I woke up this morning feeling guilty about you! Just to let you know that I thoroughly enjoyed this chapter and am dying to chat about it but it's the final few days of NaNo so I'm trying not to allow myself be tempted by distractions :-/ I will leave you a review soon. Great chapter, btw.
Author's reply
Aww, thank you. I'm glad you liked this chapter. It just flowed - unlike the last. Of course, it always helps when certain parts of the chapter are set down in stone - and you can just build on what is dictated as fact.
Have fun NaNo-ing! Avoid distractions at all costs!
grumpy
· 24 November 2005
· Chapter 8: Devotion
What a great chapter of the visit to the golden woods by Aragorn. I loved how you wrote his courtship of Arwin. The thoughts of both Aragorn and the elves.
Galadriel was priceless with her comment about his clothes.
Author's reply
Thank you. I'm glad you liked it. I love Galadriel - and she was right! Smelly, grubby, dirt-spattered Aragorn has his own appeal, but clean, groomed, elf-lord Aragorn is much better!
I rather liked the way Galadriel came out in full Sorceress of the Golden Wood, stunning beauty mode - just to see how Aragorn would react. And he passed the test.
Arwen must have had to make the move on Aragorn. He was too honourable to have take advantage of her - knowing what Elrond had said, and knowing how far he was from his goal. But she had had 30 years to think about it and knew that this was what was needed - here and now. And so she did it.
Amy
· 23 November 2005
· Chapter 8: Devotion
Have managed 3 or 4 more readings and wanted to say a few more things. I appreciate how Arwen's decision is informed by foresight, thoughtful (and explains the snippets about laughing less, which I'd always attributed to the menace in the East), and yet triggered by Aragorn's appearance. I love how she's the one who pledges first, and he's so spellbound with her that he answers automatically, so he doesn't willingly defy their father's conditions. I assume that Elrond never placed conditions on Arwen's choice (which would have negated his children's free will). Glorfindel urging Elrond to loosen up a bit rings true as well, Elrond having had a little time to think about things.
The Earendil parts are simply lovely!
But I think that Galadriel knew exactly what she was doing when she had Aragorn cleaned up.
Author's reply
Three or four more readings! That's great. Foresight runs through Arwen's family - and I think that the meeting with Aragorn at 20 was enough to get all her spidey-senses tingling. She has to have a difficult time coming to terms with the idea of choosing mortality and abandoning not just her people, but her father - who has been hurt so many times. And the world around the Wood is increasingly dark - it is not just Aragorn who is in constant danger: for him to succeed, they are all facing the end of the world as they know it.
I can't see Aragorn claiming Arwen - he's too responsible; knows how unlikely he is to achieve his goal; knows what Elrond has told him; knows how much this will hurt his foster-father; sees Arwen on a pedestal - a star too far above him for him to win. But she knows that he needs something more than a very distant dream to bind him to his task and offer him hope - and sees it as her role. In this time, in this place, Aragorn would find it impossible not to respond - but it would, I think, be a very pure commitment. Emotional rather than physical.
Difficult for all of them - Galadriel/Celeborn/Elrond/Glorfindel - they are all wise and knowledgeable enough to be aware that, however little they like it, this is one of those bonds that is inevitable. Like Luthien/Beren and Tuor/Idril. I'm glad you like the Earendil parts. And yes, Galadriel knew what she was doing. She didn't push, but she provided the opening. They didn't have to take advantage of it - but I suspect that she, too, knew it was necessary.
WindSinger
· 23 November 2005
· Chapter 8: Devotion
I finally found a bit of time to sneak out of 'lurk' mode to let you know, at least once, how much I am enjoying your story. You have done a marvelous job of examining how those closest to Arwen and Aragorn evolved in their varying levels of acceptance of Arwen's choice. And I just love your Arwen! She is just the right mix of wisdom, compassion, passion, strength and self-knowledge. I love how she accepts/embraces her choice and how she helps those who will eventually loose her understand the rightness of that choice, mainly for her, but also for the good of all of middle earth. Sigh -------
Also, very nice Elrond! And Galadriel, Celeborn, Curaniel, Elrohir, Elladan, Glorfindel and, of course, Aragron/Thorngil. Well drawn, mulit-fauceted, characters with the depth and honesty to almost walk right off the page and into my living room!
