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At Hope's Edge by Cairistiona	18 Review(s)
Lexilooper	Reviewed Chapter: 26 on 1/3/2026
A year has fled since those dark days last autumn, and I did finally journey back to my people. But here I am again in Rivendell, in my old room, writing in this old journal. This time there will be no collapsing in the hallway; I am all but whole, although it has been a struggle. I would never have dreamt that I could have traveled so far down the road of weariness and pain that even a year later, I still feel some of its effects. My arm aches when it rains, and thoughts of the Nazgûl... I fear I will never be able to think of those unholy beings without feeling my grip tighten and a sweat break on my brow. AS THE BOOKS PROVE <33 yessss And yessss because he is all but whole, it makes me happy his arm still aches and the thought of the Nazgûl still fills him with fear. And next time I read that part in the book I will know exactly why he reacts as he does :)))) As summer gave way to autumn and the leaves turned, my thoughts grew heavy and dark and again I felt that old feeling of being chained, of being trapped with no way out and no way forward. When Halbarad suggested I visit Adar, this time I did not argue (much to Halbarad's delight). Yesssss Yayy <3 much to his delight I’m sure I’m glad he went right away <3 Also yes the heavy and darkness coming back as it does for Frodo, maybe not so significantly, but it is there And yet as hard and long as the year has been, it was not without its rewards. I rejoined my people shortly after my birthday, in mid-March. Adar insisted I spend the entire winter with him in Rivendell, and seeing how even Rivendell’s mild winter chill seemed to cause the very marrow of my bones to ache, I did not argue, although I very much wanted to leave with Halbarad and the others shortly after the New Year. But I knew it was a matter of me needing them more than reverse. Had not Halbarad led the Dúnedain for years while I journeyed the world to the south and east? He needs no help leading our people, at least not from me. Mm good point. And good job shifting from “my people need me” to “I need my people” without feeling too useless or self-deprecatory (I hope). Also yay listening to Elrond’s insistence he stay all winter <3 turns out Halbarad’s prediction of mettare was actually overly optimistic even. Yess even the little chill causing his bones to ache poor guy :( And I sent Denlad home a married man, which still astounds me. He asked me to perform their bonding ceremony on the day the Dúnedain mark the New Year. What a joyous day that was–I think we all ate and sang until we felt that all this joy and good cheer might be our end. Halbarad was three days recovering from all the wine he washed down his gullet. AWWWWW <33333 So the winter was not without its days of joy and merriment, but oh, how good it felt to mount Bronadui at last and ride into the wild places, turning my face toward the fresh western winds! My heart was light that day, lighter than it had been in many long months. But darkness fell upon it too soon, for my first stop was Windydale, and fell memories beset me with every step Bronadui took as I traveled northward from the Last Bridge. <:((((( But his heart was light at first <3 And good reason for it to be heavy, even if sad The winter fortunately had been kind to that beleaguered village, and the people had been busy. The walls rose stout and strong again, and the gate was open. I quietly rode in, without escort or fanfare, and the few people along the street did not recognize me under my hood. I stopped at the house of the mother whose cries had so raked at my soul, but it was empty and abandoned. I stood for a long moment in the small yard, awash in sad memory, until finally a young boy came around from the house alongside it and told me she had moved to Bree, to be closer to her family. I thanked him, and he nodded and went away. If he knew me as his Chieftain, he made no sign. <:((( that’s so saddddd unrecognized and she has moved. But I’m glad she is closer to family. He knows his people so well, remembered her exact house I looked at that town from where I stood, and I realized that they, like myself, had healed, to some extent. The scars still showed–many houses were empty and crumbling, and to my sadness, the ferry that served the village was no longer operating. I saw the remains of the barge on the far side of the river, half sunk and apparently broken beyond repair. I wondered at that, wondered if the ferry master had died in the attack and no one was left with the skills to rebuild the ferry, or wondered if perhaps the Nazgûl had used the ferry to come across and the villagers decided it too great a risk to re-open. I thought I might ask, but there seemed little point. Windydale was a village that I knew would diminish. Without the ferry, travelers, like myself, would need to ride down to the East-West Road to cross the Hoarwell, and there would be little reason to stop at a small village twenty miles to the north. Eventually everyone would move on, like the grieving woman and her surviving child. Noooooo that is so sadddddd a town he knows will diminish But that was a sadness for tomorrow. On this day, I saw smiles. I heard a woman’s voice in the distance, singing. And I heard the sound of a hammer on iron as the blacksmith toiled. There were smells, also... good smells of cooking and flowers and fresh-tilled earth. On this day, life continued, and that was a comforting thought. Awww that is indeed extremely comforting <33 I mounted Bronadui and rode out of there, keeping to myself, for the sun was high and no enemies lurked. They had no need of their Chieftain. My presence would only bring back to mind all the horrible things they had endured. They had moved forward with their lives, in the way that the Dúnedain have ever done, and forcing them to look back would serve no purpose. I had no right to mar this perfect day in seeking forgiveness to