Midsummer in the Year of the Fall of Sauron by Cairistiona
Reviews (24)
Write a review
Hanasian
· 2 October 2017
· Chapter 0
A very lovely write of Aragorn and Arwen's wedding night! The "~~~" would have made a lovely paragraph! Thanks for sharing your tale!
Author's reply
Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed the story! I don't write erotica, so I'll just have to leave the "~~~" up to you, the reader. ;)
Sneha
· 1 January 2014
· Chapter 0
This one holds my heart. I know I should move on to your other stories, but I just keep coming back to this. I think of all Arwen/Aragorn stories I have read, I love yours best along with Bodkin's Arwens Heart and Nilmandra's stories. I do have a request, I have always wondered about the nature of their (Arwen and Aragorn) arguments and I hope someday you could write one fic about that. I do so love how you write them!
Author's reply
Thank you, Sneha! You put me in high company, indeed. I'm so glad you enjoyed this. Romance writing is definitely not my area of expertise, but this one demanded to be written. I will tuck away your idea for such time as the muse strikes--at the moment, I'm drawing a blank as to what on earth those two might have to argue about, but surely they had their spats and squabbles like any couple. I'll have to do some thinking. In the meantime, I hope you manage to read at least a few of my other tales, just to keep you busy. :) Thanks again!
MikoNoNyte
· 5 March 2013
· Chapter 0
With Rs9 doing those wonderful pictures I just had to take some time last night and read this.
Wow girl, just wow.
There were more than a couple of laugh out loud moments with Aragorn looking at himself in the mirror; his thoughts of just taking Arwen in the hallway. Yeah, very guy-like. And hitting his romantic button, his trying oh-so-very hard to make everything perfect!
That he would think of Arwen as sheltered also had be laughing. Sheltered? After 3000 something years? Doubtful. She is made of hardier stuff I think and believe he will come to understand that. In time. :)
This was a very sensual piece as well and proves one does not have to engage in graphic sex to show two people having same or being in love with each other.
Beautiful piece and going into my Favorites.
Author's reply
Thank you, Miko! So glad you enjoyed this... and now you see how those drawings fit it so well. :)
I'm with you on Aragorn being a little bit mistaken about Arwen's sheltered existence. I think from the frame of reference of his own life, where she *had* been sheltered in Lorien, he probably assumes that she was always so sheltered. I have a feeling that was as assumption she no doubt set straight!
I do like the "less is more" approach to writing sensual scenes, so I'm happy that worked for you. Thanks for considering it a favorite!
Xenfëa
· 19 April 2012
· Chapter 0
I definitely remember reading this fic a year back and have always been trying to find it ever since. Only to realize that I had been searching in the wrong place! (ff.net) *facepalm*
Nevertheless, I absolutely adore this story and especially liked the part of Aragorn shedding tears. It really portrayed the build up emotions both of them felt. You should really write more romance fics about this pairing. I just love your not too explicit/graphic style of writing. After all, its the emotions that count! :D
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Xenfëa, both for working so hard to find it again and for this lovely review! I really need to get it posted at ff.net (like all the rest of my stories).
I might revisit romance... it's not something I find easy to write, to be honest, but I do enjoy it. And yes, nothing too explicit when I do!
Glad you enjoyed this and thanks again!
Glory Bee
· 21 January 2012
· Chapter 0
Every time I read this I weep yet again at the beauty of it, after first smiling at Aragorn's valiant attempts to pull off wearing a silk robe. :
Author's reply
Aw, thank you! Gosh, a second review! That's a real treat! I'm so glad the story continues to move you. And yes, that silk robe... I just couldn't picture our hardy, somewhat scruffy Ranger ever being able to handle something like that, even if he was raised in Rivendell! LOL So glad you're still enjoying reading this.
Glory Bee
· 1 December 2011
· Chapter 0
Cairistiona I do not know how I missed this one but it was heartrendingly beautiful with tender moments and even some gentle humor. :) I loved it!
Author's reply
Thank you, Glory Bee! I'm glad you discovered it... it's funny how we can overlook stories like that, isn't it. And of course I'm very glad you enjoyed it. I very, VERY rarely write anything romantic so I really can't say what came over me, but it was a lot of fun to imagine how how their wedding night might have gone. Poor Aragorn, I don't think he'll ever forgive me for that silk robe...
