Larner
· 13 March 2007
· Chapter 1: Refuge in the Rain
Yes, I can readily imagine there would be a level of culture shock here.
Descriptions are detailed enough to be compelling, and I can imagine the fear of what a small, curious, active child might manage to damage there! Heh!
Author's reply
I do think that Gilraen had quite a lot to adjust to. The elves of Imladris have not had to deal with such a young child in those halls for a very long time, so I don't think the place is entirely toddler proof at this point! There'll probably have to be a lot of adjustments all round.
I'm glad that you're enjoying the story so far. Thanks for reviewing.
peredhil lover
meckinock
· 12 March 2007
· Chapter 1: Refuge in the Rain
I really like the characterization of Gilraen here. For all the overwhelming stress she's experiencing and the state of profound shock she must still be in, she maintains her composure and refuses to abdicate her role of mother to her child. I suppose coming from a warrior culture like the Dunedain would armor her for that sudden but never-quite-unexpected shock and grief, and of course she felt she had to be strong for her son. And then, so quickly, she was surrounded by strangers, and not quite ready to lower her guard. I felt for her when, alone and free from stranger's eyes, she was finally able to yield to her grief.
Similarly, I loved the moment when Elrohir, after safely completing his mission to deliver Gilraen and Aragorn to Imladris, finally crumbled when offered the comfort of his father's arms.
The father tenderly wrapped his arms around the one who had spoken, and the son seemed to slump wearily into his embrace, as Elrond whispered quiet words into his ear.
That was a beautiful image. Glorfindel was wonderful, too. I loved how he addressed Aragorn directly. And I liked how Elrond and Glorfindel both treated Gilraen with respect as well as compassion, and how Elrond greeted Aragorn by his true name. There will be enough time for aliases and secrets later.
Author's reply
Thank you so much for the detailed review, meckinock. I love hearing about the parts that my readers enjoyed the most.
I'm glad that you like my characterization of Gilraen. I really respect her and I hope I can do her justice.
Thanks for your kind words. I'm glad I could effectively show with that scene, as seen only through Gilraen's eyes, how hard this has been on the twins as well.
You are right, there will be plenty of time for aliases, and young Aragorn losing his identity will be coming up in this story. Elrond's decision to greet him by his true name at this point was quite deliberate on his part.
Thanks again, I really appreciate it!
peredhil lover
MithLuin
· 12 March 2007
· Chapter 1: Refuge in the Rain
A wonderful beginning! Gilraen's grief seems raw and very real - she knows she's being unreasonable, but can't help it. She does not realize the twins are grieving too, until she sees how they react to their father. Much looking forward to that conversation, btw! I found it very interesting that she saw Glorfindel shining through like that, and that she could read the grief on both his and Elrond's face. Aragorn has a very special mother indeed.
Author's reply
I'm so glad that you find Gilraen's grief to be realistic.
I'm looking forward to seeing the reactions of the readers to the conversation between Elrond and the twins. It's not the relationship that most people are used to seeing between them, but I hope it's believable and interesting.
I do think that Gilraen is a very special and strong woman, and I hope I can do her justice.
Thanks so much for reviewing,
peredhil lover
sammijoy
· 12 March 2007
· Chapter 1: Refuge in the Rain
What a great start to this story, I'm anxious to read more about Aragorn's first days at Rivendell.
Sammi
Author's reply
Thanks. I'm looking forward to writing more about Aragorn's first days in Imladris. :)
Anonymous
· 12 March 2007
· Chapter 1: Refuge in the Rain
Interesting beginning. Powerful mood-setting without descending to melodrama.
So far, nice.
Author's reply
Thank you, I'm glad you're enjoying it so far.
daw the minstrel
· 12 March 2007
· Chapter 1: Refuge in the Rain
I think you're right to show Gilraen on edge and angry in her sorrow. An enormously bad thing just happened to her, her son, the Dunedain, and it's not surprising she'd resent the elves who rode out with Arathorn or those who live in such peace.
Author's reply
Thanks, daw. I'm glad that you find my depiction of Gilraen at this very traumatic point in her life to be believable.
peredhil lover
Agape4Gondor
· 12 March 2007
· Chapter 1: Refuge in the Rain
I liked this line very much - it even caused me, at the twin's expense, to laugh a little in the midst of the pain. 'As if somehow sensing the angry look directed at his back, the son of Elrond seemed to grow even more rigid.'
I love the good manners and the kindness... 'He conceded with a bow of his head. “Permit me to lead your horse then.”'
I have one little concern. I am a widow myself and have spoken with a gazillion widows since becoming one. None of us can speak of our husbands without tears falling - unbidden - and this after 15 years for myself and many more for other widows. I would not write this if it was only my experience.
Therefore, though I know she would do everything possible to not cry in front of Aragorn - and also in front of Elrond. But while riding on the horse in the rain, the tears would have, IMHO, been unstoppable, large and heavy.
Really great beginning - I've enjoyed reading this.
Author's reply
Thank-you so much for sharing your experience and that of many other widows.
I agree completely that Gilraen's reaction is not that of a typical new widow, but that is part of what I was trying to show here--nothing about Gilraen's current situation is the least bit typical. She has had no opportunity to grieve, she did not even get to bury her husband, and now she has been immediately uprooted and removed from everything she has ever known. There is a point beyond tears, a point at which you so desperately want to cry, for at least it would relieve the pain in your heart if just a little, but you simply can not. I would say that is the point that Gilraen is at in the beginning of the story.
Thanks for reviewing Agape4Gondor. I'm glad that you are enjoying it so far and I hope you continue to.
peredhil lover
Jay of Lasgalen
· 12 March 2007
· Chapter 1: Refuge in the Rain
I like this already. Gilraen's slight distrust of Elladan and Elrohir is interesting - who can fault her for blaming them, at least a little, for Arathorn's death?
Despite the fact that she cannot tell them apart, I really like the way you have drawn the differences between them, so that *we* know which is Elladan and which is Elrohir - that's a nice touch, especially as neither of them is named throughout thir journey.
I'm looking forward to more as Gilraen settles into life in Imladris.
Author's reply
I've always thought that at this point, with her husband's death so recent, she would feel a fair amount of anger and resentment towards the twins, whether it's justified or not. I have ideas, starting in this story, but mainly in future ones, to look at how her relationships with the two evolve over time.
It's funny, but the more I write them, the more Elladan and Elrohir are starting to feel like family to me, and they are such different people in my mind that I find it no effort at all to distinguish between them even if I don't name them. I'm glad that you picked up on that. I thought that you might, since you, more than most, seem to share my *appreciation* of the twins.
Thanks for reviewing, Jay.
peredhil lover
Envinyatar
· 12 March 2007
· Chapter 1: Refuge in the Rain
This was lovely. I think you captured Gilraen's grief and distance very well, and the slow pace suited the mood. Nice contrast with the wriggling toddler eager to get down and trash the place!
Author's reply
Thanks for reviewing, Envinyatar. I'm glad you enjoyed it and found Gilraen's reactions to be believable.
peredhil lover