assuage my own guilt. So I rode away from there, my hood still concealing my identity, and I still remember the gatekeeper’s cheerful wave. <:(( sadd Thanks for that wave <3 anonymous Strider visiting around My next stop was to see my mother. She knew a little of what had happened to me, for Elrond had written to her of some of it, and it grieved me to see the worry in her tear-filled eyes. It also grieved me to see how time and care had bent her back and lined her face. But her embrace was as comforting as always, and her smile as radiant and loving. Long hours we spent talking, and some we spent in silence, our souls in quiet communion. I would have spared her, but one day as I sat at her feet, my head in her lap and her hand stroking lovingly over my hair as in days of old, she asked what still troubled my heart. So I told her of all the things dark and terrible that I had endured in this past year and my tears stained her skirts (never have I wept as much as I have in this past year). She spoke words of wisdom and love that I still cannot bear to set onto paper, for they are too dear to me. But they are etched forever on my heart, for they healed a part of me that Adar could not reach, and that neither time nor my own strength could ever have touched. Such is the balm of a mother’s love. AWWWWWWWW AKSKDKD I DIDNT KNOW I NEEDED THIS such is the balm of a mother’s love <333 Her radiant and loving smile Head in her lap stroking his hair Telling of the dark and terrible things And his tears stain her skirts <3333 yesss awww <:( Akskdkdk words forever etched onto his heart he cannot write <33 that healed a part Adar could not reach awwww I made my reluctant leave of her at last and rejoined my men. Such a time we had that first day back! Laughing and telling tales and singing songs. Halbarad was beside himself with joy and I felt we would need no fire, so warm were the smiles on all their faces. This too healed a part of me that I had not realized was still wounded, for I had approached the camp at Chetwood with a tension in my back that only relaxed when I felt their acceptance. It made no sense to be so worried, and never before had I been so filled with trepidation over rejoining my men, not even on that long ago day when my brothers deposited me, a green, barely tested youth, on Halbarad’s doorstep. It was then that I realized just how deeply the enemy had gone into my fëa ... how much had been destroyed of my hope and my joy and my confidence. There are still hidden pockets of darkness within me, and doubts still linger, and that is why I am here in the house of my father again. But it is better. Far, far better. Ajsdjfjskdkdk <333 yayyyy yes and knowing why he is here and feeling he needs it, the darkness and doubts still unhealed, but far better <333 askdjfj realizing how deeply it had destroyed, as Elrond knew, that he was even scared to rejoin his own mennnn AND THEIR ACCEPTANCE AND JOY AND HEALING LAUGHTER and dear Halbarad beside himself with joy <333 their sweet best friendship makes me so happy Summer brought with it the usual mix of blessing and sorrow. The crops were good this year, but several children died of summer fever, and we lost nearly a dozen good men in skirmishes with orcs. But Halbarad’s wife bore him a healthy new daughter, and as I left finally for Imladris, Denlad quietly told me that by the time I returned, he hoped that Randir would have a baby brother or sister before summer next. It was hard to leave the men, as it ever is, but it was good to have such good news to warm my thoughts on the lonely journey to the Last Homely House. <:(( death, but YAY HALBARAD’S NEW DAUGHTER AND DENLAD HAVING A BABY AWWWW I bet he is a wonderful father to Randir but I’m so excited for him to experience his wife birthing a baby, after that talk with Aragorn about a man desiring to have a family and be a father <3 And it makes me happy him turning back to journey to the Last Homely House so soon, it feels just right for the darkness still there, going home to the Dunedain for a few months but after a few months returning to Imladris for a further recovery And so here I sit, having had a hearty supper to fill my belly and good wine to warm my veins and a night of singing and tales in the Hall of Fire to fill my soul. Ada seems happy to see me, and of course Glorfindel and Erestor are as well. Awww <3 good It is good to be home. I may not have much in the way of goods and riches, but I am wealthy beyond measure in having two homes, one here in Imladris, and one out in the lands of the Dúnedain. Few men are so blessed. Awwwww both his homes are so dear to him and so many love him and he them <3333 Gandalf arrived today, and excitement and anticipation so fills me that I can scarcely settle myself to write of the news he brought, but write I shall, for I feel another page in my life and in Arda’s future is turning at last, and I want to mark its every detail. Oooh Aragorn excited???! He was returning from one of his mysterious journeys. It is always good to see him, but the ways of the Maia are ever beyond my understanding, and Gandalf’s further still at times. He seems at whiles almost as a beloved uncle to me; then he will suddenly shift and a veil of secrecy falls across his countenance and I can only stand in fear before him. I am by turns comforted and vexed and sometimes even frightened by him, and this day was no different. what a great description of Gandalf XD <3 só true. A beloved uncle to him <3 He came to me, as I cleaned out the stalls in the stables. Adar insists again that I spend some weeks here at Rivendell–I think he wants to keep an eye on me, and I cannot deny him that, for there is still some worry in my heart that I might lapse back into that dreadful darkness, and knowing he is near is a comfort I cannot deny myself right now. Awww <333 the comfort of having Elrond nearr But sitting idly chafes, and I am so filled with restless energy that I have been driving all around me to the brink of murder as I pester