Dreamflower
· 5 December 2009
· Chapter 11: A Debate Resolved
Aww...it's a shame he couldn't meet the Dwarves...and a certain hobbit. But of course, Elrond is quite right.
And I just love the way he managed to make young Estel eager to learn Adunaic! Unknown books to be read are a great inducement, as is the story of his long ago pupil!
Author's reply
I'm glad you liked it! I think Elrond must have been an innovative teacher.
It is a shame Estel can't consort with Thorin and Company (and especially Mr Bilbo Baggins!), but saftey first!
Larner
· 29 November 2009
· Chapter 10: Curiosity
A most interesting study, Adunaic. I've always imagined it survived in the north and in Umbar, while Sindarin remained the tongue of Gondor for many centuries. But this works, too. And he's right to want to know all he can learn.
Author's reply
I hadn't thought of Umbar! With Sindarin spoken in Gondor (which it was), I think it would have been even more quickly assimilated in Arnor, which had close dealings with the folk of Rivendell, and lay between two Elven realms. I think it's very much like Elrond to adopt a "dead" language.
Inzilbeth
· 29 November 2009
· Chapter 10: Curiosity
It's good to see Estel on the mend, though he has my sympathies over Adunaic. What a mouthful that must be to learn! Poor Gilraen, she has been through it with her son. Her sudden breakdown was very real and understandable. Your Glorfindel is a delight, and I love it that he's Estel's playmate.
Another great chapter, filled with so many snippets which enrich the telling, like the use of languages and the restlessness of Men.
Author's reply
I'm not a philologist, but from what I can gather Adunaic isn't much like the Elven tongues: it must have been a challenge! It's good to know that Gilraen came across as real.
I love Glorfindel, so I'm glad you felt I did him justice. Thanks!
eliza
· 29 November 2009
· Chapter 10: Curiosity
**sighs*** I feel Estel's pain. I still have nightmares of the Nuns at my catholic school trying to drum Latin into my brain. I had the same sentiment to it as Estel does to Adunaic.
Lovely chapter Canafinwe.
Author's reply
I think most students faced with "mandatory" language lessons go through this at times. Sorry to raise such traumatic memories! ;-)
Thank you for taking the time to let me know that you enjoyed it!
Larner
· 28 November 2009
· Chapter 9: Bitter Premonitions
A solemn childhood in many ways, but filled nonetheless with love and support. And he will prevail in the end!
Author's reply
The love and support are of paramount importance! And yes, he does come to a good end, doesn't he?
Larner
· 28 November 2009
· Chapter 8: Healing Draughts and History
I do love seeing Bilbi happy, and that you see Estel much as I do, studying healing and herbcraft from early childhood. A lovely day for both, and Gilraen doing her best to hold to her vow is also wonderful.
Author's reply
Really, Estel must have started young! He only had eighteen years under the tutelage of Elrond, but he emerged "Elven wise" and skilled in many arts.
Yes, at least Gilraen's trying. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter!
inzilbeth
· 25 November 2009
· Chapter 9: Bitter Premonitions
I don't really know who to feel for most here, Estel for the loss of his innocence or Elrond who has already lost so much and knows he must also lose his son to the hard life that lies ahead of him. In spite of the darkness of this tale, you have given us some very beautiful moments between father and son.
Author's reply
I rather think Elrond has the heavier burden here. The loss of innocence is inevitable, and Estel has had a charmed childhood, but Elrond's foreknowlegde of the struggles to come must have been a heavy weight to bear.
Dreamflower
· 25 November 2009
· Chapter 9: Bitter Premonitions
What a sad and thoughtful chapter! The loving relationship you show between Elrond and his little foster son is so beautiful!
Author's reply
Thank you. Foresight must at times be a dreadful burden to bear, particularly where one's children are concerned.
Dreamflower
· 25 November 2009
· Chapter 8: Healing Draughts and History
Oh, I just adore the encounter between Elrond and Bilbo here! Both of them so courteous and yet curious about one another! Bilbo's voice is perfect here-- he knows little of the history of the world outside the Shire, but it is merely a gap in an otherwise good education which he is attempting to remedy. And Elrond is living up to his description of "kind as summer".
Just delightful.
I also liked hearing Elrond and Estel's conversation through Gilraen's ears-- that was a very clever POV!
Author's reply
Heh. I imagine that's just how Bilbo felt: "a gap in an otherwise good education". It's fascinating to explore the dynamics between these two, each a scholar in his own way.
