Stories of Arda - Lord of the Rings Fan-Fiction Archive


	About Us News Resources Login Become a member Help Search

The Ranger and the Eagles by Cairistiona	19 Review(s)
Lexilooper	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 1/17/2026
Gandalf hurried toward him, and fortunately seemed in no way inclined to roast him, lest it be for daring rise from his sickbed. "Aragorn! What do you call this foolishness! You are in no shape to be up and walking–" well that's comforting thank you <3 heheee as I predicted, for daring to rise from his sickbed "Do not worry about me," Aragorn grunted, but his eyes were taken with the sight before him. Aragorn realized he had never properly seen Menelris. ooooh fair He had been unconscious or very close to it each time she was nearby, save those moments after the fight with the black eagle. His attention then had been more taken with ensuring Durvain had not been severely injured, and to be honest, his memories of the entire time were hazy at best. So seeing her now, with his mind finally completely clear, was astonishing. Her sheer size momentarily stopped him in his tracks, but again it was Durvain that demanded his attention. He lay huddled on the ground, his head stretched disconsolately before him and his left wing twisted away from his body in an awkward sprawl. Menelris bobbed her head in extreme agitation, letting out keening whistles of alarm as she nudged him gently. He neither stirred nor opened his eyes. "What has happened?" Aragorn asked quietly. OH NO "He and Menelris just arrived. He could barely fly; she was very nearly carrying him as she supported him from below. It seems his wound, like yours, has suddenly turned for the worst." oh dearrrr "If you would help me to him–" "Of course, of course. Here, let me have that staff and you can lean on my shoulder instead." awww <33 of course I'll help you to your friend "I’m sorry to abuse your staff so – the dog... he brought it and there was no time to find another, and I did not want to insult–" aww his worry "No, no. It is quite all right. It is special in my hands, but in yours it becomes just another walking stick. You cannot diminish its power by using it as a crutch in such a dire circumstance as this." that is also comforting thank you <3 "The dog drooled on it." Gandalf only chuckled. "Nor is it unduly affected by dog slobber. I’m sure the dog meant well and could find nothing else suitable at hand, so put your mind at ease." lollll fair thank youuuu Relieved, Aragorn draped his arm across Gandalf’s shoulders and together they walked to Durvain. "By his wing first, I think, on the side nearest his head," Aragorn murmured. He then lowered himself carefully to his knees. "Durvain, it is Strider. Can you hear me?" OH YEAH HE'S A HEALER more than anyone else here, I expect it actually will be important for him to be here I love how automatically he takes charge even though he is the second-weakest here Durvain’s eyes opened and he lifted his head. "Hello, Strider," he said, his voice a bit weak but his eyes as bright with friendliness as ever. "I am so glad to see you again, and to see you looking a bit more yourself. Or at least as I imagine you to be. I’ve never actually seen you upright!" AWWW <3 opens his eyes to talk happily to him he's so cute I've never actually seen you upright! "I am glad to see you, Durvain." "Do you want to go flying again? I will gladly take you." skashfsg awwwwwww I am excited for them to do so but not right now also look how there is no terror in Aragorn whatsoever <33 "I would like that, thank you, but alas, you hardly look ready for flights of fancy. What is this that besets you, my dear friend?" awww <3 what is this that besets you MY DEAR FRIEND have you seen the Aragorn Has Friends There pinterest? about how Aragorn is not lonely because he's a loner but lonely because he's always missing so many people he dearly loves it's very sweet and accurate "My wing seems to be giving me some bother. It’s nothing, though. I will be well enough, in a few days." HONEY YOU WEREN'T EVEN OPENING YOUR EYES TO MENELRIS "Two days spent with Aragorn," Gandalf muttered, "and he’s become just as obstinate; it must be a catching disease." LOLL YEP I LOVE IT THEY'RE KINDRED SOULS Aragorn glared at him but he merely jutted his beard out defiantly. LOLLLLLLLLLL HE JUTTED HIS BEARD OUT INSTEAD OF HIS CHIN XD "I just need to rest for a while here, if Master Beorn doesn’t mind too much," Durvain continued. "Please tell him we promise