Reviews (81)

Mereth · 13 June 2010 · Chapter 19: Midsummer Morning

I couldn't read your story anymore without commenting, so I registered in order to tell you that what you write is wonderful. Each chapter is a sheer enjoyment, which leaves a warm impression. What is more, I'm really thankful to you for the language, as this is one of the few stories where the words sound naturally in the mouth of the speakers and a due balance is kept between vocabulary of different style groupps. Please keep writing.

LisaG · 19 February 2010 · Chapter 18: Unknown Lineage

Wow, what a story so far! I didn't want to stop reading, so I'm leaving a review a the end, instead. I really like the relationship you paint bewteen Elrond and Estel (Aragorn)...you can see that the boy has stolen the elf lord's heart completely! I'm not liking Gilraen too much...she seems so unappreciative of Elrond's efforts to protect and care for her and her son. I hope she soon puts behind her ungrateful attitude. I was rather surprised that Elrohir and Elladan didn't share a close relationship with Estel...how very sad! The boy has been their father's foster son for 8 years and they barely know him and they haven't seemed to have even tried to. Poor Estel feels this estrangement...he only wants to enjoy their friendship...perhaps hoping for a closer relationship, such as that of a true brother of the heart. I'm glad in the end it appeared the twins were making somewhat of an effort to fix this situation. I LOVED Glorfindel! He's such a breath of fresh air and a true friend to Estel. Oh and I found Gandalf to be quite a grump...and rather rude at times! I'm glad Elrond put him in his place!

Inzilbeth · 13 February 2010 · Chapter 18: Unknown Lineage

After reading each chapter in this compelling story, I say to myself, that was the best yet. And I've done it again this time. The conversation between Estel and Elrohir was so touching, the growing friendship and understanding, beautifully executed. The incident with the moon letters was seemlessly inserted into the version we know in The Hobbit, but the high point of this chapter was undoubtedly Elrond and his reaction to the two swords. As someone with a soft spot for Turgon and Tuor, I absolutely loved this! In fact, you wrote the whole episode so convincingly, I had to remember to curb my excitement and remind myself that I wasn't about to discover some new fact about the Fall of Gondolin! And, oh, poor Elrond. I'm so glad that his foster son brings him such coomfort. A truly remarkable chapter, Canafinwe.

Dreamflower · 6 February 2010 · Chapter 18: Unknown Lineage

This chapter is as insightful and touching as the rest of the story has been, but in this one there is so much more: you have come up with some very clever and plausible explanations for certain things, and presented them in a way that not only makes sense of a gap of omission, but lends insight into the characters as well. You start by establishing Estel's longing to know more of his mortal father. The conversation between him and Elrohir was enlightening. I know many writers who seem to feel that the secrecy in which Estel had to be raised also must have somehow involved at least a mild dishonesty in keeping the information from him. Yet in the conversation, you show how it is perfectly possible to do so in complete honesty-- Elrond, and his family following his example, has never lied to Estel. They have simply told him that they cannot speak of his father. Of course, as he grows older and develops his imagination, he can think of many reasons for the secrecy-- and they aren't good. But Elrohir is able to honestly answer him, telling him his imagined fears are groundless, though he cannot speak of why. And it's a measure of the trust Estel has in his foster brother that he accepts this as truth, though not as a complete explanation. Elrohir's offer of one answer was both generous and trusting-- and his own trust in the child was rewarded by the question-- one which would aid him in trying to visualize his father, but which when answered would not violate Elrond's own trust in both his sons. The scene with the swords and the maps was of course, drawn from canon, but in seeing it through Elrond's eyes, we realize much that was not revealed in the story. And not only do you answer the question of the provenance of both swords, but also the very practical question which I had never even thought of until you answered it: How could a Dwarf expect to handle an Elven sword? But of course it must have been smaller and lighter! But why would it have been? Brilliant answer. But not only was it an answer to a practical detail of canon, it was also an answer that lent insight into Elrond himself, and drew it full circle back to the conversation of Estel and Elrohir. For all revolves around the questions of a fatherless boy about the father he never knew-- even if the experiences of being fatherless are separated by more than two Ages of the world. Absolutely beautifully written and well-constructed!

