Glory Bee · 30 December 2011 · Chapter 1: Lady in Waiting
Beautifully and compassionately written, it made me cry to watch Celebrian on her journey to healing.
Lady in Waiting by Bodkin
Reviews (24)
Elena Tiriel · 27 November 2007 · Chapter 1: Lady in Waiting
Hi Bodkin! This is a powerful and moving story. I really like how you show the small but telling steps in her recovery. And it's the details that make it so right... the healer who collapses in relief when she says her first word... the reborn uncle who takes her outdoors despite her fragile physical health because, after all, she is Celeborn's daughter... the sense of humor returning... and so much more. And Finrod is certainly an extraordinary uncle, and extraordinarily well-suited to understanding her pain and helping her through it. She is fortunate in her strong family from both sides. Very well done! - Barbara
Author's reply
Thank you, Barbara. I think Finrod would have been a great help to many of those who arrived in the BR - and he would have had so much understanding for what Celebrian had endured. She must have been on the point of death to sail, I think, and only fought to survive so that Elrond wouldn't lose someone else he loved - but her recovery wouldn't have been easy. The series of short pieces is a way of covering an awful lot in not too much space - and increasing the impact, too, I think. I'm glad you liked it.
Levade · 10 September 2007 · Chapter 1: Lady in Waiting
Wow, this has to be *the* most realistic story of this type I've read. I love that you have Finrod helping her -- he would know all about recovering from horrendous wounds of soul and body. I wonder if it's worse to die and then be re-embodied after being healed by Namo or just live through it and try to heal? Finrod's reaction to Sauron's death was *wonderful*! LOL! He would be veeeery pleased! Great as always, Bodkin. :)
Author's reply
Finrod would have a better understanding - both physically and psychologically - of Celebrian's suffering than most. And I think he would be able to help her. I suspect Celebrian might have been better off giving in and healing in Namo's care - but she wouldn't, because Elrond needed to know that she was waiting for him. Not all courage is displayed on the battlefield - and Celebrian is a fighter in her own way. Glad you liked it, Levade. Thank you.
elliska · 3 August 2007 · Chapter 1: Lady in Waiting
This is wonderful! You have done such a great job of portraying Celebrian's fragility and strength in this. I particularly like the very first part and the very last part. You did a great job showing how desperate the situation was with their relief when she spoke and I loved her reaction in the end to the news of Arwen. She seems all the more powerful when one sees the transformation she made in a short story like this. Well done!
Author's reply
Celebrian wouldn't allow herself to die, I think. For Elrond's sake. She would have known only too well how his losses had hurt him and she was good, I think, at offering love and support. I suspect she and Galadriel and Arwen had a better understanding of the female role - while Elrond would have flayed himself for being unable to protect his wife and daughter. Thanks, elliska. I'm glad you liked it.
perelleth · 25 June 2007 · Chapter 1: Lady in Waiting
How sweet, this healing. I loved how you shwoed the progrssion, from the britle, fragile creature in the caring arms of the knowlegeable uncle to the grandaughter in recovery to the strong, resilient and wise woman that she had once been, closing the healing again with Finrod. A beautiful sequence of love and healing while Elrond kept the house in order in the other end of the world, and a nice surpirse when he comes back in need of care himself.
Author's reply
Finrod would have been such a blessing, I think. He knew Middle-earth, had endured torment, had passed through the Halls and returned with greater understanding. And he knew her father - which must have been rather unusual. And Celebrian had time to recover slowly and loving family to support her in her return to the strong and wise person who was Galadriel's daughter and Elrond's wife. Celeborn's daughter as well, of course, but I doubt that cut the mustard among the elves of Tirion. She will have had news of Elrond - but you can't help but feel for him, left in ignorance, faith and hope on the other side of a wide sea. Thanks, Perelleth. I'm sorry to have been so bad about replying recently.
Larner · 25 June 2007 · Chapter 1: Lady in Waiting
The most realistic look at Celebrian's healing I've seen as yet. Very moving and beautiful.
Author's reply
Thank you, Larner. It would have taken her time, I believe - and the presence of those who loved her and understood what she had endured. But, in the end, she was preparing herself to care for Elrond in his turn.
