To Find a Heart by Cairistiona
Sneha · 1 January 2014 · Chapter 1: To Find a Heart
This is so beautiful. You portrayed Elladan's anger so well and how could he not lose his heart to Estel! You are one of my favorite authors now. I hope you keep writing and never lose your interest in lord of the rings
Ellynn · 28 August 2010 · Chapter 1: To Find a Heart
Awww, beautiful. *melting*
Author's reply
I love it when I make readers melt. *g* Thank you!
pipinheart · 30 January 2009 · Chapter 1: To Find a Heart
A very sweet piece. Elladan sure didn't want to get to know Aragorn at first until tragedy forced it upon himself to get to know this child, and then he found a loved that lasted and he really did find himself...A nice piece...
Author's reply
Thank you, pipinheart! I'm glad you liked this, and yes, Elladan had been through so much pain he thought he could not handle loving another of the race of Men. But Estel showed him otherwise, didn't he? Thanks again for the review!
meckinock · 22 November 2008 · Chapter 1: To Find a Heart
You've really brought out how difficult it must have been for Elladan and Elrohir after Arathorn was killed. They must have felt some measure of guilt, as well as perhaps a reluctance to invest emotionally in the next Chieftain, and yet they managed to work through both in order to be the friend and mentor that Chieftain needed.
Author's reply
Thank you, meckinock, for your kind words. I do think that Elrond knew that his twin sons would have to be more involved than ever in Estel's life, probably more than they may have been in other Chieftain's lives. And yes, what kind of guilt must they have bore, not being able to keep Arathorn safe? I know it's been handled many times in fanfiction, so I'm glad you liked my take on it. Thanks again!
Celeritas · 19 November 2008 · Chapter 1: To Find a Heart
The last line to this: what a clincher! And it was good to see Elrond forcing some sense into his own son by showing that he had been in the exact same situation and undergone the same sorts of feelings. Thanks!
Author's reply
Thank you, Celeritas! I'm glad you enjoyed this and am glad you liked Elrond's handling of Elladan. I figure Elrond would have no end of wisdom for situations like this. Good thing for Elladan! Thanks again for the review!
Dreamflower · 19 November 2008 · Chapter 1: To Find a Heart
This is very touching! I love especially the ending, in which we can see Elladan's pride and love in his mortal brother!
Author's reply
Thank you, Dreamflower! I'm so glad you liked it. :)
Estelcontar · 18 November 2008 · Chapter 1: To Find a Heart
A very moving and poignant story indeed. Tolkien always portrayed Elrond as a most wise person, and you've given us an insightful glimpse on his wiseness. Your Estel is such a delightful, engaging child it's no wonder Elladan lost his heart. I liked this new ending better. It shows Elladan pride and love for Aragorn much more vividly and affectingly.
Author's reply
Thanks, Estelcontar! I'm growing increasingly fond of Elrond and his wisdom; but for someone often lacking in wisdom of her own, he can be a huge challenge to write! LOL I'm glad you liked my little glimpse of Estel. And yes, the ending is much better, I think, than the original I posted on my LJ & the AA list. It feels more complete now. Thanks again!
Linda Hoyland · 18 November 2008 · Chapter 1: To Find a Heart
A truly outstanding story.
Author's reply
Thank you, Linda! I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
Thorongirl · 18 November 2008 · Chapter 1: To Find a Heart
What an incredible story. My emotions were aswirl throughout -- you did an absolutely masterful job in capturing everything - joy, sorrow, regret, love. Simply lovely. Definitely will be adding it to the next 'NEH' update I'm working on. I really, really, really (redundant, no?) enjoyed this. And the ending -- I felt like joining in with the rest of the crowd.
