This had my eyes misting up, I must say. Grief affects us all, but cannot unman us if we are to truly honor those we have loved. And I so love that Aragorn, too, was honored in the grotto.
Author's reply
Hi Larner. I'm glad you enjoyed this, especially Aragorn being honored as well. He may not have been an Elf, but he was part of the family, so to speak. Thanks for taking the time to comment. I appreciate it very much.
Fair greetings!
First off, I hope you are recovering awesomely! Secondly, I have to say this is probably one of my favorite one-shots from you. The reason why is because of the focus on Glorfindel's relationship with Estel. You can always assume they are close but with that silly Balrog-slayer and how he can be guarded about who he loves, it is always sweet to have suspicions confirmed. :3
The ending was brilliant. I have to admit that I was slightly sad that Thranduil and Celeborn seemed to totally blank Estel while discussing Legolas and Arwen and then again when the candles were lit. When Glorfindel had Celeborn light one for him for Arwen, and he hung back later on to light one for Aragorn, I was smiling at what he did and wanted someone to give him a hug when I read the ending sentences.
Reading this and Elf Academy - I am seriously psyched and hoping that you will do a story of Elves and Humans reuniting at the world's end. ESPECIALLY with Glorfindel and Estel. :) And Turin and Beleg. ;)
It would also be awesome to see Glorfindel explain to his friends and family in Aman how he had a "son" while away. Haha! ;D
Was happy to see an update for this collection and enjoyed pausing Pride and Prejudice (Colin Firth) to read it. :)
Hope all is well and that you continue getting better!
Best,
MP
Author's reply
Hi MP. I'm glad you liked this, especially the focus on Glorfindel's relationship with Estel and the way I ended the story. Thranduil, of course, hardly knew Aragorn and Celeborn would've been more focused on Arwen anyway, being she was his granddaughter, so it was left to Glorfindel to remember Estel.
Anyway, recovery is slow but steady and the doctor's seem pleased at the rate of progress. I'm getting just bored enough that I'm beginning to champ at the bit, trying to find things to occupy myself, whereas, last week, I was too busy sleeping to care.
Thanks for your good wishes and thanks for your review. Both are greatly appreciated.
the only word for me that comes to mind is: wonderful! Trust our Glorfindel to find the right words to provoke Thranduil. LOL! The self-pity does not really fit Thranduil. The many lit candles in honour of Legolas made me swallow. Again,just a perfect little story! THank you so much for creating it. Lai
Author's reply
I'm glad you enjoyed this, Lai. No, self-pity really doesn't fit Thranduil. Luckily Glorfindel and Celeborn knew just what to say to bring him out of it. Thanks for leaving a comment. I greatly appreciate it.
Well done once again. The last sentence brought tears to my eyes. It appears Thranduil never realized how much his son was really loved.
This could have turned into a great story.
Author's reply
Hi Tari. I'm glad you enjoyed this. Not sure what you mean by your last sentence, unless you mean this would have made a good multichapter story. Perhaps, but I think it works well as is. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.
That's our Thranduil, never does anything by half!
I can understand why though, when he came back from the Last Alliance he still had Legolas, plus how ever many of his other children where still in Ennor, now Legolas is gone and he was presumably the last member of his immdiate family still around. Now, even though he has been expecting it, it has finally happened and his last child has gone and he is all alone, but he is not ready to Sail, having the Silven Elves distrust of the Valar. (Yes, I know he is not Silven, having come from Doriath, but I would say he is more Silven than anything else at this point!)
Thranduil will not Sail until the last of his people make their descision on wether to go or not, no matter how heart sick he is, you think Gimli is stubborn, just watch Thranduil dig his toes in!
Poor Glorfi, I don't know how close he was to the other heirs of Isildur who were raised in Imladris but Estel was special, being little more than a baby when he came. I doubt if Glorfi will ever marry, well this version of him any way, so he only has this fleeting chance at fatherhood and now his Estel is gone and he won't see him again until the Remaking.
Oh, well enough deep thoughts for a wednesday morning. How are you doing, Dr's still happy with your progress I hope, still taking lots of naps and staying out of trouble, yes, boring, I know, but much better for you?!
