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At Hope's Edge by Cairistiona	15 Review(s)
Lexilooper	Reviewed Chapter: 23 on 12/29/2025
Such sleep he had. And such dreams! Dreams of Arwen, of riding Bronadui across windswept plains, of eating at banquets and dancing and singing and laughing. It seemed that after so many nights of nightmares, his mind was desperate to fill his sleep with all that was pleasant and good. But fever still plagued him, and nightmares crept in and he fought battles that went ill and watched loved ones die because he could not reach them in time and through it all he felt hope’s flame falter and weaken. He cried out at such times, and invariably felt a calming hand on his brow and then the good dreams would return until fever drove them out once more. AND SUCH DREAMS <33 Aksjdjfk this warms me so much. The complete consistent responsiveness of the calming hand on his brow <33 and the nightmares are not all banished for he still has a fever, and hope’s flame faltering suggesting how it has begun to grow tentatively strong within him again <3 and crying out still but each time he is comforted and brought relief ajsjdjfjd He woke up at intervals, long enough to drink from cups held to his lips, some filled with broth, others water, and still others with a bitter brew of medicine. Sometimes he was aware enough to recognize the face that belonged to the hand holding the cup; other times it seemed all were strangers to him, and it was at those times that the nightmares rushed in and he was convinced all hope was lost. Yesssss I love thisssss them all taking care of him, holding cups to his lips, sometimes it needing to be bitter still, sometimes not recognizing them for fever, sometimes hope still seeming lost as the nightmares rush in askdjjf The power recognizing a face that loves you can hold But as time seeming unmeasured passed, the nightmares faded and the good dreams strengthened and more and more he knew faces and voices around him. And then finally came the day when he opened his eyes to a clear world, with sunshine falling warm on his face and dancing on the wall through the billowing curtains and a sense that he had emerged at last from a dark place to which he would never return. He blinked a few times and tried to lift his head, but he was too weak. So he rolled his head on the pillow and saw Elrond sitting in a chair beside his bed, reading a book. AWWWWW YAYYY <333 And Elrond reading close by <3 Also thank you for him being too weak to lift his head yet. His fever may have broken but he does not need to be back to strength yet, nor would that be reasonable. As if he felt Aragorn’s gaze, Elrond lifted his head and smiled. "So you have decided not to sleep away the rest of your life after all." Awwwwwwwwww <33 this cute greeting "How long?" he rasped, feeling like he had been here before, had gone through this already, and then realizing he had, with Halbarad, on a farm along the plains overlooking the Hoarwell. It was getting tiresome, this. Akdjd love that last sentence. Tiresome, this. "Today is the fifth day." Ah wow. That feels just about right. Aragorn’s eyes widened as he silently took in that information. He looked around the room and saw the evidence of Elrond’s care... no, his battle, for Elrond’s face held the fatigue of a soldier who had fought long and hard but knew the joy of victory. AKSJDJFJD BEAUTIFUL <3 Fatigue but knew the joy of victory aaaaa Indeed, the cluttered nightstand looked like a field after battle: a pitcher of water, and a bowl and cup. A pile of fresh bandages. Several jars and bottles of medicine. He smelled athelas and wintergreen and a mix of other spicy and medicinal odors, not all of which were pleasant. He had the thought to hitch himself up in the bed but managed only a weak shift of his right arm that barely moved the sheets covering him. Aww lol thank you again <3 just barely shifts Left arm doesnt move at all lol Yay pile of fresh bandages Elrond moved to his side. "How do you feel, my child?" "Tired," he whispered. He did not understand how he could spend five days sleeping and wake up feeling like he could sleep for five weeks more. WHAT A MOOD although I have not experienced it nearly this strong, my fever broke yesterday (fourth day), and it had never gotten all that high but I was still like…does that mean I have to get up and do things now? All I want to do still is sleep. I’m still so tired. "You are weakened not only from both fever and the Black Breath, but also from plain and simple exhaustion. You pushed yourself too far this time, Estel. You nearly died." Aksjdjdk not “you nearly pushed yourself too far”, but “you pushed yourself too far this time”. Nearly died is always too far. Thank you for