Stories of Arda Home Page
About Us News Resources Login Become a member Help Search

The Ranger and the Eagles  by Cairistiona 14 Review(s)
LexilooperReviewed Chapter: 5 on 1/15/2026
I feel like consternation is not a word I always get the definition quite right on, thank you for putting it here in a proper context so I can look up and learn it better lol

"I know you must be sorely disappointed, but it is for the best to wait. And to that end, we have brought some things that will give you a bit of ease and comfort. But I am remiss... let me first introduce to you Durvain, my mate."
yayyy
thank you Menelris <33 you are wise and kind
nooooo they have to wait :)

"We are well met, Gandalf the Grey," Durvain said. Durvain's voice was surprisingly gentle, pitched higher than Menelris’, and his eyes glowed with a warmer, more gentle light than Menelris’ own. But for all that he seemed more friendly than fierce, he was still a formidable presence, towering above Gandalf.
I like him :)
feels accurate to how a female vs male eagle would be, too

"Well met, indeed," Gandalf said. "And an apt name, for dark and beautiful indeed are your feathers."
mm so it means dark feathers? As far as my research could tell it was something along the lines of like...dark right hand or something, so that makes sense

Durvain ducked his head and plucked in almost embarrassed fashion at said dark feathers on his breast, and Menelris nodded her approval of the greetings. She then pulled at her bundle. "As I said, we bring you things to ease your stay. Behold, blankets, but more important: warm down, from beneath our own feathers. Durvain will take it into the cave and make pallets for you and your companion, to raise you off the cold cave floor."
whoaaaa thank you <3333 blankets AND THEIR OWN DOWN
they're quite thoughtful of feeble human needs

Durvain stepped forward with his offerings, which included a small stag. "Wood for your fire, taken from several abandoned nests. Eagles are far larger than wizards, and what to us seem merely twigs might be too heavy for you to lift, so I took the liberty of cracking them into what I hope are more manageable pieces. And I also bring meat for your bellies. It should be enough to outlast the storm."
yayyyyyyyy food and fire

"And I am leaving you Durvain himself," Menelris added. "He is smaller than I, as you can see, and can fit through the entrance of the cave. The warmth of his body will add to your warmth, and he will block the wind rushing in."
whoa
her own mate
<3

"But he will be too cold, surely," Gandalf protested.
"Though it is rarely pleasant, we Eagles can survive blizzards out in the open," Durvain said. He suddenly fluffed his feathers until he was nearly twice his size, an alarming sight that, even knowing Eagles as allies who would never bring him harm, nonetheless caused Gandalf to take an involuntary step backwards. "See? We trap a layer of air in our feathers and stay quite warm. And truly, only a very small part of my back will be exposed to the wind, so I will actually be more comfortable in your cave than Menelris will be in our nest."
yessss I love how he's just like look! Warm! And Gandalf's like EEP XD <3

The things one learns, even at my great age, Gandalf thought. He stepped forward again. "If you’re certain, then. I thank you."
lolll indeed

Menelris said, "Once the storm passes here, he can, if needs must, carry the two of you individually to The Carrock, should foul weather on the heights prevent my timely return. Durvain is small, but he has strength that belies his stature. And he has an exceeding gentle nature, as you can probably see from the light in his eyes. He is unique among Eagles in his compassion for all things. That is why I chose him as a mate," she added, rubbing his head affectionately with her beak. He cooed back at her, and such were the tender glances they exchanged that Gandalf almost wondered if he should step into the cave to give them a moment of privacy. After a final caress, she straightened. "His warm heart balances my fierce tendencies. But that is likely of little interest to you. I must go now, but as our journey together is not ended, I will simply bid you the very strength of Manwë, until we meet again."
AWWW <3333 they love each other much
she's like I'm sure you can see the gentle nature in his eyes
And Gandalf's like I can indeed, actually
compassion for all things <33
also explains why she was pleased with Gandalf starting off with a compliment. Her mate is greatly beloved to her <33

Gandalf bowed deeply. "Menelris, I thank you for your many kindnesses, and eagerly await your return. May the wind bear you to safety in the meantime."
yayy <3

"I will come at the earliest opportunity." She spread her wings. "Until the weather breaks, then." Without another word, she lifted her wings and launched herself effortlessly into the air.
yayyyyy thank you

