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Celebrian, Sell i Nos Galadhad   by Redheredh 79 Review(s)
Kitt OtterReviewed Chapter: 3 on 4/27/2008
This is interesting... it was the summary is what caught my attention: short and quirky. The characters are so well described that they come to life before my eyes. Everything is elfy in a down to earth sort of way. Celebrian is cute and sweet but sometimes an haughty thing. Ah! But she is a princess and look at her parents!
As I find the time I will continue to read.
-Kitt :)


Author Reply: Hello Kitt!

Goodness, it is very unusual, especially for me, to get a review on long posted chapters. But, I most definitely appreciate it! You will learn, if you have not reached that conclusion by now, that I am a bit quirky about canon. Certainly not there with the rest of the crowd on everything about the Eldar. I am glad you found this story entertaining so far. That factor comes and goes with each chapter. *sigh* Really, I think Celebrian is haughty from living in a palace more than from being an actual princess. ;)

I hope you do enjoy the rest of the tale for what there is posted. Which is not done at the lightening speed of other writers, you will notice. *another sigh* But, if you like Hrassa and Celebrian, some of my other stories have them together as an epilogue.

Thank you so very much for reading and reviewing!


autumn fallaiseReviewed Chapter: 22 on 4/22/2008
Hey!

My name is autumnfallaise, and I started reading fanfiction about a year ago. Unfortunately I'm not good at writing stories so I restrict myself to reading.

This story is really good! Celebrian is sooo cute! I also like how you wove politics into the story - it made me think a lot. I especially like Celeborn adn Galadriel together in private - they are so funny.

I really want to know what happens at the dance! And at breakfast too. :)

I really enjoyed 'Nadhemmen' too.

autumnfallaise

Author Reply: Hey! and Hello to you, autumnfallaise!

Please believe me when I say, a reader who reviews is beloved and worth their weight in mithril! And I too started off as only a reader, but imho you learn what is best about writing by reading. So, do not be bashful about trying your own hand at telling a story. You just might surprise yourself. :D

I am very glad you like this story. Thank you! We do mean to entertain. Hopefully, you will enjoy what does happen next. However, long it takes me to post...

I am glad you enjoyed that other story too! You may or may not have noticed that the tales with quoted summaries are those that Hrassa tells, and they all have an epilogue with Celebrian. If Celeborn and Galadriel are who interest you, try "Oak and Willow" by Marnie. Or her "Battle of the Golden Wood". Her stories are excellent and the writing outstanding. I also strongly recommend Bejai and Bodkin's stories, if you have not already discovered them. ;)

Once again, thank you so much for reading and reviewing!

BodkinReviewed Chapter: 22 on 4/21/2008
The ability to hold secret converse must be very handy! If a bit distracting - although I daresay that C&G have managed to master doing several things simultaneously. Rhiss the page is very sweet - and I'm not against Galadriel's desire to exact a penalty from her husband for incorporating the child into his wiles. Although I have little doubt that his retaliation will be equally apt.

So they have to schedule more ... intimate moments. Takes away the spontaneity, but I daresay they are too busy weaving their web to be impulsive.

Breakfast should be fun. Although they have some hours to get through first!

Author Reply:
Tolkien says that all elves (just like some say about humans and telepathy) have the ability to speak with their thoughts. But, like singing and drawing and writing, one has to suppose the talent can vary. Training is usually more than a plus; a necessity to do it well. Woe be the long-lived elf who cannot multi-task! Boredom is his likely lot! Rhiss certainly is a cute kid. Hemay grow up to be a charming adult... Yep, Galadriel's intuition is pretty good, most of the time.

*g* Marriage counselors will often recommend a couple go out on a 'date', like they use to, as an exercise to to keep the relationship healthy. Sure, it's scheduled, but not necessarily scripted. ;D

Well, Galadriel was not going to actually invite anyone else, just let Celeborn think about it. And he did. Hmmm, the fatal hour is coming and who knows who will get through it.

