This is great! I love this, and I can’t wait to see Celeborn have his ‘test.’ It promises to be quite entertaining. :D It has been many centuries in the making I am sure.
Author's reply
I'm happy you enjoyed! I suspect that, in the end, Celeborn's whole arrival here is his test - there will be a lot for him to learn and admit and come to terms with about life in the Undying Lands, and it will require the same kind of growth and self-understanding that Galadriel went through in her own trials ...
Lindelea
· 17 March 2025
· Chapter 6
Here is the heart-to-heart conversation!
Frodo's explanation is interesting. I'd never contemplated the idea before now. His word-pictures are down to earth and very illuminating.
It is so good for the heart to see Frodo healed and even able to say It doesn’t make up for the loss … but life here is worth living. His humility is also endearing. (So is Sam's common-sense plain speaking.)
Frodo's description of life after sailing West sounds familiar. I think I must have read some stories about the Undying Lands a decade or so ago, but in the interim I've forgotten many details of even the hobbit stories I read back then. The topic is fascinating to contemplate.
The memento sounds beautiful.
I wonder what confidences Galadriel has shared with the Ring-bearer...?
The status says "In Progress". Is it? If so (I mean, if you plan to add to the story), you can edit the Author's Notes by renumbering it as Chapter 7 and replacing the current text with the text of the new chapter. It's possible that the deletion function has been disconnected until the site is better protected against hackers. I do know that the story-deletion function was turned off after the January hack. Several of the "test" stories I posted, I ended up replacing with new or restored (hacker-deleted) stories because I couldn't delete the test stories when I was figuring out what worked and what didn't. (In one of my previous lives I was a software test and QA person. It was so diverting to frustrate the programmers by finding ways to break their software so they had to rebuild it stronger... Tch tch.)
Another question that keeps occurring to me: Why did Galadriel leave her husband behind? I've wondered that for more than a decade, actually. If there's an explanation, I don't think I've ever read it.
Thank you for this lovely exploration; this story has conveyed a mix of hope, food for thought, comfort and healing throughout.
Author's reply
The 'moth to a flame' analogy is almost directly from the Akallabeth - and I remember thinking that the only thing that analogy was going to do was make people mad. It was not well-worded, from Elf to Man ... The 'hardness' of the place itself was something taken a little bit from CS Lewis's 'Great Divorce' (or at least from my memory of it, it's been a while since I read that). Fortunately there were many great ideas around which to build my thoughts on this!
I'm sure Frodo knows what she has planned. ;-) And a few others she would rather not have to deal with as well - in my imagination, it's kind of hard to keep a secret on Tol Eressea (although it is large with many twists and turns, I suspect the Elves coming from Middle Earth are all in each others' business ... :-P).
You know ... that's a good question (why did Galadriel leave and Celeborn stay). I think the two of them have been married for a long time and have probably not spent the entire time cohabiting - as Arwen often spent decades in Lothlorien, I imagine Elves often spent a great deal of time apart from their families. Of course, this is more of a permanent separation. All three of the bearers of the Elven rings left pretty quickly after the start of the Fourth Age - I wonder if it had something to do with the loss of the power within the rings. And with Arwen and the sons of Elrond still staying, it makes sense that Celeborn might have stayed with them for a while. (??) And also he might just have not been ready. (I did just realize that if, as the LoTR prologue says, with Celeborn 'went the last living memory of the Elder-days in Middle Earth', then Cirdan would have had to have sailed before him - which may need me to tweak chapter 2. Ah well ...)
That's a great idea (with changing the Author's Note to the next chapter)! I will have to give that a shot when the next chapter is ready.
Thanks for your comments, I appreciate them!
Lindelea
· 11 March 2025
· Chapter 5
I used to know something about the origin of mallorns, but I've forgotten.
Oh! It seems appropriate that the mallorn could represent a little piece of the Shire for the hobbits living in the Undying Lands. (And perhaps it will remain as a memorial of sorts after they've decided to go on?)
The meal, along with the seasoning of empathy and understanding, seems wonderful.
