Reviews (214)

Author's 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.

Author's 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.

Author's 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.

Author's reply

The bit I'm really not sure about got chopped from this chapter to stand on its own as an epilogue! That way, if people hate it, they can just pretend it's not there! I wanted (probably not very according to the professor) Aragorn's death to be more than 'hey, I'm pretty old, I'm going to choose to die tomorrow', which always seemed to me to be very arbitrary. In my version, choosing to die was about ... picking the best moment. And I really didn't want to show either death - more the dynamics around them. The mourning - well, a new king is acclaimed on the death of the old, but there is then usually a period of deep mourning before business resumes, which I then set at three months. Usually a coronation in the UK doesn't take place until a year or so after the death of the monarch - but we know Arwen died in Lothlorien about a year after Aragorn's death. I don't think Arwen would have left Minas Tirith before then - and I've never thought she could walk out without as much as a toothbrush and a change of underwear. Eldarion would have been right out after her and taking her home to be sedated until her depression wore off! It would take time to convince her family that she knew what she was doing. (And I have always intended that E2, C and G would be with her. They've been promising her, Elrond and each other that for chapters!) Something I thought of in writing Arwen in Lothlorien was Faure's Requiem - that concludes with the beauty of theIn Paradisum. Faure said - and I'm quoting from the words that come with my copy - that he saw death as 'a welcome deliverance, an aspiration towards happiness above, rather than as a painful experience'. Take away the pain and grief associated with an elf accepting the gift of men and you are left with the transcendental joy that I tried to convey as Arwen's experience over her last months - a joy that her brothers, grandfather and Glorfindel were able to see and savour, even if they did not really understand it. And at least the messages they could send to her adar were of hope and happiness. Elrond was right that the gift could have seemed bitter - if she hadn't worked to understand what it might mean. If she had closed her eyes and pushed away the thought, she could have clung desperately to life - but he could have faith in her wisdom. She is, after all, his daughter. And yes. Eventually the twins are going home. They took their time, but now they are ready to leave. Thank you, perelleth.

Author's reply

Thank you, Jay. This was - not the easiest chapter to write, yet much of it actually antedated the previous one. Looking for a different way to treat an old subject actually led me into presenting her final months - when she has to be alone in Lothlorien - as more of an unfurling to joy than a time of grief and introspection. And I liked the thought of her spirit becoming brighter and brighter and affording consolation to those watching her. Because, of course they were going to be there. I'm not going to have the twins and Celeborn - and Glorfindel - staying and promising to watch over Arwen as long as she needs them and then not have them there in Lothlorien. I wanted, as well, to suggest that Aragorn's death was not so much an arbitrary decision that it was time for him to die, as the culmination of a process - one that would be understood by those close to him. And off-stage. Arwen, too, really. Death bed scenes are not my thing. It took Elladan about 300 years to make up his mind. In a way, all these stories fit into the same world - more or less. And this links in with Partings. Sort of. And Renewal. I have this overall picture of who was doing what, when and why - and with whom - that sort of links all of them. Elladan, I think, is angrier than Elrohir - and I don't think he realised quite how close they both came to following Arwen into the unknown. Or maybe he does, and wishes he had - but came back from the brink for Elrohir. But anyway, I'm glad they sailed in the end. They have to. Otherwise there wouldn't be any Reflections.

Author's reply

Thank you. It is so difficult with parts like this, where so much of what you have to say is already laid down. I could only manage it by focusing on the more mystical and joyful aspects of Arwen's end - although I think it will be a very, very long time before her brothers and grandfather really understand that side of it.

Author's reply

Thank you. It is not an easy topic to dwell on. The only way I could manage it was to make it a happy ending - of sorts.

Author's 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.

Author's 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.

Author's 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.

Author's 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.

Author's reply

It is a good thing that people who read this don't need to be told about what the fellowship was doing at this time! It means that you can imply and know that everyone will understand. The twins will have hated being left behind. But they are noticeable - and the enemy has been watching them for years, and that in itself is, I think, enough reason for them not to have been sent with a group whose mission involved secrecy. Riding later to meet Aragorn in Rohan is another way of taking attention from Frodo and Sam - keeping the enemy wrong-footed, with his eye in the opposite direction. The destruction of the Ring - I reckon Elrond would have known at once. There is enough of a link between the Three and the One for its obliteration to have shocked Elrond and Galadriel - and I wonder how Gandalf took it down by the Black Gate. Might the twins, in fact, have leapt to protect the bearer of Narya? Maybe he would have coped with it better. A bittersweet victory - but better than the alternative. Thank you.