Thanks for the review!
Ranger~Arratay
· 29 October 2011
· Chapter 0
I think I already told you I really liked this story, but I'll say it again anyway. You really have no idea how much I laughed reading this, especially the part where Aragorn was considering going out "arse first" ;D and his robe problems were hilarious, as was everything, though it was very sweet as well. Can't wait to see what you're working on next :)
Author's reply
Thank you so much! I think it did come up in conversation at some point, didn't it, but I'm so glad you left a review as well to let me know what you found funny. Poor Aragorn! He survived fire and sword only to be defeated by a scrap of silk. *g*
Elentarri
· 19 September 2011
· Chapter 0
I only just found this story. It is so sweet. :)
Author's reply
Thank you, Elentarri! The good thing about stories is that they don't have an expiration date. I'm glad you found it and enjoyed it. :)
md
· 28 September 2010
· Chapter 0
Hi!
I reread all your stories several times, and loved all of them, long and short alike.
I just noticed that we got to know all the stories behind the scars, except the worst one on his leg. Dare I expect another story with Dúnedain? (as you mentioned Halbarad was there)
Or any other story in general? Did you run out of ideas? I really hope not. I would need a good new fanfiction. :)
Best wishes
Author's reply
Hi, md... thank you for taking a moment to let me know you're enjoying my stories!
Yes, I do intend one of these days to write how Aragorn got that scar on his leg--I just have to figure out the logistics first (in other words: I have no idea at the moment how it happened!) I've not run out of ideas, just the time in which to get them written into stories. I've got about 3 different stories in various stages of completion, so more will come eventually. I appreciate your patience, and thanks again!
LisaG
· 28 January 2010
· Chapter 0
And they lived happily ever after! :) That was an exquisite ending...so loving and gentle and sweet as Arwen caressed all Aragorns scars...a testament to his battle for his people, his kingdom and most especially her.
You also made me chuckle with Aragorns antics as he tried to psyche himself up for the wedding night, primping, then trying to be suave and carefree, rearranging things constangly...too cute! Aragorn is such a sweetheart! *sigh!*
Author's reply
Thanks, Lisa! I think even a man as bold and daring and confident as Aragorn likely would have some nerves on his wedding night, and he's waited so very long for this--to my mind, that would make it nearly unbearable. Nervousness is not really something we're used to seeing in Aragorn so it was fun to figure out how he might handle it. So glad you enjoyed it!
Casso
· 19 March 2009
· Chapter 0
Do you still have that fan? Wow, That is, IMHO one of the best "Wedding night" stories ever. I'm sure the pain suffered in the getting of each scar would have been somewhat reduced if Aragorn had known what Arwens treatment was to be.
"Then she slowly and gently kissed each of his scars, touching them with featherlight caresses of her soft lips and by the time she reached the last one he was shattered."
*sigh*
Thanks for that one.
Author's reply
No, you kept that one, but here's another! *hands over fan*
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed this... and you make a very good point. I'm sure Aragorn might have gone out and gotten more had he known what awaited. *grin*
Thanks again for the lovely review!
RS
· 17 February 2009
· Chapter 0
From a hopeless romantic, I throw my hands down to you and bow! WoW!
I knew he was a man after my own heart---Chocolate!
This made me laugh (Aragorn striking a pose "arse first", trying to look manly with a an uncontrollable "peek-a-boo" silk robe); made me swoon (Aragorn squatting and duckwalking looking for the perfect petals from the white tree, arranging a rose on the pillow); made my heart go pitter patter (no explanation there) and made me cry...the scars!
I've read so many beautiful interpretations of Arwen's and Aragorn's first night but this one has been etched in my mind. Aragorn's insecurity about his scars and his fear of how Arwen might react to them.... and Arwen's answer to him after seeing them. My heart just melted.
This was so beautiful! I have yet to read something that touched me so like this. BEAUTIFUL!
Author's reply
Thank you, RS! I'm so glad you liked this and that it touched you. I always feel I'm taking a chance with my oddball humor, so I'm glad you enjoyed the blend of humor and angst in this. "Uncontrollable peek-a-boo silk robe"--I love that! That's exactly what it was. It seemed to have a life of its own. I'm a bit surprised he didn't hack it to bits with Andúril, actually. ;) Thanks again for the lovely review.
