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At Hope's Edge  by Cairistiona 14 Review(s)
LexilooperReviewed Chapter: 25 on 1/1/2026
Seeing as how I am stuck in bed with not much more to do than stare down the length of my legs to my feet sticking up in twin lumps at the end of the bed (I really do seem to have big feet), or twiddle my thumbs, or count the ceiling beams (there are fifteen),
Aksjdjd I love his cute parentheses <3

I pulled down my old journal and have decided to add to it, jotting down whatever thoughts flit through my mind. Not that I have many, nor yet any that ‘flit’. I still am so tired that my thoughts move sluggishly, like leaves floating down a lazy stretch of the Bruinen.
Mmmm yess no flitting thoughts yet

There is a portion of the river, well beyond Rivendell’s borders, where the channel spreads out into a sort of marshy area. There is still a current, but it is slow, and outside the main channel, debris piles up and it is a fairly nasty place to find oneself. I went in there once, chasing down a stag, and swore never again to do such a foolish thing. The stagnant water is dark and smells of sulfur and filled with dead things and leeches and stinging bugs. That is how my mind feels these days.
Aksjd very vivid picture, his mind does not sound like a fun place to be right now :(

But it is still better than it was, so I must try to be patient. Or so I hear Ada’s voice admonishing me. We had a long talk yesterday, and cleared the air between us of many things (although not of the one thing that will always stand between us, I fear). Our conversation eased my mind considerably, but there are still so many hard memories... I see the faces in my dreams....
Awww thank you for continuing it from just yesterday!! Not still the faces in dreamssss

Some might tell me to forget, to put it behind me, but if I, the Chieftain, the leader of my people, do not remember the faces of those killed by this unspeakable evil... who will?
<:(( who will

I will remember.
And I will repay.
<:( I will

Ada woke me up before dawn this morning. I was not happy about that, but he said he heard me cry out in my sleep. I do not remember crying out in my sleep, but maybe I did. The Black Breath is gone, but my dreams are still at whiles troubling and dark. But Ada assures me that there is really nothing wrong with me that time will not sort out. I just wish time would do its job more quickly.
Mmm yay for still crying out in sleep and thank you Elrond for waking him up <333 I need people to still being doing this for a little longer yet
At whiles troubling and dark <:(

Will write a letter to Arwen today, I think. She has been much on my mind of late.
aww yay you should. You miss her so much.

Another adventurous day of doing nothing but lie abed. I think by the time I am finally recovered, I will have no strength in my legs. I may not even have legs; they might simply whither away entirely from lack of use.
XD dramatic boy

My appetite is odd. I wake up feeling like I could eat enough food to feed an entire family of hobbits, but once I put the food in my mouth, it seems tasteless and often sticks so in my throat that I feel I will choke.
Yesssssss yes I like this
Very annoying when it is you and you are starving

Again, Ada told me not to worry; it is only that my stomach has shrunk from my illness, but I cannot help but wonder what has gone so wrong with my body that I cannot enjoy food. Good food, at any rate.
<:( ooh lil nother bit of angst there, not being able to enjoy even good food

There have often been times when I could not enjoy eating out in the wilds, but that was no fault of my body’s; that was the fault of my cooking.
LOL yep
Arwen come teach him to cook?

Erestor came by and we spent a pleasant hour in conversation. His talkative ways are soothing when one is still too tired to hold up his end of the conversation. He told me many stories from my childhood, events I had long forgotten, and some that I do not recall whatsoever and really would rather no one brought back to my remembrance, like the ridiculous story of my wanting to be a hobbit named Trotter.
XD him too. And now that I have remembered where Trotter is from—the original version of Strider Tolkien had—this is even more hilarious. Aragorn being like that is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard XD

I can see already that Ada has been reminiscing with all who will listen about that, and I dread the day when my brothers return, for I am sure he will share it with them as well. Sometimes I think Ada has a right cruel streak in him.
SKAJDJ XD a right cruel streak <3 bold claim but perhaps not entirely inaccurate for the torment he stands to receive from the twins

Erestor sat laughing at me until, annoyed beyond what I could endure, I feigned weakness sufficient to drive him guilt-ridden from the room for so tiring me.
Being bedridden has its uses.
CACKLING XDDD
Also thank you so far for having him write a little every day <333 I’m very happy not to lose time yet and this is a good way to let it pass quicker without losing days

Nothing to report today. The sun rose; I did not.
This is getting quite tiresome
fair enough <3