Raksha The Demon · 25 June 2007 · Chapter 1: Lady in Waiting
Sensitively told story of Celebrian's recovery. I like the imagery of how fragile she is - emotionally and physically. How did Celebrian guess that Arwen was going to marry a descendant of Elros? It's implied that she knew which descendant it was... I really like the notion that Elrond made Celebrian promise to hold on long enough for him to come to her - since she may not have been able to cling to life for her own sake, that promise probably kept her alive long enough to reach Valinor and help.
Author's reply
Well - foresight is a bit of a family talent ... and I think Celebrian might have had her suspicions about the reasons why Elrond's choice wasn't binding on his children when Elros's was. I don't think she would have known which descendant Arwen would marry - just that the choice would involve the ... ultimate descendant, I suppose you could say - the King Returned. I think Elrond would only have been able to bear to part with Celebrian if he believed that she would be there for him when he sailed - if she was going to die, he would surely have preferred to have her do so in the heart of her family. She loved him too much not to promise him - and then found herself understood and comforted and able to recover. I daresay she was quite surprised and angry when she found herself getting better - until her sense of humour returned. Thank you, Raksha.
Nieriel Raina · 25 June 2007 · Chapter 1: Lady in Waiting
You know, I've never put it together that Finrod was Celebrian's uncle! Great fic! I really enjoyed this, though I would like it more if it showed the reunion! *hint hint* Thanks for sharing! NiRi
Author's reply
The families have been divided so completely for so long! It's sad, really. Imagine growing up with Finrod as your uncle! I'm not planning to show any more of the reunion - but you never know! Gibbous Moon was only supposed to be one chapter! Thank you NiRi. Glad you enjoyed it.
Agape4Gondor · 24 June 2007 · Chapter 1: Lady in Waiting
I like the fact that she snapped! Anger can be as healing as tears... Ah - the rest is just as good - from the giggle on - I knew she would survive. Very nice tale and I loved the ending - knowing that he would be coming soon!
Author's reply
One of the things I tend to feel about elves in general is that they're not all sweetness and light and dancing in the dew. After all - they have Feanor!! Celebrian isn't as dominant as Galadriel or Elrond and, like Celeborn, can be overlooked, but she comes of very powerful families and, having managed to survive to reach the Blessed Realm, I'm sure she would have survived. Elrond will need her. Thank you, Agape. There's nothing like snapping to make you feel better!
Redheredh · 24 June 2007 · Chapter 1: Lady in Waiting
Oh my, that opening scene...! That was almost overwhelming... It was wonderful how you showed Celebrian with each of her kin, and how she affected them and how they affected her. I especially enjoyed Finarfin "...shedding his courtiers and sycophants..." with Celebrian's "...better if we could speak away..." collusion. Their conversation and solace to eachother was lovely. I see her rising about the pettiness of others very much like Finrod being literally reborn with a clearer spiritual perspective. "...been through the fire..." Both tempered in pain, but both now polished with care and equally bright. The way of Finrod's announcement at the end was very satisfying for the reader too! So was their conclusions and dedication to now help heal the next in need. Your stories are simply great - the writing and the vision. Even if they are not always what you want, they are certainly wanted by your fans. Nilmandra gets some of the best presents! Which means we do too!
Author's reply
I'm glad you liked the first scene ... which wasn't originally the first scene (or even there at all). I reckon she would have appreciated the family. And they would have treasured her - while Finrod's understanding of what she needed is going to be from rather more personal experience than most. Thank you, Redheredh. I'm glad you liked it - and I'm sorry it's taking me so long to get round to replying and reviewing. I think my brain has seized up.
Radbooks · 24 June 2007 · Chapter 1: Lady in Waiting
This was wonderfully done. I really enjoyed seeing Celebrian with all of the different relatives she has in Valinor. I think that Finrod definitely would have the most connection with her after all that he had suffered. Nice done!
Author's reply
The family trees are so complex! While also being quite inter-related! Elrond being Finrod's first cousin's great grandson as well as his sister's daughter's husband ... I think Finrod would be a great help to her - as one whose spirit has been purified by its passage through the Halls of Mandow and as one who understands both being put to torment and the joy of life east of the sea. Thank you Radbooks. Sorry about the delay. I seem to be constantly distracted at the moment!