saying that <3 "I did?" "A festering wound and the Black Breath make a formidable partnership. The presence of either could have certainly killed you, and both of them combined...." He left the thought unspoken. "The Valar must be exhausted from watching over you." Aksjfjf a formidable partnership Either could have indeed "I am sorry, Ada." "My words are not a reprimand, Estel," Elrond assured him. "Only a small joke, and one poorly placed, for you are still in a fragile state. <33 I love you Elrond No, do not argue!" Elrond added as he saw the frown building on Aragorn’s brow. "You have managed to come back from the road upon which there is usually no returning, and that is no small feat of strength. But still, you have a long way yet to travel before you can call yourself healed." Yesss thank you Do not argue "How long?" "As long as it takes." Aragorn pulled a face. His father may be a Peredhel but when it came to answering questions, the Elven side of him usually took over to give answers that were no answers at all. LOL yep and I love him Elrond looked at the bandage wrapped around Aragorn’s left arm, pulling its edge back just enough for a peek. "It is better now, but the infection in your arm found a strong hold before any of us realized you were wounded. You insisted I take care of Halbarad, and in my haste to care for him, I foolishly ascribed the fever and pain I saw in your eyes–even the shadow I sensed in your soul–to nothing more than exhaustion and simple sorrow. Mmmmm so he indeed did not see so deeply as Aragorn feared So I hurried off when I should have seen to it that you received care yourself. But you hid your pain so well from all of us – from me, from Erestor and Gandalf – that we did not realize how ill you truly were. OH MY GOSH yes he did and that is a great feat indeed. They could tell he was near collapse but he managed to keep from them just how exceedingly deep his wounds and darkness ran. Enough that they were all shocked And for that," he said with a deep inward breath, "I do not know how you will ever forgive me." Tears suddenly shimmered in his eyes. "My son came home at last and I nearly let him die." ANSJDJFKDKD My son came home at last... SKAJSJFJFJAJSKDJD OH HOW THOSE WORD AND THE SHIMMERING TEARS WARM MY HEART he has been longing, longing for his son to come home <:(((( The pain in Elrond’s face and voice and words aghhhhhhh it’s beautiful even though I don’t want him to be in pain The words cast a warm glow in Aragorn’s heart, <3333 but it was overshadowed by dismay. He could not allow his father to take any blame in this fiasco. "No, Ada. Do not blame yourself." He licked his lips. Speaking at length was proving very difficult. "My fault... for hiding it." "You think you are the only one skilled in self recrimination," Elrond said with a sad smile. "You no doubt learned it from me." Then he waved his hand in a dismissive manner. "But that is not for you to worry about, either way. What matters now is getting you well." Awww <333 oh boy these two At least Elrond is very aware of its presence in them both And thank you for not scolding Aragorn for hiding it so much as regretting not noticing and also letting him know how dangerous it was in hopes he will learn to be more open in the future Also yesssss his struggle to speak, licking his lips, "How... what happened? Did I fall?" Yep! "You apparently collapsed in the hallway outside your bedroom. Yesssss Collapse Gandalf heard you, and summoned – nay, not summoned but in truth shouted for me loudly enough that I would have heard him had I already been in Valinor." YESSS HE BELLOWED :)) They were all so worried about him <33 and rightly so He reached over and moved a stray lock of Aragorn’s hair out of his face. "You should purge the word ‘fine’ from your vocabulary. I never want to hear it coming from your mouth again." YES PLEASE you may say “I am well” or “I am not well”. Because you are probably one of those two things. Not Fine Also brushing back a bit of hair <3 Aragorn smiled faintly, but other concerns weighed on him. "How is Halbarad?" "He is well. Back on his feet, as a matter of fact, though I ordered him to rest. But I cannot keep him from your side; when I am not here, he insists that he must be, telling me that while he may not be able to fight off orcs, he can surely manage to sit quietly and watch over his chieftain. He is a rare friend, your Halbarad." Awwww yes of course <333 they take turns now How I love him. What a rare and wonderful friend indeed <:) "The best," Aragorn murmured. So why did I dream over and over that he was a traitor? "Estel? Something troubles you." He waited a moment, drawing strength. "I dreamt of him... betraying me. How I could be so unfair... to dream of him