A Lone Child by Etharei
Dreamflower · 16 January 2007 · Chapter 6: Elrond
I was right, it *was* Elros he'd been grieving for. And now, he tends this little shoot of his brother's line, and will find it more rewarding and painful than he can now imagine. Beautiful story, dear!
Dreamflower · 16 January 2007 · Chapter 5: Estel
The strong arms held him close as he let sleep take him, and he smiled, knowing that he was in the safest place in the world. Aww...that made me sniffle, it did!
Dreamflower · 16 January 2007 · Chapter 4: Elrond
Oh dear, I'm wondering now--it's not just Celebrian he's grieving on this day, is it? I like this slow unfolding of a relationship between the ancient Peredhil and the child...
Dreamflower · 16 January 2007 · Chapter 3: Estel
And little Estel is compassionate as well as sweet, serious and earnest; but what else is to be expected of a child who will grow into his healing hands?
Dreamflower · 16 January 2007 · Chapter 2: Elrond
Oh my! I love this--Elrond's sudden realization that he must take a personal hand in this child's life.
Dreamflower · 16 January 2007 · Chapter 1: Estel
This is just adorable! I've never read anything quite like this, set in a time when Estel has not yet formed the bond with Elrond that made him regard the Master of Imladris as a father. He's such a sweet, serious and earnest little boy, like many only children. I love that his idea of entertainment is to water the garden!
Bodkin · 30 October 2005 · Chapter 6: Elrond
This is a delightful - and sad - story of the growing bond between Elrond and Estel. And I have my suspicions of Gilraen's motives for leaving Estel unminded and unoccupied! I do feel for Elrond - he had so much pain in his life. But the years of Estel's childhood must have been among the jewels.
catpetal · 23 August 2005 · Chapter 6: Elrond
A lovely piece of writing, and true to the spirit of the original story, I think. Estel is the brave,intelligent boy he must surely have been and I enjoyed reading a distant Elrond becoming closer to the boy who stimulates many memories for him. I enjoyed this very much.
Anonymous · 1 August 2004 · Chapter 6: Elrond
Very moving story, nice job!
Author's reply
Thank you!
lwarren · 3 May 2004 · Chapter 6: Elrond
What a lovely day of discovery for Estel...and how sad for Elrond to revisit grief on several different levels. I wasn't sure who was being quoted at the beginning of each chapter until Ch. 3, when I began to have a sad suspicion it was Elros talking to Elrond. Then to find out at the end that the handprints in Estel's first book belonged to Elrond and Elros - oh my, *sniff* that was such an emotional addition to the story! I loved your Estel...such a brave, tenacious little guy. But Elrond left me crying with him at the end...you have a very nice grasp of how to convey your characters' emotions to your readers. :) Wonderful story! linda
Author's reply
*blushes* Thank you very much! I admit that it's a bit confusing at first, but I'm glad that you figured it out in the end! I'm a great lover of the Tragedy of the Peredhil, so any writing on Elrond usually involves considerable emotion, which I'm very happy that you felt. I also find young children adorable ;-)
grumpy · 2 May 2004 · Chapter 6: Elrond
This is a great story, I love it, from Estel's brave walk all by himself down the hall, to him getting to know the Master a bit better. Loved how Elrond figured out he was bored and taught him his letters. The end part with the set of hand prints in the book being Elrond and his twin, was so good. looking forward to more.
Author's reply
Yay, thank you! The handprints were an impulsive addition when I couldn't think of anything significant that could happen when one's learning to read *g* Hopefully the sequel will manifest itself in due tume... :-)
Nikara · 1 May 2004 · Chapter 6: Elrond
Wow! That was really good. I loved the way that Elrond and Estel were described.
Author's reply
Thanks, I always hope that my characterisation works.
fan81981 · 1 May 2004 · Chapter 1: Estel
I just finished the whole fic and I was not disappointed at all. I have read many Estel and Elrond stories and, while I love many of them, too many ignore the earlier bonding period. I was happy to see that you dealt with the subject. It was also nice to see Aragorn's mother not being potrayed as distant but as a loving but still grieving widow. Little Estel was adorable, a solemn child but child nonethless. The bit where he is afraid to walk down the corridor was beautiful and so real. When I was young I hated walking to my parent's room alone at night, even though it was like 2 feet away. Poor Elrond - he had has so much hurt in his life. But despite his almosy tragic stature you did not descend to sappiness. The tone was touching but not maudlin. I liked the quotes in the beginning - the memories. A very poignant touch. I hope more plot bunnies bite you like this one. Fan81981
Author's reply
Wow, your words are truly encouraging for someone who has been constantly plagued by insecurity about her writing for several months. Many heartfelt thanks for your review, and now I am even more motivated to further explore this early period of bonding between Elrond and Estel. I am very glad that the childish experiences seem realistic and my portrayal of Elrond's grief didn't seem over-the-top. Thank you again! *picks up bunny net and sets off*
OakWolf · 1 May 2004 · Chapter 6: Elrond
Lovely,that's all I can say,lovely
Author's reply
Thanks you!
shirebound · 1 May 2004 · Chapter 6: Elrond
What a beautiful little story. So poignant and full of deep emotions, as the ageless Elrond and the small human child begin to bond and understand one another. I always felt that Elrond was one of the three truly tragic figurs of the trilogy (along with Frodo and Arwen), and you bring us completely into his heart and thoughts. Lovely.
Author's reply
This 'lil fics' first reviewer! Thank you, you cannot believe how heartened I am by reading your words. Thank you very much; I feel that same way about Elrond also. I shall certainly work to bring out a longer sequel.