Lindelea · 23 June 2007 · Chapter 1: Lady in Waiting
As you know, I don't read much in the realm of Elves. Not enough time in the day to be familiar with all aspects of M-e, I fear. But I know just enough to follow the thread of this story. Beautifully done. There is a rhythm to this story, a rising and falling, or perhaps I should just say "rising", subtly executed. Healing... and healing... and healing again.
Author's reply
Thank you, Lindelea. Poor Celebrian and Elrond. There must have been times when both wondered whether death would have been preferable. But she would have had all the help available to her - and being in the Blessed Realm would have helped. Elrond will need Celebrian when he reaches the white shores. I'm glad you liked it.
meckinock · 23 June 2007 · Chapter 1: Lady in Waiting
This was lovely, Bodkin. How perfect that Finrod was the one to help Celebrian heal and become whole again. And prepare herself to heal her own beloved. I can't think of a more perfect topic for a story for Nilmandra's birthday.
Author's reply
Having Finrod rather in mind at the moment, he seemed a perfect person to offer support to Celebrian - understanding the torment, but having had his wounds healed by Namo. Thank you, meckinock. I started a more racy Elrond/Celebrian story - but they just didn't want to say any more!
BM · 23 June 2007 · Chapter 1: Lady in Waiting
you can't stop there! I want to know what happens when Elrond and Galadriel finally arrive! Please, write a sequel! :D Great job! I really enjoyed this. Thanks for sharing it!
Author's reply
H'mm... Never say never - but I'm not planning more right now! I'm glad you enjoyed this enough to want a sequel. Sorry to be so slow replying. Thank you, BM.
Ellie · 23 June 2007 · Chapter 1: Lady in Waiting
Wonderful story of healing, renewed strength and hope. It is good to see Celebrian recover to the extent that she can be strong for Elrond when the time comes. Loved your use of the extended family in the healing process and their obvious love for her. Nicely done!
Author's reply
Thanks, Ellie. I'm glad you liked it. I think it's a good thing that elves could take their time to recover - and that Uncle Finrod was around to understand what his niece had endured.
Anonymous · 23 June 2007 · Chapter 1: Lady in Waiting
Lovely, lovely story. Thank you.
Author's reply
Thank you! I am glad you enjoyed it.
Gwynhyffar · 23 June 2007 · Chapter 1: Lady in Waiting
That was beautiful and I cried most of the way through it! I think you really captured Celebrian's struggle without being sappy. I like how she knew Arwen's fate before being told. Mothers know these things! Happy Birthday, Nilmandra!
Author's reply
Thank you, Gwynhyffar. I think Celebrian might well have known in her heart that Arwen wasn't the Evenstar and the image of Luthien for nothing. She would have been happy to find she was wrong - but knowing the outcome prepared her to support Elrond through his feelings of failure and inadequacy, so I think it was best she knew. And there's some advantage to having about 500 years to recover - it may be slow, but it's thorough and you'll emerge stronger for the experience. (Well, you will if you're Celeborn and Galadriel's daughter.) It was a bit rushed in the writing - but I'm glad you liked it.
Nilmandra · 23 June 2007 · Chapter 1: Lady in Waiting
Hmm.. if you call pointless the ending of the tale that was of the utmost importance to me in this glorious world of Tolkien's, then you are entirely too self-deprecating and I must argue vehemently! I loved this. I showed Elrond's side and always meant to write Celebrian's tale, but time and life is unlikely to permit it. Thank you, thaink you, for showing a glimpse of her side. I think she healed so she could be there to welcome Elrond and in turn, help him to heal the many losses of those last years. You do a wonderful portrayal of her and of Finrod, who I would also have used. This is a wonderful gift. Thank you!
Author's reply
Um. Perhaps it was really a bit more rushed than pointless. I ran out of time, lost inspiration on the story I was writing and did this instead - so I didn't get as long as I like to go over and add and refine. So I'm really pleased you like it. And you would have brought Finrod into her healing? It seemed so natural - one who had suffered even worse and returned to life among his family after his experiences in Namo's Halls ... particularly since the Finrod story has me thinking about him rather more at the moment anyway!! A strong Celebrian there to welcome Elrond is so important, I think. He's worn thin and convinced he's letting Arwen and Aragorn down by abandoning them, even as he's a brittle as a piece of old glass and feeling as empty. He'll find himself again in Celebrian's care - but it will take time and patience ... and she knows it. I'm glad you enjoyed the story. Happy birthday, Nilmandra, and many of them.