like that?" Skajd thank you Elrond for asking Drawing strength "Fever affects the mind in strange ways, and so does the Black Breath. It twists our thoughts, turns good to evil and evil to good. The nightmare realm you were trapped in... I have never seen such in all my experience. Usually it is far darker, more murky, less vivid, less... terrifying. I would give anything to have prevented you from experiencing what you did." He paused, his gaze troubled, but then he gave Aragorn a reassuring smile. AKSJDJFKS <333 <:( he would have given anything Has never seen any nightmare realm of the black breath so terrifying It is usually darker but less vivid…and so less terrifying. Not so detailed and horrific and hopeless. And as a father, he would have given anything to keep that experience from him <:( "But rest assured, dreaming such does not mean somewhere deep down you harbor mistrust toward Halbarad. I think, perhaps, so twisted by the Black Breath that your thoughts were, he somehow became a symbol of evil corrupting even the best, most pure things in your life." They made sense, Elrond’s words. Aragorn let out a long breath. "I hated that more than anything else, I think." <33 that does make sense. Thank you for your wisdom, Elrond. Elrond said nothing, but merely took Aragorn’s hand and gave it a squeeze. Awww thank you "My men... Glorfindel... my brothers?" "I have not heard any news." "I hope–" Aragorn started, but there was no point in finishing the thought. Whatever had happened after he left was nearly a week past, and worrying now served no purpose. That the wraith did not follow Aragorn and Halbarad across the river must mean that Glorfindel and the others were successful in some measure in their pursuit. But not knowing worried him greatly. Mmm yess all very fair. Good job recognizing the purposelessness of the worry, though. And the likely success. "If it helps, I do not sense that Glorfindel or your brothers are in any danger." Aragorn nodded. It was not the complete reassurance he sought, but neither could he dismiss the comfort Elrond’s words offered. "Would you like some broth?" <33 Aragorn shook his head. "Too tired." And he was. He could barely keep his eyes open. Awww Hes like I can literally only say the two words "Ada?" "Yes?" "Tell him... tell Halb’rad..." His words slurred and he tried again. "Tell him... thank you." He felt Elrond squeeze his shoulder, then he drifted back to sleep. sleep, Estel <3 The shoulder squeeze <3 Awww hes like please tell himmm "Aragorn," a voice whispered softly, urgently. Someone gently shook his shoulder. He took a deep breath and let it out. He was floating on a warm cloud, safer and happier than he had been in months and he did not want to leave that cozy place. He burrowed deeper into his pillow. Awwww HE’S SAFER AND HAPPIER THAN HE’S BEEN IN MONTHS But the voice would give him no peace. "Aragorn!" "Go away." hehe A chuckle, then another shake of his shoulder. "Come now, Strider, open your eyes." AWWW I knew it was Halbarad <33 Since it seemed whatever intruder trying to haul him from his comfortable cloud was not going to give up, he slowly opened his eyes. Halbarad stood over him, pale and wan and with his right arm in a sling, but grinning like a cat that had just finished off the cream. Aragorn could not help grinning back. LOLLLL OF COURSE HE’S GRINNING LIKE THAT THE LITTLE IMP <3 "Halbarad!" Awwwwww HES SO HAPPY TO SEE HIM TOO "Lord Elrond told me you had finally wakened. He also told me to leave you be, but I have never been any good at following orders." LOLL <33 He looked him over, even lifting the sheet to check out the rest of him. "You look fairly awful, but I suppose I’ve seen you in worse shape. How do you fare?" "I have been in worse shape." Halbarad snorted. "Ever do you avoid a direct answer when it comes to how you feel. Tell me straight, Strider." Lollll yes thank you Also lol even lifting the sheet Aragorn sighed. "Very well. I ache all over. My left arm still feels like a Balrog is whipping it. And I’m tired. Very, very tired. But otherwise, more or less recovering well, according to Elrond." Ouch A Balrog is whipping it Very ouch Great job telling him straight <3 "Hmm." "I am on the mend, truly." "Hmm." Aragorn shot him a look of exasperation. He was far too tired for all this. "How about you?" He nodded toward the sling and frowned. LOL hes like stop your hmming "This? Oh, your father has me using it to ease the strain on my shoulder and back muscles. Have to admit that he is right. My back gets very sore if I try to go long without it. You have no idea how heavy an arm can be." Thinking of how heavy his eyelids felt at the moment, Aragorn figured he had some idea, but he merely nodded. He longed to say more but