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The Heir Apparent by Mirkwoodmaiden	131 Review(s)
Lindelea	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 6/11/2025
MM! I have skipped forward to this chapter, and thank you for the heads-up in your review reply for Chapter 6. Gilraen's blurred perception and numbness are very real to life. Her world has ended or, at least, life as she knew it has ended. She probably could not conceive going on when her beloved died, and yet she has her small son who needs her, and so she must soldier on. I can imagine that simply being in Imladris would have a healing effect. Poor Elrond, with such a heavy burden on his shoulders. (Not to mention, Gilraen's son will be the agent that separates him from his only daughter someday... I wonder when he will become aware of that fact, or if he foresaw it even before he became Aragorn's foster-father? Or did he only work it out when he saw 20yo [I think?] Aragorn watching Arwen?) Such a difficult conversation. I'd never really thought about the decision to withhold Aragorn's heritage and identity from him. I can understand Gilraen's resistance and being torn between remembering her husband and protecting their son. I wonder, after Elrond informed Aragorn of his true identity, did people (Elrond, Gilraen, the Twins, Glorfindel, etc.) spend hours here and there, during down-time or, perhaps, when Aragorn might have returned to Imladris to recover from illness or injury, telling him stories about his father and grandfather, helping him get to know these dedicated Men by sharing their memories of them...? I find the idea appealing, somehow, in the middle of these tragic circumstances. Poor Erithain. Another brother lost pretty much sums it up. In the face of yet another unbearable loss, it's difficult to recognize that hope still survives and is worth guarding and preserving. O Blessed Galadriel! I actually cried when she came to Erithain in a dream. And at this: “For as long as it was needed, my lord. I am at your service always.” Erithain is neither alone nor forsaken. The chapter ends at the right point. Somehow, it contains so much food for thought, it did not feel short at all to me. I am left feeling shaken and deeply moved at the same time. I don't think I can read any more tonight, as a matter of fact. (((hugs))) Lin Author Reply: Lin! Completely understand the skipping which is why I sent out the warning. I used to have far less trouble writing angst but then the pandemic happened and the situation we find ourselves in currently has really curtailed my desire to write angst which is why the next chapters in "Destiny's Child" will be tough but I am determined to see her happy! So I soldier on. If you can at some point the skipped chapters (in my "humble" :-) opinion) are quite good though high in angst. In answer to your reply to my "Jewels, ch. 33" review. "Destiny Child's" will end with Eowyn meeting Faramir in the Houses of Healing. And their wedding and Eomer meeting Lothiriel is in "Going Home; Coming Home" although I probably will rewrite bits of "Going Home; Coming Home" to add in characters from "Destiny's Child" that hadn't been created when I wrote "Going Home." so that should be fun! about this chapter! :-) "Gilraen's blurred perception and numbness are very real to life. Her world has ended or, at least, life as she knew it has ended. She probably could not conceive going on when her beloved died, and yet she has her small son who needs her, and so she must soldier on." Gilraen and grief, not that any of my grief has been as strong as Gilraen's I did use my own experience as a base and extrapolated from there. I am very glad that it rings true. While I'm thinking about it, in my story Elrond only realizes about Aragorn and Arwen when he sees them together when Arwen comes back from Lothlorien when Estel is twenty. Not finished, but must dash off to work... (((hugs))) MM Author Reply: Lin! At break I can now finish my reply. :-) "Poor Erithain. Another brother lost pretty much sums it up. In the face of yet another unbearable loss, it's difficult to recognize that hope still survives and is worth guarding and preserving. O Blessed Galadriel! I actually cried when she came to Erithain in a dream. And at this: “For as long as it was needed, my lord. I am at your service always.” Erithain is neither alone nor forsaken." I know! Erithain has always been one of my favorite created characters. His grief to my mind be raw and unfiltered. He is left holding the bag so to speak. Every one he cares about to his mind as been taken and he is left desolate and responsible at the same time. I remembered Galadriel speaking to Frodo in his mind in the film and I ran with it. It seemed like something Galadriel could and would do. Erkenbrand was the natural choice to be Erithain's right hand. Though it does cut through the heart the change in behaviour but that is the reality of the situation. thanks for writing. I also look forward to each review of yours! (((hugs))) MM

Lindelea	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 6/9/2025
