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| The Heir Apparent by Mirkwoodmaiden | 134 Review(s) |
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| daw the minstrel | Reviewed Chapter: 16 on 3/28/2005 |
| Yay! We see Erithain again. How patient he must have been. And it's wonderful to see this time period from Aragorn's POV. I was also happy for the glimpse of Gilraen. She really did sacrifice herself for her son. She gave up what should have been her normal life. Her joy at Aragorn's reclaiming of his own identity was fully understandable. Wow, the ring of Barahir. How odd to think that it's actually older than Elrond. You know, I've always thought that PJ gave Isildur a bum rap. Isildur was very brave in Numenor. He was responsible for salvaging the White Tree, for instance. Now I grant you, he made a little mistake with the One Ring! But as you point out, the ring was immensely powerful. Author Reply: Daw! Hello! I do so love Erithain, he has had so many things happen to him since we first saw him when he was an angry and hurt teenager. Many things and many of them painful and hard to accept. But Erithain soldiers on, ever earnest and loyal. Some people are just like that. I have developed a real affection for him. Soon he will be able to reveal just what relation he is to Aragorn. Which will make both he and me happy! :-)) Glad you enjoyed the glimpse of Gilraen. At first the section was written without her but I always knew she belonged in the scene where Aragorn finds out the truth. She is such an important part of Aragorn's life. She sacrifices her entire life to Aragorn. Unfortunately she does not have the happiest of lives. Anybody who says "I gave hope to the world, I kept no hope for myself." testifies to her sacrifice. I have enjoyed giving her more of a character in this story. For a while she was quite happy, when Arathorn was alive. When I was studying up on the Ring of Barahir, I too, was surprised to find out that it was indeed older than Elrond! That's old! PJ does give Isildur short shrift. He was a noble man until the One Ring corrupts him. As it doesn with just about every one it comes in contact with. It tempts Boromir and Aragorn. A craven person does not attempt to take Sauron on by himself. Glad you liked the chapter! MM | |
| Dot | Reviewed Chapter: 16 on 3/28/2005 |
| Oh yes, I’ve been dying for this moment!! Estel really seems to have grown and has become very aware of the evil times and what the future might hold. I still really feel for Erithain. He’s clearly come to know Estel and that seems to have deepened his love for him and longing for a time when they could all be a family again. As always, I really enjoyed the teasing between them all. Poor Elladan is never going to lose his reputation for being such a terrible cook!! Gilraen and Elrond were both superb in this. I thought it was very realistic the way Gilraen seems to have resigned herself to this life and mostly appreciates what is done for them but still has moments of melancholy and regret. She’s always struggled too with the pain of having to hide Aragorn’s heritage from him and not being able to share her memories of his father with him and I thought it was very believable and so touching that it would be a relief and even in some ways a joy to her that he will finally be told. And Elrond! My heart went out to him in this chapter. His anguish and emotional turmoil was so clear. How hard it must be for him to have to do his duty and lay such heavy responsibility on his beloved Estel, knowing that it would cause him pain, confusion and could even create distance between them. I don’t blame Estel for starting to panic when he saw the grave Lord of Imladris so flustered! I thought you wrote the scene very well. I like the way Elrond gives him the most important information and then lets him have time to process it and reconcile it with what he already knows, but still Elrond knows what he’s thinking and helps him out when he can. I thought it was good too that Elrond just gives him the information with very little bias. He even reassures Estel that it was the ring more than Isildur himself that caused the seeming end of the line of kings. It was a lovely moment when Gilraen stresses to her son how much Elrond loves him. And I had tears in my eyes when Elrond explains to him how much he’s meant to him since he first came to live with them. Is he going to find out who Erithain is? The moment with the Ring of Barahir was very powerful. I could almost see responsibility and fate descend upon Aragorn. I absolutely love the fact that Aragorn went straight to Elladan and Elrohir, seeking their comfort almost without thinking. It must be so difficult for them to relive Arathorn’s last moments but I thought they were wonderful in their effort to reassure Aragorn of his father’s love for him. This was a lovely chapter. So, we have Narsil and Arwen coming up?? I can’t wait! :-) Author Reply: Dot! I knew Elrond and Gilraen would behave differently to the telling of the secret. One is gaining; one is losing. Still Gilraen can understand Elrond's pain and seeks to give him some solace. I thought that Aragorn would be more indignant when he found out, but while I was writing that didn't seem to happen. He was more shocked than anything! While I writing I just thought while Gilraen was with him while he was being told who are the people he would go to first. The answer was clearly Elladan and Elohir! They have developed such a bond over the story that it was only natural! Yes! Aragorn will indeed find out who Erithain is. I like Erithain too much to deprive him of his beloved nephew! Thanks again, MM | |
