Jay of Lasgalen
· 14 December 2005
· Chapter 3: A Double on the Baby Carriage...
I really liked Celebrían's conviction that *this* was the right time to conceive an elfling (or two). I also liked Elrond's uncertainty when he couldn't connect with the embryo - because we know it works out in the end!
As you may have noticed, I rather like the twins. I just hope that if you ever write their birth, it's a little less traumatic than when I wrote it!
Jay
Author's reply
This was the most fun to write, I admit. I enjoyed it.
I have written the birth (I think I posted part of it in my LJ around Father's Day).. it will be in HLIII at the right time. And yes, less traumatic, definitely!
meckinock
· 14 December 2005
· Chapter 3: A Double on the Baby Carriage...
I was reading the beautiful account of Elladan and Elrohir's conception and thinking what a great gift that would be - for conception to always be a conscious and purposeful act, and for the parents to be aware of the new life from the moment of its conception. But then I decided that what works for Elves, probably wouldn't work for humans. We need accidents and even mistakes, because discovering their meaning and rising above them is part of who we are. But your account of the twins' conception made me regret the callousness and ambivalence with which humnans often regard procreation.
Author's reply
Everything you said is so true... yet I think if we had this level of control, we would also miss out on some wonderful gifts in life. I have four siblings... and neither of the girls were planned (and I wasn't really 'wanted' - third kid in three years was too much). I am glad abortions were not easily obtained, as I would perhaps not be here. We beget callously and thoughtlessly and dispose of any who are inconvenient. :(
Kitty
· 14 December 2005
· Chapter 3: A Double on the Baby Carriage...
Celebrían can’t keep anything from Elrond, can’t she? It’s intriguing how well he knew what she wanted. Maybe he could feel it because he is a healer? Or is that something every married elf knows?
It must have been very worrying for them not to be able to connect with their child at first. What a luck Celebrían’s parents came! Of course, they are among the few who knew the other twin parents.
I loved the part with Celebrían and Glorfindel at breakfast and Elrond’s question about misbehaving! And of course the bets at the end! (Interesting way to bring the younger elves to learn of the history of Doriath and Sirion – especially as Erestor didn’t truly look for this information *grin*)
Thank you for a wonderful story!
Author's reply
I think he new the state of her body because of his healing skills and what she was thinking because of his bond with her as mate. At least, that was my thinking. IT sure was fun though, to have him know she is up to something and come prepared to play.
I also liked advancing their relationsihp to this kind of playfullness. They know each other well and still enjoy the physical/mental components of their bond.
Bodkin
· 14 December 2005
· Chapter 3: A Double on the Baby Carriage...
I love Glorfindel and Celebrian's relationship. They're like the best kind of brother and sister - and they conspire against Elrond in a most delightful way.
Love the romantic, rose-scented set-up - and the fact that Elrond was sufficiently clued-up on her machinations to be .... prepared under his Lord of Imladris robes. Absolutely gorgeous. And I'm so glad to see that the gilt hasn't worn off the gingerbread - they can still drive each other to a frenzy with a touch .... and, of course, to so much more than a frenzy with a little more.
It's just perfect that it's Gil-galad's begetting day. It makes a wonderful link between the generations. Although the complication of 3/32nds-worth of Man, combined with the complication of being twins makes it unlikely that the pregnancy will last a full year.
The instant knowledge of conception is so elf-like - and I'm fascinated by the confusion they feel as the - is it a zygote at the moment? - implants and splits. It would be bewildering - not really there and not ready to make contact. Totally disconcerting for both of them. I love even Elrond and Celebrian being subject to the traumas and insecurities of first time parents.
It's also great that Galadriel and Celeborn can come in and set their minds at rest so easily. The family references and recollections are lovely. What a time of joy.
Author's reply
I like the idea that Elrond has this group of people who loved him this much. To be that powerful and good, and to have had all those losses .. well, clearly something had to outweight that stuff.
The zygote implants at day 3-5 and the 'twinning' happens at 4-12 days, and I admit I got a bit hung up about when the fea would be identifiable and what it would be like when the cells divided to become twins. Did the fea split? Were there two fea the whole time? It was interesting to think about and could become a whole chapter in itself!
