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


	About Us News Resources Login Become a member Help Search

At Hope's Edge by Cairistiona	391 Review(s)
Lexilooper	Reviewed Chapter: 19 on 1/31/2026
skashgskjh eating hovering in the door like a frightened stray dog skittish Aragorn is my favorite <333 especially in his own house where he is very welcome and once he skittishness is realized there will be many loved ones to reassure him <3 I trust you found some rest," Erestor said with a smile, and Aragorn said nothing to disabuse him of the notion. skasjdhskg this of course he does not "a young elf" lol, like perhaps only 500 years old? Aragorn wondered if his eyes looked as wild as he felt. He lifted his hand, ready to take Erestor by the collar and shake him and only just managed to thrust his hand through his own hair instead. SKADHKJS THIS <33 wild and skittish and impatient and afraid and you need to wait where it is quiet and you can find rest and distraction, for you are quite beside yourself. yesssss he is indeed <3 nearly falling over with concern at the suggestion Halbarad might have lost any limb function without stopping to think it through He had watched baby birds hatch in their nests in its branches, and once he found a small lizard that let him feed it by hand. And in the secret bower beneath its fronds, he found escape from the sometimes merciless aggravations of twin brothers who never seemed to tire of tormenting and teasing their younger brother when they were not out on patrol. After a particularly trying day that had left him in tears, Elrond had come to his rescue, declaring the willow as Estel’s own, and forbidding Elrohir and Elladan entrance into Estel’s leafy domain upon pain of, if not death, then severe application of kitchen duties. THIS IS STILL MY VERY FAVORITE THING <333 his sanctuary within a sanctuary Aragorn shrugged ruefully but said nothing. He was not sure himself why he felt unable to go inside his old home. Perhaps the comforts therein were too sumptuous, too luxurious to indulge in when Halbarad lay suffering and perhaps dying. Or perhaps he did not want to feel caged. both of theseeee <:(( "‘But their sorrow could not be healed,’" Aragorn murmured, finishing the quote about the remnant of Gondolin. He shrugged. "Forgive me. My mood is dark this day." THISS openly quoting about hopeless sorrow "There is nothing to forgive, my child. Rest, and recoup your strength. I would like to see the light of Elendil shine once more in your eyes." So even Erestor sees that there is no light within me. yesss thissss It seems he was quite taken with the murals of Elendil and Isildur battling Sauron and said he wanted to honor the Shards of Narsil, and Isildur for his bravery, and for producing such a fine descendent in, as he put it, ‘that crazy Ranger, Strider.’ While I was a bit surprised he knew your true identity, though I suppose many in the North do know who you are, I must say, it touched me deeply for him to do such a thing for your house, and for you." awwww cuteeeee yess skasdhgsjh wrapping his arms around his chest to try and quell the emptiness and darkness and hollow there <:((( Not that it really mattered. uh...SURE it doesn't matter that something's POISONING you "You said you would keep an eye on it, Halbarad," he whispered, and his throat ached. SKASDHGSKHFSDSSSSS THISSSSSS <:(((( KNEES TO HIS CHIN AND WRAPPING HIS ARMS AROUND THEM <:((( I want a picture of Aragorn sitting like this. It's just such a hurting and trying to find comfort pose, especially for an adult And hope.... He picked up a rock and threw it forcefully into the water. Hope was nothing more than a word bereft of any promise. SKASDHSKHSSSSS THISSSSS the rock accentuating his black and white thoughts He stared, unblinking, unmoving, and the river flowed ever onward. Its swirling eddies seemed to beckon to him, to call to him to dive into its embrace. How easy it would be! He could just walk slowly in... the water first coming to his ankles... then swirling around his knees... then his hips and then his chest and then lifting him as the current carried him away from this hopeless darkness... down to the sea and to the unknown lands beyond where he would find rest at last... THIS <:(((( So why this doubt? This despair? This... this weakness. see, what you do not realize is. It is not a weakness or failing of your own. In your self-deprecation you actually take too much credit to yourself, and ever underestimate the power of the Black Breath. It has a great hold indeed. Why then did he now falter, suddenly seeking escape when none other of his ancestors had suffered such failings. are you sure? You do not know all their thoughts in the dark night watches. All you know is that none ever performed the act. He squeezed his eyes shut. "But how?" he whispered. "How do I find the hope that I once had, that I might give it to others?" skasdhgjdhsjfdh He longed for someone to tell him no, that it was not so, that his blood had not failed, but he knew not who could so reassure him. He dropped his head to his knees and choked back silent tears of despair. SKAAAASJDSSFFHFJSKGHSDJHSSS ELROND WILL TELL HIM UNPROMPTED <333 I really wanna draw this I don't trust myself with the skill or motivation but perhaps if I do find sufficient motivation I will attempt

