Estel Counts by Larner
harrowcat · 16 December 2010 · Chapter 15: Fifteen
Another nice foreshadowing Larner. And with his Imladris family watching over Estel and sheltering him with constant vigilance they, too, are like the stag.
Author's reply
Yes, they are indeed much as the stag, watching over the herd. Thank you so much for your thoughtful comments, Harrowcat!
Kitt Otter · 15 December 2010 · Chapter 15: Fifteen
Aragorn the Ranger does call to mind a magnificant stag! Hehe - I'm also reminded a bit of Bambi here. :)
Author's reply
That he does, as well as Aragorn the King. As for the feeling of Bambi--hey, but it works, doesn't it? Thanks.
shirebound · 15 December 2010 · Chapter 15: Fifteen
It's these unexpected, deceptively-simple lessons that tend to stay with us the longest, I think.
Author's reply
I do so agree, Shirebound. Thanks so very much!
Andrea · 15 December 2010 · Chapter 14: Fourteen
"Gift" is the right expression! Sadly, I have to agree with Kitt Otter that only a few hobbits appreciated that gift! But now I wonder how long Estel continued to just watch Bilbo's doings before he asked him to tell the story of his adventure :-) He *must* be curious!
Author's reply
Oh, I agree he MUST have been very curious, Andrea. And I can see him sitting there, listening, an intent expression on his face as the Hobbit recounts his attempt to pick the pocket of a troll, or describes what he saw of the Battle of Five Armies....
Kitt Otter · 14 December 2010 · Chapter 14: Fourteen
It's a little sad that only a handfull of the younger hobbits appreciated Bilbo's gift.
Author's reply
I tend to agree with you, Kitt.
Andrea · 14 December 2010 · Chapter 13: Thirteen
And so Estel knew more than Bilbo and the dwarves at that moment about Gandalf's future plans! That's fascinating. But I can't end this review without pointing out one more thing: Bilbo the hobbit showed the others during their journey together that he was not only the "lucky number" but also *the* Master Burglar! A toast to Bilbo :-)
Author's reply
So it would seem, Andrea. As for Bilbo, his example of moral integrity remains a delight to this day. I definitely join you in your toast!
Cairistiona · 14 December 2010 · Chapter 13: Thirteen
I always imagine Estel was beside himself, not being able (apparently) to watch all the goings on. A wizard, a hobbit and 13 dwarves showing up is bound to fascinate a 10-year-old boy!
Author's reply
I so agree, Cairistiona. What ten-year-old could resist such a company?
Kitt Otter · 13 December 2010 · Chapter 13: Thirteen
Oh wonderful! I always like Estel's encounters with the dwarves and Bilbo in fanfiction, even if it's just in passing. It slipped my mind that the Company could be used as 13 here. Convenient! :) It's going to take some creativity as the numbers get higher.
Author's reply
Well, there were thirteen Dwarves, after all. It's fun to figure out what might be used next, I find. Thanks, Kitt.
Armariel · 13 December 2010 · Chapter 13: Thirteen
hmmmmmmm if he only knew!!
Author's reply
Indeed yes, Armariel.
Szepilona10 · 12 December 2010 · Chapter 12: Twelve
Oh...so he named his daughter Melian because he liked cakes? :D
Author's reply
Perhaps, Szepilona. But Melian the Maia was his ancestress, the mother of Luthien Tinuviel. That he and Arwen might have named her for both Melian and Meliangiloreth is always possible!
Cairistiona · 12 December 2010 · Chapter 12: Twelve
Ha! Nothing quite matches the appetite of a growing boy!
Author's reply
Ain't that the truth, Cairistiona!
curiouswombat · 12 December 2010 · Chapter 12: Twelve
A Sunday treat - I've just caught up; feasting myself on drabbles just as Estel is feasting on cakes!
Author's reply
A most propitious day for it, CW. Glad you're enjoying them! At least I hope they are not proving cloyingly sweet!
Andrea · 12 December 2010 · Chapter 12: Twelve
He worked hard to make the baking possible! So he deserves every single cake :-)
Author's reply
Oh, but I suspect you are far too right on that one, Andrea. And it IS his birthday, after all, and I have always indicated he had a soft spot in his heart for Meliangiloreth and her honeycakes! Heh!
Andrea · 12 December 2010 · Chapter 11: Eleven
Estel grew up in dangerous times. Listening to conversations like this one, he must have learned soon to be alert and careful - which is a very good thing!
Author's reply
Indeed he did, Andrea, and I'm certain that this alone was the reason he was allowed to hear such things.
