Eriol
· 29 September 2015
· Chapter 5: Fishermouse
Exquisite! In your profile you said you want to achieve subtlety, well I think you certainly have. I have read some of your other stories and they all hold to the same high standard. Your writing, your perceptions, are exquisite, subtle yet powerful. It's a delight to encounter finely crafted things., almost elvish, I may say. I'm going to visit your live journal to see if you have written anything lately.
Author's reply
Thank you so much! I'm delighted to hear you enjoyed my stories. It's really kind of you to take the time to let me know. I think there are a few bits and pieces on LJ that aren't here, though I haven't written anything Tolkienish for a while.
Larner
· 10 May 2012
· Chapter 5: Fishermouse
And the greatest pain gives way, as they find themselves choosing life in spite of their pain.
Love the unofficial contest and its apparent results. Love the manner in which the tale he was imagining at the beginning now begins being told. A superb tale, so catching the deathless griefs that the Elves must know.
Author's reply
All pain has to in the end, I think. I'm glad you liked the contest and the return to the beginning! I like to circle back to things like that, if I can get away with it. Thank you for reading and all your comments - it's really good to know you've enjoyed the story.
Larner
· 10 May 2012
· Chapter 4: Coracle
Such grief has totally undone him. And now Celebrian will sail, leaving her own ration of grief behind her.
I can understand just why they are all so at odds at the moment. Alas for the grief and horror of what was done to those who accompanied Celebrian.
Author's reply
Yes, everyone is too upset to be kind to each other at the moment. The tragedy is a communal one - they're all affected, and all helpless to do anything about it.
Agape4Gondor
· 8 May 2012
· Chapter 5: Fishermouse
*sad sigh*
Beautifully written. Heart-breakingly good. Typical Tolkienesque elf story.
You should be proud. Bravo.
*wipes tears*
Author's reply
Thank you so much. It was hard to write - I'm really glad it moved you!
Glorfindel was playing the nightingale harp again, some odd, experimental piece he was probably making up as he went along. He said the new strings called for new songs.
Oh, how I loved this sentiment and the entire story. I loved your Melinna, you know I did and do and always will. But this was so necessary, so pertinent to the character of Erestor and the continuation of the story. At the very least it brings forth the empty anticipation of immortal souls. Immortality might be a state to be envied, but the thought that the joys and sorrows will last forever...it casts a pall over the envied state.
Glorious, Clodia. Simply beautiful and glorious and rising as firmly through the aether as the strings of Daeron's nightingale harp.
- Erulisse (one L)
Author's reply
Thank you so much! That's a really poetic response - lovely for me to read, and so lovely to hear, always, that my story moved you. I always meant to write this story; it was in my head before I wrote anything else. I am really glad it works!
UTfrog
· 6 May 2012
· Chapter 5: Fishermouse
Excellent conclusion to one of the most powerful stories I have read. It would be a shame to change anything in this story, but maybe, someday, you could write a reunion story.
Anyway, a great tale and well told.
Author's reply
Thank you so much! I might write the reunion one day (I do know how it goes), but I'd probably keep it to my LJ if I do; it would feel too self-indulgent to post it across the archives. But I have a massive backlog of other things to write, so that's only a remote possibility anyway. In any case, thank you for reading and for all your comments. I'm so glad you've enjoyed the story!
6336
· 6 May 2012
· Chapter 5: Fishermouse
Yes, I do believe Erestor will be having a few words with Melinna when they meet again, knowing Melinna she will just laugh!
Erestor is starting to pick up the peices of his life again and finishing up Melinnas, tying up all the loose ends as it were.
It is to be hoped that Aman will return Calebrian's joy in life to her, it dose seem to have been painted as the cure all for what ails Elves!
I would be interested to see Erestors confrontation with Melinna, if you ever write it, oh to be a fly on the wall for that one!
Will wait a while before I reread this, let it settle a bit, as it were.
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
You're right about Melinna laughing - though by the time they meet again, Erestor will probably have forgotten most of those words anyway. It's a safe way off, long enough for everyone just to tut at each other and move on with their lives. I think Celebrian will take a long time to heal even in Aman, but hopefully it will be easier for her there. Thank you so much for reading this story and for all your comments! It's been really good to hear your thoughts along the way.
Agape4Gondor
· 1 May 2012
· Chapter 4: Coracle
There are no words to convey any better than you how a heart aches. I know mine does for all those involved. Superb writing.
