Together Again by Bodkin
endorearwen · 23 July 2013 · Chapter 1: Together Again
A wonderfully written piece about the intimacy of a couple truly meant for one another! The setting couldn't have been more perfect and there was such a sense of contentment in seeing Elrond at last reaping his long overdue reward! I also liked the way you led Elrond gently to releasing the regrets that caused him so much angst. I loved the story and thank you for writing it!
Agape4Gondor · 15 April 2008 · Chapter 1: Together Again
I thought I had left a review for this already. I absolutely loved the simplicity of this tale - with the deep-running emotions just barely under the surface. Everything about it was perfect. I loved Earendil's star - I always do a double-take when I read 'his father's star' - for it seems somehow incongruous that Earendil is Elrond's father.... so long ago lost to the boy. Absolutely loved this! Manyt hanks.
obsidianj · 2 April 2008 · Chapter 1: Together Again
Oh, this is beautiful and so perceptive. Elrond and Celebrian are a matched pair. After reading this it is even more painful to imagine Elrond all these years alone on the shores of Arda waiting for the time when he could sail. And then he had to sail without his children. But Celebrian knows exactly how to handle him. I think in this kind of healing she is the expert and Elrond has a lot to learn.
elliska · 29 March 2008 · Chapter 1: Together Again
Lovely. Celebrian is wonderful here. And I love every bit of the conversation. Elrond's reaction to the loss of his ring's power is perfectly done. And of course I loved the discussion of Thranduil and a ring. My favorite part is when they are discussin Arwen. Poor Elrond. Celebrian is so perfect! Great story!
perelleth · 29 March 2008 · Chapter 1: Together Again
You write the Blessed Realm like no one else, Bodkin, to the point that I can almost feel the peaceful pace of life there! It was wonderful to see Celebrìan taking care of Elrond as his other half, as she must have done before, when the two of them were whole. I particularly liked the part about VIlya, and his missing its power, but also his willingness to heal, which is also part of the healing. I'm feeling much better now, too, thanks.:-)
harrowcat · 28 March 2008 · Chapter 1: Together Again
This is lovely Bodkin. It is great to see this other side of Elrond and a strong Celebrian.
Raksha The Demon · 24 March 2008 · Chapter 1: Together Again
A charming vignette which raises some very interesting comparisons between the ways that Thranduil and Elrond chose to safeguard their domains, and what Thranduil would have done had Vilya been offered to him. Elrond's comment about the basic artificiality of ring-assisted ecosystem maintenance (I always thought Galadriel's making Lorien a mini-Aman was a bit creepy). It couldn't have been easy for the Elves of Middle-earth, especially those born to tension and war, to adjust to paradise, and this story deals well with the adjustment.
Redheredh · 24 March 2008 · Chapter 1: Together Again
Very nice. Much to enjoy and savor, but "She had never been prepared to let him brood, preferring to challenge and tease him - stir him out of his cautious reserve and make him laugh." stuck the most happy note with me. :) This lovely episode has got to make anyone feel a just a little bit better. :D
meckinock · 23 March 2008 · Chapter 1: Together Again
Wow, what a role reversal. Where she had been the one fragile and wounded and in desperate need of healing, now it's him, and she's the one so full of grace that her very touch feels foreign and jarring. This is so realistic, Bodkin. As much as the first instant of the reunion would have been ecstasy, it gets harder. I can't help but think of our own veterans returning from war to a household in no need of vigilance or protection. They have to learn again to relax and live without constant danger. How much more of a change it must be to leave Middle-earth, still recovering from epic war, to arrive at a place of endless bliss. Even without the guilt he feels over leaving Arwen and the twins behind, it would be horribly difficult. Celebrian is really a strong presence here.
Ellie · 23 March 2008 · Chapter 1: Together Again
That was beautiful. So full of despair constantly being turned around into hope to help Elrond's healing. I loved the subtle reminders of the peace and nature and general "elfiness" of Valinor throughout the story. (hope that made sense) Very nicely done!