Thank you very much for reviewing. It is always appreciated.

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.

BodkinReviewed Chapter: 20 on 1/3/2008
Yes! You must have him back - Hrassa must definitely be prevailed upon to stay. All sorts of things depend upon it. (Myself, I'd leave it to Celebrian. She's already got her hooks in. And they're barbed to prevent easy removal.)

I love Celeborn and Galadriel together. They fit like puzzle pieces. And build on each other's strengths. (And I'm not surprised Galadriel nearly went into meltdown.)

Aurthôn and Laerlínath didn't know what they were getting into with their wine-pilfering, did they? I hope they make it home before ... well. They wouldn't want to become a public scandal, now would they?

Love it.



Author Reply: Oh certainly! Rest assured that Celeborn has a plan to keep Hrassa hanging around that includes both Galadriel and Celebrian. But, restore him to his old status as a nostel? We'll see... ;)

That's the thing - Celeborn and Galadriel together. I really believe Celeborn would have turned out as a powerful elf-lord as Oropher, Thranduil, or Amdir - or Lord of Harlindon/Eriador/Eregion and ally of Gil-galad as was Cirdan - even King of Lorien himself - if Galadriel were not so glorious and the most wise among elf-women. ...or pulled him into a certain Golodhrim smith's proximity. (Tolkien makes it clear in what he has the characters say, particularly about their lifemate, that they had a strong bond and a great weakness for each other).

At least the two are wed and not just courting! :D Now, that could be scandalous!

Glad you are enjoying! Thanks for the review!

perellethReviewed Chapter: 20 on 12/24/2007
This is a wodnerful Chrsitmas gift, Redheredh! I ws missing your talented flow! :-)

I love many things in this story but I think I like mot the relaionship that you have creted for this two. This playful, changing, self possesed and talented Celeborn is an intriguing, exasperating, fascinating character, as if befits him. I love his depth and complexity, his changing moods and also how he at times aloows himself tobe less than perfect and yet in control. And galadriel is a wise woman who knows the treasure that she holds and by which she is held, and knows perfectly how their mutual bond does make each of them stronger and wiser. A perfectly matched couple, and it shows in such subtle details as their mind games and their witty exchanges, even in private.

It is clear that all Ost in Edhil, and evenm uch of middle Earth dances around them, and they know it, and are comfortable with the fact. This court comes alive so vividly and detailed, and complex that it is a sheer pleasure to follow each chapter in this long night. I am going to re read it all during this holiday.

Have a nice vacation and my best wishes for the next year, with more of this jewels to come!



Author Reply: Well, I am missing your story-telling too! :) Actually, I wanted to get this chapter out before becoming preoccupied with other activities. Else it might have been another month... *sheesh*

A perfectly matched couple, you say? I suppose they do keep it interesting for each other. But, by being less than perfect certainly! ;D The Christmas season has reminded me that Mary and Joseph were *married*. They were not august potentates in their society, but I choose to believe a less than perfect but loving couple who faced their challenges together, not just looking after each other only because they were committed to some higher purpose.

Movers and doers! You gotta respect them for their chutzpah, but also be able enjoy their foibles. I am always very pleased that you are enjoying this tale and grateful that you let me know it. The next chapter is outlined - the entire story has been outlined for some time - but needs the usual polishing. Polishing is why it takes me so long to post. Especially when one line turns into two pages. Several other outlined stories are waiting as well, plenty for years to come, if I could just get them into shape...

Ah well! A Very Merry Christmas and Fortuitous Happy New Year to you!

BodkinReviewed Chapter: 19 on 9/5/2007
I loved this. And I'm so late in getting round to telling you so! Many apologies for sloth. Galadriel is such a politician ... although she might prefer the designation statesman ... but I'm glad to see that Celeborn doesn't let her get away with anything. (She could be unbearable, were she married to anybody less strong. And less devious.)