"Keep your feathers fluffed!" Durvain called to her, then he watched her until she disappeared. He breathed out a slightly mournful coo. "I will miss her, but this is good for her," he said softly.
"Good for her? How so?"
He let out a soft, plaintive cry that was quite possibly the saddest sound Gandalf had ever heard a creature utter. "We lost our fledgling, just last week."
awwwww noooooooooo <:(((((
just last weekkkkkkk ssksjahfdskf

"Oh, I am so very sorry. You have my condolences."
"Thank you. He was born late in the season, you see, and was smaller than most," he replied, and then he continued, and it seemed that the bird had so much on his heart that he simply had to speak it forth, even to a stranger. "His egg was so tiny! And he was such a wee eaglet, but fierce! Oh how stubborn and strong-willed he was; a real fighter, like his mother, so we named him Belechen, Mighty Child. We knew he had little chance at surviving, but how our hearts warmed to him and how we hoped he would prevail despite all evidence that spoke of a certain much sadder fate. And bound up in that hope, at least for me, was much guilt, for as you can see, I am small – some say too small – for an eagle, and there were those that thought Menelris had lost her wits, choosing me as her mate."
<:( asjkdsfhgjhsfgjsghfdsjk
Mighty Child

"Surely not," Gandalf couldn’t help interjecting. His heart was already taken by this wonderful creature’s kind eyes and unassuming sincerity; he could not harbor the thought of anyone speaking ill of him.
<:( <3333 awww Gandalf

"No, I think sometimes they must be right. Likely it was foolish of her, for though we have had many healthy and strong eaglets, I knew eventually I might pass my own small stature on... and I did, in poor Belechen." He paused, looking toward the empty sky where she had disappeared from sight. Then he shook himself, and blinked several times, as if returning from a journey to some land of sorrows unseen. "I had difficulty learning to fly, you see, and had to work twice as hard as the other eagles to hone my hunting skills. So I knew the hard life our tiny eaglet faced, but I knew I could help him, and Menelris assured me over and over that he would grow into as fine a bird as... well, that he would be counted among the best."
as you, yes <:( <333
no wonder Menelris took such instant compassion on weak and vulnerable Aragorn <:( <3 who is also a mighty fighter

Again he paused, looking at the ground. Gandalf found he was holding his breath, spellbound by Durvain’s softly spoken tale. "Menelris encourages me always, holding me in higher esteem than I could ever hold myself," he said quietly, then again the shake of the head and the return of his gaze to the present. "Belechen was so bright and intelligent, determined to do everything an Eagle should, including of course learning to fly. We all believed he would prevail."
awwww a Tolkien sort of love story indeed <3
<:((( noo

Gandalf could hardly bear to hear the tale’s sad end. He remained silent, but he wanted to cry out for Durvain to stop, to not tell such a sorrowful thing to a Maia already too burdened with the heartaches of this world.
askdhfjdkshg <:((( and honor to him for that. He carries the burden, instead of refusing to comprehend its existence or why he should care

But Durvain continued, his voice steady but filled with such suffering that Gandalf felt the bird’s grief as if it were a physical blow. "We did not stop him from his first attempt. He flew from the nest, with an eager light in his eyes and our hearts on his wings, but the wind took an ill turn, and he was simply not strong enough to return against it. He plunged to his death."
<:(((((( noooooooooo

Gandalf had to swallow hard several times before he found his voice. "How terrible for all of you. I’m so sorry."
<:((((( he's gonna cry

"It happens too often. Even among healthy fledglings, only a bit more than half survive their first flight."
sakdjsfh whoa <:(

"I had no idea."
<:( I never really thought about the Eagles raising babies. But they must.

"It is to be expected, time to time, though it is no less painful when it does." He raised his feathers and let them settle, as if literally shaking off the spell of sorrow his tale had wrought. "We grieve, of course, but take comfort knowing we will have another little one next year, hopefully a full-sized eaglet, strong in every way. But for now, the death has left her with nothing to care for, and her maternal instincts are still running high. She needed something to mother, you see, even if it is a Man." His gaze brightened. "She has been buzzing with plans ever since she found you both this morning. In fact, when she decided you needed down for warmth, she all but sat atop me and tried to strip me of every last one of my underfeathers!" He let out a whistling snort that Gandalf could only interpret as laughter. "But I managed to convince her that, rather than expose me to death by freezing, perhaps it would be wiser to supplement it with the down from our nest."
AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW THAT IS THE
CUTEST THING
EVER
<333 buzzing with plans
she wouldn't fully show it to Gandalf but. She's like. OKAY WHAT DOES HE NEED WHAT CAN WE GIVE THEM DURVAIN GET YOUR FEATHERS OVER HERE <33 and his laughhhh