Kitty
· 14 December 2005
· Chapter 2: Then Comes Marriage (Celebrian)
She slipped into the dress and then allowing her mother to fasten the clasps, of which there were few. Very farsighted of Galadriel! Elrond will be thankful!
It’s very touching Círdan gave Celebrían the necklace which meant so much for Elrond’s family. Very fitting wedding gift.
As for the beard, I remember in Dreamflower’s „Eucatastrophe“ Gandalf told the hobbits his beard is there for hobbit children to play with it. Why shouldn’t be Círdan’s beard be there for elflings for the same reason? :)
The wedding was wonderful described, and I loved the idea of Círdan speaking in stead of Elrond’s father. He had helped to raise Elrond, after all, and I am sure he is something like a surrogate father to Elrond.
Even more wonderful was the wedding night. I’m a bit envious of Celebrían ...
Oh, and have I to mention the last line left me giggling helplessly?
Author's reply
Part of what was enjoyable in writing this was the chance to bring in some history - all made up, of course - into the story. Like the necklace or Cirdan's 100 year old permission letter. Elves are so long lived that their treasures would be pricelss artifacts (3000 year old pearls? 4000 year old saphhires?).. and for them are just something they held waiting for the right time.
LOL, I was envious of Celebrian too! I am glad Elrond lovd and was loved in return. And good, I hope you giggle plenty in chapter 3 too. :D
shirebound
· 14 December 2005
· Chapter 3: A Double on the Baby Carriage...
How fascinating to think about how brand-new twin spirits would cause such confusion in everyone... and how half-human twins might not be born at the same time as fully elven twins! Wonderful concepts in a wonderful story.
Author's reply
I got rather tied up in trying to reconcile elven control of conception over what we know about human conception, since obviously humans and elves could procreate together. And it allowed for a bit of angst... and Elrond and angst/sorrow seem to go hand in hand :/
daw the minstrel
· 14 December 2005
· Chapter 3: A Double on the Baby Carriage...
Very nice ending. You always think of such interesting questions, like this one about the fea of an identical twin.
I advise the parents to be to get as much sleep as they can now.
Author's reply
Poor Celebrian is either going to be falling asleep or hungry for the next year, I think. This was fun.
Levade
· 14 December 2005
· Chapter 3: A Double on the Baby Carriage...
There is nothing like a tale that makes you smile and feel good, and this is one of those. I want to go back and review each chapter but I did want to say thank you for writing such a "leaves me feeling warm and fuzzy" (and jealous of Celebrian!) story. Your Imladris feels like a very real place and who wouldn't want to be there? :D Thanks for sharing their love story.
Author's reply
Warm and fuzzy is good... I admit I was more than that trying to write it, since I readily admit that being Celebrian would fit in well with my fantasy!
Glad you liked it. ;)
Radbooks
· 14 December 2005
· Chapter 2: Then Comes Marriage (Celebrian)
I am enjoying reading this story very much. It is wonderful to see the two of them at this time of their lives and to see their love and passion for one another. I loved when Celebrian met Cirdan in this chapter and he blocked her view of Elrond... very funny. In the last chapter when they were actually becoming betrothed and they didn't think they were chaponroned and later Celeborn and Glorfindel both teased them that yes they were, that was fun too.
Elrond is always pretty easy to tease though as he's so serious most of the time and to see him in this state is a wonderful thing for Glorfindel especially and I would think that even for Celeborn it is. He loves his precious daughter, but I would think that having her marrry Elrond would be wonderful for him. I remember when Elrond came of age and Celeborn welcomed him into his house, Celeborn was there as he was growing up. If your daughter 'has' to marrry someone, I doubt there is anyone else he would rather have her marry.
Nicely done and I look forward to the final chapter today!
Author's reply
Thanks, Radbooks. I enjoyed writing this time of joy and passion and new love for Elrond and Celebrian... characters become very real to us and I wanted them to have this time of great happiness.
I can't imagine Celeborn and Galadriel not wanting Elrond as a husband for their daughter ... they have known him long and he is of a fine lineage... I think Celeborn just enjoys teasing him :D
SurgicalSteel
· 14 December 2005
· Chapter 2: Then Comes Marriage (Celebrian)
*fans self*
Is it hot in here, or is it just me?
