LisaG
· 21 March 2010
· Chapter 999: The Evil to Come
Man...poor Aragorn! Seems like life is just spinning out of control now that he knows who he really is. It's amazing that such a heavy burden as finding out you're the last in the line of kings of Gondor and Arnor...then your foster father tells you you're not good enough for his daughter, who you're desperately in love with and you have to defeat Sauron and become king to win her hand...then you're faced with 60 odd years of a hard life alone or with the Dunedain until you even get that chance! I'm exhausted just thinking about it!
I found Gilraen's love for Elrond interesting, yet understandable. I love how Elrohir is always there to comfort her and Aragorn. Speaking of comforting Aragorn, what's up with Elladan?! You'd think he would be more appreciative and loving toward the foster brother that saved his life...instead, he attacks him, literally, and probably makes him feel unloved. I had such high hopes for their relationship after the last story. :( I will venture on to the next one to see what happens.
Larner
· 28 May 2009
· Chapter 999: The Evil to Come
A most difficult conversation on both parts, I know. To know this pain on the parts of both of them!
Good fortune with the next portions!
Author's reply
Thanks again for reviewing Larner! It really is a difficult situation, and I can see and emphasize with both sides of it.
The next story will be challenging all right. But, that’s okay—when it comes to writing, I like a challenge. :)
Larner
· 28 May 2009
· Chapter 4: A Yearling Shoot
It would appear Elladan has become aware of Aragorn's fascination and has come to test his mettle. And now he must face his father's concerns as well? Am glad he was able to pull that last stroke! And trust him to find that slight weakness! He has not become the greatest of warriors among men for nothing!
Author's reply
Thank you for commenting, Larner! Yes, it most certainly was a big point in this chapter to show Aragorn’s abilities and his skill with a blade. Too bad, though, that now he has to go face is foster father, and those problems can’t be fixed with a blade! :)
Laikwalâssê
· 28 May 2009
· Chapter 999: The Evil to Come
what a sad display of Elrond´s innermost thoughts. What decision he will make, one heart will break. His harsh words so misdirected and yet so understandable. A heartbreaking dilemma. So very well written. Lai
Author's reply
Hi Lai! Thanks so much for reviewing, I really appreciate it. The whole situation really is so tragic, isn’t it?
demeter d
· 25 April 2009
· Chapter 1: A Birch of Many Seasons
I do not often allow myself the time to read the page of new postings, so I have not spotted any of your work before. Now I will seek out the earlier ones. This is rather how I think Arwen might have thought about that first encounter. I like the foreshadowing here, the brother who vows to stay and protect her for as long as she chooses to walk the land. You repeat what others have noted, the years must have been long and much the same for those two, except for the gathering dark around them, and the coming and going of the generations of their mortal distant kindred. I have always felt that, faced with the same choice themselves, her brothers would have been better able to support her in her decision than her father, who had already suffered the loss of his brother to it. There is an emotional tone, a feel to this chapter. It feels like we are sitting beneath the trees with them as the storms of the world begin to disturb their peace. Now I have to read the rest!
Author's reply
Thanks demeter for taking the time to read and review—I really do appreciate it. I’m glad to know you enjoyed this chapter and I hope that you continue to enjoy the rest.
peredhil lover
Jancy
· 16 April 2009
· Chapter 4: A Yearling Shoot
Hello,
great writing! I mean, you have a beautiful touch in writing. I'm sad to see this end, but I look forward to reading more stories from you.
Author's reply
Thanks so much for reviewing, and for your kind words about my writing!
Marethiel
· 14 April 2009
· Chapter 4: A Yearling Shoot
Absolutely brilliant. You write with great power, and I really like your take on the Perehil twins. While I shamefully admit there are times I get a giggle out of the Weasley-esque takes I read on them, your Elladan and Elrohir get under my skin and command a life of their own.
Thank you so much for updating. I will look forward to "Into the Wild."
~Marethiel
Author's reply
Wow, thanks so much for the compliments. I really appreciate it! Obviously, I love the sons of Elrond, and I’m really starting to feel like I know them very well.
Thanks again,
peredhil lover
Jay of Lasgalen
· 14 April 2009
· Chapter 4: A Yearling Shoot
I do feel you ended this too abruptly. I'd have liked to see your take on the talk with Elrond, and there needs to be some resolution with Elladan. That said, this chapter was great and the tension in the fight scene with Elladan amazing!
