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| The Heir Apparent by Mirkwoodmaiden | 145 Review(s) |
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| Fimbrethil | Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 11/18/2025 |
| Just as good as when I read it solo! Only I have forgotten who gave Estel the horse, Arathorn or Erithain? How do you think a Sindarin preeminence will help generate storylines? *Thinks about it: With Legolas and family, I guess, not to mention the Lorien Elves* | |
| Fimbrethil | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 11/18/2025 |
| So that is how he gets his name. Alas that Gilraen had to deal with it, but amazing that she did. “Erithain closed his eyes in reaction to the flare of pain that came with the newly minted title spoken sorrowfully by one who had ever teased him. He held up his hand to still the loved and respected man’s tongue. “Please, my friend,” he whispered fervently and quickly, lest more emotion than he cared to expose could escape the bounds of his sorrow, “I must be left alone.” He looked at the older lieutenant to his brother-in-law and dear friend.” Somehow I had totally forgot he hadn’t been told. Be strong Erithain, you can do this. This paragraph is so sad. I was about to say maybe Erithain should find I wife to comfort him, but then Galadriel showed up. Galadriel! It seems he will manage. And Erkenthal was waiting at the door the whole time! I wonder if he heard the conversation with Galadriel. I hope those two will long support each other. I am glad Erithain has a loyal friend. The Erithain part especially, was nicely written! Thank you! | |
| Fimbrethil | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 11/15/2025 |
| “This will nearly kill Erithain, he loved Arathorn like a brother. But Arathorn chose well for the little boy’s regent. It was almost as if he knew this would happen.” Indeed. I hope Erithain doesn’t die literally, at least, not yet. Because for one he is regent:) “Elladan looked down at the sleeping child and thought, I did know this was going to happen, I just did not know when. He silently cursed prophesies showing them the truth but giving them no power to change what must be and anger flowed freely through him” Ah. “What say you to splitting our forces. Half to Rivendell with Gilraen and the little one and half as a guard of honour for Arathorn,” his voice catching at the last word. “It is a sound plan. I shall make the necessary arrangements.” Erkenthal bowed his head to his little Chieftain and went off to see the plans put into action.” I see. So that is what happens. They do know this just occurred because they didn’t have enough forces together, right? Oh, oh, that second group of orcs and what it caused! “Aragorn did lift his head at the mention of horses and looked down at the two horses and their riders taking a cool drink at the small watering spot” He would perk up at the mention of horses! And I am glad Elrond understands why Elladan helped Aragorn and that he could heal Elladan as well. “Elrond burst out with a joyous laugh that at first stunned Aragorn, he had not heard a laugh like that for what had been a very long time for a little boy of almost three. The next sound was one Gilraen never forgot as long as she lived, Aragorn laughing. After almost a week of unimaginable horror and grief to hear her silent child laughing was like a gift from the Valar. A small feeling inside her breast re-emerged which she at first did not recognise. It was hope.” Yay! They ought to have recognized the feeling of his name somehow! I only *hope* Erithain and the other Dúnedain can go forward knowing their *hope* is well in Imladris. Now they only have to endure the funeral/burial of Arathorn…do you know there is a drable, I think, somewhere on here Elladan and Elrohir buried Arathorn under a tree near where he died? I guess they could still do that here, but a little bit later after they have recovered somewhat and the Dunedain have said their farewells. Thank you for writing, MM! Author Reply: Fimbrethil! Thank you for reading and writing so thoughtful reviews. I really do appreciate them. I guess the thinking when I was writing this was that it was only a small guard as not to attract too much attention? I'm not sure. I wrote most of this story a long time ago. Thanks for writing! (((hugs))) MM Author Reply: P.S. Erithain doesn't die. He is even around and riding with Halbarad and the Grey Company in the Battle of Pelennor Fields. He doesn't die there either. I guess I don't like killing off my longtime characters! I think in another review you suggested that Halbarad could be Erithain's son. I like the idea. I might rework some stories to include that! (((hugs))) MM | |
| Fimbrethil | Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 11/15/2025 |
