Klose
· 8 February 2007
· Chapter 5: What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted?
Right, this is another of those fics that I read, enjoyed and did not review... so here I am, finally, a very satisfied reader. :)
I did wonder what happened exactly when Celebrian went to Valinor - and I'm so glad to see a story that tackles that. It's very tantalising, to be sure, to think of all the people she must have met... I enjoyed the bits in Tirion, with Finarfin & family (especially the idea that Amarie and Galadriel worked on the grey cloaks together - lovely!). I was a bit surprised when Celebrian decided to leave, and do a bit of her own exploring, but her reasons were most certainly understandable.
I never expected her to meet Elwing, but it was wonderful to see how the cold, isolated tower became filled with their quiet companionship. Especially cool was Elwing's little 'test' of Celebrian, with the drawing. Maternal proctectiveness, albeit in a different way.
All in all, this is such a great tribute to the lesser-known women of the old tales, helping to bring healing to each other and move on from the hurts of the past into a brighter future... thank you for writing this. :)
perelleth
· 24 November 2006
· Chapter 5: What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted?
Celebrían is fortunate that her mother-in-law is so understanding...and in need of elven company. Surely another mother-in-law wouldn't have approved of Celebrían's gossiping around her belongings! ;-)
The two have too much in common, and it is good that they can spend some time together, sharing their imposible mourning. Women came out as very powerful and strong in ths tale. A very nice read, and I particualrly loved the fairy-tale-of-old flavour of the last two chapters!
Larner
· 23 November 2006
· Chapter 4: Seas Of Heavenly Rest
And there is one who dwells in a tower, who will rejoice to know the wife of her remaining son....
Larner
· 23 November 2006
· Chapter 5: What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted?
Yes, for the moment each is free to be herself, and they are free to know friendship as well as the relationship of husband's mother, son's wife.
A delightful tale indeed, French Pony.
Bodkin
· 22 November 2006
· Chapter 5: What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted?
Poor Elwing. She has spent so much time separated from others - and I can't see that gulls make an adequate substitute for people! I've long thought that the fate of Elwing and Earendil was one of those that sounds romantic, but is actually quite cruel. Unintentionally. Spending time in the company of her daughter-in-law, herself separated from her loved ones, will be a great comfort to them both.
And I'm glad Celebrian decided to look on this as a time to find herself. And, when Elrond does come, Elwing will have the chance to come to know her son at last. And hopefully Celebrian will have absorbed enough peace in her heart to accept Arwen's decision without too much heartache.
I do like the image of little Celebrian dressing up in old clothes and her mother laughing and calling her quaint. Old-fashioned takes on a whole depth of meaning when you're talking about elves!
Elflingimp
· 22 November 2006
· Chapter 5: What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted?
That was the greatest! Happy Thanksgiving!
elliska
· 22 November 2006
· Chapter 5: What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted?
I have been away from SoA for awhile because RL has not left me time to read. So I am catching up now and I find a whole story here! Cool! Celebrian's healing in Valinor is such an intriguing setting. As you said in the AN, most of these characters are nothing more but names in canon, but you did a great job fleshing them out here, particularly Amarië and Elwing. Both of them were great surprises. Amarie is such a sad character, having not followed her betrothed. And I loved (and was so surprised to see) Elwing. How wonderful indeed it would have been for those two to meet. All three of these women have so much in common and I liked seeing how Celebrian helped heal them as much as she sough healing herself. Great story, FP!
daw the minstrel
· 22 November 2006
· Chapter 5: What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted?
The meeting of Elwing and Celebrian was like a magical scene from a fairy tale, very moving I think. And I was struck by how they both thought they had abandoned Elrond, abandoned their children, which I suppose they had. I can see how they'd draw comfort from one another because they understand each other in a way others do not.
Bodkin
· 20 November 2006
· Chapter 4: Seas Of Heavenly Rest
Such a different world! Celebrian could never have gone off on her own east of the sea - not and been safe. But it is a true indication of recovery that she is prepared to open herself to the world, when travelling proved so dangerous to her before. And courageous of her grandparents not to insist on swamping her with protection.
A tower? To the north? And by the sea? Is Celebrian about to make her mother-in-law's acquaintance? I do hope so!
