Choices by Lindelea
PSW · 7 January 2016 · Chapter 6: Epilogue
So good -- a story I've not seen told from this POV, and which is never really considered ... but of course there would be pain and heartbreak and desperate resolve over such a situation. It's not as simple as one would like it to be, and you've shown that well. Thanks for writing!
Raksha The Demon · 16 March 2009 · Chapter 6: Epilogue
A great epilogue for a lovely story; and I loved Pippin's last farewell to Beregond - very Tookish! Pippin's always been my favorite hobbit...
Raksha The Demon · 16 March 2009 · Chapter 5: The Choices of a King
A chapter that is by turns exciting and touching (oh, what a fine scene between Beregond and Bergil). My favorite bit is of course the conversation of Faramir and Aragorn, with Faramir bringing up the classic legal slippery slope argument - literally! Interesting that Faramir seems to know that Aragorn is somehow going to pull a rabbit out of a hat and save both Beregond and Beregond's honor.
Nienor Niniel · 22 August 2006 · Chapter 6: Epilogue
Oh, I'm glad you wrote something about Beregond, and even several fics! You really show his fear and how he copes with it so well, and I also like that we see something of poor Pippin and his troll-adventure. It was interesting that you brought Beregond together with a relative of one of those he killed - I think I saw it only once, and it was done much differently. In your version, it is very good that we see Beregond's dilemma: although he would act the same if he could go back in time, he still is worried by what he had to do. I'd read "To See Justice Done" before your other fics and really liked it, but I think I forgot to review, lazy me. But I'll review over on MEFA once I get through to it to make up for that. In fact, "To See Justice Done" made me cry quite a bit in the last chapter. As you see, I'm prone to crying over stories when they are emotional... I'm reading "Duty" next, as it belongs together with the others. Nienor
Pervinca · 9 January 2004 · Chapter 6: Epilogue
Beautiful, this was an absolute gem! Beregond has always been one of my favourite characters, despite his rather few appearances. This story did him complete justice AND increased my love for him! I'd love to see a sequel *hint* *hint* :P
Author's reply
Thanks for reviewing! I have written another story from Bergil's point of view (thus you get to see Beregond again) but am stuck in the middle chapters. Perhaps I will dust it off and try to finish it. Beregond also appears in "Frogs" and "All's Well That Ends Well". Bergil appears in "At the End of His Rope" and "Where the Merlin Cries", though I must admit I haven't projected Beregond into the Fourth Age... yet.
Mysterious Jedi · 19 November 2003 · Chapter 6: Epilogue
Excellent!
Author's reply
Thanks!
Shireling · 19 November 2003 · Chapter 6: Epilogue
Lindelea, If you keep writing stories like this I will need to invest in a waterproof keyboard. You have managed to capture the pain, honour and regret of your characters so well. Thank you for a lovely treat. Helen
Author's reply
You're welcome! Thanks for reading and commenting. A waterproof keyboard, eh? Hmmmm (rubbing chin). Perhaps there's gold to be found in this fanfic business after all. Just keep writing stories, and invest in stock in companies that manufacture waterproof keyboards...
Hai · 19 November 2003 · Chapter 6: Epilogue
Oh that was very sweet! The wait was terrible for Beregond but I guess the out come was worth it! I like how you used the things Beregonds gran would say through out the whole story! That was neat. You wrote very good on a topic that really doesn't get that much detail in the books, thanks for filling in some of those gaps!
Author's reply
Thank you. I imagine Beregond's wise old gran shaped his character back in Lossarnach. This (Beregond's "crime" and his trial) is one of the things about the original that always left me wanting more.
Grey Wonderer · 18 November 2003 · Chapter 6: Epilogue
That may have been the perfect ending. I love the part with the swords at the end. I think it was a very fitting way for two warriors to say good-bye. I am already looking forward to your next story.
Author's reply
Thanks for the kind words!
Tim the Enchanter · 18 November 2003 · Chapter 6: Epilogue
My mind is still absorbing my recent viewing of the "Two Towers" extended DVD and I cannot review in any real depth yet, but I'll forget if I don't say something now. Beregond's Gran sounds like a very wise lady and I have greatly enjoyed your story.
Author's reply
Glad you enjoyed the story. I would love to meet Beregond's wise old Gran, indeed, after hearing so much about her. Did you enjoy the extended DVD? I finally have a ticket to see ROTK on the 18th! (Couldn't make it earlier. Schedule conflict. Such is life.)
shirebound · 18 November 2003 · Chapter 6: Epilogue
Oh, what a wonderful ending!!! "I would rather have died than let the Captain die because I was too fearful to take action." Wow. And this just gives me chills all over, it's so perfect: "He drew his sword, and it caught the light of the rising sun as he held it high. On the opposite hilltop, he saw the glint of the sun from another upraised sword, and he watched until it was gone from sight as Pippin's pony descended behind the hill." I thoroughly enjoyed this.
Author's reply
Thank you, shirebound, your praise always means much, considering the source (one of my favourite authors). My dh says you write reviews well, too, and wants to use your review to show his students an example of how to provide feedback.
Tim the Enchanter · 18 November 2003 · Chapter 5: The Choices of a King
Yea! His waiting for news of his fate is over! This is a wonderful story - but any idea on when we can expect the next chapter of "Runaway"?
Author's reply
Not a clue. Jo and I are still trading emails back and forth, playing tag. (as in "you're it!")