Author's reply
Thank you, Thorongirl, both for the lovely review and for adding this to NEH! I'm always so honored and more than humbled when a story of mine is recommended. I'm glad you enjoyed this. :)
Calenlass Greenleaf · 18 November 2008 · Chapter 1: To Find a Heart
I loved the last two lines-- "Did I not tell you that one day you would hold this little one in your arms and find your heart is lost?" "My heart is not lost, Elrohir." He kissed again the mop of dark curls. "Nay, at last, my heart is found." You've done much justice in writing Elladan, Elrohir, and Estel/Aragorn. :) ~Cal
Author's reply
Thank you, Cal! It was a little nervewracking, entering the realm of Elf fics (okay, Half-elf fics) so I'm glad you found I did them justice. :)
daw the minstrel · 18 November 2008 · Chapter 1: To Find a Heart
Great exploration of a strong warrior's difficulty in forgiving himself and moving on. And how much he would have missed if he hadn't! Let me tell you how I feel. I feel pain that runs as hot fire through my chest every time I look at Aragorn, knowing that it is because of me that he will grow up fatherless. I feel guilt carving a hollow cavern in my gut when I see Gilraen, widowed, grieving for her fallen lover. Oh, I feel, my brother," he spat. "I feel, and it is killing me and I will not stay here and endure any longer the sight of them, for if I do, I will surely die myself. Strong imagery here. It really conveys the emotion.
Author's reply
Thank you! You've used my favorite combination of words: "strong warrior". I wanted to convey that aspect of the Twins, since it's such an integral part of who they are. And I'm so glad you felt that line of Elladan's didn't counter that--I was a little afraid it might be over the top or too emotional. But I think because he's saying it to his twin brother, it works. Thanks again!
Agape4Gondor · 18 November 2008 · Chapter 1: To Find a Heart
I found I was fighting tears as Elladan finally spied Aragorn in Minas Tirith... holdover from the last part - I find it 'unseemly' to cry. But you almost wrung a few from me. This was lovely. One question - I'm not a 'true' Elf reader - but I wonder at them using the term Rivendell - is not the Elven term 'Imladris?' Just curious. Again - beautiful tale from the beginning to the end... (I loved the egg scene!)
Author's reply
Thank you for your kind words! I'm so glad you found it moving--I still am a bit amazed to think anything I wrote could move someone nearly to tears. And yes, that egg scene was a fun one ... poor Elrohir, he just couldn't get Elladan to soften up, could he? And you're right; I should have used Imladris, since this is from a Peredhil point of view (I'm not normally an Elf or Peredhil writer, can you tell?? LOL; my heart lies mostly with Aragorn and Halbarad). Perils of not having a beta go over this! Thanks for pointing it out--I'll correct it.
Inzilbeth · 18 November 2008 · Chapter 1: To Find a Heart
Oh this is just so lovely! I don't know which part I love best; Elrond's wisdom, the tickling game or the happy ending. Probably the ending as this is such a joyous moment for them all. Wonderful stuff.
Author's reply
Glad you liked it, Inzilbeth! I really wanted to touch on Elladan's reactions as Aragorn finally entered Minas Tirith, so I'm glad you liked that part especially. I think that ended up being my own favorite part to write.
Larner · 18 November 2008 · Chapter 1: To Find a Heart
Ay, indeed was love found that day, and hearts eased! And now, to see that child the Man foretold, the one to take the crown at last! Yes, so very right! Beautifully written and most moving.
Author's reply
Thank you, Larner! I'm glad you enjoyed it. And wow, that's one of the most beautifully written reviews I've ever recieved--I feel like I should review your review! :)
shirebound · 18 November 2008 · Chapter 1: To Find a Heart
Then the Steward’s voice rang out in joy and Elladan trembled at the words. "Shall he be king and enter the City and dwell there?"1 Elladan raised his voice and his arm and would have flown into the very air had Ilúvatar given that ability to Elves and Men. "Yea!" he cried, as loud a shout as his lungs would allow. His voice was lost in all the others but he knew that Estel heard him, felt his joy and his pride. And his love. Ohhh, this is a wonderful story, full of love and wisdom, grief and joy. I really enjoyed this.
Author's reply
Thank you, Shirebound! I'm so glad you enjoyed this. :)