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Arwen's Heart by Bodkin	14 Review(s)
jules	Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 4/4/2006
I’m going to start this review with a confession – if I am feeling even remotely depressed or tired or upset with the world, reading the Tale of A&A in the appendices moves me to tears. Embarrassing but true. I didn’t go quite so soppy over chapter 14, but I suspect that’s only because we have had longer to work up to it! Aragorn’s unresolved guilt over Arwen is unbearably sad – he would be quite prepared to accept his end, if not for the pain it will cause his beloved. Arwen’s grief is very realistically portrayed, the sense of immediate loathing for Aragorn’s city now that he is no longer there to make it liveable for her, the need to get away, but the ever present demands of duty that force her to stay, at least for a while. I like the way Arwen comes to terms with the Gift – that she recognises it as a liberation rather than something to be feared, and that her last days are spent in joy (a celebration of her life?) rather than despair. It seems right that Glorfindel comes closest to understanding what is happening to Arwen, although he’s still underestimating her if he thinks she’s oblivious to the protection detail lingering on the fringes. Curaniel sums Arwen’s life up well for Celebrian – a story of love and deep contentment. Author Reply: There are literary moments that are natural tear-jerkers. A&A, Beth in Little Women, a poem called Beaucourt Revisited. Those are three of mine! Aragorn has spent a century thinking he has dealt with his guilt - only to find that now he is going to have to leave Arwen, he wishes he could give her back what they accepted as the price for their love. Not that it would work - and he would actually be condemning her to an unhappier fate. Grief - is odd. In a way it is a cessation of living anyway. Arwen is still an elf - and the sundering of the bond she has with Aragorn is going to affect her very powerfully. She can survive bodily in the White City for a while, but mentally she has already left, I think, before her children are willing to accept her departure. She stays for them - until they can accept her loss. The hiatus is the court mourning period - about three months - until the new king is crowned and life starts moving again. Arwen approached the Gift with openness, I think, and that is what makes it a joyful time. She is thankful for what she has had and embraces the world, while seeing the Gift is just a step to a world of new experience. Glorfindel understands it best, but her brothers and grandfather cannot but be affected by her mood and it makes her last months far less painful than they could have been. (She must have known they would never leave her. But she needed the silence, I think.) A short marriage - for an elf - but crammed with all the experience and happiness that a mother could wish for her child. And, in the end, a belief that she was going to be rejoined with the one she loved.

Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 1/27/2006
I am glad they chose at the end to be true to how they grew up, knowing that at the end of days they will find sister and MANY brothers they had come to love, and will be fulfilled again. Author Reply: I think there was a greater possibility that Elladan could have chosen mortality - he seems to me to be the twin who was closer to Men - but his love of his brother would not have let him take that path unless he had found a true love, and even then I think he would have been torn. Elrohir has always wanted to sail west and see his mother healed and happy. They have a long wait - goodness knows how many ages - but they will be reunited at the end of days.

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 1/22/2006
I was just thinking about what you were saying about Celebrian. I really hadn’t thought about that before. That happens me a lot! But yeah, there is definitely a link between Arwen’s end and Celebrian’s sailing. I think you had the idea somewhere in this story that both Arwen and her mother had a sense of Arwen’s fate, that they knew that she would never sail. Celebrian would have wanted her daughter’s wisdom and strength to see her through and give her the courage to face whatever she had to. So Arwen could have not allowed herself to give in to grief for her mother’s sake too, to be the person Celebrian knew she could be. She would also have known the effect that it would have on her children to see someone overcome with sadness and pain and would have wanted to spare them that – so she would have made sure they understood, would have stayed around long enough to be certain they knew what was happening and why, that they would be able to move on, and yet she would still have had to leave before she completely gave in to grief. ‘Do not leave them with the fear that they failed you.’ That is a great line! But you could probably use it another time. And by having Curaniel bring the whole story to Celebrian, Arwen’s mother will know that her daughter was prepared, met her fate with dignity and found the happiness she deserved. Not just Celebrian, but all Arwen’s family. Sorry, just pondering things when I should really be in bed…! Thank you for such a wonderful reply, by the way. I really appreciate the chance to see some of your thought processes and insights. Author Reply: I think, without going back to check, that Arwen tells Celeborn right back in chapter 1 that Celebrian and she knew that she would never sail... although that could just be that she knew she wouldn't. But it does come somewhere. But the parallels between mother and daughter - and the differences - are really flagging up now! (It's really irritating when thoughts occur after you've written something!) However much in despair Arwen was at Aragorn's passing - and I think it might have surprised her: after all, she knew it was coming and probably thought she was as prepared as she