A Good Man is Hard to Find by Wordweaver
LisaG · 7 August 2010 · Chapter 7: Acknowledgements
Seems we always hurt the ones we love, huh? Realistic story of true love gone awry...at least for a little while. Both Aragorn and Arwen had valid points and equally erroneous ideas of what the other was feeling. I love a happy ending! :)
fadagaski · 12 March 2005 · Chapter 6: The Homecoming
I'll admit readily that I opened this story with no small amount of trepidation. "Divorce in Middle-Earth? Ai, Eru!" was my inital thought. But your reasonings and treatment of the different, conflicting emotions of the characters - especially Arwen, Aragorn, and Faramir - were wonderfully meaningful and set the whole tale firmly in the context of the books. Not a trace of modern nonsense. Hooray!
Author's reply
Thanks for the encouraging review. I'm so glad you enjoyed my story. I always felt that Arwen was set up for a fall in her relationship with Aragorn because all their relatives constantly send her the message that she's really too good for him, and he's extremely lucky to have her. While this might be true, from Aragorn's point of view, I felt Arwen had to move beyond such an attitude to the point where she would truly see losing Aragorn as a fate worse than death. Wordweaver
Julia · 14 February 2005 · Chapter 7: Acknowledgements
Splendid ending! I liked Aragorn's apology, and how you had Aragorn and Arwen on one horse. That image of the knight and his lady on a single steed is also one of my favorites from the medieval legends. The little princesses were extremely cute, and it I loved it when they asked Aragorn if he'd brought them anything. Typical kids. Aragorn and Arwen are back together, Aragorn has taken up the mantle of kingship again, and all is well in Minas Tirith. What a lovely way to leave things. Thanks for thanking me for my reviews too. If fics are good, like this one is, I can get pretty involved. I hope you are planning on writing more fics soon.
Author's reply
Thank you so much! I can't tell you how much your reviews have meant to me. You really did both encourage and inspire me through your enthusiastic responses to my story. I kept thinking as I revised a chapter, "Will this meet Julia's expectations?" You've been a wonderful audience. Wordweaver
Pasha ToH · 14 February 2005 · Chapter 7: Acknowledgements
well done and perfect timing... I think you caught their characters spot on, but my favorite image was young Eldarion wearing the ring of Barahir about his neck, pondering growing into it. and how glad he seemed to hand it to his father. May the Valar bless your muses... Pasha ToH
Author's reply
Thank you so much for your encouraging review. I'm very glad you enjoyed my story. It's a privilege to share a story with people who find pleasure in reading it. Wordweaver
Shaan Lien · 11 February 2005 · Chapter 5: Beneath the Moon
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's 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
Julia · 7 February 2005 · Chapter 5: Beneath the Moon
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's 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
Lyn · 2 February 2005 · Chapter 4: What An Elf Would Do
Very beautifully written.. but Tolkien made it quite clear that Arwen's fate was to share the fate of Man....whatever and wherever Aragorn went when he died. There would be no ship to take her to the Undying Lands where her father and mother were, the home of the Valar themselves. Once she had made the decision to marry Aragorn, she gave up her right to an Elvish end and chose (like the beauthiful elf Luthien who married the human Beren), a Human end. Your writing is a joy to read and I hope to read more stories of yours.
Author's reply
Thank you for your very kind and encouraging review. I'm very glad to know that you found my story a "joy to read." As far as the issue of Arwen's fate, I think Tolkien's position is a bit more ambivalent than what you have stated. Aragorn, at least, believed that Arwen's choice was revocable and he told her on his death bed that "the utermost choice" lay before her, whether to sail into the West or abide the Doom of Men. I take her statement that there "is now no ship that would bear me hence," to mean that all the other Elves have already departed, not that she couldn't have taken a ship if one were available. Since the story is set only 21 years into the Fourth Age, I have assumed that there are still a number of Elves living in Middle Earth and making their way to the Havens. For the purposes of this story, what really matters is Aragorn's perception of the situation. He believes she can leave him (and fears that she will) whether or not that is actually the case. Sincerely, Wordweaver
AM · 1 February 2005 · Chapter 4: What An Elf Would Do
Thank you Leggy!
Julia · 31 January 2005 · Chapter 4: What An Elf Would Do
Thank goodness Legolas found him! And it was smart of Leggy not to confront Aragorn with his disapperance right off the bat. I confess I would have probably yelled "WHY ARE YOU BEING SO IRRESPONSIBLE!" which would just have made Aragorn defensive. Now what's Arwen going to say? More soon please!
grumpy · 30 January 2005 · Chapter 3: The Steward's Watch
Well at least they know he is still alive. Somebody needs to go and find the man, get some sense into him, and bring him back. His family needs him and he needs his family.
AM · 27 January 2005 · Chapter 3: The Steward's Watch
Talk about a self-fullfilling prophecy. Someone - Legolas? - needs to take Aragorn and give him a good shake.
Julia · 25 January 2005 · Chapter 3: The Steward's Watch
Faramir should have told what he saw in the Palantir to Arwen, so she could at least know Aragorn is alive! I hope he tells somebody, and soon! I'm worried about how the kids, especially Eldarion, are going to handle it if their dad does not come home soon. More story, please!
