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

Untrodden Path  by Timmy2222 4 Review(s)
grumpyReviewed Chapter: 14 on 1/21/2006
Loved Daevan reaction to the new that Aragorn was Thorongil. Very ageless, but without beautiful armour, and golden helmet. I myself who does not like fish, agrees with Aragorn about eating more fish, but I guess if it was cooked right. This is what he gets for traveling with a fisherman.

viggomaniacReviewed Chapter: 14 on 1/19/2006
As to your previous review reply, no, your chapters never disappoint me, but I suppose I am exerting a bit of undue pressure on you. Every chapter you write has so many good things. I liked Daevan's observation that 'he had forgotten to cherish the peace he had been allowed to live through.' And now, Strider has revealed to Daeven that HE is Thorongil and the boy is not exactly convinced. After all, your Strider doesn't exactly look kingly. (Though, c'mon, let's face it, in the movies we all prefer him to look like Strider and not Elessar -- in real life we might think differently LOL). Oh, I digress again. This IS supposed to be a review, after all, not a discussion of how gorgeous 'movie Aragorn' is. Anyways, I love those touches of sadness you invoke whenever Aragorn thinks of his home or of Arwen. Poor guy. *Hand me a hankie so I can cry* BTW, just WHY doesn't Strider like fish? Wouldn't have anything to do with Gollum, would it? And now, he's having another nightmare. What you put him through! One last thing -- I actually did post the first chapter of a story the other night. Hopefully, there will be some surprises along the journey and that I can make it interesting throughout. That's something that you do every time. Thanks for a wonderful story and, as always, I look forward to the next chapter.

Author Reply: Yeah, put pressure on me, I thrive on stress!! OK, just kidding. And why not discuss georgeousness? That's what got this story (and the others, of course) started! Where would be reason behind imagining different plots with King Elessar if not swooning over the man/the character?
The 'fish dislike' was just something I invented. It's like Daevan and his preference to peace instead of big adventures. As Sir Peter Ustinov put it: 'We admire people for what they do, but we love them for their weaknesses.' I made this the leitmotiv of my characters. None of them is allowed to be perfect. And since Mr. Gorgeousness Aragorn is used to be nearly perfect (Tolkien, IMHO, exaggerated it during the last battle that he wasn't even scratched due to his 'skill'. Good Lord, one against a hundred, and he stays untouched as if enjoying a garden party!), he had to have *some* flaws at least.

- T.

RSReviewed Chapter: 14 on 1/17/2006
I really like this chapter. So Strider is finally divulging personal information...with a little help from Daevan---AND WHAT A SURPRISE !!! Although this seemed to open up more questions for Daevan. All these great deeds were done by this simple wanderer who is also somewhat a lonely and sad figure. The way he mentioned his beloved broke my heart. I like the fact that Daevan got Strider to relax just a little and enjoy the FISH! The statement made by Strider "What's so bad about leading a simple life? I wish I could" is so poignant. It really summarizes his feelings about his whole ordeal. How ironic for Daevan as he was wanting more than a simple life.

Author Reply: RS, thanks for the praise! I knew there is something good about writing a gap filler though I was skeptic at first. The beginning and the ending are fixed and known, and you just choose the way to get there... So there have to be some surprising moments.
The different intentions of the characters during this journey is something like that, and I appreciate that you mentioned it. Daevan will get more excitement than he ever imagined.
So stay tuned.

- T.

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 14 on 1/17/2006
Aha! Doran recognized him, and Strider admits to being Thorongil. And in ways Daevan is disappointed, but increasingly curious--and frustrated by the dour Ranger.

A most interesting situation, now that Daevan so wants to understand. And even the mere hint of Arwen's existence....

Author Reply: Yes, Strider longs for the one woman in his life and is so far from getting to her. All sadness can be burdened upon that knowledge.

- T.

Return to Chapter List