I re-read the story of Beren and Lúthien this morning, the second time through since being bedridden. “Bedridden”... how I hate that word! It speaks of one who is old and used up and feeble and in my heart, I know I am none of these things... but my body still betrays me and it is a sore thing to accept that only time’s slow passage will change my situation. But at least in reading I can escape such dark thoughts.
Yess it is Beren and Luthien! I love that he has always loved it <3. Yesss as I use reading as well

Theirs is my favorite tale, always has been, but now I feel more than ever a kindred spirit to my distant ancestor. Such a trial he faced to win the love of his heart; it makes my own challenge seem a breeze. At least I do not have to snatch the Silmarils from Morgoth’s crown. I merely have to regain the throne of two nations, snatching them from Sauron’s clutches and destroying him in the process. A lark, that. I can just hear Halbarad. “Should be an easy enough task,” he would say. “That is, if you happen to think it easy to fight through insurmountable obstacles to reach unattainable goals.”
A lark, that XD <3
XDD that sounds just like Halbarad awwww XD it’s all about perspective really!

I miss my friend. He cheers me up no end when I find myself, as he says, ‘all grim and gloomy skies’. He has recovered far faster than I have, and made his leave yesterday, promising to report back with despatches until I am able to join him. He will visit Windydale to see what help they may still need, then go on to Fornost to help ready our people for winter. Bilfen and Kenevir went with him, so I will no longer have the benefit of their company, either. Bilfen told me he is considering Fornost for his new inn. Fornost will someday be a thriving town again, or so I hope, so it was with great pleasure that I heard of his plans. In my wildest dreams, when I think of what I will do should I finally ascend Gondor’s throne, foremost in my thoughts is rebuilding the Northern Kingdom, and Annúminas. But that is so far in the future I almost dare not even hope. Yet I do, for it is central to my nature to be hopeful, which makes the loss of it all the more mystifying. May it never happen again.
BACK TO A PLACE WHERE HE CANNOT EVEN COMPREHEND HOW HE LOST IT YAY <333 that is great progress indeed
“All grim and gloomy skies” <33
Aww :(( Noo he’s left nowww and they’ve all left him here all alone. But at least he has stayed, and that is good. No one will let him have his way with pretending to speed his recovery this time. Yayy his new inn
YAYY imagining what he’ll do here <33 I’m so excited for that part of his reign, when it stretches beyond just Gondor and also to the inherited Northern Kingdom <3

Elrond came in at one point while I was reading. He glanced at the title of the book in my hands but he did not say a word. He simply checked my fever (which still comes and goes a bit)
Yesss yay

and then left with a brief nod. This cursed wall between us... despite our talk the other day, it is still there, sometimes almost invisible but other times rising to block all that we might speak to one another. Seeing the look in Ada’s eyes just now, I am saddened to the point where it seems Anor herself no longer can shine as brightly. I long to sit and talk to Ada, but the pain must simply be too much for him. It nearly is for me, but I cannot help but think if we could just talk, it might be an easier thing to bear. But like him, I remain silent, and my silence seems to scorch my heart with unsaid words that burn like coals.
Skajdjfjskskdk please talk again. I don’t know if they will, because it is hard, so hard. And Aragorn is right, it saddens Elrond beyond words, and himself nearly that much. Even Anor herself can no longer shine as brightly <:(

Bah. I must be feverish again, to write such overblown, whining drivel. I never did claim to be a bard, and as I read what I have written, it is obvious that I never will be. I am ever better with a sword than with words. It is just as well that I do not have to face down Sauron with pen in hand.
I do not think that you are half bad with words though <3

Glorfindel is back! He came into my chamber and surprised me while I was eating luncheon (my appetite seems a bit better finally, and I can even toddle about a bit, at least to the table from the bed, and out onto the balcony. Tomorrow's grand adventure will be to finally conquer the corridor. I am not called Strider for nothing, after all). I bade him sit down and tell me everything and he did. To my relief, he said that my brothers and my men are all quite well. Elladan and Elrohir stayed with the Dúnedain, to add to their defense during the winter. Ever am I grateful for their willing strength.
GLORFINDEL IS BACK <333
I am not called Strider for nothing after all XD indeed <33 go Aragorn
Aww yay thank you brothers

