shirebound
· 29 April 2004
· Chapter 13: Reconciliation
I've never followed a non-hobbit story for so long, and with such awe and delight. You are truly a master storyteller, Nilmandra. I'm just captivated by passages such as these:
"The sudden presence of a fourth surprised her, but it was Elladan’s fëa that drew Elrohir back to them. Celebrían could see the beauty and strength of their fëar together, and she watched as Elladan took away some of Elrohir’s pain and confusion, bearing it himself and relieving his twin of some of his burden. In that lightened state, Elrohir could now sense the fëar of his parents and draw near to them. Elrond’s disbelief and wonder at this relationship between his sons flowed through to her, and Celebrían reached physically for Elladan’s hand.
After Elrohir’s feä again grew strong, Elrond pulled away and Celebrían could feel that he was utterly spent. She opened her eyes to meet his, and saw a depth of weariness that frightened her, and a depth of love that consumed her."
My goodness. Just lovely.
Author's reply
Thanks, Shirebound - I consider it a real compliment that you are reading when there is not even a hobbit on the horizon! But, how amazing to think it is these same characters that will help Frodo many years in the future. I am glad you are still enjoying this.
BeeJang
· 28 April 2004
· Chapter 12: Reunions
... ... ff.net ate my comment!!! I don't know where it's gone. I left my comment since the day you post this chapter and up till now, not any word appear !?!
Anyway, I just want to tell that I love the idea of little monster. This is very clever to teach young children. They are very young and innocent and do not know that this feeling is called jealousy.
Well, the big matter is here, a quarrel, worse of all, in front of their children. *sob* I understand how Celebrian felt of being behind. And it seemed that Elrond's words are quite harsh too. I pitied them all ... esp Arwen.
Author's reply
Hello Beejang! How nice of you to come over here to leave another review. That truly is kind! I understand that ff.net's email system was attacked and then reviews and emails were down for a few days. I sympathize!
I am glad you liked the little monster. I think Elladan (or in the future, little Estel) would like the idea of having a little monster inside, but this worked well for Arwen.
This whole fight was very hard on the whole family. They are incredibly stressed and tempers flared, but I hope that this experience will make them stronger - we will see!
Thanks for the review - I appreciate it!
LKK
· 27 April 2004
· Chapter 12: Reunions
I apologize for not reviewing the last chapter in a timely manner. I want to take this moment to say how true your chapter rang. It is very difficult to be recovering from a serious injury or illness. And sometimes the patient says things he regrets in frustration. You should that unfortunate side-effect of recovery very well.
This chapter where apologies were offered and forgiveness granted was very touching. A perfect counterbalance to the last chapter. I liked how Elrond and Elladan described jealousy to Arwen and helped her understand why Glorfindel was in their lives and how she was helping him.
I'm concerned about the Elrohir's leg. It sounds like there may be injuries you haven't told us about yet.
Elrond and Celebrian -- ai! what can I say? I was a little surprised that Celebrian let herself go in front of the children like that. On the other hand, discovering that they were witnesses may be the ice water she needs poured on her to cool her off. I can't see Elrond changing his mind about his decision, so I think it will be up to her to make the steps towards reconciliation. I hope they make up soon.
Finally, I loved the very opening of the chapter. Glorfindel's "Do you think if we closed our eyes and slept a while longer, we might wake up in Imladris?" made me giggle. :)
Author's reply
I appreciate all that you see in this, LKK. Elrohir is not recovering for a reasons, and his frustration did come out, didn't it? I know too well how that feels, too.
You are very right about the ice - it has hit Celebrian like a ton of bricks. I am impressed to say that she picked herself right back up though. It is said the true test of character is how one reacts under stress - and she may have lost it, and now we see how well she can pull it back together. She is an elf after my own heart, I admit. I have enjoyed writing the aftermath.
Glad Glorfindel made you giggle too. I love tha elf :D
paranoidangel
· 27 April 2004
· Chapter 12: Reunions
Poor Elrond, he really needs a hug. I can see both of their points of view but in some respects he had that coming to him. I think Celebrian will forgive him once she understands his reasons.
Out of everything in that chapter I really loved the argument.
Author's reply
LOL, Nic! I could have guessed you'd like the argument best. Elrond and Celebrian enjoyed making up. I promise people die, too later in the story (all canon, though).
Antigone Q
· 26 April 2004
· Chapter 12: Reunions
I quote Lois Bujold: "Tests are a gift, and great tests are a great gift." People are certainly getting their characters built in this story, aren't they? Poor Glorfindel...poor everybody, really. But I'm betting by the end of the story Elrond will find he has a stronger family than he started with.
