The Heir Apparent by Mirkwoodmaiden
Nurayy · 24 April 2021 · Chapter 8: Never be afraid
Oh my I knew it that it would happen. But that doesn't make it any easier. You pulling at the emotions with your writing.
Author's reply
Nurayy! Sorry that I didn't have a chance to respond earlier! That was a rough chapter to write! Such heart-rending grief. Glad that you liked this chapter. Hope you are well! ((hugs)) MM
Nurayy · 23 April 2021 · Chapter 7: Torn Asunder
Mirkwoodmaiden, I got tears in my eyes. How heartbreaking! And yet it has to be done. This will be very difficult for the child, and so very difficult for the ones who love him. I am feeling so much for Arathorn who will be separated from them both. So well done, bringing forth deep emotions. I hope you are well, my friend, take care
Author's reply
Nurayy! Thank you so much! These next couple of chapters will be rough...fair warning. They weren't easy to write either but I think they turned out well. As Gandalf says, "we must go through shadows to get to the dawn." Both Arathorn and Gilraen sacrificed so much. I am well. Working on another chapter! Hope you are well. ((hugs)) Stay safe! MM
Nurayy · 17 April 2021 · Chapter 6: A seed is sown
Dear Mirkwoodmaiden, What absolutely touching, beautiful family moments! This is so much your writing. So heartwarming the emotions you evoke! There is so much love between them. Even as tragedy strikes their bonds hold tight. Aragorn is so sweet a child. I like the way you show him serious and pensive already, and curious and delighted by horses also, I love how Erithain makes him laugh, and I absolutely love the loving relationship with his father, the respect his father already gives to the small child in such a tender way. Loved to see Gilraen so happy and so beautiful after birth. It already pains me to think how soon the next tragedy will strike. I hope this review finds you well. Take care
Author's reply
Nurayy! Thanks! I really wanted to show the relationships of love and family and to show that Arathorn, Gilraen and little Aragorn as a happy, normal family before the tragedy that must strike rips apart their lives. I also wanted to show the loving relationship between Erithain and his nephew, little Aragorn. The love that existed. Also to give Gilraen some happiness before it is all torn asunder. Hers was not a happy life. Anyone who says "Ónen i-Estel Edain, ú-chebin estel anim, meaning "I gave Hope (an obvious reference to her son's Elven name) to the Dúnedain, I have kept no hope for myself." has not had the happiest of lives. She sacrifices everything to defeating evil in Middle Earth and is left with little else. It was as feared by her parents in the earlier chapters. I am well. Hope you and yours are safe and well. ((hugs)) MM
Nurayy · 25 March 2021 · Chapter 5: Owing the past; Owing the future
Dear Mirkwoodmaiden, I hope you are well. So meaningful all this chapter. You make me love Gilraen and Arathorn very much and also their families, showing such insight. Loved the shared feelings at the sight of the city and what it means to them. I felt how it tied them together even more. They are getting to know and value each other more and more. The moment between father and daughter touched me particularly, Dirhael's tear... Usually so composed, and now... i could feel his emotions. And Ivorwen is so nervous... a loving, worrying mother who wants just the best for her child. Such beautiful images an relationships til now. Be well
Author's reply
Nurayy! Thank you so much! I hope you are doing well, too! :-)) I have always have such a fascination with the Dunedain that I had to write this story. A people that survived a 1000 years (1976 TA was when Arthedain, the last of the three kingdoms of Arnor fell) with the vision and quest to assuage Isildur's error and to reinstate the Heir to the throne of Men intact. To have survived the destruction of their cities and their whole way of life and to live for the dream of restoration has always captivated me. I wanted to show what it meant to be an Heir of Isildur and how it drives Arathorn and how happy he was to see that it moved Gilraen as well. Also how Dirhael and Ivorwen are also driven by this legacy and how much they are willing to sacrifice for the good of their people. And yet they are loving parents who worry for their only daughter's happiness. The human side of what destiny costs a family. Many fanfic writers and Tolkien thinkers write that the Grey Company was the last of the Dunedain, but that couldn't be. No group of people could survive 1000 years, even those as long lived as the Dunedain without some form or way of life, If only to find wives of like mind and understanding and thereby have children to further their way of life. Which is why I loosely based their re-constructed way of life on the Chieftain/ Thane relationship of Saxon England. I really love this story and I am so glad you are reading it and enjoyed it! :-)) Be Stay, Mellon nin! ((hugs)) MM
