Though they did not fully make love, still love was reawakened between them, which was necessary and desirable. And she is now accepting the need to go to Rivendell with the baby.
Author's reply
Thanks Larner. :) Yeah, I thought about it and thought, good lord, they've just survived a warg attack and both of them were already emotionally exhausted before their confrontation. Any kind of sexual intimacy was going to be an uphill battle under those kinds of circumstances. What they really were hungry for was the emotional intimacy that they offer each other. So I gave them that.
Thanks for all your comments, Larner! I'm impressed with how hard you've been working to catch up. :)
Larner
· 6 February 2020
· Chapter 56
Is there, then, no Fellowship?
At least she sees HIM again, not the sign of the losses known in the past few years while he was abroad and the earth and winds themselves seemed set against them.
Author's reply
Is there, then, no Fellowship?
Oh, hold on, we're not quite there yet. Aragorn has to go back to Bree and skulk about in the shadows, first. :)
And yes, I figured Aragorn was going to be the only person who could get under her defenses. The hands of the king are the hands of the healer. And he had some healing to do.
Larner
· 5 February 2020
· Chapter 55
A terrible attack by the wargs, and now she is badly injured in body and spirit.
Author's reply
Yeah, I've been hinting at wolves and wargs. I'm not sure I'd get away with finishing this story if I didn't actually SHOW them.
Poor Nienelen. She is so DONE.
Larner
· 5 February 2020
· Chapter 54
Too soon is he called away, and he has failed to explain to her the need to care for the Hobbits of the Shire, nor why he was away for more than a year in search of a creature he cannot describe. And he doesn't understand why she does not wish to abandon her people within the Angle.
Author's reply
Yeah, neither of them are in a good place right now. And on top of that, it's impossible to step right back into a relationship after having been so long apart.
Larner
· 5 February 2020
· Chapter 53
A terrible homecoming for him, to find his son dead and his wife now barren and his daughter uncertain what to think of this stranger she's not seen. And to find that someone sought to fire the hall--that is a horror he must still face. No, the years in which he sought Gollum have not been good either to him or his people.
Author's reply
You're right, they have not.
I could only imagine that Sauron wouldn't want to expend much energy in reducing the North to something that couldn't put up a fight, but he wouldn't have to. They were so worn down already, it wouldn't take much. Fire up the volcanos in the mountains of Angmar, and the resulting cloud cover would reduce their food supply so much that the stress would quickly break down their society.
Larner
· 4 February 2020
· Chapter 52
A sad end for their relationship, should he succumb now. But at least he is remembering the good before the ill will he's known for her for so long.
Author's reply
A sad end for their relationship, should he succumb now
Yeah, they've come a long long way. LOL and he may be profoundly frustrated with her, but he's always loved her and watched out for her. That was never something he could give up. And she knew it. But seeing her lay her life on the line after having lost her son, shocked him into putting his faith in her, too. And once he is IN, he is all in.
Larner
· 4 February 2020
· Chapter 51
It shall be--instructive--to see whom Bachor weeds out of his people.
And it was a terrible burden she laid on poor Halbarad.
Author's reply
And it was a terrible burden she laid on poor Halbarad
Yes it was. And it goes right back to his biggest fear: that he chose this woman to be Lady of the Dúnedain only to be forced to offer her up as a martyr.
Raksha The Demon
· 3 February 2020
· Chapter 64
Fascinating conversation between Gandalf and Nienelen; we see his kindness as well as his determination, bringing food to Nienelen and helping get Elenir to sleep.
Nienelen really needs to have a conversation with Arwen, or vice versa.
Author's reply
Fascinating conversation between Gandalf and Nienelen
Thanks Raksha! I had to get them together at least one more time. :)
Nienelen really needs to have a conversation with Arwen, or vice versa.
:)
Larner
· 3 February 2020
· Chapter 50
Now, this is a pretty pickle, as she must fight for her authority with Bachor baiting her so. May she prove her suspicions. And she still weak from illness and the grief of her loss.
Author's reply
They really are like brother and sister, constantly pushing and pulling at each other. I do hope it comes across how much I love Bachor even though he's the antagonist. I wanted a worthy antagonist. Someone needed to speak up for the folk of the Angle, so I gave them the sharpest mind and biggest heart I could.
