ladyevenstar · 7 February 2012 · Chapter 6: High Summer
omg!!! love this story!!! more please!
Hearts of Men by Aelaer
Reviews (23)
Ellynn · 22 July 2011 · Chapter 6: High Summer
Aww, such a beautiful and touching end of chapter.
rs · 9 July 2011 · Chapter 5: Preparations
Hey Laer, Love the opening of the chapter. I can never tire of those scenes. *sigh* I like your interpretation of a "go getter, take my initiative" Arwen. Atta girl! We don't need an eye candy queen that just "stands by her man"! But..will this action make it easy for our villains with their plans?... or more difficult? How ironic that Rangil is unknowingly helping to rid of a person he has long admired and respects. I've a feeling this may be a factor later in the story...or not. And Bregon...he loves his wine. Will that be his downfall??....My mind is working here. This is so good!
Ellynn · 8 July 2011 · Chapter 5: Preparations
'A land of peasants with a minor lord here and there, most unfit to weald a sword' Err... "wield"? *unsure* I think Arwen's plan is really good. But also, knowing what we know and she doesn't, the trip might prove dangerous for her, right? *scared*
rs · 30 June 2011 · Chapter 4: Hope Renewed
Oh Laire, I mean Aelaer (I have to get used to that) You know this my favorite chapter thus far. You've captured the restrained anticipation, excitement, and passion of my favorite couple. And their meeting---"'I will keep my composure. I will keep my composure.' Oh, to Mordor with propriety."--so much more realistic! *sigh*. Your description of the gathering crowd was so vivid; I can just imagine the sea of faces gathering around their king for this special event that I got claustrophobic reading about it. I've waited for this moment with great anticipation along with Elessar, and boy, you did not disappoint. Your OC's are awesome. Can't wait for the next update. And what about our villains, did they witness the wedding or did they take off already. I guess I have to wait and see.
Author's reply
Heh, you can call me Laire still if you want. ^^ I am glad that you enjoyed it! I remember this chapter was a difficult one to write, so that makes me happy. You see what happens to the villains in this next installment. I am glad you like the OCs, there are definitely going to be a good load of them!
Ellynn · 27 June 2011 · Chapter 4: Hope Renewed
Aww, I love the meeting between A&A, as well as the wedding. I really like how you describe their emotions and love. :) And I love the humor in this chapter. *giggles* And in the end, one astronomical comment. ;) You know (or not? *unsure*) that I am an astronomer. About the Moon: if you don't want to follow some of the celestial laws of our world, everything is fine. This is Middle-earth, after all, and ME is not a copy of our world. ;) But if you want to be accurate and describe celestial bodies the way we see it, there is one thing that is not correct. You mention that waxing Moon is rising in the east, but in reality, it is not possible. If the Moon is in the phase of a waxing crescent, after sunset it is visible in the west (the thinner the crescent, the closer to the horizon it is), and never in the east. So, it's up to you to decide how you'll describe celestial bodies. And if you ever need an astronomical advice, don't hesitate to ask. ;)
Author's reply
Hey! I'm glad you liked it! No, I did NOT know you were an astronomer! OMG! :D That is odd... I know nothing about astronomy. I did some research using the date Tolkien used to follow moons in 3018/3019, but he got some wrong too, and obviously I did too XD So... I'll bother you on LJ on how my moons would look, then ^^ I'll correct this moon later on. Thanks for the tip!
Linda Hoyland · 25 June 2011 · Chapter 4: Hope Renewed
I enjoyed your wedding scene very much especially in the aftermath of our Royal Wedding!
Author's reply
I am glad you enjoyed it :)
AzureSkye · 25 June 2011 · Chapter 4: Hope Renewed
Ah! I missed the last update of this! Well, I must say it was a beautiful chapter. *grin* and its one more obstacle for Balandor-the Queen is no idiot. Looking forward for how he plans to circumvent that one...As unorthodox as it may be, I actually really like the wedding at night. I've always found the saddest thing about Earendil's fate was that he could never be a part of his children and grandchildren's lives. At least this way he can watch. :) Can't wait for the next chapter! P.S. what's the translation of the new pen name?
Author's reply
Awww! Yes, Earendil watching... that is a sweet thought. Perhaps he did. And I am glad that you liked it. There are a few ways Aelaer can translate; I translate it to summer bird ('aew', bird, + 'laer', summer).
jgmsccc · 24 June 2011 · Chapter 4: Hope Renewed
I love the way you are weaving the story around and expanding on canon. And you present the emotions of the characters so well and believably. I'm hooked.
Author's reply
Thank you! I am glad you enjoy it, and as we move further along the timeline I hope you continue to do so :)
Raksha The Demon · 24 June 2011 · Chapter 4: Hope Renewed
I loved Faramir's conversation with Aragorn, and the revelation of the king's bride. Loved Arwen's arrival, and Aragorn's decision to chuck propriety and kiss his bride...Looking forward to more.
Author's reply
Thank you! You are a big Faramir fan, I know, so I am very glad that you approve. Screw propriety, right? ;)
Elflingimp · 24 June 2011 · Chapter 4: Hope Renewed
That was absolutly wonderful! I am really getting caught up in this story, very interesting and emotionally intellegent writing....you have talent. I will back for more! Hugs The Imp
Author's reply
Thank you! I am glad you are enjoying it thus far.
rs · 21 June 2011 · Chapter 3: Distractions
I'm telling ya. I get queasy every time Balandor shows up. I'm a nervous wreck. It got pretty intense with Aragorn's experiment! I'm sure he learned a lot about certain council members. Of course it took a woman to give the voice of reasoning and order to the ordeal. Yay Lady Mirdegil! That moment with Faramir observing Aragorn looking towards the north with a slumped posture...very sad. I am sooo glad that Aragorn has Galdir and Meluion to watch over him. Our man Aragorn is very capable but it does help to have extra capable men around while men like Balandor are lurking around. It's getting very very interesting.