"his daughter" –> Elrond's wife? Or someone else? I've lost track for the moment. It comes of reading one chapter at a time in multiple stories within the same general time span.
(I share his fierce satisfaction that the name of Sauron has lost its power to daunt the soul.)
Finrod! One of my favorite Elves!
Despite the great length of his years, he was accustomed to the idea of endings–violent death had always been a possibility, and the death of even an Elf in Middle Earth had been final in a very real way. As always, this kind of musing always draws my thoughts to Glorfindel. I've read very little fanfic about him, but I do have a great deal of head canon after researching him to include him in a few of my (admittedly hobbit-centric) stories.
It seems a heart-to-heart talk, aimed at encouraging further healing, may be in the offing...
Author's reply
Sorry for the delayed reply! I am off the internet a bit more than usual for Lent … :-) Thanks so much for your comments, I’m always so happy to get them. As you know, it’s so nice to hear that someone is enjoying the story.
Yes, Elrond’s wife. I love the idea of her being friends with Sam. Honestly, I love the idea of Sam in Valinor - he’s so plain spoken and up front, and I’m sure a good number of the, don’t know what to think. He’s just what they need!
Ah, Finrod. I love him too. I’m currently listening to FOTR, and I had forgotten that Gildor identifies himself and his companions with Finrod - it’s amazing how long the memories of Elves are. Anyway, I can’t imagine him not taking every opportunity to come visit Hobbits! And Aegnor - I don’t know if, having missed his opportunity with Andreth, he would have any more desire to know mortals … but I choose to think he looks back on the time fondly. With regret, perhaps, but fondly.
Yes indeed, a heart to heart may be just around the corner!
Lindelea
· 4 March 2025
· Chapter 4
Aha! Hobbits!
And I detect Sam's handiwork in the window boxes...
Of course his scowl redoubles his wife's mirth.
A "little enclave of the Shire" – what a lovely thought!
“A maia does not eavesdrop, Samwise Gamgee. Especially in a place without eaves.”
Sounds just like Gandalf.
comfort and cheer sound like just the things he needs. Perfect!
Author's reply
Hobbits indeed! And it is such a lovely thought that there would be for a while a little enclave of the shire here. No doubt it is good for everyone involved! Cheer and comfort are things that Hobbits know best, after all….
Mirkwoodmaiden
· 26 February 2025
· Chapter 6
PSW!
I have not left a review on each chapter I was too interested see what came next in this story but suffice to say I love it. I love the conceptualization of what traveling to the Undying Lands would do one, especially one who was born in Middle Earth (like Frodo or Sam) or a Sindarin Elf such as Celeborn. I love how Celeborn still has a somewhat jaundiced view of Noldorin Elves and his circumspect view of dwarves understandable given that Thingol was close family.
I love all the thinking that has clearly gone into what various reactions to Valinor and its affects upon different people. I love Celeborn's thoughts about himself in relation to those that dwell in Valinor. Such as asking Frodo not to call him "My Lord." Which of course Frodo promptly and cogently argues against.
The fact that it is an reunion of family even Elladan and Elrohir. Interesting they are all there together save of course, Arwen. Happy for them all.
Looking so forward to more!
Is this a REPOSTED story or one that is still being written!
Love it!
(((hugs)))
MM
Author's reply
I’m so happy you’re enjoying this! It is not a reposted story - still in the works, but I’m hoping to have the next chapter up in not too long. I have always been curious about Celeborn’s arrival and how it would go - so I figured I’d better share my own take. ;-) Thx for reading and for your lovely comments!
Mirkwoodmaiden
· 25 February 2025
· Chapter 1
PSW!
Haven't finished the chapter just yet I have to dash off to work but I am loving this so far and cannot wait to read the rest. Wonderful.
"to stand before them with naught but empty hands and weary heart." Ouch and so true! Love it!
(((hugs)))
MM
Author's reply
Thank you, and hope you enjoy the tale! :-)
Lindelea
· 24 February 2025
· Chapter 3
Galadriel is taking such good care of him.