Thank you for writing! I so look forward to what you think of this story! When I wrote this story started back in 2003 (eeek 22 years!!) I wrote it to build the world I could hang other short stories on. My young Estel stories that hang off of this story are: A love of the Halfling's Leaf. Hope is Kindled Shards of Memory Lessons Actually with the exception of "The Gift" my very first fanfic, all my stories flow from the same timeline. They all run concurrently, so to speak. Hmm. Do any of those run concurrently with chapters 7, 8 or 9? If so, please advise. (See also comment below.) Chapter 7,8,9 are a little rough going but chapter 10 going forward are for the most part far more upbeat about Estel's growing up. Because I am avoiding stress more than usual at the moment, I think I will skip to chapter 10 and hope to come back later. Thank you so much for the heads up. I'm writing Chapter 27 of Destiny's Child. Hooray! (throwing confetti) It is slow going because I am reluctant to break Eowyn's heart because she has been through so much. But there it is! Neither me nor Aragorn relish this! Alas! Oh how I can relate to this. I hate putting characters through rough spots. I have to keep my focus on the happy ending I'm writing towards, or I get stuck and can't write. Until yesterday, I've been spending a lot of time outdoors because the weather was so pleasant. (I love cool weather.) Yesterday, a heat wave started, so I stayed indoors and caught up on my neglected housework. Today, I'm hiding inside from the heat and catching up on my fanfic. What fun!

Lindelea	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 6/5/2025
I like Elladan very much here, from his lethal cookery skills to his saving Gilraen's brother and joking about it. The freely flying insults among friends and comrades sound very true to life. Arathorn, Mother Hen! It's got a ring to it. And the new parents are so cute together. But oh no! The story jumps two years. I would be perfectly happy to read a bunch of chapters detailing the little family's experiences during Aragorn's first two years. sigh Uncle Erithain is delightful. I'm so glad that Arathorn took the time to show his tiny son their legacy. If he had waited, it would have been too late. Author Reply: Lin! Thank you for writing! I so look forward to what you think of this story! When I wrote this story started back in 2003 (eeek 22 years!!) I wrote it to build the world I could hang other short stories on. My young Estel stories that hang off of this story are: A love of the Halfling's Leaf. Hope is Kindled Shards of Memory Lessons Actually with the exception of "The Gift" my very first fanfic, all my stories flow from the same timeline. They all run concurrently, so to speak. The banter between the characters just flowed pretty naturally so I am it works. I love writing about the happy few years that Arathorn and Gilraen had. Chapter 7,8,9 are a little rough going but chapter 10 going forward are for the most part far more upbeat about Estel's growing up. I love writing the Twins they just off my keyboard!! I needed to make Elladan bad at something, so it is field cooking! Much humor is had! Thanks for writing! I'm writing Chapter 27 of Destiny's Child. It is slow going because I am reluctant to break Eowyn's heart because she has been through so much. But there it is! Neither me nor Aragorn relish this! Alas! (((hugs))) MM

Lindelea	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 5/27/2025
MM! Again, I have to say how I really love writing that generates a clear mental picture as I read! bent a somewhat grudging knee. So much meaning in so few words! I imagine you're good at writing drabbles, though I haven't gone to your author's page to look for any. (I'm busy reading this story, you see!) being of ice and fire – Gilraen seems well-suited for the demands that lie ahead. Poor lass. Is the ruined city Fornost or Annuminas? (I'm thinking Annuminas was on Lake Evendim and Fornost was some way to the East, but I don't have a map handy.) I'm glad to have this glimpse through Arathorn's and Gilraen's eyes. Coming up in my Thain story is a nightmare glimpse of Fornost after its capture by Angmar, I'm sorry to say. If these are the ruins of Annuminas, they fit well with what I've written in my Fourth Age stories, where I have Elessar and Arwen choose to build a new City and leave the ruins as a monument and warning against pride and falling under the influence of Shadow. And the city will be restored by this couple's son! (Though, sadly, neither of them will live to see that day. Still, isn't that the way life so often happens; people build towards a future they'll never see but nevertheless hope for.) The foreknowledge Gilraen's parents must bear is a heavy burden, but they bear it well. I wonder if Elladan has told Elrond? I love the customs and traditions you've woven into the wedding narrative. What a joyous occasion. (And are the circlets at the end what we see at Aragorn and Arwen's wedding? It has been too long since I've watched the films!) (((hugs))) Lin Author Reply: Lin! "Again, I have to say how I really love writing that generates a clear mental