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| A Long and Weary Way by Canafinwe | 12 Review(s) |
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| obsidianj | Reviewed Chapter: 72 on 11/13/2015 |
| I didn't think of mountain sickness when Aragorn coughed. But I had a touch of it the first time I went to the Alps. I was by far not as afflicted as Aragorn, but what used to be a simple walk up a few steps grew nearly impossible because I had trouble breathing. Poor Aragorn, that was the last he expected. It takes a few days to get accustomed to the height. I was in a nice heated mountain hut compared to Aragorn and Gandalf spending the night without real shelter. I don't want to switch places with them. Author Reply: I've never experienced it myself, but all the accounts I've come across make it plain it's absolutely miserable. The Pass is described as so horribly inhospitable in The Hobbit. I tried to capture that very clearly. | |
| DoggieGirl | Reviewed Chapter: 72 on 9/17/2015 |
| Poor Aragorn. So close but so far. You could really feel the anger and frustration coming him. It must be so hard to have the mental toughness, endurance, and the iron will to force yourself to do what you want but to then be betrayed by your own body. I really feel for him. I again applaud you for such realism in your portrayal especially in how the body is effected and how a person like Aragorn would think about the symptoms. Aragorn is certainly not stupid about his health, but he does tend to ignore anything related to his own personal health because he relies on his enduring stamina and his iron will to carry him through. Unfortunately, his stamina is shot and his body has given all that it can. But that does feel like such a betrayal. One thing that all this frustration brings to the forefront is how deeply Aragorn desperately longs to reach Rivendale. It is no longer about getting Golum to Mirkwood, it is not about getting desperately needed food to survive (not that am not still worried on that account), it is not about survival, it is not about even about being alone, it is simply about the longing for the mental and physical peace of Rivendale that only his childhood home, his family, and his beloved can give him. I eagerly look forward to reading the next agonizing chapters. But as I said, these chapters have just set the stage for Rivendale in way that nothing else ever could. I know we must be reaching the end of this fantastic epic, but I can’t help but wish it would never end. I really look forward to chapters in Rivendale though. As you say, it gives you as the writer and us as a reader the opportunity to dig into different aspects of Aragorn’s character in his haven of rest and see how he interacts and relates to his those closest to his heart. Author Reply: Thank you. It's great to know that the frustration comes across, and that it fits for you. That's such a delicate balance, with respect to Aragorn's approach to his own health. I'm very glad you agree about how it should be portrayed. And yes: he is yearning for peace and rest and care. It's touching to know you don't want the story to end: thank you! | |
| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: 72 on 9/16/2015 |
| Ah. I thought I recognised the signs of altitude sickness... especially the part about the blinding headache. I experienced that when hiking in the mountains, after living by the ocean. My body was not able to go above 10,000 feet -- from sea level to 10,000 was my limit -- even though a mere additional 100 feet would have brought us to the top of the height we climbed. My friend had to take my camera and leave me to rest, and take pictures of the surrounding heights from the low mountaintop that had been our destination. Bitter disappointment, but altitude sickness is nothing to fool with, definitely. Author Reply: Oh, how frustrating! That's a huge change, though, all the way up from sea level! I've been fortunate enough not to have firsthand experience, but by all accounts altitude sickness is monstrous. | |
| Marianel | Reviewed Chapter: 72 on 9/16/2015 |
| How I love Gandalf in your story !His humour and thoughts of Aragorns "going-home- stubbornes", his kindness, his dark looks, anger and his fatherly but sometimes scary ways. I knew an elderly workmate of my moms on a summerjob I had in gardening while in school.He actually resembled Gandalf in many ways except for the wizardry.Unfortunately he passed on from cancer too early dearly missed.Guess thats one reason I easy took to like Gandalf😄 I was one of few of the many young summer stand ins who took to him and liked him though he was in fact also very kind but some people didnt understand him. Just like your Gandalf! My favourite part is where Gandlaf presses they should go back to that dratted cave and rest and Aragorn is angry and frustrated.Poor Aragorn! I see both the miserable humour in Aragorns fears of going back and forth and the misery. I laughed there and sighed deeply and pitied them😆😁 Author Reply: Thank you so much! I agree: Gandalf is an amazing character. You're very blessed to have known someone so much like him! I am sorry to hear of the gentleman's untimely death. That's always so hard to bear. It's lovely to know you liked Aragorn's fit of temper! It's certainly understandable at this point, poor Ranger. | |
