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At Hope's Edge by Cairistiona	14 Review(s)
Lexilooper	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 1/31/2026
Aragorn rode slowly through what was left of Windydale’s gates, Halbarad beside and just behind him. His brothers and Lord Glorfindel, followed by the rest of the Dúnedain, trailed behind Halbarad. I love how they so fully respect him and have their own humility that they automatically follow both Aragorn and his chosen second-in-command <33 Denlad, Elrohir, I would have you come with me to help tend the wounded. I am sure what healer they may have is quite overwhelmed and needs our help." ooh I am now better versed in both of their healing skills and learning <33 particularly Denlad's "Before you ask it, I will tell you: no, I am not fine. Nor am I likely to be fine any time soon, not until I drive that wretched monster from my lands." sksahgksdhgshgsksss "my lands" THIS WAY HE CLAIMS THEM AS HIS OWN IS SO POWERFUL in not a prideful way, but a fiercely protective love. this wretched monster dared to hurt HIS PEOPLE, whom he guards with his life and loves more than. they are indeed his lands and he will lets anyone who dares to harm them know that they are under the protection of Aragorn Elrondion son of Arathorn <3 He heard a chuckle and glanced up in surprise to see it was Glorfindel who laughed. But the amused set to his mouth did not reach his eyes. "I did not expect anything less from you, Estel Elrondion. You are indeed your fathers’ son, after all. Both of them," he added. awww not "father's son", "fathers' son" <33 and I loveeeee "Estel ELrondion" <33 immediately calling him Elrond's son. And I love that the names given him alliterate with each father who gave it :) Elrohir stepped over. He placed a hand on Aragorn’s shoulder and squeezed gently. "We will find the wraith, Estel. This shall not happen again." Awww yayy it's BOTH of them <33 Glorfindel said, his eyes shining warmly at him. sasskghkhfskj this, his eyes shining warmly at Aragorn <333 Aragorn wished he could believe him. But what, really, could five men and three Elves do against such power? The blackness in him surged again, swelling into a wave of hopelessness that threatened to utterly engulf him. Aragorn wished he could believe him. But what, really, could five men and three Elves do against such power? The blackness in him surged again, swelling into a wave of hopelessness that threatened to utterly engulf him. SKAHDKSHF okay but his thoughts here show the hold of the Black Breath upon him. He forgets Glorfindel is the one who defeated the Witch-king of Angmar. And I LOVE the "Estel..." in his mind <333 Elrohir seeing great cause for concern and kindly but sternly going mm... I can picture picture the piercing look with eyebrows slightly raised also "gently" within his own <33 he is using no force here, not trying to pry more than Aragorn will allow (I would say like, but I don't think he's liking any amount of scrutiny at the moment) Aragorn pulled the blanket up around the wounded man’s shoulders and straightened, wincing at the twinge in his lower back. He rubbed the back of a bloodstained hand across his forehead, trying without discernable success to massage away what felt like an iron band squeezing his skull. "He will sleep now," he rasped. He could not remember when he last took a drink of water. The man’s wife nodded her thanks, and Aragorn staggered over to a laver and plunged both hands into the tepid water. He stared vacantly at the swirling brown stains as the blood washed from his hands. skasjdhsgk the terrible headache THE RASP audibly betraying his exhaustion and unwellness, really the only differences between him and those in these beds are that he is standing on his own two feet, he has the hands of a healer, and the blood of Elendil in his veins. But as hard as it was physically, his spirit flagged far more. skaaaaaaskdjkdshgfsjklghsjkhgs FAR more. Like, I didn't even realize you could flag "far more" than he is physically and still be going He felt beaten. Bruised of heart and broken in his soul, and in his darker moments, he really had no idea how or where or when he might find any sort of solace for his wounded spirit. <:((((( his wounded spiritttttt Denlad even now was bent over one of the children, singing a soft lullaby to try to calm the little one’s heart-wrenching cries. SINGING A LULLABY TO THE CHILD <333 <:(( Denlad glanced up at that moment, his face pale, his eyes murky with sorrow and fatigue. He shook his head slightly. SKADHSKGHSJKGS NOOOO <:(((( Nothing would ever do that. And somewhere, buried beneath the crushing sorrow, a spark smoldered. Anger started to fester and burn. "You will pay, Sauron," he whispered. "Somehow, I will make you pay..." A SPARK, EVEN IF IT IS NOT OF HOPE, IS