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A Good Man is Hard to Find  by Wordweaver 2 Review(s)
Shaan LienReviewed Chapter: 5 on 2/11/2005
Okay, i read a few chapters, and even attempted to believe that Aragorn would be so wary of his marriage with Arwen to depart. This story just seems rushed, you know, the plots aren't developing fully. Plus the huge factor that even if Aragorn wasn't satisfied with his marriage to Arwen, I find it extremely hard to believe that he would leave his children. Although I appreciate that you acknowledged tradition more than most fanfiction writers, I wonder if Faramir would actually persume to doubt Legolas' intergrity and then Legolas just stand for it, they rule ithillen together, that's a pretty hefty thing to say to a man without impunging his honor. Anywho, I gave it a shot, I'll see if I like some of your other stories if you've written any. I just felt I had to give you some feedback and hope this was kind of helpful.

Author Reply: I appreciate your feedback. Thank you for taking the time to write to me. I'd like to clarify some critical aspects of the plot which your review leads me to believe you may have missed.

Aragorn is not weary of his marriage to Arwen, but he is convinced that Arwen is tired of him, and that she is planning to take the children and leave him. Even though he might not want to lose his children, this is often the consequence when a marriage breaks down. If a father wants to maintain a relationship with his children it is a practical necessity that he remain on good terms with their mother, but Aragorn is convinced that the differences between himself and Arwen, are irreconcilable. He believes that the only way to prevent Arwen from leaving with his children would be to lock her up, which he is unwilling to do. He hopes that by disappearing he can at least prevent Eldarion from being taken out of Middle Earth, and perhaps reestablish a relationship with him later on.

As far as Faramir and Legolas are concerned, Faramir was careful not to accuse Legolas of having improper intentions. He merely stated that scandalous rumors about the Queen traveling alone with him could bring dishonor on her. In truth, Faramir isn't so worried about Legolas' integrity as he is concerned with protecting the Queen at a time when he expects she may be emotionally vulnerable (remember, he is convinced that the King will not return). He's been entrusted to guard another Man’s family members. He must consider the worst case scenario and cannot afford to take any risks that could compromise their safety or honor. History and courtly tradition are on Faramir’s side. In a culture of chivalry, the importance of safeguarding a lady's honor by avoiding the appearance of impropriety, would have been obvious.

I'm sorry you felt the plot was rushed. I'll try to take that into consideration in future revisions. Thanks again for your interest.

Wordweaver

JuliaReviewed Chapter: 5 on 2/7/2005
Can I smack Faramir around for a bit? I can't believe he'd think that if Arwen was rejected by Aragorn, she'd jump into Legolas's arms! Just because his own wife once acted so rashly in the grips of an infatuation does not mean Arwen would. Arwen and Eowyn are light-years apart in knowledge and experience, plus Arwen has never shown one iota of sexual interest in Legolas. I just want to wash Fara's mind out with soap at this point.

Nice speech by Arwen, now Aragorn's got to make his own speech and apologize for being an arse in own right. Also nice to see Eldarion buck up and find a solution to Fara's little roadblock. Fara is right about one thing, Eldarion is going to make an excellent king one day. Please update soon!

Author Reply: Don't be too hard on the good Steward. He is only trying to do his job and he is responsible to protect the Queen and to defend her honor. Of course he will judge the situation based on his own experience. Since he wooed his own wife when she was on the rebound from Aragorn, it's only natural for him to see the paralels between that situation and Arwen's.

It's also important to remember the lesson of Gandalf and Galadriel. Sometimes it is the strong who must be most on guard against temptation. Remember, Faramir saw his brother and his father seduced by the "dark side" because they trusted in their own strength. It is far better to safeguard yourself than to find out too late that you could not pass the test.

Wordweaver


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