I'm enjoying, as usual, your characterizations. I could empathize with Celebrian at the exact same time as I wanted to tell her, "Yo! Not in front of the kids." The grandparents having a private little argument about whether Elrond or Celebrian was right, and whether it was a good idea to interfere, was also well done. I love that Glorfindel is so much a part of the family.
Sigh. Could Elrond and Celebrian please make up soon? Their children are not the only ones disturbed by watching that episode.
And are we going to get another history lesson soon?
Author's reply
Elrond and Celebrian have mostly made up, and they enjoyed doing so. ;-) You are so right about tests - and I am trying to both parallel the second age while foreshadowing the future. You are right they will be stronger for the future after this, and the reason Celeborn and Galadriel stay out of this is because of some important things they learned in the prior age. The second age is unfolding in my mind - and hopefully all the players are on the stage where I need them now :D
lwarren
· 26 April 2004
· Chapter 12: Reunions
I did a dance when I saw this story updated this morning, and was almost crying for Elrond by the end. As a mother, I can see Celebrian's point, but is she so totally clueless about Elrond's feelings for her? (Perhaps stress and the length of the trip to get to the kids pushed her past reason....) That part where Elrond was sitting in the tree by himself and almost crying his distress aloud...*sniff*....And Elrohir, bless his heart, blaming himself - I'm not sure how much more trauma he can withstand! I surely hope his Adar and Naneth come to their senses before he suffers some greater complications ...his condition doesn't appear to be improving much at all. Enjoyed Elrond's resolution to Arwen's jealousy and the whole apology scene. Enjoyed Celeborn's and Galadriel's little "discussion"...enjoyed, ah heck--all of it! Once again, your gift of storytelling has amazed me, and what a different kind of cliffhanger! (still evil as cliffies go, but different!) Don't leave readers hanging too long...might expire from suspense! ;)
Linda
Author's reply
Thanks, Linda! If I had you nearly crying for Elrond, I'll admit I *did* cry for him. I hope what will ring true is that Celebrian's anxiety and anger truly do surround their children and wanting to be with them, but Elrond's emotions are deeper - and they are about him and Celebrian, and less about the children.
The next chapter is nearly finished. :D
Camp6311
· 26 April 2004
· Chapter 12: Reunions
Wow, Celebrian did not let her temper cool much on the long road around, and shame on her for making their fight public! Elrond's argument that one of them needed to remain well and whole for their other children seems moot once he crossed over safely, but I'm not going to point that out to Celebrian. I don't think it was his true reason for not allowing her to cross anyway, and as Celeborn so "delicately" pointed out she had a better chance of success than he did.
I am anxious for this story to return to the Second Age, but I also want to see this ugly situation resolved quickly, is wanting both too much to ask??
Author's reply
Poor Celebrian! She really did lose it -and how embarrassing to do so in front of her parents and children! And you are right about Elrond - his reasons for not wanting her to cross have much more to do with him than their children :D.
Both resolution and the second age are coming, so ask away! I am trying to set up the parallels I want to use between the second and third ages, and these conflicts will hopefully work as well as I hope. Thanks for the review!
The Karenator
· 25 April 2004
· Chapter 12: Reunions
Wow! Nilmandra, I expected Celebrian to be angry, but boy, oh boy, she outdid herself. I imagine Elrond would have rather faced down an angry warg! And funny how Ada Celeborn was suddenly affronted on his daughter's behalf. Of course, Galadriel was quick to point out he had done the same thing before as husband and father. I think winning an agruement with Galadriel would be tough. However, despite the fact that Tolkien didn't give us much about their relationsip, I think Celeborn was a tough old bird himself and was not wont to back down. He'd have to be a solid guy, secure in himself, to be able to freely love someone as powerful as Galadriel. He had to be powerful, too. Nothing henpecked about him.
It seems everyone is physically better, so now we can work on those pesky little emotional problems. I've pulled my chair up, and I'm waiting on round two. At your leisure, my sweet adorable child...ring that bell.
Very good chapter with a most unusual cliff hanger.
Karen
Author's reply
I think Celebrian had cooled off a little, and then Elrohir says he missed her and she lost it :-( I can just imagine that - the straw that broke the camel's back, so to speak. And you are absolutely right about Celeborn - he is not henpecked at all, and he is both wise and powerful. I am starting to write more of the second age scenes and getting that balance right between he and Galadriel will be difficult, I think, so that neither of them come off looking bad or bitchy :D.