And, really, Hrassa cannot expect her to be pleased. (Although slapping him shows she's a girl with too many brothers. And I'm glad it hurt her hand.)

Lady Elrovail is to see to his every need, though? That could be scary. Though not, perhaps, with quite the potential of the morrow's tea party.

The mind talking between C&G is delightful. And revealing. Much easier to present a calm and omniscient front when you can share information in silence.





Author Reply:
I am very glad you enjoyed it! Now, Galadriel has real work to do like any real princess. ;) Ha! Personally, I think she gets away with quite a bit. (As with most women in a man's world, she has learned to be somewhat devious herself. But, it is an ability Celeborn has also developed, which could be another reason why they engage each other so well.)

Hrassa most certainly would expect to apologize - whatever he did or did not do - if the Lady decided she was not in a happy mood. ;) (Yes! I think you might be right about that! When younger, she would have competed with her brothers by acting more like them. But once grown up, you would think she could become more subtle, like Elrovail. H'm, maybe that is not exactly what one would wish. Manly manners just might be better...)

Actually, Elrovail is protecting Hrassa - but still getting her own opinion across. Just like Celeborn. Really, there is not much Celebrian can do to the wood-elf except get a story out of him. I suppose, he could use the opportunity to get back a little at the little princess' parents, but he would never abuse a child's trust.

There are actually two such conversations in LOTR, while the Fellowship is in Lothlorien, which I think are revealing of their relationship and personalities. One when Galadriel, after rebuking/cajoling does not seem to be working, has to ask Celeborn to let our heroes stay. And, another after she refuses the Ring on her own, then checks in with Celeborn to let him know the Ringbearer is ready to leave and when could he meet with them all again.

Thank you so much for the review!

perellethReviewed Chapter: 19 on 8/22/2007
WEll, at last I am able to sit and review!
I really enjoyed this long-awaited chapter, but now I have found that I must re read the whle tale so I get a whole view of everyone`s movememnts. THis is so perfectly set, the structure is like a perfect choreography and they all behave like well coordinated dancers.
I loved Galadriel's pov, her playful mise en scene, and her confusin at her husbands silence. Her whole mental process i very revealing of her inner weaknessess and strengtths...and I really loved her interaction with Hrassa. She managed to make it show but also as something very private between the two of them.

And HRassa is the hero of this tale. For he surely has a tale to tell. His self assuredness in the face of the expected reproaches and grudges and yet his determination to go through each and every are reallly moving. As it was Celeborn`s pain, so subtly epresssed. Just another guest. Indeed.

YOu have managed to depict a very credible relationship for Celeborn and Galadriel, in which both are strong and weak and both know each other's points... I loved how their strong love shows along Glaariel's mental runinations and her conversations with her lord, until they so indulgently watch over Aurthon and his wife. A perfect dance of words, and details and plot line. I bow to you.

And you have me intrigued with the prophecy and the reborn hero! :-)



Author Reply:
Thank you, Perelleth! Heaven knows I love the feedback you give me! Because you are so positive and generous.

Actually, there is nothing complicated about Hrassa's tale. He may get around to talking about it someday. But, if he is anything, he is brave and looks to certin high-elves for inspiration.

I glad you think C&G interact in a credible way. They are certainly not afraid to argue with one another - about anything. I was not sure about using Galadriel's pov at first, but she opened up eventually. I am glad you liked their conversation because there is more of that to come... eventually.

Now, canonically, Galadriel became aware of an evil growing in the East when in Lindon. It was one of the reasons they left there. I just thought she might also know that a another golden elf was determined to make it *back* to Ennor for he felt he was not released from his duty either. ;)

Thank you again for the kind review!

perellethReviewed Chapter: 18 on 6/10/2007
I forgot to say how much I liked the idea of the scattered Laiquendi keeping track of genealogy and thus being able to express their preferences for a matrilinear line or a Telerin raised noldorin heir among so many candidates! A nice tip, that!

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