Linda Hoyland
· 5 January 2007
· Chapter 10: Celebrations
I like the way you show how at home ARagorn is with the ELves,while Gilraen always has a feeling of distance.
Another touching and enjoyable chapter.
Author's reply
Thank you!
I think there might well be the reverse effect for Aragorn when he goes into the world of the Dunedain, too! Imladris is his home - and he is completely familiar with it and the elves who inhabit it, and he would feel, possibly, more uneasy in the Angle than in the wild. Gilraen becomes at home in the end, I think. She has to go out and make friends and find her way - for her son's sake. But it's never really her home - but then, by the time she leaves, she's not at home among the Dunedain either.
When Aragorn sets up his own home with Arwen and their kids in Gondor - that's when he probably next feels that he is at home. It's a long wait for him!
Kitty
· 2 January 2007
· Chapter 10: Celebrations
Gilraen may not think of Imladris as her home, but it is clear that she is feeling much more comfortable now. And even if it is actually more for Estel's sake - I doubt she could feel well at all if she had to live somewhere where she *hates* to be. So I think she may feel at least a bit at home, too. And one thing is very true - Gilraen and Estel have found a family. It seemed so natural that Elladan thought in advance about how to tire Estel out and to get him to take his nap.
Estel was so cute here in his excitement and eagerness to help everyone. Though I'm not sure if Iavas is sharing his enthusiasm about the twins joining him in the kitchen, it is another sign of his love to them. And it is so good to know how much he is in turn brightening the life of the twins.
Author's reply
Gilraen is more comfortable. Estel is looking outward into the world of Imladris - and she is right behind him. She has to be open and make alliances in order to care for her son properly - and that is her prime motivation. And through Estel she has found - in a way - sons and siblings and a co-parent. It will make it hard (if not impossible) for her to revert to normal Dunedain life and I don't think she ever really belongs anywhere again once her son is adult. Elladan - is definitely somewhere between brother and uncle at the moment. I think real brotherhood will come when Estel is older.
Estel is wonderful - and I'll bet he is putting a whole new shine on the celebrations for the elves. They haven't had someone as young and excited as him around for centuries. And I'm sure Iavas will find a corner for Estel - and maybe even spare him some of her powdered sugar. They are all being really rather good for each other.
Kitty
· 2 January 2007
· Chapter 9: Parting
Regardless of what he himself thought, Glorfindel did a great job in comforting Estel. I was touched that Estel's first concern wasn't the loss of his playmates but that they could get hurt.
Honestly, now I'd like to see Glorfindel and Estel plotting to lure Elrond into playing with Estel *grin*
Happy New Year, Bodkin!
Author's reply
Estel has just learned that warriors can come back hurt - and he is worried about his 'brothers'. I think little kids don't really realise that life goes on in the outside world when they are not there to see it - but Estel has just got to the stage when he realises that it does. Glorfindel is doing a good job. He's a bit squeamish about the runny nose - but he knows how to help the anxiety. And, somehow, I can see Glorfindel and Estel enticing Elrond out of his study quite a lot to develop his playing skills!
Agape4Gondor
· 1 January 2007
· Chapter 10: Celebrations
Very nice twist. I am glad for Gilraen.
Author's reply
Thank you. When you have a child, it is easier to be dragged into a new life that revolves round him - so I think Gilraen was probably happier in Imladris than she would have been had Estel not been so young at the time.
Selene Aduial
· 1 January 2007
· Chapter 10: Celebrations
"But now – Estel’s excitement would ensure that she would be one of those taking part in the celebrations. She had not required Elrohir’s coaxing or Elrond’s carefully-worded invitation – not once Elladan had done his work in letting Estel know the delights in store for him as the youngest by far of those attending the night’s events. The look in her son’s eyes would have been more than enough."
Gilrean thinks that the elves are just helping her raise Estel, but they are helping her with her own life too. She just doesn't realises that they are making an effort to coax her out of her gloominess.
In the meantime they themselves are helping the elves to become more open. The twins have been pulled out off their endless fight and the rest of them can not resist the charms of a young child either.
Author's reply
I reckon that the elves find it easier to accept Estel to their hearts - he is a child and children are good at winning affection - but they are probably more open to accepting Gilraen among them than she realises. But it is hard. Imladris is not the Angle - and she is having to find a place for herself in an alien world. And the end result, really, is that she is not at home anywhere - she isn't an elf and she isn't a normal Dunedain woman. In a way she is a victim - if a willing one - of making Estel into Aragorn and Elessar.