Denlad suffered a blow to his shoulder but it will heal. Galadh came through unscathed, which does not surprise me. That whippy lad moves like lightning in a fight. Eledh’s treasured bow fell to an orc axe, but it saved his head from a similar fate. I will see if I can petition Ada to send to Lórien for a bow of the Galadhrim. It is a hopeless request, I know, for the Galadhrim do not give their bows lightly, and rarely to Men. But mayhap being Lord of Imladris, he might be able to ask on my behalf. What a pleasure it would be to see the surprise on Eledh’s face as I hand it to him! But if not a Galadhrim bow, then I will have one made here in Imladris. Eledh could do no better, save one from Lórien.
That whippy lad <33 skakdj cute
Awwww ever does he want the best for his men, he wants to try and get a Lorien bow for him that’s so sweet

Glorfindel chased the wraith east, to the foot of the Misty Mountains north of Rivendell before turning back–he joked that he was wearying of shooing wraiths from these lands and would be pleased if I could try not to let such riffraff in again. I immediately told him that as the Wraith came from the East, perhaps it was his own lapse that let it in, which earned me a playful slap alongside my head that left my ears ringing. Sometimes I think Glorfindel does not realize his own strength.
LOL I love Glorfindel

On his return, Gwaihir the Windlord found him and gave report that the wraith had indeed crossed the Misty Mountains and traveled at haste south toward Gladden Fields. He followed them, high in the air, until he saw them at last turn toward Mirkwood and presumably Dol Goldur, and Glorfindel deemed it safe to assume that the Nazgûl was done with whatever mission sent him into our lands–or that the defense of said lands was stronger than he expected. Considering Glorfindel’s power over the Nazgûl, I have to think that is the only reason the foul thing fled. It surely was not anything I or my men brought to bear against him that instilled such terror in whatever passes for his heart.
Mm indeed. But I am glad he is gone. <3
Thanks Gwaihir for keeping an eye on him

Glorfindel, Elrond and Gandalf counseled with one another long into the night but could not come to any sort of definitive conclusion as to what brought the wraith here. The only thing that really makes any sense at all is that it was after me, the Heir, and that is a chilling thought. Although I know that the Enemy has long held great hatred toward Númenor and its dwindling descendants, it is something else entirely to think of his wrath being poured out on me personally. I have ever kept to the shadows, even as Chieftain, and kept my name and ancestry hidden except among my own people. To think that someone may have leaked such information to the Enemy, and, although it is apparent that I am still unknown to Sauron, that the information was enough to bring a Nazgûl to our lands... to think of the treachery of it... my hand even now shakes with barely suppressed rage.
But I must put aside my anger. Spies are everywhere; there is nothing for it. I must simply accept the fact that for some, my life is worth no more than a handful of coin. I must stay vigilant.
If only I were not so blasted weak!
Hmmm he is angry but not least of all with his own weakness :(
But YES if a spy reported news of him and caused all those deaths…anger indeed

Gandalf left today, off on another of his mysterious treks through Arda. I thought he might tell me what it was he had only hinted at that night I fell so ill, but he remained his mysterious self, merely twinkling his eyes at me and smiling and saying absolutely nothing.
Skajdjfj “twinkling his eyes at me” XD I love how for Gandalf this is like, an actual choice

I did not bother writing anything yesterday. What entertainment is there, after all, in reading, “Stayed in bed all day except to walk ten paces down the corridor and back”? I can attest that there is no entertainment in living it, nor in writing it.
Indeed :(

I fear I am turning into a right curmudgeon. An Elleth brought in clean bedding and I nearly snapped her head off when she asked me to please move to the chair. She turned red and nearly burst into tears and I felt shame down to my very marrow. I apologized profusely and she forgave me but it still horrifies me to think how badly I treated her, when all she was doing was taking care of me.
Awww <:(( and he feels so bad
A right curmudgeon loll

There is much weakness in me yet, weakness of character... selfishness that I must learn to subdue. A king cannot be so quick to anger, especially when there is no reason for such fury.
OOH is this part of where he learns such patience, self-control and courtesy?? Because I so love those qualities of his

A week has gone by, and it was not a pleasant one at all. Something went awry in my arm and the fever returned in force. I do not know for certain but I may have wrenched it helping the Elleth make my bed–I was so filled with shame, I wanted to do it all myself but she would not hear of it, so I tried to help. I lifted the mattress for her and felt a sharp pain in my arm but thought nothing more of it until that night, when it started throbbing and the sick feeling of fever came on me.
OOOH YAY YES I love how hes still weak enough that such a small thing may trigger this
And thank you for helping her <3
And thank Elleth for not letting him do it all, the idiot <3