Envinyatar · 25 January 2005 · Chapter 3: The Steward's Watch
I have to say I was very doubtful when I first saw this - I just couldn't believe Aragorn would abandon his throne in what seemed little more than a fit of pique. However, you're handling it so well that you've convinced me to go with it and see what happens. I really like the way you've conveyed the different POVs and I find Faramir particularly convincing, especially his empathy with the Ranger life and his battle with the palantir. I was puzzled as to who Arwen was planning to turn to for help, thinking maybe of the twins, until I read your other reviews. I forgot about Legolas (! - shows where my loyalties lie.) His attitude to Aragorn's disappearance should prove very interesting. Looking forward to reading more.
grumpy · 22 January 2005 · Chapter 2: A Treasure Too Lightly Prized
How sad that Arwin never fully committed herself to Aragorn. Well just don't stand there, go and look for the man.
Author's reply
When everyone has always told you that you're doing the man a favor by marrying him, you can get attitude. It's hard to live happily ever after when you start taking the love of your life for granted. Thanks for your continued interest and encouragement. Wordweaver
lwarren · 20 January 2005 · Chapter 2: A Treasure Too Lightly Prized
This is a very interesting take on a side of Arwen I don't think I've ever read about - her selfish side. And I can't help but think that the Evenstar had her weaknesses and failings just like everyone else! It is entirely possible that she did not recognize the reason Aragorn wanted her close to him until it was too late. Silly girl...and at her age too! She ought to know him better! Still, it's never too late to learn and she's on the right track now. Aragorn's shock therapy just might turn out to be the best jolt he could give her! Only one problem...how does she let him know? I really like the way you have touched on some very different POV's here...and will watch for the next chapter! (Arwen needs someone who knows her husband WELL and has traveled with him before to go after him and bring him home...dare I hope that THE elf might show up soon? :-) gee, I'll bet ya can't tell who my favorite is...*g*) linda
Author's reply
I'm glad you enjoyed it. I really like trying to get inside these charaters heads and consider why they do what they do. Rest assured, Legolas is coming, but things must get a little more complicated first. Thanks again, Wordweaver
Julia · 19 January 2005 · Chapter 2: A Treasure Too Lightly Prized
Aww, poor Arwen! Of course Aragorn still loves her. I like how Eowyn pointed out that if Aragorn had wanted to cheat, he could have cheated with her all those years ago (you can't tell me anybody as infatuated as Eowyn was would have said no.) It was nice having Eowyn underscore Aragorn's devotion to his wife, and I'm glad you made her and Arwen such good friends in this story. Now somebody needs to find Aragorn and lock him and Arwen in a room together so they are forced to talk. More soon please!
Author's reply
Thanks for the encouraging review. I've always thought that at some point Eowyn would have to come clean with the Queen about her infatuation with Aragorn. The thing I hoped to underscore through their interaction was that Eowyn, who has experienced rejection from a man she was in love with, doesn't take being desired for granted. Arwyn, on the other hand, has always been sought after, and therefore didn't fully appreciate what she had, until it was gone. I hope you enjoy the upcoming chapters.
Raksha The Demon · 19 January 2005 · Chapter 2: A Treasure Too Lightly Prized
Good to see a new chapter! <<“You may rest easily now, my lady. I have come to assume my duties as Steward of Gondor, and I will not leave until the King has safely returned to Minas Tirith. If you should need anything at all, send word to me immediately,” and with that, Faramir bowed deeply and took his leave.>> Faramir already is Steward of Gondor, he would not announce that he's assuming his duties; he would never have put them aside. I think you mean that he's taking up the rule of Gondor in the King's absence, which he is also empowered to do. I liked Eowyn's revelation to Arwen that she'd once had a major crush on the Heir of Isildur - what a shock to Arwen indeed! I can't see Eowyn as becoming the most capable healer in Gondor - she simply wouldn't have enough time, since she is also Princess or Lady of Ithilien and a mother of one or more children; she'd have a lot of responsibility at home. I see her as becoming an excellent healer, but not the absolute best, better than people who do nothing but heal the sick....
Author's reply
Thanks for the suggestions. I will try to incorporate them in future updates. Maybe Eowyn isn't the most capable healer, but I think she's really good. I also think that a woman who "fears neither pain nor death," and loves "all things that grow and are not barren," would make an exceptional mid-wife.
Jule · 6 January 2005 · Chapter 1: The Disappearance of the King
Thank you for this very intrigueing story. Although it doe sem harsh Aragorn leaing his 12 year old to ruke I can see it as a very viable and sensible thing to do. Arwen is the selfis youngest child of an elf lord. She could easily mean to leave for short visit and come ack a century later. What is a century to those alive thousands of years but in Gondor Aragorn would be dead and they would once again be without a king. As sad as it is Eldarion needed to be kept in Minas Tirith I just hope he realizes his naneth backed his loving Ada into a corner. I would hate to think the kids did not think their Papa loved them.