I think Gilraen and Estel were good for the elves at this point - and vice versa. But it is a shame that Gilraen didn't survive to see her hopes fulfilled.
lwarren
· 1 January 2007
· Chapter 10: Celebrations
You do such a wonderful job of showing the gradual way Gilraen comes to accept her life at Imladris. It will never be her home and the elves will never be her people, but she is showing that a connection is growing within her to them. Even if only for her son's sake. I loved the way you show the excitement of the day through Estel's eyes and as usual, the conversation with Elladan about naps and such was so funny! A wonderful addition to these little glimpses of Estel's early life, Bodkin!
Linda
(I wish you and your family a happy and prosperous New Year!)
Author's reply
It's like when anybody has kids, really - you find a life that relates to them. Gilraen must look out into making friends with the elves of Imladris, because Estel needs them - and he draws her out of herself to deal with his needs. And I think she does become at home - just not enough at home to stay there once her son is grown. And then she found that the home she went back to was no longer her home - and she was left alone until she gave up hope.
Estel had a wonderful day. Full of every excitement that a kid his age could cope with!
Happy New Year to you, Linda - and I hope to read more from your pen soon. And that the kids aren't being too stressful this year!
Selene Aduial
· 1 January 2007
· Chapter 9: Parting
This must be difficult for Estel. Glorfindel may think he's not "adequately qualified" but he's doing a fine job.
Parting is not easy, no matter why it has to be, but indeed parting with a smile does make it easier.
Author's reply
Glorfindel is a fearsome warrior - but he is very soft-hearted when it comes to children. He doesn't much care for runny noses - but real worries he can support. Parting is tough - and Estel is just old enough to know that it's not always safe out there - but facing it bravely is good for those who leave and those who remain behind.
Raksha The Demon
· 31 December 2006
· Chapter 10: Celebrations
Heart-warming chapter; the Elves adore little Estel; and have made him part of a very old family, while his youth and innocence have invigorated them. And it's good for Elladan and Elrohir to have something young to nurture; gives them a necessary balance for the other, grim and brutal, side of their lives.
I still feel sorry for Gilraen; but she can be happy as long as her son is happy, safe and loved. It's only later, when his life is grim and rather joyless, that she seems to lose the will to hang on.
Author's reply
Estel has done wonders - completely inadvertently, just by being young and innocent and enthusiastic. The Elves find him enchanting - and in accepting him, they have extended their welcome to his mother.
I think she is at home here while Estel is young - but that she is no longer at home anywhere after he has left to take up his destiny - and once he is committed to Arwen and doesn't need her any more, she didn't want to fight any more. Shame she didn't survive to see him win through, though. But neater, I suppose, to draw a line under the 'before' life.
Dreamflower
· 31 December 2006
· Chapter 10: Celebrations
Aww...this is just too sweet for words! I am so glad that Gilraen has finally realized that she still has family around her, though not in the conventional sense, or in any way that she once would have anticipated.
It's amazing how much difference seeing things through a child's eyes can make!
Author's reply
They do become her family - through their connection to Estel, I think. But she feels a bit more like a sister-in-law, one who has a place there while her child is a child, but needs to seek her own place once he has grown. A shame really - I think she ended up feeling out of place wherever she was.
A child's eye view - it's doing wonders for the elves of Imladris!
Larner
· 31 December 2006
· Chapter 10: Celebrations
Oh, but I love the reminder that for her, too, this had become family indeed. Yes, she needs it as much as her beloved son.
Author's reply
For her they are ... more like in-laws, I think. Family, but not blood. But she is welcome and that little live-wire that is Estel is binding her more deeply in the life of Imladris. And she does need to belong.
grumpy
· 31 December 2006
· Chapter 10: Celebrations
This suonds like fun. Ask Estel if I can come to. I am good at icing gingerbread, well I am good at eating gingerbread. But Estel does not have to know that. Great chapter.
Author's reply
Estel is having a terrific day - with virtually every excitement a child of his age can deal with. And I'm sure he would happily share! Thank you.
Redheredh
· 31 December 2006
· Chapter 10: Celebrations
This one really got to me. You give us such a quietly brave Gilraen. I love your depiction of her. I am glad she is winning through, bit by bit.
But, here is a truly compassionate family of elves as well. If when he has grown up, Estel comes to understand, like his mother, how very very fortunate he has been... No wonder he strives to fulfill their hopes concerning him.
They are making a good childhood for him, but at the same time, making a good king - and man - out of him.
Author's reply
Gilraen is a very strong woman - in that self-sacrificing Victorian way that doesn't go down terribly well with modern readers. She subjugates her needs to raise her son - and I'm glad that she found herself able to be happy along the way.
And if she had to lose Arathorn and her home and go into hiding, she couldn't have done better than seek refuge with Elrond's family. They are doing their best by each other.
perelleth
· 31 December 2006
· Chapter 10: Celebrations
Coping with the young ones until the celebrations actually begin is a usually undervalued, little recognized task, so Elladan has all my support here today!
