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| A Star in Midwinter by Cairistiona | 140 Review(s) |
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| Mirach | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 12/18/2009 |
| Ah, a heartwarming story for Christmas from Cairistiona! Or, it promises to be, at least, because we already know Denlad and his close friendship with Aragorn later. And it is good to see them relax and enjoy the warmth of home for once. I was astounded how you managed to show the building of the fire like a dance with the rhythm of your words. I hope they show Denlad that he belongs there, too. Aragorn cares for every one of his people, as you show clearly here. Being a chieftain is more then leading them in fights, and that is often forgotten. And he has his own chicken! Aw, that made me feel so nostalgic... It reminds me on my great-grandmother when I was a small child. She had three chicken, and they were her pets, and mine too, together with her, and then after she died. They didn't have names, either, just Thin White, Thick White and Brown. This makes Aragorn and Denlad even closer to me, and brings the memory of my great-grandmother. Thank you! Author Reply: Thank you, Mirach! Knowing how poetic your own writing is, I'm very flattered that you liked how I used a bit of rhythm in the bonfire scene... I'm not very handy with things like that so it means a lot to hear from someone who is that I stumbled upon a more poetic way of describing something! And how neat that the chickens brought back memories for you! Although I've never had chickens myself, I've heard stories of my grandmother having a chicken that lived in her house with her, grandly named Chanticleer, and I have aunts and uncles who have chickens and treat them as pets. So I suppose it's not such an uncommon thing! Thanks for the review! | |
| Vilwarin | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 12/18/2009 |
| Oh, what a wonderful beginning to a mettare story. I really had to cry all the way through. I think I can partly relate to Denlad; it is very hard to begin a new life among people that are so different from you. They are a tight community and know each other intimately - and you are the outsider. You know nothing about them or their customs and even look different. And for a shy man it is only natural to draw back into himself, which intensifies the feeling of not belonging. And then there is, of course, the feeling of being overwhelmed by the kindness of others that probably accept you more readily than you think. Again, wonderfully done and I'm looking forward to the next chapter. Author Reply: Thank you, Vilwarin! Oh, you really have pegged what I'm trying to do with Denlad in this chapter and story. I think we've all been in that situation, perhaps not always as dramatically as Denlad but still finding ourselves as outsiders, wondering if the kindness is real, wondering how to possibly weave ourselves into a community that seems not to really *need* us. Those are the themes, to my mind, that Denlad as a character represents. As I told Radbooks in reply her review, I feel odd saying that I'm glad I made you cry, but I am incredibly encouraged that this chapter has brought readers to tears... it's so reassuring to know that I've created a character that people can relate to and connect with to that extent. Thank you for the review! | |
| Ellynn | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 12/18/2009 |
| Aww, a story about Denlad. :) I'm so glad to read more about him. Poor guy, feeling so lonely and sad at the moment. Can I come in and comfort him a little' *laughing* I love the description of the village and cottage. P.S. The chieftain and chicken? What a picture! :))) Author Reply: Thank you, Ellynn! Somehow I missed responding to this review... my apologies! And yes, chieftains and chickens, who knew! LOL I kind of liked that picture myself. And I'm certain that Denlad would LOVE for you to go in with some comforting hugs. :) | |
| Elentarri | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 12/17/2009 |
| Hay!! Another story!! :) I love Denlad. And great writing as usual. Author Reply: Thank you, Elentarri! I'm always so happy to hear that someone loves Denlad. The poor boy needs a lot of love. :) Thanks for the review and enjoy the tale! | |
| Midnight Promise | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 12/17/2009 |
| Hello! WOOT WOOT! Another story! Favorite person! :3 And, better yet, its going into detail with Denlad! Aw...those people who were mean to him should be shot. . . ;p Aw, someone give that kid a hug! Haha, I think I said that in the last story too. :) Awesome job, loved it, and can't wait for more! If your in school, hope you're enjoying break. But if you're not. . .enjoy the season. :D Happy Holidays, MP Author Reply: Thank you, MP... I'm with you in thinking the bullies and the meanies that were so cruel to Denlad need to be drawn and quartered. Of course, I'm biased, since Denlad is "my" child, so it's very good to hear that a reader feels that same sort of teeth-grinding outrage. Denlad does need hugs... lots of them... so feel free. :) My student days are looooong behind me (thank heavens) but I'm enjoying the holidays as always. You have a wonderful Christmas and New Year as well! Thanks again for the review! | |
| Minerva Organa | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 12/17/2009 |
| I can't get over the pure squee that ensued upon reading this. I do believe Denlad is one of my favorite OC's ever. You capture him so beautifully...I can't wait for more of this! Author Reply: Oh, so that was that high-pitched sound I heard in the east! *g* Thank you, Minerva--I'm so glad you enjoyed this first chapter, and of course it makes *me* squee knowing that Denlad's becoming such a favorite of yours. Thanks for the review and enjoy the rest of the story! | |
| Radbooks | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 12/17/2009 |
| Oh, this is very, very good... you made me tear up, which I don't do too often. :) I'm looking forward to the next chapter! Author Reply: Thank you, Radbooks! It sounds rather cold to say I'm glad I made you cry but, well, the writer in me is very glad to know that I touched your emotions so. Thank you for the review! | |
| Estelcontar | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 12/17/2009 |
| What a lovely start for your Yule fiction. I just loved to see the Dúnedain preparing their Mettarë bonfire through Denlad's eyes, and the view of Halbarad was very revealing. This was a very poetic glimpse on their daily lives, when they were not fighting orcs, and other evil things, but happy enjoying themselves. The way Denlad feels sounds very convincing too. It would be difficult at the start for a solitary and shy youngster like he had always been to fit in and feel at home in such a thightly knit community as the Dúnedain were bound to be. As usual, I loved how you presented Aragorn. His kindness, perceptiveness, considerateness and concern for others ring really, really true. So also do you Dírhael and Ivorwen. I really enjoyed the bit about the chickens, and the name you came up with for them. A wonderful beginning indeed. Author Reply: Thank you, Estelcontar! I'm so glad you enjoyed this first chapter. I love exploring the "home life" of the Dunedain, how they might live and relate to one another and help each other when they are fortunate enough to live closely like those in this settlement do. I'm very glad Denlad is convincing... I do want him to be fully developed as a character, as much as the canon characters. Thanks for the review! | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 12/17/2009 |
| Reading this, I was swept right into that young man's meager home and longing heart and mixed emotions. What beautiful writing. It's wonderful to learn of Denlad's youth, and how he grew to know his people and heritage... and Chieftain. Author Reply: Thank you, Shirebound! I'm so glad you liked this first chapter. Denlad does have a longing heart... he's never known a father or close family ties aside from what love his mother spared him. So this is an entirely new world for him. Thank you for the lovely review! | |
| Raksha The Demon | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 12/17/2009 |
| The culture of the Northern Dunedain is beautifully depicted here - the hardship, pride, and compassion even to a lonely and fatherless boy. I wonder if Denlad is going to think that Aragorn is his father... And, as always, good characterization of Aragorn! Looking forward to more. Author Reply: Thank you, Raksha! I'm so glad you enjoyed the depiction of Dunedain life I'm trying to show here. I think the Dunedain were definitely a special folk, not entirely perfect but a people who nonetheless strive to be kind and compassionate and true to the nobility of their heritage, even to extending a welcoming hand to an orphan (even if that orphan is nearly grown to manhood). As for Denlad thinking Aragorn his father... hmm, probably not in any literal sense. But a father figure... yes, definitely. Thank you for the review--I hope you continue to enjoy the story! | |