Dreamflower · 2 February 2006 · Chapter 10: Chapter 10
Um... *wow* *combusts* More coherent review later.
Author's reply
heheehh! Now there's the effect I was looking for. LOL!
Starlight at Eventide by Ariel
Reviews (78)
Dreamflower · 2 February 2006 · Chapter 9: Chapter 9
*whew!*fans self*breathes* Oh my! You most *certainly* know how to set a mood! It's a good thing that chapter was on a computer screen and not on paper--that was definitely combustible. Oh, and Aragorn and Arwen and that *coach*! *giggle*!
Author's reply
Hehehehe! Well it *is* quite a long journey from Gondor after all. ;) Glad you liked it and didn't think it too much.
harrowcat · 2 February 2006 · Chapter 9: Chapter 9
Oooh! That definitely sounds like it was worth the wait! *g* And what a coach! Red satin sheets and all!
Author's reply
:D If I'm known for anything, it is probably for writing het. I only hope that I made the build up worth reading too. Thank you so much for your continuing support while I published this story.
Inkling · 2 February 2006 · Chapter 8: Chapter 8
Wow, philosophy and romance…a tricky combination that I’m not sure many could have brought off as well as you did here. I liked that while you could have ended with the kiss, you didn’t, ending instead on a poignant note. Loved the tribute to Frodo, of course! ;) ps—there’s a line break in Aragorn’s speech: “It grieves me beyond measure that…”
Author's reply
LOL! Well, you know me, the angst maven. The kiss ending has been done. I never look back. ;) And thanks for catching that line break. I don't know where these goofs come from between cutting and pasting, but they sure show up.
Inkling · 1 February 2006 · Chapter 7: Chapter 7
My heart went out to Estella weeping in the rocker…I remember exactly when and where I was the last time I nursed, and how sad I felt knowing the weaning was finally over. This is truly a bond, and a loss, beyond Merry’s understanding, although it’s to his credit that he’s trying…
Author's reply
I debated including this point in my story, but it is something I feel VERY strongly about. I nursed my daughter till she was nearly two (I got pg and my milk dried up) and my son till he was 2 1/2 but I live in a part of my country where less than 12% of children are breastfed and where women don't even understand what kind of astonishingly empowering experience they are throwing away when they pick up a bottle. It breaks my heart for these children, but also for these mothers. It's one thing if medication or your situation denies you this birthright, but to purposefully give it up out of ignorance, lack of support or some warped sense of aesthetics is an outrage. I put this in very deliberately, because I feel for those who truly can't nurse their child (a far smaller number than who thinks they can't, IMHO) and want to show those who haven't had the opportunity yet to know that the decision to nurse your child is most definitely one worth making.
harrowcat · 1 February 2006 · Chapter 8: Chapter 8
Oh my! This is lovely. Well done Arwen and ladies all! What a vision to be confronted with. I love your descriptions Ariel.
Author's reply
Heheh! I've been told they tend towards the purple, but I'll let you in on a secret, I like them too! LOL! OK, so maybe I'll never write professionally, but fanfic is more fun anyway! Thank you for reviewing!
aprilkat · 31 January 2006 · Chapter 8: Chapter 8
How wise the women were, to set it up so that Merry would discover for himself what he needed to know and to feel. Very astute on your part, to draw the parallel between Merry and Arwen's probably outliving their beloved partner and having to balance the moment of having with the future of loss.
Author's reply
Honestly, that one just evolved. I knew I would have them both in the scene and it was like an epiphany to realize they were both going to have the same sorrow some day. I am glad you liked it!
Dreamflower · 31 January 2006 · Chapter 8: Chapter 8
Oh. Oh my. This was incredibly beautiful. There aren't any other words for it. *sniff*
Author's reply
Who says nobody wants good, old fashioned romance anymore? ;)
aprilkat · 31 January 2006 · Chapter 7: Chapter 7
Well, this is an interesting turn of events. Diamond seeking the help of the Queen for Estella - as Queen or as Healer elf? The ties between the hobbits and Gondor Post-Quest is one I haven't often read in fanfic, and it's a fertile and intriguing one. I can't wait to see what Diamond has in mind!
Author's reply
- as Queen or as Healer elf? Would you believe as Cupid? You know those elves and their skill with bows. ;) I agree! That is a fertile ground that has been very infrequently tapped. If you like stories about that subject, I think you'll like the next chapter very much. Many ties and many common fears.
aprilkat · 31 January 2006 · Chapter 6: Chapter 6
What a loving frank conversation between two mature people. Well handled!