Author's reply
Thank you so much. It was unhappy stuff to write, but I needed to get it out of my head!
perelleth
· 29 April 2012
· Chapter 4: Coracle
this is wondrous. While Elrond is conscpicuous in his absence, all the rest stopping by are in one way or the other hitting against the wall of despair. And yet we can slowly understand that thisis but the inexarable ending Erestor must have been fearing all along, knowing here, and after Doriath. There are things only a couple knows, that make or break or determine the feelings in a relationhship, and this stubborn trait defined Melinna, much to Erestor´s dismay.
And yet I love GLorfindel's perseverance,stubbornly insisiting in undesrtanding, in talking, then in not talking, then again in talking, hpoing, knowing that it will somehow pass. The feelings are raw and yet believable and somehow logical. PErfect, Clodia, thanks!
Author's reply
Thank YOU! That's just what I wanted here - the conspicuous absence, the other appearances, the realised fear. And Glorfindel too (he has some debts of his own to repay, in a way, from when he came back to ME). I am so glad it fits together!
perelleth
· 29 April 2012
· Chapter 3: Galleon
Wow, this an emotional rollerocaster, a fet of guilt and shock. I can udnesrtand Erestor being angry and disoriented, and yet I wonder who had ot better, Melinna or Celebrian... the hints draw a picture of horrors that is extraordinarily well done. And the nibness of the time, GLorfindel`s horror, the toll this terrible event cast on all of imladris is really well done. I´m loving every line of this despite the grim subject.
Author's reply
Oh, Melinna, I think - she's certainly much better equipped to handle something like this, even if death is a new one to her. Erestor's being selfish and rather terrible. It's really good to hear you're enjoying this! It was a good experience to write it - but I don't know if I enjoyed doing so, exactly.
UTfrog
· 29 April 2012
· Chapter 4: Coracle
Autocorrect error strikes again. I tried to say you keep increasing the pain.
UTfrog
· 29 April 2012
· Chapter 4: Coracle
Wow. You keep increasing theonering of the story. Great chapter. Thanks.
Author's reply
Thank you for reading! I think the last section should make it easier (I hope).
6336
· 29 April 2012
· Chapter 4: Coracle
What was said between Clebrian and Erestor should stay between them, Arwen does not need to hear it, she would not understand. Celeborn understands and I think Galadriel too and they won't tell.
It's trite but true, time heals all wounds, it's just that some times the scars are very rough and scratchy and catch at odd moments.
Erestor is starting to come out of his fuge state but still has a long way to go, a very long way.
Still reading, if not exactly enjoying this! It is good to read something with a bit of meat on its bones amongst all the fluff out there, differant flavours are good!
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Arwen may one day learn what was said, but certainly she doesn't need to hear it now, and won't. And you're right: Erestor does have a long way to go, but at least he's taken the first step now. Thank you so much for still reading - it's really good to hear your thoughts!
AleiTheLeaf
· 29 April 2012
· Chapter 4: Coracle
Sometimes, more words take away from something as opposed to adding to it. That's how I feel with this review. This story is so heartbreaking, so beautiful and raw...and just so powerful with the way it handles the idea that something so simple can be so devastating. Thank you for posting this.
Author's reply
Thank you so much for reading, and such a kind review! It's really moving to hear, well, that the story moves you - before I started posting, I wasn't sure how it would strike people, or if it would. I'm very glad you like it!
Elentarri
· 26 April 2012
· Chapter 3: Galleon
My apologies, I don't really have anything constructive to say that hasn't been said before by other reviewers. ;)
I'm basically just nagging for an update and letting you know that a lurker enjoys your writing and is encouraging you to write some more stuff.
You have a wonderful writing style and manage to convey all the emotions in this story very well.
Author's reply
Thank you so much, that's a wonderful thing to hear! Encouragement is *always* constructive. ;) I'm really glad you're enjoying this.
6336
· 25 April 2012
· Chapter 3: Galleon
With regard to your review reply to my last comment.
I think good Fan Fic writers should be encouraged, while I may not really enjoy the subject matter of this particular story, your write extremly well and should, therefore, be encouraged to continue!
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
That's very good of you and I do appreciate it. Thank you again!
UTfrog
· 25 April 2012
· Chapter 3: Galleon
So very sad and so powerfully written.
Author's reply
Thank you so much.
6336
· 24 April 2012
· Chapter 3: Galleon
I am not sure getting Erestor drunk is the best thing to do, though I think it is what Glorfindel wants to do, but he does not want to drink alone.
As much as Celebrian wants to talk about it, Erestor is not ready for it, the greif is still too new, eventually he will want to talk but I have a feeling that it will be a very long time in coming and by then Celebrian will be in Valinor.
Does Erestor ever sail, I like to think he did, well your Erestor that is and that Melinna is waiting for him.
Still reading.
