Kitty
· 18 March 2009
· Chapter 47: No Longer Merely a King
Oh yes, Aragorn has had many roles over the years, but being a daddy must be the most exciting and enjoyable one, save maybe finally being a husband. After struggling for decades to vanquish Sauron and to get Arwen's hand, it must mean so much for him to finally have a child.
Author's reply
Oh, indeed. First to finally be able to marry the woman he's loved for most of his life, and then to be able to pass on the torch to the next generation. And this was born of his love of his wife! That's truly a miracle.
shirebound
· 18 March 2009
· Chapter 47: No Longer Merely a King
Awwwww! :)
Author's reply
Indeed! Thanks so, Shirebound.
Cairistiona
· 18 March 2009
· Chapter 47: No Longer Merely a King
Very sweet ficlet about a life-changing moment in Aragorn's life. Life becomes remarkably simple in moments like this--a father, with his son; the rest seems to fade into, if not insignificance, then at least momentary unimportance. Lovely!
Author's reply
Indeed--and it doesn't matter whether the child is male or female--that first moment with one's firstborn is always so special!
(And in my-verse it is a daughter who comes first, but I purposely left it open to the reader's imagination as to which it might have been.)
I'm just glad I could finally get this posted--it's been with the A_L_E_C folk for quite a time now!
Linda Hoyland
· 18 March 2009
· Chapter 47: No Longer Merely a King
Just adorable! I loved this.At last Aragorn has the child he yearned for.
Author's reply
Oh, yes--Aragorn is now embarking on the most frustrating and delightful portion of his life--raising children! How very happy it must have made him!
6336
· 17 March 2009
· Chapter 47: No Longer Merely a King
They say any man can be a father, it takes someone special to be a Daddy!
More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
Indeed they are right, Lynda. Thanks so or the feedback!
Kitty
· 14 March 2009
· Chapter 46: For the Sake of Friendship
Nice look at the growing respect and friendship Legolas felt for Aragorn. They must have been very close; I doubt Legolas would have moved to Ithilien otherwise. You know, from all the member of the Fellowship, he's the one I probably feel most sorry for. It must have been hard for him to watch all his mortal friends age and die. It was great that Gimli left with him (and I just can imagine the banter between them!) for Valinor, and I only hope Legolas was not alone when Gimli died, too.
Author's reply
I always loved what Legolas said to Merry and Pippin of how the Elves and Dwarves would help to renew the White City for the love of the Lord of the White Tree. A wonderful indication of the love that had grown between them.
He lost so many he'd come to love and honor; but in the end he did come to Gandalf's side once more, and hopefully found others he loved as well. And he had Gimli to accompany him to it.
Thanks so!
Antane
· 11 March 2009
· Chapter 46: For the Sake of Friendship
Interesting - love the ending and the dialogue between such knitted souls.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Thank you, Antane. And by this time in their relationship I think this kind of shared dark humor would be fairly likely in this situation.
harrowcat
· 10 March 2009
· Chapter 46: For the Sake of Friendship
This is a perfect gem Larner. And a very fitting birthday present for Eli
Author's reply
And I thank you, Harrowcat.
My best to you, your family, and Jet.
Cairistiona
· 10 March 2009
· Chapter 46: For the Sake of Friendship
I absolutely loved this story... you've woven such a comprehensive portrait of Aragorn and the way the friendship between Legolas and him grew (between Legolas and he grew? Whatever the grammar is!). And the ending was so poignant. Yes, it would be a natural point at which Legolas would make the decision that it was now time to sail. Very well done!
Author's reply
Ah, thank you so, Cairistiona. We know that Legolas and Gimli sailed together some time after Aragorn's death; that the decision should have come in this way seems likely.
(And it is "Legolas and him" in this case--if you'd say "them," you'd use "him" when separating out the objects of the phrase--objective versus subjective usage.)
shirebound
· 10 March 2009
· Chapter 46: For the Sake of Friendship
That's a beautiful and moving story. Tolkien does tell us that Legolas felt great love for Aragorn, but not how it had grown, or been earned. Thank you for ending this with laughter, which helps us bear the grief.
Author's reply
Indeed, Shirebound. I love that line in ROTK in "The Last Debate" where Legolas and Gimli tell what their folk will do to help restore Minas Tirith for the love of the Lord of the White Tree, and I wanted to look into that relationship.
And even in the deepest grief can be found moments of humor. As you point out, it helps us deal with the sorrow.
Thanks so!
6336
· 28 January 2009
· Chapter 39: All Woods there Be Must End at Last
Oh I can just see Legolas lying along that branch, with an evil grin on his face! I wonder how much longer he would have let them stew, he must have known that Faramir and the ladies were on their way!
Speaking of cats, and the Cheshire cat came to mind, the girls are doing very well, still have to grow their tummy fur back, but are back to being their usual exasperting selves, no more growling and hissing on Mayhem's part!
More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
How did I miss this one? Oh, I can see it, too, Lynda. Ah, Legolas and teasing the Hobbits.
Thank you so, Lynda. And hope the girls are doing well now they're fully recovered from their trip to the vet!
Andrea
· 20 January 2009
· Chapter 45: First Victory!
Wonderful!
A moment to remember for father and son and another step on the way into adulthood for Eldarion!
Author's reply
Oh, but you are so right, Andrea! The child grows closer to the man he will be one day, and the father recognizes that fact.
Am so glad you found it wonderful!
