Reviews (20)

PSW · 9 November 2016 · Chapter 1: Quincentenary Comfort

Loved it. :-) Thanks for writing!

LisaG · 18 May 2010 · Chapter 1: Quincentenary Comfort

Very sweet little vignette...I just adore little Estel stories!

nancylea57 · 9 January 2009 · Chapter 1: Quincentenary Comfort

i would trade a necklace for a one night cuddle with that little ray of hope.

Eruanneth_Luin · 1 June 2006 · Chapter 1: Quincentenary Comfort

Elrond is such a great dad! Being part elf with their naturally strong affinity for children, part human giving him empathy for and understanding of mortals, and his Maian heritage allowing perhaps a deeper insight into events to come, combine to produce this loving father figure. Include the personal grief and losses that have been his portion throughout his long life adding profound sympathy to the blend and experience raising three children of his own to face an uncertain future and you round out his character nicely. Thank you, Nilmandra, for another glimpse into the fascinating life of Elrond.

Lady Saruman · 14 May 2006 · Chapter 1: Quincentenary Comfort

What a sweet story! I absolutely love the two characters in this story. Estel eventually found out how his father and grandfather was killed, and surprisingly, he wasn't shocked. It's better that he knows now rather than later because it'll be harder if he found out at an older age. However, we sometimes have to marvel at how much yet how little that youngsters know. For example, when Elrond explained that a little of his wife's tresses are set in the glass of the pendent, Estel was instantly confused about his father having a wife. I obviously didn't expect the son of Arathorn to not know that Elrond had a wife. If he didn't, Elladan, Elrohir, and Arwen wouldn't even part of his life. Since he was young when Gilraen died, and Celebrían had passed to the West, Aragorn of course wouldn't expect men to have wives. Then, Elrond laughed. “Yes, he can. I should have had it fixed when the clasp first came loose, but I do not like to part with it.” That is but a little surprising, since the only reminder of a loved one was all he had left the lord of Imladris would not like to part with it. After all, his only reminder... I absolutely love your stories. Keep writing, Lady Nilmandra! *flashy grin* -Lady Saruman

The Karenator · 8 May 2006 · Chapter 1: Quincentenary Comfort

This is such a sweet story. It's a little snippet in time but it tells us so much about Elrond and Estel's relationship. Comfort after a bad dream is important to a child and though unintentional, Estel offered comfort to Elrond in return. Elrond handled Estel's questions well about Arathorn. I liked the part where Elrond assures Estel that Estel's father and grandfather would be proud of him. It's a wise person who isn't threatened by someone you love loving someone else. There's enough love to go around. Very nice. I enjoyed this.

elliska · 7 May 2006 · Chapter 1: Quincentenary Comfort

Catching up, as usual. This is great, Nimandra. I love your little Estel. You know at some point he had to have this conversation with Elrond, but I love how it ends with him giving as well as receiving a comfort. Very sweet.

Redheredh · 6 May 2006 · Chapter 1: Quincentenary Comfort

Very sweet and gentle... in the most bestest kinda way. I love the way you so simply tell a story about deep and complex feelings. If this is angst, pour it on.

Gwynhyffar · 6 May 2006 · Chapter 1: Quincentenary Comfort

Awwwww I loved this, Nilmandra! Just enough fluff and just enough angst to make it sweet without being sappy. I like how in the end it's Estel doing the comforting. :)

meckinock · 6 May 2006 · Chapter 1: Quincentenary Comfort

What I really like here is Elrond gently guiding Estel while he works what all this new information means and how he feels about it. Elrond was so gently supportive, and yet respectful of Estel's feelings. I like the open conversation about Arathorn - Elrond isn't trying to squelching discussion about him or acting so secretive so that Estel gets the feeling something must have been wrong with his father. Instead of trying to usurp Arathorn, he's helping Estel understand his feelings and make some connection to this man he'll never know. It was really touching when Elrond told Aragorn that it's all right that he doesn't miss his father, and I loved it when Elrond said that if he had sailed, he couldn't have been his ada. I wonder when it was that Elrond first realized that himself. Lovely story. (All this openness just makes it that much weirder that Aragorn never heard a peep about Arwen the entire time he was growing up, though!)

Lianna · 6 May 2006 · Chapter 1: Quincentenary Comfort

What everybody else said. But also, I particularly liked it when Estel said that he did not miss his father and Elrond explained why that was perfectly reasonable. I have known people who lost a family member when they were small and who felt guilty about not missing that person. Elrond very easily and neatly prevented Estel from falling into that trap.

harrowcat · 6 May 2006 · Chapter 1: Quincentenary Comfort

This is a beautifully crafted piece Nilmandra and I enjoyed every word of it. I would like to echo all your previous reviewers. (Not least because it says me typing time! :) ) It must have been hard for Elrond to put the ring around Frodo's neck knowing the weight of that evil as opposed to the weight of the love he carries.

