Growing by catpetal

Reviews (44)

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daw the minstrel · 22 August 2005 · Chapter 14: Growing Rivendell 4

I can understand why Halbarad had to leave the room. I didn't even like picturing that!

Author's reply

Estel took altogether too much pleasure in the lots and lots of blood :))

daw the minstrel · 21 August 2005 · Chapter 13: Growing Rivendell 3

Elrond is right (big surprise). These Dunedain do seem to mature early. I liked the image of the boys playing in the snow and your showing that they're hardy children.

Author's reply

I can't help thinking they must be hardy to survive in their world, Aragorn especially so. It is said specifically that he can look like one of the sea kings of old (and I think it was that line in the book which showed me the romance and power of the character for the first time). I am sure there must have been something like that in him even when he was a boy. Though I do love the moment in the film of FOTR when Viggo - er - Aragorn draws his coat around him more closely with an expression that says "I wish I had warmer clothes on!" Did they have long johns in those days?

daw the minstrel · 20 August 2005 · Chapter 12: Growing Rivendell 2

What a great glimpse of Estel. I particularly liked Elrond's vision of the man he will become. It's like time is folding in on itself rather than staying linear. Actually, that's one of the things I like about fanfiction. We know the characters' ends even when they don't and it gives all their actions a kind of reverberation.

Author's reply

Yes - isn't it wonderful to be able to play with the time like that! You describe what one can do with this fiction wonderfully well. It is fun to unfold a new story and yet still know where the original story ended. Thanks so much for the comments, Daw - they always get me thinking and reflecting, which must be good for the story in the long run.

daw the minstrel · 19 August 2005 · Chapter 11: Growing Rivendell 1

Poor Elrond, knowing the child will leave. But I guess all we parents know that.

Author's reply

I suppose so, though I don't have that experience myself. He suffers a number of huge losses in his lifetime, but makes some great gains too. How strange it must be, to be so old and yet still be at the peak of one's powers.

daw the minstrel · 18 August 2005 · Chapter 10: Growing Bruinen 5

The twins tread a fine line here. They have to let Estel learn and they have to let him develop his strengths because he'll need them. But he's 9. So he also need to be sheltered and loved.

Author's reply

Yes, quite. A fine line for all of them. They have to have the courage to let Estel fail, then be there to catch him when he falls. So far, so good, I think, but Elrohir has found it a difficult task on his own.

daw the minstrel · 18 August 2005 · Chapter 9: Growing Bruinen 4

It's interesting to see Halbarad feeling Estel out here, trying to figure out how much Estel knows and sort of trying out his own knowledge too. He's impressive though. You can see the Dunedain nobility in him as well as in Estel.

Author's reply

The fact that he's older shows, I hope. Older, but less powerful than Estel already is, though Estel doesn't know it yet. He is definitely noble!

daw the minstrel · 17 August 2005 · Chapter 8: Growing Bruinen 3

It's interesting to think of how boys grew up differently, faster I think in ways that counted, in this kind of society. They had real responsibilities, and could contribute real things to the well being of their families. But they were still children.

Author's reply

Absolutely. I was watching a programme about a medieval king who came to the throne very young. By the age of 14 he was leading his army into battle, defeating his enemies and then offering them all pardons. Pretty mature actions for a 14 year old! I have found it fascinating to consider Elrond struggling with the brevity of Estel's life compared to his own. I feel he must see it as a race against time to teach him what he needs to know, which is a great deal, before he goes off into the wild on his own.

daw the minstrel · 17 August 2005 · Chapter 7: Growing Bruinen 2

That must have been a very difficult decision for Elrohir to make, and yet once the man was dead, it was the only sensible choice. It's just hard to change course in the middle of things, I think.

Author's reply

Yes, I am sure it was - and there is a possibility that his decisions not always correct ones. With Estel and now Halbarad under his protection he is having to consider matters from a different perspective now and it's proving a challenge!

daw the minstrel · 16 August 2005 · Chapter 6: Growing Bruinen 1

This is lovely. The brothers make peace in the natural world that supports them.

Author's reply

Wouldn't it be nice if we could all do the same! Exploring these relationships has been a joy and this episode gave me a chance to do that.

Jay of Lasgalen · 16 August 2005 · Chapter 6: Growing Bruinen 1

I first read this story on ff.net, but I'm not able to review it there (the review window won't open.) I'm glad to see the tale here as well. This chapter is a lovely, tranquil interlude between Estel and Elrohir - I love the image of them drifting gently downstream, watching the river birds and fishing. Jay

Author's reply

I'm sorry you're unable to post reviews at ff.net - that must be frustrating. I was unsure about posting it here as well but it is proving a very friendly community, for which I am very grateful. I enjoyed writing this passage and was glad to give Estel some peace after his recent troubles. Thanks very much for the review.

Lisa · 16 August 2005 · Chapter 5: Growing 5

I'm really enjoying this. You have a great gift for writing. The present tense is an usual choice but you write it so easily and fluidly. I'm enjoying these glimpses of Estel but I think what I like most is that I'm also learning a lot about Elrond and his sons. Well done! The only suggestion I'd make is to put 'AU' on it because you've changed undisputable canon by choosing to have Gilraen dead. Just a word of advice because there's always someone who'll complain! Looking forward to more.