Author's reply
Thank you! I couldn't see folks I liked as much as I do Tolkien's hobbits having anything less. ;)
Dreamflower · 31 January 2006 · Chapter 7: Chapter 7
Ah, ah, ah. Merry has begun to over-think and over-plan again. Instead of plunging in straightway, to court his wife and try to re-kindle passion--the way Pippin for example, would have done in a similar situation--he postpones it while he *plans* the perfect time and setting. And while it sounds romantic to have a second honeymoon at Crickhollow, in a way it is also a form of procrastinating as well. And again, we are seeing the echoes of his pain at Frodo's loss, as he wants to be in a place where he feels Frodo's presence strongly. He has such a need of that strong loving wisdom that was torn away from him. And it is a shame that Estella's attempt to nurse Eadoc failed. What a bitter blow, when she had been so hopeful. But Merry is intrigued now, sensing depths in his wife that he has never realized before were there. And I love the musings he makes on the differences between motherhood and fatherhood. I like your choice to show the reunion with Aragorn from Diamond's POV--she has heard, I am sure, so much from Pippin about this Man whom he loves and admires and is so proud to serve--and to see that the affection and pride goes both ways has to be both gratifying and satisfying to see. I also love the way Diamond takes her courage in both hands to speak to Arwen. With the King and Queen on the case, that should help immensely. I am puzzled as to Estella's absence here--she was well enough to accompany Merry to see Pippin and Diamond earlier. Has she had a set-back then, or is Merry being overprotective again? And I wonder as well--are Sam and Rosie privy yet to these troubles, or has Merry failed to confide in Sam?
Author's reply
Yes, I am afraid you have Merry pegged absolutely. It does boil down to procrastination. Guys tend to want to find logical explanations for things anyway and there's an element of this that defies logic. A bitter blow indeed. And she's not exactly in position to handle another rejection right now, not even one she can understand. As for Sam and Rosie, I haven't included their input in this simply because it didn't fit in with the storyline, but I can't see Sam not being at least aware there were troubles (though I couldn't imagine him pressing Merry for an answer like Pip did. He'd have waited until Merry was willing to tell it and that might have been a long wait. Pippin's brass and lack of shame come in handy sometimes.).
harrowcat · 31 January 2006 · Chapter 7: Chapter 7
Yes! Aragorn to help Merry and Arwen for Estella of course. And then, perhaps they need to swap too! Got to run.....
Author's reply
Thank you for reading!
Bodkin · 30 January 2006 · Chapter 7: Chapter 7
Merry's curiosity has been aroused. That is definitely a good thing. He's not as sure that he knows everything about Estella, which will intrigue him. But it's not enough, I daresay. Very sensible of Diamond to involve Arwen. And then she can get Aragorn involved if necessary. Probably to confirm that Estella is recovered - because the rest might be better left in the hands of women! Sorry to have missed out on reviewing - the next chapter arrives before I get round to reviewing the last! I do like the characterisations here.
Author's reply
They are a sensible bunch. It's a very real issue and really couldn't be countered in any other way than sensibly, but, as Merry showed, even that needs a little more push. No worries - any review is welcome! I am delighted you are enjoying the story.
Inkling · 30 January 2006 · Chapter 6: Chapter 6
Gosh, I wish I could get my sons to obey me like that, LOL! Back to the gender dynamics issue, your women in this story are all so wonderfully strong…Esmeralda laughing at her worrywort son and capable of running Brandy Hall in her sleep, and Estella in this marvelous scene. The closing lines were breathtaking! Actually, the old fellow has been on my mind lately. Would you believe I have two bunnies for him? I can't wait to find the time to actually write them up. Oh goody! I eagerly await them…in fact, let me know if there’s anything I can do to hasten their arrival—beta help, etc.
Author's reply
Gosh, I wish I could get my sons to obey me like that, LOL! *cough* You do note the 'fantasy' element of this tale? Hehehe! And thank you for your comment about strong women. I see so few of us written really strong, not caricatured or Mary Sue'd, that I really enjoy writing them. I like 'us' and enjoy writing us strong. And I may take you up on the beta offer. I dislike overloading any one beta and there aren't many who'll willingly beta racy material. You got yourself a deal, friend!
lovethosehobbits · 30 January 2006 · Chapter 6: Chapter 6
Marvelous! You write so beautifully, I always look forward to another update.
Author's reply
Then I will happily provide them! And thank you for updating your fic on rpf - I haven't been able to find a moment to read it yet, but the first moment I get to myself... ;)
Dreamflower · 30 January 2006 · Chapter 6: Chapter 6
Oh my! My heart goes out to both of them, and yet in a way, I envy them, for they now have an adventure ahead of them in re-discovering the depths of their love, and in kindling a new passion which will be even fiercer for the trials they have endured. Do you know what I like best about this chapter? It is the frank and open honesty between your characters--exactly what I would expect of them, and yet what few authors grant. In most "romance" (in the modern sense) fics, such a trial would be extended on for several chapters of angst, while each of the principals misunderstood, got things wrong, indulged in hurt feelings, etc. But that is just not realistic. I am sorry to say that, for it is a convention of most fiction, but for a couple truly in love, the effort to communicate will be there, and to load it up with all sorts of artificial misunderstandings and half-truths just for the sake of a bit of conflict is, at best, soap opera-ish. I find myself looking forward greatly to the visit of Aragorn. I think good old Strider will have some words of wisdom for his dear friend, and perhaps some other sorts of help as well--the hands of the King, you know. Thank you for a mature and adult story--in the *true* sense of the word.
