Tigger
· 26 December 2005
· Chapter 53: 53: The Grace Requested
That was so heartachingly beautiful Larner. I've always wondered how the petition to the Valar on behalf of Frodo was made, but this is one that never crossed my mind. It's perfect though and fits beautifully w/canon.
I think the Professor would be pleased.
I also very much enjoyed poor nervous Rustrovid's first audience w/the King Elessar. The beginning of normalized relations between former enemies is never an easy thing. Very nicely done.
Poor Hardorn must have been going nuts having to wait in Rath Dinen of all places. I can understand Aragorn and Arwen's reasonings though. That Hallow is a place of the Royal Family/Kings and a sacred place at that. As much as Hardorn is a member of Aragorn's family, it is no place for a guard. Once again, nicely done...Although you could have had Hardorn wait for them in a nicer place. ;o)
Oh and I hope you had a very Merry Christmas w/your family. We certainaly did here. :o)
Author's reply
I'm glad you appreciate the decision to make the great eagles the original emissary for the petition, although undoubtedly Olorin, also, was used for the purpose of supporting it. But for the new Queen of Gondor and Arnor, it appeared the proper manner for her to initiate the plea, particularly as the King probably had told the Hobbits together about the finding of the White Tree that that particular story might have made it into the Red Book. And that you think the Master would appreciate it as well fulfills my joy.
I wrote in "The King's Commission" that there was an early skirmish with the Haradri, but that the Farozi hadn't supported those who led it, so wanted to explore that a bit better; and Rustovrid's audience indicates a proper appreciation of the protocol to be expected to be followed in great contrast to that shown by the Umbarians who had arrived on the day of Aragorn's coronation.
And you are right--the King's Hallow is no place for a guard.
As for Christmas--did a 24-hour shift with my disabled clients in the residence Friday-night through Saturday night, had another shift from 8:00am Christmas morning to 9:00 Christmas night, and have today off. Had brother, niece, and nephew and the baby to greet me last night when I got home. Received the set of the Kings from Middle Earth, including Isildur (who makes me laugh--the rendition is awful!), Elendil, Theoden (excellent!), Aragorn (looks a bit worried), the King of the Dead, and the Witch King. Quite the set for one as Tolkien-obsessed as myself!
Dreamflower
· 26 December 2005
· Chapter 53: 53: The Grace Requested
I had never thought much of *how* Arwen came to make her request, or if I did, simply assumed that it was done through Gandalf, who as Olorin was an emissary of the Valar. But this is a very lovely scenario, to have her asking through one of the Eagles, who are in their own way also emissaries.
It's good to see Rustrovid, and anticipate the later events in Harad as well.
Have you thought of putting a chronology on your User Info, so the stories could be read in order?
Author's reply
I'm considering it, but haven't had the time to do so up till now. May do so once I'm off my hectic work schedule for this week.
shirebound
· 26 December 2005
· Chapter 53: 53: The Grace Requested
He deserves to know the chance to have his wounds heal as best as they can, to have the Shadow cleansed away by pure Light, to have the chance to know pleasure and pure joy unbridled once more.”
What a beautiful petition. When I wrote "Sing Me Home", I suspected that the Lord of Eagles would be the messenger of Manwe for this boon, but didn't envision the details. It's wonderful to be given a glimpse of Arwen's thoughts and will, and how she cared for Frodo as much as the others.
Author's reply
It's a wonder how often the various stories we ourselves write independently or as a result of contemplation not only mesh with the originals left us by the Master, but with those of one another.
I'd not read "Sing Me Home" when I wrote this, btw.
But Arwen, too, owes her current joy to Frodo and Sam; and would join with the others to seek to get him easing.
Once again the amount of beautiful detail in your stories makes me feel as though I'm there with them, Larner. Aragorn's vision of his two long-lost brothers was perfect and moving - now he knows even more clearly what he must lose.
Good for Aragorn and Arwen to sneak off for a while - they deserve it! I liked hearing that Pippin was keeping everyone away, to allow the newlyweds some privacy. Hooray for Pippin!
