Reviews (156)

grumpy · 2 November 2005 · Chapter 18: A Story to Tell...

What a great story, from beginning to end. I love how you wrote all the characters, from the Dunadan, to the Elves. Your Estel, was wonderful to read. It is good that he has returned to the rangers. I loved his reunion with his uncle Erithain. Thanks for the good read.

Larner · 2 November 2005 · Chapter 2: A Gift Bestowed

Beautiful imagery, and love the Thane sitting on the rocks overlooking the lake and its windblown waves. Gorgeous!

Baggins Babe · 2 November 2005 · Chapter 18: A Story to Tell...

At last Aragorn is reunited with his beloved uncle. All those years of waiting and longing on Erithain's part have now been rewarded. Also delighted to see Gandalf again - how lovely that he should be there with some encouragement at this difficult time in Aragorn's life. Lovely, MM - and you have to admit, I review much more speedily than some I could mention! :-))

Envinyatar · 2 November 2005 · Chapter 3: A Wedding Awaits

I'm not sure how I've missed this up to now, but I'm very glad I found it. I really enjoyed the description of the wedding dress and all that went into the making of it. You create a very interesting picture of Dunedain society, a neglected area. You obviously know your (Earth) history and use it well in your portrayal of rural life. You also manage to bring Gilraen and Arathorn to life, which is rarely done successfully, and show where Aragorn gets his strength and compassion. Off to read the rest.

Larner · 2 November 2005 · Chapter 1: A Gift Received

An interesting look at that first meeting between Arathorn and his future bride.

daw the minstrel · 1 November 2005 · Chapter 18: A Story to Tell...

I was so glad to see this tonight. What a nice finish to the story and nice start to the new part of Aragorn's life.

Dot · 3 July 2005 · Chapter 17: Reckonings of the heart

Hi there. Great to see this back! I thought the opening of this chapter was particularly moving, with the idea that Aragorn has always felt a connection with the shards of Narsil but only now does he feel able to touch them again after all this time. And that connection gives such depth to the role that Aragorn has found will be his. I also love Elrond’s quiet strength and faith in him. I really like your Arwen! Already we can see that she has so much spirit and life in her. The other elves clearly love her too. I thoroughly enjoyed the meeting between Aragorn and Arwen. You’ve kept so closely to canon, yet it comes alive for us here. We all know this part of the story and I was wondering how you’d do it – I’m so impressed! I was really captivated by it. I just adore the idea that they’re both singing the same song, and your description of the trees soothing Aragorn’s troubled mind is just beautiful. And I must say, I thought Arwen handled a very odd moment with wonderful grace! One of my favourite parts of this chapter is the reunion between Arwen and Elrond. I really love the way he tries to make himself wait but just can’t and hurries down to meet her! And the joy that she brings him is beautiful to witness. At least, it is when I completely ignore what Elrond has yet to discover! “Long distance guilt.” LOL. I seem to recall that grandparents are good at that. Parents too. You made me smile to see the reunion between brothers and sister. It’s so heart-warming to see them relaxed and teasing. And every sister reserves the right to smack her brother when he’s misbehaving! “At the use of the word “Adar” Elrond’s heart sang. He had been forgiven.” That’s lovely. I’m glad for Elrond, because he really suffered in having to burden Aragorn with a past and a future. I couldn’t help laughing at Aragorn’s reaction to Arwen, even though my heart went out to Elrond. I liked the scene with Gilraen. It was very realistic and well done. I can completely see why she would want to save her son from any further grief. I though it was a very powerful moment when she says that she had to deny herself for the sake of her son’s destiny. As always, you wrote Elrond incredibly well. One tiny thing – he says that one day he’ll “depart for the East”, shouldn’t that be West? I was so moved by his turmoil and desperation in trying to make Aragorn see how things must be. And all the while there’s the heartbreaking sense that Elrond knows that fate will take over and he may only be delaying a choice instead of saving those he loves from making it. I love that they both attempt to offer some comfort and Aragorn’s silence was more effective in portraying his thoughts than anything he could have said. The hug was so touching and I had tears in my eyes at the last line. This is an excellent chapter. You’re doing such an incredible job.

Baggins Babe · 1 July 2005 · Chapter 17: Reckonings of the heart

This was beautifully done, MM! I have always loved this part of the appendices and it was wonderful to see those moments extended. I was particularly moved by Gilraen's sacrifice. It is easy to forget how much she gave up for her son and the future of the Dunedain, and I think she deserves more understanding than she sometimes receives. You have really captured Elrond and Aragorn especially, and I do love the twins! BB

Eruanneth_Luin · 30 June 2005 · Chapter 10: Acceptance

Stars, I never gave thought to the grief Gilraen would no doubt feel at the loss of even the name of her only child. But had he been known to be in Imladris for a certainty deadly foes would have massed at the borders to finish the line of Isildur. Gliraen’s brother as regent is logical and believable as well. Dark would be the days and little hope left, with the Enemy closing in again. Thank you. Short or long an enjoyable read.