Dot · 5 May 2006 · Chapter 1: Quincentenary Comfort

I thoroughly enjoyed this, Nilmandra! I love Estel seeking comfort and ending up providing it. I was grinning away here as Elrond waited patiently for Estel to creep over to him. He’ll need a lot more Ranger training before he can surprise Elrond! You really do create a very touching image of the two of them – Elrond is so tender, yet is still a source of strength for the child. There are some lovely details in Elrond’s care for him (like warming his feet – loved that!). I guess it was bound to happen that Estel would overhear things not intended for his ears, although it must have been a surprise for Elrond. Still, your Estel seems a very practical child, for all that he’s sensitive enough to have nightmares. I thought Elrond handled him well – reassuring him that he himself would not be killed, though he knows that he can’t say that for certain, and letting him know that he’s treasured. Really, that’s all that Estel needs at this stage. He’s still young enough that when the real world creeps in, the adults in his life can push it away from him again. Oh, I love the idea of the pendant! It shows not only the strength of love between Elrond and Celebrían but I think reminds us of the clarity of elven memory – it means the pain is still there but equally his memory of her and love for her are still clear. It’s also proof of Glorfindel’s love for both of them. He may not truly be able to fix everything but I bet he tries darn hard for those he loves. Estel’s hero worship of him is very sweet. What I also like about this scene is Elrond’s honesty – not only with Estel but with himself. He acknowledges his pain and knows that it’s part of who he is. And even as Estel works things out logically, I think Elrond’s acceptance and hope have probably made a mark on him in some way. “I think I will not dream of orcs and trolls if I stay here, Ada,” he yawned. He patted Elrond’s hand. “And you will not miss Celebrían as much if I am here.” That made me smile. He’s found a good solution there, I think! He’s received the comfort and reassurance and love and attention that he needed, and Elrond has found comfort that he wouldn’t have thought to seek. It’s so touching to think that he can set memories aside for now and accept what this very real bundle of love has to offer. This really is lovely :-)

perelleth · 5 May 2006 · Chapter 1: Quincentenary Comfort

LOL! “I think I will not dream of orcs and trolls if I stay here, Ada,” he yawned. He patted Elrond’s hand. “And you will not miss Celebrían as much if I am here.” Trust the child to find a solution! I liked the pace and the rythm! The whole story sounds like tiptoeing, because of the late hour and the terrible subject, yet in that light manner in which both acknowledged pain and fear, there was, too, the light of hope (Glorfindel shall fix it all! LOL) and their mutual support. I really liked the way you packed that deep meaning in this lovely, almost fluffy (in the best sense) piece. (Bows respectfully)

paranoidangel · 5 May 2006 · Chapter 1: Quincentenary Comfort

Thank you Nilmandra, I love this! A hug from little Estel is enough to cure any of Elrond's pains. I love Estel's straight talking when he tells Elrond that orcs and trolls kill people. I was re-reading this thinking I must point out various things that I loved about it, but my mental list got too long and ended up being pretty much all of it :)

daw the minstrel · 5 May 2006 · Chapter 1: Quincentenary Comfort

He needed to feel that pain every so often That's my favorite sentence in this, I think. Avoiding pain would mean Elrond didn't miss Celebrian, didn't regret what happened to her. The only way not to feel pain is not to feel anything, and Elrond is wise enough to know that. And he does have a nice little boy to share comfort with. :-)

shirebound · 5 May 2006 · Chapter 1: Quincentenary Comfort

This is *so* loving and comforting -- two of my favorite things! :D

Jay of Lasgalen · 5 May 2006 · Chapter 1: Quincentenary Comfort

A lovely story, Nilmandra. Poor little Estel, having bad dreams about orcs and trolls - but I'm glad that the twins weren't to blame. They might make the mistake once of telling him scary stories, but wouldn't repeat it. I loved Estel's surprise when he realised that Elrond was watching him - he probably thought he was creeping in really, really quietly! Nice touch about the necklace, too - and 'Glorfindel can fix anything.' He's a useful elf to have around :>) And happy birthday to Nic, aka Paranoidangel!

Bodkin · 5 May 2006 · Chapter 1: Quincentenary Comfort

Ahh. Little Estel sliding up on Elrond for comfort. Elrond is a very good adar. Nothing seems to throw him - and he is a rock in a very disturbed little life. Promising not to be killed by orcs or trolls might an undertaking he cannot guarantee keeping, but the odds of his remaining safe in Imladris are quite high. Certainly much higher than those that could be placed on Estel remaining in the same condition. Inevitable, I suppose, that an adventurous little boy with Ranger qualities would end up hearing things he shouldn't. Just as he will end up doing things he shouldn't. Breaking the chain was a pure accident, though. I love the jewel more precious than a Silmaril. To Elrond, carrying Celebrian's hair must be a comfort and a promise. (And providing it is a very Glorfindelish piece of support.) That Estel offers Elrond comfort in his turn is delightful - and a reminder of why he had to stay when Celebrian sailed. Sweet.

Karri · 5 May 2006 · Chapter 1: Quincentenary Comfort

Excellent, Nilm! A sweet, melancholy bit of fluff that I very much enjoyed. *claps* *sniff*