And Round 2 is entertaining, I promise. :-)
Bodkin
· 25 April 2004
· Chapter 12: Reunions
You are so right when you say that Elrond is a tragic figure. He is so noble, and his life is one continual cycle of abandonment and loss.
It is also great to see elves indulging in 'family disputes'. They are normally so busy being considered and reflective that to see them wanting to slap each other and shouting is extremely refreshing!
Author's reply
This was one whopping, rather public family dispute, but even at its core is love and the desire to protect one's family. Poor Elrond - I felt for Celebrian, but I think he is actually more vulnerable. Thanks for your comments :-)
carrie
· 25 April 2004
· Chapter 12: Reunions
Oh you break my heart! I am forever outstanded by your writing. This part and the long-awaited reunion was beautiful in its sadness. From Elrond's contemplating that he could not be without CElebrian to her reaction when she arrived.
When I first came to the fandom, I was a devoted Aragorn fan, and although I still am, I have been finding myself looking for more and more Elrond fics and that is tanks, in part, to your portrayal of him. You managed a perfect blend of warrior, healer, leader, father and husband, that is rare and I am addicted to your stories!
I really felt for him in this chapter, he has had to work hard to help his children and had to watch them all suffer so badly only to receive censure first from Celeborn and then from probably the only person who can give him the comfort he needs....poor Elrond! I want to give him a hug!
Please don't keep us waiting too long for the next chapter and I hope it has a nice big make-up scene in it!!
Take care...carrie :)
Author's reply
Thanks for the review, Carrie! I am glad you like Elrond - I am an unashamed fangirl, I admit. I think he is one of Tolkien's most tragic figures. And you are absolutely right that the one person Elrond needs love and support from right now is Celebrian. I am trying to get her to go give him one right now. They do need to make up, and they need to do it in front of their children!
Iawen Londea
· 24 April 2004
· Chapter 12: Reunions
Wow! That was a really good chapter! =D I loved what you did with Celebrian and Elrond, it was just how I pictured it would happen. I would be peeved if I were Celebrian but I can also see why Elrond did what he did; his healing skills were NEEDED across the river because there was fluid in Elrohir's lungs, whereas Celebrian couldn't really offer much healing skills so she didn't have to risk her life. Ach, poor Elrohir. More soonn.
Author's reply
It is hard when you can see both sides! And now Elrohir, in his pain and drugged state, feels guilty on top of everything else. Poor thing. More wil come soon :-)
Karri
· 24 April 2004
· Chapter 12: Reunions
Ai! Well...it's a narrow call, but I think I still feel worst for Ada Elrond. Elrohir is a close second, though. The wee ones have been through sufficient trauma already, without the added guilt, fear, grief, anger, etc. of parental strife added to it -- and no doubt Elrohir is going to take it to heart most of all. I feel for Celebrian's position, but I side with Elrond, and I think it was most selfish of her to confront Elrond within view of the children (but people are not always reasonable when they are angry and distraught, are they...) Celeborn's protective daddy mode was nicely done. Isn't that just the way of dads. ;-) Galadriel was wise, as would be expected of Galadriel. An excellent chapter overall, as would be expected of Nilmandra. Thanks for perking up my Saturday. :-)
Author's reply
My heart goes out to Elrond too. I understand Celebrian's anger and how these days of travel and not seeing or being able to hold her children has stressed her, but I am afraid she is not thinking rationally. Not sure I would be either, in her position! But Elrond is feeling her anger, Elrohir's pain, Arwen's terror, Elladan's frustration and he is exhausted. I think Celebrian will come around, though :-).
meckinock
· 24 April 2004
· Chapter 12: Reunions
Ouch, there's nothing like watching your parents have a fight. That's all those kids need. As much as I empathize with Celebrian, she really needs to get a grip and put her resentment aside for the time being. They're immortal beings, after all- she has eternity to nurse this grudge, but for right now her kids need her! I know Galadriel (wisely) wants to keep out of it, but maybe she could just pull her daughter aside for a little chat...
I really enjoyed Elrond waking up to find that Galadriel had erected an entire encampment around him while he slept...
lovely chapter, Nilmandra. Thanks!
Author's reply
I am in agreement with you, Meckinock. Elrond is thinking as a commander of forces, someone used to missions and he made his decision as such. I feel for Celebrian, but she does need to get over it and she will. I've always seen Celebrian as a very loving mother and wife, and I hope she doesn't fail me now :/ Thanks for the comments!
Nikara
· 24 April 2004
· Chapter 12: Reunions
Oh dear. I didn't know that it was this bad between them. That may take a while to mend. Poor elves. Elrohir is certainly not doing all that well. Hopefully the issue with his parents will be resolved soon so he can feel better.