Still thinking about you,
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. I'm doing well enough and the doctors seem pleased with my progress so far. I'm glad you enjoyed this story. It was fun to write about these three particular Elf-Lords together, each in pain, but for different, if similar, reasons, each handling (or not) their pain as best they can. Thanks for leaving a comment. I appreciate it very much.
Getting his temper up was clearly the right way of curing Thranduil of his desire to fade!
All three are clearly in pain now, from the loss of their loved ones - but Glorfindel sees to it that Aragorn is also included in the memorial.
I definitely needed some Kleenex at the end of the story. Wonderfully written!
Author's reply
Obviously Celeborn and Glorfindel know just which buttons to push with Thranduil. *grin* Glad you enjoyed this story, Sunny. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it very much.
Lady Edlyn
· 16 May 2012
· Chapter 42: Candle Burning Bright
Oh, meldonya! I'm in tears as I type. They are sad-and-happy-all-together tears. You have so beautifully shown love in so many forms in this fic; the love of friends and the love of family (whether by blood or by choice). I can just see the grotto with all the candles and I want to hug all of them, even Galion, whose love for his king sent the message to Imladris. I'm sure that Thranduil will be in fine fettle in a short time if he's already snarking at Celeborn.
Glorfindel is the one who I really feel for at the end of this fic. The pain in his words as he is alone in the grotto is heartbreaking.
I think the thing I love best about your writing, meldonya, is how your wordcraft touches the reader's heart and lets us develop an emotional relationship with the characters as though they are real people. I'm sending many thanks, good wishes for your continued recovery and lots of loving friendship along with this review.
Hugs,
Edlyn
Author's reply
Hi Edlyn. Thanks for your kind words about my writing. I see these characters so clearly that to me they are very real and I'm glad I can convey that sense of reality about them in my writing. I'm glad you liked this little tale. Thanks for reading and reviewing. It's greatly appreciated.
A wonderful and gentle tale - thank you for sharing.
I hadn't really thought about the close relationship that Glorfindel would have had with Arwen and Estel but it makes sense.
And perfect timing as i have just received word that one of the children I teach has died at the age of 8 from a seizure. I will go and light a candle in church for her now.
Author's reply
Thanks, harrowcat. I'm glad you enjoyed this and I'm sorry about the loss of your student.
"And how would your fading honor your son?" Celeborn asked. "Do you wish to place that particular burden of guilt upon him?"
"He’s not here," Thranduil snarled. "He deserted me."
"You lost him a long time ago, Cousin," Celeborn said, smiling gently.
This is a gentle, loving, perceptive, and very creative story. I enjoyed it very much.
Author's reply
Thanks, Shirebound. I appreciate you letting me know how much you enjoyed this story.
Larner
· 19 February 2012
· Chapter 41: Winter Wolves
Ah--just the kind of gapfiller I like to run. Even as a young Hobbit Bilbo was able to find that wellspring of courage that is at the heart of even the most timid of his kind! Well done!
And trust Tom to know that Glorfindel had once run with wolves....
(from one who dances with puppies who dream of themselves as wolves)
Author's reply
Gapfillers are fun to do, that's for sure. I'm so glad the Professor left large enough blanks for us to fill in. I'm pleased that you liked this one, Larner. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it very much.
(From one who has actually met wolves in person and even had one lick his face!)
harrowcat
· 16 February 2012
· Chapter 41: Winter Wolves
Great but chilling tale. And I always feel for Glofindel's yearning.
Author's reply
Thanks, harrowcat. I'm glad you enjoyed this tale. I appreciate you letting me know.
Tari
· 15 February 2012
· Chapter 41: Winter Wolves
I always enjoy reading each addition to Vaire's loom and this was no exception. Too bad there will be no more to this particular story. It could lead to the telling of a wonderful tale.
Author's reply
Hi Tari. I'm glad you enjoyed this. As far as I know, there's nothing more to the story, but you never know what the Muse will come up with next. Thanks for reading and reviewing. It's much appreciated.
Tigger
· 15 February 2012
· Chapter 41: Winter Wolves
Glorfindel nodded as he stood. He smiled at the younger Perian, who simply stood there with his mouth hanging open in awe. "And what is your name, child?" he asked gently. "You were very brave to face down those wolves with naught but a slingshot. Thank you for saving my life."
