French Pony
· 30 December 2006
· Chapter 9: Parting
Good ol' Glorfindel. A Prince of the Elder Days, able to stop Black Riders with the sheer glow of his royal awesomeness, undone by a small grubby child who doesn't want his two favorite people to go out on patrol. I have a feeling that Elrond will not be the only one "learning" to play.
Author's reply
It amuses me to think of Glorfindel as someone who can deal with almost anything - but a runny-nosed child makes him uncomfortable! (If only Sauron had known!)
He is soft-hearted, too, when it comes to the vulnerable - and will doubtless be playing with Estel. Who can resist whole-hearted admiration?
grumpy
· 30 December 2006
· Chapter 9: Parting
I bet with Glorfindel's help, Estel can get Elrond to play. Loved the part with the white hankie that Estel has no idea what to do with. He surely will miss his brothers
Author's reply
Oh yes - I think Elrond and Glorfindel will be offering Estel all the entertainment they can! And it will do both of them good.
Poor Glorfindel - snotty children are rather unappealing. He coped quite well - considering! Estel will miss the twins, but he will have to get used to their coming and going as he grows up.
Amy
· 30 December 2006
· Chapter 9: Parting
I love these vignettes. Who can resist little Estel? Gilraen's pov is particularly touching.
Lots and lots of chapters would be really great, greedy reader that I am!
Author's reply
Seeing Imladris through Gilraen's eyes does add a lot of pathos, I think. Imladris was home to Estel - but Gilraen must always have felt rather a fish out of water. Mind you, seeing Estel loved and treasured would have helped a lot!
Redheredh
· 30 December 2006
· Chapter 9: Parting
Oh, what a fastidious Glorfindel! LOL! But, full of needed understanding and guidance. Such a darling little Estel! Interesting, though, how Glorfindel cleverly volunteered nana or ada as a playmate instead of himself. ;)
Well, we now know who's gonna be changing nappies and burping baby if G ever become a daddy!
Author's reply
Interesting that Glorfindel can deal coolly with the mess of battle, but runny noses turn his stomach. But he is a wise elf - and one who loves children dearly. I don't think Glorfindel will get out of playing with Estel. After all, much as Estel loves Nana and Ada, they have other roles in his life. While Glorfindel is as wondrous as his favourite twins - and can tell them what to do!
I doubt Glorfindel will be allowed to get away with squeamishness if his chosen bride agrees to beget offspring with him. While his friend Elrond will be only too happy to provide as many opportunities as possible for said offspring to exercise their atar's patience!
Lindelea
· 30 December 2006
· Chapter 7: Rain
Just back from holiday and no time to read more than one of these burgeoning chapters...
You evoke so much in so few words. The "hug" of the blankets. Water dripping from the nose. (BTDT) The warmth of a snuggling child.
And the fatherless amongst the sons of Rangers.
"Brothers forever" -- whether or not the sons of Elrond accept the Doom of mortality. Brothers don't stop being brothers, even when they've gone beyond reach.
Author's reply
I hope you had a good holiday!
Thank you. I like to think of Elrohir feeling really comfortable in that warm, semi-comatose way - and it's never better than when the rain is falling outside!
The Rangers must have looked after each other's children, I think. Most parenting would have been done by mothers and whatever males were around. Gilraen can accept that - but it must have been hard for her to hear Arathorn's son call Elrond 'Ada'. But she was a brave woman - just because it seems a small thing doesn't mean it was, but she would accept it for Estel's sake.
Yes - the twins have accepted Estel into their hearts. He will be part of them for ever. Like Elros will always be with Elrond.
Dreamflower
· 29 December 2006
· Chapter 9: Parting
Glorfindel was excellent at consoling the child, and I noticed also excellent at avoiding offering *himself* as a substitute playmate! LOL!
Darn! No "next" button! *sigh* now I have to wait!
Author's reply
Glorfindel is good with children - he was a much adored uncle to the twins and Arwen - but he doesn't much enjoy the - er - messier side of children. Odd, since he copes with the messier side of battle without too many problems! He didn't offer himself as a playmate - but I suspect that he and Elrond will enjoy sharing out the responsibility of entertaining little Estel.
No 'next' yet ... I have got another couple of pieces more or less ready to go though, so the wait won't be too long!
Dreamflower
· 29 December 2006
· Chapter 8: Adrift
Poor Gilraen! But, really, she *should* take advantage of Elrond's advice--relaxation time is rare when one has a boy-child! But I am glad she had the feminine understanding of Mothwen, too.
Author's reply
I expect Gilraen will come to appreciate time when she knows where Estel is and that he is in someone else's care. But just now ... I reckon she needs a role beyond caring for her son or she is going to be wandering round Imladris not knowing what to do with herself. Mothwen will be good for her - they share a lot of experience, even if Mothwen has taken a good few millennia longer to live through it.