not to eat his sheep while we are here." lolll <3 Menelris, who all this time had been nearly hopping from foot to foot at Durvain’s right side, let out a derisive squawk. "Do not pay him a bit of attention, Strider. The wound has worsened beyond any repair that mere rest can provide." YES yep she speaks truth I am sure Aragorn nodded, then put a hand on Durvain’s wing. "Can you lift it, my friend?" awwww Durvain strained, and the wing rose shakily, but not high enough to give Aragorn a proper look. "Gandalf, Beorn, if you could assist?" awwwwww I love again his natural leadership in healing The two hurried to grasp the wing. "Slowly! We do not want to injure him further," Aragorn admonished. <333 They nodded and as one raised the wing high enough for Aragorn to see the problem. The wound was indeed infected, all along its considerable length. He laid a hand flat against the reddened skin, where the feathers had torn away, then placed another hand alongside the opposite side of the wound. He took a deep breath and shut his eyes, then started to quietly sing a song of healing. awwwwwwww yayyyyyy GETTING TO SEE ARAGORN AS A HEALER <3 "What’s he doing?" Beorn asked. "Shhh," Gandalf hissed. "Do not disturb him. He is a healer." "A healer! You don’t say! Like the Elves, I suppose. But see here, if he’s a healer, why couldn’t he have healed himself?" lollllll uh "Do be quiet, Master Beorn! Aragorn needs to concentrate...." XD not even answering Aragorn smiled a bit at their fiercely whispered conversation. He ended the song and looked up at them. "The wound is greatly infected. It needs thorough cleaning. If you could bring me plenty of buckets of hot water, and clean cloths, and–" skadhskd just smiles "We will do no such thing!" Gandalf interrupted. "Or, that is to say, we will not bring those things to you. LOL FAIR as much as I love Aragorn's command and instincts to care for it himself that is the right response You are in no condition to take care of this wing; it is huge, and a mess besides and it will take several men to set it to rights. And doing so will take no more than ordinary skill at that, so though you’re to be commended for offering, you are simply not needed in this capacity. Beorn can fetch Grimbeorn, and he and I will see to organizing it all, while you sit at Durvain’s head and provide comfort and the gift of healing and hope for which you are so famous." <333333 aww "Famous in obscure places, perhaps," Aragorn murmured, but he bowed his head in surrender. hmm <:( soon he will be famous in great places He wasn’t up to much more than holding anyone’s hand, and well he knew it. He crawled awkwardly to Durvain’s head, moving to the side opposite the injured wing so as not to be in the way. He nodded to Menelris, then lowered himself to a seat. He would have pulled Durvain’s head into his lap, but he feared the weight of it would crush his legs to powder. "Durvain," he called softly, and the bird’s eyes opened. Aragorn stroked the side of Durvain’s face. "I am sorry you are so ill, but Gandalf and Grimbeorn and some other very nice men are going to help you." awwwww lol fair enough he doesn't want powder for legs "I liked that song you sang," Durvain said. "It was so peaceful. It made me sleepy." awww he liked ittttt "Tuck your head under, then," Aragorn smiled. "This next bit will be messy and likely painful, so if you can sleep through it, all the better." awwwwww using his speech <3 "Will you sing to me again?" SKAJSDHSKDJGHDFJSDHGSKD I AM GONNA CRY their roles being so sweetly reversed and Durvain is almost as an eaglet again <3 "Of course." And he started singing, a lullaby this time. He made up the verses as he went along, singing of a mother’s love and softly-lined nests and floating clouds and rivers full of nice fat fish. Anything he thought might bring comfort to an Eagle. SAKSFDSHGFJHSFGK MAKING UP HIS OWN SONGS <33 of course he does that lullabies are my favoriteeeee can you imagine one from Aragorn aww trying to think of all the things an eagle might like <3 He also ran his hand over and over the sleek feathers on the side of Durvain’s head and neck. His healer’s touch had worked in the past on animals such as horses and other domestic beasts, and he had even set a wild songbird’s broken wing to rights. There had been nothing mystical in splinting the fractured bone, but he knew his touch had kept the bird calm when otherwise it might have panicked to the point of death. awwww I wanna be raised with elves with the blood