Brotherhood by Bodkin
Gwynhyffar · 1 March 2007 · Chapter 12: Difference
That was a powerful chapter, Bodkin, and something that surely came up during Estel's childhood. I love Gilraen - she really is his only concrete link to his own heritage.
Author's reply
So much of little Estel is happy and innocent and mischief-filled - well, it probably was! - but there are complications. And this must have been one of them. Gilraen is great - and a very strong and tenacious woman. Her son needed her.
MithLuin · 1 March 2007 · Chapter 12: Difference
The fact that Elrond finds it difficult to speak of his own childhood as a half-elf among elves speaks volumes to why Gilraen's concern is more than legitimate. Yes, he'll survive, and yes, it may be good for him....but that doesn't mean it isn't a *problem* Estel's identity is going to be a question all throughout a childhood - and when he asks "who am I?" no one will give him a straight answer.
Author's reply
Elrond, of course, had a terribly mixed up childhood. And the only constant, Elros, then decided to go off and become a king of men - grow old and die and leave his brother, like everyone else. Estel's childhood isn't like that - he has his mother and some very staunch substitutes for father, uncles and brother. But what real understanding can he have of his own culture when it is only taught to him as history? How can he not feel that 'men are weak', when he his raised among elves who remember the Last Alliance? And, actually, I think children need children. Only children can find it harder to relate to their peer group when they live in the normal world - but an only child who never sees other children? I'm sure everyone with do their utmost to find compromises. At least compromises that won't compromise Estel's safety. If they can.
daw the minstrel · 1 March 2007 · Chapter 12: Difference
Happy birthday, Estel :-) It's hard to think of the spoken and unspoken expectations this little boy tried to live up to. I can see how it would have been hard for him, and yet what were they to do? Nice job conveying the complexity of the situation, Bodkin.
Author's reply
I wonder how old Estel is now... I think it would have been easy for Estel when he was very small. Differences don't show as much - and the inhabitants of Imladris would have been star-struck by the delight of having a child around. But there comes the 'who am I?' period - and he has no points of comparison. But you're right - what could they do? He needed to be safe and unknown, which, by definition shuts him away. So much seems so simple at first sight - and then a shift of perspective reveals complications you never thought of. Looking through Gilraen's eyes is fascinating - a whole different viewpoint on them all.
Lianna · 1 March 2007 · Chapter 12: Difference
Well, he cannot be Beren, but he will get his Luthien. And maybe that is what will make it bearable. Aragorn, throughout his life, and Arwen, once she commits to him, must always be outsiders, never fitting perfectly into the worlds of either Elves or Men. But at least they have each other. I liked seeing Gilraen's insights here. Some authors portray her as a sort of weakling blob. Your Gilraen is a real and intelligent person.
Author's reply
He will get his Luthien! Eventually. And I wonder if, had he not been reared among elves, he would have loved Arwen so devotedly over so long - and whether Arwen would have loved him. And feel that his elvish qualities, combined with the force of his personality (and fate), are what attracted them to each other. After all, Galadriel dressed him up like an Elf-lord from the Isles of the West ... And her (half)-elven presence is probably what makes him feel at home in Minas Tirith - after all, there is more than the elf/man thing to hold them apart. Elessar is king - and that is to be separate always. I like Gilraen. She is the only Dunadan in Imladris with her son - she would have to be remarkably strong and determined. And, of course, he is her hope - and her only link to her husband. She would do her best for him. (And I reckon she did a pretty good job!)
French Pony · 1 March 2007 · Chapter 12: Difference
An interesting question of how to deal with Estel's emotional growth, and one that, honestly, Tolkien probably never even considered. Maybe it accounts for Aragorn's modesty and "plays well with others"-ness that we see later in his life. He comes across as being good at just about anything he tries, but it doesn't seem to go to his head. Maybe that's the result of growing up in a place where his very best was nothing special. What this boy needs is to discover his talent, the particular thing that he's good at. Then he'll have some self-esteem and a reason to shine. And maybe he could go meet the Dunedain without necessarily being told who he is in relation to them.
Author's reply
A lot of the situations in - well - any novel/movie/whatever are superficially quite straightforward, but, like your story of Elros/Elrond/Maglor, once you think about it, they are far more complex than that! Tolkien was a boarding-school-educated product of the tag-end of the nineteenth century - I doubt he thought deeply about the harm that being cut off from his people could have done - probably thought more that it was part of making a man - but we look at child-rearing rather differently. Aragorn might have been quite surprised, when he went out into the world, to find how good he was - how well-educated, how knowledgeable, how skillful with weapons, how versed in strategy - but I do reckon he would have found it quite hard to relate to other people his own age. And not just because he was Arathorn's son. It would be helpful for him to met other men from time to time - but possibly even better to meet other children, of whatever species. And I think his family must have resolved the difficulty somehow - he was definitely a well-balanced adult, with a pretty good idea of his own worth.