he was already losing the battle against sleep. He wondered when he might be able to keep his eyes open for longer than a few minutes at a stretch. lol <33 hes like if eyelids can be this heavy, imagine an arm "Yes, I am definitely on the mend, thanks to your father’s skill, and thanks–" Halbarad stopped and suddenly looked so stricken that all of Aragorn’s sleepiness momentary fled. "Halbarad?" Aww I love them <3 He chewed his lip for a moment, struggling for control, then finally said, "You nearly sacrificed your life for mine, riding through the night, sick and wounded yourself. It is no small thing, and I have no words sufficient to thank you." Aksjdjdjdkdkdkd struggling for control Reminded of what Aragorn did <:( Sleepiness again swept over Aragorn in a warm wave, but he forced himself to keep his eyes open. "It was truly no sacrifice." Uh-huh "Aragorn, you nearly died!" Yep! "But I did not. I am still here." "Only by the mercy of the Valar." He paced away from the bed and stood by the window for a few minutes, and when he turned, his eyes were shining with unshed tears. "Do not ever do this to me again, Aragorn. Promise me." Skjdjfjdjdjd <333 <:( "You do not want me to save your life?" "No... I do not want you to lie to me. Say that all is well when you know it is not. I cannot..." He stopped, struggling for control, then continued. "When I woke up, after Elrond had removed the arrow, and Erestor told me what had happened, that you had collapsed, that you might lose your arm and that you were nearly overcome by the Black Breath..." Anger brought color to Halbarad’s cheeks. "The same Black Breath you kept telling me you had defeated and that I, putting aside every instinct that screamed otherwise, accepted as truth!" He shook his head and whispered, "Do not ever do that to me again." AKSJDKDKS the whisper I forgot he did that. And that Halbarad sort of listened. And wow he even sort of accepted it as truth, if only because of Aragorn’s forcefulness Aragorn looked long into Halbarad’s eyes. He saw in his companion’s burning gaze a demand for trust. For the honesty that Aragorn knew was fully Halbarad’s due. Aragorn again cringed at the unfairness of his nightmares, of them casting this stalwart companion into the role of traitor. He looked at Halbarad and the naked emotion in his face and knew he could give him but one answer. Aragorn struggled to prop himself on one elbow, wishing beyond measure he could go to Halbarad and put a hand on his shoulder. "I promise you, I will not do that again. Ever." Aksjdjdkskdkfk <33333 a demand for trust HE NEEDS TO BE ABLE TO TRUST ARAGORN <3 on not just other things but his own health. The naked emotion. Aragorn propping himself up to give a grave and sincere answer <333 the only one he can give Aksjdjddk wishing beyond measure simply to put a hand on his shoulder "Do I have your oath?" "You do." <33333 awwww it is so simple and so deeply meant Halbarad shut his eyes and breathed in deeply. He nodded. "Thank you," he said, and returned to Aragorn’s side. He helped him lay back down, then settled himself in the chair beside the bed. "Do you need anything?" Awwwwwww THE RELIEF <33 and helping him lay back downnn "My strength back." Halbarad chuckled. "Only time will do that." lol yess "Will you stay long?" "Another week, perhaps. I think I should get back to Windydale as soon as possible. And seeing how you’ll be flat out until at least Mettarë..." "No. That is too long," Aragorn murmured. My people need me sooner, much sooner... Hmm Aragorn I hear your old thoughts I know they have not and will not change. But we need to get some self-preserving thoughts in there. "Hmm. You should see yourself in a mirror, Strider." "That bad?" YES GREAT RESPONSE enough flat-out skepticism to stop even Aragorn And Aragorn’s like okay fair argument probably "Let me simply say that the color of your skin should not match the grey of your eyes." Aragorn shut his eyes. "I certainly feel grey." Lolll oh dear I should see this I forgot he would be grey Halbarad made a sympathetic noise, then a quiet fell between them, comfortable and easy. Aragorn felt himself dozing but some part of him still heard the little noises Halbarad made as he shifted in the chair or let out a soft sigh. The sounds comforted him more than he ever would have thought. Awwwwww That comfortable place nearly asleep but made so much more comforting in hearing Halbarad alive <333 He opened his eyes. "Halbarad?" "Yes?" He held out his hand, and Halbarad took it. Aragorn looked at him for a long moment, wanting to say so many things, but in the end he finally simply gave his hand a squeeze. Awwwwwww <333 Hes like Just take my hand please Halbarad smiled, understanding plain in his eyes. But he only said, "Sleep now, my friend," as he pulled the blanket higher and tucked Aragorn’s hand under it. He laid a hand on Aragorn’s forehead, and Aragorn closed his eyes and let himself drift toward sleep, but not before hearing Halbarad’s whispered benediction, "Sleep, my liege. I will watch over you, as I always have." AKSJDJDKSKDKD GONNA CRY the understanding Tucking him in, tucking his hand under as well Putting a hand on his forehead <333 HIS WHISPERED BENEDICTION <333 my liege this time being entirely sincere, I think. “I will watch over you, as I always have” AKSJDJDKDKDK <3333 indeed I needed these beautiful words