"This came from your nest?"
"The majority of it, yes. But fear not, we still have plenty to keep Menelris warm, and this down is very clean. Though other Eagles let their nests get in a right tip, Menelris insists always on keeping ours tidy. No egg shells laying about, none of that."
aww <33 they're the cutest couple

A sudden skirl of snowflakes stung their faces as a gust of wind lifted his feathers. "Here it comes, then; storms do not wait on storytellers to finally cease their long-winded tales, do they. I thank you for your forbearance in listening; a sorrow shared somehow feels less a burden, doesn’t it.
YESSSS words of wisdom <33

But enough chatter! I believe we best get everything, and ourselves, inside the cave before the real fury of the storm hits." He picked up the bundle and without further adieu squeezed into the cave. It was a tight fit, but he wiggled and squirmed and shook his tail feathers and made it inside with the loss of only two feathers that the wind picked up and blew out into the storm.
<33 I love him

Gandalf hurried after him, carrying as much wood as he was able, then watched as Durvain quickly went back and forth bringing in the remaining wood and the meat as well. The bird nearly filled the front of the cave, but there was just room enough at the back to move around comfortably. Aragorn, Gandalf was happy to see, was still sound asleep. He could only imagine how high the Ranger might have leapt, wounded or no, to find another giant Eagle bearing down on him at such close quarters. But he would have to waken, regardless, so they might move him to his new bed. Gandalf knelt beside him and gently touched his shoulder. "Strider."
lollll oh dear
imagine him trying to leap

Aragorn took a shuddering breath and slowly opened his eyes. He squinted at Gandalf, then gazed beyond his shoulder, and his eyes flew open wide. "What – who –"
awww the shuddering breath
startled wide eyes and questions

"Shh, easy, easy. This is Durvain. He’s here to help us."
<333

Aragorn eyed the large eagle warily but said nothing, and so fearful did he seem that Gandalf felt it likely that Aragorn still did not have his wits completely about him. He looked more frightened than Bilbo had, if that were possible.
AWWWW we so rarely see Aragorn scared that it's cute <3 <:(( even more than Bilbo if that were possibleeee
and I know Durvain is large by nature of being an eagle, but it really is uncharacteristic of Aragorn to be so openly fearful

"Fear not," Durvain said quietly. "I am not here to harm but to help. A storm comes, and I am going to stay with both of you until it passes."
aww <33 quiet gentle reassurance

Aragorn looked at Gandalf, a thousand questions in his eyes. Gandalf smiled reassuringly. "He looks fierce, but his heart is pure and his touch gentle."
<333 indeed

To Gandalf’s relief, Aragorn finally relaxed and the confusion cleared from his eyes. He nodded toward Durvain. "Of course. I’m sorry. I just – it was unexpected, seeing you –"
awwwww yay
he trusts them

"I understand. It is not every day that one wakens from a sound sleep to see a creature as large and fierce as I looming over him. I would have been more concerned had you shown no fear at all, for that would have proven you were delirious indeed." He let out another of the chuckling coos.
:)))) I love him

Aragorn bowed his head, as much as he was able while lying down. "I am honored to meet you."
awww he's still like okay better um bow

"And I you."
<333

"Strider," Gandalf said, "I know you will not like this, for it will be painful I’m sure, but we will need to move you. Durvain has brought bedding for us."
YES sorry Aragorn
it's also so weird to hear Gandalf calling Aragorn Strider, but good job to him for remembering

"Bedding?"
lol he's like what is happening

"Eagle down," Durvain said, plucking a bit and dropping it beside Aragorn’s chest. "Soft and warm and far better than a stony floor."
yessss

Aragorn took the grey fluff and felt it, then rubbed it against his cheek. For the first time since stumbling into Gandalf’s care, he smiled. "Eagle down," he whispered wonderingly as his eyes drifted shut. "So soft..." But his hand fell weakly away, and his breathing deepened as he fell back into a light sleep.
awwwww IT MADE HIM SMILE <333 thank you Durvain and Menelris

"Dear boy, I hate that the wound has weakened you so," Gandalf murmured, covering Aragorn’s hand with his own.
dear boy <33333 my favorite

He watched Aragorn’s breathing for a moment, then turned his attention to Durvain as he busied himself with spreading the down by talonfuls into two neat piles, each just long enough to accommodate a man or a wizard. He then took the blanket in which it had been wrapped and tore it down the center, laying each half neatly atop each pile. He patted them smooth with the knuckles of his inwardly curled talons.
awww

"Finished," he announced. "That should do nicely. I always have enjoyed making a nest."
AWWW he's like yay it's fun to make nests for you two <3

"How is it, if I might ask, that an eagle owns blankets?" Gandalf asked.
that's what I was wondering!

