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


	About Us News Resources Login Become a member Help Search

Arwen's Heart by Bodkin	15 Review(s)
jules	Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 4/4/2006
The scene between Aragorn and Elrond was very poignant – Aragorn’s guilt, Elrond’s contemplation of the choices made by himself and Elros, and his rationalisation of Arwen as an adventurer like her (paternal) daeradar. Mind you, her other daeradar is pretty impressive too, determined to stick around in case he’s needed, and lobbying for deferral of ‘the choice’ for the twins as well. Interesting too that for all Mithrandir’s initial objections, he has to concede that he’s not all that unhappy with the outcome. Wonderful glimpses into A&A’s married life, poor Aragorn trying rather half-heartedly to be mindful of Gondorian propriety before he remembers that the kingship was the means to the end, not the end itself... Then Arwen & Legolas conspiring to remind him of the same thing a few years later. Lovely parting between Arwen & Elrond – sad but not maudlin, Elrond very much the reassuring father being brave for his child. But despite Elrond’s advice it seems A&A haven’t made much progress on coming to terms with the Gift. Perhaps Faramir’s words, coming years later but eerily reminiscent, will make more of a connection. Author Reply: Aragorn and Elrond love each other as father and son - and yet Aragorn is taking Elrond's daughter. For ever, too. I think Elrond has come to terms with it probably better than Aragorn - and seeing her as Earendil's granddaughter probably helped. Celeborn was never going to leave Middle-earth while Arwen might need him - and he knows the twins have decided to stay by her, too. He would think ahead to - er - requesting that, since Arwen has accepted the destiny laid on her, the twins should be given time, so that they could support her and yet sail in their own time. He would not want Celebrian to lose all her children. Mithrandir probably agrees anyway. Arwen is undoubtedly better equipped for the tedium of ruling - and has spent long enough under the eyes of guards and courtiers to know that the only way to be happy is to learn how to ignore them when it suits you. She will help Aragorn learn to endure the burden of the crown - and take time away from it when he can. Beyond the bounds of time is an almost impossible concept for men - but to elves? Elrond has been around for over two ages. Galadriel is - what - 8000 or so? To them the division is painful and they will never be reunited in this world - but Elrond, of all people, must have developed a philosophy that saw him reunited, in time, with Elros. And neither Elrond nor Arwen would have wanted to make the parting harder on the other. Aragorn and Arwen would have avoided the thought of the Gift for their first decades, I think. They would both have felt guilty about it. Faramir is definitely the best person to help Arwen understand. He has such depth - and can see further into a brick wall than most. By this time, he has seen Eowyn die and his own grasp on life is tenuous - I think Arwen will have found it easier to take instruction from him. 120 year together. Such a long time for a man. Such a passing moment for an elf.

Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 1/27/2006
Aye, it comes in its own time, and too soon, and yet not soon enough in many ways. A grief and a joy untold, and Faramir is a good light to learn from. A joyous tale, and one I joy I was able to read and finish at the last. Thank you, Bodkin. Author Reply: I have a suspicion that Aragorn's view of the Gift might be slightly coloured by having been raised elvish. And, of course, by his worry about Arwen and how she would deal with it. But Faramir is a man of such clear sight and pure heart that I reckon he would understand the freedom it offered - and his reaction would open Arwen's eyes to a different understanding. Thank you. I am glad you liked it.

Linda Hoyland	Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 1/18/2006
This was such a beautiful chapter from Arwen and Aragorn playing in the trees and their obvious love to Faramir's beautiful words on accepting mortality. I also liked your explanation of why Elrond could not wait to see his grandchildren and the idea of the King and Steward's families united.Just wonderful ! Author Reply: Thank you. I'm glad you liked it. I really enjoyed the potential for a bit of lightness in this chapter - and Arwen and Aragorn deserved as much happiness as possible after their long wait and prospective (for elves anyway) short amount of time together. Faramir is insightful and eloquent - I think he, more than Aragorn, is likely to have been the person who could help Arwen to an understanding of the gift of men. And, while I was doing all the sums on my fingers, I came to the conclusion that Faramir's children would have been too old to marry Aragorn's - but his grandchildren would make better spouses. And what more likely than that the two highest-ranking families in Gondor would intermarry! It must have been Rings that made all the ringbearers have to sail - and, since Imladris and Lothlorien were relatively timeless places, I think that the Ring's destruction made time weigh them down. Hey - I would have liked them to stay longer - but you can't argue with the timeline! Mutter, maybe, but not argue.

