Reviews (21)

Sweetpea Deepdelver · 3 August 2015 · Chapter 1: Matrimonial Complications

Very well done! I think you write very well, and I'm sorry you had to wait so long for a review! Sweetpea

illereyn · 10 November 2014 · Chapter 1: Matrimonial Complications

Nice story exploring the challenges in Aragorn and Arwen's happily ever after

Kaylee Arafinwiel · 31 October 2010 · Chapter 1: Matrimonial Complications

Hi Bodkin :) All the times I've read and re-read this, and never found time to leave a review? How annoying of me, I know :( Sorry about that. I liked it so much that I recommended it to Susana, who I see has reviewed it. I loved Arwen. I just absolutely loved her in this...she'd do any hobbit proud, knowing her family history as she does! I am dismayed by the fact that even one of Gondor's officials has taken this into his hands...and I am not so blind as to think he's the only one. Boy, do Aragorn and Arwen have a task ahead of them. Oh yes, Numenor accepted reigning queens, but it took a while, and those queens' reigns didn't usually go well. I'm so glad Eldarion will be born! I loved this, Bodkin, I really did. Every single time, and that's too many to count...again, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa. I didn't mean to ignore the review link for so very long! Eru's blessings, Kaylee

Susana · 30 October 2010 · Chapter 1: Matrimonial Complications

I really enjoyed this story! I think it must have been very challenging for Arwen, in Minas Tirith. I loved the perspective on how very distantly Arwen and ARagorn are related, as well. And I like to think Arwen would have been able to dispatch a human assassin, if she kept her head. Thank you very much for writing this! Susana

Mysterious Jedi · 5 May 2009 · Chapter 1: Matrimonial Complications

I actually sympathize with the master of protocol, even though he was clearly in the wrong.

elliska · 18 December 2008 · Chapter 1: Matrimonial Complications

Oh, I just saw this when I was coming to re-read some of your other stories! I'm so sorry to have missed it for so long because it is great! Wonderful drama--Arwen is so formidable in it. I can definitely see where not all of Gondor would be thrilled with her or Aragorn. And I can definitely see her defending herself much more ably than any poor, idiot Man would expect. But honestly, my favorite part of this was the 'I'm the XYZ cousin, ABC times removed...' family relationship parts. When you look at these family trees, they really are just mind boggling and to see it all laid out here seemed like a really great comical contrast to the seriousness of the situation. I loved this Bodkin!

perelleth · 25 November 2008 · Chapter 1: Matrimonial Complications

what a frightening moment, told in such a sober manner. The cold focus of the deranged mAster of Protocol is superbly done. HE sounds almost reasonable in his madness! And good for Arwen, to be so strong. A very difficult beginning for the Queen, to be sure!

curiouswombat · 23 November 2008 · Chapter 1: Matrimonial Complications

Over the last few months I have read my way through all your stories and was so pleased to see this when I looked today. I have wondered myself how some of the Gondorian 'old guard' must have felt about an 'upstart ranger' and an elf coming in and taking over. I think this scenario is all too likely and you write it beautifully; as you do all your other stories.

Anonymous · 21 November 2008 · Chapter 1: Matrimonial Complications

Overall, this was an enjoyable read, and I enjoyed seeing Arwen stand up for herself. But this: They have no more understanding of my physiology than they would of a Balrog. 'Physiology' seems like a rather modern word, for one thing. For another - if Elves and Men interbreed, doesn't that mean their pysiology has to be sort of alike? Didn't Tolkien say in one of his Letters that they were essentially the same species? Don't get me wrong, the line is amusing enough. It just doesn't seem like it can possibly be true.

The Karenator · 21 November 2008 · Chapter 1: Matrimonial Complications

Ooooh. Intrigue! As always, you did an outstanding job with description and setting the scene. I could see everything as it happened. Love your way with words. But...gee whiz. Poor Arwen. She must have felt as welcome as the pox. Wonder what the Master of Protocol intended for her to do about her marriage to Aragorn so another wife could be penciled in? I mean, other than die. Did they have a Master of Connubial Contracts and Dissolution Distribution? What a wienie of a fellow. He was convincingly annoying though and Arwen wasn't too worried about him...until he whipped out the poison knife. Poor guard. Aragorn arrived just in time to console his...capable queen. She'd have wiped the floor with that scrawny little man. A little cuddling was in order. Thank you so much for this kind gift. It's sweet of you to remember. The story is absolutely delightful. In fact, I'm going to read it again.

