Reviews (42)

Marianel · 11 October 2015 · Chapter 18: Running

Poor little boy! His family is stressed from war and conflict and its heartbreaking theyve to send him away. Just like the children from Syria we hear so much about. Anyway I find this story both very sad and humourous. Its very sad for obvious reasons when you have read it ofcourse with the boy Longing for his family.But Cirdan the old grumpy barnacle is so stayed in his ways that I also must laugh. Hes supposed to be wise and old but he has no clue about children! i wonder how he could have missed out on having any contact at all with children. Its outright hilarious!I pity him too, he has to learn the hard ways the mind of children and how to care for them.The part when he waited for Eirenion at the healers was priceless when he shuddered at the small toddler at his feet😂.Hes so silly! But he cant help it either and it makes him as precious as the boy in his own way. In the end Cirdan begins to understand what he needs to do and its heartwarming and heartbreaking g when they find each other on the beach.They seem to be closer to some measure of understanding each other.I would wish you to continue this story, its very different and among the best I have read.Thank you!

Chloe Davies · 27 April 2009 · Chapter 18: Running

Wow! Little Ereinion is really cute and you explain things from his point of view really well. Please update soon.

Vaire Elentari · 4 April 2007 · Chapter 18: Running

I loved this fic. Little Gil-Galad is so cute. And the part where he had to leave his parents had me in tears. Please update soon!

Bubbles · 4 June 2005 · Chapter 18: Running

Dragon; I have never before read a story with these characters, and I have to admit that I wasn't sure when I started if it would capture my interest. But it certainly has, due to your deft, stylish, compelling narrative. You've managed to create a complex and multi-faceted world - rather than just words on a screen, you seem almost to "paint" images, creating a picture of the Havens and the Elves within. I can "see" Cirdan and Ereinion. I can hear their voices (well, perhaps I can't actually HEAR voices!). The way they move and interact - these strangers are becoming familiar to me, taking on warmth and life. You also portray most effectively the struggles, trials, emotional defeats, and even the fleeting triumphs of a tiny Elfling in a big, strange land. Ereinion's "thigh-level" view of the world shines through in his thoughts, his reactions to Cirdan and others, his words, his silences, and all the other little details of his new life. The fact is that he must now carve out a home for himself within a space unaccustomed to - and wholly unprepared for - children, and he must do so while burdened with his own grief and fear. To be torn from one's parents at that age would have to be devastating; Ereinion must not only be strong in the face of that loss, but also must make his own place in Cirdan's home and life. The Shipwright is truly at a loss, unenthusiastic despite good intentions, and woefully inexperienced. At sea, you could say. Very nice. I've read all 18 chapters (14 of them today), and look forward to more. I'm one who has not yet read the book, and therefore have only my experience with the films from which to draw...but you have packed this intriguing, amazing tale with such depth and breadth of history, such emotion, such colourful and visceral detail, that I find myself increasingly drawn into the characters and their world. Incredible!

Nalara · 22 April 2005 · Chapter 18: Running

I love your stories; they're so heartfelt. I nearly cry everytime little Ereinion mentions his grandfather. I'm so anxious for the next chapter!

phoenix23531 · 12 April 2005 · Chapter 18: Running

Oh, my goodness! I just checked back on this story and my, have you been busy! I was sitting at work, reading the last couple of chapters and biting the insides of my cheeks to keep from laughing and crying. You truly have a wonderful way of toying with the reader’s emotions! I absolutely love the way you have characterized Círdan and Erenion Gil-Galad, both individually as well as the relationship between the two. I also truly relish your explanation of what the young High Prince experienced, being sent to the Havens at such a tender age, being thrust into an almost wholly alien culture, with nothing and no-one familiar to turn to. The way you describe Erenion’s thoughts and thought-processes and his little outbursts of pure, unbridled emotion are wonderful. They echo all the likely mannerisms and illuminate the world view of someone so very young. Please, please give us more soon! I find I am hanging, just dying to know what will happen to the relationship between Círdan and Erenion, two of my favorite of the Tolkien characters! Begging and pleading for more, Emma

Bodkin · 18 December 2004 · Chapter 18: Running

Do you know, I just adore the sock detail. You write as someone who has experienced your own sock difficulties! Poor little Ereinion. He is beginning to come to terms with his stay, but he is a long way from being happy about it. Although he might get on better with Cirdan now the shipwright is giving a bit more attention to the idea that small elflings require a different type of support. I love the touch where Cirdan says that Ereinion might have covered a distance equal to another grain or two of sand - the gruff kindness is beginning to show. Ranlhach seems surprised that Ereinion has an understanding of death. 'What sort of elfling knew of death before he was even waist-high?' I know that elflings would be sheltered, but surely he realises that, in the violent world they are living in, death is all around them - and Ereinion's experiences have nothing to do with Kinslaying. (Isn't Ranlhach the survivor of an attack that killed his family?) It seems a little naive of him. I like the asides on dragons - at least here Ereinion is behaving like a normal elfling, with desires to see real dragons when he is bigger. And he is proving that he is brighter than they first thought, too. Which is good.