picture as I read! bent a somewhat grudging knee. So much meaning in so few words! I imagine you're good at writing drabbles, though I haven't gone to your author's page to look for any. (I'm busy reading this story, you see!)" Thanks! And yes I have Drabbles here, but please continue to read this story! I really am waiting to read what you think! About Annuminas and Fornost. As I was saying in my reply to "Elvellon" and elsewhere I had either mistaken Fornost for Annuminas but too much would have to be re-written to correct it. Reading more of ROTK it is written that the Rangers did go there while others thought it haunted. Bolstered by this I rewrote only a small part of "Owing the Past; Owing the Future" describing Arathorn's thoughts on the matter! Must dash to work!! Argh! Soon (well Next April!) I retire!!! More of my reply later today! (((hugs))) MM Author Reply: Lin! "(Though, sadly, neither of them will live to see that day. Still, isn't that the way life so often happens; people build towards a future they'll never see but nevertheless hope for.)" That is the perfect description of the Dunedain way of life. "The foreknowledge Gilraen's parents must bear is a heavy burden, but they bear it well. I wonder if Elladan has told Elrond?" It is a huge burden but it is after all what the Dunedain work towards. Gilraen will bear much of the cost. sigh weep I think during the course of the story Elladan does tell Elrond about Ivorwen's vision, but curiously he didn't tell me when he told his father! These elves, so mercurial! ;-)) About the wedding. I absolutely love creating customs and rituals for the different peoples of Middle Earth. The joining ceremony had to be of specific value to their people and radically different from before the sacking of Fornost and the kingdom of Arnor's society ripped to shreds. And the joining of the Chieftain's heir, that would require extra and it made perfect sense that Elrond be present. I don't remember if the Circlets are a Tolkien creation or mine. I know that the Ring of Barahir and the Scepter of Annuminas did eventually come to Imladris, but I may have made up the Circlets. I started this story in 2003. But yes!! We will say that yes, Aragorn and Arwen wear these Circlets at their wedding. I may have to write that as a stand-alone companion story or another chapter... Hmmm! Thanks again for writing! (((hugs))) MM

Lindelea	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 5/23/2025
MM! It's so nice today, I'm taking the laptop out on the deck to read, even though it upsets the cats. (I'm not sure if it's because they want to be outside themselves, or if they want me to be inside with them and providing a lap for their convenience. But they seem to hate it when I go outside.) I don't have internet access when I'm outside, so I cued up the chapter already (along with this review box) and will send this review once I go back inside again. ("There's more than one way to kiss a cat!" as we say around here, for our young ones always got upset at the idea of skinning a cat, even when talking about a certain move done on the monkey bars.) Now that I've successfully made it to the deck without dropping the laptop and closed the screen door to preclude any feline escape attempts, the Empress of All She Surveys and the Stealth Cat are staring fixedly at me. I will try to concentrate on the chapter... (How would you define "the First Watch"? How many Watches are there?) (As they camp beside the Brandywine, are they on the Shire side of the River or the Bree side? No, wait, you said "the northern side", which should tell me where they are. I know the Brandywine's origin is Lake Evendim; so are you describing where the River emerges from the Lake? Sorry, I'm finding that reading while outside may not be the best option as far as distractions go. Birdsong. A murder of crows all taking turns diving on a hawk perched at the top of a tall tree. Barking. Distant traffic noise. I didn't realize until now how quiet it is inside the house these days!) For all his youth, Erithain is a canny leader. Glorfindel! O my! (And the Twins. An added bonus. And I am reminded of the prescient dream that included Elladan.) Ah, Dirhael. You don't know it, but someday you will owe these Elves a great debt. Though perhaps from their perspective, the honour is just as much theirs to perform such a service. Thank goodness for the Man's perceptiveness and his unwillingness to shame his son! Ivorwen's mistaking Elrohir for Elladan is perfectly natural and brings a smile, even in the midst of this portentous meeting between Gilraen's mother and Elrond's sons. And oh! Of course they are here in their capacity of protecting Arathorn as the Heir! I hadn't thought of that... And she may be about to inform them that their protection will fail (or something will happen that is beyond their control) rather sooner than later... "two guardian angels" would sum things up in a nutshell, I should think. Wicked irony on the author's part... "she would soon be a widow" but for an unexpected (and even comical) reason. But I love Elladan's way of putting her at ease: I cannot