VERY GOOD. FOR IT MEANS MOTIVATION TO KEEP GOING. He balled up the towel in his hands. Tried to banish the mocking voice of his doubts, but again the darkness overshadowed his mind, turning it toward despair, cutting off any ray of hope with its stygian hand... skahfshsjkhskgj how quickly the spark is crushed again, "stygian" A voice from the open doorway ripped him from his troubled thoughts. "Aragorn?" AWWW YAY <33 I love anyone saying his name cause that means it's a friendddd Halbarad. Aragorn turned away and scrubbed his face with the towel, knowing even as he did so he would be unable to hide anything from Halbarad. "Here." <333 good It was a sign of his exhaustion that he did not argue as Halbarad grasped his arm and led him into the evening twilight. yessssss and suffering himself to be led, as well <3 The water felt obscenely comforting. It nearly gagged him, but he choked it down and with it some of the guilt. skadhsk the comfort of such a thing being acutely painful His steps faltered, however, when he was confronted by a knot of scowling men, one of which, a dark-haired man who was nearly as tall as Aragorn but about fifty pounds heavier, stepped forward. "We would speak to you, Lord Aragorn." THESE GUYS I LOVE THEM <33 Not long, he decided, and wondered tiredly if perhaps being beaten into oblivion would not be such a bad thing. skaskjhshshsssss thisssss <:(((( almost, just almost wishing for it "‘Twas a fell thing to have happened, but it is not for any of us to go about placing blame on any save Sauron himself. yessssss exactlyyyy wise <3 You have only to tell us what we might do, for we will follow you, as we have always followed our Chieftain." AWWWW <33 It felt good to be off his feet. A HUGE UNDERSTATEMENT I BET not even wasting a moment in his beeline to sit down, or waiting for the innkeeper to leave or any other thing. giving the cheese a desultory nibble yess :)

Lexilooper	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 12/19/2025
If the sorrow that pressed down on them at Bracken’s Ferry was a matter of silence and the empty stares of the dead, the tragedy of Windydale battered them with weeping and the shattered gazes of the living. AKSJDJFKSK this time they can hear the tragedy <:( A large bloodstain covered one of the fallen panels. Aragorn wondered whose blood it was. A knot formed in his gut, one that tightened with each step of his horse until the pain of it thrust into him like a dagger. <:(((( I wonder too He took a deep breath. There was no smell of dead things this time. The dead had been cleared away, no doubt properly buried by now, and the survivors, singly and in small clusters, stood in silence, watching the Rangers as they progressed through the desolate landscape that had once been a small but lively river town. A place that had once been called home by so many, but to call it that now seemed preposterously ill-spoken. How could it ever be a home again, after this? Aragorn forced himself to meet the eyes of the people, eyes that still reflected horrors that should never have been witnessed, eyes that asked the inevitable question. Why did you not come? BECAUSE YOU WERE DYING, BUDDY <3 <:(( forcing himself to meet their eyessss How could it ever be a home again? He pulled up outside the apothecary, an establishment he had patronized occasionally to refill his healing supplies. He wondered if the old herbmaster had survived. It bothered him that he could not recall the man’s name. Skajdjfj this He cares He dismounted as the rest of the patrol pulled up alongside. Elladan leaned down without dismounting and spoke quietly. "By your leave, I will take Eledh and ride further ahead," he said. "There may be signs that I missed in our hurry to find you. Look not for us for some hours, perhaps not until evening, for I wish to do a thorough reconnaissance of the lands surrounding this village." I love how they, thousands of years old, are totally willing to defer to Aragorn’s lead. How I love them. <3 Aragorn nodded absently, for his attention was caught by a woman, young and with a child no more than three or four clinging to her skirts. Her hands clutched a blanket, squeezing it in a spasmodic rhythm of grief. Her eyes were dry but burned as with a fever. "My baby," she whispered as she impaled him with that cauterizing gaze. "It killed my baby." Words had never seemed so inadequate, but he said softly, "I am sorry, my lady." Oh My Goodness The grief “Impaled him with that cauterizing gaze” augh it’s so visceral “What is your sorrow compared to mine! Why did you not come?" she choked, then suddenly threw herself at him, beating his chest with her fists as she broke into sobs. "Why did you not come?" He felt the blood drain from his face as each blow hit unerringly on the worst parts of the bruise across his chest. The