Author's reply

Thanks, Lisa - I have amended the description. I thought of putting "she went shopping and hasn't come back yet" but thought better of it! :) I'm glad you like the style. I can't say I really chose it - it just seemed the natural way to go. I am learning a lot about Elrond, too - I just hope his voice is convincing. His sons are fascinating - I hope I have differentiated their characters, though that has been a challenge!

daw the minstrel · 16 August 2005 · Chapter 5: Growing 5

It strikes me that Estel is very self-possessed. He's thinking about what needs to happen and what it all means. Then he tries to do something about it. He doesn't wait for the adults around him to explain or tell him what to do. What a great kid.

Author's reply

Yes, you're right. He is self-possessed, though that does slip from time to time, and it also leads him into trouble. Difficult for Elrond to manage, of course - he must not break his spirit but he must keep him safe. A difficult balancing act, I think.

Amy · 16 August 2005 · Chapter 5: Growing 5

Meep! I can't resist rereading it here! So glad that you're on this archive!

Author's reply

Hi, Amy!! So glad to be here with my little scribblings :) Thanks for the welcome!

Angelelf · 15 August 2005 · Chapter 4: Growing 4

Great story. Extremely moving. I especially like how you have captured the difficulty of a human growing up among elves. Very well done.

Author's reply

I find the idea that Elrond brought up an edain boy quite fascinating. The tensions and stresses of the situation are most interesting to explore. Thank you for the positive fb it is much appreciated. Author Reply: I find the idea that Elrond brought up an edain boy quite fascinating. The tensions and stresses of the situation are most interesting to explore. Thank you for the positive fb. It is much appreciated.

meckinock · 15 August 2005 · Chapter 1: Growing 1

I really like Elrond's POV here. His fondness for Estel and mild amusement at his youthful awkwardness lend a pleasant maturity to this story. I'm looking forward to reading more.

Author's reply

Thank you very much - I appreciate the kind words. I am glad his fondness is coming through since that is, I feel, an essential element in the story and one that I have tried to maintain even when Estel has needed some firm guidance. I hope you enjoy the rest of the story.

daw the minstrel · 15 August 2005 · Chapter 3: Growing 3

Death would be tough for a child raised among elves. They do see it, obviously. They hunt, after all. And Estel's mother is dead in your universe, I think. But it still might feel unnatural.

Author's reply

As I understand it, Elrond is not actually immortal, in that while he chose the life of the Eldar when given that choice, he can still choose to die. Course I may be completely wrong on that! But I think that's true of the twins, too - I seem to remember reading that somewhere. Legolas, of course, really should struggle with the idea of death through natural ageing - that simply is not going to happen to him. Nevertheless, I am sure you are right, and that Elrond would find it very difficult indeed to appreciate Estel's feelings at this loss. Yes, Gilraen is definitely dead, but Estel was too young to know her - in my universe! Sorry, Tolkien.

daw the minstrel · 15 August 2005 · Chapter 2: Growing 2

Elrond's care for his son's feelings is so admirable. Adults laugh at children far too easily.

Author's reply

I completely agree with you. And this little boy is going to need every ounce of confidence Elrond can give him, so that can face the huge trials ahead of him with as firm a foundation as the House of Elrond can give him. Laughing at him would not help - laughing with him, of course, would be a different matter.

insignia · 15 August 2005 · Chapter 3: Growing 3

hi Much enjoyed your story so far. Nice kind of family relationships, and your characters show that they care greatly about their youngest. Seemed also quite real in terms of how a child of that age would respond and the additional load on Aragorn re Elrond's expectations is nicely shown. A little bit of humour might be nice at some point to lighten the events in this chapter up... ? And I often wonder if there are any females in Rivendell. Some sort of female influence on the young Aragorn would be interesting. Females in Rivendell don't seem to feature in many fanfics, unless it's Arwen (not appropriate here, of course). And Gilraen seems to be somewhere else in your story, or is she deceased? I look forward to your next instalment. insignia

Author's reply

Thanks very much for the detailed comments - they are most helpful and encouraging. There is humour in the story, I promise - well, I hope there is! Just not in this chapter, I think. It begins seriously but there are lighter moments. And yes, I am a little worried that there is no female influence here. It just doesn't seem to fit this particular story, though I have no idea why. Maybe I will work on that in future chapters. I have omitted Gilraen, too, which perhaps I should have noted in the story description. Somehow, quite unfairly I am sure, she seems in my imagination something of a killjoy. Not much of an excuse, I know, but there it is! I hope you continue to enjoy the story. I have enjoyed developing this little world very much and I am glad to have an audience for my ramblings :)

daw the minstrel · 14 August 2005 · Chapter 1: Growing 1

Oh, I'm so glad to see this story here. I can't believe how well you do with first person, present tense. Elrond's voice comes through so strongly. What a wonderful father he is. And Estel is the child beginning to emerge into young manhood, but teetering back into tears sometimes. This is a compelling read.

Author's reply

It seemed entirely natural to write in this style, though it can be difficult to maintain! Hunt the misplaced "ed" suffix is a new game of mine. I find Estel fascinating - I want so much to know how he became the man ready to be such a wise, noble and courageous King. It is extraordinarily interesting trying to work out some of the possibilities. Thank you so much for the welcome.