Estel Counts by Larner
GamgeeFest · 25 December 2010 · Chapter 14: Fourteen
I can just see Bilbo surrounded by all those books of lore and losing himself in them. This is one hobbit who is interested in more than just what he's already read.
Author's reply
Yes, he's found his horizons considerably broadened by travel though the wider world outside the borders of the Shire.
GamgeeFest · 25 December 2010 · Chapter 12: Twelve
Estel seems to have a real knack with those chickens, lol! Love the image of him covered in feathers. :)
Author's reply
I remember trying to gather the eggs from Mergetroid's pen--we named her that because we always seemed to be saying, "Heavens!" to her as we fended her off with an empty feed pan, as she protected her quarters as zealously as any rooster.
Andrea · 25 December 2010 · Chapter 24: Twenty-four
So, Cirdan added his power to the great song to drive the Necromancer out of Dol Guldur! and this time we prevailed—at least for now The Necromancer will rise again. And that time Estel will be among those who will defeat him! Thank you very much for this advent calendar. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Author's reply
I would expect that only if all of the great Elves of Middle Earth cooperated could they properly defy Sauron. And am so glad this has pleased you! Thank you so!
Kitt Otter · 24 December 2010 · Chapter 24: Twenty-four
They deserve some eggnog and cookies after 24 hours nonstop of singing! Thank-you for this Advent calendar! And have a happy Christmas!
Author's reply
One more chapter to tie it all together, and it will be done. My Christmas was spent in bed fighting the flu I've been entertaining for the last few days, with some chicken alfredo for dinner before going BACK to bed. I certainly hope to do better next year, believe me. And I may try to sneak in on that treat you have planned for those who cooperated against the Necromancer--would love some myself! Heh!
Cairistiona · 24 December 2010 · Chapter 24: Twenty-four
Poor little Estel must be beside himself, wanting to know the whole story! Someday!
Author's reply
Oh, he'll know it fully all too soon, once his own power and dedication is added to the fight against the evil they know they face in this world. Yes, and that will come far too soon for the liking of his foster father, I suspect.
shirebound · 24 December 2010 · Chapter 24: Twenty-four
I really like that. It reminds me of the end of Tennyson's "Ulysses"... Though much is taken, much abides; and though We are not now that strength which in old days Moved earth and heaven; that which we are, we are; One equal temper of heroic hearts, Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.
Author's reply
What a perfect comparision! Oh, yes--I can so see this in the fellowship of those who went out to face the Necromancer!
eiluj · 24 December 2010 · Chapter 24: Twenty-four
Oh, I hope that's in PJ's script, complete with appropriately eldritch music.... Merry Christmas!
Author's reply
Wouldn't that be perfect, eiluj? Yes, from your lips to PJ's ears! Heh! And may we all rejoice in each day as it comes!
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 24 December 2010 · Chapter 24: Twenty-four
O well done Larner! I'm glad to see the Darkness kept at bay...at least for now. Alas that it cannot be so forever, and Estel must have such strife to face when he comes of age. A blessed Yuletide to you and yours! Kaylee
Author's reply
All too soon Estel will be Aragorn once more, and will ever face down whatever evil threatens the free world. But he has excellent training and backing, after all. And hopefully the Twelve Days of Christmas bring joy to you and yours!
eiluj · 23 December 2010 · Chapter 23: Twenty-three
Oh, we must know more!
Author's reply
I don't know how much more there might be, but for some reason Cirdan has stirred from the Havens.... Perhaps he indeed is taking part in the assault on Dol Guldur?
Cairistiona · 23 December 2010 · Chapter 23: Twenty-three
I do wonder what Cirdan is doing in Imladris! Estel... and likely all the fosterlings Elrond took in... really had a front row view of history.
Author's reply
I know. Perhaps he indeed is taking part in his own way on Dol Guldur. As for your observation--ain't that the truth!
Andrea · 23 December 2010 · Chapter 23: Twenty-three
A bearded Elf! That must have been a sight for Estel. So, Elrond did not expect Cirdan's arrival? What news does the shipwright bring?
Author's reply
Oh, but indeed so, Andrea. It might well be he comes to add what aid he might have to the assault on Dol Guldur and the alleged Necromancer. I doubt, however, he was seen away from the Havens often, even at that time.
shirebound · 23 December 2010 · Chapter 23: Twenty-three
and of all things he was bearded... what a sight! This is a special experience indeed for Estel.
Author's reply
It would indeed be a special experience for the boy--the first time he'd seen one of those who awoke by Cuivienen!
Kitt Otter · 23 December 2010 · Chapter 23: Twenty-three
EEEEE! I really did shriek when I saw his name. I DO love Cirdan. Did he come for the White Council? I'll bet he has many a story to tell Estel if time allows!
