Stories of Arda - Lord of the Rings Fan-Fiction Archive


	About Us News Resources Login Become a member Help Search

All That Glisters by Lindelea	6 Review(s)
Dreamflower	Reviewed Chapter: 66 on 1/11/2005
I love this image of the Queen and Rose sitting around beading with the children. Who knew Arwen was a crafter? I mean, I knew she liked needlework, but this is so cute! And the jewel she gives Hilly? It doesn't sound the same as the one she gave Frodo, does it? This will give Posey almost a natural life span! So generous of her! I'm really loving your Arwen! Author Reply: It's a little different from the one she gave Frodo. The stone is smaller, and instead of a white jewel, it's an elfstone - not one of the large, famed Elfstones but a small green stone, an emerald or something like that, perhaps? Losing their daughter would have been devastating for both Arwen and Elessar. She has seen into Hilly's and Posey's hearts, has seen the pain of losing their only child indelibly etched there, and knows how frighteningly close she and her beloved came themselves to such a fate - but for Hilly's courage and quick thinking. No reward, no matter how grand, could be too much, at least to Arwen's and Elessar's way of thinking, and yet they had to find a gift "small" enough that Hilly would not refuse it out of Tookish pride. And the giving had to be carefully done. I don't think Hilly would have accepted the gift from Elessar. Sigh. Tooks. Indeed. Sometimes I wonder if, since she could not be completely healed of her hurts from the Orc encounter, Arwen's mother might have worn that necklace to sustain her before she departed over the Sea... especially since the previous "heirloom of our house" was her father's flask. Just musing in an idle moment while revisiting this story. Thanks!

Grey Wonderer	Reviewed Chapter: 66 on 1/9/2005
I love this. Arwen was wonderful with the little ones and even more-so with Hilly. I think Hilly was a bigger challenge than putting Pippin-lad at ease in this case.I am very glad that Hilly accepted the loan of the necklace for his dear Posy. Now, if only Posy will accept it. the hobbits have such interesting views on death, if she knows it purpose, I wonder what she will say? I suspect that she might take it knowing that Hilly needs her, but I do think she might protest just a bit. I hope not as it took quite a lot for Hilly to make it this far himself. Arwen handled this beautifully. Now, I think she will have her hands full with Thain Peregrin. Author Reply: I'm thinking that Hilly will give it to Posey, insisting that she never remove it "for love of her husband", and not tell her its purpose. Or if she learns its purpose, she'll wear it not to save her own life, but to spare those who love Hilly the grief of losing him only a few years hence. You are right about having her hands full--I am typing in that chapter now and needed to take a break from the angst! Thanks.

FantasyFan	Reviewed Chapter: 66 on 1/9/2005
How many of these jewels does Arwen have laying around? Or......is it the same one she gave to Frodo, returned by him to Cirdan as he was leaving the havens, when he would no longer have need of it? If so, Hilly and Posey have truly been granted a great gift. And if it is Frodo's, will Sam and Pip recognize it? I'm very excited to think it might be. I'm truly glad that Arwen can offer this gift to Posey - the gift of time, the gift of release from pain, and the gift of peace that comes from having no need of fear. It's a very Elvish thing to do. I do like the way you write Arwen. She's very assured and very insightful, not flashy in any way but graceful and wise in all things. Boy, for thinking you would be busy all weekend, you turned out to have a very productive couple of days. Are the kiddies tired of the hamster yet? Author Reply: Interesting premise. I really don't know if it is the same jewel... I don't know what happened to Frodo's jewel. But if his jewel had the same properties, of strengthening and prolonging, of peace and ease from pain, then what a wonderful thing it was, and they might very well be one and the same. I deliberately left it vague, so you may imagine whatever you like quite safely. My dh very kindly read bedtime stories to the children each evening and gave me some computer time, for which I'm very grateful. Now in the middle of typing in the really difficult chapter--concerning Pippin--and taking a break from the angst by answering reviews. Thanks for taking the time to comment. Author Reply: p.s. I try to write Arwen as "true" as possible to the glimpses JRRT gave us. Glad she rings true. Author Reply: p.p.s. I realized some time after this exchange of thoughts that it is not the same as Frodo's white jewel, as my mind insists that the jewel in this necklace is a clear, deep green, like an emerald, and much smaller than the one Arwen gave to Frodo. But now, after reading this again and thinking about it, you have me wondering. What happened to Frodo's stone? He wouldn't need it after sailing, would he? And now I'm wishing for a story where Sam and Pippin (and Merry!) have an opportunity to see and recognize that stone. But I have no idea of the context.

Meldewen Ilce	Reviewed Chapter: 66 on 1/9/2005
Poor little Pip-lad - I hope he'll soon come out of his shell! Oh what a precious gift Arwen has given Hilly and Posey! I am glad that her life expectancy will be doubled and that now when she leaves Hilly behind that she won't go in pain but rather in a peaceful sleep... my heart still breaks for them, btw! Oh I have truly enjoyed this story and I'll be sorry to see it end! Author Reply: The ice is broken, as far as Pip-lad goes. Children are resilient. He might be shy of strangers, but I think he won't be shy of familiar Big People. My heart is sad for them, too, but I'm comforted that Arwen was able to help, if not heal. Hilly appears in "Where the Merlin Cries" and as late as "Truth", so we know that Posey must live another score of years or so. Thanks for the encouraging words!

Connie B.	Reviewed Chapter: 66 on 1/9/2005
I hadn't thought of Arwen being the one to bring Pip-Lad out of his shell of fear. I hope it sticks and he starts getting past his fear. What an amazing gift Arwen gave Hilly. If Hilly had refused, I'd probably jumped through the computer just to shake some sense into him. I still am dying to know what's up between Arwen and Pippin. Thanks. Connie B. Author Reply: It seemed logical to me that a woman might be more likely to "reach" the traumatised lad than a Man might. I suspect that Elessar even tried athelas without much effect, though I haven't thought it through. Perhaps athelas was the next step, the last resort. But love and laughter and curiosity can work wonders. Hilly had better not refuse or he'll be in a great deal of trouble with the Muse, who came up with the idea in the first place. Pippin is the very next chapter, and a thorny one it is proving, indeed. Thanks! p.s. I hope to see your challenge piece posted! I went back to challenge 8 and looked up the last story you mentioned, and remembered reading and enjoying it. A comment from me doesn't appear, though I seem to remember commenting on the story. Such is LJ--it often "faults out" on me when I post a comment. Will try to go back at a time I'm less likely to be interrupted and leave another!

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 66 on 1/9/2005
Well done, Arwen. Gamgees and Tooks! And then there's Brandybucks! They're no better. I'm glad Posey will last a good few years and have a peaceful end. And I take it they've all seen the sea in Hilly's eyes, so Arwen is inveigling him a) to take ship and b) not to lay down his life at Posey's death. I like the sound of the jools. Author Reply: Well, Arwen's had a bit of experience, dealing with hobbits. And yes, not only is it a kindness towards Posey, but it is a sort of un-elflike interference in the life of a Mortal. Instead of standing by while Hilly lays down his life upon losing his Posey, she's offering an alternative. Our little ones dearly love playing with "jools".

Return to Chapter List