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| The Temptation of Hope by Raksha The Demon | 14 Review(s) |
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| Annawen Ereiniel | Reviewed Chapter: Prologue on 2/16/2009 |
| A fascinating look at how single choices may totally change the course of history--how close Aragorn came in this chapter to altering the story as we know it! Your Aragorn is believable and utterly human, and I like the little touch of agency you've brought to Finduilas. You've done it again, Raksha; you've produced an intriguing short piece that I'll surely return to again and again. Thank you! Author Reply: While I think Aragorn was a superb example of Numenorean fortitude, I think he might have been tempted to betray his love for Arwen, especially since at that time the love was pretty much unrequited. Refusing Adrahil would have been easier if Finduilas were homely, or a pretty airhead. Thanx much for a lovely review! I'm so glad you thought my version of Aragorn was believable; he's not an easy character to write. | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: Prologue on 2/16/2009 |
| who could resist my claim to the throne if I became the son-by-marriage of the greatest lord in Gondor saving only the Steward, and then presented myself as I truly was, the heir of Isildur and Elendil, rightful King of this realm? Ohh, a temptation indeed. This is beautifully written, and I love the title. Author Reply: Thanx, Shirebound - I did have fun with that title. I'm glad you enjoyed the story. Yes, Thorongil was plenty tempted; I figure that he longed to settle down and have what other men had, wives and families, not to mention helping the Northern Dunedain; and it had been over two decades since he had laid eyes on Arwen. | |
| phyloxena | Reviewed Chapter: Prologue on 2/16/2009 |
| "His heart is like a fist, to trap and hold." This is wonderful. Good thing Thorongil always knows the right thing to do. It would be interesting to imagine how the Ring War would go (not too well, most likely) if Aragorn married Finduilas and claimed kingship. On the one hand, Frodo still can go, Aragorn isn't instrumental for his progress, and he might divert Sauron's and nazguls' attention even better already sticking out on top of the tower. On the other... Who would help Frodo in Ithilien? Author Reply: Aragorn isn't crucial to Frodo's progress, at least not after Amon Hen; but I think an Heir of Isildur was needed to save Frodo from worse injury or seizure by the Nazgul at Amon Sul; though perhaps a Nazgul-prepared Ranger could have done it. But an Heir of Isildur was needed to save Minas Tirith from the Corsairs by enlisting the Dead. Aragorn, being the best huntsman and tracker since Beren or whatever, was also needed to find Gollum. In fact, I can see one path where Aragorn does find Gollum and goes on the Quest of Mount Doom; and Frodo would still encounter Faramir in Ithilien. I'm glad you liked the story, phyloxena. Thanks for reviewing. | |
| nancylea57 | Reviewed Chapter: Prologue on 2/16/2009 |
| have not read in its less polished version so don't know how much elbow grease you used but this sparkled and shined so pretty i hope you might have more somewhere. i adored the way you gave aragorn such poise and honor on the high ground of his refusal. yes findulas and he might have made a decent pair, but i think she was pretty close to all denethor ever had. and they had a good life by most of the reading i have seen lately.just very short. anyway this was a great valentine two days late. Author Reply: Thanx for the review, Nancy. Yes, I do believe that Finduilas and Denethor loved each other deeply; and he did deserve something that was his entirely. I doubt that marriage to Denethor was a total walk in the park, but Finduilas probably knew something of his faults before she agreed to wed him; and I think she knew great happiness with him. I do think she had some problems due to living in Minas Tirith, perhaps a heightened sensitivity to the bad vibrations from Barad-dur, that and medical problems (perhaps from childbirth) might have united to weaken her and cause her death. I also have an idea for an AU stemming from Aragorn's making a different choice here, and opting for Finduilas' hand and the keys to the South-Kingdom. I doubt I'll ever get around to writing it, though; but I think Finduilas would have been very unhappy. | |