It was touching to see Frodo dance at last, but very bittersweet because he will never do this again. He must feel as though he has lost even more of himself. But perhaps he is beginning to realise how others feel about him, and he is surrounded by love.
Seasonal greetings, and thanks you for your wonderful stories.
Author's reply
The imaginary brothers with a focus in Middle Earth right now, and how he has already found himself honoring them and now doing so more strongly!
The last dance, perhaps, of Frodo Baggins in Middle Earth, knowing how much he has lost already. He appreciates how much he is loved, but still, I fear, feels undeserving of much of that love.
And the glory of the Solstice and all of the many celebrations of that event from all civilizations and traditions, particularly from me for Christmas and Chanukah, to you and all; and may 2006 treat us all better than has 2005.
Oh, the joy to see him dancing and happy again! And to see the Light in him and Sam. But then too soon, to realize that joy is so fleeting. This isn't going to be pleasant to watch this slow decline in one so dear. I'm going to celebrate each moment of joy though.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Yes, one last time has he danced and known the release of that expression.
At least he still has his writing and the relative secrecy of his artistry to use, and it will be enough, I hope, to see him through the coming two years plus.
And hannon le, Antane.
Antane
· 25 December 2005
· Chapter 51: 51: The King's Wedding
He knew that Frodo was guarded all about with a Love beyond that which he himself felt for him...
Love this mention of Iluvatar's love for His child that had sustained him and the mention of the lembas, another of the Creator's gifts to His beloved children and the joy Frodo feels for his brother and the grief that he will never know it himself. I'm glad he had time to have joy again in the West before he died.
Merry Christmas! Christ is born! Glorify Him!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
He has been given to us and for us, and through him are we ourselves uplifted. Alleluia.
Back to this story....
Yes, Frodo is not fully consciously aware of the love that sustains him, although that will be made clear in the end.
I am so glad you appreciated it, Antane.
What a wonderful wedding and party afterwards. Glad that Frodo got to dance to bad that he most likely will not be able to do so again. I like the gift Frodi brought. Ment to tell you awhile back that, I loved your discription of the glasssman and his shop.
There are the twins calling Aragorn " little" and then Galadriel calling the twins elflings. What is age?
Author's reply
Glad that you liked it, Grumpy! And as for age or size--it's all relative, anyway, right? Heh! Have a lovely holiday!
Andrea
· 24 December 2005
· Chapter 52: 52: Wedding Guest
Once again I find that everything I wanted to say has been said already, by Dreamflower. There must be some sort of connection :)
I loved it that Frodo performed the Husbandmen’s Dance. It made him happy as long as the dance lasted. But the feeling of exhaustion afterwards and the realization, that he would never be able to dance like this again, must have been heart-breaking.
No wonder, that the dream of Sea Longing occurs that night. He knows that he has little time left, I think. Yet, he does not know what will be offered him.
I'm looking forward to reading the plot bunny story!
Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Author's reply
Dreamflower seems to do that at times--to say well what we all would say. And Frodo starts to feel halfway normal, only to be hit with the realization he is not what he was. As for what will be offered him--he doesn't know as yet, but even then must think on it.
And the plot bunny story is posted. Hope you enjoy it.
A joyful Christmas, a blessed Chanukah, a bright Yule, and a renewing Solstice celebration.
Big sigh here. So very nice and so very well done. I'm wondering how much stuff Arwen actually got unpacked though! :)
I also liked the whole scene between Sam, Frodo, Elladan, and Galadriel about how young or small each of them saw the other... it's all in your perspective.
The scene when Aragorn and Arwen finally emerged was... priceless I guess (not sure how else to say it!) Merry is right of course, but you don't say that even if everyone is thinking it. :) But I loved the fact that the hobbits bowed, we all sometimes forget that they are the hobbits king and queen too. The Shire is so distant and it doesn't really seem part of the realm at times and though we 'know' it is, it's good to be reminded of it at times.
Then when Aragorn saw Elrond again and expressed his joy over the day and Elrond received him with a kiss and then saw Arwen's happiness and was glad for her in spite of his loss was moving.
