understanding - or they will be worse off than they are now. It will not, however, be easy - and it is a very very long-term project. But long-term isn't so good when there are elflings around - I can't help but feel that slowing down and waiting a century or so is worth it if it means you will be around for your grandkids. The twins try to keep it quiet - but they are fully competent and powerful elf lords. I wonder if Galadriel put them up to shoving Daeradar out of the door? Or perhaps Celebrian. And I think they have retained a certain lack of respect for stacks of paperwork! I think that the twins and their parents / grandparents will be sort of alternating periods east of the mountains - serving as ambassadors for their realms. They would probably rather not, but they know it will be necessary. At least one more chapter I think. I'm glad you're still enjoying it enough to be pleased!

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