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Celebrian, Sell i Nos Galadhad   by Redheredh 2 Review(s)
BodkinReviewed Chapter: 21 on 3/31/2008
My, but Celeborn and Galadriel are well matched! Anyone trying to put one over on them would have to get up very early. I love their relationship - and their desire to manage the world around them. Although that has the potential to be a little alarming.

Shame their daughter is a little too young to be brought in on the plotting - because I think that whatever Celeborn can't pull off with his authority and Galadriel cannot obtain through ruthless charm would be attained instantly through the power of the child's eyelashes.

I can't see Hrassa tiring of Celebrian any time soon. Even in elven terms of soon.

But I am sorry that Celeborn is insisting that no-one enquires as to the reasons for Hrassa's departure. Ever. How can he refuse to pander to my curiosity?

Author Reply:
Yeah, how else could they stay together? But in their youth, this is what they both wanted - to rule without interference from their elders. Well, they got even further than that. Now they are the interfering elders!

"ruthless charm" good one. "the child's eyelashes" another good one!

Which Celeborn has to point out, since Galadriel has not as of yet seen them interact together.

*g* Oh, maybe after a while Hrassa, or even Celebrimbor, will own up. Still, it will be his choice, not the Lord's or the Lady's command. That is all Celeborn is really aiming for. Outside of holding up Hrassa's integrity. And, at this point, avoiding being told outright that he was a bad leader or a lousy chief to his follower. Or a lousy friend...

Thank you for the review. Something always much appreciated!

perellethReviewed Chapter: 21 on 3/20/2008
I am sorry that it took me so long to get back at you, but I caught a cold that developed into something worse... anyway, I must say that I enjoyed this chapter a lot, also because it dealt with something I've been thinking about lately, which is the different roles of females regarding power. I love how you state Galdriel's advantages while being a lady and having to comply with certain rules and restrictions..only apparent. Even if it is Celeborn who leads the ball in the end, she has her weapons and tools and can wield them wisely to her ends.

I also like Celeborn's cunning and how she slowly ends up understanding his plotting. You know how I love backstage maneouvering and patient weaving of strategies, and Celeborn's been masterful at that all along this tale. His more than elaborate plot to retain Hrassa is a show of subtlety but also a show of an intelligent mind that loves the game for its sake, and I can only relate to that pleasure!

Now you get my poor memory wondering. Do we readers know the true extent of HRassa's sudden departure? I think not, and since I am not Galadriel, I canot help but wondering, and asking Hrassa, and the author: Is there a tale that we will ever get to know? And what was Celebrimbor's role there? I also liked that you threw him into the mix. And of course, now I wonder where is Hrassa in that eventful crossing of the Redhorn PAss an age later?

Congratulations, the plot and character developement gets even better as this goes on.

Author Reply: Perelleth! You poor thing, I hope you are recovering. It sounds like your resistance is down from your previous sick bout.

In regards to C&G, it seems sometimes people forget about the cultural paradigms Tolkien was working with. Women exercised great influence while supposedly second-class citizens. But in general, patriarchal societies discriminate according to rank more than gender. Decisions are left up to the head-person whether male or female. It is made very clear that the Lord and Lady of Lorien were equals. However, with differing responsibilities. The Lord could actually throw the Fellowship out, if he wished. The Lady was the one person who could oppose him. She could not change his issued commands. She could only change his mind about what he would command. Likewise, if she had refused giving cloaks or lembas to the Fellowship upon request, he would have had to convince her to be generous. He could not make her give those things to them.

Ya know, I think Celeborn would be a good card player. He works with what he is dealt as best he can. He can take the short view in context with the long view and take action. Of course, with your job, you know how hard that can be sometimes. Short-term vs. long-term vs. immediate needs.

You ask what's up with Hrassa's going. Well, way back in the beginning chapters, he hinted at a few thoughts about his choice to not return home. Celebrimbor was sorta his runaway note. He had to tell someone. But, his note did not get found and read as expected. And, when it comes to Hrassa's whereabouts in the Third Age, I have nothing to say. Not now anyway...

Thank you so much for the review. I hope you regain your strength and get back to a better and more resistant state of health soon.

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