sickening blackness rose again in his mind, but he set his jaw against it. He caught at her arms, giving his men a wordless glance to stay back. She struggled, her arms surprisingly strong, but he managed to lower them and pull her instead into his embrace. Then, as suddenly as she had attacked, she fell limp and sobbing against him. For a long moment, he simply held her, feeling her shuddering cries, letting her grief flog him. I tarried too long... coddled myself when people... children... were dying. He deserved every bit of pain she dealt him. NOPE you did not “coddle” yourself. Do not dare to believe those words. “Letting her grief flog him” aksjdfjjd Blood draining from his face The “sickening blackness” After a long moment, he turned to his men. "Galadh, Halbarad... go around the town," he said quietly. "See who might still need assistance, see what remains of the buildings... anything that we can do to help them, offer it freely. Denlad, Elrohir, I would have you come with me to help tend the wounded. I am sure what healer they may have is quite overwhelmed and needs our help." “Offer it freely” <333 "Before you ask it, I will tell you: no, I am not fine. Nor am I likely to be fine any time soon, not until I drive that wretched monster from my lands." He heard a chuckle and glanced up in surprise to see it was Glorfindel who laughed. But the amused set to his mouth did not reach his eyes. "I did not expect anything less from you, Estel Elrondion. You are indeed your fathers’ son, after all. Both of them," he added. BOTH OF THEM <33333 Estel Elrondion <333 Thank you for NOT telling them you’re fine. Although it pains me some that you only seem able to say this when it is another’s pain that haunts you. Aragorn wished he could believe him. But what, really, could five men and three Elves do against such power? The blackness in him surged again, swelling into a wave of hopelessness that threatened to utterly engulf him. He shut his eyes and leaned his forehead against his saddle, fighting back weariness. The leather was still warm from where his leg had pressed against it during their hard three hours of riding. He concentrated on the smell of the it and the sweat-darkened stain of it and the buttery softness of it that years of riding had wrought and wished he might never lift his head again. AKSJDJ and wished he might never lift his head again The way the Black Breath is stealing away all remnants of hope he had Trying to find comfort in the smell and feel of the familiar saddle Estel... Elrohir. His brother’s mind gently within his own. Concerned, as always. <333 As he should be "Worry not, Elrohir," he said aloud, "despite what I said. I am simply tired." UH-HUH OH SURE RIGHT OKAY FINE BE THAT WAY He straightened up and looked grimly at the town, at the people who had left their despairing huddles and moved away, as though the presence of their Chieftain failed to be of the smallest interest to them. No. Look at your Chieftain. See his grief for you. See how he hurts. please. And why should it be, when my arrival comes far too late? He looked at Glorfindel. "I would not presume to order you to do anything, but I would like you to go round with Halbarad and Galadh for now, and, if you agree, to meet with Elladan and Eledh when they return. We will decide our next course based on their report. I will be with the wounded." "You do not presume upon me, Aragorn. When I am here, in your lands, with your people, I follow your orders," Glorfindel said, his eyes shining warmly at him. "I will of course do whatever you need me to." He nodded to Elrohir, then turned and trotted down the street to catch up with Galadh. <333 it is after all, Aragorn’s stewardship “Eyes shining warmly at him” <333 Aragorn pulled the blanket up around the wounded man’s shoulders and straightened, wincing at the twinge in his lower back. He rubbed the back of a bloodstained hand across his forehead, trying without discernable success to massage away what felt like an iron band squeezing his skull. "He will sleep now," he rasped. He could not remember when he last took a drink of water. The man’s wife nodded her thanks, and Aragorn staggered over to a laver and plunged both hands into the tepid water. He stared vacantly at the swirling brown stains as the blood washed from his hands. Skajdjfj THE RASP PLEASE hear how he suffers for you This wife is grateful and I’m grateful for that <3 The staggering, iron band, deadness inside as he watches the bloodied water Please, Aragorn. Allow that blood to wash from your hands figuratively as well. You may carry the grief, please don’t carry the guilt. How many hours had it been since he walked into this shadowed place of pain and suffering? At least six? He squinted at the grimy window. The sun had nearly set, so more likely closer to