Lovely, really lovely!
Author's reply
Oh, I have a perfect cure *looks out at 6 inches of snow*... would you like a plastic or metal shovel?
However, very glad you liked it. :D
Bodkin
· 14 December 2005
· Chapter 2: Then Comes Marriage (Celebrian)
Or was that lunch the next day?
What a great story - like chilli chocolate. Sweet and rich and hot.
The breathless anticipation - the sheer heart-stoppingness of seeing each other! And yet the maturity and gentleness and consideration for each other and for those around them.
Galadriel's wisdom - just great. I loved her doing Elwing's talk. And hearing of the words of wisdom from Finrod to Celeborn. I'm sure that Celeborn's words to Elrond were different! The dress sounds gorgeous - and I'm glad Galadriel gave some thought to Elrond and his shaking hands when it came to the removal of said gown!
Celebrian raising her adar's hand to repeat her little girl twirl - so sweet. Reminding him that whatever happens she is still his daughter and they share so many things that will never change. Celeborn is actually dealing with all this rather well. (Of course, Elrond makes a pretty good son-in-law. Not to mention being kin - and Elu's heir.) Of course, they've had time - and plenty of it - to get used to the idea.
The presence of Cirdan - and his substitute adar-ing of Elrond - is lovely. As is his beard! And Celebrian's understanding of his pseudo-grumpy enjoyment of the attention elflings give it. The whole build up to the wedding - and the increasing sexual tension between Elrond and Celebrian is beautifully done - and then they sneak off.
My, oh my. Lucky Celebrian. Lucky Elrond. Old enough - or maybe elven enough - (or lustful enough) - not to be embarrassed. What a wedding night! It must have been remarkably hard to write. And possibly even harder to post. Hot. Very, very hot. And yet avoiding ickiness. I'm very surprised they were considering making it to breakfast. But, of course, they were distracted before they got there. It might be rather hard for the other inhabitants of Imladris to get Elrond's attention for a while. But I'm sure they'll be able to manage.
I'm sure I've forgotten all sorts of gems - like Celebrian's necklace - and Glorfindel - and their total unawareness of what they were being fed - and the dance. But well done.
Author's reply
I enjoyed the mother-daughter time, I admit. Galadriel and Celebrian (in my world) are very different in some ways and yet alike in others. Celebrian and Celeborn are fun to write together - she has her adar twisted right around her little finger - merry elves, who enjoy a good laugh.
This was remarkably fun to write, although admittedly cold showers were useful at times. I was nervous to post it, as I thought that first, it was too much and second, it wasdn't good enough. Not exactly my genre, after all!
Elrond might be surprised to learn at some later date that a casket of wine broke open and flooded the kitchen, causing elves to slip and fall and wipe out an entire set of glassware and at least a few of the dishes aboutto be served; that Valandil's men imbibed a bit too much of the wine and Glorfindel had to stop a rather tipsy archery contest before someone really got hurt and then a contingent of warriors had to ride out to take out some orcs. He really was blind that night to everything but his bride!
The Karenator
· 14 December 2005
· Chapter 2: Then Comes Marriage (Celebrian)
Well, when the spaniel heard you wanted to hear from her, there was no leash strong enough to hold her back. All I can do is apologize.
I give you Chapter Two by Danielle Spaniel:
It was a beautiful day in Imladris, the home of Elrond Peredhel, the lord of luscious gardens, silvery waterfalls, and towering trees with a lot of different, but inordinately nice names. This was her wedding day, the day she had dreamed about for so long she had forgotten when she started longing for the day when she would become Mrs. Peredhel. Now the day was finally here. Celebrían Celeborniel would have a new name, a new life, a new role as the lady of the house, the gardens, the silvery waterfalls and the towering trees with a lot of different, but inordinately nice names. She loved Elrond with all her heart, so much in fact, she vowed to learn the names of each and every towering tree.
Their courtship had not been an easy one. The moment she had laid eyes upon his beautiful visage, she fell head over heels for him. For more years than she liked to count, she had waited patiently for him to get over the melancholy of his soiled memories from wars, deaths, desertions. A shadow of despair had hung about him like a cloak that dragged the ground in a willowy shroud. Celebrían did not give up; she did not desert him during his crepe hanging years. She persevered. Today was her reward for loving him no matter the distance he put between them, no matter the unshed tears he held close to his wounded and bleeding heart, no matter how hopeless he seemed in his cloud of pain and isolation. He'd get over it.
With the aid of her beautiful, golden-blonde, psychic mother, Celebrían donned her exquisite wedding dress of a delicate blue as silvery as a waterfall in moonlight. A wreath of tiny, sweet flowers of white and palest sapphire sat upon her head like a crown fit for the queen of a fragrant and butterfly-blessed garden.
Celebrían arrived at the beautifully and tastefully decorated porch hung with twinkling lanterns, swags of plaited honeysuckle, nodding roses and the cheery faces of white and yellow daisies. From the gasp of the assembled crowd, she knew the finest flowers of all Imladris dimmed in her presence.
The murmur of the crowd rose to a jubilant clamor as the people who would soon be her people greeted her, *but her ears were too long accustomed to the sounds of celebrating elves to be disturbed by the noise. She enjoyed it, she thrived on it. It was part of the very fiber of her being, just as the mad pace of being important was part of her. It would be impossible for her to live without it.*
She joined in the revelry with *her quick laughter; the sudden flash of diamonds set in rich azure eyes; her way of understanding what was behind what people said, who they were, why they were, what they were and weren't and dreamed of being. Celebrían was a magical elf woman in a marvelous world.* She would stand at the side of her beloved as his most valuable asset in ruling the most peaceful, the most beautiful, the most welcoming of all elven realms, the Last Homely House for all weary travelers and poor relations, the descendents of Elrond's twin brother, Elros, long dead, but still held with much love in the hearts of those who knew him. She was not bothered in the least by the smelly, mud-splattered kin of her dear Elrond's brother; every family had one or two.
Her pleasure with being the center of attention suddenly disappeared as the man of her dreams approached from the dark shadows of the main corridor off the fern-decorated atrium to emerge as brightly as the sun coming from behind dark, misty, gray storm clouds. Her breath caught as she looked upon the tall, dark, incredibly beautiful Elrond Peredhel. His hair gleamed in the light, dark and as sleek as obsidian, as if in appreciation for his love for her. Powerful shoulders could not be hidden under the thick folds of the luscious, soft, deep-blue velvet of his formal robes. Soon, she reminded herself, soon she would have the privilege of seeing what was under those obscuring swaths of fabric. Her face burned, but she could not help that her eyes traveled the length of his solid, muscular body to the place of his hidden delights. There was nothing more she wanted than to fall into his well shaped arms, naked and vulnerable to his lovemaking. His eyes darkened with desire as she gazed upon him; his desire was for only her. Her breath left her as quickly as a startled rabbit rushing to hide itself from a falling star so bright it lit the night sky like a torch. Her whole body was alight, alight for him and what wonders awaited her this night when finally she truly joined with this magnificent elf.
At last when the ceremony had been completed and the feast was in full swing, Elrond took her milky-white, tiny hand in his larger, stronger hand and with a smile full of love for the dawn of a new life, he led her to the expertly and professionally decorated chambers she would now call her own. So filled with desire for her, Elrond could not wait for her to find out which drawer her nighty had been lovingly placed in by her own stunningly beautiful mother, but pulled her to him with a passion that had simmered for hundreds of years like kettle set to boil.
His mouth crushed hers and a wave of desire crested over her like the sea rushing to caress the shore. Fingers nimbly worked the tiny closures of her silvery-blue, fabulously embroidered wedding dress until suddenly she found herself standing naked in a puddle of silk as shimmery as a lake in the midsummer sun. Just when she thought she could no longer trust the strength of her legs, Elrond swept her into his arms as easily as if he had scooped up a perfectly-made doll of the finest china from the Far East where the Easterlings lived, but they were enemies, and such china was hard to get there over the Misty Mountains in Imladris where she was now the lady of the house.