Elrond was terribly unhappy with me. I was not very happy with me, either. But when he checked the wound, he pulled forth one (hopefully) last splinter, and now I am doing somewhat better.
Ooh is that a bit to do with he’s still been slipping in and out of fever sometimes? Not sure if just one splinter could cause that but it could keep his arm from fully healing

I hate to think how long this will delay my return to my people.
<:(( Noo

The weather turned cold and rainy, even for Imladris, and the dampness seems to settle deep into my bones. I feel like an old man. I shiver and ache and sit by the fire with a blanket over my knees and another around my shoulders and I think what a pretty pass the Chieftain of the Dúnedain has come to.
Yesssss THE CHILL STILL DOES NOT DO WELL WITH HIM not for the darkness now but the physical effect on his weak bones <3

First day able to write. Adar said the fever had settled in my lungs.
Very weak.
YESSSS YES YES
PNEUMONIA
ANOTHER OVER A WEEK OF SICKNESS
Very weak yayyy

I cannot believe Mettarë is nearly upon us and I am still so weak and useless. Oh, I can walk about now, even down to the Hall of Fire and back if I go slowly, but the lung infection set me back so far that now it will be well after the New Year before I can return to my people. I have been called the hardiest of living men, but I feel anything but hardy these days. I cannot seem to take a breath for coughing.
Yessss I wanted him to have a cough. Hard to breathe for coughing and especially coughing causing more pain but being irrepressible is great whump

Halbarad sends despatches often. Things seem well enough at home...
At home.
In writing those words, an ache suddenly stirs in my heart, for I realize that although the home of my heart is Imladris, a part of my heart now belongs out there, in the wilds of the north with the scattered remnants of my people.
Awwwww indeed <333 both his beautiful homes

I miss my men. My sworn brothers. I miss the children who laugh and play in the settlements. I miss seeing the calm grey eyes of the women as they look upon their men with love and pride. If not for Arwen, I would be proud and humbled to have a Dúnedain woman as my wife. There can be no more beautiful women in all of Arda, beautiful for their strength and compassion and pure hearts.
AWWWW <333 I wanted him to to be like a Dunedain woman

Windydale still haunts me. I will go back to that place first, to try again to make amends, although I fear the people there will never truly forgive me, despite the words of the men that dark night. I would try especially to talk to the woman who lost her babe, whose shattered grief still flails at my spirit even as her fists flailed my chest. So much grief and loss... it is something from which I doubt my heart will ever truly heal.
I need to go home.  To my Dúnedain home.
<:((((( this saddens me but also is happy for the amends he will try to make and things he wants to resolve <3 to my Dúnedain home
That women <:( grief still flails at my spirit
Noooo I doubt will ever truly heallll indeed

Mettarë is nearly upon us, and the Last Homely House is filled with secrets. Good secrets. Ada is going around looking very pleased with himself; Erestor has a constant twinkle in his eye, and Glorfindel keeps chuckling at me with no explanation. I have no idea what to think of it all.
SKAJD :) <333 this is so cuteeeee
Like Christmas

I have not been idle in preparing for Mettarë. My father is kind to celebrate the Winter Solstice in the way of the Dúnedain whenever I am home (the Elves mark the Solstice in quiet contemplation and of course song and tales, but nothing like the way the Dúnedain carry on), and I must repay in what kind I am able.
Awwwww <333 we’ll celebrate how your Dúnedain people celebrate <3

So I have been busy making gifts for the three of them, and for my brothers. Nothing fancy, just simple scabbards for their hunting knives.
Awww

Dûrion sought out and found what I needed to make them, as, while I am stronger and able to get around, I am not up for a hunt through Imladris for deerskin. I tooled the emblems of the House of Elrond into the leather. I am no artist, so I cheated a bit and used a tracing Dûrion had made from a plaque by the front entrance.
Thanks Dûrion. MVP <33
Is this the elf who first greeted his arrival?? Let me check
Yesss it was indeed Dûrion <3

He managed to do it without Elrond or anyone seeing, and it is no easy thing to sneak past the likes of Glorfindel and Elrond. Erestor, I know from personal experience, can be easily eluded. You simply wait until he is so engrossed in an old manuscript that an oliphaunt could sit on him without his notice.
SKAJDKFKSJD XDDDD Glorfindel and Elrond are not easily fooled or eluded. Erestor is XD

I hope they like the scabbards and do not think them too crude to be worth keeping. I probably should not have even attempted such artistry, but I could think of nothing else to give them. I owe them so much.
Aww <33 he’s so cute trying to make presents even though he feels his skill entirely inadequate