Author's reply
Oh, I couldn't agree with you more about modern 'romance'. Honestly, isn't there enough real conflict, real emotional turmoil that you can write about rather than artificially inventing some? It never reads as true as what you could actually experience. Thank you for a mature and adult story--in the *true* sense of the word. And thank YOU for that. I probably bore the under 25 crowd (the majority of fanfic readers) with this kind of work, but I write what I know and am interested in. It does my heart good to know there are a few mature readers out there who are reading and appreciate it.
harrowcat · 30 January 2006 · Chapter 6: Chapter 6
She nodded and smiled, but her mind was no longer on his words. Her eyes fixed piercingly on him and Merry felt a sudden strange thrill, as if he was seeing into a room of her being that she had never before held open to him. It was vast and strange and within it he felt he would be as a feather at the mercy of a mighty wind. Well there is an adventure waiting to happen isn't it? And, of course, a visit from and with the King isn't going to hurt at all either! Great chapter Ariel.
Author's reply
The King's visit will be very timely indeed. An adventure? LOL! Well, they have some exploring to do, that is certain.
Inkling · 30 January 2006 · Chapter 5: Chapter 5
Old Dody?! Oh, I like that…I like that very much! Yes, he would be old by now, wouldn’t he? A nice portrait of the two cousins here: Talking always helped Pippin to see matters more clearly, but Merry's waters ran deeper and flowed more quietly.
Author's reply
Heheheh! Actually, the old fellow has been on my mind lately. Would you believe I have two bunnies for him? I can't wait to find the time to actually write them up.
Larner · 30 January 2006 · Chapter 6: Chapter 6
The Lady lives in this Hobbitess, I see. At least he's being honest, which assists both, if he'll let go his fears.
Author's reply
Yes, indeed, though I would argue she lives in all women, but few of us look for her. ;)
aprilkat · 29 January 2006 · Chapter 5: Chapter 5
I love it when the two cousins get together and talk seriously. Merry can sometimes think himself into a knot, and Pippin can at least draw him out. And Pippin's last line is perfect. Merry had BETTER talk to Estella, silly prat!
Author's reply
Have to admit, this is my favorite chapter too. They are quite a pair, those two.
lovethosehobbits · 28 January 2006 · Chapter 5: Chapter 5
A delightful read...looking forward to many more chapters.
Author's reply
Thank you, hon! There are a few more chapters to go! Hope you enjoy them too!
Inkling · 28 January 2006 · Chapter 4: Chapter 4
This chapter makes an interesting contrast with the previous…how much more difficult it is for the husbands to have a discussion like this than for their wives! I liked the horses too…courtship is so much simpler for them, and yet the rituals must still be observed. Ps—thanks for your astute comments on Hyacinth…you’re quite right, reality was my goal, not likability. I’m glad you think I succeeded!
Author's reply
LOL! My beta thought it ironic they were trying to discuss the subject while breeding horses. :D I was being subtle... hehehe! Growing up on a farm had its advantages.
Bodkin · 28 January 2006 · Chapter 5: Chapter 5
Poor Merry. Now if Estella was asking something of him that he could feel would not offer him any pleasure - might even be painful - he would be much more willing to grant it. But this thing - makes him feel selfish, as if he is putting his pleasure first. And then, the comments about Estella's frailty - and her seeming closer to death than anyone he had seen other than Frodo - that's probably not helping, either. After all, Frodo didn't get well, and they lost him. Now Pippin and Diamond are on the task, though, I can't see them letting Merry get away from woolly thinking for too long.
Author's reply
Exactly! He's thinking he is somehow honoring her sacrifice or something foolish like that. And you are exactly right - he is remembering that Frodo didn't get well. Also, according to the calendars Tolkien put out, Saradoc would have died the year before this story takes place too. That's a lot of loss to have to deal with. Now Pippin and Diamond are on the task, though, I can't see them letting Merry get away from woolly thinking for too long. No, not long at all. They are defintely a pair of doers, those two.
harrowcat · 28 January 2006 · Chapter 5: Chapter 5
Yes - enough talking about he try talking with and to her! And don't take 'it's all right' for an answer either. I especially liked the bit about the field of Cormallen and the way that M & P were accepted even when they came back changed.
Author's reply
LOL! You know that is what she'd try and say, don't you? But Diamond won't let her - she's a good friend, that one.
Dreamflower · 27 January 2006 · Chapter 5: Chapter 5
I was afraid of that. Since her illness was caused by childbirth, he naturally blames himself, and is afraid of hurting her again. And the comparison to Frodo--yes, that's still raw for him, very raw, even after all these years, and seeing Estella like that scraped the scab off that scar too. Of course Pippin sees where he's coming from--how could he not? But trust Pip to keep to the point--Merry's self-restraint is making Estella unhappy. And his reticence is not solving the problem. Good for Pippin for getting back to the original and urgent problem!!
Author's reply
Well, Pippin is one who would see a cup half full, even by hobbit standards! He's a good friend to have in this case, and Merry is wise enough to know it.