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The Cruelest Kindness  by MP brennan 7 Review(s)
vorpalswardReviewed Chapter: 2 on 7/14/2013
Hello, I just wanted to tell you that your stories about Aragorn are some of my favorites that I've come across. Your characterization highlights everything about him that I love so much! It always lights up my day a bit when I see there's something new from you. :)

I wanted to send you a private message about my next question, since it doesn't directly relate to any of your stories here, but I don't think I can on this site? Anyway, I was wondering if you've ever written any stories for Samurai Jack? It just struck me the other day that those two warrior-rulers in exile actually have a lot in common, and I definitely think you'd do Jack great justice. Just curious...

Author Reply: Hi! Thanks for reviewing! I'm so glad you're enjoying my Aragorn characterizations.

To answer your question, nope, I've never written for Samurai Jack. I remember seeing a few episodes when they first came out and being very excited about the show, but then the network started playing fooseball with the time slot and I could never find the later episodes. And, this was largely before the magic of the internet (or at least before I knew how to harness its power!). If you know of a site where I can find the SJ episodes, I'd be interested in taking a look, but fic-wise, I'm focusing on Tolkien at the moment (and Tolkien requires a lot of focus . . . ;). If you want to send me a PM, I'm on FFN under the same handle (MP brennan) and at LiveJournal as "brennanspeaks." At either the Pit or my journal, you'll find my other fandom interests (primarily Battlestar Galactica, though I haven't been active in that fandom in several years). My style tends to vary a lot depending on the fandom I'm writing in.

Thanks again for your support!

-Brennan

Linda HoylandReviewed Chapter: 2 on 6/19/2013
A great ending to a wonderful story. You are one of the best Aragorn writers around.

Author Reply: Thank you so much! Your support has been awesome.

-Brennan

ElentarriReviewed Chapter: 2 on 6/18/2013
Denethor is not going to be happy.

Author Reply: Thanks for reviewing! You're absolutely right.

-Brennan

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 2 on 6/18/2013
To die would be easier for him than to kill--the child has promise to him, I find. I doubt that he will come back, and Aragorn has planted the seed of doubt regarding the truthfulness of his masters in the boy's heart, a seed that may well save many of the Rhunim in the end.

I like the idea that the child has been taught in rhymes--and, as is true of most "successful" lies there is that kernel of truth to which the lie is tied--the seven levels that are seen matched by the seven hidden levels of dungeons that don't really exist. And that Aragorn doesn't find the Rangers of Gondor as skillful as those he led in Eriador is fun!

Author Reply: Thanks for another great review! Perceptive, as always. I'm glad you enjoyed this fic.

-Brennan

elizaReviewed Chapter: 1 on 6/18/2013
hummm. interesting story. Quite possible a dilemma that soliders today must still wrestle with. How to redeem some one who very probable does not want to be redeemed. Along side of that poor Aragorn has to deal with leadership when clearly those he leads does not agree with him.

You summed it up nicely "cruel to be kind". It will be interesting to see how Aragorn deals with the steward.

Great begininng.



Author Reply: Thank you so much for your review! Sorry for my late reply. You were right to point out that the conflict in this story is relevant to today's world. While I try not to draw too much from real people and events, the inspiration for this story came partly from the ever-depressing evening news and stories like the incarceration of Omar Khadr. To some extent, I'm just a troubled American trying to make amends through fiction.

Thanks again for your support! This story got a bit truncated due to Teitho's length limits, but I'm glad you enjoyed it.

-Brennan

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 1 on 6/18/2013
It is a difficult position to be in for one who has a tendency to see the best potential in others. But to kill a boy would indeed be difficult for him. He himself probably began riding out on patrols from Rivendell at that age, and he is still young enough to remember how callow he was at the time. But I am glad he sees the boy as redeemable.

Author Reply: Thanks so much for your wonderful review! I'm glad you appreciated the dilemma laid out in this story.

-Brennan

Linda HoylandReviewed Chapter: 1 on 6/17/2013
This is a super story and I'm delighted it won, congratulations!It had my first place vote.I was haunted by the story all week and it is part of the reason that I'm writing another chapter of to my story.

I loved the way your portrayed Aragorn's dilemma and loved the solution he came up with. Your Aragorn is just perfect and how I imagine him to be.

As you ask for concrit, my one nitpick is that you should never pull out an arrow, but rather cut it out. I learned that researching my own stories. The exception is if the victim wears a silk shirt!
http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/AnnoyingArrows

A very deserving winner of the 100th Teitho contest.

Author Reply: Hi Linda! I wanted to thank you so much for this awesome review. Sorry I didn't respond sooner (RL's been craaazy). I'm so so glad you enjoyed this story and that it stuck with you. How are things going with "Too Long a Sacrifice"? It's funny--I think my reaction to your story was very similar to your reaction to mine. I couldn't get it out of my head and kept going back to reread over and over. I was ecstatic when I heard that you were adding on to that story, and I hope the writing process goes well!

-Brennan

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