Galathil · 4 November 2021 · Chapter 18: Good News
Dear perelleth. Have come across and read this lovely story. I am hoping that you and your muse, will finish it someday. Galathil
Droplets by perelleth
Reviews (143)
Antane · 25 January 2020 · Chapter 14: Healing. (Who Heals the Healer?)
What a beautiful story! Le hannon. God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Thank you very much indeed, Antane, I am glad that you enjoyed it! Sorry I missed this, I have been away from SoA for years!
Larner · 20 July 2016 · Chapter 18: Good News
Ah, perfect!
Author's reply
thanks!
daw the minstrel · 17 July 2016 · Chapter 18: Good News
Oh lord, this is beautiful, Perelleth. The language is lovely, but the deep emotion vibrates with life and reality. The moment when we realize he's telling this tale to Ereinion is a great little pivot in our understanding, and it deepens the story because we know that this isn't just some neutral listener. It's someone who would treasure the feelings as part of his own history. Early in the story, you can see how family can drive you crazy. Family has the ability to betray you because you feel you should be able to rely on them. And there's no one like family for knowing where to stick the knife in. But then, by the end, we hear of a family celebration (though not a perfect one) and, of course, father and son are family too. But this: the world stopped, and time faltered, and Arien paused to look down, and even the Aratar felt the stir, Ereinion, for nothing so powerful had happened in Arda since Yavanna brought her trees to life That's my favorite line in the whole story because it's so true. Just wonderful. daw
Author's reply
Hello, Daw! I'm so glad you're still reading! This story must have been sitting in my laptop for close to 10years now! I too love that part...trying to convey how amidst the horrors of life in ME happiness anda hipertexto could be found. I read it as if it wasn't written by me, so long since i had seen that story, and that part really hit me too. Thank you for taking the time to read and review! I really miss those times!
nilmandra · 20 March 2016 · Chapter 14: Healing. (Who Heals the Healer?)
Losing my memory turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as I read this. What really struck me this time was the way that you used Estel as the hope of the elves and the way that you named Aragorn Estel knowing his future. It was the chieftain I was really struck by. And Celebrian. The chieftain, by his relationship to me and yet also my relationship to Elrond . You have longed up so much of my characters and characterizations in the short story but I can see all of them there and I am deeply touched. I wish I could say more but I really am not coherent enough. Just know that my lack of coherence really is a gift that I can't put into words what I mean to say.
Author's reply
Sorry I didn't see this earlier. I'm happy that you liked it. I remember thinking of you ejem writing both the chieftain and elrond, mostly as you have written him along the years. Readinagbyour stories I learned to find deeper meaning in tolkien, and to love these stories more. I'll neve Thank you enough for creating this place
NTGDFIiWsoj · 9 February 2012 · Chapter 3: "In Vino Veritas" (Truth in Wine)
Oh.Em.Gee… I can see a peecrft rose in that droplet of water. That is amazing, Jessica!!! Well done!!! The colors are so vibrant too.
Redheredh · 23 January 2010 · Chapter 17: A Living Ring
You are so good! I really liked the 'ring of words' and 'living ring' literally manifested in the chain of days Amarie had "knitted" together while waiting and watching over Finrod. I wonder if anyone else actually knew of it and her mirrored 'link' to her beloved each day. Since he himself did not... That was very romantic. I was strongly reminded of Arwen watching over Aragorn from a distance and stitching his banner, likely from her hair. There was so much poetry in this piece. So many tangible physical descriptions reflecting the transitions of Finrod's internal state. "Like the sun drawing back the beaded curtain of a spring shower..." was one of my favorite phrases. His following the wren hearkened me back to finding the "Secret Garden". Enchanting. Absolutely, it was Gandalf that called up that storm (besides the rickety shelter) knowing exactly where Finrod would be headed. I like the reiteration of Finrod's "life review" in the restless dream. It certainly aided later in his realization about Amarie's presence during all his trials. I especially liked how you used the set scene of the old/crazy wise-man advising the seeker, who must make sense of seeming nonsense. :) Although, it felt odd that Finrod did not include his own sister in the list of comparably valorous ladies. And the theme of a ring held up throughout nicely, even to the serpents and the lovers' embrace. I was so tickled by the ending. Panning away from the lovers before the scene got beyond the suggestion. *g* A sweet crescendo of the love theme that has been playing in the background along with a fitting The End. Now, that's a lovely 'happily ever after' and a wrap on an epic tail! Whoops! Tale! ;D Very well done!
