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| Arwen's Heart by Bodkin | 15 Review(s) |
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| meckinock | Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 1/7/2006 |
| I can so sympathize with Elladan and Elrohir. After devoting their lives to eradicating evil, to be left behind on the most important mission ever must have been torture for them. Although now maybe they understand what Arwen was trying to tell them in the last chapter :-) And it's adorable how they have to armchair quarterback (sorry; US term but I can't think of an equivalent) the Fellowship's entire journey. Actually, it's quite amusing that Elrond and Glorfindel were doing the exact same thing later on, after they found out that Gandalf had fallen. Maybe amusing isn't the right word, but it made me smile because you KNOW they would do this. And it was amusing that they eventually found it amusing. If you get my meaning... Elrond's talk with Arwen to reassure her of her importance to Aragorn and his love for her was so sweet I wanted to hug him. He's going through the most frightening time in his life, facing the grim options that Arwen later describes for us - to lay down his life in a futile defense against Sauron or to hand over his daughter - and even in his darkest hour he finds the strength and love to give to his daughter. It was interesting in this chapter to see moments in the Fellowship's journey from unusual perspectives - the quiet of Imladris in the hours after their departure; the discussion in Rivendell following Gandalf's fall, the departure of the Grey Company - I loved Arwen calling each brother her favorite in turn. The Rangers through Arwen's eyes and the passing of the standard (a Halbarad cameo- yay!) Curaniels' impressions of the Fellowship's arrival in Lothlorien and her participation in the lament-singing. So many small, overlooked moments were brought to life in this chapter and it was all delightful. And Haldir is still such a wonderful pain in the rectum. Still more: the aftermath of Galadriel's trial; the effect of Sauron's defeat on Elrond, the calm after the battle at the Black Gate (sweaty, bloody, dirty, sleeping Aragorn - thank you!). Wonderfully done, Bodkin This was a delightful chapter, Bodkin Author Reply: Poor twins. I can't help but feel that if they had been slightly less committed to orc-slaughter, they might have been slightly more suited to secretive missions - but they would have hated being left behind. And all those maps are just irresistible. They would have had to sit back and plan the best route! Elrond - what a star! - he's seen and suffered so much. If anyone could do this with grace and understanding, it would be him. It must be so hard on him to take a back seat, too, and know that the action that would change his world for ever was taking place elsewhere. Poor Haldir. You have to have someone to grouse - and he's just so good at it! Thank you. I'm glad you liked this. Now the next couple of chapters and the epilogue (I think it has to be an epilogue, just in case it's too out of character) - that's a whole different matter! | |
| Gandalfs apprentice | Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 1/7/2006 |
| Hi, Bodkin I really enjoyed this chapter. You continue to make the characters very real. When you've finished this tale, I intend to read it again from the beginning, and then, if you like, make some "overall" comments. You've got just the right emotional note (at least, for me) in the Aragorn-Arwen story and how her family sees it. G.A. Author Reply: Thank you, GA! I shall have to do the same myself - the trouble with writing over such an extended period - this was first posted about eight months ago - is that you tend to forget just how it started and it evolves as you go. The Aragorn-Arwen story is a very difficult one - in superficial ways very romantic, but actually full of tragedy, loss and uncertainty. More soon! | |
| Bejai | Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 1/7/2006 |
| I haven't had a chance to review recently, but just had to let you know how much I'm enjoying this story -- how you weave my favorite characters back into the parts of LotR where they disappeared, or were only mentioned in passing. This is my favorite kind of story, and you do it all so masterfully. Loved the subtle tension among those who love the elven ringbears--what to do if Sauron wins. And you capture so well the theme of the books: even victory has its costs, on so many levels. I do so adore all your work! Author Reply: Thank you - I'm glad you're liking it. It's so interesting to take another viewpoint on stories and almost completely ignore the main business of the Fellowship. Tough on those guarding the guardians - they wouldn't have known quite what to expect if Sauron regained his ring, but they could make a pretty educated guess and know it wouldn't be good. And Glorfindel and Celeborn were far too wise and wily not to be ready for it. I'm flattered that you enjoy my work - I shall immediately go and write some more! | |
| Jay of Lasgalen | Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 1/7/2006 |
| There are many wonderful elements in this - Arwen with her brothers, Elrond, the depth of planning and discussion, and the organisational skills Arwen and the twins show. There's sadness as well: Glorfindel's instruction to the twins to take Arwen and flee should the quest fail. The most chilling part is Glorfindel's terrible vow that he will not let Elrond fall to Sauron, and that Arwen too will act if she has to. It's chilling, but not surprising. They would have no choice. I like the look at the effect the Ring's destruction has on Elrond, causing his collapse. I know Vilya will fail once the Ring has been destroyed, but hadn't considered what it would do to him in that instant. Author Reply: It is, I am afraid, getting harder and harder to avoid sadness. However much joy is involved in Aragorn's accession and his marriage with Arwen, it is countered by sadness and loss. They don't have time to think about it at the moment - and there are still too many obstacles to be passed, but... Glorfindel is forced - much against his will - to hand on to others the responsibility for ensuring that Sauron cannot break Elrond, and Celeborn, too, would have had to to the same. (Harthad got the job, actually - but the detail missed the cut.) Better in Namo's Halls than enslaved by the Dark Lord. Elrond and Galadriel were both shocked by the effect of the Ring's destruction - but at least it ensured that they knew instantly what had happened! And I quite forgot until this minute that their next information probably came courtesy of the Great Eagles. I admit I quite enjoyed dealing with the whole of the WotR without ever featuring the major players from the Fellowship. It made a different perspective. Thank you. I'm glad you liked it - and I hope the rest isn't going to be too depressing. | |
| Elflingimp | Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 1/7/2006 |
| That was a very good chapter,you are doing very well with this story. I really thought the part when Arwen was telling her two brothers that each of them was her favorite was heartwarming. I think I will try this with my grandsons as I only have two they might get a kick out of it,as always thanks for sharing. Author Reply: Thank you! I am currently struggling with the fact that the post-War section of the story cannot help but contain tragic elements - which is rather difficult. Arwen and her brothers have had a long time to establish little rituals like these - and use them as expressions to give voice to the love that they have for each other. And as long as you tell everyone that they are your favourite, who can object! | |