| Baggins Babe | Reviewed Chapter: 16 on 3/28/2005 |
| My dear MM! I love the way you portray Elrond's doubt and pain as he prepares to lose 'his' son. You convey his feelings, and Aragorn's mixed emotions so truthfully and beautifully. All that reponsibility dropping on the young man's shoulders all at once. There would never be a 'right' time to break that news. I hope you show us Aragorn's next meeting with his uncle Erithain. They have such a bond without Estel knowing why. Lovely chapter! Author Reply: My dear BB! I'm so glad you liked it! When writing it I was thinking how would Elrond react. He would do his duty, but it was would cost him dearly in emotional pain. It seems to be his lot in life, to always lose those he loved through his own actions deemed by fate. Elrond is such a tragic character in many ways! Aragorn and Erithain will meet! I cannot and would not want to keep them apart! Maybe next chapter, but more likely the one after! So glad you liked it, dear. MM (PEF) | |
| Dot | Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 2/27/2005 |
| Hey there. So sorry this is late – I was away for a few days and am gradually catching up! As always, I was thrilled to see an update, and this was certainly an exciting one! I loved seeing Thranduil and his wife together; there was something extraordinarily touching about the mighty Thranduil wondering if he deserved the love Lasgalen obviously has for him. Even in this short glimpse you’ve made her come alive and given her a very infectious personality. I like the connection with Celebrían and it’s so sad to think that Lasgalen tried to spare Thranduil any reference to the sea-longing when that’s what will one day take his son from him. It was a very moving look at some of the last moments between Thranduil, Legolas and Lasgalen and it definitely adds strength to Thranduil’s despair and anger in this story. The suggestion that Thranduil is overtaken by memories from time to time, to the point that Celebren is familiar with such moods made me gasp aloud! I know you’re fond of Men, but someday you’re going to have to do a Mirkwood story!! Thranduil is scary when he’s worried!! For a moment there I nearly felt sorry for that Orc…;-) My heart was in my mouth for the whole part where Estel and Legolas try to escape – you create tension far too well!! I was a little surprised that Legolas was taken and Estel rescued him but I guess it’s important in terms of Estel gaining confidence and he does need to get to a point where Elrond feels he is fully adult at only twenty because of what he’s experienced. My God, for a moment there I didn’t think Elladan and Elrohir would find them! But yay, they did! I can only imagine their astonishment to find Legolas sitting there too! I don’t blame Celebren for being frightened by his Adar, and I’m glad Thranduil realised for a moment how he must appear. But at the same time I felt so badly for Thranduil and could completely understand his rage and anguish. I loved the reunion between Legolas and Celebren and I had to laugh at Estel’s vehement defence of Elrond in the face of Celebren’s understandable confusion at the story he’s just heard! I like Celebren, by the way – he seems as open as his younger brother. I had tears in my eyes at when Thranduil was finally reunited with his son. It was a great moment too when he thanked Estel – that’ll teach those Imladris elves to think ill of Thranduil!! Estel did really well here too. You’ve brought him a long way and he really seems to be maturing and growing into himself. I love the bond you’ve given Legolas and Estel too as a back story to the events of LotR. I’m curious as to what comes next. I’m such a fan of Thranduil and Legolas but I’m so fascinated by the way you’re telling Estel’s story and the way you’ve brought Gilraen and the Dùnedain to life as well as focusing on what Estel’s heritage means not only for him but for all those who know the truth that I’m looking forward to more of that side of this tale!! Ah well, I’m sure I’ll enjoy wherever you take him (and us) next! :-) | |
| Tigger | Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 2/22/2005 |
| I've been wondering when you would update this. I was up until five in the morning a few months ago reading this and got hooked badly. You just knew somehow Estel would end up getting in trouble. Loved how you've made Aragorn and Legolas' first adventure also being how they first met. Wonderful!! Also love Elrohir's visions of a crown on his beloved younger brother's head. Can't wait for the next installments!! Author Reply: Tigger! So glad that you've liked the story!! I've done a few late-nighter with stories I couldn't stop reading! Happy to see that mine has evoked the same feelings! :-)) I love writing Estel as a bright, inquisitive, "active" child! I have also really enjoyed writing of Estel's relationship with his two foster-brothers who are so fun to write! The foreshadowing almost wrote itself. So happy you liked it! MM | |