I'd like to see the sequel wherever you post it. Please let me know.
Jay
Author's reply
Jay, it is so nice to hear from you! :)
I agree with you completely—the story ends too abruptly and under different circumstances I would not have chosen to write it this way. But, as I said, the next story will take a sudden, traumatic and unexpected turn (which I know from personal experience can, unfortunately, happen), and so I thought it best to begin the next chapter as a new story with a higher rating and all the appropriate warnings. However, the first chapter of the next story will flow directly from this, as if it was still part of the same story really. We will start by getting a look at Elrond’s thoughts directly after his conversation with Aragorn, and while I will not write about the conversation itself, we will get glimpses of what took place through Elrond’s reflections on it.
Of course, you are very right about needing some resolution with Elladan. But my Elladan has had outstanding issues for a very long time, and that won’t change anytime soon. Poor guy, I’ve grown to love him dearly, but he is a very burdened and conflicted soul. And Elladan and Aragorn have had their unresolved issues brewing since my very first story. Though it may still be a while yet in coming, I promise you that we will get that resolution between the two of them, and I hope, in the end, that the reader will find it most satisfying.
Thanks so much for your kind words and for taking the time to review. I appreciate it. I can email you to know when the first chapter of the next story has been posted if you’d like, but it may be a while at the rate I get things written!
Thanks again,
peredhil lover
Laikwalâssê
· 14 April 2009
· Chapter 4: A Yearling Shoot
glad to see an update from you. I enjoyed the fighting scene very much, albeit it was most intense and a bit frightening. What has gotten into Elladan and why is Elrond so angry? Poor Aragorn. I´m looking forward to your other stories. Thank you Lai.
Author's reply
Hi Lai,
I responded to your email, and hopefully I’ve adequately addressed your concerns. The reactions to this chapter have been quite varied, and I don’t expect everyone to be entirely comfortable with it. I think my writing will continue to challenge readers to “think outside the box” a bit, and I suppose I’m asking from them a little faith in my abilities as a writer and a storyteller.
Thanks for reviewing, Lai. I’m glad to know you enjoyed the fight scene, and yes, it was fully intended to be intense. The next story will begin with Elrond’s thoughts after his conversation with Aragorn, so we should get a good look at what’s going on in his mind. And as for Elladan, keep reading, and I hope it will all be made clear in time.
Thanks again,
peredhil lover
Casso
· 18 February 2009
· Chapter 1: A Birch of Many Seasons
Just a short note to say how much I enjoyed this chapter. I'm off now to read the previous related story, which is interesting as I came to this story from a future one.
More comments to follow. I promise.
Author's reply
Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review and let me know that you enjoyed this. I really appreciate it! I look forward to more comments. :)
Marethiel
· 31 December 2008
· Chapter 3: In the Twilight of the Trees
Great story, beautifully and thoughtfully written. I love how you weave Tolkien's own words in with your on creativity. Marvelous!
Thank you for sharing your talent.
~Marethiel
Author's reply
Thanks so much for your kind words! :) I’m currently writing the final chapter of this story, and I’m glad to know that you’re enjoying it so far!
Thanks again for reviewing, I appreciate it.
peredhil lover
RS
· 23 October 2008
· Chapter 3: In the Twilight of the Trees
"You must know that where he walks, you can not follow.” Those words alone would put a chill through any mother's heart! Realizing that your child will go through such suffering and turmoil and not being able to do do anything about it will break any parent. Your telling of this is quite sad...very emotional.
"No mother can protect her child forever" -- as a mom, this hit me right in the gut!
Author's reply
Thanks so much for reviewing, RS! I’m glad to know that you found this chapter to be effective and that you are continuing to enjoy the story.
Larner
· 21 October 2008
· Chapter 3: In the Twilight of the Trees
Indeed it is a chilling dream, one she cannot help see as foretelling possible anger between Elrond and Aragorn. And she's trying to tell him!
Sad, and well told.
Author's reply
Thanks Larner for taking the time to review. I’m glad to know that you enjoyed it!