of a Dunedain just so I can have that touch <:( But despite his varied successes, he did not know how effective that touch might be on an Eagle. It was always a bit of a guess in some ways, trying to heal, although he generally felt immediately whether things were going well. He paused in his singing to lean his forehead down to the crest above Durvain’s eye and poured forth every healing thought he could. His breathing grew slower and deeper, and he felt Durvain’s slow to match his. awwwwww it's working their breathings match <3 also eep him leaning over he must be extremely focused not to feel the pain right now Thank Elbereth, this seemed to be a time where the healing was flowing as it should. <33333 There was movement beside him, and Aragorn lifted his head to look at Menelris. She was settling down beside her mate as close as she could without jostling Aragorn. She draped her wing over Durvain’s shoulder, and such was the size of her wing that it covered Aragorn as well, like a canopy. "Keep singing, Strider. It brings comfort to us both." AWWWWW both of them <33333 they're all dearest friends now And so Aragorn did. He sat and sang his own songs until he could no longer think of words, and then he moved to the lullabies his mother had sung to him as a child, and then every song of healing and every hymn to Elbereth he could think of and a few of his own making. skadhf <3333 ooh I want to hear a hymn of his to Elbereth He sang as Grimbeorn brought the buckets of steaming water. He sang as Grimbeorn and Gandalf and three men Aragorn did not know gently labored beneath the outstretched wing, pulling away broken feathers and cleaning and murmuring soothing encouragements and then finally rubbing in pot after pot of medicinal salve. He sang as they wrapped a vast swath of bandages around the wound, and he sang as they finally with great care laid the wing down on the ground. And then finally he stopped and leaned exhausted against Durvain’s neck. awwwwwww yessss "What a brave Eagle you are," he murmured. Indeed, through it all, Durvain had not so much as flinched, though his eyes had widened a few times and his beak clacked now and again. AWWWWWW what a brave eagle you are <33 murmuring exhaustedly but with overwhelming fondness Gandalf knelt beside him. "Your singing and your healing touch quite made the difference, I think. I doubt Durvain would have been so calm otherwise." awww true <3 hi Gandalf <3 "Compared to all he has done for me, it was an exceeding small thing to do. He was injured, after all, while taking care of me." OH YEAH their roles are exactly reversed for now Strider is injured taking care of Durvain <3 Gandalf squeezed his shoulder but said nothing, for which Aragorn was grateful. Now that the deed was done, he felt every ache and twinge in his lower back. Acutely. oooooh ouch He wondered vaguely how he would regain the hall, and decided that to sleep here, in the open, curled against Durvain’s warmth under the shelter of Menelris’ wing, would be more than any king could want. AWWWWWWWWWWWW WOULD BE MORE THAN ANY KING COULD WANT <333333 again how completely his fear has left him <3 He leaned his head against Durvain’s neck and closed his eyes, again sending healing thoughts toward Durvain. Sleep, my friend... sleep and fly through healing dreams... we will fly them together..... AWWWWW Just before sleep claimed him, he felt the soft weight of a blanket fall across his body. awwwww Stars speckled the cold blackness of the sky when Aragorn next opened his eyes. He took a deep, slow breath. awww they let him sleep there for what more could a King want <3 For a moment, he had no idea where he was, but as he felt the warm bulk of the Eagle beneath his cheek, and heard the muffled stentorian rush of Durvain’s steady breathing, he relaxed and pulled the blanket, which had fallen from his shoulders, back up under his chin. Menelris had withdrawn her wing and was sleeping beside them, head tucked in proper Eagle fashion. Aragorn was surprised that he had apparently slept away the entire day; Durvain he had expected to sleep, but it seemed he had finally been able to enter a healing sleep along with the Eagle. awwwwww yayyyy in healing another was finally able to help himself heal as well There was a very faint hint of light left in the evening sky but nighttime was well upon them. It was chilly, but he was comfortable, snugged up against Durvain as he was. He patted the bird’s neck and smoothed down a feather that the breeze had