Author's reply
You are soooo kind! :-) BUt I'm glad you liked it. It was so hard to write! It was there in pieces, and putting them together took a whole month of sitting every day, and still I'm not absolutely happy with how it turned out, but I admit it's the best I can get now. And of course, you've picked up all the tricks, which were very plainly laid there to see, but hopefully not too cliched. I've been thinking a lot lately about the old/crazy guiding the seeker, and the internal conflict and external conflict being linked or mirrored...and awarenoess of it, so it was all obvious but also, I think, necessary for the story. It took Finarfin's words, a storm, a dream, a wren and an obliging forest to get wise Finrod to understand that there is more than personal awesomeness to every deed. everything turned around him in his ow head: I can forgive her because I'm asesome and reborn and forgotten, and I love her... and he had to be shown that it had been the other way around for all that time... or at leat that there is so much at play that we don't see in every life that our understanding is always limited ;-) Galadriel is not on his list because he was thinking of strong females and dramatic lovestories. So in FInrod's understanding of the world, it would be Celeborn in that list, even if you and I know differently... :-) Thank you very much again. Now I'm going to turn back to the other pending story.
ellie · 22 January 2010 · Chapter 17: A Living Ring
nicely done!
Author's reply
THank-you, ellie.
Larner · 22 January 2010 · Chapter 17: A Living Ring
How fitting! And trust Olorin to say what he did about what one looks for being behind one's eyes! Love him always! Lovely!
Author's reply
Thank-you, Larner! Olorin/Gandalf is always ready to lend a hand, be it in middle-earth or Valinor! He's useful, but also great to have around. I'm glad you liked it!
daw the minstrel · 22 January 2010 · Chapter 17: A Living Ring
On he rode Finrod the Faithful, fairest and most beloved of the house of Finwë, and he felt that his heart would burst in joy as he hurried at last to his love. With no more doubts in his heart, he went about swift and easy as a questing wind, humming merrily as his nervous steed flew under the starlit skies and across the well-known fields that led to Valmar. That's lovely, Perelleth. Just gorgeous. I read that, then pointed it out to someone else and said wow! Look at that. But how hard it is to let go of old grudges and an old life and begin again. I love the way the natural world matches Finrod's interior one. You personify nature a lot in this piece and it really works to make whole world feel living an breathing. “Oh, you know!” he gestured around vaguely. “Sowing, seeding, planting… a bit of watering, a bit of trimming, a bit of whispering here and there…mainly watching over the new saplings.” I thought that was Gandalf! It sounded so like him. I like the way you included Amarie's skill as a silversmith. And lovely, lovely ending.
Author's reply
You've made my day, daw. I've been struggling with this snippet for months, and it still didn't feel aboslutely finished to me. I'm glad it worked, with the forest and the weather and the Maiar and Amarie all teaming up together to gently nudge Finrod through the last step of healing. Thank-you very much.
MithLuin · 28 February 2009 · Chapter 14: Healing. (Who Heals the Healer?)
It is interesting to think of the different ways mortals and elves deal with loss and find hope. Alas, apple trees are not longlived, so it was a fitting memorial to a mortal man. Beneath aging apple trees, you can find morels, a rather unique (and tasty!) mushroom. Also, trees are knit together of light and air, using the soil as an anchor and source of water and nutrients. But the air is where they find their carbon. (Not that Arahad would have known that, but it made me think of Vilya and the healing power of the air of that valley.) It is good Elrond found healing, and could then offer it to others. I'm sure his sons needed him.
Author's reply
What a wonderful point about Vilya, Mith-Luin, It really stirs imagination, how the natural world is so connected at so many levels with Tolkien's world. Thank-you very much for your review. They are always deeply appreciated.
Larner · 8 December 2008 · Chapter 16: Not Even The Wise...
Ah, in my version there are many, including Galadriel and Gandalf, who make this request. But this is beautiful, also, in its simplicity and its requirement of humility. The wise cannot see all ends....
Author's reply
THank-you, LArner. I am glad that you liked it. I was following the letters here.
Redheredh · 7 December 2008 · Chapter 16: Not Even The Wise...