"You may certainly ask. As a point of fact, I found this one along the mountain pass, discarded. It seemed serviceable, and did not smell of orc, so I plucked it up and took it home. Menelris accuses me of being more magpie than eagle, because I’m always picking up scraps and trinkets and bringing them home. And maybe she’s right, because I do seem attracted to anything shiny or interesting. Or useful, like this old blanket. Now, shall we try to move your friend?"
awww yes a magpie <3 i love him

Gandalf squeezed Aragorn’s hand. "Strider."
It took several calls before Aragorn started and blinked his eyes open. He looked around the cave, then looked blankly at the eagle down still resting by his hand. "What... oh. I fell asleep. Is it time to go?"
he's so cute in his bleary trying to be oriented. Trying to act normal. Looking blankly at the eagle down.

"No," Gandalf chuckled. "Not in this storm. But it is time to move you to your soft new bed."
lol <3

"Oh. Of course." He started to push himself up. "I can –" But he winced and fell back. To Gandalf’s surprise, he did not reach for his back but for his head. "Dizzy..."
rightttt I honestly keep forgetting about his head

Gandalf brushed his hair away from the laceration. It was still swollen, and beneath Aragorn’s dark hair he could see the skin was terribly bruised.
ooooh

"My dear fellow," Gandalf murmured. He put his hand across Aragorn’s eyes, placing fingertips and thumb on either temple. He shut his eyes and immediately felt a disorienting whirl. He sang an ancient hymn of healing, and the dizziness abated. He felt Aragorn relax, and he released him. "Better, I think?"
"Mmm."
aww <333 thank you
my dear fellow <3
a disorienting whirl, very dizzy indeed

"I have not really healed it, that not being in my power, but I was able this time to block the dizziness for you. But I fear any movement will likely cause it to flare up."
mmm yes
and now he has to move
or let himself be moved, which is probably better

"I... I will be all right. It is not as if..." He paused and shut his eyes for a moment, evidently bracing himself against another wave of dizziness, or perhaps of pain. "It’s not as if I have not had to deal with this before."
hmmm that is true but you should not have to

Gandalf patted his shoulder. "I will help you sit up, this time, and maybe if we move slowly it will not go so ill."
<333

But Durvain made a fluttering movement of denial, a rustling of feathers raised and lowered quickly and short, agitated bobs of his head. "Gandalf, with all due respect, I believe it best if you allow me."
awww yes
I love his agitation for Aragorn's wellbeing <3

Aragorn looked worriedly at the sharp talons, obviously not eager to put himself in their clutches, but Gandalf could immediately see it was the only sensible course of action. "I’m sorry, Strider, but I think Durvain is correct."
awww he's just so nervoussss

Aragorn lowered his voice to a mere whisper, "I mean no disrespect to him, Gandalf, for you know my regard for eagles, but..."
awwww his whisper
and he doesn't want to offend Durvain he's just...afraid

Gandalf raised a hand and cut him off. "My dear boy, I understand completely. It is one thing to admire them from afar, but quite another to put yourself at one’s mercy, am I right?"
Aragorn nodded.
<3333 awww
he's like. Thank you for understanding and putting it into words

"And I’m sure Durvain understands and is not offended. But keeping you warm is paramount, and truly, after these few hard moments, you will be far more comfortable."
yep <333

So Aragorn set his chin, bracing for the inevitable.
awww bracing himself

Durvain stepped forward. "Where exactly is his wound?"
"On his lower back, toward the left side."
wait which side is the head wound again? I'll try to go back and find it
oh found it. also left, okay cool.