meckinock	Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 1/17/2006
Sorry this is so late, Bodkin. I was determined to get that chapter done, and I can't read coherently when I'm trying to write! I loved Arwen's search for a garden in Minas Tirith that hadn't been hacked to within an inch of its life by over-zealous arborists. Her discussion with her brothers about their fate was touching - her sadness that she would never see their children; their devotion to her and their vow to remain with her. I can see her just beginning to realize, now that she had achieved her goal, what she has sacrificed in return. Curaniel's observation that there surely must be someplace in Arda less congenial to the Elves than Minas Tirith made me laugh. I confess I have always pitied poor Aragorn for having to give up the vast spaces of the wild for someplace that looked like a lifeless, granite wedding cake - but I guess for Elves accustomed to Lothlorien it would be even worse. Aragorn's conversation with Elrond was very touching - Elrond still trying to comfort and reassure Aragorn; and his reminder that Arwen is Eaerendil's granddaughter and therefore comes by her penchant for adventure honestly is quite appropriate. I loved Aragorn and Arwen's chase through the garden and maybe-not-so-secret tryst under the trees. Fortunately for them, there are no papparazzi or newsstand tabloids in Minas Tirith! Elrond and Arwen's last parting was beautifully rendered. I've often wondered why Elrond couldn't wait just a little longer before sailing; why after so many years apart from Celebrian, his endurance couldn't sustain him long enough to see his daughter through her most difficult challenge. This is a painful but believable explanation: ‘For centuries I have leant on the power of Vilya to preserve Imladris and to hold back the shadow. For centuries I have been a channel for the Ring of Air and it has left me … hollow. Drained. Too tired to endure further.’ Their last parting was painful to read. I was glad you followed it up with the light-hearted scene with the twins and baby Eldarion! I enjoyed so many moments in this chapter: Legolas, who knew Aragorn when his kingdom consisted of one horse and a broken sword; Faramir in his old age, comforting Arwen with his insight into the Gift, and especially the wedding of Eldarion and Faramir's granddaughter. But oh, so sad to think that Faramir is gone already. And Arwen's plea to Aragorn that his time is not yet come has a desperate ring to it. I don't know if I can bear to read the sadness yet to come! Author Reply: Sorry to be so long replying, too! But it's seemed a very long week. Gondorian seem to me to people who like to have everything under control - and I'm sure that would include their gardens! I can see then using the formal park style of planting and pruning where everything would be regimented into lines and patterns and had jolly well better not deviate. Things, I'm sure, are about to change. I can't imagine that any of them - elves included - had really though much beyond their goal. The destruction of Sauron must have seemed so unlikely that the other side of that can have been no more than a rather glowing daydream. But happily ever after is the beginning of another tale, and that, too, will have its difficulties. Minas Tirith - and Gondorian Society (in its lords and ladies sense) can't have been congenial to either the elf or the ranger, really. They must both have wanted to run at times. Good thing they both had tremendously strong senses of duty. Poor Elrond is trying to find comfort for both Arwen and Aragorn - and, at the same time, reassure himself. Being a parent is a tough role. He loves them both - will miss them - but he is also the only living person who has probably invested a lot of time in trying to understand what will happen to Arwen and the most likely to have come to some positive conclusion. I think, if he hadn't been able to recognise some good in her fate, he would have been much more likely to have guilted her into sailing with Celebrian rather than accepting that que sera, sera. I do wonder that Elrond and Galadriel sailed when they did - but they did! I would have thought two tough old elves like them, who had endured so much, could easily have lasted another couple of centuries. But their passing was part of the point of ending one age and moving into another, wasn't it? And since all the Ringbearers had to go, it must have been something to do with the rings that made life east of the sea intolerable to them. I really liked the potential for light bits in this chapter - especially as I had already written most of the next one and was feeling rather gloomed out. A nice bit of uxorial delight seemed good! As did playing in trees and having babies. And marrying off your son. Faramir seemed the person most likely to have a real understanding of the gift - he sees further into a brick wall than most and is eloquent enough to make others see what he does. Thank you.

