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Arwen's Heart by Bodkin	12 Review(s)
jules	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 3/30/2006
I liked the depiction of Arwen putting her trainee queen of the realm skills into practice. Trust a woman (of any species, apparently) to cut through the rubbish and tell it like it is – just a matter of making sure the right things are in the right place at the right time. And her comment to Curaniel that she would like a patient kind of love, one prepared to wait and learn and grow. Maybe that foresight runs in the family, because that’s what she got! Aragorn may not have waited 1000 years for Arwen but in terms of his lifespan it must have felt like it, and there’s no doubt the Aragorn she met again in Lorien had learned and grown a lot since Rivendell. And I got a laugh out of the poor bemused twins suddenly realising that Estel is not really all that in awe of them as figures of authority. Author Reply: Right place at the right time! Very important - and a skill she has mastered. Together with managing people, which I think will also be vital in the life she will choose. Foresight definitely runs in the family - as does power and determination - and acceptance of duty. Poor twins. Estel is growing up far too fast for them. Good thing I don't think they know what is coming. Yet.

Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 10/6/2005
Ah, Arwen the capable and the twins the ones willing to trip lightly through their father's works. And the image of a sulky Aragorn who is surprised at the change in roles they take now that they are in charge is a wonderful one! Author Reply: It's bad enough for a teenager growing up surrounded by other teenagers - but the closest that Aragorn has to companions are about 2800 years older than him. And quite capable, when the occasion demands it, of behaving that way!

TithenFeredir	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 8/24/2005
Oh, I apologise for not keeping up with this story. There was so much wonderful low-key humor in this chapter. Of course there were some who tried to take advantage of Arwen's stint as substitute ruler of the wood! It was neat to see that she could cooly foil those oppotunists. I loved the comments about the wood having "many leaves" and Arwen's apparent lack of interest in "playing among them", and the discussion about the logistics of being transfixed for an age were hilarious! It really brought that bit of romance back down to earth! As in the first chapter I got a strong sense of Arwen's actual age but relative youth. Your surly Estel came across strongly as a character even though he was more the subject of discussion than an active player in this chapter. I could easily imagine the twins treating him like a cross between an equal and a pet. Although there was almost no desciption of the settings in this chapter there was still a feeling of reality to it. I think the natural flow of the dialogue eliminated the need for much background description. Very nice. I will have to apply myself and catch up! ~TF Author Reply: Thank you - I'm glad you enjoyed it. I think Arwen must have had much more experience than Aragorn when it came to ruling kingdoms - especially when it came to dealing with the kind of opponents you couldn't challenge with a sword! Arwen must have had so many admirers - some, perhaps, with an eye for her closeness to power, as well as those who loved her for herself - that there must have been some finger of fate keeping her unattached and waiting for Aragorn to come along. Being transfixed by the presence of another must be a bit of a problem, don't you think? People might be inclined to use you as a coat rack. Difficult to be full time brothers to someone almost 3000 years younger than you - although the twins have many of the right qualities! But they must have had moments of having to go off and be grown up. This is going well at the moment after having sat unmoving for a while. I'm rather enjoying tormenting poor Aragorn - so it shouldn't be too long before the next chapter arrives as well!

paranoidangel	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 6/1/2005
I've only just got round to reading this, but it's interesting so far. I like your reasons for keeping Arwen in Lorien and the sad parts where they all know what's going to happen. It was nice to see Arwen and Elrond's reunion though. Author Reply: Thank you. I hope it continues to be interesting! I don't know how far it will go - not up to the time of the Fellowship, I think. I just wanted to be Arwen-centric. She gets so little attention and yet the role she accepted shows how strong she must have been. Like a lot of the stories - when you look at them more closely, the romance is almost overwhelmed by the tragic aspects. It's interesting to think about how Arwen was prepared for her destiny.