His hands were like fire brands, branding her as his own, as he roved over her pearl-white skin, claiming her. Celebrían touched and tasted him to her own delight, running her hands over the defined muscles of his chest, the hard sculpted curves of his arms and through the downy silk of the hair that ran from his adorable navel all the way home. And it was indeed a home run. Several, in fact. Never again would she be alone, nor would Elrond ever feel abandoned or mournful for all the dead people in his life. She would be with him always, loving him, being loved by him, and as his wife, the lady of the house, she would reign supreme in happiness and wallow in bed with him until somebody made them get up. Or until orcs attacked. And she did have all those inordinately nice tree names to memorize.
Danielle Spaniel
*Denotes paraphrased lines from the works of the real Danielle Steel. Tweaked without permission and most likely to the horror of the author. Let us hope she never reads this, and if she does, takes it as compliment that she's the queen of the romance genre.
Author's reply
ROFLOL! It has been a more than two decades since I read a Danielle Steele novel, and only a few at that.... and those lines are priceless. She is the Queen, I bow to her superior use of descriptive adjectives - azure, obsidian, pearl? I am so boring!
Pat Danielle Spaniel on the head for me. Two bones for this prize. Good dog!
Siorah
· 13 December 2005
· Chapter 2: Then Comes Marriage (Celebrian)
Wonderful!!!! I love this story arc. I am always impressed by your writing, your talent is great. I hope to read more from you soon.
Many Thanks!
Kathleen
Author's reply
Thanks, Kathleen - glad you enjoyed it!
meckinock
· 13 December 2005
· Chapter 2: Then Comes Marriage (Celebrian)
I had something to say about the conversation between Galadriel and Celebrian but I seem to have forgotten what it was.
Author's reply
Oh, and here I thought that mother-daughter moment was one of the better parts of the chapter. Well, I suppose some of the later events were a little distracting...
meckinock
· 13 December 2005
· Chapter 1: First Comes Love (Elrond)
Oh, I can't imagine being greeted by cheers and singing after such an intimate moment. So much for privacy! Could Galadriel have had something to do with Celeborn's sudden case of boredom? As in, "Honey, if you don't stop stalking Elrond and Celebrian I'm never going to have grandchildren. Knock it off, at once."
Author's reply
LOL, I think it actually went something just like that! She thought Celeborn was enjoying himself just a little too much. :D
Karri
· 13 December 2005
· Chapter 2: Then Comes Marriage (Celebrian)
A beautifully written day. :-) The description were very vivid.
Author's reply
LOL, thanks Karri.
Karri
· 13 December 2005
· Chapter 1: First Comes Love (Elrond)
Elrond has my sympathy at the beginning; it is understandable that he would hesitate, but soon he is happy and steaming. Glorfindel and Celeborn were in fine form here! Adored them! :-D
Author's reply
Elrond is fortunate to have good friends :D
The Karenator
· 13 December 2005
· Chapter 2: Then Comes Marriage (Celebrian)
So...how many times did you have to run out into the snow while writing that? I missed reviewing the first chapter, but I enjoyed it. Boy, have I mentioned lately that I love Glorfindel? Since you've got dibs on Elrond, perhaps I can put in a bid for the blond guy?
This was a sweet chapter. The wedding was beautiful! I could see it! I had to cover my eyes for the wedding night, but it was great...I'm told. I didn't peek...much. Very well done. Sweet, intimate and...well, a snow melter.
In fact, I think I'll go read it again. Are you sure there's only one more chapter? I think you're good for several more. :>)
Really!!! enjoyed both chapters.
Btw, the Ray's dog has a friend...Danielle Spaniel. I had to beat her off with a Milkbone to keep her from reviewing this. Bad dog.
Karen
Author's reply
Btw, the Ray's dog has a friend...Danielle Spaniel. I had to beat her off with a Milkbone to keep her from reviewing this. Bad dog
Nononononono!
I want a review from the dog, really!
Glad you liked it, and yes, cold showers are very very helpful. Have I ever mentioned I want to be Celebrian?
Hotaru9
· 13 December 2005
· Chapter 2: Then Comes Marriage (Celebrian)
Lovely chapter! It takes a good writer to write a love scene. I love the ending with Elrond and Celebrian not showing till lunch. They deserve it though. I also like Cirdan. I always wondered how Cirdan would have reacted to Celebrian and the twins and it's entertaining to see that he is still gruff on the outside but loving on the inside. He is such a great mentor. I wonder why he has a beard though...