Lexilooper	Reviewed Chapter: 18 on 1/31/2026
THE ROPE CUTTING ACROSS HIS CHEST WITH BREATH-STEALING AGONY OH YEAH He had roamed lost through these rugged hills and thickets for months, seeking for peace to come and settle the storm in his soul. But peace ever eluded him, and at last he turned westward, to join the people of his blood and take his rightful place among them. In all the years since, he had managed to avoid like plague this cheerless land and the dark memories it held. <:(((( those daysss but then Elladan and Elrohir came <33 and Tom Bombadil :) More unmeasured time passed and his arm continued to throb with each heartbeat. He tucked it against his body and supported it as best as he could with his right, thankful that Asfaloth seemed not to really need him to keep an active hand on the reins. He really should have somehow contrived to grab some medicines from his pack before they left, but it had been impossible. He felt shivery, as if bugs were crawling all over his skin. Fever setting in, he supposed. yessssssssssssssssssss :)) "Thank you, my friend," he said softly, then touched his heels to Asfaloth’s sides. Even as they moved out, silver trumpets sounded through the trees and beyond the hills. As the liquid notes echoed through the air, Aragorn’s heart lightened and tears formed again, but this time they were tears of relief. THE HORNS WELCOMING HIM HOME LIKE BOROMIR "He ... he will be glad to see you," Halbarad whispered. "Is my fear so obvious?" Halbarad’s words were barely audible, but even so, there was no mistaking the mocking humor in his voice. "Unless you always ride... with a back stiff as a...a board." skadhskhskjhgskhs I love him even nearly unconscious he can tell even though part of it may also be Aragorn's physical pain "It is good to see you, my son," Elrond said warmly. He reached up and clasped Aragorn’s hand. "I have missed you." AWWWWW <3333 the warmth brings me joy Aragorn tried to smile, but he was so exhausted and his feelings in such a muddle he felt almost numb. "It has been too long," he managed, then slid stiffly down from Asfaloth, trying his best to hide the fact that his feet hitting the ground sent a spike of pain through the top of his head. awwwsjdhskhgsdjkf the way he's too numb and exhausted to even smile just stiff and fighting Halbarad smiled faintly and moved his head toward Lord Elrond. "I told you so," he whispered, and winked. Aragorn stared at him for a moment, then let out a disbelieving laugh. sshkhdskgsdjfhgsjhk <33333 "It is a lovely thing," Elrond said, but then he closed Aragorn’s hand around it. "Keep it for him, but find rest for yourself now." He slowly took in Aragorn from head to toe. "It takes no healer to see that you have suffered a long and hard journey. I will tend Halbarad. Go to your room and sleep." awwwwwww I loveeeeeee <33 a long and hard journey... I mean true... but it's been long and hard weeks, longer and harder even than the long and hard weeks before,,, "Father, I ..." But he couldn’t finish. There were so many things to say, so much to tell. The words eluded him. skadhfkshg <:((( Elrond pulled him into a fierce embrace. "Say nothing, child," he whispered against Aragorn’s hair. "You need say nothing. Just be, Estel. Here you are safe and can lay down your burdens, if only for a little while." AWWWWWWW say nothing, child. Just be. <3333 hmm perhaps he will be able to lay them down...but only with a great deal of help. Aragorn put his arms around his father, hesitantly at first, but then something within him seemed to break and he clung to him. He buried his head against Elrond’s shoulder, breathing in the comforting familiarity of him. Tears threatened but he blinked them away and then pulled back. "Thank you," he whispered. SKAHDSKJGHJKGHSJGH THE EMBRACE <:(((( Thank youuuuuu Elrond smiled sadly, cupping Aragorn’s face in his hands. ssskaskaaaaaaaasjkdghskdjfdsds thissss <3333 cupping his face <:( <3 Needless my concerns are not yessss "Adar, let me help–" "No, my son. You are too full of care and grief, and I fear ill besides. honey. your hands literally have severe tremors. Elrond touched Aragorn’s arm one more time, then turned to go. Aragorn felt a moment of unaccountable panic as he watched Elrond walk away. "Adar!" Elrond stopped. "Yes?" "I.... Nothing. Never mind," Aragorn said. He could not explain even to himself why, after all these years of dreading to see him, he now could hardly bear for his father to leave his sight. He finished lamely, "May the Valar guide your hands." THIS PARTTTTTTT SUDDEN SEPARATION ANXIETY <3333 Elrond smiled, then hurried away. Aragorn’s shoulders sagged as he pressed his forehead against Asfaloth’s. "Thank you, Asfaloth. You have earned your rest, but I fear I will not rest for a long, long time." Asfaloth: understands him. goes and finds an elf to help. :)