Angel	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 5/2/2005
Oh NOOOOOOOOO! Is there more, is there, is there? (oops excuse the caffeine hit) Is she ever capable of one-meaning quirks? - and I am paraphrasing you here ;) "But that one, at least,’ his naneth-in-law said quietly, ‘will not be demanded of you." Both humourous and utterly foreboding, you handle some really iffy issues with great care. The twins and Estel - who they are to each other. Brother, equal, pet or commanders. Arwen - her role as daughter, granddaughter and her own sense of prophecy. love the comment about spiders nesting in hair while they are gazing into a Maia for ages lol. How Estel redeemed the twins Galadriel and Celeborn (thanks for not making Celeborn the wuss he was in the movies lol) and this underlying threat rising... and so much more, and I really really really really really hope there's more...:) Author Reply: I feel so sorry for Elrond. Everything he loves is taken from him. It's why he is REALLY HAPPY in Valinor with Celebrian and their sons and a whole passel of delightful grandchildren whom he will never lose. And it's tough for Galadriel, too. This whole foresight business is definitely overrated. The twins are nearly an age older than Estel - he needed brothers / almost equals and they provided that. However, Estel is growing up quickly and does need to learn that people can wear more than one hat - they are his brothers, but they are also his superiors in authority at times. I think he helped them, though. Lots of heirs of Isildur passed through Imladris, but Estel arrived a fatherless infant and needed them. Celeborn is great - and as tough as they come. How could Galadriel love and respect him if he weren't? And things are happening. There will be more. Not in the next few days, but once I get going it all tends to move quite quickly - I just need to get into the mindset. Thank you for commenting - it makes me want to go and write some more NOW!

Redheredh	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 5/1/2005
I loved this chapter! How could I not enjoy getting just a peek into the workings of their realms? And you made all the personailities involved astoundingly entertaining while doing it. You are one clever play-wright besides excellent writer. Gossipy humour, wry dialog, foreshadowy angst, rich commentary - You serve up a lovely feast for your guests too! I am glad to see writers finally advocating the intelligence and abilities of the elven-princesses and not portray them as some sort of wane, fabulous creatures or dainty trophy wives. I think you have shown an obvious difference in Arwen and her brother's abilities to actually rule. Give me Arwen any day. She is better at it and has aquired wider skills. Her brothers simply do not have their father's disposition as much as she does. OK So, she cannot general an army. She can always find someone to do that. I'd like to see E2 find a good housekeeper without help. ;) Even so, ruling a large realm by one's self is no picnic. 'Tis much better to share the burden with someone and there's nothing wrong allocating those responsiblites along traditional lines if that's what works best and keeps you happy. You are building up the tension in Arwen very nicely, btw. Super chapter and I'm really look forward to the next. Author Reply: I'm so glad you are enjoying it! There are times when they all just get talking and it's all I can do to hang on and write it down. Elrond, Galadriel and Celeborn, for example, just flowed. Mind you, they had some good stuff to talk about! Elven princesses are tough. I think Arwen must have had to work hard not to overshadow Aragorn when it came to kingdom-running skills. After all - what are 60 odd years as a Ranger and occasional Thorongil compared to 2500 years as deputy-lady of Imladris or Lothlorien. Arwen must have been his source of knowledge (with Faramir's help on local customs). Elladan and Elrohir have the skills, but have abandoned them rather in their half millennium as obsessed orc-killers. Imladris has become a sort-of holiday home for them - somewhere they go for R and R. They are beginning to come out of it, I think, and returning to a more balanced way of life, but, yes, Arwen is better equipped for managing councillors and organising the logistics of supply. Arwen knows something is up. She's not yet sure what it is - but I would think she must have some idea. I haven't started the next chapter yet. Waiting for inspiration! But it shouldn't be too long. I'm just dealing with Earendil and the Enchanted Isles at the moment.