"I will not touch it, Strider," Durvain said. "This is what I will do: I am strong enough to lift you with one foot, pivoting on the other to place you in the new bed, thus." He demonstrated by lifting one foot as though carrying Aragorn as he swivelled smoothly on the other. "See? There will be as little jostling as I can manage, but still, it will likely hurt, no matter how careful I am, so yes, you must brace yourself. I will curl my talons behind your neck, around your upper back and your legs and as much as possible your hips, to support you as I swing you over to your new bed. But fear not; I will not touch your wound, nor pierce you with my talons. I have moved our eggs, which are quite fragile, and our little hatchlings themselves many times and never cracked a shell nor drew blood even once. So know that I will be gentle, and set aside your fears."
AWWWWWWWWWW CAREFULLY EXPLAINING AND DEMONSTRATING WHAT HE WILL DO AND HOW PRACTICED HE IS TO TRY AND EASE HIS WORRIES <3

Gandalf hid a smile; despite Durvain’s assurances, it was plain to see that Aragorn was not altogether confident that the eagle’s great talons wouldn’t pierce him through. But Aragorn lay still, if trembling a bit, until finally, at his nod, Durvain grasped him with great care and in a twinkling had him lifted, carried and settled on his side atop the new bedding.
if trembling a bit SKAJSDD <3

"Thank you," Aragorn whispered, but his face was grey beneath a sheen of perspiration, and his hands shook as he tried clumsily to pull the blanket under his chin.
askdjfdfhsfssfsgsfsgsfsgdjf
the whispered thank you being the first thing
the order everything is written how it escalates the pain:
he says thank you
oh wait he *whispered* now it sounds very genuine but the words forced out weakly
his face is grey oh dear oh yes
full sheen of perspiration that's intense
his hands full-on shaking now
and he's STILL TRYNA CASUALLY PULL THE BLANKET UP BUDDY

"Did I hurt you?"
Aragorn shook his head, but Durvain looked at Gandalf. "I think I hurt him," he said, his words quick and worried.
awwwww
of course Aragorn would deny because like, he was very careful. And he didn't injure him.
But everything else says otherwise and sweet Durvain is worried <3

Gandalf hurried over and took Aragorn’s hand. "Strider?"
"A moment," he gritted. He squeezed Gandalf’s hand hard enough to make the bones creak, then his grip slowly eased and his hitched breathing grew even. Indeed, it seemed he had again lost consciousness.
awwww holding his hand
and Aragorn, his weakness misleading, SQUEEZES Gandalf's hand, he needed that
gritting out just enough speech to say he can't talk
his hitched breathing yesssss
ooh "lost consciousness" this time instead of explaining it as sleep. I mean they're pretty similar in this case but I think it's accurate to call it more a loss of consciousness this time because like. Sure he's falling asleep every 5 minutes but this was also partly pushed into by extreme pain

Gandalf hurriedly checked the bandages. Thankfully, there was no evidence of new bleeding.
"How is he?" Durvain demanded. "Did I hurt him?"
awww he's so concerned <333

"It seems all is well. It was just pain from moving, I think, and the dizziness that seems to be plaguing him. The head wound is worrisome, but he wakes easily enough to lead me to believe his swoon is less from the concussion than due to his strength being utterly depleted because of his ordeal. He simply cannot stay awake because of extreme fatigue. And I wonder, perhaps, if that part of him that is a healer, even without his conscious effort, is trying to put him in a healing sleep, but cannot because I keep waking him. It’s impossible to say, really, because I have no experience at that sort of thing, but I think as long as his eyes seem clear and his fever grows no worse, he will mend."
mmm yes all good points
again love the use of "swoon" lol
hmm so we better hope neither of those things happen

Durvain let out a whistling breath. "I was so afraid I’d hurt him. Menelris would have plucked me!"
aww I love her

Gandalf smiled faintly, but despite his confident words, he was a bit shaky in the knees himself. He turned from Durvain and patted Aragorn’s shoulder and tried to hide how frightened he truly felt. Seeing Aragorn weak and wounded never failed to open a great hollow in his belly. Sentimental twaddle it may be,
sentimental twaddle <33 skasjfg i wanna use that word

but he must admit to himself that Aragorn’s death would utterly shatter him, for if any Maia ever held thoughts of fatherhood, then surely Aragorn had locked up that most tender office of son in Gandalf’s heart of hearts.
SKASDKJHSJKFGHSDFJGHSDJKGDSJGDSFHGJDSGHSDFJGHDFGSDFD GANDALF <:(((((( <33333333333
It makes me so happy he has so many fathers
he needs them

And of course, there remained, beyond filial affection, the inescapable and often distressing fact that he was the last possible heir to the throne of Gondor... the last of Elros’ great line...
very true

Durvain eased a bit closer again, interrupting Gandalf’s worried reverie as he reached around Gandalf to pull a second blanket across Aragorn. Where it had come from, Gandalf could only guess; he had only noticed one blanket in the bundles the Eagles had brought with them, but he had been a bit distracted, admittedly.
lolll <3