Larner
· 31 January 2020
· Chapter 49
Terrible the loss...
And Aragorn, following Gollum's trail, is not there to share in the grief or to give comfort.
Author's reply
Yeah. Strangely enough, as profoundly sad as this chapter is, it came to me very easily. The words flowed out as if they had been waiting there all along.
Larner
· 31 January 2020
· Chapter 48
A terrible place to leave off the chapter, Anoriath. But such is the way of such illnesses, alas.
And now come the wolves? How much more will the Dunedain be forced to suffer?
Author's reply
A terrible place to leave off the chapter, Anoriath.
Yeah, I thought it probably better to imply what happens than show it specifically. :'(
Larner
· 31 January 2020
· Chapter 47
A terrible time for both illness and for the wounded. Alas that they cannot do more for all!
Author's reply
Yeah, I'd hinted at what the cost would be. It was time to show it.
Raksha The Demon
· 30 January 2020
· Chapter 63
I find it hard to believe that Boromir would speak to a woman who so rudely, i.e. frowning and speaking in a demanding way. He could see that she was accompanied by an Elf; and also, as a woman, he would not have thought her a threat/combatant, no matter how Nienelen looked.
Little Elenir is adorable. I hope she lives to grow up and rule at least the Dunedain of the North.
Author's reply
I find it hard to believe that Boromir would speak to a woman who so rudely,
In ordinary course of things, yes, I would agree.
Here's my thinking:
In this context, this is the day after the Council, Boromir has just learned about the One Ring, gotten a shock in the appearance of the Heir of Isildur, been shot down in his hope of defending his people with the ring of power after traveling all this way with the hope that he might save them. And then he is suddenly confronted with a woman who he would, at least at first, think was from Umbar. I would think he would be shocked and taken aback at the thought that, if this woman is here, no doubt she is not here alone, and he'd want to know more. Umbar is one of Gondor's longest and most fierce enemies among Men, and its people are seen in Gondor as being "lesser" and easily exploited into following Sauron. As a leader of Gondor's military, I do not doubt he has seen firsthand the aftermath of what the Corsairs have done in their raids. And here they are, to his surprise, in close proximity to the Ring.
I think that might shock him enough that he doesn't quite process how she is dressed and who she is with at first. And he immediately regrets it once he has a moment and her position is pointed out to him.
Little Elenir is adorable.
Thanks Raksha!
And thanks for your honest feedback, too.
Larner
· 27 January 2020
· Chapter 46
These bad harvests and Sereg's destruction of the granary have caused such privation, and she does her best in Aragorn's absence to see those in need cared for. I really like the person Edainion is becoming.
Author's reply
I really like the person Edainion is becoming.
Oh good, I'm glad you like him. :) I tried to make him as real as possible.
Thanks Larner!
Larner
· 26 January 2020
· Chapter 45
Bachor carries too much secrecy and bitterness, and it will create more bitterness in the future. Has he been trading with Saruman, then?
Author's reply
I really hope it comes across that Bachor is absolutely terrified for himself and everyone under his care. He'd pretty much do anything for them.... we'll see how far he'll go.
Larner
· 26 January 2020
· Chapter 44
At least she knows the caring of her son and those who have grown closest to her. As for the young Ranger--he needs a bit of a comeuppance, it appears.
Author's reply
Yes, I think they all got a little freaked out and have been hovering.
As for the young Ranger--he needs a bit of a comeuppance, it appears.
Yeah, he's a bit of a pompous know it all, I'm afraid.
Larner
· 26 January 2020
· Chapter 43
A terrible betrayal, and I cannot help but hope we might learn what destroyed Sereg's estel.
Author's reply
Yeah, poor Sereg. Jumped from the frying pan literally into the fire.
sue
· 24 January 2020
· Chapter 63
oh, soon this story must end. Whatever shall become of wife and child? This has been a wonderful story. Thank you
Author's reply
Thank you Sue!
I'm glad you have been enjoying it. I'm really hoping that the ending satisfies.
Larner
· 24 January 2020
· Chapter 42
It is good that they have rehearsed this, but they cannot stay the fear the flames spark. I am sorry she struck him, although I suppose it is understandable. And to know the granaries are most likely the targets in this year of poor harvest makes the dread the worse.