meckinock	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 5/1/2005
Enter Acting CEO Arwen. It was so amusing to find that even elves are not above trying to slip something past the person who's running the shop while the boss is out of town. Arwen seemed to handle them very efficiently, though. Looks like she's had plenty of practice. I must take issue with her in one respect, though: And many of them are far more attractive than my brothers. Well, that may be Arwen's opinion, but she'll never convince me of that! I really enjoyed the conversation between Elrond, Celeborn, and Galadriel. Wow, there were just so many intriguing personal insights, and it was salted with just enough current events (Dol Goldur) and gossipy asides (Thranduil). Celeborn is just too wicked. I loved this line: ‘To which particular andaeradar are you referring?’ Celeborn asked mildly. ‘Because some of his ancestors offer an example that is a good deal better than others. Isildur, for instance, he would do better not to copy. Are you referring to Eärendil, who pursued an impossible quest until, beyond reason, he succeeded? Turgon, perhaps, who guarded a white city against the venom of Morgoth? Finwë, who led his people to safety? Or are you, by some chance, thinking of Beren?’ It's a sure bet that if she wasn't thinking of Beren she is now. Zing. And Elladan and Elrohir were cute, trying to run Imladris and Estel at the same time, and getting Being the Grown-Up lessons from Erestor. Well, shoot, they never had to be the enforcers of order and discipline back on the ranch before. Children are harder to deal with than orcs. You aren't allowed to just kill them when they misbehave. Elrond described the situation perfectly: Her adar looked at her quizzically. ‘Would you say they are too young?’ he enquired. ‘They have, it would appear, managed quite successfully to become the siblings of a ten-year-old child. LOL! But Elrond is quite the slippery one himself - how could be on this side of the mountains and not see his dear daughter, indeed - I seem to recall reading something about some foot-dragging and arm-twisting that went on! If Arwen's been practicing on Galadriel for a couple of hundred years, something makes me think her father will be putty in her hands and he knows it. This is truly wonderful. Arwen seems very determined to uncover the conspiracy and it's hard to imagine how they'll manage to put her off for what, another ten years or so? I can't wait to see where this goes. Author Reply: Added age probably could lead to added crankiness - and a better knowledge of how to push for advantage. And Arwen has experience of acting as deputy chatelaine of elven realms that will cover almost the whole Third Age (bar a couple of centuries). And they're her brothers. Gorgeous they might be to all others - but not to her. Even if you have to acknowledge that others find your brothers attractive, you still marvel at it. I like putting in conversations laced with current events (when I know of them) - and references to history. And Celeborn is sharp as an acid drop - and not above making nasty digs at Galadriel. (It's one of the things she loves about him. She can't get away with being soft focus and mysterious around him, thank you very much!) Elladan and Elrohir are a lot more capable than they let on. After all, why let anyone know that you can do all the boring administration, when other people are quite happy to do it for you? And Estel does need some people around who can act his age and not be stately formal sensible elves all the time. But Erestor is right that Estel is getting older and needs to recognise that people can be more than one thing - and you need to be aware what hat they are wearing. Poor Elrond. He adores his daughter, and has cut himself off from her in the desire to protect her and it's just not going to work. She's going to do her best to coax him into taking her home - and she's not going to be pleased with him. I suppose ten years isn't much to an elf. But she's still not going to be pleased. Thank you for reading and commenting. I can't wait to see where it goes either - it's not gone there yet!