Gilraen's melancholy is very touching, as she fights between accepting that her productive life has been fulfilled and convincing herself that she has indeed found a new family, and not only her son. Sad lot, back then.
Author's reply
Elladan is doing a good job! I certainly think he is enjoying the process of rediscovering play.
Estel is drawing Gilraen into the life of Imladris far more successfully than she might have expected - but she is still a bit of a fish out of water. And knows that he will grow away from her steadily as he gets older. Tough. Very tough.
French Pony
· 31 December 2006
· Chapter 10: Celebrations
It's kind of too bad that Tolkien's worldview did not admit for second marriages. One gets the feeling that Gilraen could have married one of the sons of Elrond, and everyone would have been happy about it. But poor old Gilraen is left a widow forever, without quite the same feeling of home and family that her son has found.
Author's reply
Tolkien might have been reluctant to allow for second marriages, but I'm sure that among men, in the society he describes, second marriages must have been common. Widowed fathers need carers for their kids, widowed mothers need breadwinners - it would only be practical to put the two needs together. Elves, I suppose, being immortal and expecting reunion in the Blessed Realm - well ... it still seems cruel at times. But I suppose it does simplify the family trees.
Elrond might not have been too happy to have a son marry Gilraen and presumably choose mortality. And it might have led to said son becoming his sister's stepfather-in-law.
Gilraen is not just a widow, but she is alone - and that makes it even tougher on her. In some ways I'm not surprised she gave up and died young. Once she took Estel to Imladris she was never really at home anywhere. She must have been very lonely.
Elie
· 31 December 2006
· Chapter 10: Celebrations
Beautiful and sweet! It is good to finally see her relaxing and becoming a part of the family. It is also fun to watch everyone else take Estel in as one of the family, too. These stories are delightful!
Author's reply
Thank you. There's nothing like having a kid at the age when they are irresistible for making you feel part of a group. Estel is dragging his mother into feeling at home - and the elves are accepting her probably more than they have ever accepted another woman. I'm glad you're enjoying these stories.
meckinock
· 31 December 2006
· Chapter 10: Celebrations
You really made me feel for Gilraen in this chapter - her third Yule in Imladris, but the first where she feels like taking part in the celebrations. Very understandable, and also very realistic that it's her eager, enthusiastic young son who draws her into the circle of celebration. I'm glad to see she went willingly and has accepted what comfort Imladris can provide - even if it's only for Estel's sake. It's bittersweet knowing that despite what Elladan says, it really will never be her home. Although at least she is with good, kind people who will do everything they an to make it so. I loved this little exchange:
‘I will try to get him to have a sleep this afternoon,’ Gilraen said doubtfully, ‘or he will never last until tonight.’
‘We will do it.’ Elladan grinned. ‘He will come and sprawl in front of the fire with us while we tell him stories – and never notice that he is taking a nap until he wakes up refreshed in time to eat supper.’
‘One day your cunning will catch up with you,’ Gilraen observed.
Elladan’s grin widened. ‘But not this day,’ he said.
Author's reply
Kids are great for dragging their parents into all sorts of situations - Estel was a bit young before, but now he is just the right age to be into everything - and his excitement infects his mother. The home of your childhood always seems to be the place you think of as home, no matter how many years pass - and yet you grow away from it. Gilraen will find it impossible to go back to live among the Dunedain in many ways - she will have become someone other than she way. Similarly Imladris is Estel's home - but he cannot live their comfortably once he has grown. But they are all doing their best for each other.
Musing - Gilraen was in such a state of grief when she arrived in Imladris that she didn't see the gorgeousness of elves and, unlike most females, is not attracted to E2 ... They were people - almost brothers - before she saw them. I wonder if they feel comfortable with her because she sees them rather than their 'brothers beautiful' surface ...
meckinock
· 31 December 2006
· Chapter 9: Parting
With a heartfelt sigh, he spread the cloth and held it to the child’s nose. ‘Blow,’ he commanded.
This image just had me howling. The set-up was just perfect for the punchline. And you cracked me up with Estel's observation that Elrond isn't very good at playing and Glorfindel's comment that Elladan and Elrohir didn't train him very well.
But what really warmed my heart was the idea of distraught Estel with separation anxiety over his heroes going off into danger, and those heroes worriedly delaying their departure until he could be found. And of course, Glorfindel crouching down to offer a small, tearful boy a hankie. Lovely.
Author's reply
Poor Glorfindel! Balrogs taken in his stride. Snotty-nosed kids - now there's a challenge!
Elrond must seem rather serious to Estel - good adar material, but maybe not much of a playmate. (I can see the twins training the playmate out of their adar, in a way! He had to be ready for anything!)