Author's reply
I think Elrohir would be much improved if he did not feel as if he were the cause of his parents fight. Poor thing. I do think both Elrond and Celebrian are smart enough to see the pain they are causing, though.
rikki
· 24 April 2004
· Chapter 12: Reunions
What an emotional rollercoaster! The different POVs with Celeborn on one side, Galandriel seeing another perspective, Celebrian with her feelings and Elrond living with his decisions had me clenching the keyboard and feeling right along with the characters. Elrohir and Arwen seem to be thinking like a lot of children that their parent's fight is their fault. Seeing the children reacting to her anger should give Celbrian pause. Though it probably did her good to blow some steam (and I would have been steaming if that had happened to me), now she and Elrond need to find a solution to their differences. One that will allow the children see that something constructive can come of this.
I am like a lot of other readers, my knowledge of the Second Age is not very deep. Even though you are only hitting the highlights of what went on, Elrond's stories with Glorfindel's input highlight a lot of how the past is affecting the current times. Immortality must be a blessing and a curse. On one side you get to see lots of things happening and participate in a lot of them. On the other side you see a lot of mistakes made over and over again and even with your knowledge, you can't seem to make things better.
Author's reply
Oh, it really is a rollercoaster, isn't it? Hopefullly the older and wiser we become, the more we can see from several points of view - and in this one it is easy to identify with everyone.
I think you are absolutely right about living for such a long time - I think the second age was a particularly sad time. Some did find hope, but I think more found death and despair, unfortunately.
Jay of Lasgalen
· 24 April 2004
· Chapter 12: Reunions
Oh, dear. I thought things were gradually improving, but it seems not. Elrohir's leg is still bad, and now he feels guilty for causing the rift between his parents.
However mad Celebrian was - and she was justified - she was wrong to have the argument in front of their children. It would be distressing for them, especially Arwen. But it must be hard for her to realise that at the time they needed Elrond more than they needed her.
Jay
Author's reply
I think Celebrian came in tired and overwrought, and all reason fled as she saw her children. Now she has made them feel worse, especially Elrohir. Poor Arwen doesn't know what to think. I think C and E will figure out they are making things worse for their children, though, and come to some resolution.
Bejai
· 24 April 2004
· Chapter 12: Reunions
Oh, what a heart-rending chapter! But the anger between Elrond and Celebrian was quite real, and quite appropriate under the circumstances. I can see both points of view. For their sakes, and for their children's I hope they are able to work this out soon!
And like Elladan, I want to know what Celeborn and Galadriel are talking about! I'm very much looking forward to seeing how you write the Second Age. It's a very wide open, ambiguous area, and one that doesn't have nearly enough stories.
Beautiful, poignant chapter, as always.
Author's reply
Thanks, Bejai. I hope I can make my Second Age story as compelling and exciting as yours! I am looking forward to Galadriel and Celeborn telling their tale, too. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
shirebound
· 24 April 2004
· Chapter 12: Reunions
Wow, this chapter is amazing. Nilmandra, you have such a gift for writing about relationships, and for showing us that injuries and the need for healing are not always physical.
For some reason, I am utterly fascinated by this sentence, and can't stop thinking about it: "You have been tested as one from whom much has been expected, without reward or favor for what you have done." I think that's true for so many of us in life -- we rarely see reward or acclaim, but still quietly accomplish whatever we can. I hope you feel "acclaimed" enough for your incredible achievement with this story!
Author's reply
Thanks, Shirebound. I think what Elrond means for Elladan is just what you are talking about - much expectation has been placed on Elladan to be a rock, to do what is needed, to put aside his own feelings and needs to care for his siblings. And now with his parents fighting, those expectations might rise. I think that is how most of feel between work and home life!
Regarding acclaim, I am pretty happy to have a few people who enjoy what I write. That is enough acclaim for mer :-)
daw the minstrel
· 24 April 2004
· Chapter 12: Reunions
As you know, I sympathize with Celebrian. I would have been spitting mad if my husband had taken it on himself to decide such a thing for me. But I also understand Elrond. He did what he thought was best, trying to take care of those he loves. That seems to be a theme with him. The kids are going to see that anger doesn't break a good marriage.
And in the words of Galadriel and Celeborn, the Second Age is finally appearing! Good. I'm pulling up a chair and taking notes because my ignorance is deep.
Author's reply
I think Elrond sees Celebrian being carried to her death, before her children's eyes, and he in his logical mind says he won't risk her that way. It may not be his decision to make, but he is a commander used to making decisions. Oh, they are both so upset. You know how I dislike unresovled conflict. I have to go write.