Then ending it with Elrond and Galadriel being able to give Frodo some sort of... well, complete healing for his finger was nice after the sorrow that he experienced with finding out that he won't be able to dance like he has in the past... that those things are gone for him.
Very nicely done!
Author's reply
Thanks so very much, for this was one of the chapters that took a lot to write. Aragorn and Arwen DO deserve to start on the physical aspects of their marriage as soon as possible, I think. That they've been kept from this for forty years is pretty extreme, in my view. And that the Hobbits got to greet the King and Queen after the consummation of their marriage first I felt THEY deserved, even if Merry should have kept his mouth shut. And Frodo would want them to feel the respect the four of them hold for their beloved King and his bride.
It would ease Elrond, I think, to realize that his daughter is truly happy, and that his beloved foster son is equally so. Wanted to see to it that was addresed.
And at least there is one good thing for Frodo to carry away from his own experience of the marriage, for the memory of dancing will now be dual in nature, glad he could do it and grieving he can't do what he once did; but at least the hand will no longer throb for him.
As for how much got unpacked--at least the outfits for the wedding feast! Heh!
I have been trying to read and review this chapter all day, and have had one interruption after another. I finally had to start back at the beginning when I finally found myself alone for a while, so that I could recapture the wonderful mood you have created.
The mood in the first half of the chapter was so lovely and joyous: the images of Light; the fun, feasting and frolics of the wedding reception (I particularly liked the game of hiding treats for the children in a haystack--very clever!); the observations of Lord Rustrovid--a very nice cameo; the gift from Frodo; and Frodo's dancing.
But of course, after he finished, the mood changes once more, and I love how all are united in trying to ease him afterward, the party and the other guests nearly forgotten in their concern for the beloved Ringbearer.
I find it interesting that you have attributed sea-longing to Frodo, caused by his reliance on lembas in the Black Land. That's a very interesting interpretation. I, too, have given Frodo the sea-longing, but I had it resulting from Arwen's gem, which eased his nightmarish memories by reminding him that he had a place he could go to be healed of them. I love it when different people come to similar conclusions from completely different causes! And I find your idea very interesting, that lembas would have this effect on mortals--you indicate that it even does so for Aragorn and Gimli. So this makes me wonder about Merry and Pippin, who also had to rely on it for a little while...
And, perhaps because of the interruptions, I did not quite follow the bit at the end: were Galadriel and Elrond using the fading power of their Rings to heal Frodo's finger? That was what it seemed like to me, but I was not sure.
Author's reply
Hiding things in straw or hay has been done for a very long time, and is the normal way in which Easter Egg hunts for blind children are carried out, for everyone is pretty much on an even playing floor when everyone's searching through the straw, and it limits the amount of ground the kids have to search to a nice, manageable amount.
Glad you liked the cameo of Rustovrid--he gets his audience, which is very different from that the Umbarians got.
Elves had some inherent powers of their own according to Tolkien, which would have been useful in this, but what I indicated worked at the end was a combination massage technique and physical manipulation--a little chiropractic move to relieve a pinched nerve and perhaps a bit of hypnotic technique and the pain is almost forgotten.
The idea of the Lembas leading to sea longing was described in the quote at the top of the site the other day, for they did two, one in which they described WHY lembas wasn't ordinarily shared with mortals and one about how the grain involved was grown, tended, and harvested by hand by Elven maidens dedicated to Yavanna and then made into the lembas wafers. As for the sea longing for Merry and Pippin--you sparked a plot bunny which I'll post on Christmas Day. Heh!
Lord Strider! How I love Samwise.
"Day after tomorrow"
A day's journey?
Um. I don't have time to look this up, but it rings a false note with me. Didn't it take at least a week for the army to march from Minas Tirith to Cormallen, on their way to the Black Gate? I might be remembering wrong.
Bless Faralion, discussing Frodo's honour, and innocence. Again, I reiterate how much I like this minstrel. He sounds very wise and understanding. I forget, was he in the battle? Where does he come from?
