Dear Bodkin: I have been a fan of Tolkien fan fiction for many years now, and have read hundreds of stories about ALL of the characters in the Legendarium. I have a particular interest in tales that concern the upbringing of Estel in Imladris, and his relationship with his very distant uncle, his "brothers," and Arwen. You relate your stories in an animated and engaging way, and your command of the nuances of English words is fantastic. Your language is powerful and sure. I am left a little saddened at the end of this tale of yours, however. I believe that in his heart, Tolkien never intended for the separation of the Elves who go to Valinor and the Men who go beyond the circles of the world to be permanent. Indeed, Tolkien, a hopeful Catholic, used his personal insights into his faith to sculpt the Legendarium. In the Ainulindäle itself, Tolkien states that at the end, there will be a second singing of the Ainur with the additional voices of Men and Elves (and probably Dwarves...I wonder what will happen to the Orcs! he he). So for Tolkien, the severance of ties between Elves and Men is NOT permanent. Perhaps at the time, as Tolkien suggests, neither Men (who certainly do not know what lies beyond the circles of the world while they are alive), nor Elves had any idea of what would happen at the end of Arda...but estel is a powerful concept for Tolkien, and I cannot believe that his Elves and Men (and Dwarves) did not share in some degree that estel for the future. Thank you for a lovely, beautiful story. Please feel free to write sometime. I am writing a book about the Legendarium on the Valar Guild website, and would love to talk Tolkien with you sometime. Thank you again.
hebeid
· 24 January 2020
· Chapter 999: Grief
cool cool cool I am super not crying
this chapter was so unexpected after the others, but still very beautiful, and still carrying lines and messages that I needed to see. Thank you for this, and I look forward to reading more of your work!
Glory Bee
· 25 May 2012
· Chapter 999: Grief
A beautiful although very poignant conclusion.
Marethiel
· 31 December 2008
· Chapter 999: Grief
This was very beautiful, Bodkin. Thank you so much. It was delightful to watch Elladan and Elrohir "find their inner elfling" -- LMAO, I loved that line! -- as well as seeing a powerful Gilraen. I'm so grateful that my favorite of the LoTR fanfic writers all, as a whole, support the strength and humor of Gilraen, as opposed to turning her into some tragic figure, two dimentionsional at best, wreathed in tragedy only. A survivor, a woman of the Dunadain, would have to have that ability to find the humor in life as well as how to survive the challenges and struggles.
Anyway, my great thanks. This was totally enjoyable.
~Marethiel
Dreamflower
· 24 June 2008
· Chapter 999: Grief
Do you know, I didn't realize you had finished this? I kept wondering when we'd see another update! I came to re-read it after reccing it to someone else who had said they loved little Estel stories, and found your Epilogue!
This is such a perfect way to end it: Elladan and Elrohir acknowledging all that their "little brother" had meant to them, as mortal as he might be. Great insight into how Aragorn might now feel after experiencing the loss of so many who had been close to him, and a wonderful insight into Elrond.
I love the twins' utter confidence that they will see him again. What a beautiful and poignant leavetaking!
Thanks for sharing this with us.
obsidianj
· 8 January 2008
· Chapter 999: Grief
Ahh, this is so sad and at the same time Elladan's conviction is uplifting and gives the hope needed. I always knew a long lifespan to be a mixed blessing and now I'm sure. It is very poignant to see Aragorn finally understanding in full his elven family.
Author's reply
I am determined to believe that they were reunited in some timeless place where species no longer mattered! It cannot be easy to outlive everyone you know - although it did give Aragorn a greater understanding of just how much the twins gave him in offering him their unconditional love and support. Thank you, obsidianj.
Grumpy
· 29 December 2007
· Chapter 999: Grief
Ah this was a sad chapter, I always cry when Estel gets old and dies, it has to be hard on the elves to see so many go.
Author's reply
One of the decided disadvantages to immortality. I think Estel's great lifespan must have given him more idea than most had of the pains of loving those who would grow old and die and leave you behind. But I'm determined to believe that they were all reunited in the end! Thank you, Grumpy.
Linda Hoyland
· 23 December 2007
· Chapter 999: Grief
This was heartrending and brought tears to my eyes. I sincerely hope Aragorn wasn't so sad as his life drew to a close,but this is a very valid interpretation. The price we pay for love is often grief.I would think an exceptional life span a mixed blessing.