Klose · 8 February 2007 · Chapter 11: Broken
I read this today, from the first chapter to the latest, and I was very sad to see that I'd come to the end of what was posted - it was such a lovely read, thank you for sharing this story. So, I know this is supposed to be a review for chapter 11, but I hope you don't mind if I make a sort of... summarial review of all the chapters thusfar. :) Where to start? You have a great gift for story-telling, because the flow of the narrative was so smooth - no lapses into pretentiousness, and yet it paints a very distinct picture in the reader's mind of what's going on with the characters, and between them. And speaking of characters: from charming, wise Glorfindel to kind Elrond to the thoughtful twins, I was just so endeared by all of them (in a way that makes me want to write fic, which IMHO is the best kind of inspiration!). And it's heartwarming to see how the elves of Imladris are also going through their own healing, as well. Your depictions of Gilraen's loss and transition into living in Imladris and of the trials of raising a young child were realistic and fresh. Sorry to be so abstract and excessively descriptive here, but sometimes you read a fic that just works, period, and this is one of them. ;) This chapter, in particular, was very touching. I empathised with Gilraen, that she would hold the pot to sentimental value, and I felt strongly with her the conviction of her realisation that Aragorn was far more precious... and the mending of the pot - ‘It has been given to me twice,’ she stated, ‘and is doubly precious for that.’ - perfect.
Author's reply
I'm glad you like these! I considered having them all about Aragorn but without actually having him in them, because his presence and raising must have affected all those around him so profoundly ... but, in the end, he wanted to feature! But the series is more, I think, about his effect on others rather than about him ... which is where it differs from young Estel stories. And Gilraen - well. I get so distressed when she is written out of her son's life. She is a strong and self-sacrificing woman, who is prepared to do what is necessary to raise a son of whom she can be proud - a son who is a worthy heir to his father. And it can't have been easy. Not on her, and not on the elves of Imladris who shared in the fostering. The pot - she must have felt it as the breaking of yet another bond with the past, and then to have it restored. Well - it's a symbol, I think. Of hope. And healing. And a promise for the future. Thank you, Klose!
Grumpy · 5 February 2007 · Chapter 11: Broken
I love how you have written this, Estel and Gilraen's sorrow at the breaking, and the joy of it being mended. ".. I so not wish for Estel to go up in flames.." great.
Author's reply
So many stories have big themes - but in the raising of Estel, there must have been a lot of small sorrows ... and joys. And for Estel to have turned into such a noble man, his mother must have set great foundations. (And I'm glad the twins helped him mend the bowl. His mother will love it - and them - the more for it!)
Nilmandra · 4 February 2007 · Chapter 11: Broken
I was thinking elves would enjoy piecing together shards of glass into the original structure. It would be like an elaborate three dimensional puzzle to them. I was thinking as I read about how Vilya stopped the ravages and decays of time.. but it can't stop a little boy from breaking things. :/
Author's reply
They would, wouldn't they? (I wonder if they invented the stained-glass window?) Elves would have the time and patience - and skill - to repair most things - although some damage and destruction would be beyond even them. Imladris might be protected from the ravages and decays of time - but dropped pots will still shatter on hard floors. And endurance will grow thin. I love the feeling of care I get that surrounds Estel. Everyone is gently guiding him into developing the qualities he needs. (He's bound to rebel sometime - he's only human! And too much expectation can be very intimidating.)
perelleth · 3 February 2007 · Chapter 11: Broken
How beautiful, and thoughtful from the twins! A lovely moment despite the sad memories for GIlraen. But she recovered fast, acknowledging that she had indeed the most important memory of his husband standing before her.
Author's reply
I think the twins were protecting Gilraen as much as Estel at times. It's a glorious mix - these are not simple people! Gilraen knows that raising Estel is the most important thing she has to do - raising him, loving him, teaching him everything she can ... and then letting him go. But she has the courage to do it - and the twins and their father will give her every bit of support they can. She will treasure that bowl until the day she dies. For so many reasons. And I can just see it finding its way back to Imladris and then going south with Arwen to Minas Tirith for her son to keep in memory of her.
meckinock · 3 February 2007 · Chapter 11: Broken
This was such a touching chapter. I loved the complex weave of emotions. I could totally empathize with Gilraen's hurt and anger; and then her patience and pride. And Estel, poor little guy, suitably upset at upsetting his mother; which is the best lesson he could learn from this, I guess. his fervour had suggested puppies at the very least LOL. That's what is so touching about Estel's enthusiasm here - that a glee normally associated with only something as wonderful as puppies could come from the desire to make someone else happy. I want to hug him.