Very nicely done! Thank you very much for taking the time to share this wonderful story.
WindSinger
Author's reply
Thank you. I started this because I wanted Arwen to have more of a role in the decision-making than she usually seems to get. I am increasingly seeing her as having been the chief mover in this betrothal. Aragorn would adore her - but be typically alpha male about not wanting to take advantage of her / let down Elrond. She would have to be pretty forceful to overcome that. Although the atmosphere of the Golden Wood would help, I think!
I have grown so fond of all these characters - and I'm glad you like the way they come across. Thank you for commenting.
Linda Hoyland
· 23 November 2005
· Chapter 8: Devotion
Very beautiful and atmospheric.I am pleased that you have Aragorn hold true to Arwen and not play the field in Gondor as many fanfic writers do,which I think totally out of character for him.
I love the way you explore the attitudes of the different Elves and Arwen's determination to pledge herself to her one true love.
Author's reply
Aragorn was brought up elven - and with Gilraen as his mother, who, widowed very young, still maintained her faith with Arathorn throughout her life. He would have found the idea of casual sex distasteful at best, I suspect - and, having devoted himself to Arwen before he left Imladris, I think he would have held to that. He would have known that she would have expected it of him and it would be part of proving himself worthy of her.
I can't see Aragorn taking this step at this time without Arwen making the first move. He's too self-disciplined and far too far from his goal. But she, on the other hand, would know that he needed to strengthen the wire drawing him towards his goal. A distant and very abstract hope of winning her might not be enough - but a betrothal gives his something in which he can trust.
Lothlorien elves are a bit more isolated from the world than others - I can't imagine many non-elven visitors make it into the Wood - and I'm sure they would resent the idea of a man coming and taking their Evenstar from them. Galadriel knows it will happen - Elrond fears it is inevitable - but Celeborn would rather be like King Canute at the moment.
Larner
· 23 November 2005
· Chapter 8: Devotion
Ah, yes--this is my Aragorn here, seeing the gift given him and accepting it, but never asking for it, regretting the grief it will bring.
Bless them.
Author's reply
When I started this particular tale it was intended to present a strong and capable Arwen, who was more than simply a bone being fought over by two alpha males.
Aragorn, aged 20, was young enough to fall in love and not see the problems the relationship would cause, but Aragorn, aged almost 50, had too much experience and wisdom not to understand. I think he would see Arwen as a guiding light - but not see himself able ever to reach it. Arwen, on the other hand, knew that he needed something more in order to maintain his strength - and was prepared to make the first move. They still have a long wait, but he knows now that she will be waiting for him.
Elflingimp
· 22 November 2005
· Chapter 8: Devotion
That was a really wonderful chapter I didnt review the last one . It was great too. I loved the ending on this chapter you are a very good writer
Author's reply
Thank you very much - I'm glad you are enjoying this story. It helps to have such good material to work with - and Tolkien left such delightful gaps for our imaginations.
lwarren
· 22 November 2005
· Chapter 8: Devotion
I loved this...I don't have time for a coherent review (the killer bees are swarming!) but I will leave one later. Just wanted to say briefly how great this was!
linda
Author's reply
Thank you. You want to watch those killer bees - they can be dangerous if not watched! I'm glad you liked this. It was great fun to write - some chapters just are and others don't seem to care if you bother or not.
daw the minstrel
· 22 November 2005
· Chapter 8: Devotion
Oddly enough, one of the things I like here is the passive voice in the last part of this beautiful sentence:
as he had loved her at sight in the glades of Imladris, so she loved him and her choice was made.
It's as if she could not act differently.