Lexilooper	Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 1/31/2026
Aragorn pulled his hands from his ears and looked around him as a man emerging from a horrendous nightmare. skahfsfgsss and it seemed to Aragorn that he could feel Halbarad’s pain in his own body. ooh like Denlad <33 Halbarad, whose pain-filled eyes looked back at his with such unshakeable trust that an empty hollow yawned in Aragorn’s gut. He did not know that he could live up to that trust. SKADHSLFHSJKSGL <:(( <:)) Without waiting for an answer, he let out a low, quavering whistle, calling to his mount. Like Gandalffff in the movie anyways I love Glorfindel <3

Lexilooper	Reviewed Chapter: 16 on 1/31/2026
Glorfindel gave Aragorn’s arm a squeeze that nearly crushed it, then left with the patrol to set up the defense. I love the ongoing "Glorfindel is unaware of his own strength" thing XD "I am no longer suffering from the Black Breath, Halbarad. At least no more than after one has a cold and all that remains is a bit of a sniffle." HA THAT'S A GOOD ONE "A sniffle! That you would compare...." He seemed to lose all power of speech for a moment, but he quickly regained it and the fire in his eye, if possible, grew hotter. "If you no longer suffer the Black Breath, then I have three heads and six arms! Aragorn, do not force me to do battle with you." SAKSDSHKGH THANK YOU HALBARAD FOR AGREEING WITH ME AND NOT FALLING AT LEAST IN PART TO ARAGORN'S REASSURANCES LIKE SO MANY DO "We are here to battle the Nazgûl, not each other. Battling me would be counterproductive... and highly painful." ...yes, for you, Aragorn. Then he smiled slowly. Of course, I will eventually run out of arrows.... BUDDY YOU ARE FAR TOO SNEAKY FOR YOUR OWN WELFARE "You will not fall," well...mostly THE HIE THYSELF AND HIE HIMSELF STILL MAKES ME CACKLE "Halbarad," he gasped. skasdhsk the way between the black breath rising within and pressing without he is nearly suffocated Why is the fear so much stronger this time than the last? BUDDY I THOUGHT YOU WERE SMART the way the battle-song is almost like, addicting, the only thing that gives him a sense of strength or clarity, and so he follows it against anything Halbarad or anyone else may try to do Halbarad pushed him hard against the cottage wall, holding him there with an iron-hard arm across his chest. He winced both from the pressure on his bruised chest and from the rough stones gouging into his back. "Halbarad, let me go!" he growled, trying without success to push Halbarad away. yesss thisssss angry Aragorn trying to struggle against stern and concerned Halbarad His desperate search for Halbarad is so cute <33 while part of it probably comes from genuine concern that he somehow fell in the battle, to me it feels more like a child searching for their parent or big sibling because they were feeling brave and went off on their own and are now realizing they do want their parent with them or whatever <3 his mind inundated by such a cloud of hopeless desolation that surely all that was light and good had in that moment ceased to exist. SKADHSGK <:(((( imagine He fell to one knee, his sword clattering to the stones as pain knifed into his chest. skashshssssss I love how the wound from the Nazgul works effortlessly for it and against Aragorn, far more than a wound only physical would, and more effective the closer the Nazgul is He simply leaned against the wall, trying to draw in air that seemed unable to get past the agony in his chest. Vaguely within that pain he felt another in his left arm. With another wrenching groan, he staggered back the way he came and the pain eased enough to let him draw a breath as he stopped and leaned against a giant tree that grew close to a cottage. sakjdsgh the pain in his chest still there, not able to breath for it until he gets farther awayyy Aragorn shook his head, still clutching his chest. "It... it is nothing. Just the old bruise. Somehow... proximity to the wraith is making it ache." Ache. More like burning with icy fire straight from Forochel. sakjshjsgsh and clutching his chest burning with icy fire He swallowed hard and forced his hand from his chest, struggling to project a facade that all was well when he knew it was far from that. "Where were you?" yesss he full well knows Aragorn still could not seem to catch his breath. He leaned his head against the tree and shut his eyes. His free hand strayed back to his chest. skjaddhsk the way even though others touching it is torture, it hurts so that he can't keep himself from trying to clutch at it

