Wedding Woes by Jay of Lasgalen

Reviews (16)

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Raksha The Demon · 14 August 2008 · Chapter 1: Wedding Woes

I so enjoyed this story. I always felt that Tolkien meant Elrohir and Elladan to have a brotherly relationship with Arathorn and a more avuncular one with Aragorn. And there aren't enough Arathorn stories. This vignette is great, with nice touches of humor. I particularly liked the twins' recognition that Arathorn wouldn't have to worry since Gilraen's mother approved the match, never mind the recalcitrant dad.

Author's reply

The twins must have had brotherly or avuncular relationships to some extent or other with a great many fosterlings - and some would have come very close to their hearts. What's more, they know some very powerful women (just look at their grandmother) so they know whose favourable opinion matters most!

Virtuella · 12 August 2008 · Chapter 1: Wedding Woes

"As for Arwen, I pity whoever she marries. " That made me giggle. How nicely ironic! Lovely story.

Author's reply

Thank you - yes, I grinned as I wrote that. If they only knew!

Kitty · 12 August 2008 · Chapter 1: Wedding Woes

Ah, Aragorn wasn't the only one of the Dunedain who had to pay the bill for the twins, it seems ;) How sweet of Arathorn to want to share his news with the twins first! He must have been rather upset about the way Elladan teased him, poor guy. The mug of ale emptied over Elladan's head was more than deserved, if you ask me! Otherwise, it was thoroughly enjoyable. The twins aren't married, but they seem to have learned a thing or two about women *grin* Nice foreshadowing, btw - of Ivorwen knowing the match will bring hope, and of Arwen's future husband. Though it is a bit sad, too, to know how short the bliss for Arathorn and Gilraen lasted and *why* she finally got to see Imladris.

Author's reply

' Aragorn wasn't the only one of the Dunedain who had to pay the bill for the twins' I love to pull in details like that from other stories, and see if people recognise them! Poor Arathorn - he's used to being teased, but Elladan just caught him on a nerve. And although Elladan was deliberately winding him up, he got more than he expected this time :) It was interesting to use the appendices too, and weave the canon into the story. Thank you for the review.

perelleth · 12 August 2008 · Chapter 1: Wedding Woes

What fun! Arathorn was right though, that he would not gain this battle with the twins's support! Seen from the lighter side, this is very amusing, but doubly sad because of the shadow that looms upon them!

Author's reply

Thanks, Perelleth! This was fun to write, but it was difficult to keep it light-hearted when we know that Arathorn is killed only four years later, and why Gilraen will come to visit Imladris :(

Larner · 11 August 2008 · Chapter 1: Wedding Woes

Yes, the wedding of the decade. And as we know Gilraen will end up visiting Imladris, although not as he and she would plan, I fear. Love the way the teasing turned into a mug of beer on the head--well deserved. Did that one day with the dear spouse when he thought he was teasing me, but wouldn't let up.

Author's reply

LOL! I've been tempted before now, but never done it. Good for you! Elladan was deliberately goading Arathorn, but he still got what he deserved :) As for Gilraen visiting Imladris - it would have seemed odd if the twins *didn't* urge Arathorn to bring his wife to visit. It just didn't happen the way they intended :/

Esteliel · 11 August 2008 · Chapter 1: Wedding Woes

What a great tale! I love it! You painted Arathorn's 'touchiness' really well! I was highly amused by this entire chapter - and read it with a big grin on my face. Especially when it was declared that, with Ivorwen on Arathorn's side, the battle was already won! I also loved the comment that they felt sorry for the one Arwen shall wed. None of them yet knows that Arwen will wed the one who will come from this marriage of Arathorn and Gilraen! I love your special touch with things like these!

Author's reply

Thanks for the review! Poor Arathorn - he really didn't react well to Elladan's teasing :) The ages of elves and men amaze me. The twins (and Arwen) are nearly three thousand years old at this point. How could any of them imagine that Arwen will marry the child of this union?

Elena Tiriel · 11 August 2008 · Chapter 1: Wedding Woes

Hi Jay! I really enjoyed this... love the little bits of Appendices canon (e.g. "hope") you wove in seamlessly.... My, my, Arathorn is touchy, isn't he? How long as he known Elladan? What a surprise to see the dour Chieftain of the Dúnedain (or, rather, his heir... iirc, Arador was still alive when Arathorn and Gilraen married) overreact to teasing like that! Good thing E & E have a long-term perspective about love and lovers... and a sense of humor! No wonder Barliman Butterbur has such a low opinion of Rangers... he inherited it from his forebears! LOL! And I really like what a strong presence Ivorwen is, though in absentia. I, too, believe that the Dúnedain of the North bred extremely tough women... for one thing, they must have spent much of their lives with their men away from home. Well done, Jay! - Barbara

Author's reply

Thank you. Ivorwen only got that very small mention in the appendices, but I had to include it! Tolkien was a genius at suggesting much about character in a throwaway line. Yes, Arador was still alive at this time (which is why Arathorn writes to 'Lord Elrond', but wants to tell E2 in person.) And Arathorn knew Elladan was only teasing - but he just wasn't in the mood to take it. Elladan should have read the warning signs! Poor Baldor - the Butterburs have had to put up with a lot of awkward customers :>) I'm glad you enjoyed this!