Dreamflower
· 29 December 2006
· Chapter 7: Rain
*very BIG grin* Milestone! A very great milestone!
Author's reply
I think it is the sort of thing that might have just happened, rather than being part of a big plan. But it was important, I reckon. Estel needed to be part of the family - although it must have been hard on Gilraen to let it happen.
Dreamflower
· 29 December 2006
· Chapter 6: Tales
Very nice, and a carry-over from what I was observing in the last chapter. Only now Gilraen is seeing it from a different perspective.
Do you think you could be persuaded to chronicle any of Smudge's adventures? I am rather fond of tales of talking animals myself...
Author's reply
Difficult to accept, I think, that the elves are part of your own history. Possibly easier to see them as being part of something so remote it doesn't seem real. Gilraen saw the twins as warriors - but, to everyone in Imladris, they are youngsters, and that (and playing with Estel) has influenced her attitude towards them. Now - the glass has shifted and she has been reminded that youth is relative.
I'm afraid Smudge hasn't dictated any of his adventures yet. But you never know!
Dreamflower
· 29 December 2006
· Chapter 5: Comfort
And here we see why Elrond is as "kind as summer". He's so perceptive of others, and he's honest with himself--and he knows how to open himself up again, and to admit that he needs to do so. I can imagine how hard it must be for any of the inhabitants of Rivendell, knowing that this one endearing child that they are allowing themselves to love is oh, so mortal. Yet, still they do allow it, and do not seem to count the cost to themselves--and it is because of Elrond's example.
Author's reply
Elrond is able to give of himself - even knowing that pain will come as part of it. And Estel is so young and so open that he would be hard to resist. I somehow think the other Dunedain fosterling were older - adolescents - and that, although the inhabitants of Imladris were fond of them, it was a far less intimate relationship. They were visitors - Estel is family.
Dreamflower
· 29 December 2006
· Chapter 4: Spice
Aawwww....*sigh* *sniffle*
Author's reply
A delightful interlude for all concerned. Perhaps most of all for those who saw the twins fall to pieces after their mother's loss.
Dreamflower
· 29 December 2006
· Chapter 3: Admiration
Yes, the joys and terrors of parenthood cross all boundaries of species, race or culture! Gilraen can be comforted in that, at least!
And-er-Glorfindel? I have a feeling he's going to find himself busier than he imagines now.
Kittens, eh?
Author's reply
I think Glorfindel is very soft-hearted when it comes to women and children (of most species). And I imagine Estel will win his heart before too long.
It's almost funny to think of this very young woman and ancient elf developing an almost co-parental relationship. Of course, it's rather sad, too.
Dreamflower
· 29 December 2006
· Chapter 2: Discovery
*grin* Elrond's reaction is just exactly what I thought it would be! This is wonderful!
Author's reply
Elrond can feel detached for the moment - but it won't last! Glad you're enjoying it.
Dreamflower
· 29 December 2006
· Chapter 1: Brotherhood
I am *so* glad to have internet at home again, so I can start this very promising story! I love this: Gilraen's sorrow and perception, and Elrohir's offer--Estel will offer him and his brother an opportunity to put *aside* "implacableness" for a while. This is not just a favor to Estel's mother, as he implies with his last words to her...
Author's reply
It's surprising how enclosed you feel without the net!
I think the relationship the twins develop with Estel will be very good for all three of them - even if the twins do know that one day they will be left to mourn the child.
Ellie
· 29 December 2006
· Chapter 9: Parting
These are all so very wonderful! I am enjoying them immensely!
Author's reply
Thank you! I am glad you are enjoying them - they are proving to be great fun to write.
meckinock
· 29 December 2006
· Chapter 5: Comfort
I love the idea that Elrond, too, has now been re-infected with that particular joy and love of life that only a small child can generate. He can hardly be blamed for stagnating, so to speak, but it's good to see him, too, re-learning how to play.
Author's reply
Elrond could, I should think, have been a bit distant from those who came to dwell in Imladris. Busy, you know, and kept away from importunities. But it's very hard to avoid a small child - especially one that is being encouraged by your own children. And he is one who would embrace pain, knowing that the love it brought was more important. He needs to love Estel, I think, to be able to release Arwen. Probably all fated!
Jay of Lasgalen
· 29 December 2006
· Chapter 9: Parting
Poor Estel - it must be a hard lesson to learn that his newly discovered brothers are also warriors defending their home - and that they *must* go, whether he wants them to or not, and that they face the chance of being injured. I'm glad that Glorfindel didn't deny the possibility.
I think the twins will be much releived to go with Estel's blessing, rather than with his tears.