Ellynn	Reviewed Chapter: 23 on 8/25/2010
Aww... you brought tears to my eyes again, in the end of this chapter. But those were good tears this time. I am touched by the way you depict their friendship and bond... so palpable, so strong. Both your writing and their emotions. :) P.s. "He did not understand how he could spend five days sleeping and wake up feeling like he could sleep for five weeks more." As a big sleeper (is that the right word? I love to sleep long and I need it), I have to say that I understand him. :))) Author Reply: I love it when a reader gets happy tears. :) And yes, I can relate to Aragorn's plight about sleeping as well--I love sleep and never feel like I get enough!

Estelcontar	Reviewed Chapter: 23 on 4/20/2009
A lovely sweet chapter for a change. It's so good to see that Aragorn has finally arrived home. Trust Elrond to tell Aragorn what he was really suffering under: exhaustion, fever and the Black Breath. I hope Aragorn learned his lesson too. I liked the way you handled Aragorn and Elrond. I think you've hit exactly the right note. The love is there, as is the restraint that the love of Arwen brought to their relationship. What would Aragorn do without Halbarad. I'm glad Aragorn finally saw that complete trust and truth is what such a friend as Halbarad deserves. That was well done. Author Reply: Thank you! Yes, it's been a long time coming, a sweet chapter with no horrible brushes with death! LOL I do think Aragorn has likely learned his lesson. If not, then he's far TOO stubborn--to the point of being addlepated. grin And we all know our Ranger King is anything but addlepated. I'm glad you liked the relationship between Elrond and Aragorn here. It definitely is a bit of a balancing act for those two--to show love and be honest and open but always have to skirt the betrothal issue. It can't have been easy and sometimes tensions had to have erupted in one way or another. And yes, poor faithful, beleaguered Halbarad finally received what was only his due--an apology and an oath to never do that again! Thanks for the review!

Lily Baggins	Reviewed Chapter: 23 on 4/17/2009
I am in utter bliss after reading this chapter! What beautiful moments between Aragorn and Elrond, especially the tears shimmering in Elrond's eyes. Absolutely wonderful. And Elrond was so kind and patient and didn't reprimand Aragorn, but let him know in no uncertain terms that he went too far this time, and that it nearly cost him his life. And the part with Halbarad was just adorable---Halbarad's just like a little kid, unable to keep from waking him up. Loved their dialogue there, in what started out as humor and then transitioned into such seriousness and loyalty. You've done a perfect job of keeping the story realistic here between men. Oh my, how I adored the first few paragraphs detailing Aragorn's feverish bouts, with various people ministering to him. Last time, you said you were planning a one-shot from Elrond's POV during the healing of the BB. Oh, I'm so excited about that! I would absolutely DIE to see the same during the fever bout, from the POV of Elrond, with Gandalf there, etc. To see Aragorn so vulnerable and ill and needing care and calming. May I grovel and beg for a wee bit of that someday? :) I worshiped you before--I idolize you now! Author Reply: Oh, Lily, you always make me smile! I'm so glad you liked all of this... and what an interesting thought, to expand the fever scenes from Elrond's POV. I may have to try that. I have pictured Elrond after finally bringing Aragorn back and then after Aragorn falls asleep, so maybe I will give it a go. Have to see what the muse does. I'm especially glad you felt that the exchange between Halbarad and Aragorn is realistic between two men. I try very hard not to go overboard with emotions and make the men seem more like women, but sometimes when it is an emotionally fraught scene, I worry I may have gone too far. So your assurance is nice to hear! Same with Elrond... I wanted fatherly love and support but nothing too treacly or sentimental. Crossing fingers I don't ever mess that up! Thanks so much for your review!