Author's reply
I do indeed suspect that he would bestir himself from his beloved ships only to take part in the assault on Dol Guldur. And the sight of the mortal boy must have been somehow reassuring, realizing that Hope for the peoples of the West does indeed dwell here, hidden as he must be!
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 23 December 2010 · Chapter 23: Twenty-three
CIRDAN! Oh, my gosh! I think I'd feel as stunned as little Estel! I do adore Cirdan. And my young Thranduil is as fascinated by his distant kinsman's beard as Estel seems to be...although Thrani has the audacity to actually touch it to make sure it's real. *grin* Kaylee!
Author's reply
Am glad to show him in a rare trip away from his beloved ships! I don't know that Estel will even dream of seeking to touch the beard--but then he might want to deep in the depths of his heart. Ancient tales are indeed come to life for him this day!
Lindelea · 22 December 2010 · Chapter 22: Twenty-two
Oh, yes, he will! Great imagery in such an economy of words.
Author's reply
Am so glad you like it, Lin! Yes, one day he, too, will be part of companies gone out to fight the darkness, as well as doing his best on his own to do so as well. Whether part of great armies or as a guerrila fighter working on his own, he will be one of those who becomes a legend in the fight against the dark!
Kitt Otter · 22 December 2010 · Chapter 22: Twenty-two
I can see that the company of elven hunters would make a big impression on a boy - and naturally move so thoughtful a one as Estel to make that oath.
Author's reply
Indeed so, Kitt! His destiny already moves closer....
Andrea · 22 December 2010 · Chapter 22: Twenty-two
Estel watched after them with excitement and envy Be patient, Estel! Soon enough you will be one of them. And maybe one day in the future you will long to be a child again and leave war to the adults.
Author's reply
Unfortunately, you are all to likely right about him wishing one day to return to the relative innocence of childhood once more! But he WILL do his bit against the darkness.
Andrea · 22 December 2010 · Chapter 21: Twenty-one
What a beautiful gift for his mother! Narcissi (plural?) remind me of spring. Winter has just begun, but I'm already longing for spring. Too much snow, you know :-)
Author's reply
Yes, you used the proper plural. And they remind me of spring, also. When the bulbs I have growing in the bathroom die back, I'll replant them outside in the garden. I love them as decorations at Christmastime!
Cairistiona · 22 December 2010 · Chapter 22: Twenty-two
You can almost see the prophetic waving of banners and sounding of trumpets in Estel's vow!
Author's reply
You think so? I'm so glad you feel that, Cairistiona!
Linda Hoyland · 22 December 2010 · Chapter 22: Twenty-two
I can just imagine this scene!
Author's reply
I'm so glad I was able to make this one vivid enough to envision. Thanks, Linda!
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 22 December 2010 · Chapter 22: Twenty-two
Oh yes, soon enough Estel will ride out just so, his brothers and kinsmen with him! Soon enough, Estel...though perhaps now it seems to be forever. Well crafted, Larner! I could just see it. Kaylee
Author's reply
For a child, tomorrow can seem an eon away, and five years? Forever! Thanks so, Kaylee!
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 22 December 2010 · Chapter 21: Twenty-one
Larner! I loved the imagery here. I don't think I've ever actually seen narcissus, so will have to look up images and check, but I assume Estel's speaking of some sort of pottery planter jar they've been put in? I don't really know that word you've used...a new one for my vocabulary. :) Lovely story! Kaylee
Author's reply
A narcissus is a small variety of daffodil, and the paperwhite narcissus is a favorite bulb to force to bloom at Christmastime. I have a pot of five bulbs growing now in my bathroom, in fact. The blooms are smaller and more prolific than the typical daffodil, and the petals and bell are all white. On other varieties the bell is usually a canary yellow or orange and the surrounding six petals are white. Krater is a Greek term indicating a vessel or bowl that tends to be broad and shallow, often with two handles, one on either side of the rim. They tend to be particularly nice to plant bulbs for forcing. And glad you like this drabble!
Kitt Otter · 22 December 2010 · Chapter 21: Twenty-one
Aw, Estel's so sweet! Is there a special meaning behind the white narcissus or is it that she simply likes them?
Author's reply
I think it's just that she loves them, as I do. And it's so wonderful when you find something you know the recipient will love!
Linda Hoyland · 22 December 2010 · Chapter 21: Twenty-one
I'm so sorry I'm so behind.These are all so enjoyable. I especially enjoyed the lost socks and the prophetic dream.
Author's reply
I'm so glad the former made you smile, and that you appreciated the latter. Thanks, Linda.
shirebound · 22 December 2010 · Chapter 21: Twenty-one
These snippets from Estel's childhood are just lovely.
Author's reply
Thank you so, Shirebound. It's been enjoyable finding something for each day!