Author's reply
I'm not entirely sure whether the twins are supporting Estel or Gilraen through this! Both, probably. I think Gilraen appreciated her son's courage - and loved him for his share in the work of repair. While he learned the pleasure in doing something for someone else - just to make them happy. The shared parenting of Estel turned out a remarkable person. One who might have found it difficult to make the adjustment of going out into the world of men, but who had the resources to cope with almost anything. And he is very huggable! Gilraen is just bursting with pride in him.
Dreamflower · 2 February 2007 · Chapter 11: Broken
Aww...that is so sweet! Of course Elladan and Elrohir would have known how much that meant to her. I love this glimpse into Estel's developing character. I especially like the way he took his punishment--disappointment, yes, but resignation--he knew he deserved it. Beautiful.
Author's reply
Imladris and its inhabitants would have provided discipline, I think. Gently, but nonetheless firmly! And Estel would learn to take responsibility for his actions and make amends. But Gilraen would have been supported in raising him - and I can see the twins being strong supports for the mother as well as the child. Thank you.
Linda Hoyland · 2 February 2007 · Chapter 11: Broken
Very enjoyable and a lovely outcome.I love the way you depict Gilraen and her son.It annoys me that so much fanfic kills her off ! I was reminded of a quote I came across when looking for something to head one of my chapters. "Break a vase, and the love that reassembles the fragments is stronger than that love which took its symmetry for granted when it was whole." Derek Walcott (b. 1930),
Author's reply
Gilraen is such an important factor in making Estel the man he becomes! Yes, it annoys me, too, when she is disposed of as irrelevant. Just as the pranking, brainless twins do! I think the mended pot has become more than the parts of the whole - what was a memory of love past has come to symbolise love present - and the care of friends.
Agape4Gondor · 1 February 2007 · Chapter 11: Broken
That was nice - more for her than for him... but a gentle way to teach responsility and that broken things must at least be tried to be repaired. No matter what they are.
Author's reply
If there is one thing Estel learned over his childhood, it was responsibility. He breathed it in every day - and I'm glad that even at this early age, it was part of him. I imagine that bowl went with Gilraen until she died - a memento of her greatest treasures, Arathorn's love and Estel's, and a reminder of the care of those who took her and her son into their home and hearts.
SlightlyTookish · 1 February 2007 · Chapter 11: Broken
What a delightful chapter! I had a feeling that the pot would be repaired but seeing Gilraen get it back was wonderful, particularly her observation that it had been given to her twice and is therefore more precious. Now the pot will not only remind her of her husband and her life before but also her life now, with her son and the elves and her new home. That's such a lovely thought.
Author's reply
Gilraen spent far more of her life in Imladris than she did as Arathorn's wife - interesting to think how that might have changed her. I think she clung to her memories and the few things she had left from that time - but she knew that her most important reminder was only lent her for a short while and that she would have to let Estel go. I like to think of that pot going with her as she left Imladris and taking pride of place in her future home.
Redheredh · 1 February 2007 · Chapter 11: Broken
"... he was far more precious than any mere thing." Yet - "... it did not seem fair that she should be left mourning her small treasure whilst its destruction had faded from his recollection." It lovely like how noble and, at the same time, human Gilrean really is. Estel may have his father's genes, but he has his mother's example. His willingness to bear his responsibilities comes directly from her, I think. with his brothers simply lending their good - and bad - graces. ;) A very sweet and sentimental episode. "...doubly precious for that."
Author's reply
Gilraen is an amazing woman, really. Not in a headline-grabbing way - but she provided Estel with exactly what he needed, no matter what the cost to herself. (Very unfashionable.) I think the twins, while acting as brothers to Estel, were also able to provide a lot of support and subtle guidance for Gilraen, too. They might enjoy looking young and carefree - but they have lived through enough to know what help she needed. I'm seized with interest as to how they all got on once Estel had left to follow his star! And once Gilraen had left Imladris.
Larner · 1 February 2007 · Chapter 11: Broken
Oh, yes--Arathorn's son, and already the healer, even of small bowls he knows to be loved by his mother. Very precious indeed, seeing the desire to make things right. And Elladan and Elrohir are able to show him how to make it right indeed. Bless them all, and particularly for teaching Aragorn positive patience and perseverence, skills he will need throughout his life.
Author's reply
Estel never knew his father - but he was very well parented. Not just by Gilraen, although she was strong and courageous and staunchly consistent, but by his foster brothers and foster father, too. And I think, in some ways, while playing at being her sons, the twins were old enough and wise enough to put in some positive reassurance for Gilraen as well.
French Pony · 1 February 2007 · Chapter 11: Broken
That was so sweet. I really was glad that Gilraen had her pot back at the end. It's just a thing, but there are some things that really are precious. Not many, but some. And it really hurts to lose them. Glue is a great thing in the world. You think of it mainly as a way to stick two things together, but sometimes it mends hearts as well.