seven. Normally he would barely feel the first hint of fatigue after such a time, but even he had to admit he was far from normal, far from fit. Yessss Okay his stamina is so impressive And makes this exhaustion such a greater contrast The hard ride and the backbreaking work of lifting broken bodies to reapply bandages or ease them into more comfortable positions had taken their toll. The town’s healer had died in the attack, and despite the care Elladan and Elrohir had initially provided, much was left to be done to help the wounded. Aragorn was right in that the people tending the wounded were overwhelmed and in dire need of help. So the three of them had labored far beyond their endurance. Or at least beyond his endurance. Elrohir seemed as tireless as ever, and even Denlad seemed to be holding up well. But Aragorn’s hands trembled, his left arm ached and his ankle throbbed. His head felt as though a company of dwarves were mining mithril within his skull. But as hard as it was physically, his spirit flagged far more. He felt beaten. Bruised of heart and broken in his soul, and in his darker moments, he really had no idea how or where or when he might find any sort of solace for his wounded spirit. SKAJDJFJDJDKKDD oh the angst I know you are scared to go to Imladris, but I think you will truly find solace their. Do not underestimate Elrond’s skill, as you well should know. Also thank heavens Frodo was not this stubborn and was trying to go to Rivendell anyways XD maybe Aragorn would have deserved it though (Although I do understand and am grateful for his dedication to first helping these people who have no other hope or help) Trembling hands Hehehe mining mithril BRUISED IN HEART AND BROKEN IN HIS SOUL WOUNDED SPIRIT skajdjf you describe the darkest moments of depression very well. And Aragorn is experiencing a RELENTLESS depression borne of a great Evil. No wonder. He winced. Darker moments. As if of late there were any moments of light and hope. My life has become nothing more than a constant stream of dark moments, one flowing indiscernibly into the next like the foul waters of Mordor. Ajsjd and you do not see why you need to go to Rivendell? Okay I think he knows he needs to, he just also needs to convince others that it can be put off A patient groaned and he saw Denlad bend quickly to lay a cloth across the man’s brow. So many brows had they wiped. Too many. Just as they had held too many hands, many of which were far too small, as they helplessly watched one after another slide into death’s unrelenting embrace. Denlad even now was bent over one of the children, singing a soft lullaby to try to calm the little one’s heart-wrenching cries. Denlad glanced up at that moment, his face pale, his eyes murky with sorrow and fatigue. He shook his head slightly. Aksjdkdknskdjnskskdkskksj Denlad singing a lullaby I love love love how much heart they have and how like, versatile they are. They are warriors, but certainly not “I fight with sword I big and strong and no feelings fight is all I do”, like. They have so much compassion. And healing hands. And hands that comfort when they cannot heal. All of the people still dying <:((( Aragorn blinked several times, telling himself his eyes burned from fatigue. The one time I wish that were so <:( He dumped the dirty water into a bucket provided for that purpose and refilled the basin with fresh water from a stoneware pitcher. Another plunge of his hands into the water and this time the water remained clear. He clenched his fists, hunching his shoulders as he bowed his head. SKAJDJ hunching his shoulders and bowing his head says so much He could still feel a tiny hand in his as, an hour earlier, another child’s life had slipped away. And suddenly he was in an altogether different place, one smelling of soot and ash and death and resounding with the crashing groans of a burned-out building collapsing around him as it stole yet another small life out of his hands. PTSD PTSD :( That is so. Devastating. I cannot imagine. His hands and the laver and the wooden tabled blurred and he quickly splashed his face with water, but it did not wash away the sorrow. Skajdjdjsjdjdksjsjsj ARAGORN TEARS Nothing would ever do that. And somewhere, buried beneath the crushing sorrow, a spark smoldered. Anger started to fester and burn. "You will pay, Sauron," he whispered. "Somehow, I will make you pay..." yesssss Almost any kind of spark is better than the despair And how do you propose to do that, when you cannot manage to warn one small town less than ten leagues away that they are about to be attacked? No stop He balled up the towel in his hands. Tried to banish the mocking voice of his doubts, but again the darkness overshadowed his mind, turning it toward despair, cutting off any ray of hope with its stygian hand... “Stygian” SKAJDJ what a good word The mocking. And this time it is not the annoying but half-pleasant teasing of his brothers. A voice from the open doorway ripped him from his troubled thoughts. "Aragorn?" Halbarad. Aragorn turned away and scrubbed his face with the towel, knowing even as he did so he would be unable to hide anything from Halbarad. "Here." <333 thank you. I am forever grateful for Aragorn’s inability to conceal things from Halbarad. Halbarad made his way through the maze of beds. He took in Aragorn’s reddened eyes, but only said quietly, "I hate the smell of these places. Blood and vomit and worse. ‘Tis the smell of fear." Thank you <33 for seeing but not mentioning Aragorn folded the towel, laying it neatly beside the basin. Halbarad picked up a cup and filled it with water. He handed it to Aragorn. "Drink." Aragorn took it but did not take a drink. He stared down at it as if he had never before seen a cup of water. Ajsjdjsj <:( okay first handing him the water without a question of whether he needs it. He knows he does. Then Aragorn’s response, the way his body is resisting him taking a drink "Will any of these make it?" Halbarad asked. Aragorn blinked and looked up. He took a drink, finally. The water felt obscenely comforting. It nearly gagged him, but he choked it down and with it some of the guilt. Aksjdjdkskdkdkd Wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, he surveyed the room. "Some will. Others," he shrugged. "They are now in the hands of the Valar. I have done all I know to do." They stood for a wordless moment, each of them watching as Denlad moved to another bed and knelt, softly speaking to a man who had lost his arm to an orc’s scimitar. He held the man’s remaining hand and said something that brought a smile to the man’s face. AKSDKDKSK BLESS HIM BLESS THIS SWEET BOY “Our mighty warrior hides a healer’s heart behind that sword of his," Halbarad said. <333 he does Then he sighed when Aragorn said nothing. "As do you, my friend, but you have given more of yourself than you can afford, I fear. You are dead on your feet. Come and eat, then rest. Denlad and Elrohir will keep things well in hand for a time. And the rest are hard at work helping the many families whose homes were damaged. We can spare you while you find a bit of a respite." Aksjd thank you. Also I hope my keyboard smashes still mean something at this point XD I don’t have words there are many feels must keyboard. Halbarad’s first line here especially <33 reminding Aragorn that he sees his great warrior and healer’s heart. But. He fears. He has given much of himself, too much, perhaps. It was a sign of his exhaustion that he did not argue as Halbarad grasped his arm and led him into the evening twilight. His steps faltered, however, when he was confronted by a knot of scowling men, one of which, a dark-haired man who was nearly as tall as Aragorn but about fifty pounds heavier, stepped forward. "We would speak to you, Lord Aragorn." Akskdkfksk DON’T INTERRUPT WHEN ARAGORN IS ACTUALLY ACQUIESCING Also I read this paragraph as: so no way would Aragorn take him in a fight right now. Please defend him if needed, Halbarad. An air of ill-defined tension hung heavily on the small crowd, enough so that Halbarad’s hand went to his sword. Aragorn stayed his movement with a touch to Halbarad’s elbow. "Of course," he told the man. He wondered how long he would last should the huge man decide to take out his rage on his Chieftain. Not long, he decided, and wondered tiredly if perhaps being beaten into oblivion would not be such a bad thing. lol Poor exhausted hurting guy <:(((( Bold of you to assume Halbarad would let him, though "My name is Belendur," the man started, then waved a hand vaguely at the assemblage behind him. "We, that is, all of us here, want to apologize for our behavior as you and your men arrived. We were sore of heart and angry but you should not have borne the brunt of our rage. It is to our shame that we took out on you what should be saved for the one truly deserving of it." He ducked his head and stepped back. OH MY GOSH I WAS NOT EXPECTING THAT THANK YOU BELENDUR <33333 This was much-needed for Aragorn. So much. Aragorn was speechless for a long moment, then he fumbled to find words. "You have not offended me, nor any of my men. Far from it–it is we who must ask you for forgiveness, if such can ever be granted, for our lateness is inexcusable." The man looked up, shaking his head. "‘Twas a fell thing to have happened, but it is not for any of us to go about placing blame on any save Sauron himself. You have only to tell us what we might do, for we will follow you, as we have always followed our Chieftain." <3<3<3 YES YES YES thank youuuuuuu The blame is not Aragorn’s, nor Halbarad’s, nor Glorfindel’s or the townspeople or anyone else’s. The blame is Sauron’s