A wonderful chapter, Bodkin. Particularly the last part.
Author's reply
Thank you. Much of the last part was Appendix A - although not quoted directly, except in the odd phrase, I think. I do think inevitability is a large part of this relationship (- well, and lots of other things, too).
I loved writing this chapter - it just assembled itself and marched onto the the page. I was going to hang onto it for a little longer and tweak bits - and enjoy having it to myself - but this morning I just impulsively went and posted it. And now I shall have to finish the next one!
meckinock
· 22 November 2005
· Chapter 8: Devotion
Wow, Bodkin. I promise to come back and leave a more coherent review later, but this was terrific.
Author's reply
Thank you. After bogging down rather in the last chapter, this one just demanded to be written. As is the next - at the moment at least. And it's changed direction slightly in its desire not to be too like Nilmandra's wonderful chapter!
Amy
· 22 November 2005
· Chapter 8: Devotion
Oh, oh, oh! All the details that Tolkien never wrote, beautifully realized. After so many years imagining this, I'm really happy with your version.
I love the way you worked out Aragorn getting the flowers, which I could never figure out a smooth way to do.
And Arwen's laughing less and having her turn to be spellbound: beautifully done.
The reactions of Celeborn and Galadriel and the Lothlorien elves also quite believable.
And Aragorn growing his beard back as he stayed, but he must have shaved before Arwen saw him or he wouldn't have resembled an elf lord.
Will be back to reread, but must go to work.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Author's reply
Thank you - I found that writing this chapter just flowed and I'm so pleased you liked it. Most of what happened is already there in Appendix A - and it is so much fun to extend it and add to it.
I think that Galadriel was more fatalistic about the whole business - but I can see Celeborn wishing he could hold back the tide. And Lothlorien is rather cut off and distant - which must affect the attitude of the elves to outsiders.
Aragorn would have kept his beard pretty short, I would think. Too much elf in his upbringing to let it get shaggy - and, yes, I can think that, in the pleasure of being able to clean the grime of the wild from him, he would remove the beard - but I also think he would let it regrow. It is probably important to him by now to stand up for the fact that he is a man and no elf - and facial hair could well be part of the statement - a way of showing that he accepts himself.
Jay of Lasgalen
· 22 November 2005
· Chapter 8: Devotion
I like the idea that Aragorn sees Earendil as a reminder of his faith to Arwen - and the mariner is, of course, a distant ancestor of Aragorn's, as well as Arwen's grandfather.
The ranger's warning that orcs watch Elladan and Elrohir is interesting - they are more noticable than most, and the orcs' leaders aren't stupid in working out that the twins could lead them to Aragorn and/or Imladris. They'd better be careful.
Author's reply
Parts of this just write themselves. It's quite remarkable - no thought is apparently involved. And the part about orcs watching the twins was one of them - and one that, once it's there, you just think 'of course'. And individual orcs were of so little importance to their leaders that they would happily sacrifice patrols here and there to catch bigger prey. Imladris, I suppose, under Vilya's protection, would be reasonably safe - but Aragorn . . . quite a different matter. And what about Mithrandir? Although I suppose he is both wizard and ringbearer - but he travelled alone most of the time and enough orcs could overwhelm anyone.
There's an extra relevance to looking to the stars when you're talking about Elrond's family - and Aragorn spends a lot of time in the wild with little but the stars to keep him company over the years. (It's quite funny to think that Arwen and Aragorn are actually first cousins - rather a lot of times removed.)
Redheredh
· 21 November 2005
· Chapter 7: Commitment
What a wonderful chapter! Good grief, they always are...
I really enjoyed the beginning with Curaniel. :D I do like her and she had so much wisdom to impart. Arwen's response made me cheer. The description of Celeborn and Galadriel as they greeted Arwen blew me away. I could just see the Light around them and feel their angst. And Celeborn still resisting, continuing to think he might overcome fate by willpower. Wonderful just wonderful.