I wove a bracelet for Arwen. She will not receive it until spring when it can be sent to Lórien with a messenger or a patrol, but I wanted to be sure she knew I was thinking of her in these quiet hours before Mettarë. But as I look at it laying on the desk, I have about decided that it is too ugly for her to ever wear, and not worth giving to her at all. But I do not have any other thing to offer, and have no way of obtaining anything finer short of pillaging the treasures in Rivendell’s library, and I doubt somehow that such a thing would put me in better graces with Adar. I did work in several strands of blue silk the color of Arwen’s eyes, taken from a leftover scrap Dûrion found in the seamstress’ workroom, so it is not entirely drab. But compared to her beauty...
Awwww I think you should give it to her. She will still love it. And the blue the color of her eyes is very cute <3
Lollll pillaging the library

No, I do not think I will give it to her. It is not worthy of her.
Nooo
Although that is very sweet
But it is made with your love and that is worthy of her

If only she could come for a visit this Mettarë.
<33 he misses herrrr

It is now almost midnight, and I am very tired, but very, very happy.
Awwww he is actually very very happy!!!! Tired is not new but happiness is precious

Erestor, Glorfindel and Ada professed much admiration over their scabbards. I have a feeling they were only being kind, for to my eyes, a twelve-year-old elfling could have done better, but I suppose after all, it is the thought and effort that went into the gift that gives the gift value.
Awwwww <333 of course they loved them
It is indeed the thought and effort

Their gift to me ... how to tell of it? What a surprise it was, and completely unlooked for.
Halbarad is here! As are Denlad, Galadh and Eledh.
AJSJDJDJDKD THEY ARE?!?!? What a beautiful perfect gift <3333 all his best friends in his loneliness

Ada is far too sneaky for an Elf of his station, that is all I can say.
XDD yesssss I love Elrond so much

He had already given me what I thought was his only gift–a beautiful sword to replace the one shattered by the wraith.
Awwwww he needed one <33

Thinking that was the extent of it, I was fully content, or as fully content as I could be without Arwen by my side and without my Dúnedain kinsmen around me. I sat with my legs stretched out to the fire, admiring the etchings on the new sword, trying to convince myself that a quiet, introspective Mettarë in the way of the Elves was really what I needed more than one spent with Arwen in my arms or one spent in boisterous, noisy celebration with the Dúnedain. But I could not convince my heart of the same, and an odd loneliness settled onto my spirit.
Aksjdkfk indeed cannot convince himself of it <33 loneliness in his spirit <:(

So I sat, hoping I was hiding my sudden melancholy, and admired the sword and chided myself for my self pity. So deep in thought was I that the singing did not at first register on my ear. I started humming, though, without realizing, and finally I stirred enough out of my reverie to realize that there were voices coming down the hallway toward the Hall of Fire, voices loud and raucous and deep and strong and nothing like the ethereal, hauntingly light voices of the Elves. This singing was a raspy, untrained and off-key affair that I normally hear only in taverns.
Or around Ranger campfires.
SKAJDJFJDJDK

My head shot up and I stared toward the doorway, and as Elrond started chuckling, the door flew open and in walked Halbarad, his wife Miriel and their two children, followed by Eledh and Galadh!
SKAJDJFJDJDKDJKDJDJ
MIRIEL TOO
AND THE CHILDREN
he had been missing the play of Dunedain children <3

Never had melancholy so quickly released a man from its grip!
AKSJDJD <3333 that’s so cuteeeee

I leaped to my feet (and had to apologize later to Ada for letting my new sword clatter to the floor... I fear I nicked the blade) and ran to embrace my kinsmen. There was much back-pounding and not a few tears mixed in with the smiles. Halbarad looked fully healed. He gave me a once over and declared that while he was glad I was no longer grey, I had lost far too much weight, and I found I could not argue with him.
Yessssssss

I had seen myself in the mirror, after all, and knew how my clothes hung on me with no more grace than on a scarecrow. I merely shrugged and turned my attention to his wife, for to my delight, Miriel was heavy with child. I kissed her gently on the cheek, noticing the fine mithril chain that graced her neck. I glanced at Halbarad and he gave me a wink, and then Miriel placed my hand on her belly. The baby immediately kicked and I laughed and it felt good to be so light of heart.
AWWWWWWWW NEW BABY
I was just wondering if she’d gotten the chain <3
HIS FAMILY HIS FAMILY <33333 THIS IS SO SWEET AND HAPPY AND PERFECT
the elves truly could have given him no better gift (except perhaps bringing Arwen as well)

