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Letters from Home  by Bodkin 14 Review(s)
anaReviewed Chapter: Prologue on 3/9/2011
I so thoroughly love this. From beginning to end it's perfect.

HalethReviewed Chapter: Prologue on 3/12/2006
I don't think there's anything I can say about this story that hasn't already been mentioned. I really enjoyed reading it, from how Sam comforted Galadriel to her fading from grief to their reunion.

It amazes me how there's not a word missing and not a word extra.



Author Reply: This was one of the very first stories I had the nerve to post - together with the first Reflection, (not the Prologue), and And In the Morning. And, as a totally random piece of information, part of it was written in a hotel in Sydney.

I love the comment that there's not a word missing and not a word extra. Thank you - that makes me so happy!

Elfling_ImpReviewed Chapter: Prologue on 9/20/2005
I simply loved it !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Author Reply: Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed it!!

alassecalaelenReviewed Chapter: Prologue on 3/29/2005
I sat here crying like a baby over this one. The parting, the letters, the fear Gladdy had in her mind that he no longer loved her. But mostly the hope as she looked out every day waiting.

You see I play Celeborn in a role game online and have been desserted by the player of Galadriel. I feel like I'm floundering now too. She knew this elf inside and out and we were good at them together. I only hope that one day she returns to *my Cel* and we can play on as both.

Thank you so much for this story. It made my heart sing.

Author Reply: Thank you. I think that Galadriel was walking wounded when she reached the Blessed Realm - but that she couldn't really heal properly until Celeborn arrived. They had spent too many millennia existing partly in each other and neither was complete when divided by the Sundering Seas.

I hope your other half returns soon!

I'm glad you liked it.

EllieReviewed Chapter: Prologue on 8/6/2004
Are all of your stories this good? Wow! I'm glad I have discovered your writing. What a wonderful brain candy store! I can't wait to read more of your works!



Author Reply: What can I say? Of course, I'm a genius - no, not only untrue, sounds bad. No, you just happened on one you like - no, that won't tempt you to try others. You will just have to read them and see what you think! I hope you like them.

Thank you for reading and for making me feel good.

lwarrenReviewed Chapter: Prologue on 6/7/2004
I have read some great stories (am reading one right now) where Celeborn and Galadriel are written as being close and loving, if not tempestuous! But, I have to say this story has become my favorite. May I say first of all, I love the poetry of your words in your stories...clear, vivid, emotional! Now where to begin...

Sam, dear Sam - how appropriate that he would comfort Galadriel..."his hand stroking her hair gently, as if she were his Ellie." And she put her head on his shoulder,too! A vulnerable Galadriel, who, I'm afraid could not agree with Sam's "To elves, all times are soon, my lass." I would think when one is waiting for the love of her life to show up, time would be endless! Immortal elves my be, but to have to wait so...it boggles the mind!

The ever-gallant Gimli - how funny and revealing that it took the knowlegde that Gimli had the approval of Lord Manwe and Lady Varda to assure his welcome! And the sight of the Lady made that voyage all worthwhile...and again, Galadriel saving Celeborn's letters to read alone.

Then the ships were few. I loved this terribly sad phrase..."..those few remaining elsewhere continued to bleed along the arteries of the roads to pool at the Havens..." as if the very life's blood of the world was lost, along with all life and magic as the elves left ME.

And still the lady waited. Erestor's coming seemed to break something in her, when she saw the letters written in his hand rather than Celeborn's. Such doubt and heartbreak, and she stays alone to "read of his abandonment of her to eternal loneliness." Such a proud, confident Noldor princess - coming to realize the consequences of her actions throughout the years, and also where a great deal of her strength came from. So sad.

Then there is the section where you repeat several times..."She watched the sea." ...and go on to describe the sea. Powerful, dark and very sad. (More of that poetry here, too.) And finally JOY, when he and the grandsons come. Their conversation through their bond...he can't believe she doubted (guess he doubts his own importance in her life!) The whole part where she says, "Don't touch me...If you touch me, I will be lost to all propriety." Wow, be still my heart! :-) Poor Celebrian ;) - to get in the middle of all that desire! *sigh* a perfect ending!

(Sorry this review is so long - but I love the power and beauty of words well-written, and just had to expound on my favorite parts! :) Thanks for a lovely LOVE story, as well as a very different insight into the Lady's character.

linda

Author Reply: Goodness - thank you very much for such a comprehensive review! I loved writing this story and you have picked out so many of my own favourite bits.

I cannot see how Celeborn and Galadriel could have stayed together for somewhere in the region of seven thousand years (even giving some long separations), if they hadn't loved each other with a strength that can only have grown with time.

The Galadriel who arrives in the Blessed Realm must be in shock - she has lost the power of the ring, she has lost a home of many years, she is back in the place where she was a child, she has no authority and she does not know if her husband will ever join her. And at the same time, she is too proud ever to let anyone know how much she is hurting.

I love writing elven conversation - you can use long words and no contractions and I aim for rhythm.

Again, thank you for reviewing.

RenReviewed Chapter: Prologue on 5/15/2004
I throughly enjoyed this. It's beautiful: it started so sadly but ended on a happy note ^_^! I'm a sucker for happy endings!

Author Reply: Nothing like a good happy ending. And Galadriel and Celeborn deserve one.

(Continued in Healing.)

SphinxReviewed Chapter: Prologue on 4/22/2004
Am I glad to find your work today. :) Another well-written story, encompassing so many little details that many forget when writing about two characters as complex as Celeborn and Galadriel.

The thinning and gradual fading of the letters was an excellent touch, Metaphoric as well, when you see the distancing between them as the years pass. I've wrestled with both of them in this reunion situation myself, and it did produce a story. Galadriel's fire undiminished, and she's not wiling to let go of him so soon - that came across very well.

Sphinx

Author Reply: Thank you so much. I just loved Eloquent Remembrance.


BejaiReviewed Chapter: Prologue on 4/20/2004
Oh, wonderful story! I loved the image of the letters getting thinner as time passed, mirror Galadriel's dimishment. I've always liked the idea that messages could be sent to Valinor -- although, obviously, they could not be sent the other way.

And their reunion was priceless -- walking side by side, not daring to touch one another until they could be alone. And how the people saw them as cold and indifferent toward one another, when it couldn't be further from the truth. Very much enjoyed this story.

Author Reply: Thank you.

I think all that mental communion between them could have made them look very cold - while really having exactly the opposite effect.

And I can't see Galadriel dealing very well with being a passive partner, waiting in silence for word to come.

Aislynn CrowdaughterReviewed Chapter: Prologue on 4/18/2004
Hi!
This is very beautiful! I loved the part with the final reunion, and the part where galadriel kept watch for a ship to come, in vain. I am glad that you decided on an happy end (since Tolkien himself was not clear about it ifCeleborn and the twins ever made it to Valinor).

Well done!
greetings to you,

Aislynn

Author Reply: In my mind they did.

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