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| The Heir Apparent by Mirkwoodmaiden | 9 Review(s) |
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| Fimbrethil | Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 12/28/2025 |
| So he lived there 18 years and only handled it once, but Boromir was there two months and also only touched it once. He certainly will do well! I guess Aragorn has never been to Lorien as Estel, and the Twins (and possibly Elrond) kept him secret from Arwen, for some reason. Maybe they had a vision of their future meeting or something? I also forgot to say I liked that E&E were there for Aragorn to talk to after he learned who he was. I wonder if she talked to Elrond or her brothers before Aragorn? Ah, I guess not. Oh a nameless desire? What happened to being cautious? “Tinuviel!” He heard a voice call only to realize in dismay that the voice was his own.” Well, at least he was immediately dismayed. Did he try to cover his embarrassment with his prowess at his titles? I also think I know why he could go by Beren later in the South. “Aragorn paused, the restored title that had filled him with such pride seemingly of little worth when compared to the beauty and dignity of such a lovely personage as this.” Ah. Glad he figured that out, even if it is wrong. “At the word “Lothlorien” Aragorn looked into Arwen’s eyes and saw the starlight within them. It was then that knew her for Elfkind, known too late, for within those seconds he knew he loved her.” Well, live on in Hope. “Formality has its proper time and place. When you’ve not seen your daughter for some twenty years is not one of them.” indeed. When both are known to love each other. So does she know of Arathorn’s and Gilraen’s marriage? Elrond doesn’t know what it is? And he doesn’t have a vision? How strange. “Elladan and Elrohir exchanged looks, “It has happened,” the elder twin said. “We have found the one.” At first Arwen looked quizzically at he older brother, then a dawning comprehension grew in her star-filled eyes. “The one, you say.” Elrohir nodded, “His name is Estel. Well truly his name is Aragorn. Adar named him Estel when he came to live with us. You will meet him at the feast.” Arwen looked at her brother and saw the light of affection for the young man in his eyes. Arwen was about to tell her brothers that she had already met Estel, but something caused her to hold her tongue. “He must be special to keep you from the South.” Ah hmmm. “Words broke into his thoughts, “Aragorn! I would like to present Arwen, your foster-sister!” Elrond said in a slightly pointed voice. Aragorn turned an abashed look upon his father, “I am sorry, Adar!” Aragorn tried to look upon Arwen with nothing more than polite interest. Arwen responded with a polite interest of her own, but against her own instincts her eyes lingered upon his longer than she knew they should.” Oh oh, so Elrond does know something! “A small flare of fear lit in Elrond’s heart as he looked upon the two souls that were among those he loved most in the world and then dismissed it from his mind. It could never be, so therefore it was not worthy of further consideration. At least he tried to, he found himself looking upon the two whenever they were together and at times the same small fear flared briefly and then died away. He filed away such thoughts, he would not allow anything to dim his happiness this night. His family was together and all was right with the world.” Indeed. Think of your parents, even. “Aragorn almost squirmed in his seat, but he checked himself just in time. Instead he straightened his shoulders and looked into his mother’s eyes. “I have found the one.” As he spoke Gilraen saw joy light in his eyes. “The one?” Gilraen began, then comprehension dawned. “Indeed,” she continued caution and curiosity weighing in equal measure. “And who might the one be?” As Aragorn spoke the name, Gilraen paled. “You aim high, ion nin! But it must not be. The path you are destined to travel is long and there is not space for two on the journey.” It tore at Gilraen’s heart to see the light in Aragorn’s eyes fade to shades of anger and disbelief.” Now she knows. But after the journey… “Aragorn rose from his chair, his clear grey eyes filled with silent reckoning. He hugged his father and departed. Elrond stared after him and it struck him that his Estel was taking his leave of him as silently as when he had arrived. Elrond thought back to the silent toddler that he first beheld in Gilraen’s begrimed and battle-besmirched arms. He thought his heart would break then beholding the little soul. It had not, until this moment when Aragorn, tall and strong, and no less tormented walked out the door of his study to begin the shaping his own destiny in the hope of someday claiming that which was necessary to his soul.” hmmmmm | |
| 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 | |