This was very nice. I like how it fits in with the other episodes about Galadriel and Barahir's ring. A couple of places stood out for me. Galadriel being wary of what Arwen would ask of her in the garden and mentioning the gardens of Lorien. This worked well with the discussion of the differences between estel and amdir. Although, I wish you had actually said 'amdir'. Plus, the idea of being rebelliousness as a statement in favor of compassion for someone else. I really love how the long defeat continued to be entangled around the peredhil. Galadriel's struggle to reconcile her feelings was insightful. She had sought worship and renown, but only by giving it up can she find reward. "...acts of mercy are but a reflection..." That whole paragraph was beautiful. And her wish is granted. A good ending.
Author's reply
Although, I wish you had actually said 'amdir'. Darn! I knew there was something missing! To think that twice I was tempted to e mail you the piece! Next time I'm in doubt, you know you will be reading it in advance... Regardinng the rest...somewhere Tolien said that Galadriel was the greatest of the Eldar, and I agree with that. I think that here she was being hammered a bit closer to perfection. When you think of all she had given away in her long life, and how exhausted she ight be after wielding that ring for two ages, you can understand how she would feel unjustly trated, in terms of others being thinking of reward for a smaller one, and apparently disregarding her immense achievements... I suppose that her exhaustino and terrible losses could do that, and yet she could do even a bit nmore, and so she was asked for it, and granted the grace and friendly nudge to achieve even that. I really liked what Tolkien had to say in that letter about the whole issue.
Agape4Gondor · 7 December 2008 · Chapter 16: Not Even The Wise...
This was quite powerful - I'll have to go back and read / re-read the rest. I have always felt an anomosity towards Galadriel and Gandalf for their treatment of Frodo and Boromir..... I guess this helps put it into some kind of perspective. The song was inappropriately chosen and that made the piece even stronger - I did so love Legolas intervention. In fact, I love that the whole Fellowship was shown in this - though only through glimpses - even Gloin's son! Arwen was priceless.... Your wording is beautiful throughout this piece - I found myself delighted with this that and the other phrase... one of your strengths! As for the Ring - I had hoped it would be passed onto their son - but I see it probably is best that it returns to its rightful owner. Very intersting piece - full of wisdom - and grace.
Author's reply
Thank-you, Agape, for your kind words. I'm glad that you liked it, even if it focus on some of your less than favourite characters... There is nothing to support my version of where the ring ended, but the idea helped stir a number of side stories.
daw the minstrel · 7 December 2008 · Chapter 16: Not Even The Wise...
This is another of your many-layered, deceptively simple pieces, Perelleth. I loved the wording of "vault of stars," and the thought that happiness suited Arwen, and Galadriel's amusement that she would be returning to the West with yet another bit of rebellion to offer. The glimpse of Legolas and thoughts of poor Thranduil were touching. I'm always astounded when someone brings home to me just what it means for elves to live so long. Galadriel knew Barahir. Of course she did. But it's still astounding when you think of what an heirloom the ring is. And I love the discussion of the kind of hopeless hope that drew Frodo onward. Faith I guess you'd have to call it. Irrational faith. It's very Tolkien.
Author's reply
I'm tickled that you liked the wording, because this piece was so painfully slow to come out! What I love of the elves' longevity is that their lives actually alow us to have a feel of continuity, and of cause and consequence in the history of middle earth! But also, one feels humbled when thinking how much these guys had seen and went through!
meckinock · 7 December 2008 · Chapter 16: Not Even The Wise...
This is such an beautiful examination of Galadriel's character and of the theme of sacrifice in Tolkien's works. Sacrifice, even when one has already sacrificed too much. Sacrifice, even when one feels he has nothing left to give. Sacrifice, even when the sacrifice will be unacknowledged and forgotten except by Eru. Though entitled to her bitterness, Galadriel is better off without it. It's good she has Gandalf to help her understand that :-) Would that more of us had a Gandalf around for that kind of thing.
Author's reply
Would that more of us had a Gandalf around for that kind of thing. You are so right! It is so easy to lose sight of waht is all about! I was really impressed whe reading those letters about Frodo's ultimate failure, and the extent of sacrifice that the whole history of middle earth had demanded from its players, great and small,even to the lasst minute, and how only complete surrender to the music was the key to redemption! Thank-you very much, Meckinock. I'm glad that you liked it.
shirebound · 7 December 2008 · Chapter 16: Not Even The Wise...
you would that I returned to the Blessed Realm under the banners of rebellion yet again? How fascinating and perceptive! This whole story is a marvelous, very realistic progression of events, words, and thoughts.