Durvain’s movements were gentle, and it was a wonder how the massive bird kept his talons safely balled up, using his knuckles only. Durvain truly had a gentle nature, just as Menelris had said. As he watched, Gandalf unexpectedly found himself overcome with emotion. Gratitude in extremis for Durvain’s assistance warred with stress and worry over Aragorn’s condition to the point where he felt quite unsure of his ability to maintain his composure. Toward that end, he cleared his throat, but the blasted lump would not go away.
AWWWWW <333 both of them are so tender

"It must hurt terribly, that wound," Durvain said, and made a small clucking noise. He used his beak to finish tugging the blanket up to Aragorn’s chin. When Aragorn’s eyes opened, he clucked again. "I suggest you tuck your head under as much as possible now."
skadjfg <333

"Tuck my head–?"
"Ah, my apologies. That is what we Eagles say when we mean ‘sleep’." He demonstrated by tucking his head under his wing and softly snoring.
skadjgsgskjf CUTEST <3333 I love that
totally makes sense too

Aragorn smiled, a sketchy thing that was a mere shadow of the mirth that lit his face from time to time, but enough to reassure Gandalf that there was spark remaining in his friend.
asjdfgkdh a sketchy thing
what a wonderful way to say "a shadow of a smile" or "a faint smile", this is my favorite now.

He patted his shoulder yet again, knowing that Aragorn must think him mad for carrying on so with such a useless gesture, but at the moment it was the best he could manage at offering comfort; he was still far too stricken for words.
<:(((( SKSAJDGSH Gandalf stricken with pain for his, shall we say, son <3

"So," Durvain said, straightening back up. "Yes, sleep; it’s what you need most. Your friend Gandalf and I will cook the stag, although not my part, Gandalf. I prefer mine raw."
<33333 he's like okay yes we shall command Aragorn to sleep <3 he's so fatherly in being able to tell what he needs and things (okay I suppose it's fairly obvious but)

Gandalf finally found his voice. "Of course, of course. Any way you wish." Indeed, he was so grateful for everything the Eagle had done for them thus far that had Durvain insisted Gandalf eat his own portion raw as well, he would have fallen on it tooth and nail and demanded seconds.
awwwww I love him <3

"It’s settled, then," Durvain nodded. He touched Aragorn’s face lightly with a feathered wing tip. "Sleep, young man."
skasdjshgdkfsghd <33

Aragorn’s eyes drifted shut so readily and peacefully that Gandalf wondered if the Eagle had some magic in his touch. Then again, likely not; he still surmised that Aragorn was so weak that it must require no effort at all to fall asleep. After watching his steady, deep breathing for several moments, Gandalf blew out a long sigh and felt some of the tension leave his shoulders.
yesssss
I love Aragorn's immediate obedience
and Gandalf managing to relax just a bit at this

Perhaps hoping for the best need not be such a stretch of the imagination after all.
awwwwww
except I'm really worried about what those words mean
but

Linda HoylandReviewed Chapter: 5 on 1/19/2011
I just love your eagles. THeir sorrow nicely mirrors poor wounded Aragorn's pain.It is heartrending to see him like this.

Author Reply: Thank you, Linda... what an interesting comparison of the Eagles' heartbreak to Aragorn's pain. I hadn't thought about the two mirroring each other--thank you for sharing that insight!

DarkoverReviewed Chapter: 5 on 1/14/2011
Dear Cairistiona: Another great chapter! I enjoyed reading this very much, and I appreciate the rapidity with which you posted it. If I have any criticism at all, it is that IMHO you may have anthromorphicized (sp?) the Eagles too much. But that is just me, and this is Middle-Earth, after all, where lots of creatures speak, and the nobler ones have compassion. Otherwise, though, you wrote this chapter with your usual great skill, including explaining such details as what an eagle was doing with blankets, and the methods they used to keep the Man and the Wizard warm and fed--they were the kind of solutions that might be found by two Eagles, not by humans. I also found myself getting upset and sympathizing with Menelris and Durvain on the loss of their fledgling. Indeed, the h/c of this chapter was particularly good, and I love well-done h/c! I'm glad you didn't leave Aragorn unconscious the whole time, and that he had some things to contribute to the chapter. Your portrayal of Gandalf was also especially good, IMHO--I liked the part about how Aragorn engenders paternal feelings in the wizard. And while I don't know if our favorite Ranger was in a position to appreciate it, I liked the way Gandalf kept trying to comfort him by patting his shoulder. I doubt if Aragorn, practical though he is, thought Gandalf mad; he probably appreciated the effort. When you're sick, injured, or miserable, even small gestures can make a difference in how you feel, and I believe Aragorn would appreciate that, even if he wouldn't mention it. Thank you for this most enjoyable chapter, and I continue to await the next one! Sincerely, Darkover