Larner · 6 February 2010 · Chapter 18: Unknown Lineage

He and his fosterson have more in common this night than they imagine. And how wonderful to know the history of the two blades!

Inzilbeth · 25 January 2010 · Chapter 17: Of Hope and Audacity

Oh this chapter is a delight! I see I wasn't the only one who wanted to be a fly on the wall to hear Bilbo's story! Bilbo is perfect and I do love the way you portray the relationship between Elrond and Gandalf. They obviously know each other so well and yet thoroughly enjoy scoring points off each other! But best of all here is were the exchanges between father and son. Wonderful!

Inzilbeth · 25 January 2010 · Chapter 16: A Question of Advice

Oh I do like your dwarves, and Bilbo too for that matter. And how cunning is Gandalf! So now we know when Bilbo first started telling tales in Imladris. I would love to be a fly on the wall for that one! What a difficult position Elrond was in here but it was a wise move on his part to tell Estel of Celebrian and it certainly got him settled down to work! A lovely chapter, Canafinwe.

Larner · 21 January 2010 · Chapter 17: Of Hope and Audacity

Ah, bless the child! So, a first introduction, if slightly via the back door, if you will, between the future Dunadan and Bilbo Baggins, and a tale told that Gandalf wished Elrond to hear for some obscure reason of his own. Amusement drawn from the incident, and young Estel shows a bit of his future skill. Now--who did the repair, and how roundly shall that one be chided?

Dreamflower · 21 January 2010 · Chapter 17: Of Hope and Audacity

Aww...I do love this chapter. Bilbo really shines in his modesty and his politeness and his enthusiasm for all things Elven. I do like that both Elrond and Gandalf detected their small eavesdropper--come to think of it, Aragorn has something else in common with Sam! LOL! I also loved the juxtaposition of Bilbo's role as Hope in The Hobbit, and Estel's future role as Hope. It's no wonder that one day these two will be fast friends. I wonder if he ever confesses his childhood escapade to Bilbo?

Dreamflower · 16 January 2010 · Chapter 16: A Question of Advice

Oh, devious Gandalf! *tsk*tsk* What is he up to? I loved the exchange between the dwarves and Bilbo. You captured Thorin's grumpiness and Gandalf's irascibility perfectly, along with Bilbo's modest good sense. Elrond's conversation with Estel was painful but frank-- he was as honest as he could be, without going into the other reasons Estel's presence should not be known. And I have a feeling that young Estel has other reasons than studiousness in his sudden absorption in his sums...

Larner · 15 January 2010 · Chapter 16: A Question of Advice

Ah--the father of Elladan and Elrohir would do well to think that when a child is being too good it is often a prelude to doing what he wants, with no thought to what he is expected to do--or not! Heh! Love Estel's questions and Elrond's ability to tell the truth diplomatically.

Inzilbeth · 6 January 2010 · Chapter 15: Sacrifices of Motherhood

This is a superb chapter with a most touching conversation between mother and son. You've really captured the difficulties of Gilraen's situation here. Yes, Rivendell and its people are all that her son has ever known. Its people are his people, but they are not hers. And how hard is that, and yet Gilraen would sacrifice everything for her son. Your comment on her bed being a widow's tomb was particularly poignant as was the ending. Thanks for a really great read.

Dreamflower · 6 January 2010 · Chapter 15: Sacrifices of Motherhood

Poor Gilraen! How hard it must have been for her! I really like this thoughtful exchange between mother and son-- but these nightmares of Estel's are something that she should discuss with Elrond. Poor little Estel should not be so stubbornly determined to suffer through them alone.

Larner · 5 January 2010 · Chapter 15: Sacrifices of Motherhood

Irmo appears intent on seeing to it this child of the Dunedain appreciate just what that means, even if he has little memory of his earliest childhood among his own people. And I grieve for the emptiness Gilraen knows beyond her son.