Andrea · 12 December 2010 · Chapter 10: Ten
his grief set aside with the delight of the new experience Well said, Larner! Children are able to overcome their grief much easier than adults do. And they should learn as soon as possible that life still goes on.
Author's reply
Yes, that is true, bless them!
Kitt Otter · 12 December 2010 · Chapter 12: Twelve
Love this image of a feathered Estel! Hehe, that again reminds me of little brothers - never, never send them into the chicken coop if you just cleaned house. Glad Estel enjoyed himself, though. :D
Author's reply
Oh, I KNOW! We raised chickens and ducks as well as Pomeranians and dachsunds when I was young--and fetching the eggs from the blue Andalusians' coop was taking your life into your own hands, as Mergatroyd, my sister's prize hen, was most protective of her territory! Heh!
Armariel · 12 December 2010 · Chapter 12: Twelve
He has an uncle? I didn't know that. Or did you just invent one for him? Typical boy, stuffing his face! ~~~~~{~@
Author's reply
Oh, in my-verse Gilraen had a brother Halbaleg who was one of the few among the Dunedain who knew that Aragorn had actually survived the illness he'd been rumored to have died of, and was allowed to visit him at least once a year in Rivendell so that he could stand witness to the fact that Arathorn's son had actually survived and was the rightful heir to his father's position as well as Heir to Elendil and Isildur. On occasion the other chosen witnesses also came to see him as he grew. I cannot imagine that Elrond would completely keep him cut off from his real people, or that the Dunedain would blindly accept him as their Chieftain on his return without such witnesses to attest that the deception had been practiced so as to protect the life of the child, and that he was indeed worthy to assume his father's role. However, during their stays in Elrond's house they would be forbidden to speak his real name or tell more than that his birth father was a worthy Dunedain warrior who had died protecting the land. And he is, after all, a growing boy! Heh! In "Unnatural Appetites" I have him confessing to Frodo that he once thought himself in love with Meliangiloreth because of her honeycakes--at the tender age of seven or so.
harrowcat · 12 December 2010 · Chapter 12: Twelve
I fear that I, too, could gorge myself on honeycakes!
Author's reply
I know--as could I! Heh! They do sound good, don't they?
shirebound · 12 December 2010 · Chapter 10: Ten
his grief set aside with the delight of the new experience How sweet. Ah, the resilience of youth!
Author's reply
Yes, this is how children experience much of the grief of life, as wonder crowds against it.
harrowcat · 12 December 2010 · Chapter 9: Nine
This one made me shiver. Not least because young Estel is growing up and asking big questions.
Author's reply
Yes, he is asking the hard questions whose answers he will need to know if he is to face the enemies of the Free Peoples one day! He does mature, a phenomenom that we both look for and grieve for as we watch our children grow and leave their innocence behind.
harrowcat · 12 December 2010 · Chapter 10: Ten
Yes, death and life side by side. Truly the mortal experience.
Author's reply
That it truly is, isn't it? Joys are accompanied by grief, and sorrows crowded out by pleasures....
harrowcat · 12 December 2010 · Chapter 11: Eleven
Even a short journey with an orc in tow would not have been pleasant. And one within the Valley doesn't really bear thinking about.
Author's reply
I'm certain they'd be very relieved to be able to properly interrogate one of the Enemy's folk, but I doubt orcs ever made good guests! Thanks so!
Teresa · 11 December 2010 · Chapter 10: Ten
That was touching........ I like that Estel will have the memories of how the kitten enjoyed that spot and the sight of the ducklings and their mother to balance the kitten's death. I've always tried to do that when such losses have happened to me; temper the grief with the good memories. I love seeing the experiences that build a great man and future king! Many thanks! :)
Author's reply
This is how we do live, after all, supported by good memories to temper the sorrowful ones. And I am honored--yes, such small things together build the man he will one day be.
Kitt Otter · 11 December 2010 · Chapter 11: Eleven
Better late than never, Elrond! I think having orc guests would be entertaining... for a while... imagine trying to get them to understand forks. :P
Author's reply
We know that they did face down the Necromancer when Aragorn was ten, so that fear does come to pass soon. And the image your comment raises--hehehehe! Love it!
GamgeeFest · 11 December 2010 · Chapter 10: Ten
And so Estel learns of the cycle of life and death. Little fluffy ducklings can bring a smile to anyone's face. :)
Author's reply
Yes--they bring smiles to mine, I know. And the death of a pet is such a common way for a child to learn the reality of death.