alone. He choose to attack. He may bear the guilt of the dead. Perhaps there might still remain a bright moment ... <333 SKAKDKF THIS IS EVEN A BRIGHT MOMENT FOR HIM Aragorn sized up each of the men, seeing nothing in their eyes but forgiveness. One or two of the men nodded as their gazes met. Aragorn looked again at their spokesman. "The greatest thing you can do is to rebuild Windydale. As for the other... your faith in me, in light of what has happened, is...." Aragorn’s throat seemed to close up entirely. He had to look away to the shadowed hills far beyond the ruined town, to try to find some sort of composure in their timeless solitude. Moonlight shone on the mists gathering in the folds of the valleys, and its beauty calmed him. "Thank you," he finally managed, not trusting himself to say more, nor daring to meet anyone’s eyes for fear it would be his undoing. Skajdjfj Elvish boy, finding solace in the moonlight <33 ALSO HE FOUND A TEENY BIT OF SOLACE or at least, calm <3 Halbarad put a hand on his elbow. "If you will excuse us, the Chieftain is sore of spirit and tired of body and would rest." Yesssss <333 how we need Halbarad The men parted, but one, a short man with thinning grey hair but a luxuriously full white beard, held up a hand. "I would have you stay with me, Lord Aragorn. You and all your men are welcome to find respite in my inn, which, thanks to the Valar, remains standing." <333 thank you Aragorn nodded, grateful. "That would be most welcome. You will be paid in full." "No, sir! I would never dream to so levy my Chieftain or his men, especially after the long hours you labored to save so many of our wounded. I was in there, not long before you came. I saw the fevers, the wounds that needed cleaning but had not because there were too many fallen and not enough able-bodied men and women to help. Many more would have died had it not been for the healing in your hands. And the rest of your men, laboring so tirelessly to repair homes and make them livable. No, offering you shelter for the night is the least I am able to do. It is all set up and waiting for you. So you will stay, at my behest." Mmmm yes yes yesssss Thank you for also directing him to focus on the good he and his men are doing Aragorn dredged up a tired smile. "Then we accept, and no coin shall pass between us to cast a shadow on your generosity." thank you, Aragorn. There are many times where a willingness to accept generosity is important. Especially here. It would indeed cast a shadow to attempt to save these people and then refuse any offering of love or care returned. The little man fumbled with the door latch and disappeared inside. They followed him in and found themselves in a surprisingly spacious room, with a fire snapping and crackling on the hearth. Cots had been set up, enough for all of them, and while it made the room crowded, there was room enough after all. The man even had food and drink spread on a table. Aragorn lowered himself to one of the cots with a tired sigh. It felt good to be off his feet. "Thank you. This will do very nicely." <3333 aksjdjd and he prepared for them as well. This was no spontaneous offer. Small crowded but warm and friendly with room for all is such a beautiful vibe The old man smiled widely and bowed. "I will leave you to your rest. Please, call on me should you have any need. I have a room in the back." He gave them both one more bow of his head, then left them to fend for themselves. "Shall I get you a plate?" Halbarad asked. Aragorn nodded, but even as Halbarad walked toward the table, weariness pressed on Aragorn with an urgency he could no longer ignore. He stretched out on the cot and within moments was fast asleep. Aksjdjdjdk First letting Halbarad bring him a plate And then immediately sleeping <3 showing just how soul-deep his exhaustion goes. And he’ll need food even more when he wakes up yay He was dreaming. Standing in a doorway, looking on row upon row of hurting people, crying for him, reaching for him. He looked into their burning eyes and tried to speak comfort but no words came. He tried to reach out to touch them but he could not lift his hands. Then a child at the very end cried out his name, over and over, each strident call throbbing with her pain and fear and he tried to run to her but his feet would not move and he looked down and it was the sea, that black sea, rising to engulf him and all those wounded, hurting people, and if he did not move it would take even the child but he could not move... he could not... Aksjdjkfkdkd oh yes the nightmares sleep brings Even worse Even worse Imagining a small child just repeating “Aragorn” <:((( THE NOT BEING ABLE TO MOVE CURSED TO WATCH He gasped and opened his eyes, the dream shattering but leaving in its wake cobwebbed fragments of guilt and hopelessness and defeat. He