Lexilooper	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 1/31/2026
Aragorn rode slowly through what was left of Windydale’s gates, Halbarad beside and just behind him. His brothers and Lord Glorfindel, followed by the rest of the Dúnedain, trailed behind Halbarad. I love how they so fully respect him and have their own humility that they automatically follow both Aragorn and his chosen second-in-command <33 Denlad, Elrohir, I would have you come with me to help tend the wounded. I am sure what healer they may have is quite overwhelmed and needs our help." ooh I am now better versed in both of their healing skills and learning <33 particularly Denlad's "Before you ask it, I will tell you: no, I am not fine. Nor am I likely to be fine any time soon, not until I drive that wretched monster from my lands." sksahgksdhgshgsksss "my lands" THIS WAY HE CLAIMS THEM AS HIS OWN IS SO POWERFUL in not a prideful way, but a fiercely protective love. this wretched monster dared to hurt HIS PEOPLE, whom he guards with his life and loves more than. they are indeed his lands and he will lets anyone who dares to harm them know that they are under the protection of Aragorn Elrondion son of Arathorn <3 He heard a chuckle and glanced up in surprise to see it was Glorfindel who laughed. But the amused set to his mouth did not reach his eyes. "I did not expect anything less from you, Estel Elrondion. You are indeed your fathers’ son, after all. Both of them," he added. awww not "father's son", "fathers' son" <33 and I loveeeee "Estel ELrondion" <33 immediately calling him Elrond's son. And I love that the names given him alliterate with each father who gave it :) Elrohir stepped over. He placed a hand on Aragorn’s shoulder and squeezed gently. "We will find the wraith, Estel. This shall not happen again." Awww yayy it's BOTH of them <33 Glorfindel said, his eyes shining warmly at him. sasskghkhfskj this, his eyes shining warmly at Aragorn <333 Aragorn wished he could believe him. But what, really, could five men and three Elves do against such power? The blackness in him surged again, swelling into a wave of hopelessness that threatened to utterly engulf him. Aragorn wished he could believe him. But what, really, could five men and three Elves do against such power? The blackness in him surged again, swelling into a wave of hopelessness that threatened to utterly engulf him. SKAHDKSHF okay but his thoughts here show the hold of the Black Breath upon him. He forgets Glorfindel is the one who defeated the Witch-king of Angmar. And I LOVE the "Estel..." in his mind <333 Elrohir seeing great cause for concern and kindly but sternly going mm... I can picture picture the piercing look with eyebrows slightly raised also "gently" within his own <33 he is using no force here, not trying to pry more than Aragorn will allow (I would say like, but I don't think he's liking any amount of scrutiny at the moment) Aragorn pulled the blanket up around the wounded man’s shoulders and straightened, wincing at the twinge in his lower back. He rubbed the back of a bloodstained hand across his forehead, trying without discernable success to massage away what felt like an iron band squeezing his skull. "He will sleep now," he rasped. He could not remember when he last took a drink of water. The man’s wife nodded her