Nurayy · 16 March 2021 · Chapter 4: Elvellon
Dear Mirkwoodmaiden, Oh, the elves come in! I love them. Elladan and Elrohir, and Glorfindel too! I loved the trust Ivorwen gives to Elladan speaking to him, and how Elladan takes it upon himself to fulfill that promise to a loving mother. I also liked how you weaved in the twins and Arathorn's backstories of grief and vengeance. Ivorwen's sorrow at the loss of her sons touched me. In these few lines you described them so well they became alive and I could feel the mother's pain. Take care
Author's reply
Nurayy! The Elves have arrived indeed...and will be present for the rest of the story. Sorry for not answering back sooner. I really happy you are enjoying the story. Ivorwen is a mother desperate to carve out some measure of happiness for her daughter and doesn't give two figs what it might cost her dignity. She takes a chance talking to Elladan and she doesn't realise the bond that exists already between Arathorn and Elladan and Elrohir. They saw him grown up in Imladris as well though he was a little older when he started his fosterage in Imladris. I remember reading somewhere that the twins almost lost their souls to vengeance after their mother sailed to the Undying Lands and its stands to reason Arathorn would be scarred in some way as well. "In these few lines you described them so well they became alive and I could feel the mother's pain." Thanks! That little passage turned out well I was very happy about that. Thanks for reading! Stay Safe! Mellon nin! (((hugs))) MM
Nurayy · 12 March 2021 · Chapter 3: A Wedding Awaits
Another beautiful chapter. They are so sweet, so in love. Very tender moments. And you write young adults so well. I liked how her little brother was embarrassed by Gilraen's motherly affection. I remember you wrote something like this with Háláf as his mother showed her fondness of him in public in Destiny's Child. That is so much how they really feel and behave at such occasions and I find it amusing. The scene with her mother was so emotional, such feels. She wants her daughter to be happy as long as she can, although she knows that it will take a tragic turn. That is such a difficult knowledge to bear for a mother.
Author's reply
Nurayy!! Hello! Thank you! *blush* And yes I have an few friends with teenage children and this is exactly how they acted so it seemed only fitting. And Gilraen knew EXACTLY how much it would embarrass Erithain. Which of course is the point. What else is a little brother for but to embarrass the heck out of them ;-) I really do love the way the scene between Gilraen, her mom and her friend turned out. Marriage and the birthing of children is essential to the Dunedain because without that their inheritance dies away. And that is what they live for. No mother could bear to see her child unhappy but for Ivorwen it is doubly difficult because not only can she not stand to see her child happy. She has to encourage the match because through Gilraen will come the culmination of everything that the Dunedain have lived and survived for. All Dunedain are bound to this driving force of their survival; their reason for being. And Ivorwen knows the pain it will cause her child. That is really a very tough thing. Thanks for writing! Stay Safe and well ((hugs)) MM Author Reply: Nurayy!! Hello! Thank you! *blush* And yes I have an few friends with teenage children and this is exactly how they acted so it seemed only fitting. And Gilraen knew EXACTLY how much it would embarrass Erithain. Which of course is the point. What else is a little brother for but to embarrass the heck out of them ;-) I really do love the way the scene between Gilraen, her mom and her friend turned out. Marriage and the birthing of children is essential to the Dunedain because without that their inheritance dies away. And that is what they live for. No mother could bear to see her child unhappy but for Ivorwen it is doubly difficult because not only can she not stand to see her child happy. She has to encourage the match because through Gilraen will come the culmination of everything that the Dunedain have lived and survived for. All Dunedain are bound to this driving force of their survival; their reason for being. And Ivorwen knows the pain it will cause her child. That is really a very tough thing. Thanks for writing! Stay Safe and well ((hugs)) MM
Nurayy · 11 March 2021 · Chapter 2: A Gift Bestowed
Mirkwoodmaiden, This was such a beautiful and sad chapter. So well done! The vision touched me really and made my eyes sting; so meaningful, so important, and yet so sad. The feelings of her parents at that knowledge, you wrote them so vivid, Gilraen's pain in the vision with her little son, it pulls at the heartstrings. So good how you give her credit in this story! Oh, and beautiful image of Elladan! If I think this was even your first fanfic... Wow!