lifted. Durvain’s breathing hesitated, then quickened as he started to wake. <333 warm feathers "Strider?" he asked, his voice thick with sleep. awww "I am right here, my friend. As is your mate, right here beside you." "Menelris," he murmured, content. His breathing deepened again. AWWWWW he has his Strider and his mate <3 Aragorn heard a step and looked up to see Beorn outlined against the starlight. "How is he?" he whispered. Beorn whispering is cute <33 "I think he is doing well. He is quiet, anyway." He watched as Beorn ran his hands along Durvain’s neck and down the wing to the bandages. He nodded, satisfied. "I do not know how to tell, exactly, if an Eagle has fever, but he seems to be resting well enough, as you say. What of you? Surely after spending all day out here, you’re not going to spend the night out in the open as well?" mmm fair Aragorn pushed himself upright, relieved by the ease with which he could move. It seemed the day’s sleep had done well for him. "I think I might, actually. If he awakens in the night, I can calm him." awwww yay and dang he can actually move "Can’t his mate there do that?" Aragorn nodded, but he was reluctant to explain himself, overtaken again with that odd shyness before Beorn’s keen gaze. hmmmm It ended up he needn’t have worried. "But you feel responsible, am I right?" awww thanks yes that makes sense "You read a man’s heart too easily, Master Beorn." <33 he does read Aragorn well "Only when the man wears it upon his sleeve as you do. You will need to perfect the art of dissembling if you’re going to be any good as a king." awwwwwww yesss he wears his heart on his sleeve although yes that's important, I think being able to show his heart is greatly important for a king as well <3 "No doubt you are right, but I need no artifice before a good friend." "Ah, now, enough with flattery." awwwww <33 "They are no empty words I speak; I count you as a friend, one of my dearest though we have known each other but a day. I too can read hearts, you know." awwwwwwww yessss <33 "Then I best hide the mithril before you suss out my hidden stash," Beorn chuckled. lolll "But I do wonder how it was that you managed to sleep away the entire day, and the Eagle as well. I don’t think either of you so much as moved. We came out several times just to be sure you were both still breathing." Aragorn smiled. "It was no ordinary sleep. I put Durvain into what is called a healing sleep, and such was my own need that I found I was unable to keep from falling into one myself. That happens occasionally, though it is rare." yessss <333 yay "A healing sleep. What is that, some sort of trance?" "No, nothing like that. It’s a sort of... state of rest, I suppose you could call it. Deeper than regular sleep but nothing he could not awaken from at extreme need, say if an enemy approached. And it’s not something that I use often... in fact, Master Elrond is far better at such healing methods as I am, although I am learning, for healing is a gift of my line, going all the way back to its very beginnings." hmmmm that is cool "Beginnings? And that would be...?" "I am of the line of Melian, and Lúthien. Such healing power as Melian passed to Lúthien passed also to those of her line; it is a part of my birthright." that's so coolllll if I could have one like genetic birthright like that I think it would be that "Melian, you say. So you are part Maia! A wizard like Gandalf!" oooh that's a cool thought even if only a very, very, very small part Maia ohhh yeah and Elrond is much closer in descent to Luthien, that makes so much sense I forget sometimes they are of the same line mostly "I am no wizard. It is only the very smallest part of me, Melian’s blood. But that is what gives me my healing power. I am trained in the healing arts, of course, the setting of bones, cleaning of wounds, caring for fever, things like that. But the special touch... I can make no claim to that other than having been blessed by Ilúvatar. But whether my own power is as great as Lúthien’s, I do not know, as I have not yet been tested to that degree." ooooh okay the fact that he isn't certain that it is NOT as great shows that he really does have a great gift <3 "So answer this, then. You evidently can heal a creature as great as this Eagle, yet you could not keep yourself from falling into such fever and illness that you nearly died. How do you explain that? Lúthien probably would have been able to have accomplished it, I imagine." hmmm well he is not Luthien "Lúthien was