take him anywhere really. What better way for Gilraen to learn more about her intended than by speaking with some of his dearest friends? And mead sounds like an excellent accompaniment to such conversation. (That said, my one taste of mead confirmed that I am a wine and cider drinker. Though mead sounds attractive, I didn't care for it when I had the chance to try it. Of course, different meads might taste different. I don't know.) "a ripping good yarn": So are the Elves on their best behavior, seeking to make a good impression, I wonder? I imagine they have known (and lost) a lot of Men, friends and acquaintances and relatives descended from Elrond's brother, over the centuries. "blessed or cursed" and unable to figure out which; that sounds quite real. And speaking of losses, with a few brief words of description, you have given Gilraen's brothers life and personalities and made them real. Poor Ivorwen. But like Elladan, I admire her. (And here is another instance of "gifted or cursed"! Common ground, it sounds like.) "More than ever, my lady." Elladan's response to Ivorwen's information and the chapter's tender ending brought tears to my eyes. sigh (((hugs))) Lin Author Reply: Lin! Finally I have time to answer your kind review! Whenever I venture out side to sit, my cat Belle sits at the screen door meowing pitifully and I sometimes have to close the house door to get her to stop... First Watch. I figure there are three on eight hour shifts with a fourth to give rest; they are made up of the commander and four riders. Yes, Geekily I have actually thought this out! The Brandywine. Yes it is the northern side of the river. When I first studied the available maps I was talking about Fornost. Chapters later I realized that it really was Annuminas and not Fornost. Both were capitals of the North. Annuminas was abandoned and Fornost overrun then desecrated. I've thought just changing the name, but honestly I would have to rewrite the beginning chapters to make it fit. I think it will have to stay Fornost and a small rewrite of "A Seed is sown" rather than changing various chapters. My Elladan has developed an overly soft heart and an inability to cook (and this was before Eowyn's own disability to cook in TTT EE. LOL. I just loved the idea of Dirhael and Glorfindel hitting it off and spending hours talking. Dirhael is slow to change, but not impossible! Dashing back from my break! more to come!! (((hugs))) MM Author Reply: Lin! MORE!! Dirhael tries to learn from his mistakes. He wounded Erithain before with his thoughtless actions so he sees what his rash words are doing when first speaking to the Elves. "And speaking of losses, with a few brief words of description, you have given Gilraen's brothers life and personalities and made them real." Thanks that passage did turn out particularly well. "Poor Ivorwen. But like Elladan, I admire her." True. Gilraen will develop her mother's strength as the story develops. I have always had affection for Gilraen. I feel for anyone who says "I gave Hope to the world; I kept no hope for myself." She gets her strength from her mom. (((hugs))) MM

Lindelea	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 5/21/2025
MM! Gilraen is very perceptive, it seems. And I'm so glad she didn't decide to wait and marry later, or Aragorn would not have been born! She's observant, too, in noticing the thatch needing to be repaired later in the chapter. I love the teasing between Gilraen and Arathorn in the first part of the chapter! It sounds as if they are starting off on the right foot. Ah, those embarrassing older sisters! I see they are as onerous a burden amongst Ranger-folk as older sisters are in the Shire! (And bless Arathorn for his attempt not to add insult to injury.) I love the details you include in describing Nedraril's dwelling. "A groom!" She's quick on her toes, too. "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue" comes to mind in reading this scene. I love that the garment is a sort of record of Gilraen's life and learning. What a beautiful tradition. I have thoroughly enjoyed this chapter! I'm looking forward to reading more, hopefully tomorrow. (((hugs))) Lin Author Reply: Lin! Thank you for the writing. I wanted to show the close loving relationship that have formed Gilraen's growing up! And the burgeoning close relationship between Arathorn and her. Arathorn aghast that he must "weed pick" LOL!! Older sister will do as older sisters will do, no matter the geography! LOL! I had a wonderful time imagining what Nedaril's house would look like and how they would prize such a simple thing as a ribbon living in remote lands near Lake Evendim. I imagine Dirhael bringing home the ribbon from a traveler selling his goods in Fornost. Also what kind of traditions would surround a girl whose duty is to marry to help fulfill the destiny of her people. I just love the idea that the community of women helped create her wedding gown. (((hugs))) MM P.S. Chapter 26 of "Destiny's Child" is up. I have managed to delay Aragorn breaking Eowyn's heart for yet another chapter. So not this one, but most likely next chapter!