Author's reply

Both Elrond and Arwen are too wise and experienced, I think, to waste what they have in bitterness. They have this time to savour their relationship - and they would! The Rangers were few in number and exposed - they would have wanted their most vulnerable kin somewhere safe. It would have made it a great deal easier for them to do what they must and be scattered across the north - and Elrond would want to protect them. Yet most of them can't have been very familiar with elves, except the twins. Arwen must have thought on occasion what it would be like to be the only elf - even if one who had accepted mortality - among a kingdom of men. She would have been silly to take too many elves with her, even if they would have gone, because that would have made men suspicious - but one elleth, in a male-dominated society. That's not too much of a threat, yet Curaniel would provide a level of unspoken understanding and shared familiarity that could only help. Warrior Celeborn in his armour - rather appealing. And he is right, I think. A sudden massive attack on rusty elven warriors could probably have done more harm. As far as Arwen's preparations go - it's easy to think of arrows and swords - even clothing and food - as being needed, but then you think - well, they would need to grow the plants to make the yarn to weave the cloth and it all becomes rather like the house that Jack built. I love writing the Dead Marshes bits. And incorporating events from the timeline. And I love the twins. Every time things are getting a bit intense, they are happy to come out with their shiny carapace intact and pretend to be light-minded and frivolous. And Gandalf is happy to play straight man! Thank you.

Author's 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!

Author's 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.

Author's 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.)

Author's reply

Thank you - glad you liked it. A century or so in a chapter! I do think Elrond would have had a greater understanding of all this than anyone really. Including Galadriel. He has experienced nearly all of this before - except that this time it is his daughter. Yet Elrond couldn't have coped with what he has without a powerful conviction that things happen for a reason - and that reunion will come. Faramir is a man who is happy with his humanity - and he is a deep enough thinker to have come to terms with its advantages and limitations, so I think he is the one who would have the best understanding of the gift. Aragorn - and Faramir has been watching him for 80 years - grew up as a cuckoo in an elven nest, and, no matter how hard Gilraen and Elrond tried to make him value his own nature, he is bound to have absorbed some elven attitudes. That is partly what made him attractive to Arwen, after all! Aragorn and Arwen, too, probably did their best to ignore the thought of death - at least over the first 50 years or so, until the deaths of all their friends from old age rather than battle began to remind them of the brevity of life. And Faramir was probably the one best suited to help them understand - as far as anyone can. This chapter had some opportunities for lightness - the next is, I am afraid, a bit unrelieved.

Author's reply

Thank you. If there is any Man who is going to have a good understanding of what the gift involves - and who is prepared to accept it in humility and love - it is going to be Faramir. And, since he died some 40 years before Aragorn, his insights will have time to make themselves part of Arwen's perception of death. There will be more soon - it's written now and just needs revising.

Author's reply

Thank you, Linda. And you are, sadly, right. This chapter had the potential for moments of joy - but the next one .... It's a bit hard to think of anything that could make the twins laugh in the next chapter. In my head, Celebrian and Arwen knew that Arwen would never sail - and probably why - so I could see Celebrian leaving all kinds of messages. With Glorfindel, probably. And Elrond and Galadriel just would leave congratulations with the twins to bring to Arwen and Aragorn. I enjoyed being able to balance sad moments with happy ones. Elrond's departure was hard - but I think he is above being bitter and twisted about it. He has a better understanding of sacrifice and duty than almost anyone. And, to a degree, what are several ages of separation? He, if anyone, is going to trust that there will be an eventual reunion beyond the bounds of Arda. And I can see Mithrandir's point about being surrounded by elven family as you approach death - but, on the other hand, how can they not offer love and protection? And apart from being such a pleasure to show, things like the birth and marriage of Eldarion are so good for showing the passage of time! Killer bees sound worse than killer squirrels. More of a sting to them. Bug spray sounds a good idea. Something really sticky that keeps them in one place without increasing their sugar levels. Which are probably already far too high! Isn't is odd how some years groups are hugely disproportionate in their male/female ratio! One of my sons had double the number of boys to girls in his class. There will be more soon - I'm feeling better now this is written and I just have to go over it and decide if I like it or want to add bits. Glad you are looking forward to the Kleenex chapter!