thanks, and Aragorn staggered over to a laver and plunged both hands into the tepid water. He stared vacantly at the swirling brown stains as the blood washed from his hands. skasjdhsgk the terrible headache THE RASP audibly betraying his exhaustion and unwellness, really the only differences between him and those in these beds are that he is standing on his own two feet, he has the hands of a healer, and the blood of Elendil in his veins. But as hard as it was physically, his spirit flagged far more. skaaaaaaskdjkdshgfsjklghsjkhgs FAR more. Like, I didn't even realize you could flag "far more" than he is physically and still be going He felt beaten. Bruised of heart and broken in his soul, and in his darker moments, he really had no idea how or where or when he might find any sort of solace for his wounded spirit. <:((((( his wounded spiritttttt Denlad even now was bent over one of the children, singing a soft lullaby to try to calm the little one’s heart-wrenching cries. SINGING A LULLABY TO THE CHILD <333 <:(( Denlad glanced up at that moment, his face pale, his eyes murky with sorrow and fatigue. He shook his head slightly. SKADHSKGHSJKGS NOOOO <:(((( Nothing would ever do that. And somewhere, buried beneath the crushing sorrow, a spark smoldered. Anger started to fester and burn. "You will pay, Sauron," he whispered. "Somehow, I will make you pay..." A SPARK, EVEN IF IT IS NOT OF HOPE, IS VERY GOOD. FOR IT MEANS MOTIVATION TO KEEP GOING. He balled up the towel in his hands. Tried to banish the mocking voice of his doubts, but again the darkness overshadowed his mind, turning it toward despair, cutting off any ray of hope with its stygian hand... skahfshsjkhskgj how quickly the spark is crushed again, "stygian" A voice from the open doorway ripped him from his troubled thoughts. "Aragorn?" AWWW YAY <33 I love anyone saying his name cause that means it's a friendddd Halbarad. Aragorn turned away and scrubbed his face with the towel, knowing even as he did so he would be unable to hide anything from Halbarad. "Here." <333 good It was a sign of his exhaustion that he did not argue as Halbarad grasped his arm and led him into the evening twilight. yessssss and suffering himself to be led, as well <3 The water felt obscenely comforting. It nearly gagged him, but he choked it down and with it some of the guilt. skadhsk the comfort of such a thing being acutely painful His steps faltered, however, when he was confronted by a knot of scowling men, one of which, a dark-haired man who was nearly as tall as Aragorn but about fifty pounds heavier, stepped forward. "We would speak to you, Lord Aragorn." THESE GUYS I LOVE THEM <33 Not long, he decided, and wondered tiredly if perhaps being beaten into oblivion would not be such a bad thing. skaskjhshshsssss thisssss <:(((( almost, just almost wishing for it "‘Twas a fell thing to have happened, but it is not for any of us to go about placing blame on any save Sauron himself. yessssss exactlyyyy wise <3 You have only to tell us what we might do, for we will follow you, as we have always followed our Chieftain." AWWWW <33 It felt good to be off his feet. A HUGE UNDERSTATEMENT I BET not even wasting a moment in his beeline to sit down, or waiting for the innkeeper to leave or any other thing. giving the cheese a desultory nibble yess :)