So was the rest of the chapter - every single scene, dialog and description. Writing to aspire to. Watching the dark tide washing up around the domains of the elves was especially distressful. Comprehending that what they had been fighting back for so long was slowly encroaching closer was chilling. But, seeing Gandalf doing his thing was great. ;) Watching everyone trying to cope with the minor and major was fascinating.
I really like that description of Celebrimbor as a 'sprig from Feanor's tree'! And speaking of family trees, I am surprised Celeborn is not more concerned about Aragorn. He certainly seems to be more in tune with him after the betrothal and of course Isildur's heir is also Thingol's heir.
Well as usual, I am coming to this review rather late. Sorry 'bout that. I wish I could stay up all hours and still remain human. But, that is sadly beyond my meager, faded powers and I turn into a squash of unknown variety even before midnite now. It *hurts* when your head hits the keyboard.
Author's reply
Thank you. I like Curaniel. I haven't quite decided the course of her life yet, but she might be around for a while. And she's right - I was so longing to say those things about all the background work being an essential part of fighting and that not every hero carries a sword. I can just imagine C&G's emotions being powerful enough to be felt throughout their lands - and Celeborn being like King Canute and fighting the tide.
And Curunir must have taken decades, if not centuries to build up his own personal orc army - and tested them carefully against their enemies. I can't picture him thinking highly of non-Valinorean elves. Arrogant little Istar.
Gandalf turned up simply to give Celeborn a bit of a rocket, I think. He can do emotional things as well as dragon-confrontation and Celeborn needs to be ready.
Celeborn doesn't know Aragorn. He might accept the abstract concerns of the line of kings and Thingol's descendant - but at the moment he sees him mainly at a personal level as a threat. I think he might see him differently once he knows him - and, at any rate, he will support his struggle as best he can.
What? You mean you need to sleep? I can't understand it! (I can't stay awake in the evening at all. I'm hopeless. But fortunately I'm a very early morning person - and my brain works so much more efficiently in the dawn hours!)
Dot
· 20 November 2005
· Chapter 7: Commitment
I like the choice of using Cúraniel to give us an insight into the characters and situations. It works very well. My favourite part – though the one I find most heartbreaking – is when she thinks back to Arwen’s return and her grandparents’ reactions, with Galadriel’s quiet grief mixed with acceptance and Celeborn’s anger and heartache. And the idea that the melancholy echoes through the Wood is very moving. Cúraniel herself possesses a lot of wisdom. Her thoughts on how it is better not to be the subject of song are interesting and I think she told Arwen a lot of what she needed to hear – that their work is necessary and important for others to go and fight. Not that it makes things any easier, really, but at least she won’t feel as much like she’s sitting around while Aragorn goes off into danger. I thought Cúraniel’s point about Arwen already knowing what she must do or it wouldn’t cause her such anguish is also very shrewd.
What I find most interesting about the scene between Galadriel and Celeborn is how very different they are, how Celeborn knows, really knows, his wife and yet he admits to himself that there are things that he just cannot understand, that he would do differently. They are not afraid to disagree and yet they work together and can find comfort in one another.
I enjoyed the scene between Haldir and Mithrandir! But Mithrandir’s thoughts on how reliant Galadriel is on Nenya and whether it is wise to be shut away from the outside world are just fascinating. Of course, in some ways dealing with events of the outside world in the way that Galadriel does has to be harder than if she were to tackle them head on.
I love the banter between the twins, and even more so the way they switch so quickly to alert and deadly warriors. But the appearance of the orc and the twins’ confusion set against their cheery discussion of the delights of the Wood is a wonderfully, horribly effective sign of things to come.