Aha. Sounds as if Frodo's figured something out about Thorongil (*g*)
I forget what language Adunaic is.
My goodness, to hear Pippin in such a serious conversation, giving adult consideration to his duty... He has come such a long way.
I love Pippin's reminiscences about Frodo.
But he didn’t forget how to laugh--not then.
A telling statement.
Ah, graceful Merry. So I see him also.
“He’s always been very responsible; but now he can’t seem to appreciate that no one is responsible for everything!”
Hah! Somehow I see Merry as falling ill to the "responsibility bug" himself, later.
It is so refreshing to read Merry's assessment of *competent* Frodo!
Nice explanation of why Folco didn't go along on the Quest.
Pippin doesn't believe in Frodo's heart trouble. Does Merry?
ooo, looking forward to hearing about Faralion's plan! But it'll have to wait--the children are awake and it is time to jump into the day with all four feet.
Author's reply
The Hobbits and Aragorn will be returning by ship, so will come more quickly, particularly as they're going with the current. I suspect that Faralion came in the transport with Merry, for they would wish to have records made of the battle, and the minstrels and bards were the ones who wrote much of the initial history of such things in medieval times, when even broadsheets weren't well known. But as even the Master didn't indicate how he came, I didn't bother to write it, either.
Adunaic was the language favored in Numenor once the island began to fall away from trust of the Elves and Valar; they distanced themselves from their Elven kindred by embracing this other language. It was about that time that they began using the prefix "Ar-" instead of "Tar-" in naming their kings. I supposed that since in Arnor they resumed naming heirs to the lineage of Isildur with an Ar- prefix the Northern Dunedain probably tended to speak more Adunaic among themselves.
I'd decided in "The King's Commission" there had to be a reason why Folco hadn't been involved, so decided there this was the reason; Ruvemir and Miriel came to the Shire after his mother's death, and so he felt freer to leave the Shire to marry Miriel.
And I think both Pippin and Merry have done a great deal of growing up while away, and it would be obvious in their evaluations of themselves and one another, particularly Frodo.
As for Faralion's plan, that's in the next chapter.
Author Reply: ps--Forgot I wrote Merry returning among the Rohirrim. Ah, well, we all leave plot holes from time to time, I think! Fforde's "Well of Lost Plots" must hold a few of mine! Heh!
French Pony
· 22 December 2005
· Chapter 52: 52: Wedding Guest
Some people do get overwhelmed at weddings, but what a glow at this one.
Great party afterwards! And Frodo was able to dance a little at it. That makes me so happy for him. I loved the thought of all the Hobbits singing and playing instruments, and Thranduil finally getting to chat Gimli up. And having both Elrond and Galadriel available to help Frodo's hand, that was some sorely needed relief.
I like the sense that things are slowly getting better, though they will never again be quite as they were.
Author's reply
Yes, this wedding was WELL attended, and by some who weren't there physically, perhaps.
The Husbandmen's Dance has appeared in my story "The Ties of Family," and Frodo's dancing of it is an important part of the story. But Frodo is now disheartened because he knows dancing isn't just an expression of joy any more, but an exercise for which he will pay in exhaustion.
I, too, like the idea that Thranduil got to meet Gimli first in neutral territory and came to appreciate him for himself as a result. I know LOTR doesn't say he came, but neither does it say he didn't. So, I decided to include him, as he was undoubtedly familiar with both bride and groom, and as both were seen as Elrond's children.
As the hand didn't appear to bother Frodo in the Shire, I wanted to see how the throbbing might have been dealt with, and this is what came out--a little bit of massage, some chiropractic manipulation and a bit of perhaps Elrond's own personal power or perhaps even a little hypnotic effect. As long as from now on Frodo doesn't have his hand ache all the time. It, at least, wasn't caused by magical means and ought to eventually heal.
I think this chapter is full of some of your most beautiful and thoughtful passages, Larner. So much grace and love and Light...