The twins have ridden off before - but Estel is only just old enough to realise that they might get hurt and worry about them. And I can just see all Imladris in chaos as they look for a sad little boy. And offer him comfort - and (I'm glad to see) honesty. As much as a four year old can deal with honesty, anyway.
daw the minstrel
· 31 December 2006
· Chapter 10: Celebrations
I love Estel's excitement, but I'm exhausted just hearing about Elladan's plans for him! It's so great to see his happiness though, and know that Gilraen is content in his contentment.
Author's reply
The last thing Elladan wants here is a child running wild! (I wonder why he thinks that might cause trouble?) Keep him busily occupied and the preparations for the celebration will go all the more smoothly. I think Estel is drawing Gilraen into the world of Imladris - and she is getting used to a) luxury and b) elves!
meckinock
· 31 December 2006
· Chapter 8: Adrift
Letting your child slowly pull away from you must always be difficult, but for Gilraen, with her background and history and likely premonitions of her son's perilous future, it must be especially agonizing; more so because he's been living in this lovely little insulated bubble of unreality. But she's a Dunadan and knows what has to be done.
Author's reply
Gilraen's whole purpose for existence now is Estel - and her duty is to raise him to be an independent strong man and then push him out of the door. She must have felt tempted from time to time to cosset him. Especially, perhaps, among elves, to whom childhood is at least twice as long as it is among men. I'm sure most of the elves wouldn't even have questioned keeping Estel a child for an extra few years. But Gilraen knows what she has to do - I'm not surprised that she let the forebodings and loneliness get to her in the end. Once she had done her duty.
meckinock
· 31 December 2006
· Chapter 7: Rain
Aww. I loved Elrohir's transition from truly, truly enjoying his bed and a dry roof over his head and a lazy morning with nothing to do but lounge about, to instant prickly alertness, to dry sarcasm at Elladan's clever re-direction of Estel, to the deliberate but genuine appreciation of unlooked-for blessings in the form of a worshipful little face beaming up at him. Not everyone gets to be someone's hero, and bless Elrohir for accepting the role with gladness. And bless him too for worrying about Gilraen's reaction to her son calling Elrond "Ada." I smiled at the moment when Elrohir officially designated himself and Elladan Estel's brothers.
Author's reply
Elrohir is - I admit - lovely here. And good for him for recognising that moments like this don't come often and being Estel's chosen companion is something he can treasure for ever.
I suspect that elves - immortal / perfect memories and so on - might worry more than the Dunedain about the idea of adoptive fathers. Because I do think that, in the circumstances the Dunedain live in, the fathering of children must be a community effort. It's not that Elrond would be Estel's Ada that is a problem but the fact that Arathorn's paternity cannot be acknowledged and celebrated that would really get to Gilraen. And the twins will make very interesting brothers!
meckinock
· 31 December 2006
· Chapter 6: Tales
Poor Gilraen - just when she starts to settle in and get really comfortable, she gets hit upside the head with the immortality bat. On the other hand, she gets to make all the stories end happily for once.
Author's reply
She's just begun to look on the twins as youngsters - like everybody else in Imladris - only to realise that 'young' is definitely relative!
Yes - all the stories can have happy endings, and all the husbands and fathers can come home. At least for now. Poor woman. I think she's still very lonely - she needs friends of her own gender.
SlightlyTookish
· 31 December 2006
· Chapter 10: Celebrations
*happy sigh* It's always wonderful to see the holidays through the eyes of a child and little Estel is so very charming. I'm so glad that Gilraen is feeling at home too.
Author's reply
Gilraen is settling down - there is nothing like having a child to enmesh you in a new life. And Estel is wild with excitement here!
Amy
· 31 December 2006
· Chapter 10: Celebrations
*gulp*
*tears in eyes*
The Christmas/Yule/solstice season is better through a child's eyes than an adults!
Author's reply
Thank you - I'm glad you liked it! Children see everything with such fresh sight that it can revitalise them totally for those around them.
perelleth
· 31 December 2006
· Chapter 9: Parting
This sounds like Doom for Elrond...Poor Estel, though.
Author's reply
Poor Estel - but I'm sure Glorfindel and Elrond will act as E2 substitutes. Even if they might not be quite as good at abandoning maturity as the twins, they have plenty of experience to call on!
Linda Hoyland
· 31 December 2006
· Chapter 9: Parting
Another enjoyable chapter,little Estel is winning all hearts,it seems !
Author's reply
Estel is too young for pretence - and I think the elves would have responded to that with simple affection. And by the time he was old enough to question who he was, he was already part of the family. (Gilraen is the one who probably never settled totally into life in Imladris - otherwise she would never have left.)