The discussion between Celeborn and Mithrandir is just brilliant. This is so difficult for poor Celeborn. It’s hard to see him in pain but I admit that I really like the idea that he’s the one who wants to fight against this. Elrond and Galadriel are in no less pain but they add this sacrifice to the many others and resign themselves to fate but Celeborn really just doesn’t want to lose his granddaughter. Only Mithrandir, really, could point out to him that death is a gift and not only is Arwen’s choice her own to make, but is itself a gift. Even Celeborn will have a choice before him. I suppose at least he can stay until the end. I get the impression that Mithrandir, at least, knows that Elrond and Galadriel won’t have that opportunity. Although, now that I think about it, I’m not sure if it’s better to have to leave Arwen behind or to stay and have her leave them… My heart goes out to Celeborn, though. He does know that this is Arwen’s destiny. He just doesn’t seem ready to accept the loss to come.
Ok, I love, love, love the idea of his grandsons coming to interrupt Celeborn’s bath!! It’s very interesting too to see them piecing together information. Celeborn is so cool even in the face of a new threat and clever enough to realise that Curunír could be behind it, as well as recognising that he would be arrogant enough to dismiss the Moriquendi. Seeing this side of Celeborn makes his reaction to Arwen’s choice so much more effective.
As always, I enjoy seeing the three siblings together, although the neatly skipping over tales of Aragorn and the focus on teasing shows the effort that goes into maintaining their familiar relationship. You made me laugh with the goat comparison, though!! The mention of Gilraen was very poignant. Aragorn soon really will be left with nothing to hold him back.
I particularly liked the ending here, with Arwen ensuring that Aragorn has all the support he needs and urging her brothers to see it done. In a way she almost seems to be giving them permission to play an active role if they are needed, and thus persuading them to accept that this is the future that she has chosen. And I adore the last two lines.
Fascinating chapter :-)
Author's reply
I rather like having someone on the edge of things - who doesn't know all the ins and outs of several ages of foresight and suffering. The elf on the street. Celeborn is fighting this - I think he finds it hard to accept fate at the best of times, and this is his granddaughter!
And I did want to say that it is not just those who are wielding the swords who are the heroes of epics! Armies fight on their stomachs, to quote a rather successful general - Napoleon, wasn't it?
I don't think Celeborn is about to stop denying this possibility yet - although he is also prepared to deal with its outcomes. Should, of course, they all manage to survive to get to that point. And he might be angry with Galadriel (and have cause to get angrier) but he does understand that she is pursuing the course she sees as inevitable. Even if it is part of what leads to their separation.
Haldir. Well, having introduced him, he has to turn up every now and then! And he did amuse Mithrandir. Who can see Lothlorien as a haven trailing wafts of Valinor, but see at the same time that that is not altogether a good thing. Whatever he might say, he came solely to give Celeborn a talking-to - and he got his point across, I think. Celeborn knows he's doing a Canute.
The twins - poor twins, they do get to be light relief to intolerable angst. I like having them turn up and be brave or offer support. And interrupting Celeborn's bath amused them too! I don't think Curunir would have bothered much with those he thought were inferior. He was an arrogant piece of work.
Aragorn the goat. Made me laugh. And I then found that Gilraen was around a bit longer than I thought, so I expect she will feature in another chapter! Her brothers must be such a relief to Arwen. They don't like it, but they accept it and will support her when she is struggling to convince her elders.
Thank you. This is on a roll at the moment after bogging down for a bit.
perelleth
· 20 November 2005
· Chapter 7: Commitment
Do I end with the bethrotal?.... Wow! It depends on how do you feel, bodkin! I'd vote for your keeping with the story, if you feel up to it, yuet it is very painful, isn't it? maybe you can go on until the wedding? :-)
Author's reply
Well - I've done the betrothal. And Celeborn says that if he doesn't get the chance to tell them what he thinks of them, he will be extremely cross - so I'm two pages into chapter nine. I think it'll have to go on to the wedding - but I flatly refuse to write the following hundred and twenty years.
Oh drat. I don't want to. But suddenly, I'm not sure.
Linda Hoyland
· 20 November 2005
· Chapter 7: Commitment
This is just so beautiful the way you depict Arwen's knowledge and acceptance of her destiny,your story has helped me understand Tolkien better.I loved the touch of humour with the twins too.