Eruviluieth · 17 December 2004 · Chapter 18: Running

You are doing a wonderful job writing a very complex child. This one chapter shows three sides-it's just amazing. I'm really enjoying this, please keep on.

perelleth · 17 December 2004 · Chapter 18: Running

Oh my! I'm going to need tissues from now on! this is getting more and more heart-wrenching!!!!( and I truly love it!) That part on the beach! poor thing! indeed he knew his geography!!! And the way he is playing with his soldiers, that words in someone so small!!! oh, I guess Cirdan is discovering he's got quite a special thing! Poor thing, I hope this is kind of a turning point, and Cirdan's finally understanding what the child needs and Ereinion is beginning to accept this is going to be his life... It is amazing the amount of detail you are putting into it, it helps increase the emotion.. that detail about the socks, and the child hopping along the bach... oh my, it's wonderful. I'm really loving it. It is so cute at the end, when the child gives in ( we know of his reluctance to learning Telerin, least that would mean his stay was forever, but surely Cirdan cannot imagine what his asking means!!!!!) it's so touching!!! I'm truly enjoying this story! two updates in such a short time is indeed a great Christmas present!Thanks! And have a happy Yule!

daw the minstrel · 17 December 2004 · Chapter 18: Running

Ereinion's despair on the beach almost broke my heart. I have to say that Cirdan is coming around though. He seems to have focused his attention on the child, at least, and to see that he is having trouble. The scene with the dead soldiers was disturbing too. Ereinion has evidently seen and heard things he is too young to deal with and has accepted the finality of death, albeit wearily. Poor thing.

Eruviluieth · 12 December 2004 · Chapter 17: A Bad Day

I've been very much enjoying this and your other stories. I hadn't considered the lives of the Silmarillion elves until this, but I'm finding them fascinating, especially in your hands. Please do continue.

eRose · 12 December 2004 · Chapter 17: A Bad Day

What a wonderful tale - so well visualized. The sensitive child and the awkward bachelor. One has empathy for both. I am enjoying it so much.

siorah · 11 December 2004 · Chapter 17: A Bad Day

Wonderful Story! Please continue

kate · 11 December 2004 · Chapter 17: A Bad Day

this is a good story. please continue on it. however, i am curious as to if you could allow some scenes of when he is a teenager to allow to see if all the problems of a young child scared and confused in a new place are solved.

Mum's the Word · 11 December 2004 · Chapter 17: A Bad Day

Well done again, Dragon! I'm responding to two chapters at once: "Ranlhach" shows some new dimensions of Cirdan -- his kindness, which he struggles so hard to hide, and his fear of children. If only Sauron knew this weakness, he'd gather all the toddlers in Arda and foist them on Cirdan -- easily defeating the mighty Lord of the Havens! Seriously, we can only hope that Cirdan learns soon how to parent elflings; there's a reason young ones need guidance. Ranlhach himself is wise beyond his years and very comfortable with children; I hope we see more of him in your story. As for "A Bad Day," it just makes us want more than ever to gather little Ereinion up and take him home. He's so young and miserable and trying so hard to be grown up and defend himself. He can be happy and well-behaved, and he is bright; the adults just need to learn which buttons to push. So glad to see your update!

perelleth · 11 December 2004 · Chapter 17: A Bad Day

"Please review. I have know way of knowing if its worth updating if you don’t" Sure it is! I love this story! the way you manage to show the abyss between the child's point of view, and the adults'.. I mean... It is not difficult to keep a child happy, it only takes a bit of dedication and surely a bit of empathy... which both the librarian and Cirdan seem to be lacking... But then... they're learning too...and I'm sure Cirdan will grow to really love the elfling... it's just a matter of time (and Ereinion surviving the meantime!) Poor child, he must feel so utterly alone and discomfited by this alien world, he can only hold on to memories... I felt like crying when he was rembering the things he would do with his grandfather and that horrible librarian said they had not taken care of him.... I hope Cirdan understands this is not a matter of tantrums and discipline but about a lonely and disoriented child... Wow. I hope he´ll soon adjust to the havens! And please, do keep on! (no matter how long it takes) ;-)

Bodkin · 11 December 2004 · Chapter 17: A Bad Day

Poor little elfling. The only one with a smidgen of empathy is that young healer whose name escapes me! The librarian expects him to turn up, frail and stressed and immediately start learning using a script he has explained is alien and be able to show knowledge about things from a different region and know the stories he would have taught him! Elves clearly do not spend enough time either as or with children. Cirdan, at least, has the excuse of not having been brought up - what's the librarian's excuse? I'm quite impressed with Ereinion's strength of mind. Just as well really. He'll need that determination. More please.

daw the minstrel · 11 December 2004 · Chapter 17: A Bad Day

Oh my goodness. Poor baby. I love the contrast between the adults' point of view (which is not totally unreasonable, just not particularly perceptive) and the child's. Ereinion is just so lost. I feel terrible for him.

