I have read this several times over the years, along with your other stories. They always brought me so much comfort - they were the exact types of stories I yearned for upon completing the Lord of the Rings. And still yearn for in my latest re-read! Gen stories which built on the Professor’s world while keeping the characters relatable. This story, like your others, is realistic but optimistic. I am confused/surprised that I never left a review… and now deeply apologetic and regretful. I don’t know if this will reach you, but I write nevertheless with the hope that it does. I hope you’re well even in these dark times, and I just want to say thank you, sincerely, for gifting us with your stories. I’m sure this will not be my last re-read, by any means.
Vi Janaway
· 1 May 2004
· Chapter 10: Res Miranda
You did such a good job.
very realistic.
But I am so glad for a happy ending.
Vi
Fionnabhair Nic Aillil
· 31 March 2004
· Chapter 10: Res Miranda
I've been following this story since chapter three (I think) and I have really enjoyed it. I thought the focus on the secret knowledge of women, and Arwen deciding to record it at last was in some ways an oddly feminist idea (I see that as a good thing, but if you don't I didn't mean to cause offence). Anyway the linking of the pregnancy and the trade negotiations was inspired - a great way to show that life doesn't consist of a series of 'great' moments, but is all messed up. I liked the interplay between Ioreth and Doronrîn but I couldn't help but feel that there was a great opportunity for comedy there that was somewhat missed (except for that wonderful moment when Doronrîn called the new born baby fat, and Ioreth had to shut her up) - however I'd like to reiterate that I really enjoyed this story, and wouldn't change it.
eokat
· 31 March 2004
· Chapter 10: Res Miranda
What an enchanting end. I feel as exhausted as if I had actually delivered the child myself, after reading this. And what a lovely name to give the little princess. A really good story, French Pony, I have enjoyed reading it immensely. Thank you. Eokat.
daw the minstrel
· 30 March 2004
· Chapter 10: Res Miranda
You are so right! Arwen and the baby were both brave and strong. What a struggle to be born. I am so glad that everyone is happy, at least for the moment.
Great story, French Pony.
daw the minstrel
· 30 March 2004
· Chapter 9: Should Earth Against My Soul Engage
This chapter must have come out while I was away because I missed it. What a gripping description of labor! I've been there and I know just what Arwen means. But I also feel for poor Aragorn. Thank goodness Faramir is there to comfort him. I was struck by the image of the midwife's bloody hand. What an awful sight for Aragorn.
grumpy
· 24 March 2004
· Chapter 9: Should Earth Against My Soul Engage
a wonderful chapter, with a cliffie at the end, what a place to leave Arwin.
I loved this chapter from beggining to end. Faramir is a great friend, to come and sit with Aragorn. The king of Gondor, to be banished from his own rooms by anger midwifes. Love it and can't wait for more.
eokat
· 24 March 2004
· Chapter 9: Should Earth Against My Soul Engage
Well, what a position to leave Arwen in!!! This is one of the best cliffhangars ever. I love the possesiveness of the midwifes, a man in the room , shock horror. They never seem to realize that a man was needed originally!! Looking forward to the next, please do not leave Arwen hanging around too long. Eokat.
Portia
· 23 March 2004
· Chapter 9: Should Earth Against My Soul Engage
Well, that's a nice place to end a chapter! Not that I don't know what happens, but STILL...
Aragorn being browbeaten and shoved out of the way by midwives was funny. I do love Ioreth, and Doronrin's growing on me. I loved the Aragorn-Faramir friendship scenes also.
Blue Iris
· 18 March 2004
· Chapter 8: To Blow Well And To Bear Well
Sorry it took so long for me to review but I was pondering on what I wanted to say as I digested the last two chapters.
I am very much enjoying this story and there are some moments that truly sparkle. The dialog is splendid and I am getting a real feel for the characters, the rituals, the action. It is all drawing me in. However we are now at chapter eight of a ten chapter story. I really think that this story could successfully be expanded to novella/novel length. You have two good strong threads in Arwen's pregnancy and the trade negotiations with Harad. To me both beg for further exposition and exploration. I do not want to see it end so soon and wonder if you are planning a spin-off on the trade thread.
eokat
· 18 March 2004
· Chapter 8: To Blow Well And To Bear Well
I loved your description of the yuletide celebration, it was very moving. So the great event is about to happen, looking forward to the next chapter. This is really a superb story and getting better with each chapter.
Torezhan
· 17 March 2004
· Chapter 8: To Blow Well And To Bear Well
I have just completed the first eight chapters of this lovely story
It is well written and I like the way you continue the tale of Aragorn and Arwen. I want to read the rest
Vi
daw the minstrel
· 17 March 2004
· Chapter 8: To Blow Well And To Bear Well
Oh I'm so excited! The baby is coming, the baby is coming!
