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| Quincentenary Comfort by Nilmandra | 20 Review(s) |
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| Lianna | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 5/6/2006 |
| What everybody else said. But also, I particularly liked it when Estel said that he did not miss his father and Elrond explained why that was perfectly reasonable. I have known people who lost a family member when they were small and who felt guilty about not missing that person. Elrond very easily and neatly prevented Estel from falling into that trap. Author Reply: My neighbor was 12 when her 18 year old brother died. He had been gone the year before that as an exchange student. She thought there was something wrong with her because she didn't miss him enough, like her parents did. We talked about it in a similar fashion - his relationship with hers was so very different than with his parents, or the brother closest in age, or a good friend. Putting it in perspective helped a lot, I think. Fortunately, Elrond is very wise. :D | |
| harrowcat | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 5/6/2006 |
| This is a beautifully crafted piece Nilmandra and I enjoyed every word of it. I would like to echo all your previous reviewers. (Not least because it says me typing time! :) ) It must have been hard for Elrond to put the ring around Frodo's neck knowing the weight of that evil as opposed to the weight of the love he carries. Author Reply: It must have been hard for Elrond to put the ring around Frodo's neck knowing the weight of that evil as opposed to the weight of the love he carries. So very true.. and I might have to work that into HLIII, as I am right now writing an Elrond- Frodo conversation. The focus is on them with the rings gone/shorn of power, but this is an interesting comparison. The weight of love - family, friends - has to be strong enough to equal or outweigh that of evil. Thanks :D | |
| Dot | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 5/5/2006 |
| I thoroughly enjoyed this, Nilmandra! I love Estel seeking comfort and ending up providing it. I was grinning away here as Elrond waited patiently for Estel to creep over to him. He’ll need a lot more Ranger training before he can surprise Elrond! You really do create a very touching image of the two of them – Elrond is so tender, yet is still a source of strength for the child. There are some lovely details in Elrond’s care for him (like warming his feet – loved that!). I guess it was bound to happen that Estel would overhear things not intended for his ears, although it must have been a surprise for Elrond. Still, your Estel seems a very practical child, for all that he’s sensitive enough to have nightmares. I thought Elrond handled him well – reassuring him that he himself would not be killed, though he knows that he can’t say that for certain, and letting him know that he’s treasured. Really, that’s all that Estel needs at this stage. He’s still young enough that when the real world creeps in, the adults in his life can push it away from him again. Oh, I love the idea of the pendant! It shows not only the strength of love between Elrond and Celebrían but I think reminds us of the clarity of elven memory – it means the pain is still there but equally his memory of her and love for her are still clear. It’s also proof of Glorfindel’s love for both of them. He may not truly be able to fix everything but I bet he tries darn hard for those he loves. Estel’s hero worship of him is very sweet. What I also like about this scene is Elrond’s honesty – not only with Estel but with himself. He acknowledges his pain and knows that it’s part of who he is. And even as Estel works things out logically, I think Elrond’s acceptance and hope have probably made a mark on him in some way. “I think I will not dream of orcs and trolls if I stay here, Ada,” he yawned. He patted Elrond’s hand. “And you will not miss Celebrían as much if I am here.” That made me smile. He’s found a good solution there, I think! He’s received the comfort and reassurance and love and attention that he needed, and Elrond has found comfort that he wouldn’t have thought to seek. It’s so touching to think that he can set memories aside for now and accept what this very real bundle of love has to offer. This really is lovely :-) Author Reply: Thanks, Dot! I like it when adults are realistic with kids - give them approprirate responses to the hard questions and admit to your own pain, and you validate them as people. Glorfindel says he is a hero! He can do anything, really. And the ranger comment just became a plot bunny that has grabbed on to my leg. | |
| perelleth | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 5/5/2006 |