Author's reply
Thanks Larner! Yep, we'll see if it's enough.
Raksha The Demon
· 12 January 2020
· Chapter 59
I loved the reunion between Elrond and Aragorn, very natural and real.
Elenir seems a happy and bright child. Please don't kill her off!
I still don't understand why Aragorn did not become betrothed to Arwen decades ago; especially since they are obviously still in love.
Odd, and somewhat disrespectful of Nienelen's status, to put her in a room with a single bed. Did Aragorn want to sleep in the room where he lived as a child? Did he want to spent some private time with Arwen (unlikely, but she does seem a bit put out)?
And how will Aragorn's legacy proceed with a daughter and no legal way to have a son? I think it would be great if the next Heir of Isildur and hopefully future ruler of Arnor and Gondor, is Elenir.
Author's reply
Elenir seems a happy and bright child. Please don't kill her off!
XD I know, Raksha. I'd cringe every time you begged me not to kill off Edainion, ("oh, dear."), knowing what was coming.
I'll just say this: Elenir has been all kinds of fun to write. She's got her own little, bright, take no prisoners personality.
I still don't understand why Aragorn did not become betrothed to Arwen decades ago; especially since they are obviously still in love.
Welllllll... hang onto that thought.
Odd, and somewhat disrespectful of Nienelen's status, to put her in a room with a single bed. Did Aragorn want to sleep in the room where he lived as a child? Did he want to spent some private time with Arwen (unlikely, but she does seem a bit put out)?
The way I figure it: A bed like Aragorn and Nienelen had was a high-end luxury item in Medieval Europe terms, costing as much as a house. So, they're not going to have one of them easily on hand. Whenever the next heir of Isildur was fostered, he didn't come with his whole family, so there never was a need for a family-sized bed before. But.... there's more to come on the topic. :)
And how will Aragorn's legacy proceed with a daughter and no legal way to have a son? I think it would be great if the next Heir of Isildur and hopefully future ruler of Arnor and Gondor, is Elenir.
And these are allll very good questions. :) I'm really glad the story is raising them for you.
sue
· 11 January 2020
· Chapter 59
So, soon we must come to the end of this tale. Aragorn must fulfill his destiny with Arwen. I do hope he will not rush to Arwen's arms while Nielelen is under the same roof. I'm sure he brought her as a shield against his draw to Arwen. He and the Rangers must leave almost at once to protect the Shire.
Author's reply
Hi Sue! Thanks for reading and commenting.
Oh.... so many potential ways this story could go now that we've reached this point. :)
I have to admit I'm really enjoying readers' reactions. I'm thrilled that it is bringing up these kinds of questions and observations for you.
Larner
· 24 December 2019
· Chapter 41
I suppose that this is word enough for him. I am glad that Gandalf was able to reassure her at least a little.
Author's reply
Thanks Larner!
Yeah, I don't think Nienelen and Halbarad would want to burden Aragorn unnecessarily. Not much he can do about it from afar.
Raksha The Demon
· 21 December 2019
· Chapter 54
Aragorn has the right idea in taking at least Elenir to Imladris; she is the only child he will have, his heir if the Dunedain will accept a female ruler; and she needs to be kept safe; but I can understand why Nienelen is angry and disagrees.
Author's reply
his heir if the Dunedain will accept a female ruler
Yep, and that's the crux, right there.
but I can understand why Nienelen is angry and disagrees
Yeah, I don't think she's thinking particularly clearly at the moment, such was the shock of Aragorn's announcements.
Thanks Raksha!
Larner
· 11 December 2019
· Chapter 40
As she was the one harmed, she should have a say in the repercussions, no matter what custom says of the matter. After all, no good shall come of this people dividing "us" from "them."
Author's reply
After all, no good shall come of this people dividing "us" from "them."
Very, very true, and it becomes harder and harder to maintain when the pressure on a society builds up.
Larner
· 11 December 2019
· Chapter 39
She has good reason to be afraid. Bless Halbarad!
Author's reply
Bless Halbarad!
Yeah, I'm not sure what either of them would do without each other. It's hard enough to go through this kind of stuff, much less alone, without someone to help bear the weight.
Thanks Larner!