Depression is the pits. (At least, he sounds like someone struggling with depression.)
After reading the following, I sat up straight, for I'm thinking the hosts must be Hobbits! “You will not, I think, regret it. Our hosts are both impeccable and understanding – none present shall require anything of you that you do not wish to offer. If you do nothing but sit in a chair beneath the trees of the garden, no one will think anything of it.”
I guess I'll see if I'm right when I read the next chapter? But it's after midnight, so it'll have to be another day.
Author's reply
He’s got a lot going on, but you’re right - it operates functionally the same as depression. Hopefully it will mostly pass in short order as he eases into his new life … but it’s not too much fun while it lasts…
As for their hosts … ;-) We shall see!
Lindelea
· 18 February 2025
· Chapter 2
“They deserve each other, those two.”
That certainly rings true!
(I'm wondering if Amroth here is the same as Fiondil's Amroth? I may be mistaken in remembering the name from the Elf Academy stories, so this may be a moot question.) I read the Sil many decades ago, but it never quite caught my imagination and interest the way LOTR did. So while many of the names are familiar, I can't always put them in context.
Author's reply
You know - quite possibly. The lore about him being Celeborn and Galadriel’s son was I believe from an older/earlier version of the legendarium, so even if he wasn’t related to them in Fidel’s stories he could still be the same. It’s been so long since I read those stories that I can’t be sure though!
I enjoy history a lot, and since the Silmarillion is a lot like reading a book of history and legends it jumped out at me. Some of it I have less patience for than other parts, admittedly. The Akallabeth took my breath away the first time I read it - I honestly wonder sometimes if it could almost be called a bit prophetic …
UTfrog
· 18 February 2025
· Chapter 6
Such a moving story. I may have read parts of this before, but I read all chapters this morning. It is beautiful. Thank you.
Author's reply
Thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed it - it was good to get back to it. Thx for your comments!
Lindelea
· 18 February 2025
· Chapter 1
Poor fellow, he is so very weary, he does not even realize how much healing and comfort he needs. But his wife is one of the Wise, so I have perfect confidence that all will end well. (Even though there are several chapters to get through, at the least.)
Author's reply
I would expect that those coming to Valinor of necessity rather than desire would have the hardest time - but that it would be hard for everyone.
I have seen several versions of this, but none that ever felt quite right to how these two characters live in my head - so I figured I would make my own version. Hopefully it’s enjoyable!
shirebound
· 17 February 2025
· Chapter 6
It was a revelation, this glimpse of the Ringbearer so unburdened. It was also, perhaps, the greatest argument for Valinor that had yet been made to a heart still so in love with love Middle Earth. Something within him loosened, minutely.
How lovely.
I greatly enjoy reading (and writing) about what each race can teach -- and learn from -- the other. To share such intimate and hard-won wisdom as this conversation shows means a great and lasting friendship is blossoming.
Author's reply
Yes - they’ve all come through so much and recognize the wisdom the others have gained. It’s truly wonderful to find such familiarity and respect and friendships when feeling so lost.
Thx so much for your comments!
Itarille
· 7 February 2025
· Chapter 4
How lovely to meet friends in a new, unfamiliar place!
I had thought the hosts were the Lady's parents :) that would be too stressful.
Author's reply
Meet the Parents, Valinor style. Ha - no, that would indeed be too stressful, he’s not up for that quite yet…
Yes, it was a delight to picture how this dinner might have gone. I’m sure it is such a relief to be among those who miss the same places he does.
I have been working on the next chapter of this - all this new posting has got me thinking of it again and I really should finish it up before starting anything new. Besides, Celeborn needs to be settled and on his way to contentment in this new place….
Itarille
· 7 February 2025
· Chapter 1
Ah, Lord Celeborn the Wise, whom many thought less than his lady. I think they got him wrong...
I like your description:
(Many) would see him as little more than the husband of his Lady, favored beyond understanding (both theirs and his) by her condescension in becoming his wife.