Laikwâlassê
· 21 October 2008
· Chapter 3: In the Twilight of the Trees
you are right this chapter is most intense, but I loved it from the beginning and it fit´s perfectly in this time of year. Seeing Elrond standing there unmoving like a statue and the scene around them frozen made me shiver. As always very well written. Thank you. Lai
Author's reply
Thanks so much for reviewing Lai, I really do appreciate it! I’m glad to know you found the dream sequence to be effective and that you enjoyed the chapter.
Lady_Roisin
· 2 September 2008
· Chapter 2: The Weight of Water
I can't wait to read the next chapter! :-)
Author's reply
Thanks so much for reviewing! I’m pleased to know that you are enjoying the story so far.
RS
· 19 August 2008
· Chapter 2: The Weight of Water
Welcome Back! I missed you! I hope everything is smooth sailing for you from now on.
Wow! I found it fascinating how you equated the water with the events that are transpiring or about to transpire. The wheels are set in motion and nothing will stop what is destined...just like the creek will run its course "nothing held it back". "..in the shadows, the water was so crystal clear". And Elrohir realizes this more than anything...not to mention Elrond!
I love your characterization of Elladan. He is the easy going brother that neutralizes Elrohir's somber moods. Two brothers that look so much alike but yet so totally different!
And what a shocker! Gilraen? I just ache for her. This well prepares the reader on why Gilraen feels the way she does when she discovers Aragorn's love for Arwen. Her feelings mirrors that of her son's. So heartbreaking!
This was beautiful and so poetic! Can't wait for the next update!
Hope all is well.
Author's reply
Thanks so much for reviewing RS! It is nice to know that I have a couple of loyal readers who enjoy my writing and are following this story even after an absence of six months. Thanks also for your concern. I do hope that I will find more time to write soon, as well as the motivation to do so.
Thanks too for your kind words about my writing. I’m really pleased to know that you enjoyed the chapter. One thing, though, I do believe that you got the twins’ names mixed up there, unless, of course, you really do think that Elladan is the easy going brother while Elrohir is the sombre one, in which case my writing may not be as clear or effective as I hope it is! :p
Thank you again for sticking with me, and being a loyal reviewer. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it.
peredhil lover
Laikwâlassê
· 19 August 2008
· Chapter 2: The Weight of Water
I love your stories so much and this one ist just another wonderful one. At first I also found it quite odd that Gilraen confessed her love for Elrond. On the other hand how longer I think about it the more I must agree with you. I´ve always pictured her as someone who would never get along with the elven society, but she and Elrond after all raised a child together. To master her days she had no other chance as to fit in and so her feelings developed. Albeit I think she had not made her life much better. She must have always known that her love would never be returned the way she desired.
Anyway just good written. Please more.
Author's reply
Thank you so much for reviewing! I can’t tell you how much I appreciate knowing that my readers are enjoying my work.
I did expect some reaction to the turn of events in this chapter. I hope, though, that I have managed to remain true to the characters and do them justice. I agree with you that Gilraen in my mind would never feel “at home” in elven society, and I hope that she made it clear toward the end of this chapter that she does not. But, as you say, she had to spend twenty or so years there, and she had to find a way to adapt, at least somewhat. I see her friendship with Elrohir as quite natural, and, though I know some might disagree, her feelings for Elrond. And yes, she is well aware the feelings will never be returned, at least to the degree that she might hope for, and that this has not made her life much better. But, as she bemoans, elves do seem to have the power to turn sensible women into utter fools. ;)
Thanks again for reviewing and sharing you thoughts on the chapter with me. I appreciate it very much.
peredhil lover
inzilbeth
· 18 August 2008
· Chapter 2: The Weight of Water
I have read all your stories on this site and loved them all. Your style of writing is quite superb and a joy in itself. As a canon junkie, I must admit, the concept of Gilraen falling for Elrond is too AU for my personal taste, but that won't stop me from waiting for the next chapter!
Author's reply
Thanks, so much, inzilbeth, for reviewing and letting me know that you have enjoyed my stories. I really appreciate it.
However, I find that I must respectfully disagree with your assertion that Gilraen developing romantic feelings for Elrond is AU in any way. I, too, try to stick closely to canon, and the thought never even crossed my mind that I need label this as AU. I will admit that it is a different interpretation than what many are accustomed to. I have read many fanfictions that present Gilraen as still mourning the death of her husband eighteen years after the fact, and I wanted to present an alternative point of view, but I do not see how it steps out of the bounds of Tolkien’s canon. That is the fun of writing LoTR fanfiction IMO, for Tolkien left so many things open to interpretation that one may continue to explore a multitude of possibilities without ever stepping out of the bound of Tolkien’s canon at all.
