This is really good, Liz. I'm so glad you started posting this, and it's exciting that you've got so much already written. I can hardly wait to read it all. I loved the casual familiarity of the introductory scenes (Arathorn has a favorite chair!). Gilraen's surroundings are cosy, her status respected without being stiff and pretentious. I really liked Gilraen's self-determination and self-control here, and Elrond's sons' deference to her decision to vie the body. Her choices are her own, and it's good to see them respected. Even Elrond treats her as an adult and an equal, which was wonderfully refreshing. This time would have been terribly difficult for her, but I love the strength you bring out in her.