Lexilooper	Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 1/29/2026
He ignored the sudden sharp look of concern that Elrohir gave him and turned to Glorfindel. skdahkghsdf this look still makes me irrationally happy :D Indeed I love all the piercing raking looks the elves give him My only regret is that he never actually responds to them. They never exactly torment the truth from him. However it's made okay in that he instead gets the direct care of Lord Elrond <3333 None of us would have lasted so long." Assorted nods from the other Rangers affirmed his words. Aragorn stood silent, fighting back the urge to clap a hand over Halbarad’s mouth. Halbarad continued, "We managed to use fire to scare the wraith off–" THIS PART, HALBARAD TALE <33 and all the Rangers firmly agreeing <333 "No," Aragorn finally interrupted, unable to hold his tongue any longer. "You used the fire, Halbarad. You were the one that drove off the Nazgûl. So if you feel you must put me on a pedestal like some sort of ridiculous hero, dispense with the false modesty and put yourself up there right alongside me." someone is grumpy <3 but I love how it's so opposite of pride. "oh you wanna tell tales about my deeds of strength? how about some of yours, then" "Hush, Strider, I’m the one telling this tale," Halbarad muttered into his ear. The men did not hear his words, but the sharp-eared Elves did, and despite the grim nature of the tale, Glorfindel and Elladan eyed Aragorn with undisguised amusement. Aragorn started to protest, but then decided silence was the only safe option. He clamped his lips together and stared down at his boots. Better to stare at the snowy mud than endure their mocking gazes. SAHGKSDHJKDGHSDF <3333 Glorfindel and Elladan overhearing and thinking it's hilarious XD perfect use of "Strider" Elrohir is fitting to character a bit more composed/serious, although we all know he can tease as well as any if he wants to the "Again" is just. <:(((

Lexilooper	Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 1/27/2026
Like a sacrifice. SKAJDJF THIS LINE Halbarad grasped his arm with his free hand and something inside Aragorn snapped. "No!" He jerked his arm free from Halbarad’s grip and some small voice of sanity screamed at him to not use the knife do not use the knife so he dropped it but at the same time shoved Halbarad away from him, hard. Halbarad let out a startled cry and dropped the chains as he scrambled to keep his balance. He staggered into a chair, knocking it over, then went down on top of it with a loud grunt when his feet tangled in the rungs. AHHHHH hes só far from expecting Aragorn to shove him <3 <:( his genuine surprise makes me happy and is also heartbreaking for how obviously unwell and taken by terror Aragorn is. GALADH TALKING ELEDH AND ARAGORNS LAST BANTER ABOUT THE MOTHER HEN okay I promise I will sleep a couple hours now I just really wanted to get to the chains part <3

Lexilooper	Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 1/27/2026
SKAJSJFKF TEARS 🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹 I forgot how sweet this chapter is. And this time the young man did not run away. AND THEN DENLAD DOING THE SAME TO THIS YOUNG MAN AND NEALA WORRYING HES MAD AT HER OR SOMETHING <3333

Lexilooper	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 1/27/2026


Lexilooper	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 1/27/2026
So uh I perhaps did not go to bed Well, I went to bed. I did not go to sleep. I’ve been reading this. Not quite all but skimming much of the first chapters (had to see the horse balm of course because of the most recent wincing getting off a horse reminder) and of course reading this part slower and in more detail (also trying to save Amelia I read slower, among other things). But I forgot about him struggling to his hands and knees one last time. “The blackness deafening his ears” skajdjdjdjdj whoa SO GOOD <333

First Page | Previous Page | Next Page | Last Page

Return to Chapter List