The youngster blushed and looked down at his toes. The other Perian put his left arm around the youngster’s shoulders and smiled proudly up at the Elf. "This is my son, Bilbo...."
Gaaaackkk!! I so did not see that coming. Nicely done!!
We've had an increase in the wolf population around here and the trouble they're causing? Good friends of ours have lost four calves and two cows to them since October. If only we had Glorfy, Thandir, their patrols and the Dunedain around here, things would certainly be a bit safer.
Such a great story. My heart was racing as Glorfy outraced his patrol to try to get to Bucklebury in time. What's his affinity to the wolves though? Is that a part of one of your stories that I've not stumbled across? Curious, as it sounds like quite the tale.
Wonderful story!!!
I'm sorry I didn't get around to reviewing that last chapter of Finrod and Amarie's Wicked and Wonderful Wedding ( ;oD ) , but between me and my various appts since the Holidays and Dad having another health crisis of his own...To say things have been hectic around here?
Great understatement that.
I will be leaving one. Belated, but better that than none at all, right?
(((HUGS))) and thanks for a great little diversion from a very dreary day. :o)
Author's reply
Hi Tigger. Surprised you, didn't I? *grin* The story behind Glorfindel's fascination with wolves can be found in my "Elf Interrupted" series, specifically chapter 91 "Running with the Wolves" in Book One. If you haven't read that series, you might want to so you understand where Glorfindel is coming from.
Anyway, I'm glad you enjoyed this story. No problem with reviewing late. It's understandable and always a pleasant surprise when I get a late review. I look forward to it whenever you get around to it.
Thanks for taking the time to read and review this story. I appreciate it very much.
6336
· 15 February 2012
· Chapter 41: Winter Wolves
Bilbo does mention the incursion of wolves into the Shire during the Fell Winter, or was it Frodo when they were 'playing' with them in Hollin?
I don't know about Glorfi and his wolves, I am surprised he dosen't keep one as a pet, but I think Elrond and Calebrian might have had something to say about that, especially when the Twins were young!
Still think he wasn't the only Elfling with a Narmolle as a youngling!
Huggs,
Lynda
Ellynn
· 15 February 2012
· Chapter 41: Winter Wolves
Wonderful story! It was among my favorites. And I guessed it was yours. :)
Author's reply
Thanks, Ellynn. I'm glad you enjoyed this. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
shirebound
· 15 February 2012
· Chapter 41: Winter Wolves
A most serendipitous encounter! It's interesting to imagine the Shire being protected by so many good folk, in fair weather and foul.
Author's reply
A very serendiptious enocounter, indeed, Shirebound. Thanks for commenting. I really appreciate it.
I don't think that Glorfindel will ever forget that one occasion when he ran with the wolves. It is ingrained into his fea. What a delightful story to read in the middle of winter. Stay well, stay warm.
- Erulisse (one L)
Author's reply
I suspect you're right about that, Erulissë. I'm glad you enjoyed this story. Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate it.
Kitty
· 26 December 2011
· Chapter 23: One Last Journey
This left me quite teary-eyed, even if I had to laugh a few times. I always felt so sorry for Legolas; it had to be so hard for him to see all of his mortal friends die, one after the other, while fighting the sea-longing for so long. While I understand why Gimli had second thoughts, I believe it was important for Legolas that the Dwarf went with him. He needed to be with his friend, even if it meant to see him die, too. And I think it was equally important for Gimli to see the Lady Galadriel again and to be with Legolas in the end.
Author's reply
I think it was important for Gimli to travel with Legolas to Aman as well and certainly Tolkien did. This tale is very bittersweet on many levels but I thought it worthwhile to write and explore the relationship between these two unlikely friends at a time of deep sorrow for them both, for they both had lost Aragorn and they were the last of the Fellowship left in Middle-earth. I think they were both glad to be leaving that all behind them.
Thanks for reading and reviewing, Kitty. I appreciate it very much.
Kitty
· 26 December 2011
· Chapter 22: The Case of the Balrog-slayer’s Second Best Sword
Well, if nothing else, Glorfindel at least knows how to make an appearance! *lol* Poor twins, whatever they may have or not have done, I don't wish an angry Glorfindel on them!