them to give me something... anything... to do. Adar wants me to rest, to abstain from any patrols, but one can only spar with practice swords for so long, and shoot at targets for so long, and run the paths for so long. So I have taken to riding the horses out to exercise, then swamping out their stalls and feeding them their grain and brushing their coats until they shine. The stable master has thoroughly enjoyed my labors, for it has given him a much needed bit of rest. Or so he tells me as he sprawls on the hay in leisure as he watches me sweat and grunt and endure horses stepping on my feet and playfully butting me with their heads hard enough to send me sprawling. I love every moment of it, even when I have to climb back to my feet rubbing my bruised backside. It feels good to work, to feel the strength coursing through my limbs, for the memory is still too fresh of those days when I knew only weakness. Skajdj XD the stable master telling him this Driving everyone to the brink of murder Taking care of and exercising the horses is an excellent idea I want to do that <3 Awwww of course he loves every moment of it. Even if he sounds like he’s complaining. Again, I want to do that Aksjdks nooo not the fresh memory of weakness. I love that he feels the strength coursing through his limba now though <3 It was while I was braiding Bronadui’s mane that Gandalf walked into the stables, his staff thumping lightly on the hay-strewn floor. AW YAYYY cute braiding his mane We exchanged the usual pleasantries and Gandalf assured me his journeys were productive, but he did not elaborate, as is his wont. I have learned not to ask, but I have yet to master the feeling of frustration that comes over me when Gandalf turns incomprehensible. Lolllllll I’m not sure if he’ll ever completely learn He looked long at me, taking me in from head to toe, as is also his wont. I stood still for it, even smiling a bit and turning all the way around with my arms out for full effect. He nodded, satisfied, then bade me come into the Hall of Fire where he might thaw the ice from his limbs, for it was a cold day for October. I followed, after washing up a bit, and he sat down in a chair by the fire and I poured him a cup of warm mulled cider, then stood by the fireplace with one of my own and waited. Soon enough, he came to his point. Awww <333 turning around for full effect hes like look!! I look not sickly! “I have need of your Rangers, Aragorn.” “We are ever at your service, you know that.” “They still heavily guard the Shire.” It was a statement more than a question, but I nodded. Mmmmm yessssssss the time approaches. Gandalf has learned things. “I need it guarded still more vigilantly,” he said, then stopped and looked at me with troubled eyes. “I need you to double the guard, in fact.” I took a deep breath. That was no easy task he was asking of me, or my men. “May I ask why?” Oh dear. Yes, doubling it is a lot. “You may ask, yes.” I waited, and when he still did not speak, spoke rather sharply myself. “Well, then. Why?” “I am not at liberty to say.” LOLLLLL Gandalf XD you are frustrating, my friend I shut my eyes in exasperation. A simple no would have sufficed, but why be straightforward when you are a Maia and can vex all those lower than yourself? I slowly relaxed my clenched jaw and looked at him. To my consternation, he simply smiled back at me as though he were enjoying this cat and mouse game he called conversation. Which no doubt he was. I finally laughed. “Gandalf, you speak in riddles.” XD no doubt he was indeed This cat and mouse game he called conversation “Perhaps to you, but a wizard’s words are always precisely what he means them to be.” What a very Gandalf thing to say XD I opened my mouth to argue otherwise, but decided it would be wiser to get back to the matter at hand. “I assume you want the guard doubled immediately?” “I have already spoken to Halbarad, before I came here. He told you not to worry; it will be taken care of.” Aw thanks Halbarad <3 I nodded, and waited to see if there were more, for he had the look of a man weighing his words, and when a Maia gets that look, unease stirs in my belly. Hmmmm yes with good reason “Perhaps I am wrong in keeping the reasons from you, Aragorn.” Much as I longed to shout that yes, you are indeed wrong, fill me in, you confounded old wizard, I held my tongue. <33 LOL you confounded old wizard Yayyy wondering if he should indeed tell him “Yes, I think I will tell you, for who better to trust than the King of Men.” My heart started to warm but before I could puff up with too much pride, he smote me with a stern glare. Aww lol “But it must remain between us. I am afraid you cannot tell even Halbarad.” Nooo sad But at least he can still talk about it with Gandalf And he then proceeded to tell me what he feared he had discovered in the Shire, and it chilled me. Ansjdjd “The One Ring,” I whispered, as if saying it too loudly would bring Sauron down on us, or worse, onto the Shire. I confess that panic tinged my next words, for my brush with the Wraith was too recent, and I knew their evil power was nothing compared to that which Sauron, with the Ring on his hand, would bring to bear on the peoples of Middle-earth. “Sauron cannot find it.” <:(( the Wraith memory is still so near “He has not.” I dared breathe again. Yayy “Yet.” Ajsjddj And with that small word I again stopped breathing. I forced myself to calm down. I carefully put my goblet of cider on the mantel. “Is there any reason,” I said slowly, “to think that he might somehow discover it?” Skajdjf his fearrrr “There could be. Yes, there most certainly could be.” “Then cease your maddening hints and riddles and tell me all!” Aww hes like okay this is extremely important I need you to tell me everything!! Gandalf immediately looked contrite, or as contrite as he ever looks. “I am sorry, Aragorn. It is just that my mind is not fully made up on this, and I must measure each word. I do not know for certain that this ring is indeed the One Ring, although my heart