Author's reply
Thank you. I can't see how Arwen can have gone into this without knowing and accepting what would happen. Of course she loved Aragorn - but she was nearly 3000 years old. She can't have simply been sitting around waiting for a 20 year old boy to turn up and call her Luthien. I do think all this is fascinating from her point of view. And the twins are delightful - every time things are getting a bit heavy, they turn up and horse around and act loyal and loving.
perelleth
· 18 November 2005
· Chapter 7: Commitment
Every piece is falling into place... in such a snooth way. It is an interesting period this, and I liked above all Mithrandir's meddling! A mover of things, after all! and he manged to make celeborn lose his composure.. or almost!
Death is Ilúvatar’s gift I liked that he reminded the lord of that... the boss' rules are not to be forgotten by the players, and busy people are likely to forget the inner and main goal of the game... even if you are a wise elven lord!
The sibling's bantering was relaxing, even if the subject was tense... Such difficult times ahead, yet ths was like the calm before the storm!
Author's reply
Mithrandir's visit this time is principally to be firm with Celeborn. He's a brave wizard! Celeborn really doesn't want to accept that he is going to lose Arwen to mortality - but Mithrandir made it plain that her fate is a privilege rather than a penalty. Don't know if Celeborn is really ready to understand that. But he, at least, can stay as long as he is needed - while Galadriel and Elrond will have to sail and leave Arwen behind.
Thank goodness for the twins! They kindly offer to lighten up most chapters with a bit of banter - all this could get very serious if it weren't for them!
Yes, difficult times ahead. Now, do I stop with the betrothal, or go further?
TithenFeredir
· 18 November 2005
· Chapter 7: Commitment
All the pieces are falling into place, each playing its part whether it would or not. Each piece is unique and seems made for its role. You really evoked a feeling of fate hanging over everything in this chapter. It's both beautiful and sad. ~TF
Author's reply
Thank you. It is a sad situation, I think. Love, yes. Romantic, in a way. But sad, too. Arwen has long since understood what must happen, I think. Possibly even before her naneth sailed - but the problem is getting all those protective male relatives to accept it and come to terms with it before it spoils their last years together.
Jay of Lasgalen
· 18 November 2005
· Chapter 7: Commitment
There's so many things I like about this chapter - the initial dismay of Celeborn and Galadriel at Arwen's choice, and her own clear awareness of what the price will be. Cúraniel's observation that it was better to be ordinary is true, and reminds me of Sam and Frodo talking about being the subject of stories and ballads in Cirith Ungol.
I liked the banter between the twins as they approach Lothlórien, and the way they switch instantly to deadly warriors at the first hint of the orc. And they're working out that this orc is different, and where it probably comes from.
Author's reply
Yes. Better to sing songs than be the subject of them. Curaniel is fortunate to realise that. Galadriel accepts the inevitability of the choice more than either Celeborn or Elrond. Perhaps since she did something of the same thing herself. Celeborn and Elrond both want to protect Arwen - but she won't let them. As it says 'her face was more grave and her laughter now seldom was heard'. She knew what it meant.
The dear twins. Light-hearted banter is needed - so that is what they provide. But they can switch in an instant and they have no need of conversation to know what the other will do.
And Saruman must have taken some time over his orc-breeding programme. His little friends must have been trying their strength by now. I don't think Saruman would have thought Celeborn and the twins were much of a threat. Arrogant barely begins to describe him.
daw the minstrel
· 18 November 2005
· Chapter 7: Commitment
I liked the cutting back and forth between different inhabitants of and visitors to the Golden Woods here. Each little scene was entertaining and moved the story forward. I think I particularly liked the scenes with the twins. They bring news and perspectives from outside that stir things up. Poor Celeborn. He's having a hard time with this.
Author's reply
I'm glad the cutting back and forth worked for you. There is so much going on that it has to move around a bit, I think. (Well, it does at my skill level. There may be better ways of doing it!) And then there are the characters who featured earlier, who have to appear again if there is to be any impression of planning! The twins do get to be comic relief, to a degree, but I must say I enjoy them. Their light-heartedness conceals a serious purpose and a whole lot of love - but they don't see why they have to be gloomy about it.