Redheredh · 19 November 2008 · Chapter 1: Matrimonial Complications

Oh my, was that second knife a backup or originally meant for the King who figured he did not need to be present at this meeting? And that poor guard! I am sure his fellow guard would rather have turned that dagger on the villain than just choked him! Goes to show a disgruntled employee can be the worst danger and defended against the least! This was a betrayal! A marble vase? Yep, she's strong. I wonder if Aragorn has found someway to appreciate that about her. And he should have brought up Nimloth and Dior, Elwing and Earendil, Elrond and Celebrian... all mixed marriages and all had more than one child. Just to comfort Arwen... the big lug... Or maybe he was looking for a reason to suggest they work on it... Anyway, great little story. :D Thank you for posting it! I just wish I had gotten an email notice that it was here. I could have read/reviewed it sooner.

meckinock · 19 November 2008 · Chapter 1: Matrimonial Complications

Arwen must have seriously wanted to elope to a cabin on the far side of Rhun at times - and been grateful for the gift of Men so she didn't have to spend eternity surrounded by idiots. I would have loved to see her wipe the floor with the Protocol Czar! And Aragorn - he must have gone weak in the knees when he found out what happened. This story, entertaining as it is, is a great example of why sometimes Tolkien seems very wise for abandoning the 4th Age - too depressing, after the epic defeat of Sauron, to see the weaknesses of human nature inevitably reassert themselves.

Elena Tiriel · 19 November 2008 · Chapter 1: Matrimonial Complications

Oh, you go, Arwen! *bares teeth in feral grin* She must have had some training from her hunky brothers. *vbg* Well done, Bodkin! The protocol guy was so much like so many obsessed folks we see who cannot accept anyone who looks or, worse yet, thinks differently than they. He gave me the creeps.... I confess, the genealogical details made my eyes glaze over (clearly, I am not a Hobbit!), except for chuckling at her proofs that she was related to herself. I couldn't help but feel sorry for the two guardsmen, though... both the one who died, and the other who will feel guilty for not having recognized the threat soon enough. We know that Gondor's laws include capital punishment; I can only presume that an attack on the queen would be one of those offenses that merit it, as the story hints. But I really felt for Arwen's emotional turmoil near the end of the story. It's always a treat to see a story from you, Bodkin! Nicely done! - Barbara

Linda Hoyland · 19 November 2008 · Chapter 1: Matrimonial Complications

What a great story.I started by smiling,then shuddered then smiled again.This is so very plausible as I never believe Gondor was 100% happy with their Northern King and half elven Queen at least not until they got to know them. Thank Goodness, Arwen is tougher than she seems!

Jay of Lasgalen · 19 November 2008 · Chapter 1: Matrimonial Complications

Good for Arwen! I'm glad to see she can defend herself - but I'm sure her brothers taught her well. It would be interesting to see what the Master of Protocol makes of the fact that Elladan and Elrohir call Aragorn 'brother'! Jay (PS - were you having Posting Complications, or was SoA throwing a fit? I got eight story alerts for this!)

Calenlass Greenleaf · 19 November 2008 · Chapter 1: Matrimonial Complications

Arwen...certainly is a force not to be tampered with. The poor, idiotic Master of Protocol--I wonder how severely Aragorn will deal with him. Very nice fic! ~Calenlass

Larner · 19 November 2008 · Chapter 1: Matrimonial Complications

A terrible interlude, and a most distressing thought, that Gondor does not wholeheartedly welcome her new monarchs. Now--as to the more interesting activity--I could go for that! Heh!

Celeritas · 19 November 2008 · Chapter 1: Matrimonial Complications

Eep. Looks like a few people in Gondor are afraid that the new changes will leave them out of power. Good for Aragorn to allow ruling queens! And of course, Arwen rocks. ^_^ Looking forward to more!

Dreamflower · 19 November 2008 · Chapter 1: Matrimonial Complications

This was wonderful! I am quite sure that there were a number of people in Gondor who had their own various reasons for wishing to see a different queen beside their new king. I was surprised to realize that this was all of the Protocol master's obsession--I was sure he must have been collaborating with some noble who had a "suitable" daughter. No matter, though! I loved seeing Arwen defend herself physically, though I felt sorry for the poor red shirt guard. And this just made me smile from ear to ear: ‘And that is another matter,’ he bleated, the name having reminded him of another complaint. ‘Elwing’s son was first cousin to your grandfather.’ ‘Twice removed. Making me third cousins three times removed with myself. And my own third cousin twice removed on my grandmother’s side of the family.’ I could just imagine Bilbo smiling at her approvingly! Such intricacies of genealogy would have fascinated hobbits!

shirebound · 19 November 2008 · Chapter 1: Matrimonial Complications

You show Arwen as the strong and wise queen she must have been. Well done. Lúthien and Beren, Idril and Tuor – each pair had only one child. What if the link between elf and man is weaker now? What a fascinating question! Luckily, everything turned out well. :)

daw the minstrel · 19 November 2008 · Chapter 1: Matrimonial Complications

Go, Arwen! I loved that she defended herself with deeds as well as words! Let anyone who objects think about that a little. She's an amazing queen, and they're lucky to have her. But then, small-minded people are often put off by amazing people.