warns me that it is. Yes, my heart warns me....” His voice trailed off and for a moment, he stared as if into some distant, evil realm. The room seemed to dim, and I felt evil's cold touch trail down my spine. My hand reached for a sword that was not hanging at my side, but just as suddenly, Gandalf shook himself and blinked and but for the goosebumps I could still see on my arms, I would have wondered if I had not imagined the entire thing. “There is one other,” he continued, “besides you and I, who knows of this ring’s existence, and he knows in whose hands it has now come to reside. The creature Gollum. You have heard of him, no doubt, from the stories of Bilbo?” Mmmm yesss The goosebumps, Gandalf trying to be careful with his words but his heart warns him… “Bilbo stole his ring... won it really, through a game of riddles. But Gandalf, surely this creature cannot know the import of the ring. To him it must simply have been a magic ring, nothing more.” Hmmm “Gollum may not know it's importance, but the story of his ring is surely not unknown to Sauron. I fear that Sauron, driven to exhaust all possible leads, might eventually turn his attention to Gollum, on the chance that Gollum's magic ring is that which he seeks.” Fear trembled my gut and my mouth suddenly seemed dry. For a moment it seemed no time at all had passed since my own encounter with the Wraith, and terror threatened to undo me. I told myself firmly to get hold of myself, then cleared my throat. “Bilbo still has the ring?” YESSS “and terror threatened to undo me” <:(( it is such an awful terror-filled memory and still so recent “He has.” “And Gollum of course knows it was Bilbo who took it from him, so therefore Sauron would then hear of Bilbo.... it is very plain to see where this will lead.” Yesss indeed “If Sauron, through Gollum, hears of its possible existence in the Shire, as I fear it truly is, he will do all within his power to invade the Shire and seize the ring, by whatever means necessary.” Aksjdjd nooooo This is really fun to see it beginning on a side we do not know. We know a bit of Gandalf’s side but only that which Frodo saw, nothing of these talks with Strider long before Frodo ever met him <3 Visions of the Shire in flames did not help stem the rising tide of panic. I rubbed my face, running my hands across my cheeks and then holding them clasped before my mouth, as if in prayer. I closed my eyes before I asked the next question, trying to brace myself for an answer I was sure I did not want to hear. “So tell me what you truly think: does Sauron know of this creature’s existence?” Akskdkd Aragorn sort of losing it, visible panic, love love. Thank you for detailing your panicky hands to us <3 :) “I do not know, and that is what worries me. I think it likely he does. But I cannot say for certain, nor can I say if he knows where to find Gollum, and therein may lie our hope, if such is to be found.” It was not the answer I wanted–indeed, it was barely an answer at all. Still... as Gandalf said, it seemed there might still be hope. And with that thought, something stilled within me. I felt calm again, almost relaxed. AWW YAY his hope is indeed returned It is the same feeling that comes over me in those last seconds before the battle is joined, when all questioning and planning and speculating are done and it remains only to raise sword and fight. I almost smiled. I opened my eyes and looked steadily at Gandalf. “Then our task is simple. We must find Gollum before Sauron does.” Aksjdjd <33 okay I love that. And it remains only to raise the sword and fight <3 I have not done this but it sounds…sort of like taking a test? All the questioning and planning and studying is done Gandalf’s eyebrows shot upward. “You have a way about you, Aragorn, of making the hardest challenge sound easy.” Akskdkf <33 aww “Oh, it will not be easy, not by any stretch of the imagination. But find him we must, and find him we will.” I laughed then, for a reckless joy surged within me, despite the fear that had settled in my heart like a cold stone. The Ring may have been found, yes, and terrible it was to contemplate its import. But at the same time, it was as if that fell discovery had opened a locked door which now swung wide, and though I knew not what may come of it, one thing was clear: the path I had lost now lay broad and inviting at my feet. I clapped Gandalf on the shoulder. “Come then, old friend. Let us go together and hunt this creature named Gollum.” We will leave in the morning. AWWWWW YAYYYY AND SO THE HUNT FOR GOLLUM BEGINS A RECKLESS JOY <3 The fear still being there cold and hard and yet overcome by the excitement and joy THE PATH NOW LAY BROAD AND INVITING <3 there is something so nice and exciting and comforting about being able to see the path and know the next steps and being ready to start on it, even if it will be hard and terrible OH MY GOSH this was such a beautiful lovely story. Thank you so much for sharing. It…perhaps made me rather depressed, but absolutely worth it. And the ending did a surprisingly good job of un-depressing me some, with his hope returned and all but not returned too quickly :) <3 anyways it was so beautiful and I also wanted Aragorn whump and needed Elrond dadding him <333 thank you again for this beautiful story. I’ve no doubt I’ll be back to reread it, although if you’ll forgive me, perhaps with less detailed comments. Although I like leaving detailed comments because I need to scream about each word and it helps me slow down and inspect it in detail, which is always great fun for me (plus gives the feelings more time to develop and feel) it also makes reading take a lot longer XD Love you!!! <333

MikoNoNyte	Reviewed Chapter: 26 on 1/31/2013