| daw the minstrel | Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 2/22/2005 |
| I’m a big fan of both Legolas and Thranduil, and the relationship between Thranduil and his sons is interesting here. As a matter of fact, I’m such a fan that I’m a little offended that the young man had to come to the rescue of the elf. So I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I so miss the focus on Aragorn as the future chieftain! It’s something I’ve always wanted to read about and there are so few stories out there about it. You are just so great at picturing what that Dunedain culture is like and how the secrecy about Aragorn is hard on them. And Gilraen! I want more Gilraen! You do her so well and most writers just erase her. Send Legolas home now with his adar now! Make Aragorn start learning about his obligations and duties and stuff! Author Reply: Daw! Don't worry, Legolas is going home with Thranduil to stay. I just wanted Estel to meet with those from the Fellowship that he could meet with. Also get him away from his family a bit and see how he would react. I didn't mean for Estel to save Legolas, I meant for it to be the other way around, but as I was writing that didn't seem to want to happen. so much just happens as I write! Outlines, what are those? The focus will return to Estel in the next chapter. The chapters about his being fifteen just needed a little more space was all. You're right about Gilraen. Too many fanfics leave her out. She is very important in Aragorn's life. I'm playing with an idea of a chapter when Estel is about 17 or going straight to when he is told who he is, at about 20. That promises to be a challenging chapter! Fun! MM | |
| Dot | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 1/25/2005 |
| Great stuff. What an exciting chapter! I think my favourite part was Elladan seeing the crown upon Estel’s head. It was such a lovely image and, I think, would mean mixed emotions for Elladan – it’s good to know that Aragorn will fulfil his destiny, yet it can never be an easy journey. I like your description of the Dunedain too, “unchanged, steadfastly working and hoping for the days that would see the return of the king”. It really sums them up and makes them seem so loyal and noble. Poor Erithain. In a position he never wanted and unable to pass it on to its rightful heir. You do a great job showing how much he already loves Estel and his humble pride in him. I love the idea that Estel seems to have responded with immediate respect and affection to Erithain too. Estel is very perceptive. It’s probably best that they part now or I imagine he would begin to piece things together. I really liked the description of Erithain as having a “quiet strength about him and a way of giving confidence and comfort to his people.” It could almost be describing a future Aragorn. LOL at Elrohir frightening the life out of Erithain by suddenly appearing behind him! I’m glad Elladan and Erithain parted well. They are each still hurting but at least they realise to some extent that the other is too. My heart was in my mouth for the entire part with the Orc attack. I couldn’t believe they carried Estel away! The moment with Elladan threatening the Orc and then Elrohir killing it was just so intense. Those twins, and especially Elladan it would seem, must be feeling such anger and anguish. Elrohir’s fight to bring his brother back from the brink of despair was so touching. ‘You were born to fight against evil, but never with evil in your heart.’ Wow. “Shh-shh! Lie still” came a lyrical voice in Sindarin accented Westron.” Well, look who it is!! I just adore your elves. You write them so well and just when I had become comfortable with the ones of Rivendell, you present us with a wonderful…well, elfy… Legolas! I love how open Legolas is and there’s a sense of merriness to him even in these circumstances. You’ve really kept him in character. And you’ve created a very interesting situation here with the Orcs trying to deal with Thranduil. I was so, so surprised by Legolas’ belief that he would have to stay there unless he escaped himself because his father would do nothing to endanger his people. And then you let us see what was happening in Mirkwood! I could really feel Thranduil’s fury. Those Orcs will be sorry. I just loved the last line of that part: “They were ready to do battle with verminous forces that dared capture Legolas, youngest and most beloved.” Very powerful. Legolas’ calm in battle is amazing to see and I really like that at the same time he is so tender towards Estel and offers him some comfort. Poor Estel is having a hell of a time. “The darkness is so complete, Legolas. Keep whispering so that I may know that I am not alone.” Crikey, this whole piece is full of great lines! Very well-written as always. Keep writing! :-) | |
| daw the minstrel | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 1/25/2005 |