The Karenator · 23 June 2007 · Chapter 1: Lady in Waiting
Oh, Bodkin, what a lovely story. It was uplifting to see Celebrian go from a nearly transparent person to a whole one again. Finrod was the perfect choice for helping her mend a wounded spirit. He understood. The end was particularly meaningful, I think. The struggle to return to wholeness after disaster is difficult. I liked the exchange between Celebrian and Finrod where they decided the rise from ruin was worth it. As always, you've written a beautiful tale, touching and true.
Author's reply
I think Finrod might have just that more light in him - refined through sacrifice and suffering and distilled under Namo's eye. If anyone could draw Celebrian from the shadows, it would be him. You're right: he understood. And she is now ready to offer her shoulder to Elrond - and give him the time and understanding he needs to heal. She (and Finrod, probably) are the stronger for what they have endured - and neither expects perfection. Just the best they can do. Thank you, Karen. It ended a bit rushed, because I actually shelved the story I was writing and did this instead. So I'm glad you liked it.)
daw the minstrel · 23 June 2007 · Chapter 1: Lady in Waiting
Lovely story, Bodkin. You do a great job of showing Celebrian's gradual recovery. I hadn't thought of it but it seems fitting that Finrod is the one to help her at first, given his recovered innocence and deepened wisdom. Celebrian is a strong person to have survived, deceptively so probably, so she confuses those around her. I'm so glad Elrond will soon be there and she's ready for him.
Author's reply
I suppose, thinking about Finrod for the other story, the link between the two seems more likely - and, as one who has been touched by shadow, the purity of an elf returned from the Halls of Waiting seems to offer a way out. Like Orpheus from the Underworld. Celebrian is an example of not needing to be a warrior to be a strong. Sort of the parallel to Eowyn's not needing to wield a sword to die on one. I'm glad she will be there to greet Elrond - and help him heal. Thank you, daw.
French Pony · 23 June 2007 · Chapter 1: Lady in Waiting
I like the idea of healing as a sort of heirloom, that must be passed down from one generation to the next, paying it forward each time. Celebrían is fascinating here -- she's so fragile, but at the same time, you can see that core of steel right at her center that makes her completely unbreakable, though she might come close. She and Finrod are a formidable team. Elrond is going to be very surprised when he sees them together.
Author's reply
Who could understand Celebrian's suffering better than Finrod, really? And who is better prepared to deal with Elrond's feelings of loss than Celebrian? She has her mother's determination and her father's bond with the land - and the love of Elrond to give her the strength to hold on. Elrond will find her strength and understanding key in helping him with his own frailty. (As will Galadriel, actually.) I think he will like his newly-discovered family.
eliza61 · 23 June 2007 · Chapter 1: Lady in Waiting
Thank you for the charming story Bodkin, I always wondered in the back of my mind whatever happen to Celebrian, once she arrived in the Undying lands. I enjoyed your characteristic of her, I knew she would be more than just the "unfortunate victim" that I read about her all the time. She has great personality her.
Author's reply
I am so pleased that Celebrian had family to care for her in the Undying Lands. And family, too, that would have been only too delighted to take Galadriel's daughter into their circle and help her heal. It's easy to overlook Celebrian when you see her between Elrond and Galadriel - but she's an important part of the whole. Thank you, eliza.
Sarah · 23 June 2007 · Chapter 1: Lady in Waiting
Very good indeed! Well written, with good knowledge of Elvenkind and knowledge of Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion. Hugs, Sarah xxx
Author's reply
Thank you, Sarah. I'm glad you liked it. I'm very glad Celebrian had a strong and supportive family waiting for her in the Blessed Realm - she will have needed it! While Elrond would have needed her strength when he finally arrived in the west.
Lady Bluejay · 23 June 2007 · Chapter 1: Lady in Waiting
Liked the way you turned my thoughts around to realising that it would be Elrond who would need the care. Beautifully written as always.LBJ
Author's reply
Thank you, LBJ. It wouldn't be easy, I think, for Elrond to accept his frailty. But he would have been very glad to see a restored Celebrian.