Angst, angst, angst! You really tortured poor Strider. snickers re: Aragorn's .. whatever you want to call it: dream? I used to think renderings of Faramir's dreams were really over the top. You've out done them. What kinds of nightmares does this guy carry around inside of him? shudders Aragorn and Elrond; the healing and the catharsis - You have, beyond all doubt, ripped a hole in my heart. We all face grief differently, and Aragorn seems to have bought in to the tale that men are strong, men don't weep, men don't mourn. But oh yes they do! It takes a stronger man to face his grief and let it flow through him, washing clean the soul. It was so nice to see Elrond responding to him as a father would, and telling him just how silly it is not not let the feelings flow. And you are still out-doing yourself with wittiness! " Erestor being Erestor, argued it was fifty-one..." I laughed a very long time! And, before I leave off: did you write this before or after Enzilbeth's lovely first draft of "Hobbit to Hero"? still laughing The change of point of view in the last two chapters seemed a bit odd; I never expected journals of Aragorn. I thought perhaps it was your way of dealing with recalcitrant muses or even difficult scenes that refused to be written correctly. The unease over the change was only minor and was fine after I read on, for Aragorn's sense of the ridiculous came through sharply! I was also glad to see the foreshadowing of events yet to come, and Gandalf's interaction thereof. But I think most of all you caught Aragorn's spirit: the rise to the challenge that Gandalf presented, the danger and unknown that he would face trying to find Gollum. I literally shuddered when Aragorn realized the finding of The One Ring - it felt very real - coupled with Aragorn's lightening change of attitude - something stilled within me. I felt calm again, almost relaxed. It is the same feeling that comes over me in those last seconds before the battle is joined, when all questioning and planning and speculating are done and it remains only to raise sword and fight That was something else I really liked as well. That call to battle that was like a drumming in his blood. Throughout the story you've used very strong emotional resonances (at least to me). I would not mind having this Dunedan on my team in a fight, nor would I want to face off against him. He does have a recklessness at this point (Hell, at all points really!) and a willingness to sacrifice both his body but his desires. It's young yet in him, but his "I'm fine" answers to any questions of his health point out just how close he's willing to cut it. Last lines are important as well. And while not the most driving, not something to rally the troops with, this one still got me grinning ear to ear: “You have a way about you, Aragorn, of making the hardest challenge sound easy.” End of the story, but not end of the saga. I'll be returning to drive you insane my friend! Author Reply: Yay, you survived until the end! g I'm so glad you liked it... and it sounds like you'll be wreaking revenge on me for driving you insane with my Aragorn torturing. hee hee. I don't mind at all. To answer your questions/comments: Regarding Elrond being fatherly, I can't not see him being a loving father. That's how he is in the books, and that's how I prefer to see him in my fics. Yes, he and Aragorn had that Thing between them, but I think they still felt love toward one another, even though it might have caused misunderstandings at times, like the one that occurred in this story. As for Aragorn being a typical male "deny all emotions", I think it was a bit of that but to my mind the bigger problem was that the Black Breath really messed with his mind, because he was already reeling both from his own illness and from losing so many of his people, and then losing Mallor. I saw him in my mind as fearing to give in to tears because he might not have found his way back out again, and too much was at stake. Of course, he probably couldn't have sussed that out for himself without years of therapy. g Regarding Inzilbeth: I wrote this several years before ever seeing Liz' book... indeed, her book was just something that, at this time, was an idea she was thinking of pursuing. It was actually fanfic that brought us together as friends when she emailed me about "The Mariner's Son". She assisted me as a beta in all the rest of my tales, including a ton of really helpful input on this one, which was my first major foray into LOTR fic (and there's things in it that I intend to revise for having a better understanding of Tolkien and Aragorn now than I did back then). Regarding the change of POV in the epilogue: Call it a folly (though I hope it wasn't too self indulgent). g I love journal form stories, and I hate epilogues that are nothing more than telling what happened. I could have made the next year's story a sequel, but I wanted Aragorn to tell us the story himself. So yes, it might be a little bit of a "Hey, what the heck??" moment at first but hopefully, like you said, it was just a little bobble before the reader finds their footing again. Finally, the Dunadan and "battle song" that courses through their blood: I based that a teeny bit on the idea of berserkers. I don't think the Dunadan ever lusted for battle nor lived for it, but I do like to think they met it with, if not enthusiasm, than bravery bordering on that. I have no idea if that's very Tolkienish but it's very cairistiona-verse-ish. g I do hope you like the rest of my stories. Most of them include at least a mention of Aragorn's "chosen men", and some feature them in central roles. I plan on doing many more stories, as time allows. So, er, brace yourself. g Thank you soooooooooo much for all the thoughtful comments and nice words! :)

Tirnel	Reviewed Chapter: 26 on 12/10/2010
I loved the trotter bit thrown in there. Halbarad is my favorite ranger, next to Aragorn of course. And despite the fact that I knew he could not die yet (that's later) you got me really worried when you shot him. Good job on that. Author Reply: Thank you, Tirnel! It's always good to hear from a fellow Halbarad & Aragorn fan. I'm glad you enjoyed my take on them both, and very glad I made you fear for Halbarad's life "even though". :) Thanks for taking the time to leave a review!