But that was not the end of the surprises. Denlad came in then, with such a red-faced, shy smile that I wondered what had gotten into him. He had been to Rivendell before, and had seen me dressed in the finery of Elrond’s house, so surely it was not that he felt intimidated... and then I saw the reason for his bashfulness: he had Neala by the hand! He led her into the room and stopped before me, his arm protectively around her waist. I know I must have stood gaping at them like a landed fish, but how great was my surprise to see, as I had suspected that long ago day at her farm, that love had indeed blossomed between them. I finally collected my wits and bowed my head to Neala. “I am happy for you, my lady,” I murmured. Denlad beamed like he was the man who had invented love, and Randir, who was standing behind them both, gave me his own shy grin as he shook my hand. I pulled Denlad aside and whispered to him wryly that I was glad that, since I had to have suffered such misery during those days on her farm, at least he had taken full advantage of it, and he threw back his head and laughed.
AKSJDJDKSKDK NEALA AND RANDIR <33333 YES YES YES YAYYYYY AWWWWW love had indeed blossomed between them <33 and they came with himmmmm
LOL DENLAD LAUGHING <33

But as I watched him guide Neala to a couch and as I watched Halbarad fuss over Miriel’s cushions, I had to turn away. The longing to have my own beloved beside me to fuss over and cherish nearly overwhelmed me. Not wanting to be the curmudgeon who darkens the day, I moved quickly to the wine table and busied myself with pouring glasses. While I was furiously telling myself to cease this exasperating self pity, Erestor came up behind me.
Aksjddksjjs <:(((( the longinggggg I feel this but it must be much worse when you don’t just wish FOR someone, you actually do HAVE your own beloved but have not seen her in years perhaps and do not know when you will next <:( he misses her soooo it’s so difficult his wishing he could just enjoy this instead of wallowing in self-pity, and yet he is so lonely still

“There is no fault in feeling sorrow when your own beloved is absent,” he said quietly.
Thank you Erestor <33333 thank you thank you there is no fault indeed and Aragorn is trying to make there be

I kept my eyes on my hands as I carefully put each glass on a tray. “It is hard, sometimes.”
<:((

He took one of the glasses and sipped from it, eyeing me over its brim. He held up the goblet and let the light shine through it. “This is a good wine,” he said. “It has mellowed with time, and has developed character that can only come through long years of aging.” He said no more, but patted me on the back and walked off.
Mmmm thanks for the symbolic message

I smiled ruefully. It was impossible even for a dullard like myself to miss his meaning, and it gave me some measure of comfort.
<33 oh I’m glad
Also honey stop calling yourself a dullard <3

I took a deep breath, squared my shoulders and carried the tray of drinks to the happy group by the fire. As I served each one of them, I was reminded that this, too–serving my people in even the smallest ways–was a source of joy to me, and the loneliness faded to a more manageable ache.
YES YES I so love opportunities for these tiny sorts of service <3 to my patients at work when I get to even just like, run and get someone a snack it brings a bit of joy into my heart

Halbarad took a goblet, lifted it to me, and murmured, “To Arwen.” Once again, my friend knew the right words to say.
AKSKDKFKD THANK YOU HALBARAD <3333

I touched my glass to his. “To good friends.”
It was a Mettarë to remember.
<3333 oh how sweettttttt he is very very happy indeed <333

EllynnReviewed Chapter: 25 on 8/25/2010
Awwww... *melting* Wonderful ending. :)


P.s. "What a pleasure it would be to see the surprise on Eledh’s face as I hand it to him!"
Now, I haven't read all of your stories (yet), and perhaps you have written a story about Eledh receiving a Galadrim bow and I have yet to discover it, but if you haven't, would you consider doing so? I would love to read it. :)

Author Reply: Thank you, Ellynn! Glad you enjoyed it to the end. :)

I haven't thought about writing a ficlet about Eledh receiving such a bow but it's something I'll keep in mind. Eventually I hope to tell more about Eledh (and Galadh) in stories but right now they're only works-in-progress (or merely ideas on a list). But a little "gap-filler" showing that would be kind of fun, I think, and something good to add to the appendices for this story.