Author Reply: Thank you, Darkover... very thoughtful review! I'm glad you're enjoying the chapter (and it is my habit never to start posting a story until I have it completely finished, so hopefully there'll never be six-month long or more gaps in posting. Real life can throw a monkey wrench in things, of course, but I try to post on Monday and Thursday).

I'm glad you enjoyed the interaction between Aragorn and Gandalf... writing h/c with those two isn't the norm but it's been very fun to explore. And I don't like leaving Aragorn unconscious for too long--he's much more interesting to me awake and talking, or at least trying to talk. As for the Eagles, aside from giving them more depth and personality, I don't feel I've anthropomorphized them any more than Tolkien already has--as you say, this *is* Middle-earth, where talking animals do show up from time to time. In LOTR the Eagles are not as "talkative" but in "The Hobbit" they are, and I've based my characterizing on both sets of books, and on what I could glean from "The Silm", "History of M-e", etc. I felt it safe to assume they had lives and community and what-not similar to Men... they did have Chieftains and a Lord, after all, and showed up in very militaristic flying ranks at the Black Gates. I also researched real eagles and added in what I could of their way of living as well (which is where all the bits about nests and, sadly, that half the fledglings die on their first flights come from). At any rate, lest I bore you with the fascination I gained for eagles, both real and imaginary, I'll just say that I'm glad that my take on them hasn't caused you to lose interest in the tale.

Thanks again for the review!

Silivren TinuReviewed Chapter: 5 on 1/14/2011
Awww, Menelris and Durvain are such a sweet pair! I'd like to cuddle them, but I fear they're probably a bit too big for that. *g* Birds have always been my favourite pets and I can only say you write the both of them and their entire demeanor perfectly (of course, budgies tend to be a bit different from eagles, but their mannerisms are still very much the same ;-). How sad that they had to lose poor Belechen in such a way! I already got the impression during the last chapter that Menelris rather enjoys mothering Aragorn (I'm sure he'd make a cute fledgling :D).

//He suddenly fluffed his feathers until he was nearly twice his size, an alarming sight that, even knowing Eagles as allies who would never bring him harm, nonetheless caused Gandalf to take an involuntary step backwards.//
I love it when birds do that! I wish someone would draw Menelris and Durvain, that scene included.

//It was a tight fit, but he wiggled and squirmed and shook his tail feathers and made it inside with the loss of only two feathers that the wind picked up and blew out into the storm. //
Another one of my favourite moments - Durvain must have looked so cute! *g* I really loved this chapter, in case you couldn't tell. ;-)

Author Reply: Thank you, Almut! I'm so glad you liked this chapter, and liked my birds. *g* It's funny--I don't really like the idea of birds as pets, but I love looking at them at the feeders, and at the exotic ones in zoos. And I love it when I spot eagles, which is rare. So all that feather-fluffing and head-bobbing and such came from a lot of observation, even if it was from a distance. I'm glad it all rang true to a bird lover!

And I would LOVE to see a drawing of Aragorn with these two... I just wish I could draw. *sigh*

Thanks again for the review!

Lily BagginsReviewed Chapter: 5 on 1/13/2011
I LOVE Durvain! He's darling---such a gentlemanly eagle, with a compassionate heart. I like to imagine him as the healer among the eagles, if eagles have such a thing. And their poor fledgling... so sad.

I have to say that Aragorn's fear of the eagles has me also imagining that maybe he once encountered some giant, exotic, desert bird-of-prey in Harad that attacked him or something! At least, it's an interesting thought, lol! Or maybe he's just not completely himself due to the head injury---that's a likely scenario.

I wonder if that might be one of Aragorn's blankets that Durvain picked up? Maybe our poor Ranger has been suffering for quite a long time from the cold, poor thing! Who knows?