Ellynn	Reviewed Chapter: 26 on 8/25/2010
And when will the road go on? sweet puppy look I want to read how Aragorn felt when he and Gandalf discovered Bilbo's ring really was The One Ring. sweet puppy look I want to read how Aragorn felt on Weathertop, fighting Nazgul. sweet puppy look I want to know how Aragorn felt in the beginning of the quest. sweet puppy look I want to know... all. sweet puppy look And if you think I ask too much, I will only say - it is your own fault. innocent smile My wishes, I mean. innocent smile Because you are an extraodinary writer. There is a proverb, describing this situation and my wishes, and it goes something like: "You gave me a finger, and I want the whole hand." :) I am greedy, am I not? :) But, whatever you will write - and as I said, I would really like to read sooooooo much more from you - I know it will be perfect. Author Reply: You're very kind, thank you! I do intend to write more Aragorn stories, definitely--not sure whether they'll be reflections on the events in LOTR or more adventures that take place before the Quest and War of the Ring, but there will be more, one way or another. Thanks for all the comments and reviews for this story... it was fun to hear your thoughts as you worked your way through it! :)

Imbecamiel	Reviewed Chapter: 26 on 11/3/2009
Well, this certainly took me longer than expected. Things got a liiitle crazier than I'd anticipated. But my reviewing motto is "better late than never", so... here I am. I must admit, in sitting down to write this I went through an internal debate. Maintain a literate and relatively intellectual demeanor as I attempt to leave some form of helpful feedback... or simply break down into squeals of general incoherent delight? Ah, the dilemma... But I shall try to show some restraint. ;) So, for the story: Absolutely loved it, as you may have guessed. Not only can you create a a well-crafted plot, but your writing style just makes it shine. And when you add to that a real understanding of canon characters (and courage in writing some characters that I know many find intimidating!), plus the ability to create well-balanced and thoroughly enjoyable original characters... It makes for some wonderful reading indeed. Even above all that, though - which certainly makes for very enjoyable fanfiction as it is... This story struck that chord of undefinable longing which the books themselves stir in me, but which I only rarely encounter in fanfiction. Hmm, how to go further without giving in to the temptation to quote back your story line-by-line in order to comment on all the wonderful parts? I think I'll have to summarize and go completely out of order, as things occur to me, or I'll be here all night. I just love your sense of humor - and the way you blended so well the seriousness, and tragedy, with lightness. It was, in many ways, a dark story, and yet it was far from being a depressing story. The way you've portrayed the events, characters, and settings seemed very in keeping with the books. (As a matter of fact, the overall feel of your style reminded me strongly of what I've read of meckinock's work. I read, and loved, all that she'd done, back when she had only posted a few here - and now that I've seen how much more she's written, definitely intend to catch up.) So much to enjoy, both in the broader strokes and the little details you make use of. Your portrayal of the Dunedain was delightful - both canon and original characters. Halbarad - what can I say? I already loved him, and you've made me love him even more. All of Aragorn's interaction with him was just brilliant. And I absolutely loved every one of your OCs, not only for what they contributed to the plot but as excellent characters in their own rights. I'd definitely like to see more of them in future stories! Aragorn himself was just perfect. You balanced his awesomeness with realism, his own doubts with just how competent and capable he really is. I can't think of one way your portrayal of him could have been improved. And Gandalf! I know a lot of people shy away from writing him - and I know I'd certainly be intimidated by the thought of it myself. But your smooth sure-footedness doesn't waver even here, and I loved his parts in the story. And your elves... First I must simply say this: GLORFINDEL!!!!! Ahem. Yes. I am a huge fan of Glorfindel, and have gone on plenty of hunts for good fanfiction featuring him. There's not nearly enough of it in the world... And I have to say, what you've done with him in this story ranks up there with my favorite stuff ever. All of it, but most especially that fight with the Wraith. Oh yes, even if this story hadn't already qualified on other grounds, it would definitely be making it to my list of "stories that must be re-read many times", if only for that. You have made me very, very happy indeed. As for the other elves that appeared in the story, you handled them brilliantly as well. Hmm, how to explain it? In my mind, there is the "book version" of LOTR elves, and the "expanded, fanfiction version." Though I've enjoyed both versions greatly, the fanfiction version does certainly tend to diverge from the book version to greater