DreamdeerReviewed Chapter: 25 on 8/13/2009
A good wrap-up. Realistic about the slow grind of convalescence, this chapter also fills in much-needed information that closes the wounds of earlier trauma in the tale. I particularly like seeing Halbarad's wife with child, since the story began with Aragorn's concern about his people's dwindling numbers, worrying about their possible extinction.

Author Reply: Thank you, Dreamdeer... I'm glad you liked the wrap-up. It was a bit unusual, switching over to a journal style, but I wanted it to echo the letter in the prologue and hear Aragorn's direct thoughts. I like that you drew the connection between Halbarad's growing family and Aragorn's concerns... I hadn't really made that connection myself, but you're right, it's a nice balance, and reassuring to Aragorn. Thanks again for your review. :)

Raksha The DemonReviewed Chapter: 25 on 5/2/2009
A lovely epilogue - Aragorn really needed this time to relax and rest and recover. The thoughts about his big feet were funny; I'm sure he'd have long feet and hands. And poor Glorfindel got to play Chase-A-Wraith, but not Whack-A-Wraith (which would have pleased him more).

Author Reply: Thank you, Raksha! Yes, poor Glorfindel never got his chance to truly win at Whack-A-Wraith but at least he made sure it was gone for the time being. And I'm sure that pleased him well enough for the moment. And I do wonder sometimes just what Aragorn's boot size was! :) Thanks for the review!

Linda HoylandReviewed Chapter: 25 on 4/28/2009
I love the way you show aragorn's gradual recovery here.His frustration, but also slowly returning hope are very vividly conveyed.I love the way you use the "Trotter" tale!

Author Reply: Thank you, Linda! Glad you liked the epilogue and it's journal style. It seemed the only way to concisely show an entire year's worth of healing, and really show intimately what Aragorn was thinking about the entire ordeal. And yes, Elrond probably had all kinds of fun telling everyone about Trotter--I do find myself wondering what the twins may have done once they were reminded of that. *grin* Thanks for the review!

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 25 on 4/24/2009
A wonderful way of leaving the story, looking at it all from his point of view as he recovered. Loved the contemplation of his large feet, and the oblique advice from Erestor of the wisdom of allowing love to grow and mature on its own.

A very nice visit with our Aragorn, and a good backstory on how he came to know just how terrible the Nazgul are and his intimate understanding of how the Black Breath works.

Author Reply: Thank you, Larner! I'm glad you liked the journal style of the epilogue, and enjoyed my take on how Aragorn found out first hand about the terrors of the Nazgul. Second part of the epilogue to go, and then the tale is complete. Thank you for the review!

Silivren TinuReviewed Chapter: 25 on 4/24/2009
A beautiful ending - just perfect. :)

Poor Aragorn, that was really a long and difficult convalescence! I had to grin about his reaction to the 'Trotter'-story. For his sake, I hope Elrond forgot to tell the twins of it, but I haven't much hope. ;-)

The scene when Elrond walked in and noticed that Aragorn was reading the tale of Beren and Luthien was a sad one. It's so sad that there's still so much standing between them and that there's nothing that can be done about it. No one can be faulted for falling in love or loving his daughter, after all. I really wanted to huggle Aragorn after Elrond was gone. *huggles him*

I'll never tire of hearing how Glorfindel deals with wraith. *g* //Glorfindel chased the wraith east, to the foot of the Misty Mountains north of Rivendell before turning back–he joked that he was wearying of shooing wraiths from these lands and would be pleased if I could try not to let such riffraff in again.// LOL! Aragorn must feel a lot better if he is already able to joke about wraith again!

That Halbarad, Denlad, Galadh and Eledh were there on Mettare was such a sweet surprise! I could not think of a better Mettare-gift for Aragorn. ;-) I was very happy to see Neala and Denlad had become a pair in the meantime, they both really deserve it (and Randir, too)!

Aragorn's sudden sadness over Arwen's absence was all to understandable. I loved that both Erestor and Halbarad noticed it and each offered comfort in their own way.

This was just the heartwarming ending Aragorn deserved. ;-) Thank you for sharing this wonderful story with us, Cairistiona! :) As I said before, I'm really going to miss it.

Almut

Author Reply: Thank you, Almut! But it's not *quite* over yet, dear... this was a "part 1", so you still have a final "part 2" to come on Monday. :) And then the "deleted scene" stuff.

I'm so glad you liked this part of the epilogue--there's so much that Aragorn has to work through, but yes, he's definitely feeling better and able to make a bit of a jest with Glorfindel. I think Aragorn, at least "my" Aragorn, is likely the type of person who sometimes can find strength through humor. It won't always work for him, since we see that he still has a very visceral reaction to the Wraiths even as far down the road as the Prancing Pony, but yes, he's able to make a joke and that's always a good sign.