Kitt of Lindon · 28 September 2004 · Chapter 15: Houses of Healing

Well, Cirdan, you were being needlessly cruel and heartless. Hmm, in Ereinion's place, I probably would have fainted. Poor elfling... as if a visit to the healer's is not bad enough! 'The Shipwright did not seem to be a kissing sort of person. He had even grown that scratchy beard to scare people away.' I loved that! I'll have to add it to my favorite quote list or something. No matter how bad the healer's place is, hopefully they can get Ereinion well!

perelleth · 27 September 2004 · Chapter 15: Houses of Healing

Oh gods! it is really hard to keep up with you!!!! specially when one is new to all this thing.... why do you update in bunches? (so many wonderful stories, and so little time!) I´m getting mad keeping track, just because I really enjoy what you write! seriously.. now forgive the question, is a rethoric one but have you got children? if so they have to be very special.. I mean, it is amazing how clearly you see through their psychology and their reactions, and the simple way they look at the world, though it is us the adults who always make things difficult!!!! Amazing, and so lovely they are..( children in your stories, I mean..:)) But then, I am reviewing th Shipwright and the Prince.... I ran into your story..( and into this archive and into fanfiction world in general ) not long ago (maybe last january?) and I have been around since then ( not that much but slowly getting "hooked"). This is one of my first reviews ever, and I do not know what I am supposed to say.. except that I very much like what you are doing. Giving Gil-galad a background is something I really like. In my personal AU (only inside my head! mind you) he is Fingon´s son, Fingolfín´s grandson and Finwe´s great grandson.. this line of ancestry meaning he is last in a line of caring, serving and fair kings who understood that honor was bound to duty and that protecting their people was first to every other consideration. I think that the editorial decision made by Cristopher Tolkien was a most fortunate one, for In my opinion it gives Gil -galad a more solid, dramatic personality and also a sense of fate that so perfectly suits his personal story. I remember when I first red the silmarillion, those simple words "but his young son Ereinion he sent to the havens" really moved me, for it was striking to think that Fingon, recently deprived from his beloved father, with his brother "on the run" and never showing up to help his kin, should send away his only son, and most probably a child at that time.. it only added to "the Valiant"´s legend in my eye. Since that, I longed to read more of that young NOldorin Prince, the son of a kinslayer sent to foster in the land of the teleri.. Wow! I think it must have been hard for the child at the beggining. So I must saya that you are reflecting it so well ( in fact I find that some parts of your story are so heart wrenching!) that I´m hooked to the story. The challenge is..How far do you intend to go? I´m loving the amount of detail, and I can almost see him, his expresions, his puzzlement and the ups and downs of a child´s humour in such a situation, with their ability to be distracted by something this moment and then depressed by small details the next.( the bath part was.. splendid! I have a little nephew who loves a special pyjamas and one day he was suppossed to be sleeping at my home, he made me drove back to his, only to pick up that very special pyjama.. so I could not help laughing out just guessing the shipwright´s expression!!) I mean.. Would you care to keep on until.. let us say.. the Prince becomes King and so you should change the title? (I´m joking) All this simply to say that I think you have a very personal approach and I very much enjoying it. Just one thing. shouldn´t the kid be thinking of his Ata and Amme rather than Ada and Nanna? ( stupid question I know!! but then I thought he would learn and speak Quenya at home. although he probably would have also learnt Sindarin too.. but.. I think at such young age he would still unconsciously refer to his parents in Quenya..) Plese do keep on... everything, but Valar! I cannot track you! Perelleth

Bodkin · 26 September 2004 · Chapter 15: Houses of Healing

Poor little Ereinion. However well-meaning he is, Cirdan is not much of a guardian for a child - and perhaps someone should point out in words of one syllable the sort of care Ereinion needs. At the very least he should provide him with a designated care-giver! Don't blame Ereinion for biting the healer. He's having yet another very stressful day - he should pass it on. I hope life begins to improve for him soon.

Bodkin · 27 August 2004 · Chapter 14: Sailing

Poor little mite. Cirdan has a lot to learn about being a substitute naneth. But I have no doubt that he will be trained!! And I am looking forward to hearing more of the housekeeper's story.

Bodkin · 14 August 2004 · Chapter 13: Spilt Milk

This is really lovely. I've just spent a happy hour reading about the poor little mite. I would be really worried about Ereinion, if I didn't know that he seems perfectly happy later on. His poor parents - sending him off to safety, never to see him again. Has it not yet occurred to Cirdan that it might be a good idea to bring in a female used to looking after distressed elflings to be a carer for him? They are each so confused by the other that they don't know what they are doing. The kid will win, though. Crusty old seadogs don't stand a chance against persistent elflings.

daw the minstrel · 13 August 2004 · Chapter 13: Spilt Milk

I have read this before but I don't care! I loved it anyway. :-)

Kitt of Lindon · 25 March 2004 · Chapter 12: Bedtime

Oops. That's my unnamed review down there, mind.