degrees than characters of other races generally seem to. Not always a bad thing, as I've certainly enjoyed reading versions I see as going well beyond the realms of behavior likely in the book-verse elves, but yes. All that to say - it seems to me in this you've drawn out so many of the most enjoyable traits frequently found among fanfiction depictions of the elves, and portrayed them in such a way as to seem easily compatible with those found in the books. Elrond, Elladan, Elrohir, Erestor, your OCs... Just wonderful! And speaking of Elrond... Mmm, oh yes. The way you handled his relationship with Aragorn, the rift caused by Aragorn's love for Arwen, the eventual easing of tension between them - this was amazing. I've seen the issue glossed over too easily, and I've seen it drawn out to the point where reading it was just really painful. I loved the balance you struck in this story. Beautiful. A few other particulars I'll just toss out for specific mention, because I loved them: Little Estel and his forty-eleven peppermint sticks! Your excellent use of little details, from the books and histories. (Tolkien's original intention to have a hobbit named Trotter rather than the Strider we know and love - I don't think I've ever seen that referenced in a fanfic before!) Your beautiful use of language, which helped more fully immerse me in the world of Middle Earth. (Ah, I have seen so many stumble - badly - when attempting to in any way mirror Tolkien's "higher" style of writing, rather than the usual, more casual style of fanfiction writing that more people can manage well. The more formal style is just delicious when done right, and the more casual style can be truly excellent as well. But not everyone knows which is appropriate for their own story, skill set, and writing style.) The fact that you mentioned Legolas, even though he wasn't in the story! (Yes, yes, I love Aragorn and Legolas friendship stories very much...) Oh, so very many things, and there are just dozens more that I would love to exclaim over at length. But it is late and I am tired, and I fear approaching the limits of my coherence for the day. And now, as I believe I have shown a great deal of restraint thus far, if you will excuse me - EEEEE!!!! SUCH an awesome story! And Aragorn was COOL! And he got HURT! And there was lots of good stuff with other people getting worried and caring about him! And - and COOL! And FUNNY! And I LOVED it, because it was reallyreallyreallygood. And - SQUEE Ahem. Yes. I really, really like your writing. I've kind of taken a break from most LOTR fanfiction reading for a while, for... a number of reasons. But now you've gone and reminded me of all the reasons I've so long adored the fandom, and now I've got the wild urge to go and re-read all of my favorite stories, and read those stories I've been meaning to get to, but haven't. Which would probably not be good, because not only do I not really have time, but then I'm going to start getting the urge to go and start writing more stories myself, which I seriously Can Not do, with all the writing projects I already have going. Hmm. Ah, temptation. I should maybe be irritated. But I'm too happy. Please keep writing. For a very, very long time. I shall be attempting to leave reviews on the "Ranger and the Hobbit" story from here on out. :) - Cami Author Reply: Wow, Cami, thank you! When you leave a review, you really leave a review! And one that has left me smiling from ear to ear. I'm glad you opted to give both the intellectual review and the "OMG!!!! THIS IS SOOO GOOD!!!" review. g They're both fun. I don't even know where to start... I feel almost as though I need to leave a review for your review, but that can get to the point where it feels like you're sending a thank you card for the thank you card. But to touch on a few things--I love Meckinock's stories. They were the first ones I stumbled across and her kindness to me was instrumental in helping me take a few baby steps into a fandom I knew little about and seemed impossibly huge and intimidating. That you liken my writing to hers is just about the highest compliment you can give me. And I don't really try to "be more Tolkien than Tolkien" in my writing style. That would be, er, incredibly bad and clunky. Tolkien is the only one who can write like Tolkien, and the rest of us just need to bow down and genuflect at his inkwell, methinks. If I tried to do too much in the way of his "Behold!" type dialogue and high prose, it would just be sadly cheesy. Stinky, Limburger-y cheesy. So I try to draw a line between the casual and the higher and hope it works. And Elves, eek... I never really know how to write them, but I do like the Rivendell Elven folk. They seem a little more easy to understand to me, for whatever reason. And Elrond, yes... he's a loving father to Aragorn, even though they have that Big Problem. But the Big Problem I think caused the occasional misunderstanding but never completely overrode the love. That's cairistiona's #1 Rule of Elrond and Aragorn Relations. :) I do intend to keep writing... I love it too much not to. :) Thanks again for the lovely review... I'll be feasting off this one for days!