Eruanneth_Luin · 30 June 2005 · Chapter 9: A Gift from the Valar

How often I have dreamed of entering the Hidden Valley of Imladris. But to go of dire necessity alone into a strange land peopled by even stranger folk would be doubly difficult. Elladan though a warrior, giving of himself to ease the sorrow of little Aragorn was tenderly thought out. Also Gilraen realizing that more was at stake than simply a grief-stricken mortal child. This excerpt from RotK tells of the mind-speech among Elves and Maia. 'Often long after the hobbits were wrapped in sleep they would sit together under the stars, recalling the ages that were gone and all their joys and labours in the world, or holding council, concerning the days to come. If any wanderer had chanced to pass, little would he have seen or heard, and it would have seemed to him only that he saw grey figures, carved in stone, memorials of forgotten things now lost in unpeopled lands. For they did not move or speak with mouth, looking from mind to mind; and only their shining eyes stirred and kindled as their thoughts went to and fro.' Another chapter well worth reading.

Eruanneth_Luin · 29 June 2005 · Chapter 8: Never be afraid

Even though I knew it was coming, the pain of Aragorn and Gilraen losing father and husband to an orc arrow was a severe blow. Acquainting the boy with the twin elves who would be his closest friends and mentors during his early years was an especially nice touch. Having to give up the ones dearest to your heart for their safety would be difficult at best; but being specifically targeted for destruction by the Enemy sometimes makes a tough decision necessary.

Eruanneth_Luin · 29 June 2005 · Chapter 6: A seed is sown

So many joys are strewn amid the sorrows. Down through many years of men the passing of kings and finally chiefs, all in the hope of a future reclaiming of the past as yet unseen. The arrival of the next Heir a link between past and future heralding the continuation unbroken is a blessing to this scattered dwindling people. You share their personal reflections and thoughts so well. Thank you.

Eruanneth_Luin · 29 June 2005 · Chapter 5: Owing the past; Owing the future

Beautiful! Such a sensitive touch you have with not only the pre-joining, but also the deep significance and responsibility undertaken by Arathorn and Gilraen beyond the joining of houses and bodies. I truly loved the vows given and received.

Eruanneth_Luin · 29 June 2005 · Chapter 4: Elvellon

Once again you bring insightful details about the lightly sketched outlines provided by Prof. Tolkien. The wonder of meeting elves for the first time held me nearly breathless with the pleasure and your portrayal of the Sons of Elrond appealingly real. Yes, trepidation would have been felt by many upon encountering those living legends, and hesitance certainly, in trusting the unknown. In particular I loved the lightening transitions from playful to intense, as I perceive elves would be, especially the Half-elven, displaying the depth of feeling that remained hidden from most mortals. But underlying it all is the foreknowledge of ultimate dooms and losses even after the defeating of the great Evil of their day, which for cannot be escaped.

Eruanneth_Luin · 29 June 2005 · Chapter 3: A Wedding Awaits

Ah, the joy of new-found love on bloom, filled with laughter and discovery. No timid, soft-spoken maid has the Chieftain’s son chosen, but one well suited to his own fire. The interplay between the pair as each learns the ways of the other calls to mind the growing together yet to come. Arathorn as a somewhat dazed, bemused lover is perfect. So beautifully done; the wedding gifts from her Ivorwen ‘the woven document of their relationship’ brought a tear to my eyes. Just imagining the planning and preparations begun early in the life of Gilraen, makes me long for the same intensely personal and loving heirloom from my own mother. Sadly the time is long past. We have lost so much in our hasty living. Thank you for another lovely chapter.

Eruanneth_Luin · 29 June 2005 · Chapter 2: A Gift Bestowed

It is good to see that developing friendship between Erithain and Arathorn which bodes well for eventual kinsmen-by-marriage, and I highly agree with the realistic moral tone set by Gilraen as to her thoughts of marriage. It is refreshing to read of attraction, respect, and even duty on both parts rather than mere physical desires. Her willingness to obey her father’s will and eventual answer ‘Yes, I think I do’, says it all. Arathorn seeking the hand of Gilraen brought into focus the intense feelings and uncertainty associated with the joining of two houses as well as two peoples, though blood-allied, yet independent. The visions of Ivorwen were of particular moving and well done, showing the absolute courage it took to allow her precious daughter to move forward as she must despite knowledge of the brevity of her happiness.