On the other hand, relating to reviews. To make a long story short, I basically switched over to Stories of Arda when you made it. But I didn't know that you didn't have to have a profile to review. So I have read all of your stories, I just didn't know how to review. I didn't make a profile because I don't write stories. But I finally figured out how to review and so it's fine. I didn't leave any review at FF.net because it seemed as though you didn't update there as often. But I got it figured out now.
I can't wait for the ending! Will we see the begining of elfings or is that too soon?
Author's reply
Lovely chapter! It takes a good writer to write a love scene.
I am glad you liked it. I don't write many love scenes and never this graphic, so I admit to being a little nervous about posting it.
Reviews are always appreciated, but never required, but I am glad you have found your way around SoA now.
I can't wait for the ending! Will we see the begining of elfings or is that too soon?
I will leave you in suspense until tomorrow :D
French Pony
· 13 December 2005
· Chapter 2: Then Comes Marriage (Celebrian)
Celebrian seems very relaxed for a bride on her wedding day. No emergencies, no suddenly missing objects, no last-minute meltdowns. I guess that's what happens when you have Lady Galadriel herself planning the wedding. Everything goes according to plan. Or else.
And you did have Cirdan standing in for Earendil! I remember that you had mentioned something about that, and I was glad to see him there. I love how Celebrian takes advantage of being princess for a day and pets his beard. You know Cirdan likes it. He wouldn't keep the beard if he didn't like curious young elves petting it.
That was a lovely wedding, though rather calmer than the one I imagined.
Author's reply
I figured if you put Galadriel in charge of anything, it will go off without a hitch merely because she willed it to be so. I admit I also enjoy writing her as a mother, however - making Celebrian's day wonderful for her.
I had picked Cirdan back in HLII, which made sense in my world, since he and Gil-galad has raised Elrond and Elros. I did think about Glorfindel though, too. Glorfindel is, btw, a wonderful character. He shows up for these great moments and then disappears when he is not needed. I think perhaps he stood guard outside their door with sword drawn, ensuring no one bothered them.
They needed a calm wedding to prepare for the night :D
daw the minstrel
· 13 December 2005
· Chapter 2: Then Comes Marriage (Celebrian)
I want Elrond to make love to me like that!
Nice chapter, Nilmandra. They're joined body and soul, and the sex is much more intense because of the control they exert and the depth of relationship they bring.
Author's reply
I want Elrond to make love to me like that!
Hehe - no way, this is my fantasy!
shirebound
· 13 December 2005
· Chapter 2: Then Comes Marriage (Celebrian)
*sigh* This is lovely, Nilmandra.
Author's reply
*grins*
I am glad you liked it.
shirebound
· 13 December 2005
· Chapter 1: First Comes Love (Elrond)
“Gil-galad did not intend to die, your parents did not wish to leave you, and Elros could hardly have chosen other than he did. But the fact is they did leave you and each took a piece of your soul with them. If you bind to Celebrían, she will hold your heart, as you will hold hers. Do you trust her? Do you want to live again, both giving fully and receiving fully?”
What a wonderful, wise friend. It's such a joy to read of love, romance, and happiness in Elrond's life.
Author's reply
I am glad you liked it... I love Glorfindel. He is such a good friend. I admit that I am writing a bit over my head here, but I so want Elrond happy. Too much of his life was tempered by sorrow.
Dot
· 13 December 2005
· Chapter 1: First Comes Love (Elrond)
Ah, so this is what you do to keep warm during those cold winters… ;-)
What a wonderful surprise it was to see this here today. I love outtakes! Next I want to see the bloopers :-) I just loved the scene between Elrond and Glorfindel, especially the sense that they know each other so well and the way they watch each other, each trying to figure the other one out. Plus I enjoyed seeing Elrond start to wonder if he was in trouble! So Glorfindel finally ran out of patience, eh? Actually, what’s so great about this is that he seems to have waited until the exact time - when he knew Elond needed to and could deal with this. And now he’s going to push that elf until he comes to his senses! I particularly like the way Elrond, despite not knowing what this is about, decides to put his trust in his friend and open himself up to him – because he knows that Glorfindel will only ever have his best interests at heart. The glimpse of what Imladris means to Elrond is lovely. I like the idea that it has slowly settled into what it is truly meant to be. Except for what’s missing, of course! Glorfindel is that friend that we all want to have or to be. He can provide comfort through his mere presence, he is gentle in his rebukes but isn’t afraid to blunt. He provides clarity but isn’t judgemental. And he understands Elrond so completely that Elrond doesn’t need to voice anything that causes him pain. I feel for Elrond in his fear of allowing himself to love someone so deeply that he opens his heart to the possibility of being hurt again, and I’m so glad he has a friend to help him see what he’s doing to himself and to Celebrían and see too that if he doesn’t live fully, he isn’t really living at all.