rubbed a hand over his face. He sat up, pushing away the blanket that Halbarad must have draped over him. He was unsure how long he had slept. The room was dark, but for the light of the fire. He was alone, a plate with bread, fruit and a bit of cheese sitting on a table beside him. The thought of food sickened him, but he reached for the tankard. He sniffed. Tea. Trust Halbarad not to let him drink ale on an empty stomach. Windydale certainly did not need a drunken Chieftain on top of all their other ills. He took a long draught. It was tepid but good and strong. He picked up the piece of cheese and gave it a desultory nibble, for he knew he must eat something, even if it tasted of ash. He chewed and washed it down with tea, then forced himself to eat the rest of the food. He wondered where Halbarad was. <333 yesssss forcing himself to eat (perfectly good, technically) food that’s repulsive to his wrecked body And lol yeah of course he wouldn’t give him ale now :) He hurried out onto the stone stoop. Halbarad had been sitting on the step, eating his own meal, and he scrambled to his feet. "Looks like Elladan and Eledh are returning." Hi Halbarad <3 Aragorn glanced at the sky, gauging the time from the stars. He had slept for perhaps three hours, maybe four. It had not been enough but it would have to do. "Were you able to find some rest, Halbard?" Mm I wish I could do that Not that I need to but Nooo yeah I forgot there’s no sleeping for a solid night this night, probably Halbarad shrugged. "I was not overly tired." Liar :) They fell silent as Elladan and Eledh thundered toward them at a speed that would no doubt break their necks if their mounts were not so sure footed. He watched, worried, as they reined in, Eledh’s horse rearing at the sudden stop. Halbarad hurried forward and grabbed the bit and helped Eledh control his excited mount. "I pray I am wrong, but you do not appear to bear good news," he said. "Why in these dark days would you think we bring aught but bad news?" Eledh retorted, then nodded at Elladan. Loll "We need not ride out after the Nazgûl," Elladan said, his lips tightening into a grim slash. "Even now, the wraith and his fell company march again toward Windydale. "We have perhaps an hour, no more, and they will be upon us." WHOA WHOA WHOA time for more angst (as if this chapter had none lol)

Dreamdeer	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 8/7/2009
How vividly this chapter captures the mood of each character, place, and event, from least to greatest! It reminds us that heroism does not aimply mean a string of victories, but often means plunging on into the aftermath of defeat, willing defeat to not become permanent. If I had to pick a single word to capture Cairistiona's style, it would be "Truth". Everything rings true. Action, setting, characterization, dialogue. This chapter feels especially true. People who call fantasy escapist have no idea how unflinchingly the best fantasists wrestle with the grim side of life. Cynics can only argue that fantasists like Cairistiona imagine too much courage in answer to the grimness, in chapters like this one, for "realism". I would contend, however, that Cairistiona, Tolkien, and their ilk understand the human spirit most truly. And if one could argue that not everyone lives up to these ideals, then such stories still inspire more real life courage than would otherwise exist. Author Reply: My goodness, I'm not sure I deserve being put in the same ilk as Tolkien, but I thank you for your kind words. I do try my best to show that people can and do show great courage and great fortitude even when all seems to be going against them. I think that is my favorite theme in Tolkien--never giving up, which is tied inseparably to hope. I know how much Tolkien has inspired me to not despair despite challenges (and my own are on a far, far smaller scale!), and I hope as I wield my pen to his characters, my own stories reflect Tolkien's attitude. Thank you again for your thoughtful words. :)

Raksha The Demon	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 3/15/2009
That's all poor Aragorn needs right now; another chance for the Ringwraiths to play Catch-A-King. Hopefully, the Peredhil will lead the Whack-A-Wraith rematch. And Aragorn will eventually learn to let up on himself a teensy bit. Cracking up from stress and Black Breath residue won't help anyone. Author Reply: Thank you, Raksha! It sounds as though we have enough names now for an entire arcade. grin But the arcade champ in the person of Glorfindel has arrived so maybe the wraith won't be too successful at the Catch-A-King game, eh? We'll hope so, because yes, Aragorn really doesn't have time in his life for a total meltdown, which seems where he's headed. Thanks for continuing to read along, and for your always fun reviews!