Celeborn is finding it difficult. He likes to be in control - and he's not too fond of accepting the dictates of fate. I think he needed to hear it from the wizard.
Larner
· 18 November 2005
· Chapter 7: Commitment
Ah, Undomiel, how soon you will now make your choice.
LOVE the intrusion into Celeborn's bath. So wonderful! And the Uruk-hai of Isengard begin to stumble upon the eaves of the Golden Wood? Wise the one who begins to watch the neighbor who pretends to be friend.
And love Gandalf being somewhat rude here. Heh! Crafty soul that he was.
Author's reply
Such a difficult choice. Elrond's family never seems to get anything easy or obvious. Yet Arwen already knows, I think, what she must do - and so does Elrond. It's just a shame that they can't know it together and spend more of these final years in the same place.
Isengard's Uruk-hai can't have appeared that suddenly. Saruman must have spent some time developing them - and we're only some fifty years short of the quest now. Celeborn is naturally fairly suspicious - and Saruman is arrogant enough to have discounted the Moriquendi among the elves.
Gandalf has to open Celeborn's eyes - if anyone will throw a spanner in the works of fate, it will be him. And that wouldn't be a good idea!
Amy
· 18 November 2005
· Chapter 7: Commitment
This chapter both breaks my heart and fills it with hope.
Lovely!
Author's reply
The romance of Aragorn and Arwen is just so filled with grief and pain as well as love and hope. They and their families are just so courageous - in more than obvious ways. Thank you.
RS
· 12 November 2005
· Chapter 6: Devotion
I was browsing through and found this story. I am so pleased !!! GREAT!! The twins are so endearing. I think I have a crush on Glorfindel!!! The anxiety of Celeborn knowing that the day they have dread is coming, The mental torture that Elrond is going through... You get a feeling that something is hanging over their heads and it is about to fall!!! ARwen is a very gentle soul who adores her family and yet is very strong-willed. The relationship between Aragorn and the twins is wonderful!!! I love the fact that Arwen got to know Gilraen (your characterization of her is what I have imagined her to be). I love the twins reaction to Aragorn's feelings towards Arwen!! Hilarious!! Poor Aragorn...wanting to grow up so fast and have responsibilities and then all of a sudden...bam..he got what he wished for and more. The last conversation with Aragorn and Elrond was very touching. Such a beatiful story. I can't wait for your next update!!!
Author's reply
I'm glad you like it. I am shamelessly fond of the twins. And Glorfindel. And Elrond. And I think that Arwen is a very underestimated character, who almost never spent time draped on sofas looking mournful.
Poor Aragorn is so young here - and has just had so much heaped upon his head that I'm not surprised he is finding it hard to cope. Really the last thing he needs at the moment is to fall irrevocably in love - but you can't argue with Appendix A! He won't be nearly as young next time he shows up, I'm afraid.
Thank you for your kind words!
meckinock
· 24 October 2005
· Chapter 6: Devotion
I can't decide which part of this chapter I loved the most. Glorfindel is wonderful; both in the opening scene, where we can see his devotion (great chapter title!) to and concern for Elrond and then later, when, sweaty and dirty (oh yay) he dispenses wisdom to the twins. I loved his enjoyment of the ability to still boss them around!
The twins are great, too. I loved the threat to turn the next arrow on Elladan, and the image of the sons of Elrond following Aragorn around like sheepdogs, trying to protect him was delightful. Glorfindel's observation that whatever they do was likely to be received with resentment by Aragorn but they should go ahead and do it anyway was right on the mark. But then he's dealt with surly youngsters before, it sounds like.