Levade	Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 1/16/2006
I've read this several times and each time it's beautiful all over again. There is so much in this chapter, so many emotionally-charged issues, and you wrote them so perfectly! Some of them touch close to home for me, and I can empahtize with Arwen losing her family. She'll gain a lot as well, but right now it's hard to see that. Beautiful story, Bodkin. Thank you so much for sharing. Author Reply: Thank you - I liked the possibilities of featuring both happy and sadder moments here, (a possibility missing from the next chapter, I'm afraid). Elrond has dealt with this before - in several different ways - and his and Arwen's parting would have been sad, but not bitter. Arwen would have wrestled with the idea of the gift of men and I cannot think of anyone better than Faramir for helping her understand. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

The Karenator	Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 1/15/2006
This is such a lovely chapter. You covered a lot of ground and did so magnificently. I love your approach to Elrond's reasons for leaving. And how you explained the twins staying beyond Elrond's departure and still making their way to Valinor. Celeborn is wonderfully crusty. Elrond's departure was sad, but in a loving and beautiful way. Even in their despair, there was hope. At Eldarion's birth, the letters the twins brought were wonderful. I got teary eyed when Arwen saw her mother had left one for her even in Celebrian's darkest hour of leaving her family. Faramir was a wise fellow. He sensed Arwen's concerns and opened his heart to tell her his experience and expectations. I liked how he explained the 'passing of the torch' to the next generation. And the king and queen have just married off their firstborn. The guests should be watched closely though, I think. And I'm not talking about just the Rohirrim. I wouldn't put a little mischief past the blond elf and the dwarf. I truly enjoyed this, Bodkin. I've read it several times now and I enjoy more with each reading. Karen Author Reply: Thank you - it was a pleasure to be able to mix sad and happy moments here. Arwen's choice to marry Aragorn brought difficulties with it, but she believed that the joy would outweigh the sorrow and that would come in their relationship and children. I can't imagine she was too excited by the prospect of being queen - that would be the duty that paid for the pleasure. Elrond - despite the 'bitter parting' line - was far too wise and experienced to be personally bitter about what happened. No-one would understand better than Elrond that partings happen and may be long - and no-one would trust more than him that, in the fullness of time, faith would be rewarded. Arwen had not yet had time - or reason - to come to his level of understanding, but she would work at it. She might be frightened in the end, but she would have done her best to learn what others saw. The twins would have stayed anyway, I think. They are very obstinate and determined under their frivolous exterior - and all intercessions to get them an extension to their choice would have been welcomed. And Celeborn just wasn't ready to go - apart from Arwen and the twins. He was resentful, I think, of Galadriel's decision to leave. Took it personally at this point. Although he came to realise that she and Elrond had been weakened by the failure of the rings - beyond their ability to endure the weight of time in Middle Earth and let her go to her healing in the end. And with the twins promising to bring Daeradar and Celeborn promising to bring the twins, their loving family could hope that the time would come when all would sail. One reason for Celebrian's letter is to show that she - and Arwen - had always known that Arwen's fate lay in Middle Earth. They, too, are perfectly capable of seeing into the future and realising the implications of what seems likely - why else would Arwen not sail with her mother, who was so frail? And, even in her darkest moment, there is something about the prospective birth of her first grandchild that is likely to bring Celebrian to express her love and pride in her daughter. Faramir sees further through a brick wall than most men. Of any of the book characters, he is the one who would have the best understanding of the gift and be best able to explain it to others. I was totting up relative ages and life expectancies - and felt that Faramir's granddaughter was a much more likely spouse for Eldarion than his daughter. And even then, with an Arathorn/Gilraen age gap, Eldarion was still likely to outlive her by 30 years or more. You think Legolas and Gimli might cause trouble? They are much more mature now. .... Any trouble they caused would be more subtle - and probably far more irritating than the noise and drunken singing of the Rohirrim. I'm glad you enjoyed it. The next chapter lacks much in the way of lighter moments. Even the twins can't come up with any.

