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Neath Anor, Ithil, and Gil  by Larner 7 Review(s)
ellieReviewed Chapter: 91 on 6/29/2010
Poor Celeborn lost so much in those last short years he spent in Middle-earth. At least he has good memories to take to Valinor to share with his family there. I feel so sorry for him.

I like this brief glimpse of his interactions with and reflections on his great-grandchildren.
Nicely done!

Author Reply: Yes, he has these memories to take with him, at least; and at least these will have known him and learned what they can while he is with them. And hopefully he will be able to make them living presences to his wife and daughter and her husband when he sees them again.

Thank you so, Ellie!

KittyReviewed Chapter: 91 on 6/24/2010
Quite bittersweet, Larner. These Elves remaining behind after the Ring War must have been torn if to stay or sail, particularly the ones so close to Aragorn and Arwen. You summed it up very well how Celeborn must have felt - fearing to see his granddaughter fade away, but happy to see his great-grandchildren and enjoying their company.

Author Reply: I am so glad you found in this story just what I'd hoped to communicate, Kitty. Yes, there is a loss anticipated, but at least he has these memories to take with him, and has seen a joyful beginning to a new age within Middle Earth.

Thank you so very much!

TariReviewed Chapter: 91 on 6/8/2010
The Gift of Men is a beautiful way of describing death. Still, Elrond waited as long as possible before going to the Undying Lands. Staying until death claimed Estel and his daughter would be more than he could bear. How heartbreaking for him.

Author Reply: Tolkien himself described death so, declaring that in the end those who knew immortality would find themselves wearying and wishing they could also lay down the burdens of their lives. And I do agree about part of the reason Elrond chose to leave when he did. To know if he remained much longer he would see his daughter fade on the death of her so-mortal husband as well as losing the accustomed power of his Ring would have all played an important part in strengthening his decision. And the thought of being reunited with Celebrian would have been the crowning touch....

Thanks so, Tari.

EllynnReviewed Chapter: 91 on 6/4/2010
So, the elves leave and disappear from Middle-earth... it is a sad thought, and you described this sadness and melancholy in Celeborn very well; but then, lighter tones in the end of the story bring back smile to readers' face. Wonderfully done. :)

Author Reply: There was always both joy and grief to be found in the Elves, and I'm so glad I appear to have caught both! Thank you so!

AndreaReviewed Chapter: 91 on 6/4/2010
He heard laughter, like mithril bells ringing in the clear air of mountain snowfields, and his eyes were drawn to his granddaughter.

Wonderfully said! Beauty and happiness, but only for a moment that cannot last forever!

Thank you :-)

Author Reply: Yes, our beauty and happiness is ephemeral compared to that known to the Elves, but at least we do not usually have reason to mourn for almost all we once knew as do the Elves. Thanks so, Andrea!

RSReviewed Chapter: 91 on 6/4/2010
Oh MY Larner! This is beautiful! A tranquil and lovely scene... not to mention that it got me emotional. Beautiful!

Author Reply: Am so glad you find it that way! I love knowing you find it tranquil. Thank you so very much!

FiondilReviewed Chapter: 91 on 6/4/2010
A nice little piece, Larner. Celeborn is so rarely written about, it's good to see him here. I can imagine him being part of but also apart from this family, his feelings towards his granddaughter's children ambivalent, not wanting to be too involved yet recognizing that this is his one last chance to pass down his own wisdom and knowledge to the 'next generation' before he, too, sails. I'm glad he decides not to stand aside but to become a part of the family more fully.

Author Reply: I do enjoy writing Celeborn, although I've had little enough chance to do so. And this is the last chance to influence those who will influence the future, I'm certain! Thanks so, Fiondil.

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