Frodo and Sam remained, remained as they’d been born, two Hobbits, one of extraordinary beauty and determination, and one of extraordinary sense and responsibility
he drew her to him with the fervency of one who knows that the current joy must be savored fully while it is yet possible.
The White Tree rejoiced to hear about it clear voices singing Elven hymns, thrilling as it felt echoes from its ancestor so far away. And it offered what comfort it could to the small figure resting under it, letting the light of the stars fall on Frodo, Frodo’s own Light shining in response.
How lovely that so many cherish Frodo, and are doing (and will do) all they can to ease him and show him honor.
Author's reply
Thank you for indicating particularly what you appreciated so much. And I think all would want to do all they could for Frodo, for even if the Elves now are leaving Middle Earth, at least they know they aren't just abandoning it to Sauron and his folk. They can leave with dignity and know that because of Frodo and Sam and Smeagol's sacrifice the great power for evil has been overthrown, and due to Estel the world will do well at least for the next hundred years or so.
Another wonderful chapter, Larner! The idea of these in Valinor watching through the eyes of Gandalf was so beautiful! And to see the light of being so clearly even in the hobbits, Aragorn seeing them for a moment as tall men - that was so nice!
Loved the question of "small" or not! Of course it is very funny for the hobbits to hear someone call Aragorn "small", as he is twice their size. And Galadriel will insist the twins are still elflings. Well, as soon as she sails West, there will surely be some other elves who think of *Galadriel* as elfling :D
In this chapter was a lot of gentle teasing and jests - very enjoyable! And Aragorn's question about the man of Dunland *giggle* Oh yes, I remember him from the other fic! And a nice glimpse of Rustovrid. Truly, I love all these connections to other fics!
Thranduil is getting to know Gimli? Now, that would be interesting! I'd love to see a bit more of this!
I'm glad Frodo was able to stand through this dance, even if he was exhausted in the end and disappointed as well. It would've been much worse if he had not been able to finish it. And his dream ... it's more as another vision, isn't it? It was good Elrond and Galadriel were able to ease him at least this much.
I fear there are too many parts of this fic I loved to mention them all, otherwise this review will be much too long!
You mentioned in a response to a review this will likely be the last chapter before Christmas. If that is so, then I wish you a very Happy Christmas and some wonderful days! And thank you so *very much* for all the great stories, for the frequent updates and so many hours of joy I had while reading them! *hugs*
Author's reply
For a moment Aragorn sees a glimpse of what the two of them would be like had they been born to the Dunedain instead of the Shire, has a glimpse of his desired brothers.
I like doing references to my other stories, as you know, and had to at least mention the guy from Dunland even if I didn't describe it in detail here.
As for size and age--such things are always relative, of course. And it did get Sam and Frodo both laughing at the absurdity of the notion compared to themselves, of course. And you are write--we never outgrow being our parents' little children, no matter how old we get, or so it seems.
Yes, the dream is another vision, one which he feels represents his own perception he can't properly heal, as well as foreshadowing where he will find healing. At least his hand no longer throbs, which is a blessing.
And thank you for your Christmas greetings and the thanks you've written. Hope your holiday is a joyful one.
Blessings to all as we enjoy our winter holidays.
This is a 'wow' of a chapter Larner. So much to savour and enjoy. So many emotions packed into so small a space - no wonder Frodo felt weary. I could go on and on about this but work calls yet again. Tall brothers and visions, the beginning of decisions to ask favours of the Valar on behalf of Frodo, Aragorn's extremes of joy and anguish and, above all, Frodo's dream all linger in my memory after one reading.
You have now made me wonder about the effect of the lembas on Merry and Pippin as you have accounted for all the other members of the Fellowship.
If this is, indeed, your last chapter before Christmas Larner then thank you for a wonderful one to tied us over the feast. Have a great time and a good rest. I honestly do not know how you manage RL, work and such detailed and well-edited tale telling, (well usually anyway!)! *grins with tongue firmly in cheek!* (Which, BTW is a very uncomfortable position!) I am off to spend a couple of days with Dad, visiting Mum and attemping to teach a certain black hooligan that I have a higher place in the pack than him!?! So fun and games all round!