Celeritas
· 17 February 2009
· Chapter 0
A non-smutty, but nonetheless rated R for eros fic? *face is plastered with silly grin* I love romance writing, but won't read descriptions of sexual activity for moral reasons, so I always appreciate it when authors "fade to black." And you cut away and let Aragorn and Arwen have their privacy at just the right time!
I really enjoyed how human this fic felt. Rather than rarin' to go, Aragorn had to endure nerves, doubts, and even brief bits of humor. So glad he didn't go for the robe and slippers!
Thanks so much; this was a lovely treat for Valentine's Day!
Author's reply
Thank you, Celeritas... I have much the same views as you do about romance vs. erotica. I don't like erotica, and I wanted to be sure that even though this didn't cross that line for me, the rating was there in case it might have for others. I'm glad you felt I didn't cross the line. Fade to black is definitely the only way I can write romance (when I take the rare plunge into that genre). Glad you liked the "humanized" Aragorn... I just can't imagine him not being beset with doubt and jitters. And yes, no slippers for our rugged Ranger! Thanks for the review!
Larner
· 16 February 2009
· Chapter 0
Ah! Fantastic! Yes, she would do this!
As Elrond's daughter and undoubtedly also gifted with the healing afforded by Earendil's bloodline, I suspect scars would not be a new thing to her at all, and at his age Aragorn should perhaps have known this. But this acceptance of the sacrifices made evidenced by these scars is beautiful and oh, so right!
I have Rosie doing much the same with Sam, when Sam is not certain how she will respond to his scars on their wedding night. I am so glad to see the same qualities in both women, wives of true heroes! Thank you for this!
Author's reply
Thank you, Larner, I'm glad you liked this. I haven't read your Sam story, so interesting that we both came up with the same conclusions about how the wives would react. I too think Aragorn probably should have known better, but self doubt has a way of clouding one's judgment, and Aragorn was a bit overwhelmed by jitters that night. Thanks again for the review!
Lady_Roisin
· 15 February 2009
· Chapter 0
You already know how much I absolutely love and adore this story. It was one the best wedding gifts we recieved, hands down. I'll take this wonderfully thought out story over 5 of the same toaster anyday! (Ok, that didn't happen to us, thank goodness, but you get the idea.)
oh gosh, I could go on and on about all the parts I loved in this. Aragorn's anxiety, his troubles with the robe, moving the roses, false alarm with the maid. But I was so deeply touched by the emotion in this story. You also handled the intimacy very tastefully, and I love how you did it. It was the perfect blend of humor and heartfelt emotion. Even though it was about Arwen and Aragorn, it really felt like it was written for my new husband and I too. The message this story carried was so very touching to me, truly. I did require tissues when I read this, but trust me, they were tears of joy. :-)
Again, I don't know how I could ever thank you for such a wonderful wedding gift, thank you! "hugs"
Author's reply
Thank you, Roisin... I'm just so glad it all worked out so I could get the story posted for you for your big day. :) And I'm so glad you liked it! It gave me great joy to be able to dedicate it to the both of you. Best wishes! Thanks for the review.
Thorongirl
· 15 February 2009
· Chapter 0
*Fans self*. Oh me. Oh my. Oh dear. Hand me that fan again, will you? *Wipes forehead*. Phew. Wow. *Cough* Well, Caristiona, that was simply marvelous. And I agree with Calenlass Greenleaf. Definitely worth more than one reading. Poor Aragorn. I guess even kings get wedding night jitters and honestly, can’t remember if I’ve ever seen that particular aspect of married life so brilliantly written.
“I will need at least an hour.” I can just picture his crestfallen look. Poor guy. But after all the waiting he’s endured, what’s another hour? Apparently a very long time. A nice dose of solemnity there with Aragorn reflecting on how Arwen would react to his scars, but then right after that you had me laughing out loud: “He struck a ridiculous pose, placing an fist on one hip and flexing the other. "Prepare to swoon, fair maiden, for your brave hero has arrived, arse first!"
The bit about the slippers was great. Oh, definitely too “womanish” for our only recently retired ranger. But the best part was about the robe. Oh my heavens. Fantastic. Yes, it’s no doubt difficult to *arrange* the robe just right. But of course I couldn’t help but giggle when the robe kept coming open.