Anonymous · 5 January 2005 · Chapter 1: The Disappearance of the King
Man, we knew Aragorn was a self-doubter, but being so unsure about Arwen's love? It seems a bit much. Maybe if the story was taking place years later, when Arwen's sea longing would have been stronger, it would seem more fitting. As it is, Eldarion's youth may keep Arwen in the city for a while longer, but since Aragorn says "he would not try to hold her," leaving when his son is so young seems rather irresponsible and un-Aragornish. Don't get me wrong, it's an interesting premise, and Aragorn's concern for the future kingship rings true, but it seems like the story may be set at the wrong time.
Author's reply
The issue is not Arwen's age, but the age of their marriage. She is already 2,808 years old, and could easily be growing weary of Middle Earth, especially since so many of her closest relatives have already departed. Aragorn had believed that his love would be enough to compensate Arwen for all she was giving up to stay with him, but her yearning to go home to Rivendell makes him believe he was wrong. They have been married long enough that the "honeymoon" is over. They are busy with young children and affairs of state and haven't been making their own relationship a priority. They have been arguing, for a long while. Aragorn is man of few words, the strong, silent type. He's tired of arguing, so he walks away. As in any family where the marriage is in jeopardy, it is the children who suffer. It's also important to remember that Aragorn was raised by a single mother. He had to be mentored by a foster father. He doesn't want to lose his son, but the reality is that when men lose the mother's of their children, they often lose the children too. He believes he has no other option, and that Eldarion will pull through, as he did, with the guidance and nurture of a compassionate mentor, who will appear in a later chapter.
Raksha The Demon · 4 January 2005 · Chapter 1: The Disappearance of the King
I like the conflict over Arwen's longing for her Elvish roots. However, you've overlooked that Arwen cannot retract her choice; she can never take a ship to Valinor; she will live and die in Middle-earth. I have trouble believing that Aragorn would burden his twelve-year-old son with the kingship to go play Ranger. But if he is doing it, he should have at least alerted Faramir, whose job it now is, as Steward of Gondor, to run the kingdom until Eldarion comes of age.
Author's reply
I believe that Arwen can retract her choice, and so did Aragorn. On his deathbed he tells her, "The uttermost choice is before you: to repent and go to the Havens and bear away into the West the memory of our days together...or to abide the Doom of Men." I take her response, "There is now no ship that would bear me hence," to mean that last of the Elven ships have sailed, not that it would be impossible for her to take one if it were available. Since my story is set only twenty years into the Fourth Age, I imagine there would still have been a sizable Elven population making its way to the Havens. As to Eldarion, Aragorn only burdens him with the kingship in order to ensure that he won't be taken from Middle Earth altogether. Faramir will step in to do his job, as well. Keep reading. Author Reply: I believe that Arwen can retract her choice, and so did Aragorn. On his deathbed he tells her, "The uttermost choice is before you: to repent and go to the Havens and bear away into the West the memory of our days together...or to abide the Doom of Men." I take her response, "There is now no ship that would bear me hence," to mean that last of the Elven ships have sailed, not that it would be impossible for her to take one if it were available. Since my story is set only twenty years into the Fourth Age, I imagine there would still have been a sizable Elven population making its way to the Havens. As to Eldarion, Aragorn only burdens him with the kingship in order to ensure that he won't be taken from Middle Earth altogether. He sees this as a dynastic crisis similar to the one which induced his grandparents to allow Gilraen to marry young because they feared that Arathorn would be shortlived. Faramir will step in to do his job, as well. Keep reading.
Lamiel · 4 January 2005 · Chapter 1: The Disappearance of the King
This is certainly an intriguing premise, and your style is clear and makes for an entertaining read. I shall be interested to see where you go with this.
Galatyn Renner · 4 January 2005 · Chapter 1: The Disappearance of the King
"Wrapped in his weathered cloak....Strider the Ranger had returned." This paragraph made me almost happy for Aragorn. I liked the way that you recast the events of Appendix A. THey seemed to support Aragorn's actions. I also like Aragorn's plan to return as Thorongil...again. I will follow this story with great interest. G. R.
Julia · 4 January 2005 · Chapter 1: The Disappearance of the King
What the heck is up with Aragorn? If he was so unsure of Arwen's returning, he should have gone with her and had Faramir take over until his return, or let her go and then gone to escort her home in a couple of months. Poor little Eldarion, thinking he's going to have to take over as King of Gondor at age 12! I hope Leggy can find Aragorn before something bad happens. If I was one of Gondor's enemies, I'd think this was a perfect time for an attack with the King gone.
grumpy · 4 January 2005 · Chapter 1: The Disappearance of the King
Like the frst chapter of your story. The differences of time between a elf and man. Aragorn should have gone with Arwin, to make sure she came back after awhile. He could alway have used a vacation. Looking forward to more
Bodkin · 4 January 2005 · Chapter 1: The Disappearance of the King
Interesting start. Aragorn is very insecure, isn't he? Arwen only wants to go and visit her brothers and grandfather. If he thinks she'll forget to come back, he could arrange to join her in a couple of months and escort her back. Manipulative, too - even if he thinks his reasons are impeccable. He's made it practically impossible for her to get out of the city. If he thinks this is a good way to get her interest, he could be proved wrong!