could be - she must have thought of how her family would respond to her pain. She had seen how her brothers reacted to their feelings of guilt and helplessness and she would have gone out of her way to try to see that they managed to deal with her passing. She is a strong and compassionate - and wise - character, and I'm sure that she would have suppressed her need for solitude long enough to console those she had to leave. I think Eldarion and his sisters might have dealt with it better once life began to move on in Gondor. They are, after all, mortal and aging. They understand the gift better than the twins ever can, simply because of their natures. The twins could have sunk into bitterness - possibly the bitterness of mortality would affect them more than those subject to it. Arwen's undeniable happiness and acceptance would have sweetened the pill and perhaps opened the door a little for them to look through, but I think that, in the aftermath, they would have been resentful and perhaps needed the remaining time they spent east of the sea in order to come to terms with her loss. With what Curaniel had to say, and Glorfindel's insight - together with (I hope) what they have learned in the west - Elrond and Celebrian might have been reassured that Arwen embraced her fate with love and faith. I am sure they were relieved that she was not clinging to her earthbound existence for fear of taking that last step. Mostly, after posting something, I try not to think too much about it - it's just too frustrating coming up with a whole lot of new ideas. But this chapter is hanging on. Not surprising, I suppose, given its subject matter. I find being haunted by thought after I've gone to bed is the worst. When either I have to get up and write them down, or know I'll have forgotten them in the morning. I had to keep repeating the 'Do not leave...' line for about 20 minutes driving home, too, so I would be sure to remember that when I got home! Thank you, Dot. It's fun going into some of the things you think along the way.

elliska	Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 1/21/2006
This had me crying when I skimmed it at work (the people there already think I'm nuts) and it has me crying again now that I just had time to read it more carefully. The opening part, before Aragorn's death was really well done--I liked seeing how everyone found out/figured out it was time and their reactions. And the twins' and Aragorn's conversation--great. Arwen's decision to go to Lothlorien and all the conversations involved in it were great. I particularly liked her farewell to the twins and the play on the goodbye you'd used before. And also the conversation the twins and Celeborn and Glorfindel had afterward. The image of Arwen in the wood was really very beautiful and I enjoyed Celeborn's thoughts on Melian. That was a thought provoking part and it helps explain her 'abandonment' of Doriath. I know this part was mainly about Arwen's passing, but I also really loved seeing the twin's conversation where they decide to finally sail. It was great. I really hope you end this sort of where Reflections starts--with them reunited in Aman with their parents. ‘It seems,’ Eldarion said, his voice desolate, ‘that all those who remained are abandoning us at once to live without hope in a world from which all wonder is missing. It will be a bitter thing to be left to rule here in a world that has become so much less than it was.’ His great grandfather placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. ‘There is always wonder,’ he said, ‘if you know where to look.’ This was one of my favorite quotes. Great chapter! Author Reply: Now, making people cry should be a bad thing! I really didn't want Aragorn's end to be quite as arbitrary as it seemed in the Appendix - I don't feel that the Aragorn who lives in my head would be that cold - his decision to pass has to be for a reason. And it must be shattering for the twins, because they know they are losing not only their foster brother, but that his death signals their sister's last months. I felt that Aragorn would do his best to support those he would be leaving through his last months. I knew when I used that goodbye earlier that it would be replayed here - and the white roses keep cropping up, too! I find it hard to imagine that her family could have allowed Arwen to fly Minas Tirith straight after Aragorn's death - and just as hard to picture a strong loving Arwen who could leave them like that to feel abandoned. (In fact, yesterday I was being hit with parallels with Celebrian after her wounding and thinking that there was no way that Arwen would have wanted to see her children as hurt as her brothers were at that time.) And her brothers, grandfather and Glorfindel were always going to be with her - they've all promised that at various stages to various people. Arwen's last months in the Wood changed. It was originally more prosaic, but then developed into something much more joyful and mystical - and, I have to admit, less painful to write and brood over. And then there was the 'why?' Why did Arwen choose to go instead of staying with her family - and I could only come up with the parallels of Melian and Luthien - that when you accept these cross-species relationships where love outweighs kind, you have to accept that its end is your end. (Doesn't always work - Mithrellas, for example. But her bond was less written in the stars.) It took the twins - particularly Elladan, who, I think, would fight the rising tide (has a lot in common with Thranduil) - a long time to accept the inevitability of sailing, but Elrohir is patient. I felt sorry for Eldarion. (And the unnamed sisters.) Another person who was left behind with no choice in the matter. And being left is terribly hard. The wonder in the world he is left to rule will be different. And, of course, he is no longer the child, but the older generation and things will seem different to him anyway. Thank you. I am glad you enjoyed it.