I do love your Celebrían. She clearly has such depth and such understanding of Elrond, and possesses great selflessness. But she’s also feisty and playful and self-confident and passionate. She makes me laugh to see her tempt and tease Elrond. What a wicked thing she is, almost landing Elrond in trouble with Celeborn! But then, I suppose she doesn’t want her adar to get bored either ;-) The idea of chaperones is hysterical but I laughed out loud at how much enthusiasm Celeborn brought to the job! Poor Elrond. But I’m sure he would have known pretty quickly if Celeborn really didn’t want him near his daughter…
Funnily enough, one of the things I liked most in this chapter is the reference to Glorfindel giving up his seat for Celebrían. There’s something very heart-warming about everyone accepting what will happen and already adjusting to her new role in Imladris.
Lovely poem! Everyone’s turning into poets these days. Is there something in the water over there or what??
The betrothal was just perfect. I love how you write their desire for each other – there’s such passion and need but it’s clear that it all stems from a love that is burning brighter each day while still running deep. Elrond did an admirable job of keeping control, especially when faced with a saucy little minx like his wife-to-be! Looking for burn marks! LOL! I admit I laughed too when they couldn’t fully give in to their desire, even though I knew I should be feeling at least a little sorry for them…
This bit is beautiful: Her presence gradually flowered in his mind, filling him, and he gently pressed into her thoughts, whispering words of love into her soul. It really reaffirms the specialness of their bond and the strength of their love.
I’m still laughing at the fact that the whole of Imladris knew about this! Elrond should be reassured by their happiness for him.
“And you were chaperoned.” ROTFL!! Evil author. I thought the Noldor, Teleri and Vanyar blessings was a lovely touch. And having Círdan’s permission for the last century is both touching and rather poignant. I was glad to see Celebrían lighten the proceedings. Very clever attempt to shorten the betrothal period! I got great delight from seeing the relationship between Celebrían and Celeborn – even if she can’t get away with quite everything with him! The love and playfulness you write between them is always wonderful to see. I don’t blame Elrond for wanting a daughter of his own – and I somehow don’t think he’d really mind if she wraps him around her finger :-)
The ending is so lovely. A betrothal year or not, these two are already almost as one.
This is so great, Nilmandra! I can’t wait for the next chapter (and I bet Elrond and Celebrían can’t either!).
Author's reply
I am glad all these nuances of relationship come through! I love your reviews for that, Dot. You're like rubber - I shoot the idea off and you bounce it back and I know if I was understood :D
I love my Celebrian, as you know, because I want to be her. She loves Elrond and has waited for him, and fortunately for Elrond, he has a friend like Glorfindel who knows just when to push.
Some of this was hard to write, given what we know of the future, but its also been very helpful to me as I write their reunion. I so want to see Elrond happy and at peace.
Thank you for the review!
Jay of Lasgalen
· 13 December 2005
· Chapter 1: First Comes Love (Elrond)
Reading about the courtship of Elrond and Celebrian is rather sad, because we know how it will end. Then I tell myself that they had 2,400 years together, and raised three children, so there is much to celebrate!
I liked the 'chaperoning' theme throughout - though I rather think that if Elrond and Celebrian had wanted to, they would have said 'sod convention' and run off together!
Looking forward to the next chapters.
Jay
Author's reply
LOL, Celebrian would mostly certainly have agreed with the 'sod convention' philosophy. I mean, heck, she had waited over a thousand years!
I hope you enjoy the rest. I don't usually write this kind of story and I'm in unchartered waters!