| I particularly enjoyed the parts of this about Estel and the Dunedain. That's such an intriguing topic for me because it's so unexplored. I'm less a fan of Estel & Legolas friendship stories but you do it well. I can just picture Thranduil's rage. And the twins must really be suffering. Author Reply: Daw! I am fascinated by Estel's relationship with the Dunedain and the Dunedain themselves, actually. How a people could remain so steadfastly dedicated to one noble purpose for so long is very interesting. Probably why I'm writing this piece of fanfic! :-)) I thought it would be interesting to depict Legolas as the son having a completely different expectation of what Thranduil would do than what his father is actually preparing to do. Legolas, like many of us, doesn't recognize his own worth in his father's eye. The twins love Estel. For Elladan, specially there is a very strong bond between him and Estel. And it is on his watch that Estel is kidnapped, especially after he specifically promised Erithain that he take care of his nephew. Thanks for reading and reviewing! MM | |
| Cherry2000 | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 12/12/2004 |
| At first when I read the name Tequin I thought it was just a coincidence. Then, THEN, the names Cefzil and Tilade show up! I wonder if the drug companies use Elf-name generators to come up with med names? Very funny. Plus, I like the story too. Author Reply: My secret's revealed!! They DO make great Elven names!! :-)) MM | |
| Dot | Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 12/7/2004 |
| I really enjoyed this chapter! My heart went out to Estel. The questions he asks must have been weighing on his mind for some time and yet he is so aware that in asking them he might cause Elrond pain. You did a truly fantastic job with the emotions in that scene. As bad as I felt for Estel, I felt equally so for Elrond. Of course, he knew this day would come but that wouldn’t make it any easier. His reluctance and sorrow really came across very well. It must have been so difficult to try to give Estel a heritage to claim, without saying too much. I was quite moved too by the little mentions of Gilraen. Even more than the loss of her beloved husband, it was the fact that she had to keep his memory from her son that always seemed to grieve her and it seems that this burden hasn’t grown lighter over the years. I suppose it makes sense too that she would really see what is missing from her son’s life as he grows older and needs an identity of his own in this place where he is loved but will always be different. How hard it must have been for Elrond to hear Estel reciting his history lesson when these are people that he himself knew, events whose repercussions are still felt and more than that, a vital part of Estel’s own story. Estel is so *young* to be going off to the north like that! But I can’t blame him for wanting to learn a little of where he came from as well as to prove himself. I do love your take on the little snippets of canon that Tolkien gives us! The gifts and the blessing were beautifully done. Did you invent all of that? It absolutes resonates with depth and meaning. And it’s lovely to think that Estel leaves for his first warrior trip with the love and respect of his family. The fact that the elves are sworn to protect Estel and that he is utterly oblivious really drives home how important he is not just to Elrond but in the role he will one day play. And it speaks volumes of how much the rest of the elves respect Elrond’s word and recognise the significance of this boy in their midst. I had to laugh at the cooking scene! Poor Elladan. They’re so good to him but I somehow think he won’t be too happy if he ever finds out that he was kept in the dark! “There is a special bond between those two. I cannot bear to think what would happen to one, if the other should come to harm, or worse.” Ouch. That wasn’t you being ominous, now was it??! My heart was in my mouth for the battle scene! He did very well, though. And Erithain is there! I was wondering if we’d ever see him again and I’m so, so happy that we did. What a shock it must have been to him, though. I completely understand his anger at the fact that his nephew has no knowledge of his family or heritage. I think that would have been my first reaction as well. He’s just as loyal and selfless as always, though, in abiding by Elrond’s wishes. I loved the notion that there’s still some connection between the two. I had tears in my eyes when Erithain explains to Estel about not becoming accustomed to killing. He spoke in such a loving and reassuring way, almost as a father would. Your lines “That kind of bond never leaves the soul even if it has left the conscious memory. So in some portion of Estel’s soul the memory of love for his uncle lived” are a beautiful way of expressing it. This chapter was fantastic. I’m getting really excited now at what might be coming! Sorry again for the slow reviews; I hope they make sense now that I’ve finally got around to them because it’s rather late and my bed is beckoning! I can’t believe you’re 12 chapters into this story – I’m still completely gripped by it and eagerly look forward to more! :-) Author Reply: Dot! Hello! I really enjoy writing Elladan and Elrohir! They are too much fun! I thought it would be amusing if Elladan, this beautiful and bright elf, could have this flaw of being "culinarily challenged." The Gift-giving and the Blessing are both my creation. I did borrow the Blessing from my short story about Legolas "The Gift". I figured it was all right to borrow from myself and it really fit well into the story! MM | |