Author's reply

Whirlwind, indeed. I really didn't want to have to write a dozen chapters of happy adventures. Well, not here, anyway. The shadow of death must, I think, have hung over Aragorn and Arwen. He is bound to have felt guilty - and she is bound to have been apprehensive. They would have needed to come to terms with it - and I think ignoring it would have been the first choice. But it would come so quickly. To a 3000 year old elf, anyway. I like the Stevie Smith reference - so true. And once Aragorn and Arwen had grown into their love, then came the prospect of death. Thank you. Glad you liked it.

Author's reply

Thank you, perelleth! Fourteen is sad. And I don't see any way to stop it being sad - although I hope it's not too depressing. I decided the last bit had to be an epilogue - I'm not entirely sure if that's better or worse. The collection of moments was the only way, really, I felt able to assemble a story that covers so much - and I'm glad you think it works. I did, too, want to avoid bitter-and-twisted Elrond - because I'm sure that he wouldn't be. True he has never left a child to embrace mortality, but there isn't much else that hasn't happened to him, and if there is one character among the elves -(Celeborn might come second)- who has a genuine understanding of the path Arwen has chosen, it would be Elrond. And, too, they are elves. A parting of several ages is not the same to them as it would be to men. Elrond knows Arwen will still exist somewhere he can't be with her - just as, in a different way, Galadriel still existed but could not be with her family. And all of them can trust in their eventual reunion. Faramir is the man, I think, with the best grasp of the unseen and who is likely to be most accepting of the gift so he is the one most likely to be able to help Arwen understand the leap of faith involved. It was quite a nice chapter to do - in parts, anyway - although some of it was quite sad. This hundred years of happiness is over half Aragorn's life, but less that 5% of Arwen's. At times it must have seemed to pass so quickly. And the next chapter will be along soon!

Author's reply

Well - the end came suddenly! And I can't help but agree with those who think that the elven ringbearers would prefer to be sent to the Halls of Mandos by the hand of a friend rather than be enslaved to Sauron. Elrond has taken on rather bigger a role than he was meant to have at the beginning - but then the whole story has grown! I expect Aragorn could manage his wardrobe, given the need, but he's spent so many years in ranger scruff mode, he hasn't had to think about impressing people by what he wears. And the twins are a bit picky - when they get the chance, they do like to look elegant. Estel might have decided that there's no way he can compete with a pair of beautiful elves, so he might as well not bother. Curaniel is observant - and Haldir is a touch xenophobic. Not only is he suspicious of other races, he's not altogether sure about elves that don't live in the Golden Wood. But then it's an isolated community. Thank you. I'm glad you're enjoying it. There will be more soon.

Author's reply

Thank you. In truth, I expect Aragorn had a change of clothes. But I can't imagine they would have been in any better condition - or that he would have had much time to think of (or opportunity to) launder them. And he could have lost them - keeping track of your baggage is hardly going to be the first thing on your mind when you're confronting Sauron's hosts! There was a lot going on in the elven lands while the battles were going on in the south - and not much of it was good. Lothlorien and Mirkwood particularly were fighting for survival. And those who knew must have been terrified about what would happen either way with the One Ring - destroyed it could have shattered the elven ringbearers and, of course, if it returned to its master's hand - who knows what could have happened! But the Witch King of Angmar might have found himself outranked.

Author's reply

Thank you. Sometimes it is very tempting to do something from the point of view of someone who had absolutely no idea what was going on. At least this lot are aware of who is trying what and why. They just can't be centre stage - but then, without them, it's quite likely that the main protagonists wouldn't have succeeded, so maybe they were more important than they realised. Short of expanding the next 120 years, the story is becoming rather ... emotionally draining. And I never meant to go there!

Author's reply

Good to hear from you, Linda. How are the squirrels? Are this year's lot driving you mad? I'm sure, if Sauron regained the Ring, he would have been vengeful towards the bearers of the elven rings - Elrond was at Isildur's side when Sauron fell, after all, and Galadriel always stood as his enemy. And he would have used her to torment Celeborn, too. I didn't mean Arwen to end up with the knife - I would rather Glorfindel had handed it to Erestor - but she just insisted that she was the one beside her adar and she would do what needed to be done. A strong female, is Arwen. Resolute. I'm thankful Elladan and Elrohir are so fond of keeping the mood light and making little of danger, because as the story goes on it gets harder and darker. They all do their best in the next chapter - but times are coming when even they will find it hard to laugh. Thank you for commenting - glad you like it. There will be more soon Two chapters, and, I think, an epilogue.