So this story is something like Meet the Parents, Valinor-style? :) :)
Larner
· 25 April 2023
· Chapter 5
I can well imagine this realization hitting him..."But I SAW you die two ages of the Sun ago! You can't be--oh, but that was THERE...." Likely to be very disconcerting seeing more rehoused Elves than just Glorfindel.
Love the realization that life could easily become stodgy in the Undying Lands.
Author's reply
This is something I truly wonder about - do the Elves from Middle Earth get bored there? I realize it isn’t as if the Undying Lands are completely free of strife and the need to prove/test oneself. Still, I can see things getting dull quickly for Elves used to the uncertainty of life in Middle Earth…
Thx as always for reading! :-)
Larner
· 25 April 2023
· Chapter 4
Ah, but I find myself leaving a second review. Love the Maia's self-reveal here. And a Hobbit feast on arrival would be most heartening and of a homely nature that he must anticipate with interest, as a Hobbit's homely state is much different from that of an Elf.
UTfrog
· 24 April 2023
· Chapter 5
Love this update. Please, please continue
Author's reply
Thank you! So happy you’re enjoying it! :-)
shirebound
· 23 April 2023
· Chapter 5
It was tall and strong and beautiful, festooned with ribbons and lights, stately as the most venerable of Elves and playful as the youngest Hobbit child.
I love that, and this gentle meal among friends and loved ones will (hopefully) be one more step in settling Celeborn's unease.
How I love hobbits. *happy grin*
Author's reply
They are indeed such fun - I can just picture the Shire mallorn all decked out for a Hobbit party! Thx as always for reading!
Larner
· 12 March 2023
· Chapter 4
You didn't disappoint me! Hooray! Love me these Hobbits! In my-verse Celeborn accompanies Sam to Tol Eressea, andthe two Hobbits linger only to Midsummer in the mortal lands, this being enough for the two of them. At least they have proper accommodations for their race.
I am so glad to see you posting here again. I'd missed your unique take on the Master's world!
Author's reply
I’m so glad you’re enjoying it. Thx so much for your comments! :-) I don’t have as much time for writing these days, but I do like to get back to it when I can. Isn’t it fun how many different little tales people come up with for these open spaces in the legendarium? Love hearing people’s ideas …
Larner
· 12 March 2023
· Chapter 3
Wise he has been, and wise he is to follow her lead now. Is it a Hobbit he meets now? I'd so love to see that....
Larner
· 12 March 2023
· Chapter 2
Had not thought of Amroth as the son of Celeborn and Galadriel. Interesting thought. Love the idea of Nimrodel's vigel and Vwire's compassion. Love the meeting of husband and wife, and his perception that all seems more real here.
Larner
· 12 March 2023
· Chapter 1
Indeed a test for him, to meet and face her family. I rejoice that she meets him without the stress of others this time.
UTfrog
· 17 October 2022
· Chapter 4
Just beautiful! Made me cry.
Author's reply
Aww. Thank you! I’m glad you’re enjoying, and thx for your comments. :-)
shirebound
· 17 October 2022
· Chapter 4
this little enclave of the Shire
Hooray! If anything can bring amusement and grounding to Celeborn in this delicate time, it's the teasing of hobbits and their unconditional friendship. Thank you for joining me in my belief that the hobbits enjoyed long and happy lives in the West.
Author's reply
Indeed, I agree! This visit will be quite good for him - Hobbit friendship is definitely the thing to help him along. ;-) Thx so much for commenting, I always appreciate it!
Lindelea
· 17 October 2022
· Chapter 4
Frodo Baggins stood in the doorway.
Ah, words that warm my heart. And the twinkle in his eye, and his gentle teasing and "plainly feigned submission"!
And Sam!
And Gandalf is so very... Gandalfish.
Definitely capitalizing on the comfort and cheer.
Lovely.