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 4/30/2005
I really enjoyed Arwen’s cynicism and attempt to be as intimidating as her grandmother. She does have a lot to love up to, of course, but I imagine she does quite well herself too! I like the reminder too that Arwen has helped run Imladris for so long and clearly knows what she’s doing. I think I tend to forget that so it’s good to see her quiet competence. Cúraniel’s question as to why Arwen shows no romantic interest in anyone is a good one. I love the way you write her, that she is certain that there is something special for her and she knows that love at first sight is in her blood. She’s just patiently waiting for something she knows will happen. You really made laugh at their discussion of what happens when two people spend an age staring into each other’s eyes. That line “Your daernaneth would see that you were dusted regularly” is hilarious! “Nor, come to that, one of the Edain.” Do I really need to say anything about that one??! I’m still laughing too at the “manufacture of leaf brooches” comment. I don’t know if it was supposed to be funny but it got me chuckling! The scene between Elrond, Galadriel and Celeborn was excellent. I wouldn’t blame Elrond if he feels a bit frustrated with Galadriel. I could never put up with someone being so darn mysterious all the time! Actually, that’s unfair. I mean, she clearly loves Arwen deeply too and understands what Estel’s future will hold. But I thought it was interesting that she says ‘You cannot take away people’s choice’. In so many ways it seems as though that’s what she’s doing to Arwen. But then, if she did send her home, perhaps Arwen would never make the choice she’s fated to make. I’d hate to be Galadriel. Such burdens that she has to bear. Celeborn is brilliant! ‘Because some of his ancestors offer an example that is a good deal better than others. Isildur, for instance, he would do better not to copy. Are you referring to Eärendil, who pursued an impossible quest until, beyond reason, he succeeded? Turgon, perhaps, who guarded a white city against the venom of Morgoth? Finwë, who led his people to safety? Or are you, by some chance, thinking of Beren?’ Ouch. Ah, so Estel is a bit of a handful, eh? How odd that the twins should somehow find him more difficult in the absence of both Elrond and Gilraen…;-) It’s a good thing they don’t have children of their own for a good long time yet. The punishment sounded reasonable to me, though. Erestor is undoubtedly right that the child is confused at having to obey people who normally wouldn’t have responsibility for his behaviour. I loved Elladan and Elrohir casually explaining how they needn’t bother with too much effort because they know – and don’t seem to mind – that Elrond is far too much of a perfectionist not to check what they’ve been doing. ‘I can assure you,’ he said, ‘that I am prepared to make many sacrifices for my daughter.’ ‘But that one, at least,’ his naneth-in-law said quietly, ‘will not be demanded of you.’ That’s ominous! Poor Elrond. He and his family are caught up in something that they can’t escape. And there’s already the sense that the best he feels he can hope for is that someday he can leave and be with his wife again. Still, apart from making me feel bad for poor Elrond, this chapter was full of laughs and, as usual, some great insights. Author Reply: I really don't think Aragorn would have dealt well with the tedium of kingship without Arwen. She was practised in the details and knowledgeable about all the tricks that councillors might pull and a skilled manager - of elves, true, but I'm sure that most of the skills are transferrable. He had grown up watching Elrond run Imladris - but then spent most of the next 60 years on his own in the wild (apart from a relatively few years as Thorongil in Rohan and Gondor) - which is not the best training for the intrigues of kingship. He really needed Arwen and Faramir, I think, to help him learn (and probably to stop him sneaking off back to being Strider again.) Elves aren't supposed to go for second-best, are they? And they have time to wait for Mr. Right - but Arwen is pushing 3k. You would think she might have found someone to interest her - unless there is something to destiny. I wonder if Elu and Melian attracted spiders? (I admit to rather enjoying the dusting line myself! It just came.) I've a sneaking feeling that Galadriel finds it harder to get away with too much 'mysterious' around Celeborn and Elrond. But that wretched foresight / mirror must make it hard for her to see things straight at times. What is necessary? What can / should they do to avert / bring about what they see? I can see Elrond and Celeborn fighting to protect Arwen and Galadriel really not sure what to do for the best. Perhaps E and C keeping her away from Estel is what is supposed to happen. (I think I would be inclined to go for the putting my head under the pillow option.) Celeborn is sharp as an acid drop! And he won't let Galadriel get away with much. I'm sure it's part of his fascination. Most people just turn into carpet when she looks at them. Estel is used to having the twins' attention for fun and mischief - they act like 3k-old kids around him - he's not used to them being serious and working. And he's not yet old enough to realise that they are different people when they are not in Imladris, being his jolly, happy brothers. But it's not long before Estel - being human - is going to have to deal with chains of command and being friends with people who are also his superiors and have to be obeyed when they are wearing other hats, so he might as well begin getting used to the idea. I don't know that Elrond really will check the dot of every 'i', but E2 probably think he will. After all, Elrond has Erestor there to report back - and I can see E2 doing casual competence very well. I do feel for Elrond. It doesn't seem fair. (I've just written a line somewhere else that fits in with your thoughts here!) Thank you. I'm glad you liked it.