Elflingimp	Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 1/20/2006
That was a really great chapter I love how Arwen was happy instead of sad when she passed on,it was easier to handle I almost started crying (Gosh!) also I like the idea that they all will be reunited and the end of the world and not kept apart forever now if only someone would write a story about that! That would be a great task anyway I will be waiting for more! Author Reply: I started off with a sadder version of Arwen's passing, but revision started me off with the line about the nightingale - and the whole thing built from there into a situation that became more and more euphoric. While they were in her company, her brothers knew that she was happy and this was right for her, but later they thought more about what they missed than about Arwen's acceptance of her fate. But they will be reunited - they are all have faith in that. There is only one small part more to come of this - and then I don't know where I will end up! Thank you for reading. I am glad you liked the way this chapter turned out.

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 1/20/2006
Hi Bodkin. I just thought I’d pop in if that’s ok. I’m terribly ashamed of myself – with every chapter I thought I shouldn’t review it until I’d done the ones before but it’s getting a bit ridiculous now. And I couldn’t let this particular one go by without telling you what a wonderful job I think you did with it. This whole chapter was just so heartbreaking. I don’t know how you had the courage to write it! I think what made it particularly sad is that from the outset, this chapter has a sense of something ending, of a time approaching for these people where they will all part and things will never be the same again. And there are just so many things I loved about your take on this. Aragorn’s slow decline, his attempt to keep it from his wife – and thus not have to full face it himself – and Arwen’s awareness of what is happening anyway make perfect sense to me and really reflect the characters as you write them. I thought it was a particularly moving moment when Arwen tells him that she has always seen beyond his appearance as he aged and still saw him as “The bold Dúnedan who stole my heart.” It adds something magical in my mind and shows the strength of her love for him, as well as how that love has made her blind to things she didn’t want to see. And Legolas’ sorrow and despair and the references to his sea-longing were poignantly perfect. There’s a desperation in him too, it seems to me, as though all the losses he’s suffered have taught him pain and grief and he knows that he is about to experience the greatest loss yet. Gimli is just fantastic. It’s clear that he’s suffering too and yet his warmth and concern for others and his practicality all shine through. His deep friendship with Legolas is very obvious. He just seems like a comforting person to have around. Of course, he can accept death in a way that elves just can’t. Cúraniel has really become one of my favourite of your OCs. She seems to have become part of Arwen’s family and her selflessness is wonderful to see. She is going to lose her friend to something she does not understand and yet she tries to understand and to make sure that Arwen has a friend, someone who won’t try to interfere but will be there if she’s needed. I feel sad for her, though, because for her a time of decision is coming too. Like the rest of them, she senses something that she was waiting for - and yet never thinking the day would arrive – is going to happen and then she will be forced to move on in some way. I love that the twins are so strong for Aragorn. The undertone of grief at the parting brought tears to my eyes but they manage to reassure each other and even now all of them are thinking of Arwen. It’s a very lonely image of her having to face the unknown alone, with Aragorn gone on ahead, and her family not able to follow. But it must comfort Aragorn to know that she will have her brothers by her side until she has to leave them. What’s interesting, actually, is that there doesn’t seem to be any question of her not following him soon after. That’s always how I imagined it – that when he went, she would go too. I never thought of it as some grieving reaction that she fled and gave herself up, but rather that this was how it was always going to be. Similarly, I think it quite reasonable that she would wait a while before leaving. I like the idea that it’s Cúraniel who, without asking her to stay for long, reminds her that she does not have to go immediately. Practically speaking, they would have had to crown Eldarion, and she would have wanted to know that those left behind would be looking to their futures. It actually gives more weight to Arwen’s choice, I think, that she waits because it’s not some dramatic love story where she can’t bear to be left behind – it’s about a choice made long ago, that cannot be undone and that she will face with the strength she has always shown, even in the depth of such grief. And her children will see for themselves she has to go, that there is no way she can remain, rather than wondering she simply abandoned them in her overwhelming grief. And, of course, if there’s one thing that Arwen is used to doing, it’s waiting. My heart went out to Eldarion. There’s a suggestion of a very close relationship between him and his mother and it must have been so painful to realise that there’s nothing he can do to keep her there. Plus, he’s just become king in a world that is no longer the one he knew. Imagine what it must be like to know that as he steps forward, so many others step back and let him to lead a world of Men where the elves he grew up with will become a thing of tales. Because no matter how long some of them stay, it’s never going to be the same again. I didn’t think I’d be