| “My friend, what do your Elf eyes see,” he whispered.” Lol! I mean, it is not funny, but the circumstances are the same. I suppose Erithain fathers Halbarad? “We must set a defensive formation and protect my wife and my son at all cost. Take the horses into the Trollshaw and hide them. We will retrieve them after the Orcs are either dispatched or fled. Move quickly now and give the orders around. I must see to my wife and son.” I would have thought they would want to keep the horses, to immediately flee if necessary. But I guess they don’t fight like the Rohirrim. But Éomund was more easily killed because he was pulled from his horse, I think. Oh right, Gilraen knows from the vision. I hope Aragorn remembers his father’s love for him somewhere. And that Gilraen will remember the happy times too, and be comforted. Oh dear! I had forgotten his death would make much more sense if he was distracted! “My love, I am sorry I was not able to protect you. I have failed.” Wow he sounds like somebody else. Faramir, I think. (or anybody else who is married, really). Éomund to, I guess, though I imagine he died on the field and his wife wasn’t there. I suppose if love is replaced with king/captain etc. it could be Boromir. Om further thoughts it could be Finduilas or Denethor. Or even Théoden, once he realizes what happens to Théodred. I need to stop thinking about this before it gets any sadder… “Arathorn looked gently into his son’s eyes, “My son, never be afraid of death, for I will be waiting for you on the other side.” After expending this last reserve of energy, Arathorn slipped from the world.” Wow. 208 years to go! In response to your A/N: my book timeline says Saruman discovered in 2939 that Sauron was searching the fields. Which means they could have been doing it earlier, but he didn’t know. I probably have realized Arathorn was killed like King Harold was in 1066, but I had forgotten. I also hadn’t thought that Tolkien wrote it that way on purpose, but maybe he did. | |
| Fimbrethil | Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 11/7/2025 |
| Oh, is Elladan worried about when Arathorn will die? If I was him I would be. Change is definitely coming, my friends, but I think you are ready for it. Well, maybe not actually, but you are all strong enough to withstand it as a group. Oh my, the news from Galadriel. Right, you have Arathorn be killed as he is taking his family to Imladris. “But he is only two! Far too young to be separated from his mother and father.” The awful truth hit Arathorn full force. He was losing his family. Gilraen would have leave Fornost with Aragorn. He shut his eyes to ward off the awful pain of reality. All due to the shadow. He felt anger the likes of which he had never known since his beloved Gwenrith was murdered shuttered through him. With the utmost of effort he calmed himself. He winced with inner pain as he said, “So be it.” A single tear fell from his eye.” I see, but then you are killed before you are separated long. I don’t know what happens for you after that. Oh! He is not going to try and kill orcs for revenge in this stage is he? Because that will definitely result in his death. “After consultation with Elladan and Elrohir, I ask that in the event that should anything happen to me and Aragorn not yet old enough to take the oath of Chieftain, that you stand in his stead until he should come of age.” Ah, so Erithain does stand in. I suppose Dirhael is still alive at the moment to govern his own lands. | |
| Fimbrethil | Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 11/7/2025 |
| Ah Arathorn and Erithain are in Imladris. And I should have realized when I read the date that she would have something to say to him in September 2930! Erithain and how he is taking the Rangering. Why does your Arador not die in 2930? For the below, I guess. [Edit: Ah, in Fall 2931.] “Do you think that you are the only anxious father to ever pace these boards,” Arador chuckled wryly. “Only problem is I actually broke through a floorboard when you were born and your grandfather, Argonui made me replace it right then and there.” “He would not.” Arathorn thought back to his memories of his grandfather and none of them suggested that Argonui would do such a thing. “Yes, well. Your grandfather mellowed with age.” Arador laughed ruefully. “Actually it was not such a bad idea, it kept my mind occupied while I waited.” Lol. I am starting to think with all the details he didn’t make it up. Is Gilraen’s family here? And lo! Arathorn does give his life to protect his son! Skipping to 3933…when he goes to see Elrond; that trip is when he is killed, isn’t he. “the gray eyes lit up with delight and he said, “Horses!” Erithain looked from his nephew to his sister. Gilraen said with amusement evident, “Oh did I tell you? Our little Aragorn is speaking now! He can now say many things, but “Horses” and “No!” seem to be his favourite words. The young captain said, “My bright boy!” and hefted his nephew on his shoulders, “Let us go and see the horses!” Little Aragorn giggled; uncle and nephew then made their way to the stables with Gilraen looking after them chuckling with amusement.” heehee, indeed! Hmmmm did Aragorn did do the Chieftain ceremony when he left for the Wilds? Arathorn takes him to Fornost/Annuminas and tells him who he is. Nice, but as you say, he won’t remember for eighteen years, if at all. I hope they take the colt out soon though? | |
| Fimbrethil | Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 11/7/2025 |