Linda Hoyland	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 3/15/2009
Poor Aragorn to be blamed for what is not his fault,but the whole situation is heartrending.What a cliffhanger! Howver can Aragorn survive another encounter with the Nazgul?I just love this story! Author Reply: Thank you so much, Linda... I'm glad you're enjoying this wild tale of mine. Yes, I fear another encounter with the Nazgul can't be good for our Ranger. And now he has the sorrows of all the people in Windydale on his shoulders as well. Aragorn's such a strong person, but, well, it remains to be seen how he can come through all this. Thanks again for this and all the reviews you've left. They're very much appreciated.

Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 3/13/2009
A second chance at the Witch-king? Interesting! Get him, Aragorn! Author Reply: LOL... thank you, Larner! We'll see if he does indeed get him.

Elentarri	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 3/13/2009
I love this story. I also love your writing style. Thank you! Author Reply: Thank you, Elentarri! I'm glad you're enjoying the story and particularly glad you like the style in which it's told. That to me is always gratifying, to know that someone likes my particular "voice" in writing. Thanks again, and hope you continue to enjoy the tale.

Estelcontar	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 3/12/2009
That's my Aragorn! No matter how physically and mentally wearied he is, he feels for others' suffering and fear, and so, of course, he feels with them. No wonder he is heart-sick. And even though he is heart-sick, and still under the effect of the black breath, he still does not spare himself. I'm glad the people of Windydale aknowledged this. And now the Nazgûl and he orcs are back again. I'm soooooooooooooooo glad Elladan, Elrohir, and especially Glorfindel (he knows how to deal with Wiki) are there to reinforce the rangers. Author Reply: Thank you, Estelcontar! Yes, Aragorn definitely is the true leader--putting others before himself, often to a fault. But he knows he has a lot he can give, usually. Hopefully this time around he won't give more than he can afford, although I'm sure Halbarad is worried about that very thing. And yes, go Glorfindel and the twins! First good news in a long time, them showing up. Thanks again for the review!

Casso	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 3/12/2009
There was movement at the station, For the word had passed around That the Nazgul from the East (?) Was come to town.............. Dear Cairistiona, I think this chapter calls for a reworking of Banjo Paterson's "Man From Snowy River" (yes i'm an Aussie). I've made a start but have not the time at present to conclude(RL intrudes). Perhaps I'll leave it 'till I read the next chapter. Glorfy better swap bridles so he can sneek up on that baaaaad chap and deliver a suitably crushing blow. I think Aragorn needs an Athelas capsule with a codeine boost, don't you? A whole week? groans Love your story. Author Reply: LOL ... I'm absolutely loving these musical reviews! I'll look forward to the longer version. grin Yes, the Nazgul from the East has indeed come to town, much to the town's bad luck. And I like your idea of the athelas capsule with the codeine... I do think that might help Aragorn quite a bit! And yes, alas, a week will probably go by before the next installment. Thank you for hanging in there!

Fantasia	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 3/12/2009
I'll say the same as the other, Thanks God that Glorfindel is there, if someone can defect a Nazgul and make him run is him...I don't believe that Aragorn is fit for another battle with the Nazgul, the hurts and the despair are eating him, I fear that is not going to be good for him, good that the twins aare with him too, they are powerful warriors, Ok, I'm ready for next chapter...Do we have to wait a week?...Do not kill Denlad, please... Author Reply: Thank you, Fantasia! Glad you liked this chapter... yes, unfortunately, you'll have to wait a week. And I'm glad to have such a Denlad fan! I'll let him know he better be very careful. I too found it a relief when it was finally time for the cavalry to arrive, even if it is a rather small cavalry. Thanks again for the review!

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