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The Valley is Jolly  by Canafinwe 81 Review(s)
InzilbethReviewed Chapter: 7 on 11/19/2009
You're done a terrific job here of drawing together all that we later came to know about the activity of the members of the White Council at this time. I personally found your reasoning to be spot on and brilliantly pieced together.

Poor Estel though, my heart aches for him. The only consolation for all his suffering is that you allow us to see just how much Elrond loves him.

Author Reply: I'm glad you like it! The White Council business is only just beginning: they have a considerable task ahead.

I'm afraid Estel's story is only beginning, as well. But indeed, Elrond loves him! There's always that to explore and enjoy.

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 7 on 11/19/2009
An enlightening conversation between Gandalf and Elrond about the Dwarves, Master Baggins, the Dragon and Dol Goldur. It seems a likely one-- they certainly had to discuss their strategy at *some* point, and this seems the most obvious one. It's a shame that they have not yet learned of Saruman's treachery-- I wonder how things would have gone differently if they'd only known sooner...

Poor little Estel!

Author Reply: I'm glad you found the conversation logical and interesting! Indeed, things might have been very different, had they suspected Saruman of treason! Very different indeed.

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 7 on 11/19/2009
Racial memories of the death of Gil-galad and Elendil, perhaps? Perhaps drawn from Elrond's memories, or those of Isildur?

Alas! The child's far-sight could not always be comfortable!

Author Reply: Perhaps. Both quite logical conclusions. I agree: the Sight must have it's perils.

InzilbethReviewed Chapter: 6 on 11/17/2009
Ah that was a lovely, peaceful, and much needed, break from all the earlier tension! I loved it that Elrond was expecting the first words from Estel's mouth to be a question. He certainly knows his young charge very well! Now I hope he gets some much needed rest before the serious business of finding answers to the questions.

Author Reply: I'm sure that Estel must have been exceedingly inquisitive at this age: it's a hallmark of intelligent children. And of course, Elrond and Glorfindel and the others would have been more than happy to oblige him where most topics were concerned.

I'm glad you enjoyed the respite. Serious business indeed lies ahead!

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 6 on 11/17/2009
At least Gandalf is willing to allow him sleep tonight! And Gilraen's heart is at last healing!

Author Reply: Well, Gilraen's making a concious effort at least. Healing can't happen overnight.

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 6 on 11/17/2009
Oh, I'm so glad that Estel is now awake and better-- and that Gilraen has begun to see the folly of her previous attitude towards Elrond.

I'm thinking that this may also be a time when Elladan and Elrohir will now begin to spend more time with their "little brother".

Love the description of Elrond's weariness, and his sons' solicitous attentions-- I rarely see Elrond h/c! Nicely done.

Author Reply: I'm so glad you liked it! Elrond's not infallible after all: even he needs a little loving care from time to time. Happily the twins were on hand to oblige!

I couldn't let Estel lie feverish forever: after all, he's a great deal of fun to write when he's awake!

InzilbethReviewed Chapter: 5 on 11/14/2009
Phew! You can probably hear my sigh of relief! What an exciting chapter! I'm always fascinated by portrays of the Rings of Power at work and I felt you nailed it here. It was fabulous to see these two great lords revealed in all their power and glory for a moment. And I do love your Elrond! His devotion to his young charge is exactly as it should be. You raise an interesting point about Elladan and Elrohir not really knowing Estel yet. Regrettably that seems very plausible. Fortunately for all three sons of Elrond, we know that situation will change in a few years when they 'teach him much of hunting and of war, and many secrets of the wild.'

Thank you for a great read.

Author Reply: I'm glad you like my interpretation of the Rings. Tolkien was rather oblique as to their powers, but he did portray the Three as rings of building and healing.

Regarding Elladan and Elrohir, much as I love the idea of the two of them tearing after a young Estel, I doubt they would have had much leisure to tarry in Imladris during those years. The North was in dire straights, and they most likely would have passed their time in the field. Still, as you say, the time is soon coming when Estel will need their tutelage.

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 5 on 11/14/2009
Hooray! It worked! But what images of evil were brought to living memory! At least Estel is now sleeping properly.

Author Reply: Yes, he's sleeping properly for the time being. The Elven Rings certainly come in handy...

InzilbethReviewed Chapter: 4 on 11/10/2009
This was such a painful chapter to read. The sense of despair you have created is almost tangible and it's even possible at times to forget than we know there's got to be a happy outcome!

And I'm wondering what evil is at work here and how it found Estel.

A very powerful chapter all round.

Author Reply: Thank you! If I was able to make you forget that there must be a happy conclusion, then I've accomplished what I wanted to. Much appreciated!

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 4 on 11/10/2009
She has much envy and frustration to overcome. And certainly the bearer of Narya ought to be able to aid Elrond in the morning.

Author Reply: Wisdom doesn't come easily to everyone: Aragorn is special in that respect. Elrond, I'm sure, will be glad of the help...

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