“He crossed his legs at the ankles and tried a smile. He felt utterly ridiculous.”
Glad he changed out of that ridiculous robe, too. Too difficult to think of Aragorn in such a tame garment. The tunic and breeches are definitely a good choice *Swoon*.
And the new king likes chocolate? Hehe. Now unless I miss my guess, that’s definitely a nod in Viggo’s direction since he has quite a reputation for loving chocolate. Either way, it was sweet. *Groan* -- hope you don’t mind my silly jokes.
“And he realized he was weeping, and it made no sense but to feel this perfect joy at last, untainted, unstained by shadow... it was too beautiful and he started to shake and it made no sense... he should be laughing and dancing and loving her but all he could do was cry...”
*Wipes eyes* OMG, that was brilliant. Such a wonderfully emotional night for our king. Here at last, the moment he’s waited for so long. And then, the magnitude of all that’s had to occur for him to be in this spot, this moment, is just so overwhelming. You brought tears to my eye with that scene. So incredibly tender.
"Estel," she whispered, and he felt her in his spirit, closer than she had ever been and it was warm and enveloping and gentle and fierce and protective. But he still could not bring himself to look at her.”
*Melts* That whole last section was amazing. I honestly don’t think I’ve ever read a more touching portrayal of Aragorn’s and Arwen’s wedding night. Simply breathtaking.
All right, I’m going to read it again tonight before I go to bed. But first, just one little favor? Hand me that fan!
Author's reply
*hands over fan*
LOL... thank you SO much, Thorongirl! You do know how to make a writer feel brilliant! I so enjoyed reading your reactions to all these different parts of the story. And yes, that was a nod to Viggo's passion for chocolate. *sheepish grin* I try not to go too overboard with the fan-girly stuff but sometimes I can't resist. "My" Aragorn has quite a sweet tooth, I have to say. Chocolate, peach pie ... who knows what else he might try as I continue to write him.
Regarding the clothing... I think when he's being himself, and not acting as King Elessar, it's simple, comfortable clothing. And yeah, NO slippers! *grin*
Thanks again for such a lovely review... and no, I don't mind your silly jokes at all. :)
Estelcontar
· 15 February 2009
· Chapter 0
A delightful Valentine's Day gift to us all. I really do enjoy your perfectly balanced mixture of humour and poignancy. To see Aragorn defeated by a robe, and to imagine him consider waiting for Arwen on his wedding night in his boots was delightful. On the other hand, the scene in which Arwen aknowledges his scars was beautifully tender and touching, and a lovely ending to your story.
Author's reply
Thank you, Estelcontar! "Defeated by a robe"... what a good way of putting it! LOL He's been up against nearly every foe imaginable, only to be put in his place by a bit of fabric that *wouldn't* stay in place. I'm glad you liked this, in all its aspects. Thanks for the review!
lotr_lover
· 15 February 2009
· Chapter 0
That was truly lovely. Funny and warm and witty and--just lovely.
Author's reply
Thank you, lotr_lover! I'm glad you liked it.
Elflingimp
· 14 February 2009
· Chapter 0
Wow! That was utterly beautiful and rather hot! LOL! Happy Valentines Day to you. Hugs The Imp
Author's reply
Thank you, Elflingimp! I'm glad you liked it. And yeah, it did get a *tad* hot. *grin* But in a tasteful way, I hope. Happy Valentine's Day to you, too!
utfrog
· 14 February 2009
· Chapter 0
A perfect Valentine's Day gift - thank you. Tastefully handled, but if you wrote an X-rated version, I'll send you my email!
I love stories that touch on the earliest days of Elessar's reign. There was so much to do and learn. Imagine how nervous the palace servants must have been before they learned of their king? What about the palace children? There had to have been widowed mothers who suddenly had to bring a baby to work. So very much was going on while the city was rebuilding.
This is a great story and very beautiful.
Author's reply
Thank you, utfrog! No, no x-rated version available, sorry. I tried, and it was excruciatingly awful and quickly deleted. LOL But like you, I'm also fascinated by the first weeks of Elessar's reign for those very reasons you state (and I hadn't thought about the widows needing to report with babies in tow... interesting point). I think Aragorn probably had a lot of grief to deal with and very little time in which to do it, and then just adjusting to peace (or relative peace) after a lifetime living on edge. And the simple things like "Where do I eat breakfast?". There's plenty of fodder for the imagination in just those things. Thanks again for the review!