Inzilbeth · 4 January 2010 · Chapter 14: The Valley in June

Oh things are looking up for Estel, at least for the moment. It was great fun to join him on this little adventure outside and I'm sure a ride on Glorfindel's horse would raise anyone's spirits. Your Elrohir is very engaging and I very much liked the way you include the occasional nod to his mannish ancestry. A lovely chapter.

Larner · 3 January 2010 · Chapter 14: The Valley in June

I so much see young Estel showing this degree of wisdom already, Canafinwe. Perfect! And at last he IS beginning to find the Valley jolly once more! He needs this after his long illness. And I so love seeing who it is who will carry him today! This is far more manly for one of the child's dignity than being carried by, say, Elladan!

Dreamflower · 2 January 2010 · Chapter 14: The Valley in June

Ah, a fun and exhilirating outing for young Estel! I loved the way Glorfindel and Elrohir spouted lessons all during the combat. It reminded me of watching SCA fighter training sessions, and how the marshals would exhort the newbies!

Inzilbeth · 2 January 2010 · Chapter 13: An Untold Tale

Ah, lovely, quite lovely! I so adore your Elrond and Estel moments and this one was just perfect. And Gandalf 'looking like an eagle' I can well imagine! The sparring between Istar and Elf-Elrond is very entertaining! How sad though that Estel has such vivid nightmares of all the worst times in his family history. A beautiful chapter.

Larner · 31 December 2009 · Chapter 13: An Untold Tale

Aha! I was right! Heh! And the child begins to appreciate the history of his own lineage from a true appreciation of what it has cost the world and his people, not just in terms of raw facts and statistics. He's now seen the carnage and felt its cost. And Gandalf's comments on the possibility the child will grow to rob Elrond of Arwen's company hits low, I think. Poor child--I already admire him!

Dreamflower · 30 December 2009 · Chapter 13: An Untold Tale

You know, that is one parallel I had not thought about: that Elrond was reared by a foster-father-- just as was Estel! Of course that would have made a difference! Wonderful observation! (I wonder-- is Gandalf truly so disapproving as he sounds, or is he merely sounding out, his host in a way that will get him to open up more...)

Larner · 11 December 2009 · Chapter 12: First Steps

Enter Estel, I wonder? Good reasoning on Elrond's part, I think.

Larner · 11 December 2009 · Chapter 11: A Debate Resolved

In my-verse Gandalf doesn't become aware of Aragorn's existence until he returns from Erebor with Bilbo, although Bilbo does meet the child, and learns the reason for keeping quiet about him before he returns to the Shire. I can certainly appreciate Elrond's reasoning, and he has now a motive for learning the language of his ancestors. Well done!

Inzilbeth · 10 December 2009 · Chapter 12: First Steps

It's good to see Elladan and Elrohir beginning to take an interest in Estel now that he approaches an age when he will need their instruction. And it's fascinating to read all the 'behind the scenes' discussions of the proposed attack on Dol Guldur. Oh now, I wonder who that can be coming to disburb Gandalf and Elrond? You have a great way with endings!

Dreamflower · 9 December 2009 · Chapter 12: First Steps

I enjoyed the interactions of Elladan and Estel-- they are on their way to building a future brotherly relationship now. I also like that Gilraen has not *suddenly* changed her attitude towards Elrond-- that she *will* I've no doubt, since she decided to, but it's going to take time. The discussion between Gandalf and Elrond was fascinating-- though I have trouble imagining Gandalf of all people, castigating someone for showing mercy. But you made it clear that both were tired and cross, so that could account for it. Goodness! A wee cliffie at the end there-- I can think of one person it might be, but I can't imagine *why*?

Inzilbeth · 7 December 2009 · Chapter 11: A Debate Resolved

Ah wonderful, wonderful chapter! I really can't begin to tell you how much I enjoyed this. It wasn't just the touching father and son relationship, so beautifully illustrated here, but also all the details that you so seemlessly wove into this story which made these scenes ones of absolute perfection. Thank you!