Author's reply
I suspect he had moments of sadness - it's difficult to outlive your contemporaries, and he did that quite spectacularly. And he knew that his own death would lead to Arwen's - and that his surrogate elven family would live on, missing the pair of them until Arda ended. Of course, he doubtless had very happy moments, too. Time with his wife and children and grandchildren. Looking over the peaceful and prosperous place that Gondor had become. Enjoying time spent with trusted friends. And he remained in relatively good health until he chose his time of death. But I think he would, in old age, have had a much greater understanding of what his brothers offered him in taking him into their hearts and how they opened themselves to losing a most beloved brother.
Thank you, Linda.
harrowcat
· 22 December 2007
· Chapter 999: Grief
This chapter is so beautiful Bodkin. Sorry it has taken me so long to review. A Happy Yule to you and yours.
Author's reply
Thank you, harrowcat. And it's taking me even longer to reply these days! Happy New Year. And I'm glad you liked the chapter.
Redheredh
· 20 December 2007
· Chapter 999: Grief
What a beautiful closing.
You tap into such incredible emotional revelations about love and life and finding meaning in your stories. This one got me so choked up, it was hard to breathe.
How do you do it? How do you write like this? ...the biggest part of the answer is, of course, talent. But please, keep on doing it!
Author's reply
Thank you, Redheredh. Aragorn lived long enough, I think, to get a grasp on some of the less appealing sides of immortality - and a better understanding than most of just why many elves preferred to avoid mortals. But he also got a better grasp on the sheer depth of love involved. I have to think that they were all reunited in some place where time and species no longer mattered.
I'm glad you enjoyed it - and very flattered by your ... flattery!
perelleth
· 19 December 2007
· Chapter 999: Grief
I am always afraid -ashamed- shy, of talking about something I experience for the first time before someone who has been through it for many times...but surely Aragorn does not have that problem... Knowing how it feels was surely a comfort for the twins, even if this was their little brother and their sister after him, while for Aragorn it was all new and unique. That is the unfathomable truth of elves. A sad but yet very special moment for these three... and a wonderful Epilogue to that brotherhood.
Author's reply
I think Aragorn might have known at an intellectual level what it was like for elves to see the decline and death of the mortals they loved - but living it from the point of view of the one who outlived his friends and colleagues might well have been different. They had to hold on the belief that they would eventually be reunited. And I'm sure they will. Thank you, perelleth.
Inariel
· 19 December 2007
· Chapter 999: Grief
I read this on a bus, on my way to my office. I had noticed I was crying only when I began to get solicitous inquiries of my condition and offers of help from my fellow travelers... I was so deeply immersed in your piece, I had lost the sense of reality. If I knew of a more suitable way of saying "thank you", I would employ it.
Author's reply
Oh dear! I'm glad to know that I moved you to tears - I think! There is such sadness in the end of Aragorn's life and the partings all endured - but there is hope, too, I like to believe. Thank you, Inariel.
Agape4Gondor
· 18 December 2007
· Chapter 999: Grief
As I started to read - I had to control myself from commenting on each and every line - this was superb! Beyond belief! Excellent! Oh my!!!
I find that now I tend to keep my distance from those whom I would once have chosen as friends - heart-rending statement!!!
are meant to care for others we meet along our path through life, even if we touch each other but briefly - good sentiment
Arwen is no cipher to be disposed of by fate - *giggles*
We will be reunited - and that will be a good thing, and a hope to hold onto!
This chapter brought me to serious tears - and I'm at work... Must hide until they pass...... *sobs*
Author's reply
It must have been hard for Aragorn - he lived nearly twice the usual lifespan and outlived all his mortal friends. And it's different losing people in battle, probably - incalculable and a matter of chance ... watching people grow and age and wither - that must have given him an inkling of what elves endured when they interacted with mortals. Elladan and Elrohir must have developed a philosophy of life that made it possible for them to endure it.
Crying at work - never a good idea! Thanks, Agape. Glad to - er - have moved you to tears!
Agape4Gondor
· 18 December 2007
· Chapter 14: Hurt
As a mother, I know this has got to be the worse part of mothering... the constant worrying, the constant knowing that you cannot be there at all times, save a child from every hurt, keep them growing strong without hovering...
Gosh - somedays being a mom can be hideous... but being Elrond was probably a lot worse....
Great tale!
ellie
· 18 December 2007
· Chapter 999: Grief
beautiful! made me cry at the end.
Author's reply
Result! No, really - I'm sure these characters will be reunited. In time.
Gwynhyffar
· 17 December 2007
· Chapter 999: Grief
Way to make me cry when I'm expecting company at any moment, Bodkin! This was beautiful and touching and sad all at the same time. I'm so glad you posted.