The fact of the matter is that we know so very little about Gilraen from what Tolkien wrote. We know that she married Arathorn at the very young age (by Dúnedain standards) of twenty two, that two years later she bore him a son, and two years after that, Arathorn was killed by orcs. Thus, we know that at the young age of twenty-six, Gilraen and her son were brought to Imladris, where she lived for over eighteen years. We know that she told her son that: “it is not fit that mortal should wed with the Elf-kin,” and I wonder at that if, perhaps, she learned this lesson the hard way. A few years later, we know that Gilraen “took leave of Elrond and returned to her own people in Eriador, and lived alone,” until she died at the relatively young age of one hundred.
And of course, we are left with the very haunting last words that Tolkien records her speaking: “I gave Hope to the Dúnedain, I have kept no hope for myself.” It seems quite apparent to me that Gilraen was a rather tragic character, but no where in canon does it assert that Gilraen, after having been married to Arathorn for four years, spent the next seventy-four pining over her long-dead husband. In fact, I would say that seems highly unlikely.
Here, I am exploring, at least a little, what it means to be mortal. Enduring the death of our loved ones is part of the human condition, and we have to learn not only how to cope with that, but how to move on, if we are to survive ourselves. Personally, I find it believable that a human woman who was widowed so young and spent so much time around such beautiful and perfect beings as elves would develop such feelings towards them. And remember, she and Elrond basically raised Aragorn together. It would seem quite natural that she would transfer her feelings from Arathorn to Elrond over the years.
Well, that was a lengthy explanation of my thoughts on the mater, wasn’t it? ;) Clearly I have given this a lot of thought! I do hope you continue to enjoy the story though. This matter will not come into it much more at all, except perhaps to lend a little more weight and insight into her conversation with Aragorn which is coming up in the next chapter.
Thanks again so much for reviewing! I really do appreciate it.
peredhil lover
Larner
· 17 August 2008
· Chapter 2: The Weight of Water
The awareness that Gilraen has come to love his father almost as a husband and has suffered that such love must remain unrequited must have been a deep shock. And his own awareness that change comes is almost as hard to bear, it seems. He has come to love her as a sister; and he sees she has become brittle. I can understand just why the day seems less joyful now.
Author's reply
Thanks so much, Larner, for reviewing!
Cairistiona
· 11 April 2008
· Chapter 1: A Birch of Many Seasons
Working my way through all your stories and now I'm to this little gem. I really like the interaction between Elladan and Arwen. There's not a lot of stories out there that take on the relationship between the twins and Arwen, and there's so much there to explore. Oddly, though, my favorite line is Elladan's comment about Glorfindel: "I doubt that any question I might ask of him would result in an answer that I actually seek." That says so much about elves and Glorfindel... and even Elladan himself. Nicely done!
Author's reply
Thank you again, Cairistiona for another wonderful review! I’m so glad to know that you enjoyed the interaction between Elladan and Arwen. I have chapter two partially written, and, if I ever manage to get writing again, it will be the next thing that I post!
phyloxena
· 2 March 2008
· Chapter 1: A Birch of Many Seasons
A most delicate treatment of the situation, I'd say. I am not sure I liked the "banter" between brother and sister because it seems like something they had millennia to say to each other and learn every step by heart. I loved how you made them both feel something prothetic in the change, in the presence of Estel, and not quite tell themselves what it is. And how you made their reaction different: Elladan is better informed but less excited, so his perception, perhaps, is dimmed by habit and by trust in Elrond's decisions.
Author's reply
Thanks for reading and reviewing, phyloxena!
RS
· 30 January 2008
· Chapter 1: A Birch of Many Seasons
Wow!. Love the title...that's what prompted me to read this. I'm glad I did! I can't wait for the next update. Your characterization of Arwen is what I truly imagined her to be after meeting Estel. There had to be a spark at the first meeting (I couldn't imagine her being indifferent---as a reviewer metioned-- like some other stories) "A sudden thrill coursed through her as she spoke of the mortal youth." That line was very contagious! I've been there!
Elladan's somber mood is making this reader VERY CURIOUS; WHAT HAS HE FORESEEN?