Firstborn; I may have some Elvish ways, and in me both lines of the Children of Ilúvatar dwell, but nonetheless, I am a Man, and one in a line that has diminished since its greatest days, although..." Here he paused. "Beorn, hear me in this, before I go on. I do not say any of this about myself out of a sense of pride or arrogance, but simply out of fact: much of what was great about the Númenóreans still exists within me, or so I have been told by those whose wisdom I trust. I cannot claim that through any doing of my own; it simply is, by the hand of Ilúvatar." hmmmm he says this all well <33 and it is a little hard for him to say for he does not wish to sound as if he is boasting Beorn nodded. "It is no different than my saying I am a skinchanger. You are who you are, who you were created to be." yessss thank you, well said "Yes, that is it precisely. I am the last of the line of great Kings, the heir of Elendil and Isildur. I came by that simply through being born to my mother and father, not by any great feat of arms or show of bravery or words of great wisdom. And far from feeling it entitles me to any special treatment, who I am and what I can become hangs instead ever before me as a stern admonition to live my life in such a way that I never diminish what remains of the nobility and purity of that line. I must prove myself worthy to be called the Heir of Elendil by such acts of charity, strength, honesty, wisdom and bravery as I can muster, if that makes sense. I must rise to the heights of all who went before me, or fail utterly. And that is a humbling task." skasdhsjkhshgd I love him and his humility <3 not all would take on such a task, nor would they take it with such selfless dignity and charity and all those beautiful values (charity, strength, honesty, wisdom and bravery...I can think of no greater qualities than those, truly) "I believe I like you, Aragorn. You appear to have been raised right." AWWW Aragorn chuckled. "Thank you, Beorn. I will pass that along to Master Elrond and my mother." yesssss <333 OOH NO I just had a thought is his mother going to die in the next handful of years??? yes I think so "But you’ve strayed from the path as far as my question–maybe that too is emblematic of your bloodline, to wander in conversation much as you wander around the wilds of the North." lolll okay yeah I think I'm very much like Aragorn in this I will RAMBLE if anyone gives me chance Aragorn could not help it; he burst into laughter. XDDDDD oh my gosh I love that it's his turn to laugh <3 XD <3 "So back to it: why couldn’t you heal yourself?" "Healing such as that takes much power, and if I am already diminished through injury, or deprivation or illness or whatever the case may be, then I have no stamina to heal myself. I may be hardy, but I am not invincible," he said ruefully. mmm yes good explaining "Invincible or no, I can see where you’d be a handy person to have around. Care to move here and help me tend my animals?" lolll fair <3 "I would love nothing better, but alas, my journey takes me down a different road. But I can stay for a season." Again, the rueful smile. "In fact, I fear you may be stuck with me longer than you wish, for I am not exactly ready for the long journey back home." awwwwww I would love nothing better YAY that is fair, especially as this winter will only grow worse "I have the feeling that whenever you leave, it will be too soon. But when you do, know that you are always welcome to return, and know that my people will always come to your aid. This is my solemn promise, Aragorn, son of Arathorn." Beorn held out his hand and Aragorn shook it. awwwwww he wants him to stay always <3 "And I give you that same oath, Master Beorn. Ever will my people see the Beornings as allies." AWWWWWWW see here it is, proof that Aragorn makes friends everywhere <3 and really amazing powerful ones too I make friends everywhere but not very close friends. We do not usually stay in contact long. Beorn nodded in satisfaction, then slapped both his hands on his thighs. "Well then, now that that’s done, what say I bring you some food? Healing sleep or no, a man needs sustenance and you’ve only had a plateful of honey cakes and a sip of whatever that was that Gandalf gave you. Elvish wine or some such. At any rate, its effects, no matter how refreshing, are sure to be long past, so something bracing to drink... a mug of hot mead, I think, with cinnamon, and more bread and honey and perhaps some chutney with walnuts, and some cheese as