Ces · 11 August 2008 · Chapter 1: Wedding Woes

Nice little story and I'm thrilled that Taniquel got a small mention! You know how much of a favorite of mine she is. Arathorn needs to lighten up a bit - Elladan was only teasing!

Author's reply

I like Taniquel as well (and so does Elrohir; more than he realises!) I'm working on a new story with them once I finish Beyond The Dimrill Gate.

Dot · 11 August 2008 · Chapter 1: Wedding Woes

Well, you know I enjoyed this! The beginning works very well – the uncertainty and anxiety about what news Arathorn has and then the surprise and delight when we learn what it is. I can’t help but smile at Arathorn’s joy and how clearly happy he is to share this news with people he considers his brothers. As usual you do a great job with the banter between them, and I found myself grinning as I was reading it even while there was that underlying sense of something not being quite right. “Is the girl blind, or half-witted? What does she see in you?” LOL!! I must remember that one to use sometime! I love how Elrohir realises that Arathorn isn’t reacting as he normally would to Elladan’s teasing – but it still made me jump when Arathorn leapt up and knocked his chair over. Baldor Butterbur is great! The poor Butterburs do get quite a bit of trouble in their inn over the years... I was glad to see Elladan react so well. And poor Arathorn. He really seems so dejected about the whole thing. Though I have to admit that it amuses me to see how long he thinks eight years would seem when you look at Aragorn and Arwen! I think my favourite part is this: Elladan and Elrohir exchanged a look of amazement and exasperation. “Wait a moment …” “ … say that again.” “Her mother favours this match?” “Why did you not tell us this before?” Apparently Arathorn should have realised he’s been fretting over nothing! I love how E2 just accept that Dírhael has no chance against his wife. What a lovely little insight into their own parents’ relationship! And in turn, you must make sure Gilraen comes to Imladris one day. Ouch. That wiped the smile off my face. But I love the ending. It’s perfect. You did a great job with this. What a lovely gift for Bodkin.

Author's reply

Thank you so much for your suggestions Dot - I think the beginning is much better thanks to you! I really enjoy writng the teasing banter between the twins, and with their adoptive brothers. Elrohir is a bit more astute here as he realises that the teasing isn't going down the way it should :) Baldor was fun to write as well - the name may change, but he's still a Butterbur, and the character doesn't vary! *Sigh* That bit about Gilraen coming to Imladris made more than a few people wince. But it seemed a natural thing for the twins to wish for at the time :/

Nieriel Raina · 11 August 2008 · Chapter 1: Wedding Woes

Oh I like this! And so true... if the mom agrees, the battle is over. *grin* Well done, Jay!

Author's reply

Thank you! Arathorn didn't realise his battle was already won :)

Linda Hoyland · 11 August 2008 · Chapter 1: Wedding Woes

I loved this,it is so rare we get to read about Aragorn's parents. I like the foreshadowings too.

Author's reply

Thank you! I think it's the first time I've written Arathorn. It's sad to realise that he was killed only four years after this.

Bodkin · 11 August 2008 · Chapter 1: Wedding Woes

Ahh! Thank you, Jay - that is delightful. I'm not sure whether my favourite bit is Arathorn emptying a mug of ale over Elladan's head ... No, that is my favourite part. I can just picture him dripping onto the floor ... But I love strong women! Celebrian and Arwen and Ivorwen - it doesn't matter what the males of their families think, their little fingers can manipulate even the strongest of warriors - and all for the best. Elladan and Elrohir might have been naive when they were young and tender, but the advantage to being old enough to be a hundred times grandfather must be that you have a certain insight into relationships. And if Ivorwen agrees, the men are all toast! Sad, though, that the happy Arathorn has so short a time to enjoy his happiness - and that Gilraen's visit to Imladris will lead to her exile.

Author's reply

I'm glad I finally got the chance to write about the incident with the ale! I like the image of Elladan dripping all over the floor as well :)

Laikwâlassê · 11 August 2008 · Chapter 1: Wedding Woes

Very amusing. Did Arathorn really believe Elladan to be serious ? How long do they know each other now ? I loved the sentence: .."She says if we wed now, hope will come of our union"... how true ! Lai

Author's reply

Arathorn knew Elladan was teasing - he just wasn't in the mood to take it. Elladan should have noticed the warning signs - but perhaps he did, and just wanted to annoy Arathorn! I love using small bits of canon like Ivorwen's remark to add to a story :)

daw the minstrel · 11 August 2008 · Chapter 1: Wedding Woes

you must make sure Gilraen comes to Imladris one day Well that made me cringe, but other than that this was delightful. Elladan did deserve what he got, and the twins' explanation of wifely power was fun. Arathorn better take notice.

Author's reply

I wasn't sure whether to include that line - but felt it would be a natural thing for the twins to say.

paranoidangel · 11 August 2008 · Chapter 1: Wedding Woes

I do like Arathorn's excitement, wanting to tell his brother's about his upcomin wedding. And their very good advice about who wears the trousers in any marriage :)

Author's reply

I think Arahorn would have longed to share the news with his Elven family. And the twins know some very powerful women - look at their grandmother!

shirebound · 11 August 2008 · Chapter 1: Wedding Woes

That's just delightful. It's mind-boggling to think of how many generations of Men have called these twins 'brothers'.

Author's reply

I think all the heirs of Isildur were fostered in Imladris, but feel that perhaps only some grew so close to the twins or Elrond. It must have been hard to see so many generations grow up, age and die.