Author's reply
I'm a widow, so don't have a husband to hound me to what I OUGHT to be doing, of course. I have to stay awake much of the night while clients sleep so do a lot of writing to keep myself awake in case of emergencies--none yet, but you never know, of course.
You and Dreamflower between you have sparked a plotbunny I'll post on Christmas day, and I HOPE you appreciate it. Not a Yule story, but a gift for Christmas and Chanukah. Heh! And I'm still upset at how many errors have managed to slip by in the last few chapters--have reedited several for minor stuff--but to miss two whole words! Must have been the tears in my eyes, is all I can think. Just noted in another review I wrote "write" instead of "right." Am fighting something and migraines, so I guess that's a lot to do with it all.
But size is relative, love is fullness, and I wish you and your family joy in the new year, and a stop to the bedsores. Your poor mother must be getting VERY tired of that.
Hugs to black dogs. My beasts all wag their tails at him.
I loved Galadriel with Elladan. (Elfling!)
And the way Elrond and Galadriel were able to relieve some of Frodo's pain. He did well with the dancing, but the realisation that he wouldn't be able to dance like that again must have been very distressing for him.
Lots of layers here - but the effect of a happy Aragorn married to Arwen is lovely.
Author's reply
The realization he could no longer physically sustain his dancing must indeed have been devastating. But he has had some easing indeed, and he knows his friend is very happily married.
I'm so glad you appreciate the layers of meaning here, and hope that it isn't too much at one time.
Linda Hoyland
· 22 December 2005
· Chapter 52: 52: Wedding Guest
Iloved the idea that Arwen's mother might somehow be able to see the wedding.It must have been a day full of mixed emotions for the Elves.
Author's reply
Yes, it would indeed have been quite a day of mixed emotions for the Elves, seeing two they loved joined, knowing they were now intended for quite a different future than themselves.
grumpy
· 21 December 2005
· Chapter 51: 51: The King's Wedding
Great chapter, it was like being invited to the wedding.
Hardorn saying he would throw Aragorn in the fountain, if he fainted. Plus Aragorn forseeing Sam and Rosie's wedding, and Frodo fading.
They finally did it, the man with many names, has married his love. Break out the champane, throw some rice, or birdseed!!! I must say, Lord Elrond was very brave to do the ceremony. I love the setting, before the white tree.
Author's reply
Yes, we've needed some more detail to this, I think. Glad you felt as if you were there. And thanks for the words of praise, which are sweet on the ear (or to the eye or whatever). Heh!
Baggins Babe
· 21 December 2005
· Chapter 51: 51: The King's Wedding
Oh my! What a beautiful wedding! You captured everything so perfectly, Larner. Had me laughing and crying, and from the other reviews I see I'm not the only one. I love seeing the High King of Gondor in a nervous tizzy!
I am disappointed that there was no stag night, no stripper, no bridegroom being stripped and chained to railings and no Legolas/Gimli drunken dancing - with or without lampshades! Drat! :-))
It was so sad that Aragorn had to have that vision of Frodo, but it led to such a lovely moment between the King and Gandalf - including Gandalf calling him 'child' - not many can do that with Aragorn, except Elrong and Galadriel, I suppose.
The wedding itself was so right and so detailed - wonderful. I really felt I was there. Thank you so much for this - it's a real gift.
Author's reply
I am still trying vainly to imagine Aragorn watching a stripper perform, and am rather glad I can't see it in my mind's eye. But, you may enjoy yourself as you desire! Heh!
So glad that you appreciate what was there, even the moments of sorrow as Aragorn appreciates that the time he spends now with Frodo it likely to be his last. And if anyone deserves to be able to call Aragorn "child" it must be Gandalf, right?
Thanks for the review.
grumpy
· 20 December 2005
· Chapter 50: 50: The Bride Cometh
Arwin's coming, yeh!!! And Aragorn is as nervous as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs. Sam is right on, there. I love it! You write it so well. I can just see, Aragorn with his chest full of money, to pay for his wedding feast.