able to read the moment where she has to say goodbye to her brothers and Celeborn and Glorfindel. But the amazing strength that Arwen summoned for that moment made it a gentle and loving parting. And of course they weren’t going to leave her! How hard it must have been for them, though, to retire and wait. I can’t tell you how much I loved your version of Arwen’s passing. It surprise me actually, but I couldn’t have thought of a more perfect ending. I mean, why should there be sadness as she embraces her fate? She seems to be moving ever more into the next world but the idea of “a return to purity and innocence” is so beautiful and even though no-one can know what happened to her, she’s clearly reached a place of acceptance and of hope. I’m so glad that Glorfindel, having experienced something similar, can recognise what is happening and see her happiness and peace so that all those she loves will know that at least her end wasn’t one of sadness and pain. I thought Cúraniel showed such friendship and such loyalty by remaining until she could have the full story to bring to Arwen’s parents. I hope you give her a nice guy and a happy life once she gets to the Blessed Realm! And Glorfindel knew what would matter to Elrond – that his daughter understood in the end and went willingly. I was also glad that you let us see when Elladan and Elrohir made the decision to sail. And you did such a good job portraying how it wasn’t an easy decision, how they had to wait until they were ready to go, until they were all ready to go. I felt so bad for Elrohir, though, feeling as though he was caught between two worlds, that in the end they were the only ones without a clear path before them. Ah well, now they can all go and begin to find some healing. Some of this is so painful to read but there’s hope at the end and a feeling that Arwen has fulfilled her promise. It’s quite spiritual and beautiful. And it’s a comfort to know that she was happy at the end. Truly, you did a magnificent job with a very difficult time. Bravo. Author Reply: Never feel guilty for not reviewing! You put so much into your reviews that I always feel very flattered when you stop by. I am so pleased that you like this chapter. I started this with as much dread as anyone reading it - more, probably, because I knew it would take a while, but with certain objectives. I didn't want a perfectly healthy Aragorn to surrender his life for no apparent reason - I don't think he would have just decided it was time for Eldarion to be king and blow the effect it would have on the wife who had surrendered her immortality for him. They both had to accept his decision - and his decision had to have a cause. And then - quite apart from Arwen - this time must have been excruciating for all sorts of people. Their children - whose world changed as they lost not only parents, but Legolas and Gimli and contact with another side of the world they had inherited. The couple of paragraphs in the Appendix just don't consider anything really, except drawing a line under the tale by this point - and there is so much to say. The strength of Arwen's love for Aragorn - and her vision of him as her bold Dunadan - and their bond are key reasons why she cannot endure. Gimli - I wish I knew enough about dwarves to write more Gimli - is fantastic. He is a protector - and he has taken on the task of looking after his elf. I wouldn't be surprised that the only reason he agreed to sail was to make sure that he could deliver Legolas safely into the hands of those who could heal him. Even a courtly love of Galadriel isn't really enough to take him from his home and kin - but his love of his friend would be. Legolas is clinging to his promise to stay for Aragorn, I think, and sheer obstinacy is all that is holding him. Otherwise, I have to say, I feel he would have stayed until Arwen made her end - out of love for Aragorn if not for her own sake. Curaniel - (I have plans for her, although she might not agree to co-operate) - is a very loyal friend. I just thought today, driving back from my mother's, of a great line I should have given her in her scene with Arwen - ‘Do not leave them with the fear that they failed you.’ Which would go on to refer to Celebrian and how her family would need to feel they had done everything possible to support Arwen through this time. I might add those bits to my file. I think Curaniel is prepared to sail. Eldarion will send her - to Mithlond, probably - with all the things that Arwen has prepared over the years to send to her parents. Pictures and letters, Eldarion's first baby gown. Curls of her children's hair. Her diaries, perhaps. I don't think that Curaniel needs to stay to prove anything - she is more accepting than the twins. The twins were strong and supportive for their little foster-brother - and he was comforting towards them. (I think one of the things I like so much about writing these people is showing people who can love and support each other out of loyalty and trust and friendship.) Arwen - if she had had young children, I think she could have survived her grief, and maybe by the time they were adult she would have learned to survive in a useful way. But it would have been a half-life - and I think she had to let go while she could. Perhaps it was part of the choice. Celeborn says later that maybe Melian couldn't stay to save Doriath once Elu was killed - that part of her (I can't think of the word I'm looking for) undertaking was that her life was bound to his and that, without him, she had to return to spirit. And I see Arwen's need to depart quickly as being something like that. The new line I thought of today (!!typical) would make an even clearer support for why she waited. But I feel that her children simply wouldn't be able to accept an immediate departure. She was their mother - how could she do something that could destroy