Author's reply
Sorry! I think Aragorn would have come to some understanding of what it meant to be an elf as he aged beyond all his friends and compatriots. I'm sure they will be reunited - in a place where time doesn't exist. Thanks, Gwynhyffar.
Larner
· 17 December 2007
· Chapter 999: Grief
Oh, how I love this one, Bodkin.
We know grief because we are born into a world that is imperfect and where death is the constant we all face for both ourselves and those we know and love.
A wonderful chapter.
Author's reply
Thank you, Larner. The immortality of elves must have been a very mixed blessing. But I refuse to believe that these people, who loved each other so much, would not be reunited - in a time and place where race and age and time no longer mattered.
Lindelea
· 17 December 2007
· Chapter 999: Grief
Lovely, and sad; wise, and hopeful. Thanks for this today.
Author's reply
Thank you, Lindelea. Glad you liked it.
Jay of Lasgalen
· 17 December 2007
· Chapter 999: Grief
This is so sad and poignant - but I love the twins' absolute certainty that they will all eventually be reunited, even though that is contrasted with their grief at the thought of Estel's death - and Arwen's.
I really liked Elladan's assessment of their relationship with Gilraen - 'She needed family as much as you did. Brothers to support her – sons to scold.' Their dual role was so important.
Jay
Author's reply
It must be dreadful to be left behind, again and again and again. Particularly when it involves losing your sister and a man you love as a brother. But they will be together again - somewhere time no longer matters. Thanks, Jay.
Imhiriel
· 17 December 2007
· Chapter 999: Grief
Oh God, Bodkin, you made me cry!
I'm sitting here, typing with blurry vision...
I can't say much more, but it was a poignant, haunting, emotional, simply won-der-ful scene, so full of love and sadness and hope. And I loved the nodding roses.
Author's reply
Um, sorry? Hold on to the hope - I'm sure they will all be together in the end. Somewhere beyond time. Even the roses!
Thanks, Imhiriel.
daw the minstrel
· 17 December 2007
· Chapter 999: Grief
Surely it's right that these people will all be rejoined. Eru wouldn't be so cruel as to keep them apart forever.
A nice moment, Bodkin.
Author's reply
I am counting on a final reunion. Anything else would, indeed, be cruel. Thanks, daw.
Mysterious Jedi
· 18 November 2007
· Chapter 14: Hurt
Excellent story! I came here on Thorongirl's recommendation, and sincerely agree with her assessment.
ShimmeringWater
· 18 June 2007
· Chapter 14: Hurt
These stories are quite charming and utterly lovely. I hope this is not the end.
Author's reply
Thank you, ShimmeringWater. I might have another one written - I'm not sure - but there will be more of them, as and when they occur to me. I just love writing these really short pieces. And, of course, I'm rather partial to these characters! Glad you are enjoying them.
perelleth
· 7 June 2007
· Chapter 14: Hurt
I was sure that I had read this one, but not had the time to review... and I you have posted so much since this! Yay!!!!
Gilraen was fantastic here, intimidating as any mother when a child is hurt...but I also loved Elladan´s little explosion.. how does it feel to repeat the same over and over and again... A reminder of how hard it must have been as well for the elves to see humans pass away before their eyes!
Author's reply
Elladan does his best to be very calm and elven - but I think he has a fizz of fire to him. He finds it difficult to cope with love and loss. Always did, I think, even before his mother's injury.
And I just love fierce, human, loving, protective Gilraen. Who has learned - almost - to be family to a bunch of powerful elves who possess a bit more of a human side than they want to let on.
Thank you, perelleth.
elliska
· 6 May 2007
· Chapter 14: Hurt
Finally getting a chance for reading! Hooray!
I love these because I love the way you have portrayed Gilraen, but she is particularly well done here. Boy I would not have cared to be Elladan! Elrond’s intrepid warrior son took a wary step back as the woman’s hand turned to curl into a practised-looking fist. Hehehe! I loved this! And the comparison of Estel to Arathorn must have been very difficult to hear, especially at that moment. Poor Gilraen--this is a very undeniable reminder of her little boy's fate. You have to feel for her.
Author's reply
Never get between a mother and her child! Orcs bear no comparison to a protective mother!! I do like the whole idea of a strong Gilraen - and hate it when she is completely obliterated from Aragorn's background!
I daresay she has far too much time on her hands to think about her son's fate - all that giving hope to the Dunedain but keeping none for herself.... And yet, what else could she do? There's no way she could wrap him up in cotton and keep him safe. She just knows she's raising a warrior - on half of Middle-earth will be seeking to kill.
It's not surprising she wants to keep him safe while she can.