A note: in my imagining of "Beyond the Circles of the Earth", time moves differently than it does here. Thus, when my hobbits visited Frodo in their dreams on rare occasions [usually because of some life-or-death situation], they spoke of "taking only a few breaths of that marvellous air" - and yet, several days might have passed in Middle Earth during that same time span. In my version (because JRRT never did say what happens to hobbits in the afterlife), when hobbits die, they go to the Feast, and because time passes so differently there, they're not sad or lonely, missing those left behind, because it seems to them like no time at all passes before they are reunited once more in endless joy and song and feasting and laughter. And now I can almost envision Olórin dropping by to lift a mug, smoke a pipe, and spend some time in Eternity with the hobbits he's known over the centuries. I bet the Old Took tells wonderful stories.
It must be time for bed. I'm rambling.
Anyhow, this was, as I said earlier, quite lovely, and I'm hoping for more, if possible.
Author's reply
Comfort and cheer is what he needs, and what Hobbits excel at providing! And lovely thoughts about the visiting and feasting and storytelling - it does seem right for them. :-) So glad you’re enjoying it, thx as always for your lovely comments!
Lindelea
· 12 October 2022
· Chapter 3
You know … I hadn’t really thought about it. I guess I just assumed they would need some sort of system to at least move goods and services between people, and I can’t really picture how purely barter-based system would really work there. (The Noldor especially seem to me like the type to develop a monetary system.) Of course, if I remember correctly there are gems just scattered on the beaches, so I don’t think anyone would be without means…. Really interesting question!!
Interesting. One of these days, I hope to explore the differences amongst the various groups of Elves. I've always been a bit daunted by the Noldor, actually. I guess my experience with a local historical site, which served as an interface between the British and the native tribes and was a meeting place for multiple tribes and cultures (including Victorian British, French-Canadian voyageurs, Polynesians, and various tribes who lived in or visited the area and who communicated using a mutual trading language), makes it easy for me to imagine a culture that uses trade and barter rather than money (even the British followed the custom of the local area and traded in goods rather than money, which had no value) and has a view of possessions and "ownership" that is very differently from ours.
Sorry if this sounds a bit muddled. I just finished working on a project and looked at the clock. Sigh. Wee hours. Again. But I couldn't resist a peek at SoA in general and your review replies in particular, lol! Off to bed.
Author's reply
Not muddled at all! It sounds like a really cool historical site - right up my alley. :-D I love this kind of thing ...
It's not barter as a system itself I have trouble picturing. My trouble, I think, is picturing how it would work for the Noldor. (And, I suppose, the Teleri. The Vanyar I know so little about that I couldn't even hazard a guess.) This is all based on early First Age, of course, because after that I don't think we spend much time in Valinor ... but the Noldor were craftsmen - big time jewels and precious metals, smiths and jewelers, etc. Some of them were completely obsessed with it. The Teleri were ship builders - big beautiful ships. So we have some people who work on very precious expensive (and perhaps quite large, depending what they're crafting) objects that may take a long time to craft. We have the Teleri ships, which I assume are large and would require multiple people to build them. And then we have the necessities of life - food, clothing, maintenance type work, etc. It could be that I don't understand barter systems well enough - I haven't studied much about them. I'm not sure though how it would work when some people have fewer and far more expensive objects at their disposal, and some maybe helped build ships and don't have anything actually in their hands at all to trade, and some have more vital but less expensive goods to offer (food, clothing, etc). I guess I just figured, with the disparities there, it would be easier to have a monetary system. Not coin, probably - small jewels and/or precious metals changing hands maybe.
I hope this makes any kind of sense! Must say, I love this question - it's a really fun exercise to think this through and see where it goes. :-)
Ah, the Noldor. They are a bit intimidating. And often (to me at least) infuriating. But we would not have Aragorn, Elrond, and so many others without them! :-D I always kind of liked the Doriathrim the best (though not Thingol, he drives me nuts). I try to picture living in the huge forests under the bright, bright stars before the rising of the sun, and it sounds so beautiful ...
Author Reply: Of course, we're also on Tol Eressea here anyway, and not the mainland. So many people on the island are from Middle-Earth that maybe they just brought the concept of money with them ... ;-)