Antane
· 20 January 2009
· Chapter 45: First Victory!
Good for you, Eldarion! That is quite a feat! And to have your father's pride in it too - pretty cool. :)
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Thanks so very much, Antane--and yes, his father is well proud of him.
Linda Hoyland
· 20 January 2009
· Chapter 45: First Victory!
A truly delightful story.
Author's reply
Thanks so very much Linda. I thought you especially would like it.
Agape4Gondor
· 19 January 2009
· Chapter 4: Adolescence
I loved this!!!!! Excellent and I'm so glad the girls got a 'day' out!
Author's reply
I loved writing this one! I'm so glad RS asked for a tale about adolescent daughters, and couldn't think of more representative ones than Aragorn's daughter Melian and young Elanor.
And they needed a day as "normal" girls!
Agape4Gondor
· 19 January 2009
· Chapter 3: Writing
This was lovely. I can see Frodo smiling as he 'sees' this little one 'growing up' with his slateboard.
Nicely written.
Author's reply
Tribbals is based on some of my former students and friends and clients; and her writing is based particularly on three of them.
Am so glad you liked this. And Frodo would indeed have smiled on this one, had he seen her at her writing.
Agape4Gondor
· 19 January 2009
· Chapter 2: Fighting Shadows with Light
I had tears in my eyes as I read of Sam's thoughts....
A lovely tale and sharing of warrior's 'living through' and overcoming....
Author's reply
Oh, am so glad you feel this way. Frodo wouldn't be the only one left scarred by the war, after all. And their families need to understand.
Celeritas
· 19 January 2009
· Chapter 45: First Victory!
Wow!!!
Author's reply
Thanks so, Celeritas!
inzilbeth
· 18 January 2009
· Chapter 45: First Victory!
Oh that was wonderful! What joy indeed to beat this particular great swordsman and at such a tender age at that. No wonder the king was so proud of him.
Author's reply
Oh, I so agree, Inzilbeth. And Aragorn would be most proud of him, don't you agree?
Thanks you so much!
harrowcat
· 18 January 2009
· Chapter 45: First Victory!
No wonder Eldarion is shaking. There is joy in besting his father but also an element of fear perhaps? It is a hard thing to realise that a parent is mortal. The parent/child relationship is changed forever.
Author's reply
Yes, his world is now a bit less certain, for he's learned he is capable of being at least his father's equal. Whether it is but him growing more capable or age at last showing itself in his father--or a moment's distraction, or a moment's overconfidence--whatever the cause, he is now fast approaching the day when he will be the one making the decisions rather than his father for him, and that is a terrifying moment for so many children.
But true maturity is when we go from thinking of ourselves as being primarily our parents' children to being their friends and peers--and you know now as I learned, how difficult it is to go to being their caretakers as well.
Thanks so!
6336
· 18 January 2009
· Chapter 45: First Victory!
Yay! Woo Hoo! Does victory dance for Eldarion! I won! I won!
And there was no way Aragorn would have 'thrown' that fight!
Wonder what Nana thinks of it?
More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
Oh, I agree, Lynda--Aragorn would never have thrown a fight to his son. Eldarion won fair and square, and now has the pride--and responsibility--of knowing that he has been able to defeat the best swordsman among Men in all of Middle Earth.
As for what Arwen thinks--I dunno so far! Heh!
utfrog
· 18 January 2009
· Chapter 45: First Victory!
Lovely story. I am sure Arwen was delighted to hear their differing versions, even if she wittnessed the historic event. I also agree that it would be a long time before Eldarion defeated his father again.
Author's reply
Oh, I do agree, Utfrog. Mom will be listening to this with rapt attention, I'm certain. And I suspect Aragorn will be watching for himself to drop his swordtip just a bit too much for quite some time.
Thanks so very much!
Dreamflower
· 18 January 2009
· Chapter 45: First Victory!
Awww...that's so sweet! I love that we get to see this proud moment for both son and father. And of course, knowing Elessar's honor, Eldarion can truly feel proud and know that his father was not holding back or "letting" him win.
Author's reply
Oh, I agree--this first victory was no easy defeat, but indeed an earned win, which makes it that much more impressive to all. Just to be involved in a true match with his father indicates the younger Telcontar had to have demonstrated a good deal of skill, I'd think. And to actually best him? And to be aware of HOW he bested him must mean the most to all, for it shows he has indeed learned the lessons they've sought to teach him so that he will survive when he's the one out there on the battlefield. But he's as much Arwen's son and the twins' nephew as he is Aragorn's progeny, after all; he deserves a clean win at a young age, I'd think!
shirebound
· 18 January 2009
· Chapter 45: First Victory!
He might not match this feat for months; but today--today he had proved himself
What a wonderful moment!
Author's reply
Indeed, Shirebound. He's undoubtedly worked hard on these skills for years, and today it finally paid off!
Thank you so!
Fiondil
· 18 January 2009
· Chapter 45: First Victory!
All I can say, Larner, is: "Cool!" *lol* Aragorn shows himself to be as good a loser as he is a winner. I'm sure Eldarion was floating on the clouds for some time afterwards. Well done!
Author's reply
Yes, indeed "COOL!" Eldarion has proven to all, including himself, just how much he's learned to pay attention and to follow through. And remembering when he was working so hard for that first victory, Aragorn must indeed be so proud, even if he is surprised!
Thanks so, Fiondil.