The conversation between Arwen and her brothers was delightful. There is such warmth, acceptance, and humor there, and she is very gentle with them, while making it clear that she'll make her own decisions. And Gilraen is strong as nails and sharp as a tack. She is a wise woman to see that Aragorn needs time to sort everything out, including his feelings for Arwen. Oh, and Gilraen barging in on her sleeping offspring was perfect. It is really nice to see Gilraen so strong and decisive.
Arwen is really strong here, too, and she seems to be easing her family toward what will be a very difficult realization. It was intriguing to see Elrond's mental machinations -- like Glorfindel, he knows his own power and realizes he could keep Aragorn and Arwen apart if he really tried. It must have taken all his love and trust to refrain from doing that. This was a great chapter.
Author's reply
Thank you. Glorfindel has this tendency to turn up at key moments - and then leave everyone speechless. He has done a good job with training the twins, I reckon. He retains the power, even when they are more than old enough to demand to be on equal terms. But they are adult - and they are powerful in their own way. And they have their own role in this budding culmination of Elrond's long years of endeavour.
I actually started this in the sheer frustration of all the female characters being portrayed so often as wimps, who get in the way of the real business. Except, that is, for Galadriel, who is evil-dragon-woman. (Not everyone, of course, and not all the time - but too often.)
I loved your Elrond/Aragorn rapprochement. It is so good - it's probably just as well that my focus is Arwen, because maybe I won't touch on that at all. It was just too perfect to want to do it any differently.
I'm glad you liked this - and I really must engage my brain to attempt to get further. So far the next chapter consists of about two paragraphs - and it's been there for weeks!
Redheredh
· 9 October 2005
· Chapter 6: Devotion
Late as usual... my apologies...
But, impressed beyond belief. What a wonderful chapter! The settings you crafted for Tolkien's word-gems were themselves works of art. His words sparkle on their own. But now, they can be moved about and seen from another lovely angle; beautifully framed for hanging so to speak.
Heh, the twins want to protect both their siblings and may find that very hard to do. Although he holds up as a tough commander, Glorfindel seems helpless against feminine wiles. How sweet. ];}
Elrond continues to be overly-protective too. Sadly aware of possiblites. He knows Arwen and Estel's fates are intertwined, but does he really know how much or in exactly what way? Is this infatuation a true indication? Everyone fears that Arwen will be the price for the return of the king, but how? With her actions or her life or her heart? Well, her father has a few more decades while Aragorn is told to stick to plans - to set things aside and concentrate on graduating from 'king college'. What will happen when Aragorn does graduate? What will his education have taught him? He was weary when he came to Lothlorien.
Personally, I never thought Aragorn was angry or confused about his heritage. He was proud of it. He was proud to tell the elf-maiden he met and instantly adored the day he learned of his true parentage. But, he was made aware what he had in hand was not enough to gain Arwen Undomiel. For him, it was a cruel twist of fate that the desired elf-maiden was Arwen and not some other to whom he could offer less.
This story is just so well-told and beautifully written. More than that, it is enlightening and, as with everything you write, touches our emotions.
Author's reply
Thank you so much. This chapter just flowed around the scenes set up by Tolkien.
This must be such a difficult realisation for the twins - who love both Estel and Arwen - but at least they get to stay for her as long as she needs them. And Glorfindel - I can't help but picture him as one who could confront anything except a tearful elleth.
Elrond it only too aware of the likely outcome. He likes to think that Arwen isn't aware of the choice she will have to make - and I think she is humouring him. She doesn't love Aragorn yet. He is too young and callow. But she feels something - the beginning of a bond, perhaps, between their fear? And Elrond is honest enough to tell Aragorn that he will have to wait, remain unwed, remain true to his path - when it would have been easy enough to push him into marriage. He has a hard path to follow.
I think Aragorn would have been proud to be the heir of Isildur - but maybe angry that he had been kept in the dark. Resenting that those he trusted knew, when he hadn't. And just teenagerish. Possibly loved Arwen so devotedly because of just when he first saw her. Instant endless love is rare - but then, when destiny takes a hand . . .
I'm so glad you enjoyed it.