Silivren Tinu	Reviewed Chapter: 23 on 4/17/2009
I think poor Aragorn really needed a nice, sweet, relaxing chapter after all that excitement. Especially since he isn't able to do anything but relaxing at the moment, anyway. ;-) I liked that he was never left alone during the time of his feverish dreams, and I loved that the first thing he saw when he finally woke up was Elrond. //"My son came home at last and I nearly let him die."// Poor Elrond, finding Aragorn in such a state much have been quite a shock, to say the least. It seems he's feeling quite guilty himself. The two of them definitely need to talk - once Aragorn is able to keep his eyes open for more than a few minutes. g I knew it wouldn't be possible to keep Halbarad in bed once he learned what had happened to Aragorn. And of course Halbarad couldn't wait until Aragorn woke again - I can't blame him for wanting to make sure right away that his chieftain was alright. Aragorn should better keep his oath to him, poor Halbarad really doesn't deserve such a fright. The ending was so sweet. huggles Halbarad Once again, I loved this chapter! :) Almut Author Reply: Thank you, Almut! Yes, Halbarad finally got his promise from Aragorn and I do think Aragorn will keep it. Hopefully. And Halbarad is very content now... he's over in the corner humming happily to himself, actually. ;) And yes, Elrond and Aragorn will be having more talks in the final chapter. Still some big things Aragorn needs to work through, with his ada's loving help. :) Thanks for reviewing!

Linda Hoyland	Reviewed Chapter: 23 on 4/16/2009
What a beautiful chapter! I just loved this,first the scene with Elrond and then the wonderful scene with Halbarad.Very well written indeed! Author Reply: Thank you so much, Linda! I'm glad you enjoyed both "halves" of this chapter. Our poor beleaguered Halbarad finally got what he needed most--Aragorn's solemn oath to BEHAVE. grin Thanks for the review!

Minerva Organa	Reviewed Chapter: 23 on 4/16/2009
N'aaawwwww!!!! I wish I had something more meaningful/constructive/articulate to say. But I'm having trouble wiping this silly grin off my face. The exchange between Halbarad/Aragorn was particularly lovely. Author Reply: Hee hee! Silly grins are good. :) Thank you, Minerva! I'm glad you liked this, and especially the Halbarad/Aragorn part... I just love their friendship! Thanks for the review!

Elflingimp	Reviewed Chapter: 23 on 4/16/2009
Such an emotional chapter, it brought tears to my eyes,(sniff) but at least now Aragorn will be okay once again! Hug The Imp Author Reply: Yes, Imp, Aragorn's on the way... still a bit to go yet but soooo much better now than he was. Thanks for the review!

Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 23 on 4/16/2009
Definitely a comfort to each as he begins the returnt to health again. The Enemy seeks to turn the ally into an enemy, to sow seeds of dissension and distrust, even in dreams. I am glad that Elrond was able to draw both back from the brink. Author Reply: Well said, Larner... it really is Sauron's way to twist good to evil to suit his purposes. Nasty bit of business, Sauron! Thanks for the review!

Elentarri	Reviewed Chapter: 23 on 4/16/2009
Brilliant! Love the Halbarad and Aragorn dialogue. I also love your Elrond. Are there any more Elrond bits? Thanks! Author Reply: Thank you, Elentarri, I'm glad you liked Aragorn and Halbarad's exchange, and yes, there's more Elrond to come. :) Thanks for the review!

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