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| The Heir Apparent by Mirkwoodmaiden | 8 Review(s) |
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| Nurayy | Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 8/10/2021 |
| Dear Mirkwoodmaiden Again such an important chapter. First the scene with the sword was deeply moving and meaningful. The faith Elrond has in Aragorn, how he is supporting him, steady and calm is so important for Aragorn and the destiny he has to fulfill. So much is expected of him, still so young, but his foster father sees the great man he is growing to be. And then his meeting with Arwen; you described it so well, and the feeling, the love that grows there... So difficult for Aragorn to know that what his heart desires is bringing grief to the people he most loves. And yet we know he will carry it all, through all the difficulties, he will succeed but there will be a cost. You describe the situation so well, and their emotions are palpable, I feel for them all. And you make me admire this man even more for his strength, his perseverance and the respect he shows for all the loved people involved and his destiny. He knows his responsibility and he will carry it to the end, and yet he would not give up or deny his heart. So extremely well done! I hope you are doing well. Author Reply: Nurayy! Hello! Sorry for the delay in response. I am well but it has been a long week! So happy to see your review! The scene with the sword harkens back to a short story on here called "Shards of Memory". That scene in the "Fellowship" when Aragorn encounters the sword has always stuck with me and produced some nice reflection of it in my fanfic. Also the relationship between Aragorn and Elrond has always fascinated me. It is such a complex one made even more difficult when Aragorn falls in love with Arwen. Two people among the ones Elrond loves most in this world. It always break my heart when I think of all Elrond has sacrificed for Middle Earth. Yes, everything that Aragorn has to endure...and he does it so well. Obviously I am enthralled and this story and the other short stories are the result! Hope you are well and safe as well. ((hugs)) MM | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 4/8/2020 |
| No destiny is won without cost. And how much that which he seeks to grasp will cost him, although it is well worth the effort. Author Reply: Larner! Hello! I remember finding this a hard chapter to write. So many people end up hurt and disappointed. Elrond who has given up so much in the service of Middle Earth has even more taken from him. Gilraen is upset that Aragorn will lose Elrond's favour and not be able to complete his destiny and and everything she and Arathorn gave up would come to naught. Aragorn knows he is hurting the two people he loves most but cannot but help his feelings for Arwen. Thanks for reading and writing I really like to hear what you think! Hope you and yours are well. MM | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 11/10/2005 |
| Yes, the moment of grief for the one who has been father to the one and as father to the other, when he knows two will know a greater grief than Elves should know, but whether it will be Arwen and himself or Arwen and Aragorn is yet to be shown. Love the moment with the sword. Well written. Author Reply: For Elrond the victory in Middle Earth is bittersweet. If the Men of the West win he will lose Arwen. If they lose then suffering will great indeed. Elrond has given so much to Middle Earth and as a reward he loses she whom he treasured most in the world. Sad. The moment with the sword sort of refers to a ficlet I wrote called "Shards of Memory." And that was born out of the film when Aragorn is looking at the shards of Narsil after Boromir has left. I thought if these shards are on constant display wouldn't they attract the attention of a bright, inquisitive 10 year old such as Estel. Hmmm! the plot bunnies would not allow me to rest until I wrote it! Really glad that you like the scene! MM | |
| Dot | Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 7/3/2005 |