Lindelea	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 5/19/2025
MM! I'm glad, at the start of the chapter, to see Erithain seeming to have more balance in light of circumstances, even to smiling warmly at Arathorn in welcome. He makes me smile every time he appears in the chapter. Alas, poor Dirhael and Ivorwen. How bittersweet to know that their daughter will be happy while also knowing that her happiness will be cut short. I wonder if it also occurs to them that the line of Chieftains (the direct descendants of Isildur) is at risk of dying out if Arathorn does not marry and beget an heir? Such an outcome would take away all hope for Middle-earth... wouldn't it? (Is Arador at all concerned about the succession?) By the way, your world-building is quite plausible in the discussion of marriage customs and the political system amongst the Dúnedain. It also crossed my mind that Elrond had the same concern for Arwen: no matter how happy she'd be on marrying Aragorn, she would almost inevitably know the terrible grief of outliving her husband. But now I'm wondering if Dirhael's discussion with Gilraen was a catalyst of sorts that tipped her over from neutral to thinking about love and marriage? I love Arathorn's comparison of the upcoming talk with Dirhael to past Orc-battles. But I suffered a pang when he said "all the days of my life", knowing how little time remains to him. Lake Evendim sounds beautiful. I loved the glimpse of Elladan escorting Gilraen and the young Heir to Imladris, as well as the vision of "her husband" (but really her grandson). I will have to look for that quote in my copy of HoME! Well done, as always. I'm looking forward to reading more, hopefully tomorrow but if not, then soon after. (((hugs))) Lin Author Reply: Lin! Thank you for the wonderfully long review! I love it! Erithain become a favourite character of my mind. He just needed encouragement to start growing into his own. The succession is most definitely on their minds. It is the guiding force of Arador's life. Each Chieftain is only a caretaker until the time of the King but they do not know when that will be. I find them such an interesting people. Bound by honor and hope. And as Arador says they carry the legacy and are bound by it. They cannot force a marriage. They bound by their ideals and working for a possible future not an all-important present. I thought about how their society which I surmise was not too different from Gondorian society until Arthedain falls and their society is completely torn to shreds. They keep the living ideal working toward a possible future whereas Gondorian society kept looking to the past as the line of kings died out. It is tragic Dirhael and Iorwen that in order to bring the future they and all their people have striven for has to come with the sacrifice of their daughter's happiness. It has to happen but sacrifice has to be made. The same can be said for Elrond, he sacrifices so much of his own happiness so that the greater good is served. Dirhael has to know if Gilraen truly loves Arathorn which as you say I think that Gilraen didn't realize until she spoke with her father. Lake Evendim. I grew stomping around parts of Millerton Lake by near our town. Climbing rocks overlooking the lady early in the morning with my dad, hot coffee in hand. Water for me has always had a soothing effect, this is reflected in my description of Lake Evendim. The vision is what gives Iorwen both torment and comfort and is the deciding factor to Dirhael saying yes to the match. So happy you are enjoying it. Looking forward to the next review! (((hugs))) MM Author Reply: "Climbing rocks and overlooking the LAKE" is what the line was supposed to be! DAMN AUTOCORRECT....what you don't think I'm going to take responsibility for my own typos. Pshaw!!! :-))) (((hugs))) MM

Lindelea	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 5/17/2025