My very favorite part of this chapter was seeing Gandalf become emotional over Aragorn's weakened state. Oh my... I live for that sort of stuff! I haven't really read much (if any?) fic so clearly describing Gandalf's attitude toward Aragorn, and so seeing that care and affection described here is just . . . wonderful. I felt like a melty puddle of goo after reading---with a lot of pity thrown in, because I well know that "hollow in the pit of your stomach" feeling you get when you're worried about the health of a loved one. It's a sinking, awful feeling, and you described it perfectly. No, I haven't seen Gandalf that shaken up before, and it was so nicely done.

And it goes without saying, doesn't it, that I ate up every wee bit of Aragorn's suffering and discomfort? Oh, absolutely! He does seem to be in quite a bit of pain, poor fellow, and I imagine the eagle down is going to be a real boon. Of course when Aragorn smiled and touched the down to his cheek, I wished I could just jump into the story and squeeze him!

I don't think I can wait for the next chapter---I need it yesterday, of course!



Author Reply: Ah, thank you, Lily! I'm so glad you like Durvain... when I was writing him I was really hoping everyone would take to him, because I kinda fell in love with him, too (if that's not too indulgent to say!). Funny how you get attached to certain OCs more than others--Durvain's now got a special niche in my heart right next to Denlad. :) Who knows, he might indeed be a healer, and it's an interesting thought that it might be one of Aragorn's blankets. Heaven knows after an avalanche, he might have lost some of his stuff. And I'm glad the eagle-down & smile made you want to squeeze Aragorn... but squeeze gently! He's a bit fragile right now. *g*

Thanks for the review!

EstelcontarReviewed Chapter: 5 on 1/13/2011
In my second read, I still enjoyed to bits. I like your Durvain. He's a very plucky one, and most admirably so because he is a bit of a runt. Having been one myself, I'll always have a soft spot in my heart for plucky, and kind-hearted runts like Durvain. My Lady Meneldir was very wise in her choice of a mate. I also liked seeing Durvain and Aragorn together and Aragorn's reaction to Durvain. Needless to say, I loved the idea of Gandalf having paternal feelings for Aragorn. Somehow it feels right.

Poor Belechen! What a sad fate. I'm glad Meneldir found someone as worthy as our ranger to lavish her mothering instincts on.

Author Reply: Yay! Thank you, Estelcontar... I'm always glad when things hold up to a second reading. Durvain really is a bit of a plucky runt, isn't he! I've got a soft spot for runts, too, so it was fun to explore that in this character. And I've always seen Gandalf as another father-figure for Aragorn, albeit one with a sort of comrade-in-arms sort of flavor as well. It's an interesting dynamic, the relationship between those two.


LarnerReviewed Chapter: 5 on 1/13/2011
I find I LOVE Durvain. Menelris is a most discerning soul to have taken this gentle soul as her mate! A lovely chapter! And I grieve for the loss of their eaglet.

Author Reply: Thank you, Larner! So glad you love Durvain... he needs love. :) And I'm glad that their story touched your emotions. Thanks for the review!

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 5 on 1/13/2011
What dear, wonderful eagles! I just adore them both. Such a sad experience for them, but it's lovely that Menelris has someone to 'mother' again.

Author Reply: Thank you, shirebound! So glad you like them. :) Menelris is more the "fiercely protective" mother figure, whereas Durvain is sweetness personified and a nurturer through and through... and they both needed someone to care for. Lucky Aragorn!

LisaGReviewed Chapter: 5 on 1/13/2011
Very sweet! I'm really loving the eagles in this story. :) It's good that Gandalf has a "friend" to lean on and help him with our sweet injured ranger. I wonder if Aragorn's fear of the eagles is based off of a bad experience with them as a child? He seems awfully fearful of them...or is it just the fever of the infection that's not letting him think straight?

Author Reply: Thank you, LisaG! So glad you're enjoying the Eagles; they really have arrived at the right moment, as Eagles tend to do. :) As for Aragorn's fear... could be any number of factors, including those you mention. And it could just be the sheer size and unexpected appearance of it in cave--waking up expecting to see only Gandalf and seeing an Eagle instead might be enough to make anyone's eyes widen a bit. Perhaps future chapters will tell... *g*

Thanks again for the review!

ElflingimpReviewed Chapter: 5 on 1/13/2011
Sniff,sniff.....well I got all emotional over this chapter, gosh have any extra kleenex? What wonderful way with words you have, it is a true talent. Hugs The Imp

Author Reply: Aw, thank you, Imp! I'm so glad this chapter moved you!

*hands you tissues*

First Page | Previous Page | Next Page | Last Page

Return to Chapter List