LisaG · 30 January 2010 · Chapter 1: Star Gazing
Sweet little ficlet...I'm a sucker for "little Estel" stories!
Star Gazing by Jay of Lasgalen
Reviews (14)
Eleil · 18 September 2007 · Chapter 1: Star Gazing
AWWWWW! ITS FLUFFY! sorry, Ive been hanging around my friend to long. It is fluffy...but not cliched. I like it...again it rocks!
Celebwen · 29 May 2005 · Chapter 1: Star Gazing
*big smile* Awwwww! =) I loved this. It was so sweet. I love fics that hint at Estel's heritage, but don't give it away to the boy - if you know what I mean. With every fic of yours I read, you move higher and higher up on my list of favorite authors. You're definitely in the top 3, *grin*. Fabulous job, once again, and I'm sorry this is late.
Author's reply
Thank you! I like to write warm, cosy stories for a change. I can imagine Estel's surprise and awe if he realised Elrond was one of Earendil's sons - even without knowing who he himself is. I've said before, I never mind late reviews - it spreads the pleasure out.
Dot · 29 May 2005 · Chapter 1: Star Gazing
I’m so behind with my reviews. Sorry :-( This is just lovely. You’ve captured the restlessness and curiosity of a young child perfectly in Estel, and the relationship between him and Elrohir is so heart-warming to see. I like the little moment where Elrohir feels guilty for not realising that Estel can’t see as well as he can in the dark because it really shows that he’s become so much a part of their family and so beloved that the differences between them are almost unnoticed any more. I loved the image of Elrohir running with Estel in his arms, and even more so the picture of them lying together under the stars. I enjoyed the tale of Eärendil. It was told with great sensitivity by Elrohir and he still managed to portray a lot of its importance without actually going into much detail. Although, if Estel is like most other children, he’ll be telling them all about this story at the breakfast table the next morning so Elrond may just have to provide a little more explanation! I paused for a second at the part about Elrohir and Estel both being descendents of Eärendil. I’d never really thought about that before! But then again, these family trees confuse me no end! The “little brother” exchange was so sweet. I think this is a memory both of them will cherish in years to come. Wonderful job, Jay! :-)
Author's reply
Thank you for your comments - you so often pick up on aspects that I *want* readers to notice! I wanted this to be a moment between just one of the twins with Estel, but still a close and loving relationship. I wanted to show Estel's human limitations being sometimes overlooked - but not through neglect; rather because they forget he's not the same. I think Elrohir left enough unsaid for a clever child like Estel to need to ask questions - but that will be someone else's problem to answer. And yes, Earendil is Elrohir's grandfather; and Estel's great-who-knows-how-many-times-grandfather. And the 'little brother' part - Elrohir pretends he doesn't like it, but I know that Elladan would stop immediately if he thought it really upset his twin!
FirstMate · 27 May 2005 · Chapter 1: Star Gazing
Ah...now this story was lovely! So many charming images that just make one feel better to read them (Elrohir scooping up his brother and running through the woods, the two brothers laying back under the stars, and the sweet little ending when Elrohir admits that he likes to be called "little" brother.") A great short story...thanks!
Author's reply
Thank you. I really enjoyed writing this, it made a lovely change from the angst I put the twins through in 'Till Death Us Do Part'(which you haven't reviewed ...;) I don't want to slap Estel here, which has to be an improvement. Off to read your update now!
Nilmandra · 26 May 2005 · Chapter 1: Star Gazing
A nice moment between brothers, Jay, and one that will have much deeper meaning when Estel is old enough to understand that one of those twins is his own foster-ada and that they are all Earendil's descendents.
Author's reply
Elrohir wisely decided to leave that part of the story untold! It could have been awkward for him if Estel had asked the names of Earendil's sons.
Elena Tiriel · 24 May 2005 · Chapter 1: Star Gazing
Oh, I really enjoyed this vignette, Jay! So sweet and brotherly and loving... - Barbara
Author's reply
Thanks. That was exactly the feelings I was aiming for - just a warm moment between brothers. No angst for once!
elliska · 24 May 2005 · Chapter 1: Star Gazing
Sorry to be so slow in reviewing this. I'm just buried with work. I love little Estel and his brothers--even when his brothers forget he can't do everything they can. How easy that would be. But Elrohir recovers well. I loved the stargazing--that is a favorite activity of mine too. And the story of Eärendil from Elrohir is too sad. Eärendil watches over them all, keeping them safe Dear little Estel, liking that part better--too sweet! As was the 'little brother' comment. This was wonderful, Jay. :-)
Author's reply
Thanks! I never mind late reviews - it's actually nicer than getting several all on the day I post. Elves always seem to have a special affection for starlight, so I thought Estel would pick this up. And who better than one of Earendil's grandsons to tell the story? The 'little brother' teasing is a running thread I have in nearly all my stories with the twins. Glad you like it!