I'm glad you liked the opportunity to look through Gilraen's eyes. Thanks for the lovely feedback!
Inzilbeth
· 22 November 2009
· Chapter 8: Healing Draughts and History
What a thoroughly delightful chapter! I loved Elrond's gentle coaxing of Estel's knowledge of herbs and Estel resolutely providing the answers in spite of still being so weak. Trust Elrond not to miss a trick when it comes to teaching his foster son! And he handled Bilbo [who was a real treat] most skilfully too. It's so good to have these quieter chapters as I have a feeling there is plenty more trouble brewing for Estel!
Author's reply
I'm glad you enjoyed it. It seemed like a suitable "teaching moment", and I couldn't have Elrond turn it down!
It's fun to explore Bilbo's encounters with Elrond. They have such a mutual respect for one another in "The Lord of the Rings", to say nothing of the very favourable account of Elrond in "The Hobbit". There must have been good reason for such regard!
Inzilbeth
· 19 November 2009
· Chapter 7: Counsels of War
You're done a terrific job here of drawing together all that we later came to know about the activity of the members of the White Council at this time. I personally found your reasoning to be spot on and brilliantly pieced together.
Poor Estel though, my heart aches for him. The only consolation for all his suffering is that you allow us to see just how much Elrond loves him.
Author's reply
I'm glad you like it! The White Council business is only just beginning: they have a considerable task ahead.
I'm afraid Estel's story is only beginning, as well. But indeed, Elrond loves him! There's always that to explore and enjoy.
Dreamflower
· 19 November 2009
· Chapter 7: Counsels of War
An enlightening conversation between Gandalf and Elrond about the Dwarves, Master Baggins, the Dragon and Dol Goldur. It seems a likely one-- they certainly had to discuss their strategy at *some* point, and this seems the most obvious one. It's a shame that they have not yet learned of Saruman's treachery-- I wonder how things would have gone differently if they'd only known sooner...
Poor little Estel!
Author's reply
I'm glad you found the conversation logical and interesting! Indeed, things might have been very different, had they suspected Saruman of treason! Very different indeed.
Larner
· 19 November 2009
· Chapter 7: Counsels of War
Racial memories of the death of Gil-galad and Elendil, perhaps? Perhaps drawn from Elrond's memories, or those of Isildur?
Alas! The child's far-sight could not always be comfortable!
Author's reply
Perhaps. Both quite logical conclusions. I agree: the Sight must have it's perils.
Inzilbeth
· 17 November 2009
· Chapter 6: The Hunted Awakens
Ah that was a lovely, peaceful, and much needed, break from all the earlier tension! I loved it that Elrond was expecting the first words from Estel's mouth to be a question. He certainly knows his young charge very well! Now I hope he gets some much needed rest before the serious business of finding answers to the questions.
Author's reply
I'm sure that Estel must have been exceedingly inquisitive at this age: it's a hallmark of intelligent children. And of course, Elrond and Glorfindel and the others would have been more than happy to oblige him where most topics were concerned.
I'm glad you enjoyed the respite. Serious business indeed lies ahead!
Larner
· 17 November 2009
· Chapter 6: The Hunted Awakens
At least Gandalf is willing to allow him sleep tonight! And Gilraen's heart is at last healing!
Author's reply
Well, Gilraen's making a concious effort at least. Healing can't happen overnight.
Dreamflower
· 17 November 2009
· Chapter 6: The Hunted Awakens
Oh, I'm so glad that Estel is now awake and better-- and that Gilraen has begun to see the folly of her previous attitude towards Elrond.
I'm thinking that this may also be a time when Elladan and Elrohir will now begin to spend more time with their "little brother".
Love the description of Elrond's weariness, and his sons' solicitous attentions-- I rarely see Elrond h/c! Nicely done.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you liked it! Elrond's not infallible after all: even he needs a little loving care from time to time. Happily the twins were on hand to oblige!
I couldn't let Estel lie feverish forever: after all, he's a great deal of fun to write when he's awake!
Inzilbeth
· 14 November 2009
· Chapter 5: Perilous Measures
Phew! You can probably hear my sigh of relief! What an exciting chapter! I'm always fascinated by portrays of the Rings of Power at work and I felt you nailed it here. It was fabulous to see these two great lords revealed in all their power and glory for a moment. And I do love your Elrond! His devotion to his young charge is exactly as it should be. You raise an interesting point about Elladan and Elrohir not really knowing Estel yet. Regrettably that seems very plausible. Fortunately for all three sons of Elrond, we know that situation will change in a few years when they 'teach him much of hunting and of war, and many secrets of the wild.'