I love the closeness between brother and sister. Beautiful.
I love the way you write. You do know that I have to read all your stories now! So.. I have a lot of catching up..it'll tie me over until the next chapter.
Author's reply
Thank you so much for reviewing! I always love to hear from new readers.
I’m glad to know that you enjoyed my portrayal of Arwen, her feelings for Aragorn as this early stage, and her relationship with Elladan. As you may see from my other stories, Elladan is a rather interesting and complex character. If you read them, do let me know what you think. I love feedback!
Thank you again,
peredhil lover
Nieriel Raina
· 26 January 2008
· Chapter 1: A Birch of Many Seasons
Your characterizations are so well done, sometimes I wonder why I even ATTEMPT to write this fandom! OUTSTANDING! You paint a vivid picture full of life and imagery while personalizing it in a way Tolkien did not have time to do. You get us into the character's mind without disrupting Tolkien's world and THAT, my friend, takes something special!
couple of pickies
she felt her spirits lift the very sight of him. ...lift AT the very
"There is no need to for you to worry ...extra 'to' in there needs to come out
Middle Earth *gasp* Middle-earth *grin*
Okay.. and here's my favorite part!
Feigning insult, he replied in a tone of mock offense: “My dear sister, you speak unjustly!” A slight smile then crept back to his lips as he continued: “I swear to you now that when I deem a suitor to be worthy of the Lady Arwen’s hand, I will most gladly take my place at the head of the wedding procession, bearing a banner of silver on my arm and a most contrite expression upon my face!”
I just LOVE this. It brings so much more significance to the wedding procession in ROTK and the fact the sons of Elrond led it. *grin*
And a question....
for the pain their father bore still from the sundering beyond the end of the world of brother from brother was bitter for them to see.
Do you truly think the elves were sundered beyond the end of the world? Or they simply did not know and assumed? I know Tolkien used this when speaking of the farewell of Elrond and Arwen, but I in so many places he also says the elves know not what comes for them at the world's end. Just wondering your thoughts on that.
Again, an EXCELLENT opening, and so very sweet, the sibling bond here. Elladan's weariness makes me wonder if he will chose as does Arwen. *sniff* Thanks for sharing!
Author's reply
NiRi, my friend, what an unexpected surprise this is! I tell you, you could have knocked me over with a feather when I saw that you had actually reviewed! :D
Seriously, thank you so much for taking the time, I really appreciate it. I’m most flattered by your very kind words, and I love your thoughtful comments. Thank you for catching those small errors. It doesn’t seem to matter how many times I and several betas read a chapter over, a few of those always slip by me! I will correct them at once.
I’m so glad that you enjoyed Elladan’s promise to lead the wedding procession as I particularly liked that part too and I thought that no one was going to catch that reference.
About the elves being sundered beyond the end of the world, in honesty I tend to lean toward “until” the end of the world, but the reason I used beyond in that sentence is simply because I thought it sounded better. And, hey, as the elves themselves don’t know their ultimate fate, then I certainly can’t be expected to! :p
I’m so glad you enjoyed the relationship I depicted between Elladan and Arwen. We will hear from Elrohir in the next chapter, but yes, both twins are quite weary. I have given a lot of thought to this issue of what it would mean to be immortal. It seems to me that emotional burdens would pile up over so many years, and the twins and Arwen, of course, are not in fact elves, so perhaps they are less able to cope with this. As for the choice of the twins, that is a theme which I have been exploring through all my stories and I will continue to do so until the conclusion I have in mind for several stories from now.
Thank you again so much,
peredhil lover
Linda Hoyland
· 22 January 2008
· Chapter 1: A Birch of Many Seasons
I agree that Arwen felt something when she first saw Aragorn.Lots of good foreshadowing.
Author's reply
Thanks, Linda, I'm glad to know that you enjoyed it.
peredhil lover
Larner
· 22 January 2008
· Chapter 1: A Birch of Many Seasons
Hope may wound even as it strengthens and heals what is. And her imagination is already caught. As for Eladdan--she's given him more to think on, I think. And Elrond loses something no matter which way the future might twist--his life, his land, his daughter, his beloved son who so reminds him, perhaps, of his lost brother....
The tides of change are come--and what they bring with them and what they will wash away remains to be learned.