Jay
Author's reply
The twins have left before - but I think the difference this time is that Estel is a little older and has made the connection between warriors and injury. Glorfindel was as reassuring as he could be - but he wouldn't lie to the child. Estel might be a little kid, but he is a warrior in training, even now. He needs to accept the truth.
The twins will be happier to have their goodbye hug - and I don't think it's a bad thing for Estel to know what it is like to be left behind. It might help him understand his mother better, for one thing - smiling as your loved ones go off into peril must be one of the hardest things that anyone can be asked to do.
Imhiriel
· 29 December 2006
· Chapter 9: Parting
I am so enjoying these little vignettes! Like "Reflection", they often make me smile and choke me up at the same time. And they are about so many facets of true life and relationships, presented here poignantly by marevellously realised characters.
I love how you show how Gilraen slowly acclimatises herself into life in Imladris, how she and Estel slowly become part of the family. And, in particular, how both "sides" learn from each other and have something to give to the other side - love and affection, playfulness and safe harbour, and, above all, family.
Author's reply
they often make me smile and choke me up at the same time
I'm rubbing my hands here! My work is done... There is so much emotion to explore with these character - so much pain. And sacrifice - and, at the same time, humour and silliness and runny noses.
Gilraen has, until now, been pretty much bound up in caring for her son - I think she is just beginning to see that she needs a life beyond him if she is to let him grow up properly. And the elves / Gilraen and Estel - they are good for each other. Just as you say. Healing and growth for both sides.
daw the minstrel
· 29 December 2006
· Chapter 9: Parting
I can see how Estel would be distressed at the twins' departure, especially since he knows that warriors get hurt sometimes. Glorfindel made me laugh with his finickiness with a snotty, tearful child. I understand, but it's still funny.
Author's reply
I think the twins must have gone off before from time to time - but this time Estel has learned that warriors can get hurt. And maybe is getting old enough to make connections.
Glorfindel can cope with battle quite easily - but snottiness! Well, that's a completely different thing. (And I think it's funny! I'm glad you do, too.)
Elflingimp
· 29 December 2006
· Chapter 9: Parting
Well Elrond will certainly be surprised wont he?(or not) I hope they all have fun!
Author's reply
I suspect Elrond and Glorfindel will share out the twins' roles in their absence. And it will be good for both of them to spend some time with their inner child!
Idril Celebrindal
· 29 December 2006
· Chapter 9: Parting
Oh this was terrific! I enjoy reading about the kinder unsure side of Glorfindel.
Happy New Year!
Author's reply
It's odd - Glorfindel can cope with the - er - effects of battle, but he's not at all keen on runny noses. But he is fond of small children and will look after Estel - and ensure he has fun in the absence of the twins.
Glad you liked it! Happy New Year to you too!
SlightlyTookish
· 29 December 2006
· Chapter 9: Parting
Oh, young Estel is just so darling!! And Glorfindel is so sweet and gentle with him. What a lovely chapter!
Author's reply
Glorfindel is very understanding - and he likes children. Just as well, really! I'm glad you liked it.
(I suspect his charges might go off him rather once they enter his training programme - he has extremely high standards and doesn't accept excuses.)
Gwynhyffar
· 29 December 2006
· Chapter 9: Parting
awww. I love little Estel, and Glorfindel is being too cute himself. :)
Author's reply
Glorfindel can cope well with the emotion - he's just not keen on bodily fluids!
I think he's just about to become rather more involved in looking after a little boy than he had intended, however.
Linda Hoyland
· 28 December 2006
· Chapter 8: Adrift
Poor Gilraen, like motheres throughout history,she can only wait and hope.
It always saddens me,she never lived to see Aragorn King.
Author's reply
Gilraen's job was completed when her son grew up. It's a very traditional one - sacrifice, devotion - in some ways, I am surprised she was allowed to linger so long once Aragorn had found Arwen. I would have liked to see her devotion rewarded - but then, I'd have liked to see Elrond linger a few more decades and know his grandchildren.
French Pony
· 28 December 2006
· Chapter 8: Adrift
It's kind of too bad that, while the twins were eager to adopt Estel as a brother, no one seems to have given any thought to Gilraen until now. Gilraen was so young when she married, and then to become a mother and a widow in such short succession. . . she really needs a friend, and perhaps someone to be a surrogate mother or sister. Mothwen is a good person to have around, in a way that the menfolk just can't be.
Author's reply
Gilraen has been totally wrapped up in Estel until now, I think. She has dealt with others as Estel's mother rather than as Gilraen. She does need female company and the presence of those who have shared similar experiences. They are there in Imladris - but just not generally seen much! (That is to say: you have to invent them!) Gilraen needs a role, I think, that extends beyond her relationship to Estel. Hopefully, Elrond's insight is deep enough to see and provide this.