Reviews (16)

bookworm · 11 April 2013 · Chapter 1

Oh! I loved this, I have not seen many stories that deal with how Aragorn must have felt, to loose his foster-father, nor yet with Elrond's feelings on the same. Thank you.

Celeth · 6 April 2013 · Chapter 1

Thank you so much for this beautiful story. I started reading LOTR when I was about 11 or 12 years old, but its only lately that I've come to realize just how tragic Elrond's life really was. Behind his grace and wisdom was the tragedy of losing his loved ones, over and over again: father, mother, brother, his foster father Maglor who came to love him, his kinsmen and king Gil-galad, his daughter, even his foster-son. I've known the story for sometime, but this was still from a different point of view (perhaps the most important of all; it is his story after all). And it was beautifully written. Thank you again for sharing.

matt · 31 January 2013 · Chapter 1

Powerful imagery here. Nice job of connecting the leavetakings over the ages.

Linda Hoyland · 21 February 2009 · Chapter 1

This is a beautifully told story.

Inzilbeth · 17 February 2009 · Chapter 1

Yes, Elrond has yet another sacrifice to make. You've captured the pain of that parting brilliantly. Well done.

Lilandriel · 17 February 2009 · Chapter 1

brilliant! i loved it. very well written, and very bittersweet. most poignant, i think, is the line "They are the spirits of three of my kin who loved Middle-earth enough to leave it." beautiful xx

Raksha The Demon · 16 February 2009 · Chapter 1

Beautiful language, echoes of Tolkien, and one of my favorite First Age stories looked at - Elros and Elrond's early life. Elrond is my favorite Elf and you write him well. The image of Arwen standing in front of sunlit Meduseld as her father leaves her forever is haunting. And Elrond giving Elessar the farewell he had heard from his own brother, Elessar's ancestor....Awwww. I loved the bit with Elrond seeing his parents' epic journey becoming a legend, and still feeling like an abandoned kid. I would definitely like to hear more about Maglor and the twins...

Elena Tiriel · 16 February 2009 · Chapter 1

P.S. Yes, the chief mark of royalty in Númenor was indeed a sceptre, though the Sceptre of Arnor was the one used by the Lords of Andúnië (Elendil's line), rather than the Kings of Númenor. If you'd like to see the quotation (a footnote in Appendix A), it's in the "Sceptre of Arnor" entry in the HASA Research Library at henneth-annun.net/resources/things_view.cfm?THID=274. - Barbara

Elena Tiriel · 16 February 2009 · Chapter 1

A beautifully wrought story that brought tears to my eyes. Very well done! - Barbara

Cairistiona · 16 February 2009 · Chapter 1

Like all your stories, this is absolutely lovely. Elrond's life has ever been one of loss, and it was very poignant how the story starts with Aragorn feeling the loss then swiftly transitions into Elrond's lifetime of losses. And then at the end, realization comes that what seems to be a loss is actually the doorway to gain--the Race of Men's gain, of course, which simply serves to highlight the selflessness of Elrond's entire existence. I always love the pattern and rhythm of your stories... the repeating line of various ancestors being proud was very effective. The entire thing was poignantly done, and I wish I had the time and expertise to parse it all and mention each and every bit that I loved, but suffice to say this is one of the better Elrond parting stories I've read. Thank you for writing it!

Jay of Lasgalen · 15 February 2009 · Chapter 1

I'm stunned - I don't know what to say about this wonderful story, except that it is perfect. I love Elrond's loss and longing, and his memories of his parents are heartbreaking. Just beautiful! Jay

Larner · 15 February 2009 · Chapter 1

Indeed a magnificent look at the losses he has known. His life in Middle Earth, among those who are mortal, is at an end--almost; until Bilbo, Frodo, Sam, and Gimli leave this life, at least. But he leaves a legacy, and part of his heart will dwell ever in these lands, even as he sails to lands unknown to mere mortals. Very beautiful.

Lady_Roisin · 15 February 2009 · Chapter 1

This is really a beautiful, and poigniant, story. I like how Elrond looks back into his childhood, and I like how you added Elros in also. As for the sceptre, I believe the Numenorian kings did have one, and that Elendil had his made like the kings of Numenor. Don't quote me on it yet, I'll have to go back and look. But my point being, I don't think you've done anything that isn't realistic or believable. This is a fabulous, and very well written story. I can tell you've put a great deal of thought into it. Congradulations on placing in Teitho too!

Independence1776 · 15 February 2009 · Chapter 1

*weeps* This is such a heart-rending story. First person was absolutely the right choice. The immediacy it brings is stunning. How you detailed each parting… Absolutely breathtaking. I like that Maglor held/restrained Elrond through the battle. I sat alone at the end of the pier and watched the stars swirl on the distant horizon—all that remained of Ada and Nana. Oh, to have so little, only memories and nothing else. Somehow, I had harbored the illusion that though all the world might abandon me, my brother would stay by my side. I don't think any sibling thinks otherwise, but the parting has to be even worse for those two. Aragorn is so tall. He is the first Man since Elros to look me in the eye. He is the last Man who ever will. The parallel is heartbreaking. I love the linked symbols. For, I know now that my family never truly left Eriador; they lived on in my memory just as they now live on in Aragorn—their son, my son. For memory is the only immortality Men have. If only one of my actions throughout these many ages is remembered, let it be this: that I, for a brief time, was foster father to Elessar Evinyatar. For he helped save the world and is the culmination of almost everything the Noldor worked for, though they knew it not. “While the sea foams and the stars shine, I will never leave you.” This is my favorite line of the story, and where I finally started crying. This is such a wonderful story, no review of mine could do it justice. The emotions, the language, it's perfect. Absolutely perfect. ~ Indy

shirebound · 15 February 2009 · Chapter 1

Aragorn is so tall. He is the first Man since Elros to look me in the eye. He is the last Man who ever will. Aragorn’s true inheritance is not these cold symbols; his heirlooms cannot be seen. They are the spirits of three of my kin who loved Middle-earth enough to leave it. For, I know now that my family never truly left Eriador; they lived on in my memory just as they now live on in Aragorn—their son, my son. If only one of my actions throughout these many ages is remembered, let it be this: that I, for a brief time, was foster father to Elessar Evinyatar. Ohhh, this is so poignant and beautiful. Well done.

Samara · 15 February 2009 · Chapter 1

“While the sea foams and the stars shine, I will never leave you.” Instant bawling. Once more I am blown away by your outstanding mastery of the english language. The pain and fright that you capture in these scenes, the confusion and sorrow reach out and capture me in their arms, leading me through each feeling as if it were my own. The imagery once more has me closing my eyes and beholding every minute of it, and that is a gift so precious it brings tears to my eyes. Once more, you have struck me dumb. Never stop writing, for you are going to be great one day.