elliska	Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 1/14/2006
Oh wow! I don't even know where to begin with this one. I loved every bit of this chapter starting with the opening line with the scales--so true. I loved Arwen's first thoughts about the confines of the Citadel. And I thought Elrond's conversation with Aragorn was perfect. I just went back to try to pick out a favorite part to comment on and I can't single any one part out. I loved it. And Cúraniel, Celeborn and the twins are great--it would be a difficult balance between comforting her and making it more difficult to accept the Gift, but I think Arwen would need them and they definitely need to see her to the end. Elrond and Arwen's goodbyes had me absolutely bawling. That was so well done! And I loved the scenes with Arwen, Aragorn and their happy life/family. Seeing them play and love one another; seeing their children; seeing Eldarion married--it is nice to see them enjoy the fruits of their labors. And I enjoyed how you portrayed them--the twins' will never change and it was fun to see Legolas and Gimli in this. And I like Arwen's conversation with Faramir--taking her father's advice to try to understand. You did a really good job of capturing the differing world views of elves and men in that conversation. Incredible chapter. I am so glad I got the chance to finally get caught up with this. Author Reply: Thank you. A lot of years packed into a small space! Yet moments of intense joy and fulfilment over this time to counteract the sorrow. So difficult for Aragorn here, I think. He has got what he wanted - and he has probably never allowed himself to think beyond that. But he knows it comes with a price and he is seeing that price in action. He would have felt guilty. No question. But Elrond understood and could see the whole picture all along - and he can accept the sweet and the bitter more easily than either Arwen or Aragorn and I think he must have taken refuge in faith that they would be reunited when the time was right. Celeborn is right to stay - he wouldn't have been, had he set up home in Minas Tirith, but he is right to be around. The twins would not have sailed - they would remain for Arwen - so it is just as well that they were allowed to delay their choice. Mithrandir is right in a way that Arwen doesn't need to be torn in her commitment to her new life, but then she doesn't need to be torn by losing all her roots either. Faramir is the man who thinks most - scholar and dreamer - and, by the time all their friends in their new life are old and dying and Arwen is having to look at mortality, he is the one who is most likely to have a deeper understanding of the gift of men. And the one who is most likely to be able to explain it - and be seen embracing it gladly. Aragorn's elven upbringing is likely to get in the way of his understanding - he knows death in battle, but he has probably seen few reach old age who know that their time has come and are grateful for the release. I'm glad you like the chapter. The next one is ... it is hard to find lighter moments. More soon.

Jay of Lasgalen	Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 1/13/2006
This is such a bitter-sweet chapter. I won't say it's full of sadness, because it's not - there's a lot of joy as well. Eldarion's birth, his betrothal (to Faramir's grand-daughter! I like that touch.) As always, I love the scenes with Arwen and her brothers (and the way Elrohir always rests his head on her lap), especially at Eldarion's birth. You make a very interesting point about the twins being able to delay their choice because of Gandalf's intervention. Thank goodness he succeeded! I like the simple scenes with Aragorn and Arwen that show their deep love. The coronation and wedding could have seemed the culmination of everything - but it was just the beginning, and they had a long, long time together before the inevitable. I don't think I'm looking forward to the next chapter :( Author Reply: Moment of joy fill these years - long-antipated partings, but there is probably more happiness than sorrow. I was poring over ages and how long different people would live - and decided that Faramir's children would be too old to marry Aragorn's. Arbitrary, I know, but I felt a 60-odd year old Eldarion would be much better suited to a 25-ish granddaughter of Faramir - and that they could then anticipate about a century together. I love bringing the twins in - they are almost always willing to put a bright face on what is happening and joke around. Elrohir is the softer twin - more prepared to show it, too - while Elladan is more protective and fiercer in defence of his siblings. I think they would have stayed with Arwen anyway - even if that was taken as their choice, but I'm glad Gandalf - and others - were able to get them an extension. Aragorn's lineage meant that he and Arwen had as long as any elf could expect when wedding a man - and there must have been many good times. They must have had to make themselves slow down and relish what they had. And not let ruling Gondor eat into it too much. But it is, I think, scribbling sums, a marriage that lasted over half of Aragorn's life - but 0.04% of Arwen's. It must have flown. The next chapter - well, what can I say? If you can think of any jolly moments that will bring light and laughter - I couldn't. Thank you - I hope the next chapter works for you!

