Great start.

Hello! I don’t know if you’re still active on this account, but I wanted to say I love this story. I first read it in 2013 and have reread it several times. The reread I just finished with was the first in a few years and much has changed in the world. I was surprised at how much of a balm this story still is on my soul. I feel comforted and more at peace and a nostalgic for years past. Thank you so much for sharing the gift of your words. They have been a kind resting place in troubled times.

So, I didn't look too closely when I was hitting this, and thought it was a one shot, and let me tell you, when I got to the bottom without resolution and saw the chapter count. . . That was something. So excited to read where this is going, I'm intrigued by this as-of-yet unnamed sickness, and the timing overlapping with The Hobbit is exactly what I was thinking of when I stumbled upon this.
Loving Elrond's voice and perspective, and it's cool to see the characters we've seen and it looks like we'll see. *Thumbs up*

A lovely story to re-read ️

This was so good! I love the relationship between estel and Elrond, really estel and all the elves. It’s so interesting to see the man he will become and how special he is. You also did a great job showing that for all the elves’ age and wisdom they make mistakes and can make poor judgements and they’re still growing.

*Oops...I forgot something...my reference to Mudville. It comes from a famous ditty written by Ernest Lawrence Thayer (1863 to 1940). In the poem, entitled "Casey at Bat," Casey, the mighty batsman, strikes out...and the poem ends with the sad note "But there is no joy in Mudville, mighty Casey has struck out." I could not resist. (Please see my review of Chapter One (1) of "The Valley is Jolly")

My dear Canafinwe: I am writing this as a review of your entire work. I became hooked on your writing style and abilities when I read "The Apology of Elrond," and I then began to search for more of your stories. I cannot begin to tell you how much your story has meant to me, an avid fan fiction reader (and small-time author) who shares many of your predilections especially the way in which the relationship between Elrond and Aragorn (Estel) was portrayed in the Jackson movies. I could go on and on with this, but I am too much of a Tolkien purist to accept all of the interpretations that Jackson made in the development of his oeuvre.

In "The Apology of Elrond" you note that Elrond was amazed at the insight into the human heart that Estel so abundantly displays. No doubt, you share in this ability to look into the depths of the human heart, and your mastery of understanding deep-seated human emotions is a treasure. No doubt, also, that Estel has learned his compassion, empathy, and sensitivity from his father Elrond. You manage to explain and demonstrate the intricacies of the love that Elrond, Elladan, Elrohir, Erestor, and Glorfindel have for the young boy Estel, and he constantly rewards them with his spontaneous joy, love, and, most importantly, hope. It is not for nought that Elrond gave the two-year-old Aragorn the name "Estel." Estel's hope is infectious, and both you, and several other authors, have seized upon this realization to give some real depth to the depiction of Estel. In "The Valley is Jolly" you note with insight that Elrond realizes that of all his children, Estel resembles him the most...more than Elladan, Elrohir, or Arwen. I wonder if Elrond sees his brother in little Estel, across the long Millenia...I believe that he does.

Your work is a book in itself. It should be published by a reputable publisher, and made available to a wide audience. I often wonder how many people find the wonderful stories that are available in the realm of "fan fiction." There is, as I already know, a great deal of shoddy work out there, but on the rare occasion, a rare gem, such as all of your stories, appears. When that happens...Mudville is a happy place indeed.*

I read your very brief autobiography at the top of the story, but I somehow suspect that you reside in the U.K...please correct me if I am wrong. The tenor of your work sounds English to me, but that may just be my sense of your word-use. Your stories flow with unmitigated charm and fluidity, and there is never a loss of pace or plot. Your characterizations are spot-on, and you truly displayl a keen insight into the human condition with your depiction of the familial relationships between ALL the members of Elrond's household. I am especially enamored of the way in which you treat with Gilraen's very human feelings of envy, sadness, grief, and possessive love for her child, often showing itself in jealously towards his loving relationship with Elrond. Yet Gilraen, as you point out, with the Kantian sense of duty that is typical of all the Numenoreans, overcomes her jealously and grief to truly show her appreciation for Elrond and his sons, Erestor, and Glorfindel...in all that they have done for Estel.

I could go on and on. I have copies by hand some of your beautiful passages. I would like to give you the highest compliment that a Tolkien reader can grant: in places, your wriiting and your stylisms approach those of Tolkien himself. I find myself reading and rereading portions not only of "The Valley is Jolly," but all of your works that I have come across. Alas, I am but a poor, muddled geologist, steeped in the traditions of science, and my one attempt at fan fiction (so far) cannot hold a candle to your exemplary work. Your works stand in a class by themselves, and I am better for having read them. My talents lie more in the field of analysis, and I myself am "publishing" a book on Tolkien that is being hosted by the Valar Guild. So far, I have two complete chapters posted, and a third will shortly be done. All in all, my book will stretch to 12 or 13 chapters. If you are interested, I can send you some links, but only if you ask for them.

Thank you so much for the effort you have put into this story, and all of your works. I shall continue rereading them for many years ahead. As one says in German, "sei Gesund!" May you always be healthy, and continue in your efforts to bring some joy into a sadly darkened world.

I'm glad to hear the twins ended up fine, and Estel got to meet Bilbo in the end.

I enjoyed reading this story a lot.

I am glad Estel found the strength to speak to Elladan.

I suppose i shouldn't be surprised by Saruman's behavior but it is strange to see he does not bother to hide his nature very well.

As far as i know she accepts her role with grace but nonetheless i feel bad for Arwen.

Every chapter i am glad to read about Glorfindel. He's just nice to have around.

I have never thought about Aragorn's life as sadly as i have now

It's a pity Estel cannot meet the dwarves, for I think it would be very entertaining to read. But i think his encounter with Gandalf might be just as interesting.

I am glad Bilbo is able to bring a moment of levity to Elrond's day.