He really hasn't changed in any way since being reborn, not really! Still the same temperament and all. Oh, it was so funny when everyone had at once his own suspect. But Celebrían *was* a real surprise, as was Arwen! Though the reason why they did it was really nice. Of course Glorfindel couldn't stay angry at anyone any longer.
That story was hilarious, I have been laughing so much!
Author's reply
That's certainly true, Kitty. LOL! And Glorfindel will always be Glorfindel no matter what. Glad this story made you laugh, as it was intended to do. Thanks for letting me know how much you enjoyed it. I appreciate you doing so.
Kitty
· 26 December 2011
· Chapter 21: Breath of Arda
While it's true that the Valar's help in the War of Wrath in the end not only won the war, but destroyed Beleriand, I believe in this case the more indirect help was not only acceptable, but very important. And I always thought the timely wind was no coincidence – now I know for sure :)
Poor Námo, I don't envy him for having to deal with this influx of people who just died. And even less for having to deal with Denethor.
Author's reply
I've always thought that more was going on than Tolkien let on and when I read the book mentioned in the Note, especially about this particular scene, I was happy enough to write about this scene from the pov of the Valar.
And Námo is used to dealing with influxes of souls but I'm sure he was not looking forward to dealing with someone like Denethor.
Thanks for commenting, Kitty. I appreciate it very much.
Kitty
· 26 December 2011
· Chapter 20: Broken
I think I have reviewed everything up to the last chapter earlier, though I remember reading some of the later chapters as well, including this one, so let's just try to catch up from here.
That rocking horse sounds like a great toy for young boys, particularly with the removable leather gear. Admittedly, I was imagining Denethor's face if he could see Aragorn and Faramir carry it themselves instead of sending servants to do the job. He wouldn't be pleased, no doubt, but I liked it, that's how I always saw these two – more the "do it yourself" type, if possible.
Seems to be a common trait to name stuffed toys after blonde elves ;)
As you can probably imagine, this story was rather special for me. Almiel's disability was quite a surprise for me, but I can relate to many of her statements. That yelling reminded me of a former colleague who just wouldn't understand that yelling doesn't get him anywhere, no matter how many times I – and the others – told him. In the end we just let him yell – that at least forced him to talk slowly ;)
Poor woman, Legolas must have frightened her quite a bit when she touched him unexpectedly and he reacted so violently. That should have been *her* job! I know I don't like being surprised from behind. But all in all, he's doing a good job on making communication easy for her.
Oh, if she was a musician, it must have been especially hard for her to lose her hearing. Though I like it how Legolas reacted to her humming, making it clear for her that she still can work with the music. And it was great how he in the end encouraged her to take up her old work again. I am sure that with his help, she will be able to not only find the courage to try, but convince the guild masters that she can do it! And I am sure Aragorn will be very pleased.
That was a lovely story!
Author's reply
Hi Kitty. I based much of this on my own background, having been born hard-of-hearing. I suffered some of the same things as deaf people go through with people shouting at you or turning away so you can't read their lips, that sort of thing. Plus, my contact with the Deaf Community through my sister-in-law whose parents were both deaf. I learned a lot from her and incorporated it into this story.
I'm glad you like this story. Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate it.
Tari
· 15 December 2011
· Chapter 40: A Chance Meeting on a Lonely Road
If only they knew who they had accosted, they would have run off much sooner. They are so lucky to have this band of rangers find them. Arathorn, being a just man, will give them a new chance which they sorely need.
Author's reply
I think you're right about that, Tari. LOL! Luckily they had no clue so it was easy enough for Gandalf to keep them occupied until Arathorn could get there. I'm sure Arathorn, or rather, his father, Arador, the Chieftain at that time, will treat Rolf and his men fairly. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.
shirebound
· 14 December 2011
· Chapter 40: A Chance Meeting on a Lonely Road
What a sad, thoughtful, and yet hopeful story. I just know that Rolf and his men will find a new life, and perhaps learn quite a bit about the shaggy wanderer they were fortunate enough to meet.
Author's reply
Hello Shirebound. It is indeed sad, but hopeful and I have every confidence that Rolf and his men will find a new life and they may well learn just who their 'savior' was in due time. Thanks for taking the time to read and review. I appreciate it very much.