Author's reply
Nurayy!! Thanks so much! There is not enough written about Gilraen. She is often forgotten or written out of so much Fan Fiction but she is so important and sacrifices so much for her people. Her life is unfortunately not really a happy one. Read on! There is much more of Elladan and Elrohir! They are so easy and often so fun to write! Stay Safe! Mellon nin! ((Hugs)) MM
Nurayy · 8 March 2021 · Chapter 1: A Gift Received
Oh, there they begin falling in love. And there's already a lot of turmoil and grief and resentment. I loved how in the end respect grows between them. The beginning of something important.
Author's reply
Nurayy! So glad you decided to read or at least start this story. It was the first many chaptered story I wrote as fanfic and it really holds a soft spot in my heart. I have always been fascinated by the Dunedain as a people. They survived the destruction of their kingdom and really their entire way of life and survived for a 1000 years. Arthedain, the last of the three kingdoms that was Arnor fell in 1975 TA. And yet their goal, their dream to the light restored and Amends for Isildur's failure remained true. How? That is why I am fascinated by the Dunedain. Also I have always been fascinated by Gilraen, "I give hope to the world by I keep none for myself." She left everything she knew to go with Estel to Imladris. She is frequently left out of a lot of fanfiction but I think she is so interesting. Very strong woman who sacrifices everything she was to help her people with their density. Thanks for reading. Stay Safe ((hugs)) MM Author Reply: Or rather "Destiny" and not "density" :-) *sigh* I would love to blame Autocorrect for this but alas I cannot!! :-) MM
iboneki · 2 November 2020 · Chapter 9999: Beyond the Veil
This was such a lovely journey through Aragorn's life. Thank you so much for writing and posting!
Author's reply
Iboneki! Thank you so much for writing to tell me! I am so glad that you liked it! I may add more chapters at a later date, but it is finished for now! Stay Safe! MM
SimplegirlfromLP · 30 April 2020 · Chapter 9999: Beyond the Veil
I enjoyed this very much. Loved to read about Estel's life in Rivendale. Thank you for writing.
Author's reply
Simplegirl! Thank you for reading and taking the time to write. I am so glad that you liked it! :-)) MM
Larner · 11 April 2020 · Chapter 9999: Beyond the Veil
And now he has come home indeed, with that final reunion that he's so desired since he was a small child.
Author's reply
Larner! And as I have discovered in writing the Epilogue as I did I can add however many chapters I might want to add! Thank you for reading it start to finish! I will probably be adding more chapters when the plot bunny bites!! Those plot bunnies can be vicious! :-)) MM
Larner · 11 April 2020 · Chapter 19: A New Destiny...
I rejoice that he has found his place with his own people at last. Now, to see his mother return to them as well.
Author's reply
Larner! Thanks for reading through the story again and with the new chapter added! I do really hope you enjoyed it! I suspect that Gilraen will soon re-appear! Have you heard from Lindelea. Usually she has answered back on my reviews by now. In these times I worry. Stay Safe MM
Larner · 10 April 2020 · Chapter 18: A Story to Tell...