Author's reply
Hey, thanks for reviewing! Ah dear, don't want you getting too much into a wreck! After all, nothing has happened... yet ;) Ah, you know us women, always the voice of reason! :D I am glad that you like the OCs-- both Galdir and Meluion are fun to write. And yes, it is definitely useful to have friends to watch your back. I hope you continue to enjoy the story.
Linda Hoyland · 21 June 2011 · Chapter 3: Distractions
I love the gloomy captain of the guard.Aragorn's visit to him was delightful. I have a feeling the gloomy captain is going to be proved right to fret tover Aragorn's safety ere long.
Author's reply
Hey Linda! I am glad you like Galdir; he was fun to write. And yes, Aragorn and co are going to certainly experience some trying times before this story is over...
Larner · 17 June 2011 · Chapter 0: Prologue and Character List
A fascinating and disturbing situation. I can appreciate why this man is concerned and increasingly distressed.
Estelcontar · 15 June 2011 · Chapter 2: Healer's Hands
You did a great job of showing Aragorn as a healer. Well done. He should be more careful of his security though, though, hopefully, Balandor's plans will be foiled.
Ellynn · 15 June 2011 · Chapter 2: Healer's Hands
The story is not so tense yet - but still, I feel fear for Aragorn and I want to "jump into" the story and warn him about the danger! I love how you write this, dear. :)
Laikwalâssê · 14 June 2011 · Chapter 2: Healer's Hands
oh my, what an intriguing story! I like it. I like it very much! It´s more then clear what Balandor will ask of Bregon soon. Aragorn watch out! Can´t wait for the next update. Thank you for this tale. Lai
Linda Hoyland · 14 June 2011 · Chapter 2: Healer's Hands
I enjoyed seeing Aragorn at work in the Houses of Healing. I fear for his safety though as the plot thickens!
Estelcontar · 11 June 2011 · Chapter 1: Establishing Foundations
Yay! You've started posting it. That was a very interesting and intriguing first chapter. I have an idea of what is in the mind of Balandor, and I don't like it. I enjoyed your description of the different levels of Minas Tirith, and it goes withouth saying I'm already half in love with Meluion. He just my kind of character.
Author's reply
Heh, Meluion just takes over the story in some parts, later on... I have no idea where he came from, but I'm keeping him. Thanks for reviewing!
rs · 9 June 2011 · Chapter 1: Establishing Foundations
Very intriguing! Balandor gives me the creepy crawlies! Every physical description, to the movement of his head, the way he observes everything; what he says.... He may be polite to Bregon, but he has that air of haughtiness and condescension. I have a feeling of what he might have in store for Bregon....and Aragorn....and I'm getting quite panicky! Your take on each level of the city and how they relate to the classes is very interesting. Your description of each ascension surely separates the lower from the upper class. (Hopefully, Aragorn will make it so that it wouldn't be so distinct.) My nervousness left as soon as Aragorn and Meluion (can't wait to read more on him. I like him already!) came about! I love that the hobbits are making dinner for the king! I'm already involved and it's only the beginning!
Author's reply
Hey, thanks for reviewing! As an art student, I had to take art history classes. Something I really noticed was that where the rich lived, there was a lot more art than in the poorer areas. While Minas Tirith would surely have a wonderful Great Gate and something likely similar to the films, what with the statue and impressive entrance, the rest of the level (such as side streets) would not be as well adorned, nor as well maintained, IMO, since they had to deal with war and the like. Such attention to the arts was usually reserved for times of peace, and poor Gondor has not had much of that. I definitely think that Aragorn will be like the Medici family of old Florence with interests in the arts, considering his background in Rivendell. It is definitely a good way to boost public opinion. Hah, there I go, rambling about history and the arts- it's definitely a large interest of mine! I am glad you enjoy it so far, and I hope you continue to do so :)
Ellynn · 7 June 2011 · Chapter 1: Establishing Foundations
I love the beginning. I am very curious to find out what Belandor is up to. I have some ideas and it will be interesting to see what happens later. Well written! :)
Author's reply
Ahh, I can imagine what you may be thinking, and you are likely right in some cases. In other cases, well, you will see. Thank you!
Linda Hoyland · 6 June 2011 · Chapter 1: Establishing Foundations
I'm already enjoying what promises to be a most interesting story. I like your depiction of Aragorn and Halbarad.
Author's reply
Thank you! Sadly poor Halbarad is gone, but hopefully the other Dunedain will prove to be good companions to Aragorn here.
AzureSkye · 6 June 2011 · Chapter 0: Prologue and Character List
Oh, this is going to be good. Nefhiriel only has one story on this site but I've read her stuff over at fanfiction.net....and she's got good political stuff. Cairistiona is also an amazing writer, as are you. Three great writers, one politically motivated story, a mystery shaping up, Elrond and the twins on the character list (no Glorfindel?)...I might just be in heaven.
Author's reply
Aw, thanks :) Glorfindel, while mentioned briefly, does not have a speaking part in this story and so I decided not to add him to the list. Even Galadriel says something and I did not add her to the list for the same reason. Sadly the Elves, outside of Arwen and an OC, will not really play much of a part in the bulk of the story.