The Karenator	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 4/30/2005
I love how delightfully you have drawn your characters. They're so easy in their roles. Nothing is out of place or forced. I think it's hard to make the language flow naturally when my ear is so accustomed to hearing contractions, and you inject enough levity and casual cadence to make it sound perfectly natural. I enjoyed Arwen 'rule'. She did a fine job. Little does she know that she's practicing for her future life role. I also liked the way you wove the conversation about 'looking for love' into her conversation with her friend. ‘To which particular andaeradar are you referring?’ Celeborn asked mildly. ‘Because some of his ancestors offer an example that is a good deal better than others. Isildur, for instance, he would do better not to copy. Are you referring to Eärendil, who pursued an impossible quest until, beyond reason, he succeeded? Turgon, perhaps, who guarded a white city against the venom of Morgoth? Finwë, who led his people to safety? Or are you, by some chance, thinking of Beren?’ oooh.. Nice shot, Celeborn. The scene with E2 and Estel just might be the singular truth of why we have no idea if the sons of Elrond ever married. This parenting business isn't nearly as much fun as being the big brother. They handled Estel well...even though they were amused by the kid being the burr under some poor, unsuspecting elf's saddle. It was nice to see Elrond stop off to see Arwen. She's got plans and her mind is clicking away. But Galadriel's last line was the best. Some things are not within as adar's control. Wonderful chapter! Karen Author Reply: Goodness - thank you. I do like adding a bit of levity - I'm sure there would be a lot of humour among elves. (Speaking to the expert here - creator of Daeron.) Arwen and the twins are interesting - almost 3000 year old children, in a way - who are also in E2's case ferocious warriors and trained lords and in Arwen's a chatelaine and - well, a ruler. But Celeborn - sharp as a dagger and dangerous as a panther. Well, he'd have to be, really, for Galadriel to respect him. Big brothering is definitely more in E2's line at the moment. But Erestor is right in saying that Estel needs to be able to recognise lines of command and the difference between being brother and boss - and that the same person can be both. Elrond needs to spend time with Arwen - he's wasting time here, even though he doesn't know for sure that it is short. I'm beginning to feel agonised over this lot. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

elliska	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 4/30/2005
Oh goody. Haven't seen this one in a while. I think I like you having a bunch of stories going at once. It increases the surprise. :) I love the idea of Arwen managing Lothlorien while C & G are at the White Council. Of course people would try to take advantage and I bet they are sorely disappointed! That was a great scene, as was the discussion of Arwen and 'love at first sight.' It was all funny, but this: ‘Your daernaneth would see that you were dusted regularly.’ still made me snort even when I just went back to copy/paste it. And I loved Elrond. This line: Was his wife’s naneth incapable of making a remark that had only one simple meaning? just slayed me! And the idead of Elrohir and Elladan not doing one single thing but rather building a sequence of events that led to 'chaos' was great. Too easy to picture. I loved the discussion of Isildur's choice and Elrond's involvement in it. And the conversation about driving Sauron out. You know that kind of stuff is right up my alley. And I chuckled all the way through the description of Estel's joke. Imagine caring for a child being a challenge! :) And the 'flounce' was hilarious. And so was this exchange: ‘The difference is that we are not inclined to try for perfection,’ he teased. I woke the household up laughing at that. I fear I identify a bit too much with that when it comes to things I'd rather not be doing. And of course I loved Elrond and Arwen's reunion. Very sweet. I'm glad you continued this (not that I doubted you would). I really like the topic. Wonderful way to start my morning! Author Reply: There are certain advantages to playing in several gardens at once - if one gets tricky, there's always something lighter to do. On the other hand, it can get a bit confusing. Arwen would be trained to rule - and who better to leave in charge? But she is over 2500 and Elrond and Celebrian's daughter as well as G and C's granddaughter. I think she would be able to make mincemeat of most troublemakers - so charmingly that they wouldn't even realise. (Is it bad to say that that line amused me each time I reread it too?) Elrond is not totally happy with Galadriel - he's not entirely sure if her interference is to help avoid Arwen's fate or promote it. And much as he cares for Estel, he doesn't want to encourage anything untoward. E2 were much younger when they managed to throw Imladris into chaos - it wouldn't happen now . . . . would it? I clearly KNOW MORE now. I would never have indulged in casual reference to the Silmarillion this time last year. But I LIKE IT. Poor Estel. He is used to his brothers giving him attention. And if they won't, then he'll just make them. Elrond is delighted to see Arwen - but I doubt he'll let her go home. Thank you - I think it will go further, although probably not as far as 3019.

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