Redheredh	Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 1/13/2006
Bodkin, you picked such poignant moments for this chapter. E2's unfailing debonair demeanor was as entertaining as always, but again as always it contrasts wonderfully with the seriousness of their family's saga. The idea as a theme that Arwen was unprepared was nicely addressed in each of these scenes, even the lighter and more romantic. Loved her and Estel in the garden and Eldarion's uncles bringing gifts. Celebrian having written a letter to her daughter in anticipation of her own child's birth was incredibly heartwarming. Interesting that you took a look at how E2 were allowed to delay their own choice. However, my favorite conversation was between Elrond and Arwen at their farewell. You have them say most everything I always thought would have been said and felt. Even the same choice of words! I read it agape and was thrilled how much on the same wavelength we were. Sorry to scare you like that. ;) Jumping through time through these marvelous moments conveyed a bit of Arwen's experience of these events. You are there in the moment, but those moments are fleeting and must be savored. Last, but foremost, your superb writing must be given its due. The story would be interesting to read, but the writing makes it an emotional experience. You make me sorry that there are sad times ahead. This was yet another great chapter. Author Reply: Thank you. There was potential for lighter moments of joy in this chapter - and the twins, bless them, are always prepared to attempt to counter the pain that comes with some of their family! Though it is, I am afraid, a shield against their sorrows and losses - you know what they say about comedians! Elrond, I think, was not unprepared. He had, after all, lost Elros to mortality, which means he must have spent longer considering its implications than any other elf - and, being Elrond, having come to an acceptance of what it meant to him. I reckon Arwen would have found it harder to deal with their division than he would, at least initially - and how can she have been prepared for what time would ask of her? And he would know - and tell her - that however long their separation might seem, it was only temporary, and he would love her always. (Same wavelength? Seems a good thing to me!) I think, too, that Celebrian and Arwen knew that she would never sail, even before Celebrian was wounded. Otherwise, why would she not have taken ship with her mother, who was so badly injured? And, if there was one time that Celebrian would most definitely have wanted to be by her daughter's side, it would be at the birth of her child. And E2 promised to be there for her - and they would do it, at whatever cost to themselves. Allowing them the time to remain while Arwen needed them seems only reasonable, especially as her father could not stay. Elrond would be much happier to know that Celeborn and Glorfindel were there too! Fleeting - yes. 120 years. Seems a long time to us. Seems a pretty long time to 90 year old Aragorn. But Arwen is 3000 - it's a wink of time that would have flown past. The equivalent of four years to a centenarian. She would have needed to make herself slow down and relish every moment. Sad times ahead - unavoidable, I'm afraid. I'm glad you're enjoying the tale - but tissue alert for the next chapter. I can't find any moments of frivolity to lighten that one.

RS	Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 1/13/2006
I AM EMOTIONALLY SPENT. What a wonderful chapter. You got me on this one. You should have had a warning for this chapter, "PLEASE HAVE TISSUES HANDY". Arwen's and Elrond's goodbye broke my heart. Faramir's words to Arwen were so beautiful. As a person who's faith is a little shaky when it comes to life after death, it surely made me feel so much better. BEAUTIFUL, JUST BEAUTIFUL! Bitter and defensive she may be at this moment, I am sure these profound words will be remembered when "the time" comes. I am so glad that Faramir and Arwen had this moment as I feel alot of stories do not have Faramir and Arwen conversing as much. And what a wonderful conversation. It feels like this wonderful fic is coming to a close and Arwen's and Aragorn's parting is imminent. I dread your next update. I just hope...well..I KNOW it is go to be so eloquently written that I will enjoy it regardlesss. WHAT A WONDERFUL READ! Ps--I enjoyed Aragorn's and Arwen's friskiness and playfullness in the tree and near the roses! Author Reply: Warning for the next chapter - please have lots of tissues handy. There were opportunities here for lighter moments, but I'm having trouble finding anything to relieve the gloom of the next chapter! I cannot see Arwen and Elrond's goodbye being bitter - they are both too wise and understanding. Sorrowful, yes - but Elrond has experienced such moments before. Elven perception of time, too, isn't like ours. He has already lived over two ages - he can hope for reunion in the end. Faramir is wise and deep-sighted - if anyone is going to have an understanding of the virtues of the gift, it would be him. And he is eloquent enough to pass on his understanding just when it would be most helpful - to Arwen, but also, probably to Aragorn. I started this story in the first place out of a spurt of indignation that Arwen was rarely seen as a strong, wise character who had her own role to play - and on whom Aragorn depended - so I'm glad you like her discussion with Faramir. (There's a great Faramir/Arwen story called The Queen's Gambit by ... Miss Milton?) One more chapter and an epilogue, because I felt the last bit needed to be separate. (And a ranger and an elf deserve a bit of fun away from all the formality of being King and Queen! I hope they sneaked off for a lot of time among the greenery.)

First Page | Previous Page | Next Page | Last Page

Return to Chapter List