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At Hope's Edge  by Cairistiona 8 Review(s)
DreamdeerReviewed Chapter: 13 on 8/5/2009
And now the tension builds, as the reader realizes that the respite draws to an end. Knowing that the hero still hasn't completely healed, body, mind, or soul, cranks it up a notch. The interactions still ring hauntingly true, committing the reader hopelessly to the reading on...

Author Reply: Ah, I like hearing that a reader can't help but keep reading. *grin* I'm so very glad you're taking time to give me your thoughts on each chapter--that really does let me enjoy the reader's journey through this story. And yes, Aragorn is far from healed in any way, much as he would argue otherwise. Thank you for yet another lovely review!

Silivren TinuReviewed Chapter: 13 on 3/7/2009
Time to try and catch up to the lovely new chapters of yours I've found waiting for me in my inbox. ;-)

Hm, I'm not sure now whether to be relieved or even more worried. I'm glad Aragorn finally told Halbarad what's going on with him (or at least the part of it he understands himself), but his reaction to seeing Halbarad with the chains was worrisome, to say the least.

I so loved Halbarad blocking Aragorn's view of the chains at the end of the chapter - all the little ways he's constantly looking out for his chieftain are so endearing. :) I also loved Halbarad assuring Aragorn that Elrond still loved him, in spite of his anger over his betrothal to Arwen. I really wish Aragorn would agree to go to Rivendell, but somehow I'm not very confident that will happen. ;-)

//Oh, he knows his place–hovering over you like a very stubborn and ugly mother hen.// - LOL, that was priceless and so very true. *g*

//Eledh eyed Aragorn, seeming to read his thoughts. "If you need me to, I’ll do the beating. I doubt you’re strong enough to take on Halbarad just yet."// - That made me chuckle. It's so nice how helpful they all are, lol!

Loved it! :)

Almut

Author Reply: Thank you, Almut! I'm glad you're finally feeling well enough to get caught up. I'm also very glad you liked all this... I think my favorite part was the way Halbarad blocked Aragorn's view of the chains as well. One of those moments that sort of wrote itself, actually. And yes, Eledh is trying to support Aragorn, isn't he? LOL I was glad to give him and Galadh a bit of time in the spotlight. They're really very minor characters in this story, but I want them to feel real when they do get a chance to be front and center. Glad Eledh made you laugh.

Thanks again for the review!

Linda HoylandReviewed Chapter: 13 on 3/5/2009
A very dramatic twist here.Aragorn is being so stubborn.I think only with expert help will he get over a Nazgul attack. I can just imagine the tension of being all cooped up together in a snowstorm.

Author Reply: Thank you, Linda! Yes, things aren't getting easier, are they? And Aragorn, well, stubbornness can be a strength and a weakness and time will tell which way it will play out for him. Thanks for the review!

BMReviewed Chapter: 13 on 3/2/2009
I cannot find appropriate words to express just how much I am enjoying this. Your OCs are endearing, your characterizations so very realistic, and your scenarios so rich that I'm pulled completely into the story. I so wish I could see this as a movie! You are doing an awesome, wonderful job with this! You have wonderful talent and I hope to find many, many more stories soon. In the meantime, I'll wait not-so-patiently for the next suspenseful chapter, hoping that either Halbarad will convince Aragorn to go to Rivendell (I know, that's highly unlikely) or unexpected help will arrive. And I hope against hope that Denald, Eledh, and Galadh survive for many long years and are able to live out their old age in peace (and that Denlad finds happiness with a certain lady......) Thank you so very much for sharing this and I'm looking forward to more!

Author Reply: Thank you, BM! My goodness, now I'm the one that can't find sufficient words. What a very kind review. I had never thought about this little story of mine being a movie, but it would be kind of fun, wouldn't it? Hmm, who to cast as Denlad and Halbarad! You've given me some fodder for daydreaming. :) I'm very glad you're enjoying this, and I do think you're right in that it's highly unlikely that Aragorn will agree to go to Rivendell. Poor Halbarad. And yes, I do have more stories in the works, and ideas to pursue... so hopefully they'll eventually all get written. *crossing fingers* Thank you again for such a lovely review!

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 13 on 3/2/2009
Now--which is more stubborn, Aragorn or Halbarad? They are both right! But they need their chieftain, and they need help. Aragorn needs to accept that!

Author Reply: Boy, is there ever a debate there! "Resolved: Who is the most stubborn, Aragorn or Halbarad"! I don't know that it could ever be resolved, to be honest, which is why they butt heads so much. Thanks for continuing to read and review... it's very encouraging. :)

EstelcontarReviewed Chapter: 13 on 3/1/2009
I see things are getting darker again. Poor Aragorn! But he is stuborn ins't he? He knows he's not well; he knows the best course for him would be going to Rivendell, but he still won't. He's lucky he's got someone wise and sensible like Halbarad to knock some sense into his thick skull. LOL

I couldn't agree with Halbarad more when he mentions that it's the Nazgűl evil that's blinding Aragorn to the fact that Elrond loves him.

I also enjoyed the dry humour you infused in the parts with Eledh, Denlad and Galadh. We do need these lighter moment in a dark fiction like this one, and besides they do help to individualize your characters.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed Aragorn pays due attention to Halbarad's most wise words, but somehow I'm not very hopeful he will.


Author Reply: Thank you, Estelcontar! Yes, it is getting darker again, both with the weather moving in and Aragorn's bit of trouble with the chains...things are definitely amiss still. And yes, Halbarad's wise but I doubt his wisdom is enough to overcome Aragorn's stubbornness. It's interesting how stubbornness can be both a help and a hindrance in a leader. Thanks for the review!

inzilbethReviewed Chapter: 13 on 3/1/2009
Your conversations are so real! I absolutely love the interplay between all the characters in this, but especially, of course, the stand off between Halbarad and Aragorn.

Another great chapter.

Author Reply: Thank you, inzilbeth! I'm glad you like the conversations between the Rangers... it's so fun playing around with them, imagining what they'd say to each other and how to make it fit their personalities and temperaments and even their standing within the company--Denlad a bit higher than Eledh and Galadh but Halbarad his superior. But all of them nearly on equal terms as far as skills and quality. They're an interesting group of men, Aragorn's chosen. Glad you're enjoying them all! Thanks for the review.

Raksha The DemonReviewed Chapter: 13 on 3/1/2009
More enjoyable interplay between the Rangers. Aragorn badly needs mother-henning at this point; and the sooner he gets some quality time on Dr. Elrond's couch for some Elven healing (physiological and psychological), the better.



Author Reply: Thank you, Raksha! I'm glad you liked this chapter... we're definitely getting a look at the relationships between all the Rangers at this point. And yes, Aragorn needs to see Elrond... but it can be hard when you're torn between duty to yourself and duty to your people. Aragorn usually puts himself last in such things! Thanks again for the review!

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