I loved your descriptions of yule and playing in the snow.
l'avvelenamento moglie
· 16 March 2004
· Chapter 4: Give Ear Unto My Story
Harad wants Most Favored Nation status, huh. Who do they think they are -- the Chi-Coms? And how come Aragorn and Faramir weren't briefed on the regime change in Harad? Who do they have in charge of their intel -- George Tenet?
Just kidding! I love it when I find political analogies in LOTR fanfic.
eokat
· 10 March 2004
· Chapter 7: Eternal Happiness Or Woe
Another good one. I think we are all looking forward to the birth chapter. I liked the scene when Arwen could not get herself up off the floor and struggled to use her writing desk because of her belly.I also feel there is more to come with the trade delegates, whether good or ill, will be interesting.
Arwen Baggins
· 9 March 2004
· Chapter 7: Eternal Happiness Or Woe
You have mentioned the Harad king's (what's his name) promise one too many times, and while he has agreed not to spill blood in the Evenstar's home, since he is a poisoner, I would expect him to resort to that. But the question is, what does Aragorn think?
I always wondered why Elrond and Celebrian only had three kids in a few thousand years. As for Arwen's child? Let's just say that I'm looking foreward to the birth chapter. This will be very interesting indeed!
daw the minstrel
· 9 March 2004
· Chapter 7: Eternal Happiness Or Woe
French Pony--
Could you please delete the strange review I just sent? :-)
Aragorn is funny here. He's so sure that he's seen everything, but he's lived in a world of men with battle wounds. The birth of his child is a puzzle even for skilled midwives.
And how odd for the midwives, who seem to have to keep all their fear to themselves. I suppose that makes sense. No point in alarming people.
grumpy
· 3 March 2004
· Chapter 6: The Warmer Gales
great chapter. So Aragorn has found a solution for the trade problem with Harad. Loved the part about Arwin and the woman of the sewing circle. looking forward to more.
eokat
· 3 March 2004
· Chapter 6: The Warmer Gales
Interesting chapter,trade will develop, but I fear suspicions will be fervant.The ladies of Gondor seem to be very Victorian, not speaking of 'delicate matters' That made me smile to read it.
Portia
· 2 March 2004
· Chapter 6: The Warmer Gales
This is a lovely story. There's so much that Arwen and Aragorn (as well as the other characters) would have to deal with after marriage--it's not just "happily ever after," though there is that as well. And I love the Harad politics. And the childbirth/female bonding stuff! I was amused at the Gondor library having all the info about diseases and battle wounds but not "unofficial" women's knowledge like childbirth. I've also always liked Ioreth, so it was good to see more of her.
Blue Iris
· 2 March 2004
· Chapter 6: The Warmer Gales
Woot! Woot! We are seriously liking this story! You write trade negotiations and politics so very well. It had good pacing and verbal exchange, very believable, as well as a certain energy about it that really drew me in to the action.
The cultural context for the Haradrim is wonderfully wrought. Good research on cotton, a lovely subject that pre-18th Century historical reenactors have nearly come to blows over. It was not unknown in medieval times and was flourishing in Asia and the Near East.
I am looking forward to the unfolding intrigues of Gondor vs Harad / Spy va Spy.
Oh, and the Ithilien Ladies' Sewing Circle and Terrorist Society was grand indeed.
Not to worry about commas. I know I am no Conan the Grammarian; and so finally I acknowledged it and got myself a beta reader. All the better for the cc. I appreciate your honest reviews, and consider that you thought so well of the memorial scene in my last chapter of Queen, to be highest praise indeed.
daw the minstrel
· 2 March 2004
· Chapter 6: The Warmer Gales
Political intrigue for the gentlemen and baby lore for the ladies. Somehow I suspect that this is not all going to go smoothly.
Faramir is very perceptive and Aragorn is lucky to have him.
eokat
· 25 February 2004
· Chapter 5: Wheel In A Wheel
Well isn't Ghayar one smarmy so and so. Even Aragorn is not so sure of his motives. I think the midwifes are secretly dreading the birth, Arwen is in for one hell of a labour by the sounds of it. This is such a good story. Eokat.
daw the minstrel
· 25 February 2004
· Chapter 5: Wheel In A Wheel
Now you have me intrigued. What is Ghayur hiding? He certainly seems taken with Arwen. As well he should be. I loved the description of her first appearance in one of Eowyn's gowns. And Faramir is a very good husband to recognize the dress!
Blue Iris
· 18 February 2004
· Chapter 4: Give Ear Unto My Story
Sorry not to have reviewed sooner but I was waiting until a few chapters were up to see where it was going. it seemed a bit of a slow start but I think the story is hitting its stride and taking on a little more warmth and color. The first chapters seemed oddly dispassionate, almost like scientific observation. This last chapter is much warmer, more the way you write about hobbits with vitality so that one can feel one is watching the story unfold right there.
Trade being my favorite subject, I will be interested to see how the dealings with the Haradrim go.