Hi Linda, yes.. how would matters have turned out differently if they had... It is still a struggle for Gilraen, after all, imho, a lot is asked of her. Her linnod in the appedix of Lord of the Rings speaks volumes to me. I hope that I soon can get the first chapters to my editor since I am rewriting this (what you've read is the old version), so that I can show how Gilraen makes amends with this before she will marry, making use of canon about other fated couples who at their turn made their sacrifices for the good of Middle-earth ánd also hope to make the connection to their son and his love, Arwen later in the novel. 

Thank you for your review Linda, the new version of this story will most certainly go up here!

No problem at all Eleiel, Real Life keeps me away from the fandom, writing and so on as well. As it happens to be, I decided to re-write this story (and chapter) for this year's nanowrimo and your feedback helped (thanks so much!). I hope in the future to replace the current chapter with a better version, delf deeper into the deeper motifs the tale of Arathorn & Gilraen represent. I have about 60% written (of the novel), so I do hope you will give it a try and go on this reader journey that will offer you - hopefully -  a satisfying read!

Thank you for your review, I asked the admins if I could post it here, so if I offended you in anyway, I apologise. However, having a good lasting relationship and marriage life comes with passion for each other too. Such is the base of my parents marriage, 36 years and a very passionate couple and I am lucky to have the same with my strong marriage (12 years and happily counting). Passion for life comes in many forms and shapes, and to find the one that is your mate will make you turn your head into the direction of love wherever you go. If you see it as lust, I simply cannot see it as a sin. Sorry.

Gilraen, as Tolkien stated, was considered too young to marry, especially given her age. She is a teenager (given the Dunedain ages and when they are considered to be adult) in this chapter and does react to these new phase in her life thusly. Yet she was urged into marriage by her parents, but is she ready for it? This is of course a base for conflict of emotions: a man who refuses to marry anyone else but you. Asking yourself is this the true love of not. What will I be giving up? Every teen goes through this kind of soul searching.

Arathorn finds his love and is willing to wait, but he does feel attracted to her also in a physical way. Never does he loose his head or ignores his responsibilties as the son of the chieftain in this chapter: his morality and purity remains intact. He wants to do everything the right way and wants the best for Gilraen: both marry and consumate their bond in wedlock. The coming chapters will be more about his reasons. If that is a passion that doesn't work for you, do not worry the version posted here will be pg-13, not higher. A higher rated version will be posted elsewhere which will deal with and has adult content.