Jay of Lasgalen · 23 March 2008 · Chapter 1: Together Again
This is a lovely, tender moment between them. Two images I particularly like: 'only his assurance that he would rather have her alive and in Aman than abandon all hope of recovery had persuaded her to sail.' I always had a sneaking feeling that Celebrían was giving up by sailing, but this made me think again. And Thranduil: ‘He dug deep into the song and let it use him as a conduit – I think he would have found the power offered by the rings to be … false.' *fangirly sigh* One of my friends has two-month-old twins who are 'prone to rouse each other to compete in midnight caterwauling'. I know he'd appreciate that comment! Jay
Nilmandra · 23 March 2008 · Chapter 1: Together Again
This is lovely, Bodkin. You have captured the weariness of Elrond, bereft of the power of a ring that was part of him, and the healing of Celebrian - a light to him, and an example to him of the power of the Blessed Realm and hope also for himself. I am so glad to hear him admit he misses Vilya's power - knowing a thing must fade and experiencing it are two different things! And nothing puts pride in its place than someone you love exerting their right to take care of you. Go Celebrian! I too think Arwen did know, and Celebrian too. Poor Elrond - but he did know not to intervene, to think he could prevent, no matter the personal cost. You know how happy it makes me to think he is healing in Celebrian's arms and will soon be whole and happy once more. Thank you for this glimpe of that beginning. Seeing Gil-galad would be a wonderful boon to his spirit, too. Easter and spring are times to think of new life, not just new birth, so this seems to me a fitting topic for the day. I look forward to the ultimate healing that can only be found in the Blessed Realm, though I am grateful for the strength for each day here, too.
daw the minstrel · 23 March 2008 · Chapter 1: Together Again
It must have been hard for Elrond to let go, as Celebrian urges. He'd been fighting the good fight for thousands of years after all, with so many people and so much depending on him. We so seem to have a lot of sick friends these days. I think dengue fever takes the prize for unexpectedness but the other plagues are nasty too.
Agape4Gondor · 23 March 2008 · Chapter 1: Together Again
A very lovely poem of love and loyalty. I'm glad to see that she still loved him, in the end, after all she'd been through. I'm glad he has the sense to let her love him into wholeness. I've often wondered what she thought about her sons and Arwen. Very nice indeed.
Lilandriel · 23 March 2008 · Chapter 1: Together Again
lovely! wonderful, bittersweet fic xx
Rhyselle · 23 March 2008 · Chapter 1: Together Again
As I slowly recover from my own illness this weekend, I wanted to thank you for sharing such an exquisitely beautiful story. Healing never takes place at once... but Elrond's admission that he misses Vilya was a good start. This was just beautiful. Happy Easter!
Larner · 23 March 2008 · Chapter 1: Together Again
Ah--it is ever a delight to see you post again, Bodkin! Real life draws us into other duties, but each time I see a new story of yours I rejoice indeed. And to see that healing begin to touch Elrond, now that the one he loves more than all others is again by her side, is delightful. She is also renewed yet once more, able to exercise that great capacity for love she was gifted at her conception. And they rejoice to have at least each other, these who have lost so much and are so separated from so many they have loved so. Wonderful!
Ces · 23 March 2008 · Chapter 1: Together Again
I think Elrond is right. Thranduil would never have used a ring, even given the chance. It's always been my belief that he's more powerful than either Elrond or Galadriel because he held his people and forest together through sheer will and his own power. Celebrian has never been a favorite of mine, but here you have written her as someone Elrond needs in his time of healing. It's her turn to be strong. Marriage is a give and take and now is her time to give him strength. She also realizes that Arwen is happy with her choice. Fathers never do see that their daughters can grow up and make their own choices, do they?! Wonderful story and I hope that both Nilmandra and Perelleth feel better soon!
Elena Tiriel · 23 March 2008 · Chapter 1: Together Again
Hi Bodkin, I like this intimate snapshot of the relationship between two long-time lovers. Elrond and Celebrían seem like three-dimensional characters, who have lived through much together and are feeling their way around how to re-establish their relationship... which will change from their old one because the last time they were together, Elrond was offering the strength and healing, and now that will be Celebrían's role. It will take some learning on both parts, but they are so committed to each other that there is hope that it will happen. But no matter what they do, Arwen will still die. It was startling that Arwen and Celebrían foresaw that, but Elrond did not (fathers are often the last to know LOL!) And at this point, they don't know whether the twins will come.... Anyway, lovely job, Bodkin! And I hope that Nilmandra and Perelleth feel better very soon.... - Barbara