well. That should hold you." aww yep he fully trusts his stomach now "Indeed it will, and be most welcome. Thank you." yayy "I’ll have it in a thrice. And some more blankets to keep you off the damp ground tonight." <3 that would be tragic if he caught another chill Aragorn thanked him again and then settled himself a bit more comfortably against Durvain and looked up to the stars. Bright Eärendil was hours yet from appearing; this autumn he seemed to prefer racing Anor into the sky at dawn. But Menelvagor was readying his sword in the southeast. Like those Elves of old, Aragorn could not help but start to sing softly as he traced the bright belt and admired Borgil’s red glow. awwww the elves have helped me appreciate so much more the stars I always loved them but now I always look up and almost cry to see only like 30 stars in the sky. I like living in suburbish areas, it's kinda my vibe, but going home for Christmas I will say my breath caught every time I glimpsed the sky at night, in the middle of nowhere, and remembered how many stars there are and how many more even the elves saw I do always see Menelvagor, though which has always been my favorite constellation :) He started to sing an ancient song of Túrin Turambar, but his voice trailed away. That seemed too tragic a tale for such a beautiful night, and his thoughts were still very much on Lúthien. On Beren’s Tinúviel and from her to another... awwwwww yesss indeed too tragic He looked to the great milky swath of stars bisecting the sky, and sang a song of his own Tinúviel, a song of the Evenstar. AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW <3333 <:(((

layne	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 2/24/2011
I was so worried about Durvain! He was such a valiant eagle and I'm glad that Aragorn had a hand in helping him heal, and in so doing, had some much needed rest himself! Author Reply: Thanks, layne! Although I'm sure Aragorn would rather Durvain not have been injured, at least he go to repay him for all his help!

Ainu Laire	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 1/31/2011
Oh man, I love your characterization of Beorn- what a fantastic character. I can definitely see a friendship building between the Dunedain and the Beornings because of their own friendship. Darn it all, now I want more Aragorn and Beorn fics XD From the last chapter, but man! I laughed so hard when the dog brought Gandalf's staff. Oh, that was hilarious. And speaking of dogs, I always thought that the dogs in Beorn's house walking on two legs rather than four was so odd- then I saw a video about Faith the two-legged dog (Google her and watch a video, it's amazing). And now I know what a dog looks like when it walks on its hind legs... Poor Durvain, getting an infection. I do like this healing and all, it was very cute. The whole singing aspect of it is definitely very Tolkien-esque. So yes, wonderful, as usual, and looking forward to more. Author Reply: Thanks, Laire.... glad you're enjoying the story and the funny parts. I too have really loved writing Beorn and Aragorn together, so much so that I'm trying to figure out a way to get them together again somehow. If only the events of The Hobbit had been twenty years before and not fifty! Dogs walking on their hind legs isn't exactly common... and dogs that light lamps even less so (but if there ever is one that can do that, you can bet that it'll show up on youtube). Thanks for the review!

Linda Hoyland	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 1/30/2011
What a lovely chapter!I especially enjoyed Aragorn healing his eagle friend and his belief that he had to set a good example. Author Reply: Thanks, Linda! Glad you enjoyed this chapter... Aragorn's belief that he has to rise up to his bloodline, and not feel entitled because of it, to me is the essence of his strength.

Raksha The Demon	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 1/29/2011
Great chapter - I love the characterization of Beorn and his conversation with Aragorn. I would dearly love to see more of Aragorn's forays into veterinary medicine! Author Reply: Thank you, Raksha! That conversation with Beorn, as Inzilbeth's review attests, was a challenge to write, so I'm glad you enjoyed it. And yes, I wouldn't mind seeing Aragorn in more "veterinary" roles... I have a one-shot where he helps with a difficult lambing ("On a Spring Morn"), but I've not done anything else toward that end. I might have to revisit that idea. :) Thanks for the review!