Author's reply
Thank-you, Shirebound. A progression really describes what I was looking for, so I'm glad that it came through!
Bodkin · 10 August 2008 · Chapter 15: A Ring of Words
I love - simply love 'fretting so regally' and 'Obedient to the will that mattered'. I just adore strong women. Strong and managing - and yet understanding and kind. Finrod so needed to hear his father's thoughts - and Finarfin needed to get past that stupid male resistance to speech. Sending Finrod to find Amarie seems the best idea of all. This is beautifully elegant - like a dance - and so well-phrased. I just love it, Perelleth, and I'm only sorry I didn't spot it earlier. It's left me with a broad smile and a wave of affection for the participants. Thank you!
Author's reply
It's left me with a broad smile and a wave of affection for the participants. Ah, then I'm glad I had the cheek to nudge you! :-) You know how much I love your Valinor tales, so I thought I could entertain myself as well, while waiting for the next installment. And Earwen definitely stole the show. May the peaceful feeling of your birthday goes with you for the rest of the year!
Vicki_Turner · 3 August 2008 · Chapter 15: A Ring of Words
This was one of my favorite Finrod stories. I loved the father-son interaction. The idea of a "ring of words" is so creative. Good job.
Author's reply
Thank-you, Vicki, I'm glad that you liked it.
Larner · 2 August 2008 · Chapter 15: A Ring of Words
Aha! At last healing moves forward again, and purpose is restored. Lovely.
Author's reply
Thank-you, Larner.
Redheredh · 1 August 2008 · Chapter 15: A Ring of Words
You know who I like best in this story? Earwen! Maybe she played a typical role, but you gave her a warm mysticism. And a bit more! "Obedient to the will that mattered..." Ha! She-who-must-be-obeyed. Like mother, like daughter,eh? ;D I liked how you used the idea or rather the theme that words, the act of speaking aloud, has power. It was like both father and son were trying to find the 'true name' of something; something gone missing... something lost... something yearned for. Best of all, a happy resolution for all parties and problems. At least until Amarie, holding a hot pair of tongs, gets close to Finrod... Birthday Wishes to Daw and Bodkin!
Author's reply
Thank-you, Redheredh! Certain things need to be said aloud, if only to deprive them of their their power, and since I wrote such a bitter parting between father and son, with the ring between them, I had the feeling that they should have to talk about it, one time or another. PErhaps I will even manage to get to Amarie! :-) Earwen! Maybe she played a typical role You have a knack for nailing down the things that are playing around in my head...your fault, if I keep following that thread.. :-)
daw the minstrel · 1 August 2008 · Chapter 15: A Ring of Words
Oh, Perelleth, thank you! This was wonderful. I love father/son stuff to start with and the idea that Finrod needed words just charmed me, as you probably knew it would. I also like the idea (from Lord Dunseny?) that one needs memories for creativity. If that's true, I ought to be full of creativity because I may not be elf-old but I've been around a while. :-) Creativity in a second chance at life. That sounds familiar.
Author's reply
I'm glad that you liked it. You have plenty of creativity, sapling ars you are, in elven terms :-), so I hope that we will keep enjoying it for a long time!
Larner · 10 July 2008 · Chapter 14: Healing. (Who Heals the Healer?)
Ah--love meeting Arahad--I haven't come to him, of course, in Stirring Rings. Maybe I'll in time get to him--if I can EVER get the current chapter written, of course! Heh! Love the tree remaining as a memorial to the old king and the new one coming to his new name there.
Author's reply
Thank-you, Larner. The long tale of the adventures of the Chieftains of the nrth is surely worth telling. I wish luck in getting there!
Bodkin · 10 July 2008 · Chapter 12: Soul Music
This is lovely. And if ever there was an elf who needed love and reassurance, Ereinion is that elf. I hope his father's words lived with him and offered him comfort throughout the Second Age. (And Fingon and Fingolfin are right. You never really let go - however much you pretend. You would fight dragons for your children, however grown-up they are!)
Author's reply
Thank-you, Bodkin! yes, Ereinion would surely treasure those moments...
Tithenaru · 10 July 2008 · Chapter 14: Healing. (Who Heals the Healer?)
Oh this was wonderful, I was spellbound. Such beautiful writing, yet I fear I will not be able to find the right words to say how much this story touched me. I am hurrying off to find more from you. Tithenaru
Author's reply
Thank-you, Tithenaru, I'm glad that you liked it!