Ah, yes, there are stories to hear as well as lessons to be learned. I am sorry that Elrond did not warn Arwen that Aragorn was leaving Imladris, but that she had the chance to bid him farewell in spite of that. And now he is home where he was born, reunited with the Man who knew him best as a small child, not counting his parents. Now to learn his place here.
Author's reply
Larner! Elrond's pain is still fresh and some of his actions are not the best or most thought out. When we are in pain we often don't think clearly. I thought he needed to know his uncle so he would have someone to come home to though he previously did not know any of it! MM
Larner · 8 April 2020 · Chapter 17: Reckonings of the heart
No destiny is won without cost. And how much that which he seeks to grasp will cost him, although it is well worth the effort.
Author's reply
Larner! Hello! I remember finding this a hard chapter to write. So many people end up hurt and disappointed. Elrond who has given up so much in the service of Middle Earth has even more taken from him. Gilraen is upset that Aragorn will lose Elrond's favour and not be able to complete his destiny and and everything she and Arathorn gave up would come to naught. Aragorn knows he is hurting the two people he loves most but cannot but help his feelings for Arwen. Thanks for reading and writing I really like to hear what you think! Hope you and yours are well. MM
Larner · 6 April 2020 · Chapter 16: A Father's Love
At last the truth is spoken, and it sets him free to pursue his own destiny. Soon he will learn Erithain's relationship to himself, and there shall be another joy--for as long as Erithain remains within Middle Earth himself. And I look forward to the first sight of Arwen, dancing amongst the birches.
Author's reply
Larner! Hello! Thanks for taking the time to write. I promise there is a reunion between Erithain and Aragorn!! Hope you are keeping safe! MM
Larner · 6 April 2020 · Chapter 15: Hannon le
The Winged Crown, for all it was fashioned with the wings of sea birds, would indeed seem to be emblazoned with stars, I think. And now they are free, Legolas and Aragorn, known now as Estel. A wonderful image, young Estel receiving a bow of thanks from Thranduil.
Author's reply
Larner! I think the image that sticks with me always where Elladan and Elrohir were fighting with stars upon their brows. That image has always stayed with me though I forget when it is from. And I thought it was an fascinating idea to form a early relationship between Thranduil and a young Aragorn. Stay Safe! MM
Larner · 6 April 2020 · Chapter 14: I am not alone
At least Estel is not alone in the dark, and he has the best of companions with him for the moment's dangers. Love the bond that has grown between Estel and his unadmitted uncle.
Author's reply
Larner! I really liked the idea of Estel meeting as many of the Fellowship as he could when he was young. And Estel having to stand on his own two feet with his foster brothers there. Kind of a coming of age. It did my heart good when writing this story to be able to reunite Uncle and nephew and let them get to know each other before Estel goes back to the Dunedain Author Reply: Hope all is well with you and yours! and thank you for writing! MM
Larner · 4 April 2020 · Chapter 13: The Memory of Love
I rejoice that Erithain and Estel are remaking the connection uncle and little nephew once knew. And the answer the man gave the youth was just right. I, too, have Estel going on his first patrol with the twins at fifteen.
Author's reply
Larner! Thank you for taking the time to write! It just seemed like time for Estel to step outside the boundaries of Imladris though he certainly had a time convincing Elrond and his Naneth. What is the title of your story about Estel? MM
Larner · 28 March 2020 · Chapter 12: I will learn
I have Aragorn naming his new steed Carnaxio, or RedBone, for a similar reason. A painful lesson, but a necessary one.
Author's reply
Larner! Most definitely. A ten-year old Estel needs to understand the difference between necessary risk and vainglorious action. And Elladan and Elrohir need to understand that Estel idolizes them and will take to heart whatever they say and will always copy their actions. Thanks for taking the time to read and write! MM
Larner · 28 March 2020 · Chapter 11: Hope is kindled
Ah, yes, the frog! Had forgotten that. Love Gandalf testing the child, and the meeting witn the stallion.
