Strong stuff, Oshun.  I loved it.  

- Erulisse (one L)

It's great to see such a well developed characterization of Celeborn, far from "that tall fellow next to Galadriel". And his mother rocks!

Good job! Thank you :)

Well, your SSP worked!  I am thoroughly embarrassed to say that I completely missed this last year.  Likely it got buried amongst the plethora of fics offered to get those precious passport stamps!  Anyway...

Really liked the darker tone of this little story.  You've captured a primeval tone, very fitting to the time and place.  The descriptions of Melian are cool - the pale cat eyes and the whispers that she is a witch, a shape-shifter.  Excellent!  Celeborn is so young here, but you know, it's his mother I like the best.  She has the air of a tribal shamaness, re: the visions in the fire, and her prophecy is laden with Celeborn's "doom."  

Poor Celeborn. The way you described Elu made me want him! Your Melian, too, intrigued me, even seen through Celeborn's "jaundiced eye." :) I've never been much drawn to Doriath--blame those damned Feanorians! :)--but this made me want to read more of your vision of it. Well done!

“Perhaps.” She chuckled dryly. “Be a man, my son. Do not shame yourself by whimpering after Elu like a suckling pup.”

I love Celeborn's mother! Talk about tough love XD