their trust in the world? Plus, the whole thought of court mourning - a hiatus between the death of one king and the formal accession to power of the next seemed a good period for her to wait. (Apparently, George VI died in February and there was an official 16 week period of deep court mourning before EII acceded officially in June 52. And then another year before the coronation.) Too long for my purposes - but a three months(ish) period suited nicely - long enough to arrange a coronation and get the neighbours to attend and long enough for her family to see she was fading and accept what must be. And long enough for the white roses to be in flower. And you are perfectly right - Arwen is very used to waiting until the time is right. I just wish I had thought to put in the link with Celebrian's departure when I was writing it - and how Arwen would not want her children to react as her brothers had. Eldarion would have been such a treasure to Arwen - and I'm sure she would have been a very good mother to him (and his sisters). He wants to cling on to her - goodness, more uncle comparisons might have gone well here too - and it must have been so hard to let her go. Especially since he was stuck with being king and there was no way he could go and spend a year watching over her, however much he wanted to. I hope he could understand how his world was changing, but I don't think it would have been easy. By the time she sent E2, C and G away, she was already beginning to change, I think. Feeling a sense of euphoria, but not quite sure where it was coming from. And she knew - she had to know - that they would not be far away. I was slightly surprised as I moved into her experience just how exalted she was. It was as if the darkness of her sorrow brightened into a brilliant spring day and she opened out to it like a daffodil or a crocus. (Should have been a white rose - but it was too early in the year.) Or, I suppose, elanor and niphredil. Glorfindel was able to understand, too, in a way that the others couldn't possibly - and he will be able to relieve Elrond's mind. And Arwen was happy! Her brothers could feel it at the time - they nearly, I suspect, followed her - but in the aftermath, they could not help but doubt and regret her absence, even as they remembered her joy. And they had to sail. In the end. Elrohir would have gone earlier, but Elladan is not one to give in to the inevitable - and when he is angry, he does like to fight enemies visible and invisible. Thank you, Dot. I'm really pleased you liked this. Author Reply: Celebrian and how her family would need to feel they had done everything possible to support Arwen through this time Although, come to think of it, that could work both ways. A determination to wait until they had become reconciled OR a determination to leave quickly so they wouldn't have to see her suffer.

Redheredh	Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 1/19/2006
Actually, I did not know what to expect with this chapter. You warned us it would be sad and it started out looking that way. But, then... oh, how spiritual it became. I like how you used Glorfindel to help clarify Arwen's transcendance. But, then E2L are also approaching their endings in Ennor with the same sense of avoidance. Eldarion had to accept the passing of his old world as well. That was very intriguing. Curaniel is a true friend,I really like her. Gimli is his always excellent self. Celeborn remains the steadying patriarch. You left out Aragorn's actual departure, but Tolkien does tell it in quite enough detail. Subsequent events got the attention they needed. Curaniel is a true friend,I really like her. Gimili is his always excellent self. Celeborn remains the steadying patriarch. Bless them all. Strange to talk about the opening last, but - besides being endearing - it set the tone. I do not believe...that any solution that might come on us unawares would be any easier to endure then the truth. This was definitely about the surprising truths of endings and beginnings in Middle-earth. Great chapter. Author Reply: It was going to be sadder. And more ... down-to-earth. But as I worked on it, it just became less and less grief-filled and more and more spiritual. And joyful. And I was left feeling really relieved for her guardian elves as they watched over a sorrowful Arwen seeking her way towards accepting the gift and found her blazing ever more brightly with a joy that was exhilarating. In fact, E2 came close to following on her trail. Just as well for Daeradar and Glorfindel that Elrohir drew back. I think that part of their reaction afterwards was from trying to reconcile what they expected with what they actually saw and felt. Glorfindel had a better understanding - from an elven point of view - and I feel that he could not grieve for her, for he knew that she was happy. Eldarion has a change of role to face - Gondor is now in his hands and it is a realm of men. The last heroes of the Third Age are disappearing and elves, even if they remain, will probably no longer be seen among the trees of Ithilien. Reality becomes legend, to paraphrase. Yet E2, C, G and Thranduil and a few others continue to hang on. Why? An inability to concede, I think in Thranduil and Celeborn. Glorfindel is simply waiting for E2 and C. They are sailing, in time, whether they will or not. He promised to take them home. Elrohir would have sailed sooner - but Elladan will fight as long as he can see something to fight. In that, I think, he has a lot in common with Thranduil. But he will bend for Elrohir's sake. Curaniel - yes. I'm fond of her! I think I have another story with her in it. Maybe. And Gimli I love! If only I knew more about dwarves, I would like to expand on his screen time. Thank you. I'm glad you liked it. Now the epilogue - might come off. Or it might make you feel very ill. One or the other.