Thank you for a great read.
Author's reply
I'm glad you like my interpretation of the Rings. Tolkien was rather oblique as to their powers, but he did portray the Three as rings of building and healing.
Regarding Elladan and Elrohir, much as I love the idea of the two of them tearing after a young Estel, I doubt they would have had much leisure to tarry in Imladris during those years. The North was in dire straights, and they most likely would have passed their time in the field. Still, as you say, the time is soon coming when Estel will need their tutelage.
Larner
· 14 November 2009
· Chapter 5: Perilous Measures
Hooray! It worked! But what images of evil were brought to living memory! At least Estel is now sleeping properly.
Author's reply
Yes, he's sleeping properly for the time being. The Elven Rings certainly come in handy...
Inzilbeth
· 10 November 2009
· Chapter 4: Dark Dreams
This was such a painful chapter to read. The sense of despair you have created is almost tangible and it's even possible at times to forget than we know there's got to be a happy outcome!
And I'm wondering what evil is at work here and how it found Estel.
A very powerful chapter all round.
Author's reply
Thank you! If I was able to make you forget that there must be a happy conclusion, then I've accomplished what I wanted to. Much appreciated!
Larner
· 10 November 2009
· Chapter 4: Dark Dreams
She has much envy and frustration to overcome. And certainly the bearer of Narya ought to be able to aid Elrond in the morning.
Author's reply
Wisdom doesn't come easily to everyone: Aragorn is special in that respect. Elrond, I'm sure, will be glad of the help...
Larner
· 10 November 2009
· Chapter 3: Cries in the Night
So, the Dwarves' stories are sufficiently soporific to allow Bilbo to fall asleep, although the Elves' have enlivened him? Interesting here!
And with my own work this week, I know how difficult it can be to induce swallowing in one who is deathly ill.
All too close to home for me, but well written enough to be so uncomfortably real in reflecting our work with a dying client.
Author's reply
Ah, well, the Elvish songs are new and marvellous: I can only imagine how many times Bilbo had to sit through Thorin's rendition of "The Fall of Erebor As Told By Me" over the last few weeks!
I'm sorry to hear that it struck so close to home. Palliative care is a taxing discipline... small wonder this was an uncomfortable read.
Inzilbeth
· 8 November 2009
· Chapter 3: Cries in the Night
Oh you can't leave it there!! Goodness, thank you for another fabulous chapter. I do hope Elrond can do something more for Estel this time. But for all the tension in the story and the concern for young Aragorn, I can't help smiling at your Bilbo. So now he has drifted off to sleep in true hobbit fashion. 'May the Shire live forever unwithered'!
Author's reply
Ah, even Elrond can find a smile for Bilbo: such is the power of hobbits! I'm delighted that you liked the new chapter, and my heartfelt apologies for the anxious ending!
dshael
· 8 November 2009
· Chapter 3: Cries in the Night
I love this story! Terribly exciting so far...
Author's reply
I'm delighted that you're enjoying it! Thanks!
Thorongirl
· 4 November 2009
· Chapter 1: And Death's Shadow Grows
Oh, so excited to see you posting here. I love that "other" site but there are some very knowledgeable LOTR fans here who are sure to be enthralled by your talent. When I started reading "The Valley Is Jolly" I was never expecting it to turn in to the amazing tale that it did.
Listen up, everyone. You're in for a rare treat by one of the elite authors.
Author's reply
Thanks for the lovely endorsement! It's very kind of you to stop by to comment.
Inzilbeth
· 4 November 2009
· Chapter 2: An Uneasy Meal
Oh I enjoyed this enormously! Poor Elrond, the obligations of hospitality have to be observed, but, oh how he longs to be with his son. You captured his predicament beautifully, and especially his painful acknowledgement that his own needs must take second place to those of Gilraen's when it comes to caring for their change. I'm especially enjoying seeing the characters from The Hobbit through Elrond's eyes. Bilbo is adorable! I do hope Elrond is able to escape for a few minutes soon.
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm so pleased you liked it. Elrond would have taken his duties as host very seriously, and I cannot see him overstepping his boundaries where Gilraen is concerned.
I had a great deal of fun looking at Thorin and Company from Elrond's perspective; I'm glad my Bilbo comes across well!