Inzilbeth	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 1/28/2011
I've been very remiss in not reviewing every chapter [my fault, not your wonderful story!] but I really felt, with this chapter in particular, I must acknowledge your courage in tackling weighty issues which touch on those grey areas of canon where all of us sometimes fear to tread. As your beta, I know very well the strident efforts you always take to ensure that your story stays not only within the known facts but also, when the facts we need are missing, within a reasonable extrapolation of the information we do have. The conversation with Beorn and Aragorn's view of death alone was, I know, thoroughly researched since we spent about three days discussing it! The question of whether Beorn and Aragorn would know that Gandalf was a Maia has also been raised. Personally I feel you were well within canon to make the assumptions you have. It says in the chapter on the Istari in UT that 'they revealed their true names to few' not to none. Aragorn, being elven-wise was no typical Man of the North, a definition which would undoubtedly include the Men of Bree who certainly had no idea of Gandalf's true purpose but were hardly comparable with Aragorn. And Aragorn was, after all, the only member of the Company unfazed by Gandalf's struggle to open the doors of Moria, because he 'knew him well' and indeed he did, having been his friend for 62 years. I'm also quite sure that all the members of the White Council were familiar with Gandalf's true persona. Certainly Saruman and Radagast knew and, since it was to Galadriel that Gandalf came when he was sent back after his 'death', it stretches credibility that she and Elrond were ignorant of his nature. Beorn is a more interesting case as we know so little about him. But he is, like Gandalf, able to appear in more than one guise. He's no ordinary man either but he is a stauch ally and there's no reason to suggest Gandalf couldn't have confided in him. Your story and the dialogue between the characters is all the richer for having made the decisions you have and I applaud you for creating such an original, entertaining, and well written tale that nonethelees manages to negotiate that sometimes tricky path to remain within the bounds of canon. Author Reply: Thank you so much, Inzilbeth! That really was a rather exhaustive (and exhausting!) spate of emails that flew between us those three days as we hashed out that entire conversation and hammered it into a shape that fit canon as canon can be reasonably and plausibly interpreted. It looks rather simple and terribly obvious when you see it all laid out so succinctly as you've done here, doesn't it. One of the endlessly fascinating things about Tolkien, at least to me, is how much he left unsaid because it simply didn't need to be said. And how carefully he chose to express himself with the things he did say. That he used "few" instead of "none" cannot be assumed to be a sloppy word choice, and so that begs the reader to try to figure out the answer to "Which 'few' knew?" Aragorn and Beorn... yes, those two can be reasonably counted among the 'few', for the very reasons you lay out so well here. Interpreting canon's grey areas is never an exact science... but it's always fun. :) And you needn't worry about leaving reviews... you give me all the feedback I need in the writing process, and go above and beyond in watching that I stay in the tricky bounds of canon! Thanks immensely!

Silivren Tinu	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 1/28/2011
I'm glad Gandalf didn't mind Aragorn's borrowing of his staff too much - I'm quite sure it would have caused lots of problems for Middle-earth if a certain wizard had decided to turn the heir of Isildur into a frog or something. g After the last chapter, I already feared Durvain might be seriously hurt and I was wondering how Aragorn would ever be able to help him without killing himself in the process, considering the state he's in. I have to admit he did a wonderful job, both at helping and at staying alive while doing so. ;-) It's a good thing he has many willing helpers. I loved that Aragorn sang to Durvain to calm him in addition to his healing touch. Now I just wish I could hear him sing, too! It was sweet that Aragorn drifted into a healing sleep right along with Durvain (and I guess it was also sorely needed). The last part of this chapter already makes me wonder if Aragorn and Beorn (or Aragorn and any of the Beornings) will meet again. The Beornings must be wonderful allies and friends and Aragorn and Beorn sure seem to get along great! The title of this chapter made me smile, btw - Durvain really seems to be very much like Aragorn in certain respects! g Author Reply: Thanks, Almut! And to answer your wonderings... yes, Aragorn does meet up with the Beornings again, when they aid him in getting Gollum to Mirkwood: "...he drove Gollum through the north end of the Emyn Muil, and crossed Anduin just above Sarn Gebir. Driftwood was often cast up there on the shoals by the east shore, and binding Gollum to a log he swam across with him, and continued his journey north by tracks as westerly as he could fine, through the skirts of Fangorn, and so over Limlight, then over Nimrodel and Silverlode through the eaves of Lorien, and then on, avoiding Moria and Dimrill Dale, over Gladden until he came near the Carrock. There he crossed Anduin again, with the help of the Beornings..." Unfinished Tales, "The Hunt for the Ring". So yep, he meets them again, and so in this story, I'm exploring how he might have made allies of the Beornings beforehand, although I have a feeling even if he'd never met Beorn or Grimbeorn, they would have recognized him as a friend and helped him. But it's more fun this way. g Glad you enjoyed the chapter, and the chapter title. g

Fantasia	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 1/28/2011
Beautiful chapter! Poor Durvain, but he is recovering and even behaving like Aragorn!. Like it all the details, like Aragorn speechless in front of Menelris. Even with all the injuries and problems, Aragorn has managed to find two powerful allies, the Eagles and the Beornings. Now, I was laughing with Aragorn's concerns about Gandalf's staff and this was priceless: "Care to move here and help me tend my animals?" At least, he knows that if the kingship fails, he can always be a veterinarian. Author Reply: "At least, he knows that if the kingship fails, he can always be a veterinarian." Yes, everyone needs a Plan B, after all! g Thank you so much, Fantasia... glad you enjoyed this chapter!