Huggs
Lynda
Author's reply
Getting drunk was definitely more for Glorfindel's benefit than Erestor's here, you're absolutely right. My Erestor sails eventually - once the Ring War's done and after Arwen's marriage. I might even write it one day, but only to indulge myself. Thank you so much for continuing to read this misery and for taking the time to comment!
walkerskye
· 24 April 2012
· Chapter 3: Galleon
Believable, terribly believable, especially the way you brought Celebrian into this part of the story. And Erestor's anguish, swinging from helpless loss to hopeless rage, the mad rollercoaster of unexpected traumatic grief. As a minister and therapist Ive heard these stories often, so believe me when I say you capture it very well indeed. Erestor and Glorfindel have been thru it so many times they should be numb to it but as Eldar they never get used to loss, it only brings back memories of every other loss, like a PTSD patient caught in a memory loop. I find myself waiting anxiously for the next chapter.
Author's reply
Thank you so much, that's really wonderful to hear! I was a bit uncertain about this, and poor Celebrian, and Erestor's reaction. It's so great to hear it rings true. Under other circumstances, Erestor would probably be the best equipped of anyone at Imladris to handle the aftermath - but surviving that long must make it that much more shocking to lose someone you've been close to all your life. His reaction isn't pretty, but no one's would be.
Larner
· 24 April 2012
· Chapter 3: Galleon
So terrible an attack, and his response is understandable, even if it is not a good one. She sought to protect the one she'd chosen as her Lady, and hoped that her sacrifice of herself would be enough. Alas that it was not. And alas that he feels that terrible anger at not having protected her, the other half to his own heart.
Author's reply
It's not a good response at all, pretty ugly in fact, but I'm very glad it's understandable. It's an ugly time for all concerned. Thank you so much, as always, for reading and commenting!
BeeGee
· 24 April 2012
· Chapter 3: Galleon
The tension is kept up very well in this chapter. What you've really brought across very well in all chapters so far is the utter loss these elves feel. They are going through all the normal emotions that come with bereavement, but they really don't recognize it because they don't face it as often as "mortals" do. As such they don't really have the rituals that "mortals" use to ease the way through, and they are bouncing off each other in anger and fear instead. Very sad, and very well written!
Author's reply
I'm really pleased the tension is still there - it's hard to maintain after a certain point in a story, especially once the initial shock wears off and the story becomes about adjusting and getting used to a new reality. And you describe so precisely what I wanted to pin down here - everyone in Imladris bouncing off each other and helping each other and hurting each other, mostly unintentionally, often in a very ugly way. Thank you so much!
perelleth
· 20 April 2012
· Chapter 2: Dragonfly
I was looking forward to this second installment. Erestor´s numbness is perfectly depicted, as is Arwen´s despair and Glorfindel´s exhaustion. I can´t iagine how it would be for a long lived elf, yet since we´ve known Erestor and Melinna for so long and togehter through the long years of Middle-earth, it´double shock now to think she´s gone.
But, forgive me the levity, I loved Glorfindel´s last shot. LEt´s get drunk. Yeah, Balrog-slayer, the one and only medicine. :-)
Author's reply
Thanks so much, as ever! I wanted to create all that numbness, despair and exhaustion, so it's great to hear it's working - and great, too, that you like Glorfindel's somewhat unsophisticated coping strategy. :'D
BeeGee
· 20 April 2012
· Chapter 2: Dragonfly
Beautiful images, but so sad for Erestor, really for all of them. I imagine that in Mandos, Namo is getting an earful!
Author's reply
Probably, but I expect he's used to it. I'm very glad you liked the images. Thank you again!
I noticed when you put this up a short time ago, and at the time I was swamped with projects, etc. So I saved it for a special treat. Rather like saving the cherry for tbe very last. I'm so glad that I did.
As always, your skill with words and with these tso beloved characters defies description. I'm just infinitely grateful that you have cracked the door open enough to allow us egress. A story like this can't be loved, but it can be cherished. I'll be reading and re-reading this for years to come.
- Erulisse (one L)
Author's reply
Thank you so much! I knew you had a lot of projects on the go right now, so it means a lot that you took the time to look at this. And it's not a happy story, but if it's worth rereading, that'll be as much as I could hope for.
Agape4Gondor
· 19 April 2012
· Chapter 2: Dragonfly
This was hard to read. The *)&^_% Orcs. They knew her!
And Arwen - trying to get away to help anyway she could. Having to sit at the feet of a grieving Elf. Very sad indeed.
*heavy sigh* An Elf's life is not a happy life.
Author's reply
Not happy at all, not in these moments. It was meant to be hard to read, but it seems wrong for me to be glad it was all the same. Thanks again for reading and reviewing!