Linda Hoyland	Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 1/18/2006
I can hardly write this as my eyes are filled with tears,it is very rare for a story to move me so.I loved it that Arwen's departure was joyful and accepting. Thank you for a wonder,moving and outstanding story. Author Reply: The more ... emotional ... spiritual aspect just sort of took over - I started with much more mundane thoughts. But I was so pleased at the turn the chapter took. I was not looking forward to writing this one, but by the end I felt quite good about it! Thank you - I'm glad you liked it.

RS	Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 1/18/2006
I feared this chapter. I did not want to read it as I anticipated it would be filled with sorrow. The beginning truly was sad (I had my box of tissues handy). "But I see you always as the bold Dunadan who stole my heart - and this shell of age and wisdom you have donned seems irrelevant to me"..Oh My Gosh!!(reaches for a tissue). "Thier eyes met and held in one of those breathless moments when nothing mattered but heir bond" (grabs another tissue). But as I read further, I became elated. SUCH A BEAUTIFUL CHAPTER. Arwen had such hope and joy. All her fears and doubts disappeared. She had finally accepted the "GIFT of Men". Arwen's anticipation was really contagious! I felt like I was also waiting for Aragorn!! "..a return to purity and innocence in a new form"...BEAUTIFUL!! Arwen's parting was not sorrowful one, but a joyful one. Author Reply: I feared this chapter too! I so much didn't want to write it, that I actually wrote most of it before chapter 13 - because at least I could enjoy the lighter moments of that one. But then - it just underwent a shift and reached beyond the practicalities. Arwen reminded me of - well the thoughts that occurred were somewhere between St Julian of Norwich and the achievement of Nirvana. Sort of. But the gift became just that - a gift, rather than a penalty. And Elrohir and Elladan came remarkably close to following her out of sheer exhilaration at the freedom they sensed. Thank you, RS. I'm glad you liked it.

daw the minstrel	Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 1/18/2006
It's interesting to see them all reconciling themselves to what they have to do. So how do you think the sailing worked? I've never understood this. I thought Legolas had to build his own boat because all the boats were gone from Mithlond. I mean, poor Cirdan! Do the twins do that? Author Reply: It's tough. For all they had 120 years, that's peanuts when you're 3000. But, if there is anything this lot are good at, it is putting the needs of society above their own. And believing in delayed gratification. It must have been hard for Arwen's kin (including Glorfindel) to watch her preparing herself for death - even though, in the end, she was exalted rather than in despair. But they've been promising they would stay by her from the time she met Aragorn, and they would do it. I'm just glad that they found that she was trailing clouds of glory rather than despair. How do I think the sailing worked? Well, I reckon Legolas built his own boat partly because he wanted to - good therapy - but largely because he took the dwarf with him. And isn't Cirdan supposed to stay until no more will sail? (Although that seems a bit harsh. He'll never get to sail.) The Ringbearers' boat isn't the last to go, so surely he would still be there in Mithlond. And as for Celeborn, Elladan, Elrohir, Glorfindel, Thranduil and the remaining few elves in Lasgalen who go with them, I was very sneaky and had Celeborn prepare a ship well in advance of their sailing, which he had left under guard in Mithlond. He always intended his grandsons to go - as did Glorfindel - and he needed something on which to put them. And does it say anywhere that there was a cut-off date? In my mind, any elves, at any time, who made / bought / acquired a ship would be able to set sail. Author Reply: PS - I've always rather felt that 'Legolas built his own boat' had a lot in common with statements like 'Edward the Confessor built Westminster Abbey' and 'Wellington won the Battle of Waterloo'. And would be better put 'Legolas commissioned a ship from people who actually knew what they were doing.' As far as I know, being a warrior-prince in Mirkwood and a leader of the elves in Ithilien doesn't qualify you to build a seaworthy vessel. Unless, of course, that's why he and Gimli went alone.

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