| Lily Baggins | Reviewed Chapter: 72 on 9/15/2015 |
| Oh my goodness... how much can I enjoy a chapter? Is it possible to sit and salivate any more while reading? No. A resounding no. What a cruel blow to Aragorn, indeed. How utterly frustrating and disappointing to have to face another of his body's weaknesses---and on the way home, too. However, I think Aragorn must remember that if he were any other person, he'd likely already been dead by now. And it seems he does, stealing himself for more of the journey. Nevertheless, his anger is palpable, and so well described here. So utterly realistic. And this chapter had the best line of the story yet: For one so anxious to avoid bitter quarrels, son of Arathorn, you are sowing a mighty one now,' Gandalf said. Perfection. Gandalf's stern worry is utterly wonderful, and it's also so relieving that Aragorn is not alone this time, but has someone looking out for him. I am on pins and needles wanting to find out what happens next. Oh, Aragorn is yet unwell, and so utterly miserable, and so exhausted, and just aggravated as heck, and it is so wonderfully done! Author Reply: It's so wonderful to know that this chapter suits your tastes so well! Aragorn's anger and disappointment are only natural, of course: a man can only bear so much, and he's been amazingly patient up 'til now. It was such a refreshing change to have him in trouble when there is someone he knows and trusts on hand to help him. I'm tickled that you like that line! It struck me as very Gandalf. Thank you! | |
| Robnrun | Reviewed Chapter: 72 on 9/15/2015 |
| I wondered on the hints about his cough and the blue lips! What I like about this work is that the angst and the hurt is not without reason nor is it so overblown that it is implausible. There is no magic 'fixit' wand but the sheer strength of one very (lucky) determined man. Author Reply: Thanks so much! Choosing such a dark piece of the story was risky just because of that: senseless angst is so dangerous. I'm glad you like the balance. And yes! Yes, Aragorn is very lucky... | |
| Aromene | Reviewed Chapter: 72 on 9/15/2015 |
| Bravo, bravo! *claps* You know, I shouldn't be so happy to have Aragorn so miserable, but I'm kind of glad there's one last 'hurdle' to overcome. And it makes perfect sense too, in his condition, that altitude sickness would strike. Author Reply: *wee little bow* Thank you! I'm glad it makes sense. I thought so, too. And one last hurdle seems fitting, especially as this last road is not exactly a leisurely one. It's also nice to have Aragorn facing adversity with help and support for once... | |
| Celeth | Reviewed Chapter: 72 on 9/15/2015 |
| Poor Aragorn! So near and yet so far. I feel for him. I used to love hiking, and climbing mountains, but I have weak lungs, and could never go past a certain height. It is a most distressing thing, to be so near the goal, and then unable to continue because your body simply gives out. Still, I must confess I am glad they have not reached Rivendell just yet (I'm so sorry, Aragorn!) because then the story would be over. It's wonderful how every situation brings that sterling character to the fore. That last paragraph where he counts his blessings and "gathers his resolve about him like a garment", determined to withdraw but come back and fight another day, shows so clearly the kind of man he was. Author Reply: Oh, it would be maddening! I'm sorry to hear you've had some experience with this sort of barrier. I can only imagine the frustration. It's so sweet to know you're reluctant for the story to end! Makes me glad I didn't just drop the curtain when they cut Gollum's rope from Aragorn's wrist. ;-) Thank you for your lovely words about the situations illuminating his character. Thank you! | |
| Elentarri | Reviewed Chapter: 72 on 9/15/2015 |
| Oh, well done for remembering altitude sickness. :) It would never have occurred to me. Love the Aragorn and Gandalf interactions. Author Reply: Thanks! I thought it was logical. I too love these two together: such amazing characters, and such a unique friendship. | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 72 on 9/15/2015 |
| What a wonderful, deeply-forged friendship. How Gandalf must have worried and grieved when the mortals whom he loved were in danger. Author Reply: Oh, yes, yes! We see it so clearly in Book 6, in his fear for Frodo and Sam. A burden of immortality: to know he will inevitably be severed from them forever. | |