Olostawen · 24 May 2005 · Chapter 1: Star Gazing
I just loved this little story. Elrohir is such a good big brother! You do such a wonderful job of capturing the bond between Elrohir and Estel, as well as the bond between Elrohir and Elladan. Though this story is short and light-hearted on the surface, it contains much depth. The story of Elrond's parents always tugs at my heart.
Author's reply
I think both twins would be great big brothers, but wanted this to be an Elrohir/Estel moment. I like to show that despite the close bond between the twins, there is room for others as well. I deliberately gave an edited version of Earendil's tale - suitable for Estel - but left unsaid the weight of loss and sadness behind it. There's enough information for readers who don't know the story, and it's unnecessary for those who do.
Bodkin · 24 May 2005 · Chapter 1: Star Gazing
I love Estel being 'little brother' to Elrohir, just as Elrohir is 'little brother' to Elladan. Although the amount of littleness is considerably bigger - millennia compared to minutes. And Elrohir is a very good big brother - caring and encouraging. I like the simplified version of Earendil's story, bowdlerised for infant ears. A lovely story.
Author's reply
Estel's only about seven here, so he got the edited version of Earendil's tale. Elrohir didn't want to give him nightmares, so he left out the scary parts. No giant spiders here! As Elrohir has frequently pointed out - loudly - he and Elladan are exactly the same age, thank you very much, and being born a few minutes later does not qualify him as a little brother (but he loves it really!)
Rhapsody · 24 May 2005 · Chapter 1: Star Gazing
I love this little tale! Not only because how carefully Elrohir looks after his little brother Estel, but also how you let Elrohir talk about Eärendil and his descendants. Elrohir is a half-elf like Eärendil, but closer in the family, while little Estel comes from the line of Elros. Estel smiled. “I like that part better. I like the idea of Eärendil watching over everyone.” He yawned suddenly, and Elrohir got to his feet, pulling his brother up. Even Eärendil is watching over him. Now... I am curious how Elrohir is going to tell Estel about his lineage with Eärendil... Thank you for sharing this! It made a wonderful and pleasant read in the morning.
Author's reply
Elven family trees are complicated. Two 'brothers', one elf (or 3/4 elf!), one human, separated by so many generations. I don't think it will be Elrohir's job to tell Estel who he is. That's up to Elrond - and Gilraen. I didn't mention her in this story, but she's around. Thanks for reviewing!
Larner · 23 May 2005 · Chapter 1: Star Gazing
If only all such sibling relationships were as pleasant.
Author's reply
Yes, if only! Your comment sounds horribly like the voice of experience - and my son and daughter squabble continuously. I suppose elves are above petty rivalries!
French Pony · 23 May 2005 · Chapter 1: Star Gazing
That was cute. I especially liked the way you wrote Estel. You've really captured the way a child thinks and talks, and I especially liked the way he alternated between being impatient to run ahead and a little afraid of the dark when he gets permission to run ahead. And I think that the way that Elrohir told the story of Eärendil was just right, perfectly framed for a child's perspective. I think the story as a whole might have been tighter without coming right out and saying how Elrohir and Estel were both descendants of Eärendil -- just implying it instead -- but that's my personal taste. Otherwise, this is a very nice story.
Author's reply
Estel's very young here - only about seven or so. So he's excited about being out at night with his big brother, but scared as well. Elrohir's tale was the edited version - without the bit about Elwing leaping off a cliff, and all the kin-slaying. He didn't want Estel to have nightmares! I wondered how much to say about who Earendil's descendants were, but thought that many people wouldn't know, or not been sure (even Daw said she'd forgotten!)
daw the minstrel · 23 May 2005 · Chapter 1: Star Gazing
I really like how kind and understanding Elrohir is with Estel. That moment when he picks him up to run is great, as is his faint guilt that he forgot about Estel's weaker night vision. Also I'm embarrassed to admit that I forgot that Estel too was a descendant of Earendil. That was a lovely moment of insight for me.
Author's reply
I think the twins would have been great big brothers to Estel. I also think he'd have been very good for them - someone to love and care for when they were not off killing orcs. Family trees in Tolkien can be difficult - especially elvish ones. All those generations on Estel's side, and only two on Elrohir's!