MM! Starting again... Sometimes people shift blame for evil purposes (we watched an episode of Sharpe last night where a murderer pinned the blame on Major Sharpe), but sometimes they shift blame because they have a blind spot or because they cannot bear the knowledge that their decisions brought devastating consequences. I wonder which is the case with Dirhael? I doubt he'd have evil purposes, so I'm thinking it's either pride or unwillingness to own his stuff. His speeches are certainly to the point – sharply barbed, in many cases. Later in the chapter, you clearly show his capacity for honesty, even with his own uncomfortable truths. Thus, though he is indeed proud and bitter, he also sounds like an honorable Man. He always said it was men of stubbornness and conviction such as Dirhael that allowed the Dunedain of the north to survive the destruction of their kingdom for over 1000 years and keep their identity and their ways living for as long as they have. There's probably a lot of truth in this statement. Erithain sounds quite wise for his obvious youth; I have the feeling his wisdom was hard-won, but he learned his lessons well. But he is still very young to bear such heavy responsibility... This chapter is a fine example of why I love your stories so much. The details sound authentic (I know you do your research!) and pull the reader right into the scene, even smelling the smells and feeling the various textures along with seeing and hearing what the characters see and hear. And in a simple exchange of glances, you manage to put in so much information about the characters! The last part of the chapter left tears in my eyes. Well done. I'm doubly glad you added a chapter to this story and brought it back to the home page, where readers (self included) can more easily find it once more. (((hugs))) Lin Author Reply: Lin! So glad you have started this journey. I found Chapter 20 started but never finished and I liked what I wrote and decided to finish the chapter. Dirhael has no evil intentions. He is grief-stricken. I love to write characters who don't always act rationally. We don't; why should they? I have always been fascinated by the Dunedain. They had to be a stern and driven people to have survived over a thousand years. They needed some sort of societal structure to survive. I did do a lot of research and sort of a loose cross of Saxon England and Native American plains Indians made the most sense. Dirhael is strickened by grief. He has let it get out of control. Emotional rash decisions are made. Pride and stubbornness to also play their part. Grief can be very isolating. Erithain has been thrust into responsibility way too early and a responsibility he never thought would come to him with two older brothers. As he says he wanted to talk to Dirhael but never felt as if he could intrude upon his grief. Erithain is seeing the example of Dirhael grief play itself out in anger. And Erithain learns this. Dirhael is shocked and disturbed when he realises what his grief has created. We learn often by example but both Dirhael and Erithain have enough emotional maturity to admit they were wrong. The last part just flowed with I was writing this back in the day. Erithain is a good kid who was just overwhelmed by everything that befell him and had to muddle through. So happy you are reading! (((hugs))) MM

Lindelea	Reviewed Chapter: 20 on 5/16/2025
From my review reply to you, just in case you don't see it where I typed it: (p.p.p.s. I started by glancing at the reviews for Heir Apparent and see I did read the first few chapters. I probably got slammed by work then, and the story moved off the home page as other authors updated their stories, and I lost track. At least, that's the explanation that makes the most sense to me. So I'll be starting over once again and hoping to get all the way to the latest chapter this time!) (((hugs))) Lin Author Reply: Lin! Yeah! I'm glad that you are wanting to Sally forth and read my story. It is my first multi-chapter story and it is rather close to my heart. I really hope you like it. (((hugs))) MM

Janvpals	Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue 2 on 5/18/2022
this fic was so so so soooooo good omg!! i LOVED reading about arathorn and gilraen, and young aragorn growing up, and just. the. feels!!!! and the epilogue was so, so, sooooooooo well done omgggg thanks so much for writing this!!! Author Reply: So many apologies for not writing a response sooner! Life just happens! But though it is late in coming! Thank you so much for your review I poured my heart into this story and I am so glad it is appreciated!! Thanks! MM

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