Lily Baggins	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 1/28/2011
This chapter was so sweet and peaceful! I muchly, muchly enjoyed it. It was so true to Aragorn's character, sacrificing his own comfort to see to Durvain. Ah, poor Durvain! I hope he recovers well, poor thing! I did love Gandalf's efficiency in getting everyone together to tend Durvain, so that Aragorn didn't have to! I must admit, I would trade places with Durvain in a New York second. Who wouldn't want Aragorn sitting and sleeping next to you and singing to you practically all night? Bliss. On the other hand, I'd also trade places with Aragorn, because sleeping with a giant eagle sheltering you would have to be a great new experience. I was sitting and thinking, "Aragorn is going to sleep OUTSIDE? Is he crazy, given his health?" And then I remembered! He IS a ranger and to sleep outside is his modus operandi---I'm sure he was NEVER that comfortable most other times he's slept outside! I enjoyed every bit of Beorn and Aragorn's conversation... oh yes, everything good is in Aragorn, all right. And this story so illustrates that... I just love it to death. I really, really hope that maybe Beorn makes an appearance in other stories of yours! Author Reply: Thank you, Lily! So glad you enjoyed this quieter chapter and seeing Aragorn in healer mode. You're so right that he would be quite comfy outside, snuggled up against a big, warm eagle! Well, I guess they're warm... I've never really snuggled up against one to know. LOL But in my world, they're warm. g Beorn may show up again... I'm not sure how it would work, though, as it'll be a little tough getting Aragorn back over to Beorn's before Beorn passes from the Circles of Arda (or at least, as I see it--I kind of doubt Beorn lived long enough to still be around by the time Aragorn hauled Gollum through there). But then again... Aragorn will see him again beyond the Dark Sea. Hmm... will he still change into a bear, I wonder! :) Thanks for the review!

Tigger	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 1/27/2011
Thank Goodness!! I really hope that's the worst of it for poor Durvain, but thankfully Aragorn had mended enough to be able to not only tell everyone else what to do for the wound, but to be able to use his other healing gift : The gift of song. I'm also glad the both of them were able to go into healing sleep. It was badly needed on both sides. I'm very much enjoying this and love how now Aragorn's put his fear of the Eagles where it belongs. In his childhood. I also hope that he gets a chance to experience a flight w/his new friends once our obstinate Ranger and Eagle heal. uses pleading puppy dog eyes Please!?! :oD I am really enjoying this and hate that it has to end. Author Reply: Thank you, Tigger! So glad you're enjoying the story so much--I'm going to be sorry when it comes to an end, too, because I've enjoyed creating this adventure probably as much or more than everyone's enjoyed reading it! I always feel a bit let down when a story is finished... fortunately the next plot bunny usually hops along and cheers me back up. :) As for when Aragorn might get that flight with Durvain... I suppose it will depend on how fast both of them heal. Like Aragorn said, neither of them are ready for flights of fancy just yet. I suppose time will tell!

First Page | Previous Page | Next Page | Last Page

Return to Chapter List