Bodldops
· 24 April 2004
· Chapter 12: Reunions
Awwww... finally everyone is together again, and they're all perfectly miserable. I'd love to know what, exactly, Elrond was telling Celebrian in that last little exchange.
Author's reply
I think these elves are pretty stressed. Celebrian and Elrond need to figure themselves out and make peace for the sake of their children!
lwarren
· 22 April 2004
· Chapter 11: Overwhelmed
I have really enjoyed this story - I didn't start it until kind of late, and sat for a couple of hours reading the whole thing to this point. The relationship between Arwen and her big brothers is so typical, especially with a little one like she is. I've always enjoyed stories about the twins - and this has been exceptionally good. Add a dash of Erestor arguing with Celebrian :), a cup of Elrond and a good measure of Glorfindel and it is heaven! You have a way with words that puts your reader right there, and feeling the pain and fear right along with the elves. (I can't think of a place I'd rather be, either!) Thanks for a great story!
I hated for Hunting to end, and would like to petition the author for at least 50 chapters of this - after all, history is a LONGGGGG and drawn out process. Yes???? No???? Ah well, had to try. ;)
Author's reply
I am glad you are enjoying the story. I admit trying to spin tales of the second age is intimidating - but I am fortunate to have Glorfindel and Elrond to tell me what to put to paper!
I don't think 50 chapters, but probably at least double what I currently have. IT depends much on Galadriel - and she strikes me as the type, who, once she starts the story will decide how and when to end it!
Iawen Londea
· 20 April 2004
· Chapter 11: Overwhelmed
Was I ever happy to see an update to this!!! Excellent chapter, poor Elrohir!! Arwen is quite easily jealous when it comes to her brothers. I remember her overprotectiveness of Elrohir a few chapters earlier, I wonder if that will continue as she heals. I also can't wait to see Celebrian reunite with her three children, I'm sure both Arwen and Elrohir will feel much better when she is there. Hope to see the next chapter soon!
Author's reply
Thank you, Iawen Londea :-) All of Elrond's children are struggling a bit right now, but they are fortunate to have their father and Glorfindel, and now their grandparents to help them through this time. And, oh, Celebrian wants to be reunited with her children! Her reunion with her whole family may not be exactly as she imagined either. :/
henadiel
· 19 April 2004
· Chapter 11: Overwhelmed
Gosh, I've really enjoyed these stories! It made me jealous of a group of elflings, as history was never made this good for me. I am eagerly awaiting the next installment, and enjoying "Hunting" in the meantime.
Author's reply
Thank you, Henadiel. I have enjoyed 'telling' the history in the way I wished I had learned it too. I also wished to meld into the story how I perceived elves value their children, and also the extended childhood and the fact that people who lived through that time are still alive, so you have the time and experience to tell it this way. I hope you are enjoying Hunting too :D
Bejai
· 19 April 2004
· Chapter 11: Overwhelmed
Ah! How delightful to see this story updated again! Just the other day I was thinking that I should drop you an email begging you to continue. You must have read my mind.
It was interesting to see the frustration come through. This chapter felt very "real." The behind-the-scenes reality of any unpleasant situation that tends to get overlooked in art and prose.
And Celeborn and Galadriel arrive at last! Good to see them.
Thank you for continuing this story. I was afraid that it had abandoned you. Very much looking forward to more.
Author's reply
Thanks, Bejai. Work had grabbed me and this story just felt like too much of a challenge, so I had to write fluff for a while. I am glad to be working on this again, and am hoping to get my 'voices' of Celeborn, Galadriel and others of the second age figured out now.
Elena Tiriel
· 19 April 2004
· Chapter 11: Overwhelmed
Ah, Nilmandra, what a satisfying chapter! So good to see you back on this story, but I am also very grateful for your generosity in sharing your talent with us despite your stressful work situation... "Hunting" may have been fluff in your mind, but it was very enjoyable, very high quality fluff!
It's so realistic to see everyone let their injuries and strains put them on edge... especially after the life-threatening emergency is past, when the time seems to just drag on and the discomforts seem to just multiply. I really felt your characters' pain... and was pleased that things were looking up at the end.
I look forward to updates! (but don't want to pressure you...)
Author's reply
Thanks, Elena. I call 'Hunting' fluff, and in a way it is, but I love writing those kind of stories.
I am glad that the 'realism' of this chapter came through - after the life threatening part is past but before recovery is hardest, not only on the injured/sick but also on the caregivers.
Updates should be regular again (as long as little Legolas doesn't look at me with those incredible eyes and beg for me to write more about him - child is incorrigible :-)).