| Hi there. Great to see this back! I thought the opening of this chapter was particularly moving, with the idea that Aragorn has always felt a connection with the shards of Narsil but only now does he feel able to touch them again after all this time. And that connection gives such depth to the role that Aragorn has found will be his. I also love Elrond’s quiet strength and faith in him. I really like your Arwen! Already we can see that she has so much spirit and life in her. The other elves clearly love her too. I thoroughly enjoyed the meeting between Aragorn and Arwen. You’ve kept so closely to canon, yet it comes alive for us here. We all know this part of the story and I was wondering how you’d do it – I’m so impressed! I was really captivated by it. I just adore the idea that they’re both singing the same song, and your description of the trees soothing Aragorn’s troubled mind is just beautiful. And I must say, I thought Arwen handled a very odd moment with wonderful grace! One of my favourite parts of this chapter is the reunion between Arwen and Elrond. I really love the way he tries to make himself wait but just can’t and hurries down to meet her! And the joy that she brings him is beautiful to witness. At least, it is when I completely ignore what Elrond has yet to discover! “Long distance guilt.” LOL. I seem to recall that grandparents are good at that. Parents too. You made me smile to see the reunion between brothers and sister. It’s so heart-warming to see them relaxed and teasing. And every sister reserves the right to smack her brother when he’s misbehaving! “At the use of the word “Adar” Elrond’s heart sang. He had been forgiven.” That’s lovely. I’m glad for Elrond, because he really suffered in having to burden Aragorn with a past and a future. I couldn’t help laughing at Aragorn’s reaction to Arwen, even though my heart went out to Elrond. I liked the scene with Gilraen. It was very realistic and well done. I can completely see why she would want to save her son from any further grief. I though it was a very powerful moment when she says that she had to deny herself for the sake of her son’s destiny. As always, you wrote Elrond incredibly well. One tiny thing – he says that one day he’ll “depart for the East”, shouldn’t that be West? I was so moved by his turmoil and desperation in trying to make Aragorn see how things must be. And all the while there’s the heartbreaking sense that Elrond knows that fate will take over and he may only be delaying a choice instead of saving those he loves from making it. I love that they both attempt to offer some comfort and Aragorn’s silence was more effective in portraying his thoughts than anything he could have said. The hug was so touching and I had tears in my eyes at the last line. This is an excellent chapter. You’re doing such an incredible job. Author Reply: Dot! thanks so much for the wonderful review! You give so thought and attention to detail in the reviews. I so look forward to them whenever I post a chapter. Sorry I've been so late in replying. I've been so busy, I have been in a play "Much Ado About Nothing" and I'm playing Dogberry!! It has been a huge amount of fun. | |
| Baggins Babe | Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 7/1/2005 |
| This was beautifully done, MM! I have always loved this part of the appendices and it was wonderful to see those moments extended. I was particularly moved by Gilraen's sacrifice. It is easy to forget how much she gave up for her son and the future of the Dunedain, and I think she deserves more understanding than she sometimes receives. You have really captured Elrond and Aragorn especially, and I do love the twins! BB | |
| daw the minstrel | Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 6/27/2005 |
| I really, really like how canonical you are here! You take the material in the appendix and make it come alive, so that Gilraen, Aragorn, Arwen, and Elrond (plus all the minor characters) act out their doom before us. Lovely. Author Reply: Daw! That wasn't easy, and it made the writing of the chapter rather difficult. I read the part of the "tale of Aragorn and Arwen" then had to put aside the writing until I could remember only the flow of the story and not the exact words. I'm sorry glad you liked it! Author Reply: Daw! I think I meant to write "I'm so glad you like it!" What can I say I was home after a long day of work and rehearsal!! | |
| Faith | Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 6/27/2005 |
| awwwwwwwwwwwww *sniff...poor estel...*sob...poor rod:( *sniff..soo sad..*sniff...*sob...runs off to get more tissues.. Faith,the Sue Slayer Proud member of IMSGSET and the Sue Squad Author Reply: faith! *she blushes* Thanks Faith! I'm really happy that you liked the story. MM | |
| Amy Earls | Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 6/27/2005 |
| Lovely chapter. I appreciated the insight into Gilraen's sacrifice. I especially liked the repetition of "the one," at first bringing to mind the ring, and echoed by Estel after being said by the twins. Thank you so much! Amy Author Reply: Hello Amy! I have always been fascinated by Gilraen! She gives so muach! I thought her side needed to be told and explored some. Here she has a voice, in many fics she is cut out of the picture entirely. But she was very important to Aragorn! I enjoy writing her. I'm so glad you've enjoyed the story. MM | |