Author's reply
Larner! Yup! I do remember this being a fun chapter to write! It is only natural that young boys carry frogs around! And I always imagine that Elrond is a loving parent who is always teaching. Teaching Estel to always think, to always think about consequences of his actions, about respect for others and their ways. Always a mark of approval if Estel wants to introduce you to his horse! LOL. Thanks for taking the time to write! Hope this message finds you and yours in safety and good health. MM
Larner · 28 March 2020 · Chapter 10: Acceptance
That Galadriel sought so to comfort him is important. He has much to do in the next eighteen years.
Author's reply
Larner! That was why I thought she needed to step in and comfort him. Erithain needed the strength at that time and who better to give it. He will face the next 18 years with the strength and grace of the best of the Dunedain! P.S. I can't tell you how much I appreciate that you are re-reading my story. I am really happy that you are enjoying it and are talking the time to write back! :-) MM
Larner · 23 March 2020 · Chapter 9: A Gift from the Valar
I love that Aragorn is comforted so by Elladan and later by Elrond. The speech mind-to-mind is demonstrated in the books when, on the road home Gandalf and the Elves hold their final conference in said manner before Galadriel and Celeborn turn off toward Lorien, leaving the Hobbits and northern Dunedain to continue northward with the wizard.
Author's reply
Larner! Once again thank you for taking the time to respond! :-) I had Elladan and Elrohir come to Fornost to be introduced to little Aragorn so that when the transition to Imladris he would already know and have a bond with someone other than his mother to begin with in Imladris. It just seemed natural for Elladan to reach out to Aragorn. Elrond was also a natural choice, a healer and Elladan's father he shares the same heart as his son. I thought there was a book reference to the mind to mind speaking, I remembered it from the films but glad it was in the book as well. Thanks again! MM
Larner · 23 March 2020 · Chapter 8: Never be afraid
All three showed courage in this fight. Alas for the death of Arathorn. Now Gilraen's brother must fulfill his oath to Arathorn.
Author's reply
Larner! I remember this was a really hard chapter to write because of what had to happen in it. Everybody's life was going to change so much because of what had to happen. I really tried to stay true to what I thought each character was going through. In the end I think it did turn out really well. Thanks for taking the time to write. It really means a lot. MM
sue · 15 March 2020 · Chapter 18: A Story to Tell...
What a great story. Its epic is worthy to stand beside LOTR - filling in the corners as the hobbits say. I have enjoyed it very much. One 'bone' to pick. Gilgilath. That horse must be an old codger at 20! But he has been Estel's faithful Horse. He needs a soft retirement now.
Author's reply
Sue! First I am so happy that you like it. "Its epic is worthy to stand beside LOTR" *I blush* thanks! Second, LOL yup I noticed that about Gilgilath as well. I could say as a cop-out answer that he is a Dunedain horse and therefore has a longer life. But truth be told he does need to be retired. Thanks for noticing! :-)) MM
Lindelea · 10 March 2020 · Chapter 2: A Gift Bestowed
Ah, yes. I love the thought you’ve put into the lifestyle and mindset of the Dunedain and heirs of Isildur. (Typing on my phone, so please excuse any errors that may creep in!) Gilraen’s father’s dilemma reminds me a bit of what Elrond faced. And Gilraen’s mother’s vision was both breathtaking and heartbreaking. One final thought...I too could watch waves for hours, and I find comfort in them.
Author's reply
Lindelea! Thanks! I am fascinated by the Dunedain (as you are with Hobbits) and how they survived over a thousand years with the one purpose and I thought what would that society look like and think like. Their cities destroyed and the fabric of their society rent irreparably. And this story is what I came up with the guidance of what is written in the Appendices from ROTK. What Ivorwen saw is in the appendices and I wrote around that. You are right Dirhael's and Ivorwen sacrifice is much like the sacrifices that Elrond willingly gave, cost what it did to him (one of the reasons I have always admired Elrond.) Dirhael's watching the waves crash is really me sitting and watching the ocean waves crash. Like you I can still a beach for hours watching the waves. I find it so comforting as well.