Calenlass Greenleaf
· 14 February 2009
· Chapter 0
Reading this again. :)
I loved the quiet passion in this story. Can I say I envy these two? Aragorn and Arwen were made for each other--perfectly. And this portrayal is simply beautiful.
~Cal
Author's reply
Thank you, Cal! What an honor that you read it twice! I'm glad you liked it, and yes, I do think that Aragorn and Arwen were kindred spirits in every sense of the term. Definitely a relationship that can be envied. :) Thanks again!
Samara
· 14 February 2009
· Chapter 0
This is so beautifully written. The nervousness, the fear and the love Aragorn feels shine through your words, reaching out to capture me as clearly is if those feelings were my own. You have snatched the moment of his doubt and humanity, and you have preserved it forever in this beautiful tale. Amazing job.
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Samara. I'm so glad you liked this. It's not my usual type of writing, inasmuch as I usually stick to Aragorn and the Rangers and leave writing about the ladies to others. But I do like exploring Aragorn's humanity, which sometimes gets overlooked in the hero worship. I think he was much like any of us, with some hidden doubts that he needed help in overcoming. Thanks for your review!
shirebound
· 14 February 2009
· Chapter 0
This is a beautiful, very romantic story, and quite realistic, I think. They both deserve this happy ending and joy in one another.
Author's reply
Thank you, shirebound! I'm so glad you liked this. I took a bit of a risk, trying my hand at romance, which I've never really done before. They definitely deserved their long-delayed happy ending. Thanks again for the review!
Raksha The Demon
· 14 February 2009
· Chapter 0
Ooh, what a lovely Valentine's Day story. I've explored the possibilities of erotica in Tolkien fanfiction (with a different couple), which has been a good experience as a writer, and I'm always intrigued to see how other writers handle S-E-X in Tolkien's realm. This is a wonderful rendition of the tensions and frustrations and anticipations of a wedding night; and what's more, you combine the very real feelings of an old soldier with the power and history of the life of Aragorn. And the sense of transition is wonderful - here's a man who is used to being a warrior and a Ranger, sleeping in ditches and other rough places, now ensconced in the highest seat of human power in the West of Middle-earth; and he's antsy and starts at shadows and is nervous when awakening without his sword at hand; and also gets lost in his very large new home. Turning from a life of near-constant danger and hardship to a life of great power and statesmanship is a huge change. Aragorn has been a leader, a Chieftain, but never had so many people serving him, and doubtless seeking influence and favor from him.
I loved the references to Faramir as someone who understands the battle-fatigue; and who reassures his new King with understanding and a bit of humor. I think Faramir will become more at ease with him in time, but the trust and love are there from the start.
I loved the bit where Aragorn was impatient to start consummating, and Arwen said she'd be ready in an hour. And Aragorn refusing to wear slippers because he thinks they're womanish is somehow very right.
The catalogue of scars reminds us of the perils that this new bridegroom has fought, the warfare that has often come close to killing him.
The S-E-X is handled just the way I like it - beautifully and passionately written but in an understated way, just enough to make a reader smile and feel the characters melt, and then the curtains come down. The love is powerfully intertwined with the S-E-X; and that's my favorite type of love scene.
I have wanted for years to try writing a story like this, and had similar ideas; but you've done it better. Very good job!
Author's reply
Oh, Raksha, where do I start? What a lovely review, and yes, yes, yes, I agree with you completely about, as you put it, "S-E-X" (love that) in LOTR... I don't like going into what basically becomes a lesson in physiology. Much better to let the curtain fall or the lights fade out and let the reader imagine the rest. And yes, love and communication and that sense of meeting of the souls as well as the body is key, in my opinion, of a good love scene. And I've always thought Aragorn might have had a hard time making that huge transition from warrior to regent... from being on the front lines to leading from a place of protection, from living a life of warfare to one of peace... it had to have felt surreal at times. Thank you for such a thoughtful review... I would love to see you try your hand at something like this. I think you'd do a lovely job.