There is poor Galador, being floored by the king once more.
Author's reply
I'm glad that the way I write so many say they can imagine just how it looked. I know that as I begin to describe it I, too, find myself seeing the inside of the banker's office, then the vault with the two witnesses in the background, and the faces of the vendors as they receive the funds to purchase food to give out at the feast.
As for Galador, the poor man is always gonna be floored by the King, I think! Heh!
Linda Hoyland
· 20 December 2005
· Chapter 51: 51: The King's Wedding
A beautiful and touching chapter with mant bittersweet moments.I like the way you contrast Aragorn and Frodo's futures here.
Author's reply
Thank you. Yes, it is quite a contrast--the one will have over a hundred ten years of a very happy marriage, while the other will have a year of apparently normal life followed by a year of distinct withdrawal and then not much more than fifty years of quiet life in the Undying Lands, although no one is yet knowledgable about that.
Andrea
· 20 December 2005
· Chapter 51: 51: The King's Wedding
Wow! I'm speechless! What a perfect, wonderful wedding!
The only shadow was Aragorn's vision of Frodo performing the wedding of Sam and Rose, thinner than ever, and fading. But he saw also pride and joy in his eyes. And Gandalf explained: "He is granted a respite, a time to see all he loves heal and begin to find peace and happiness, a time to reassure himself that all will be well once more with his land and people, a time to taste what would have been his had the Ring not come to him."
I think it was very important for Frodo to see that his homeland was finally at peace and his friends were well, but it must have been very painful to see what his life could have looked like, when the Ring hadn't come to him, including his relationship to the sweet Narcissa Boffin. She would have been the perfect wife for him. In my eyes he has all rights to envy Aragorn. But sadly, that will change nothing.
Author's reply
And because he realizes envying Aragorn will change nothing, he lets go the envy before it can become destructive.
And I, too, wish he'd paid more attention to Narcissa Boffin earlier on. Now he feels it is too late and doesn't even try.
Thanks so much for the appreciation shown.
Bodkin
· 20 December 2005
· Chapter 51: 51: The King's Wedding
Beautiful arrival of Arwen. Beautiful wedding. Just love the emotion between them and the whole sense of joy. Good for Elrond, too. Hard for him, but he has had enough hardship in his life that he knows when to accept the inevitable.
Author's reply
He knows his daughter will have at least a century of bliss, barring accidents and death in combat. And with this he must be content until he sees her passing Westward and sees how very happy she is. It's not called the Gift of Iluvatar for nothing, after all.
So glad you appreciated it.
Kitty
· 20 December 2005
· Chapter 51: 51: The King's Wedding
*sniffs and wipes eyes* I didn't know if I should cry or rather laugh, so I did both! It was so moving! Why had Aragorn to have this vision on his wedding day of all days? No wonder he needed some time for himself after this, and I was glad Gandalf was there with him. Although I suppose that is one of the reasons why they asked for permission for Frodo to sail West, when they knew what was to come.
There were some hilarious comments as well:
>i>“Shall we go see if Aragorn has melted into a puddle of quaking jelly as yet?”
“It was a wonder you didn’t try to sheathe your sword in your boot that day.”
“If you faint, Lord Cousin,” Hardorn admonished him, “I swear I shall pick you up and dump your form in the Fountain of the Tree.”
It was nice to have Elrond as father to both of them to perform the marriage, although my heart went out to him. It's so sad he has to lose his daughter forever! He has truly lost more than one person should have to endure.
Very bittersweet chapter, but I loved it!
Author's reply
Glad both the humor and the pathos moved you so in this chapter. Elrond has already lost much, although he will regain father and mother, at least, as well as wife when he sails to Aman. He has seen so many of the heirs to his brother born, mature, and die; this time he flees before the promise of the loss, although he will be aware of it anyway. But then he has the awareness, I hope, of the joy to come for Aragorn and Arwen both.
Thank you so for your expressions of appreciation for this chapter, which is one of the scenes I wished to expand on from the book most strongly.