I'm so glad you've been enjoying the story... I think I'll miss it, too! Ah well. On to the next after this, right? :) Thanks for the review!

Ainu LaireReviewed Chapter: 25 on 4/23/2009
Weee... nice long epilogue!

... I have nothing of real value to say :/ I mean, I liked it! Elrond should now bring Arwen home. Srsly.

Cheerio.

Author Reply: Thanks, Laire! I'm glad you don't mind a nice long epilogue--I had no way to shorten it. LOL Yes, it would be nice if Arwen could have been there at Mettare, and I did actually write a version where she was the surprise instead of Halbarad et al, but alas, she was still in Lorien and it just didn't fit canon (or logistics) for her to come all the way home for a visit.

Thanks for the review!

Lily BagginsReviewed Chapter: 25 on 4/23/2009
This story is like a feast for the Aragorn fan . . . and this chapter was a lovely, lovely dessert. Well, just the first course of dessert. :)

I know a good story is a really good story when it actually makes me adore a favorite character even more than I already do. And this story does that. I got such a kick out of Aragorn's self-deprecation ("I fear I am turning into a right curmudgeon"--lol!), and his wry observations, and especially his impatience to be better. Truly, you've captured the exact personality of every bedridden man I've ever known! They do get upset and impatient to be better. :)

I absolutely ate up (okay, enough with the eating metaphor, right?) the parts in which he fell prey again to illness. Oh my, how I'd kill to see Elrond being "not happy" with him when the fever returned! Or see Aragorn ill with the lung fever. *bliss*

And the holiday---that was a wonderful part. I think so many people feel depressed during the holidays, and I see that Aragorn is no exception here. I enjoyed the little details of his making Arwen a bracelet (and finding it to be too dull for her), and his worry over nicking the new sword Elrond gave him. All the details make this story so rich.

I'm so happy that Aragorn's family did their best to see he had a memorable Mettare, and I was thrilled to see Halbarad and his family and the other men show up. Denlad and Neala are together! That was perfect.

I'm so looking forward to part 2 of this epilogue, and the appendices, as well. I simply can't get enough of this story!

Author Reply: Thank you so, Lily! To hear someone say that they adore Aragorn even more after reading this is *exactly* what I want to hear! :) I love exploring the human side of Aragorn (not that he has any other species in him! LOL... maybe the "ordinary man" side of him is a better term). I think Aragorn was likely to have felt much the same ordinary things as any one of us--delight at being surprised by the unexpected arrival of friends at the holidays, wistful sadness (yes, perhaps even depression) at a loved one who's not there; worry over whether he's given the right gift... all those little things. I also don't see Aragorn as one overly accustomed to being ill or needing a long recovery from injury--at least not as long as this trial ended up. Poor Elrond had his hands full keeping Aragorn in bed! But Aragorn's also a wise person and he doesn't fight it *too* hard. Just hard enough to be, well, Aragorn. :)

I'm glad you liked all this... part 2 coming Monday! Thanks for the review!

Minerva OrganaReviewed Chapter: 25 on 4/23/2009
"Erestor, I know from personal experience, can be easily eluded. You simply wait until he is so engrossed in an old manuscript that an oliphaunt could sit on him without his notice."

*snort* *giggle* That line made me laugh, probably louder than was necessary ;-)

And Denlad!!!! *cheers* I had so hoped that that would happen. I'm sure that they will be very happy together.

And the whole description of Mettare....*happy sigh* wonderful.

All in all, a fantastic fantastic epilogue. The journal style worked really well. Can't wait for Part 2!

Author Reply: Thanks, Minerva! So glad you liked this and got a giggle from that particular line. I kind of think it sums up my image of an at times slightly absent-minded Erestor. Or maybe I should just say "focused". *grin* I do think he probably brings a singleminded purpose to all the things he does, whether it's examining an old manuscript, shooting at orcs (because I do think he's not *just* a dry, dusty bookworm), or cleaning out an arm wound. And yay, Denlad got the girl! I'm not a huge hand at writing romance but that was a fun little subplot. I found myself wishing I could have gone into it a little deeper but this particular story didn't lend itself to that. Ah well. Might have to do a flashback or something and show more of it. :) Glad you liked the journal style--I had fun writing this and part 2 as well. Thanks for the review!

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