Author's reply
Things aren't, perhaps, that important in themselves - it's the memories that come with them. Like all those treasured Mother's Day cards and kiddie drawings. In the end, I think the pot will be even more precious to Gilraen because Estel's fingerprints are on it - and because of the gentle care of the twins for both mother and son. Another contribution towards making this oddly assorted group of people into a family.
Baggins Babe · 1 February 2007 · Chapter 11: Broken
So many beautiful moments in this chapter, Bodkin. Gilraen's pride in her son, the twins standing with Estel and the child brave enough not to hide behind them. No wonder she is so fiercely proud of him.
Author's reply
Thank you. Gilraen is very focused on her son - and helping him grow into a man of whom his father would be proud. Estel doesn't want to disappoint her - and the twins want to protect them both. They make a good family.
harrowcat · 1 February 2007 · Chapter 11: Broken
Lovely Bodkin. I especially love the picture of Estel as a hunting dog eager to be released! AS a proud pack member with a flat coat retriever the image is great. (Said dog lives with my parents and definitely thinks that a mere weekly visitor rates lower in the pack order.!)
Author's reply
It must be hard to grow up as the only child among serene and timeless elves! And I love watching kids who are just twitching to be freed from restraint - and controlling themselves - just! (Shame you've dropped in the pack order. I was watching Meerkat Manor last night - there's a lot of pack order there! Makes me very glad I'm not a meerkat.)
MithLuin · 1 February 2007 · Chapter 11: Broken
Now how did a small child do that good a job of mending it, hmmm? I think he had some help from his brothers... Very nicely done. I was waiting for this perfect child to do something bad and get in trouble - I mean, more than the usual mischief ;).
Author's reply
Oh yes - a shared afternoon of doing something for someone they loved. The twins provided the expertise, but Estel was patient and careful and did as he was shown. Estel would have got into mischief - inevitably. He's a boy! But he is surrounded by adults, who all watch out for him - he isn't going to do the kind of things that require companions of the same age. I suspect he will have his moments as he gets older and a bit more independent, though.
daw the minstrel · 1 February 2007 · Chapter 11: Broken
There's something truly wonderful about that moment when Estel is so excited about what he's done for him mother, what he's given her, rather than a present someone else might give to him.
Author's reply
There is - and it's just the sort of moment that would contribute towards making Estel into the man he became. There was such potential for him becoming a brat - the only child in a household of adults - but they worked together to bring out all the best qualities in the boy. It's a big moment - when you first learn the pleasure of giving. (As pranking Estel and twins would never have managed!)
Idril Celebrindal · 1 February 2007 · Chapter 11: Broken
sniff! Wonderful! Thank you!
Author's reply
Thank you! The twins are offering their own version of therapy to both mother and son. It's no wonder Estel grew up to be such a great man.
Ellie · 1 February 2007 · Chapter 11: Broken
That was so sweet! What a delightful ending. Nicely done. I bet the twins have lots of experience at mending things...
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm sure elves must have learned to fix things - I can't see them being wasteful enough to live in a disposable society. And I daresay the twins will have had need, on occasion, to repair items for their own mother. And they're repairing more than the bowl - they are looking after Gilraen as gently as they care for her son.
Selene Aduial · 1 February 2007 · Chapter 11: Broken
*sniff* The warmth of the gestures in this story is radiating from my screen. The twins standing by Estel to share in his punishment was already hearth warming. But the hard work of fixing her precious bowl to see her happy was the best. Your stories are always amazing me with the eye for details where feelings are concerned. More please?
Author's reply
Estel had responsibility bred into him, I think! The twins offered him reassurance - and wanted to help Gilraen as much as they did her son. And the bowl will mean even more to her now. Thank you, Selene. Years of parenthood have their uses! Oddly the next one of these that is sitting on my computer takes place about 200 years after this one! I can't decide whether to write out of time order and attempt to slot them together - or just save that until later.
Jay of Lasgalen · 1 February 2007 · Chapter 11: Broken
Ahh ... There are so many things I like about this story. The twins standing with Estel, prepared to take the blame - but him not hiding behind them. The wordless communication between the twins - I love moments like that between them! Gilraen's knowledge of the twins that a 'female refuge' won't deter them :>). And I like the simple thought, care and concern that made them repair the pot so quickly. Lovely. Jay
Author's reply
How could Estel not be courageous - with the example of the twins and his mother before him? But even so, accepting responsibility is a tough thing for a child his age - and I suspect he is sensitive enough to realise how upset Gilraen is, however well she conceals it. I don't think the twins need to commune mentally here - they know each other so well that a glance and a gesture are enough to speak volumes! Repairing the pot was good for Estel and Gilraen - and I suspect that as well as posing as carefree sons, the twins sometimes felt quite paternal and very protective towards Estel's mother.