Eruanneth_Luin · 29 June 2005 · Chapter 1: A Gift Received

First I must admit that had the name of Elrond not appeared in your update I would likely not have read this tale as I prefer elf-centered stories. But to my delight I found myself reading a thoughtfully written and intriguing tale. Obviously you are well-versed in the canon elements that you have woven into a believable story. As to the particular events, those of note to me are the understandable resentment of the Thane toward his Chieftain, even though unfounded in truth; his son a perfect example of not being able to refrain from speaking that which he had heard and seen for so long. The meeting of Arathorn and Gilraen was particularly enjoyable, mutual attraction, but tempered with good sense and respect. Overall the chapter has strong a feeling of honor and courage, realistically set in the waning years of the Dúnadain. Thank you.

daw the minstrel · 27 June 2005 · Chapter 17: Reckonings of the heart

I really, really like how canonical you are here! You take the material in the appendix and make it come alive, so that Gilraen, Aragorn, Arwen, and Elrond (plus all the minor characters) act out their doom before us. Lovely.

Faith · 27 June 2005 · Chapter 17: Reckonings of the heart

awwwwwwwwwwwww *sniff...poor estel...*sob...poor rod:( *sniff..soo sad..*sniff...*sob...runs off to get more tissues.. Faith,the Sue Slayer Proud member of IMSGSET and the Sue Squad

Amy Earls · 27 June 2005 · Chapter 17: Reckonings of the heart

Lovely chapter. I appreciated the insight into Gilraen's sacrifice. I especially liked the repetition of "the one," at first bringing to mind the ring, and echoed by Estel after being said by the twins. Thank you so much! Amy

Faith · 28 March 2005 · Chapter 16: A Father's Love

OMG! i love it! soo beautifully written...i love it..more please...:D Faith, the slightly obssessed fangirl

Faith · 28 March 2005 · Chapter 16: A Father's Love

daw the minstrel · 28 March 2005 · Chapter 16: A Father's Love

Yay! We see Erithain again. How patient he must have been. And it's wonderful to see this time period from Aragorn's POV. I was also happy for the glimpse of Gilraen. She really did sacrifice herself for her son. She gave up what should have been her normal life. Her joy at Aragorn's reclaiming of his own identity was fully understandable. Wow, the ring of Barahir. How odd to think that it's actually older than Elrond. You know, I've always thought that PJ gave Isildur a bum rap. Isildur was very brave in Numenor. He was responsible for salvaging the White Tree, for instance. Now I grant you, he made a little mistake with the One Ring! But as you point out, the ring was immensely powerful.

Dot · 28 March 2005 · Chapter 16: A Father's Love

Oh yes, I’ve been dying for this moment!! Estel really seems to have grown and has become very aware of the evil times and what the future might hold. I still really feel for Erithain. He’s clearly come to know Estel and that seems to have deepened his love for him and longing for a time when they could all be a family again. As always, I really enjoyed the teasing between them all. Poor Elladan is never going to lose his reputation for being such a terrible cook!! Gilraen and Elrond were both superb in this. I thought it was very realistic the way Gilraen seems to have resigned herself to this life and mostly appreciates what is done for them but still has moments of melancholy and regret. She’s always struggled too with the pain of having to hide Aragorn’s heritage from him and not being able to share her memories of his father with him and I thought it was very believable and so touching that it would be a relief and even in some ways a joy to her that he will finally be told. And Elrond! My heart went out to him in this chapter. His anguish and emotional turmoil was so clear. How hard it must be for him to have to do his duty and lay such heavy responsibility on his beloved Estel, knowing that it would cause him pain, confusion and could even create distance between them. I don’t blame Estel for starting to panic when he saw the grave Lord of Imladris so flustered! I thought you wrote the scene very well. I like the way Elrond gives him the most important information and then lets him have time to process it and reconcile it with what he already knows, but still Elrond knows what he’s thinking and helps him out when he can. I thought it was good too that Elrond just gives him the information with very little bias. He even reassures Estel that it was the ring more than Isildur himself that caused the seeming end of the line of kings. It was a lovely moment when Gilraen stresses to her son how much Elrond loves him. And I had tears in my eyes when Elrond explains to him how much he’s meant to him since he first came to live with them. Is he going to find out who Erithain is? The moment with the Ring of Barahir was very powerful. I could almost see responsibility and fate descend upon Aragorn. I absolutely love the fact that Aragorn went straight to Elladan and Elrohir, seeking their comfort almost without thinking. It must be so difficult for them to relive Arathorn’s last moments but I thought they were wonderful in their effort to reassure Aragorn of his father’s love for him. This was a lovely chapter. So, we have Narsil and Arwen coming up?? I can’t wait! :-)

Baggins Babe · 28 March 2005 · Chapter 16: A Father's Love

My dear MM! I love the way you portray Elrond's doubt and pain as he prepares to lose 'his' son. You convey his feelings, and Aragorn's mixed emotions so truthfully and beautifully. All that reponsibility dropping on the young man's shoulders all at once. There would never be a 'right' time to break that news. I hope you show us Aragorn's next meeting with his uncle Erithain. They have such a bond without Estel knowing why. Lovely chapter!