Dreamdeer	Reviewed Chapter: 26 on 8/13/2009
And finally, the ending that segues neatly into prologue for the familiar ground of Tolkien's legendarium. Thank you, Cairistiona, for an outstandingly good fanfic! Author Reply: I feel I should be the one thanking you for all the lovely and encouraging reviews! I'm so glad you enjoyed the entire tale, and I very much appreciate you taking the time to tell me in such detail your thoughts as you went along. Those are always the best kinds of reviews. :)

Lady Telcontar	Reviewed Chapter: 26 on 7/16/2009
I am unable to say just how much I enjoyed reading this most excellent story. Throughout all of the story, I felt stuck to the screen by some unnamed power, forcing me to read the next chapter and the next and the next... This tale will most certainly stay in my memory forever as one of the best Aragorn-centric stories ever and surely the most heartwrenching one. You have the talent to make your readers feel exactly what Aragorn feels, to make everything seem real, like painting pictures with words. And that is what in my opinion makes this story so touching and realistic. To think, that after much suffering and at the edge of Hope, at a point where one can fall no lower, one can get up again and become even sronger than before... For that is what Aragorn did. Author Reply: Thank you so much, Lady Telcontar! My goodness, what a glowing review you've left me. I'm so glad you enjoyed the story. My chief goal in writing it was exactly as you put it--to show that a man can fall to the very brink of destruction yet still find the strength to climb back up, and afterward, though not without scars, find himself stronger than he was. Tolkien left that compelling glimpse of Aragorn's reaction as he spoke of the Nazgul to the Hobbits in Bree, and like so many writers, I wanted to explore it and find a reason why, so many years later, he would still find himself in a cold sweat simply speaking about them. It would have taken quite a lot to cause a man as strong as Aragorn to feel that sort of long-term lingering fear. I'm very glad you found the tale realistic and touching. Thanks again for the lovely review!

Raksha The Demon	Reviewed Chapter: 26 on 5/2/2009
A fine ending to this excellent thrill-and-chill ride. Aragorn has regained his hope and initiative, despite continued memory of the Nazgul horrors. It's good that he got to see his mother as well. Aragorn seems to have emerged from his ordeal even stronger than before, if a bit sadder. Author Reply: Thank you, Raksha! I'm so glad you like how this tale finished up. Yes, Aragorn is sadder but stronger, which seems to be the pattern for his life before the war... that grimness we see in his face from Tolkien's description really does reflect a life filled with hardships. But there's always a wellspring of hope and that did not truly diminish even with the struggles he went through here. I like to think if anything he discovered even greater depths of hope within himself, once Elrond straightened him out. Thank you so much for reading this entire tale and for all your faithful reviews--they mean the world!

Linda Hoyland	Reviewed Chapter: 26 on 5/1/2009
Thank you for a story that every chapter left me eagerly awaiting more. If this were in the shops, I'd rush out to buy a copy. I liked the way you had Aragorn decide to find Gollum and in doing so finds purpose again. I eagerly await your next story. Thank you for a great read. Author Reply: Thank you so much, Linda! I'm so glad that you found this tale worthy of ever actually putting down cold hard cash to buy! It was definitely a labor of love and one that while I'm sorry is finished now allows me to explore new stories, not least of which is Aragorn's hunt for Gollum. There are so many, many stories to tell about Aragorn--hopefully I'll be writing for a long time. Thank you again for this and for all the reviews you've left. They're greatly appreciated. :)

Silivren Tinu	Reviewed Chapter: 26 on 4/28/2009
I like this ending even more than what I thought to be the ending. ;-) You are right, in a way FotR could be seen as a sequel to this story, but I still wouldn't mind at all hearing some of Aragorn's adventures while hunting Gollum from you. I also hope that Gandalf will appear in your stories again - I like the way you write my favourite wizard. g It was really nice to see that Aragorn is now able to listen to Halbarad and Elrond (and himself ;-) and spend some time in Rivendell when he needs it. Aragorn's visit to his mother was heartwarming. I think he could really use the comfort she had to offer him. I loved Aragorn's reunion with his rangers. I can't blame him for feeling insecure and I could have hugged all of them for greeting him the way they did. I very much enjoyed the conversation between Aragorn and Gandalf. Poor Aragorn - you definitely have to be a very patient man to enjoy a conversation with a Maia. g What followed reminded me of the scene where Gandalf tells Frodo about the Ring for the first time (I love that scene). It's always both exciting and frightening to hear about Gandalf's discovery, or, at this stage, theory. The way you ended the story makes me want to read FotR again right away. :D Once again thank you for sharing this tale with us - I hope there will be many more to come! :) Almut Author Reply: Thanks, Almut! I'm so glad you liked the "second" ending. grin And wow, it makes you want to read FOTR! That to me is exactly what fanfic should do... inspire people to dig deeper into the original. Gandalf will definitely appear again, and I'll follow Aragorn on his hunt for Gollum as well. And yes, wasn't it sweet of the Rangers to basically throw a big party upon Aragorn's return? (Makes me wonder what they must have done when he finally came back after all his years south as Thorongil). Still more stories to come--these characters still jostling and elbowing me for attention. grin Thank you for all your wonderfully encouraging reviews throughout this big long epic. They're very much appreciated!

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