| And I deleted my review by accident. But it was mostly: I guess Arathon’s mother is dead? On rereading the second time I realized WHY Dirhael was crying. Arathorn gave her a mirror his sister had used! Nice touch. Elrond and his sons are there! Elladan is the pendant bearer? I wonder if he has been since Aranath. And the wedding of the next Heir of Isildur will be with Elrond’s own daughter, the Lady Arwen, (and except for these four he won’t have any other family unless you count Faramir and the Fellowship.) The ceremony is rather serious. It is sad when you consider how long Arathorn will live, but I am sure he was somewhere in Gilraen’s heart the rest of her life, even if she concealed it. So Elessar and the Evenstar will wear the circlets at some point? If not after the RotK to Gondor (i.e. their wedding), then after the reestablishment of Arnor? Author Reply: Fimbrethil! "Elladan is the pendant bearer? I wonder if he has been since Aranath." Possibly! "The ceremony is rather serious. It is sad when you consider how long Arathorn will live, but I am sure he was somewhere in Gilraen’s heart the rest of her life, even if she concealed it." It does remain with Gilraen, I have another story on here called "In the Midwinter." About Gilraen and Arathorn. http://www.storiesofarda.com/texteditor/chapterlist.asp?sid=7660 "So Elessar and the Evenstar will wear the circlets at some point? If not after the RotK to Gondor (i.e. their wedding), then after the reestablishment of Arnor?" That is a good idea and a story I haven't written. | |
| Fimbrethil | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 11/6/2025 |
| “Her mother met her eyes and Gilraen had the oddest feeling that she was being introduced to two guardian angels.“ Indeed. Oh for their lives! …but I guess Aragorn kind of had to die for Aragorn’s life to turn out as it did. “The Thane’s daughter sat thinking that she would soon be a widow, because she was going to kill Arathorn the next time she saw him for causing her this embarrassment.” Don’t! That is worse than the real reason! :) I suppose if the Twins have managed to find joy so far in their life I won’t begrudge them… but the kind of joy they will experience starting in 6 years or so with Estel I would much rather have. His young sister to whom he was devoted died many years ago in an Orc attack. For a long while he mourned and shared his pain with no one, but slew Orc by the hundreds in a feverish vengence,” a look of pain crossed his blue eyes, a look so incongruous with this merry Elf that it struck Gilraen to the heart. “We have known such vengeance and have long accompanied him when he goes to hunt Orc.” Oh. and indeed. He sounds even more like Éomund. (sometimes Éomund has a sister who was killed by orc, also.) “ Gwenrith was her name and his face always lit up when speaking about her. At length she said, “Arathorn has spoken of her often. She always seemed like someone I would like to have known.” hmmmm…I don’t suppose you have a story of Arathorn and his sister, do you? I like the part after, where the Twins are slightly awed he talked about her, and their look to Ivorwen. “could tell a ripping good yarn when he felt so moved” what I phrase! I suppose he does have it in him. Elf friend! oh my? If only that bond worked for Arathorn and he used it timely… | |
| Fimbrethil | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 11/6/2025 |
| Arathorn and Erithain talking heehee. “but he had something of the sight and he could foresee little happiness for his beloved daughter in this match. It scared him.” I see. But Ivorwen had more. Like how Elrond looked and saw death, but Arwen saw life… “Understandably, he was nervous. He'd wrung from his father his slow permission to allow him to offer marriage to Dirhael's daughter. He thought back on that conversation.” Ah, I suppose he would need something of that in this instance. “I give you my consent. But I ask only that you tread carefully, my son." I hope he did, but I am afraid he didn’t. At least not after he had an heir. I wonder if there is an Éomund meeting Théodwyn story? “Treading carefully was something Arathorn had become practiced in as the Chieftain's son, but he felt it was going to take all his skills gained through the years if he was to convince Dirhael to accept the match.” Ah. well, maybe his future mother-in-law will help. :) Indeed, by way of visions! she even sees the Return of the King! | |
| Fimbrethil | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/6/2025 |
| “Bristling, Arathorn almost spoke before he thought, an action most unlike him“ Hum. Here I was thinking he was like Éomund. This is a good explanation for why Dirhael didn’t want Gilraen to marry Arathorn. “Dirhael feared marriage to Arathorn would only bring sorrow to his beloved daughter.” It will, but also joy, and more lastingly, Hope. …and Renewal. Oh my the end! But why is Arathorn adding another job to Erithain’s duties? I expect to see Erithain in the future! Very good beginning! As you can see, I will now be reading this. Author Reply: Fimbrethil! Hello! I am so glad you have started reading this. It was the first multi-chaptered story to have been written by me and it is rather close to my heart. I am going to try and catch up with your reviews! Thanks so much! (((hugs))) MM | |