Redheredh
· 19 November 2006
· Chapter 4: Seas Of Heavenly Rest
I really like how you have lead us to this tower by the sea. :) Gradually, building upon the family interactions and Celebrian's healing. She is geared up and ready to start a new adventure. I cannot wait to see what - who! - it is going to involve.
perelleth
· 16 November 2006
· Chapter 4: Seas Of Heavenly Rest
I like Celebrían the adventurous. And now she has reached the tower...and this looks like a fairy tale of old. I was almost expecting a "knock knock, who's there?" Seriously, now I am wondering. Is she about to meet whom I think she is about to meet?
Calenlass Greenleaf
· 15 November 2006
· Chapter 4: Seas Of Heavenly Rest
(This review applies to all the chapters you have written so far)
All I can say is that I'm very impressed. Your descriptions are perfect, and well-written. I can almost imagine myself there...
Beautiful, beautiful work.
daw the minstrel
· 15 November 2006
· Chapter 4: Seas Of Heavenly Rest
When Celebrian decided to leave, it somehow didn't occur to me she would walk, be on her own, and camp. It all makes sense but my modern mind didn't expect it. She must be very self-sufficient. So who lives in the tower?
Elflingimp
· 15 November 2006
· Chapter 4: Seas Of Heavenly Rest
This story is so very interesting,I am waiting to see if what I guessed about this tower is right
Bodkin
· 13 November 2006
· Chapter 3: A Heart For Any Fate
(Ahhh, this is where I got to!) I am enjoying seeing Celebrian begin to get herself back on her feet! A wedding is a great way to settle in - lots to do and you're a familiar face before you know it. She and Anaire have enough experience in common to be able to relax in each other's company, too - and understand each other's pain.
I can see her wanting more, though. And seeking a place for herself - in the hope of Elrond's eventual arrival - will help her heal. But that sort of thing isn't a short process.
Looking forward to more!
Larner
· 9 November 2006
· Chapter 3: A Heart For Any Fate
Family has been reestablished, and now it is time to seek personal peace.
Love the wedding and the acknowledgment that the separation deserves mourning.
perelleth
· 9 November 2006
· Chapter 3: A Heart For Any Fate
Ah! so this is were Anairë was awaiting us! A bunch of really strong and understanding women you have here, and surely observing them, and how they bore their own pain has finally shaken celebrían into actively seeking her own healing. Good for her. I am curious to see what her project is now.
daw the minstrel
· 8 November 2006
· Chapter 3: A Heart For Any Fate
It's interesting to see Celebrian inching her way toward strength and healing. I like the way she finds comfort and wisdom in the society of women. Her thoughts about the losses her grandparents suffered were touching.
Ellie
· 6 November 2006
· Chapter 2: Where Ceaseless Ages Roll
I thisI reviewed this chapter at another site, but I just thought I'd tell you again how much I am enjoying this story. Your characters are wonderful and the purpose you have given Celebrian is nice. YAY! Amarie and Finrod are finally getting married!
Bodkin
· 4 November 2006
· Chapter 2: Where Ceaseless Ages Roll
Well - about time Finrod and Amarie got round to getting married! And having Amarie as a friend will be good for Celebrian. Earwen sounds like a perfect grandmother, too. And, between them, they know enough to support Celebrian through her recovery and provide her with plenty of things to interest her.
perelleth
· 3 November 2006
· Chapter 2: Where Ceaseless Ages Roll
How timely, that Celebrían could be there for her uncle's wedding!
Seems that Finrod has been a bit forgetful, or lazy, pretty comfortable with things as they were, and not really in a hurry to change his status... This reminded me of that other story of yours about Elrond and Celebrían's wedding... although the preparations here were, fortunately for the groom, quicker and less painful! ;-) A lovely chapter!
Elflingimp
· 2 November 2006
· Chapter 2: Where Ceaseless Ages Roll
God! I only wish I could of been there!
Larner
· 1 November 2006
· Chapter 2: Where Ceaseless Ages Roll
And again, in healing she is able to help aid that of others, and to bring about a marriage long held off and now to finally be consummated most properly.
Larner
· 1 November 2006
· Chapter 1: A Sovereign Balm
Yes, the coming of the granddaughter unlooked for would be such a moment of joy for these. I love it!
The writing is exquisite, French Pony.
daw the minstrel
· 1 November 2006
· Chapter 2: Where Ceaseless Ages Roll
It's a sign of the generous person Celebrian is that she finds the joy of others to be a source of healing rather than jealousy. I suppose the enduring love of Finrod and Amarie must also be encouraging for her. Her thoughts about her children were sad. What a weight.