| LOL! “I think I will not dream of orcs and trolls if I stay here, Ada,” he yawned. He patted Elrond’s hand. “And you will not miss Celebrían as much if I am here.” Trust the child to find a solution! I liked the pace and the rythm! The whole story sounds like tiptoeing, because of the late hour and the terrible subject, yet in that light manner in which both acknowledged pain and fear, there was, too, the light of hope (Glorfindel shall fix it all! LOL) and their mutual support. I really liked the way you packed that deep meaning in this lovely, almost fluffy (in the best sense) piece. (Bows respectfully) Author Reply: Amazing how fluff and melancholy and deep meaning can all mix, isn't it? I enjoyed writing this. I am glad for adults who are honest about pain - I think their children learn about life best when a parent doesn't lie or gloss things over, but meets the questions head on. Thanks.. glad you liked it. | |
| paranoidangel | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 5/5/2006 |
| Thank you Nilmandra, I love this! A hug from little Estel is enough to cure any of Elrond's pains. I love Estel's straight talking when he tells Elrond that orcs and trolls kill people. I was re-reading this thinking I must point out various things that I loved about it, but my mental list got too long and ended up being pretty much all of it :) Author Reply: I am glad you like it! Hope you had a very good birthday. :D | |
| daw the minstrel | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 5/5/2006 |
| He needed to feel that pain every so often That's my favorite sentence in this, I think. Avoiding pain would mean Elrond didn't miss Celebrian, didn't regret what happened to her. The only way not to feel pain is not to feel anything, and Elrond is wise enough to know that. And he does have a nice little boy to share comfort with. :-) Author Reply: Elrond is wise indeed.. .he knows our pain is part of what makes us who we are. To remove it is to remove something which has shaped and molded us.. and for him, been part of the refining process. And it is his great hope too, to be reunited. :) | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 5/5/2006 |
| This is *so* loving and comforting -- two of my favorite things! :D Author Reply: I like seeing Elrond on the giving and receiving end of those things :D | |
| Jay of Lasgalen | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 5/5/2006 |
| A lovely story, Nilmandra. Poor little Estel, having bad dreams about orcs and trolls - but I'm glad that the twins weren't to blame. They might make the mistake once of telling him scary stories, but wouldn't repeat it. I loved Estel's surprise when he realised that Elrond was watching him - he probably thought he was creeping in really, really quietly! Nice touch about the necklace, too - and 'Glorfindel can fix anything.' He's a useful elf to have around :>) And happy birthday to Nic, aka Paranoidangel! Author Reply: 'Glorfindel can fix anything.' He's a useful elf to have around :>) Oh, very much so. He has little Estel completely fooled anyway! | |
| Bodkin | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 5/5/2006 |
| Ahh. Little Estel sliding up on Elrond for comfort. Elrond is a very good adar. Nothing seems to throw him - and he is a rock in a very disturbed little life. Promising not to be killed by orcs or trolls might an undertaking he cannot guarantee keeping, but the odds of his remaining safe in Imladris are quite high. Certainly much higher than those that could be placed on Estel remaining in the same condition. Inevitable, I suppose, that an adventurous little boy with Ranger qualities would end up hearing things he shouldn't. Just as he will end up doing things he shouldn't. Breaking the chain was a pure accident, though. I love the jewel more precious than a Silmaril. To Elrond, carrying Celebrian's hair must be a comfort and a promise. (And providing it is a very Glorfindelish piece of support.) That Estel offers Elrond comfort in his turn is delightful - and a reminder of why he had to stay when Celebrian sailed. Sweet. Author Reply: That Estel offers Elrond comfort in his turn is delightful - and a reminder of why he had to stay when Celebrian sailed Prophecies are made, but the form they will take is usually unknown. I wonder if Elrond ever though that this leader who would rise up from the Dunedain would call him Ada and be raised by him. He waited 500 years for this. Just boggles the mind of a mortal. | |
| Karri | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 5/5/2006 |
| Excellent, Nilm! A sweet, melancholy bit of fluff that I very much enjoyed. *claps* *sniff* Author Reply: Thank you! I am glad you liked it. :D | |