Envinyatar · 18 November 2003 · Chapter 5: The Choices of a King
You're doing a fine job with this. Aragorn's method of delivering his judgement on Beregond always bothered me in the book - he seemed to be almost tormenting him, but you provide a very convincing explanation of it: 'They would be reassured that the King is not about to sweep away all the old tradition with his new broom.' I like your portrayal of Beregond as the 'honourable almost to a fault' Gondorian soldier and I think you handle his POV very well. I especially like your depiction of the major events going on at the same time - neatly summarised but not distracting from your story. I think that's probably very difficult to do. The only thing that jarred with me slightly was the reference to Beren & Luthien, regarding Beregond and Gilwyn meeting beyond this world. I can understand him wanting to give her some comfort, but it seemed somewhat slighting of her sister! Otherwise, I'm thoroughly enjoying it. I love it when people update so quickly!
Author's reply
(sound of jaw hitting the floor) Pardon me while I pick something up... You know, I never thought of that! An eternal love quadrangle in the afterlife (for there is also Gilwyn's dead husband...). Yikes! My only explanation is that their spouses were already dead and gone (Gilmarie some years, Gilwyn's husband about a year) and their loss had been grieved, but Beregond and Gilwyn are alive and trying to come to terms with anticipated loss. The judgment scene in the book always bothered me, too. I think that's why I tackled this story in the first place, to explain to my own satisfaction why Aragorn spoke the way he did. Thanks for the comments!
shirebound · 18 November 2003 · Chapter 5: The Choices of a King
How I love this chapter! I've never read a better description of how Aragorn came to his difficult decision, and what it must have cost Beregond to await it, in all those days previous. Mesmerizing! This is a wonderful story.
Author's reply
O, thank you, shirebound. While letting this material percolate back in February, trying to figure out why Aragorn spoke the way he did, it struck me when he said the penalty for spilling blood in the Hallows and deserting one's post was "of old" death. Beregond had to have this in mind fromt the time he left his post... up until the time of the trial, and everyone else would have been aware of it too,, save perhaps the visiting hobbits. I assume he sought an honourable death in battle to spare his family grief and disgrace, which is one of the reasons he was in the front rank when the battle started, not just because he's extraordinarily brave and all. He didn't reckon with being saved by a stubborn hobbit, I guess. Will go off now to face the day, glowing from the praise! Author Reply: p.s. must give the beta readers their due. I was almost entirely focussed on "deserting his post". They were the ones who reminded me he was guilty of the blood of comrades. Thanks Julie and Carol, if you happen to read this!
Grey Wonderer · 18 November 2003 · Chapter 5: The Choices of a King
Beautifully done! The scene between father and son almost made me cry. I hope the final chapter is not too long in coming. You write Aragorn very true to character. I look forward to future stories.
Author's reply
Thank you for the review! The final chapter is about to go up, so you get your wish. I appreciate the feedback on Aragorn; he is another I approach with caution. Somehow Merry and Pippin resonate well with me and I think I could almost write them in my sleep (hope I don't put my foot in it in the very next story, having said that!)--Merry was always my favourite character, with Pippin a close second.
Hai · 17 November 2003 · Chapter 4: Cormallen
That was a nice little celebration chapter for the most part. It would be hard to concentrate on the here and now when you knew that an execution sentence was hanging over your head! I was afraid there a moment that Darothorn had changed his minds and decided to take Beregond's life! Thanks for not letting that happen ;) Looking forward to more, thank you!!
Tim the Enchanter · 17 November 2003 · Chapter 4: Cormallen
Beregond needs the healing power of laughter... and someone to worry over. Methinks him part hobbit.
Hai · 17 November 2003 · Chapter 3: Ithilien
Why would it be a slwo death by exile! Couldn't Beregond take Bergil and then be exiled and live with him in some place otehr then Gondor, Rohan, Lossnarch or somewhere? Now Merry knows and he probably doesn't understand at all being from the Shire where there has never been such a problem, that he is aware of. Looking forward to finding out how Beregond's sentance plays out and for what reasons. Thank you!
Author's reply
Well, he would not be killed out of hand, but being exiled means that every hand is against you and you may not return to your home. For one as loyal as Beregond, this would seem more like "slow death" than life.
Tim the Enchanter · 16 November 2003 · Chapter 3: Ithilien
So many threads woven together so well. Merry's turn as a dressmaker's dummy, the interaction between Beregond and those who know him, Aragon's sorrow at apparently finding his hands tied. It is a good thing we know he doesn't die, but he still has to come to terms with the memories of the men he killed.
Author's reply
Healing does take time, and I don't know if he will ever "get over" the deaths of comrades by his sword, though he will probably come to terms with it over time. You're right, it is a good thing we know the outcome, or I'd have no fingernails left about now.
shirebound · 16 November 2003 · Chapter 3: Ithilien
Poor Beregond! What anguish for him, knowing each day that his fate is either death or exile from all he loves.
Author's reply
Yes, someone suggested a long time ago that I call the story "Dead Man Walking", but I told her that title had already been taken! That was before you and I wrote stories with the same title... *g*
Grey Wonderer · 16 November 2003 · Chapter 2: Journey
I can't wait for more! The images in your story are very clear and I can see the injured traveling in the wagons as I read. I like that you included Frodo and the way the proper respect was demanded for the Ringbearer. I look forward to the next chapter.
Grey Wonderer · 16 November 2003 · Chapter 1: The Choices of a Man
This is a very moving story. These are two of my favorite characters and I love what you are doing with this. I have read other stories about the aftermath of the battle, but the relationships in yours ring very true. I am looking forward to the next chapter so I will read on.
Hai · 15 November 2003 · Chapter 2: Journey
Oh, dear, how terribly tense! I always thought too much was left out of this part in the story! I love how you have written Beregond! I always found his character entriguing and you are describign him so well! I love how you wrote with flashbacks to when they were in Gondor! I like Targon! Very interesting story and just another example of how hobbits can worm their way into your heart! thank you for such a neat story, looking forward to more!
Mysterious Jedi · 15 November 2003 · Chapter 2: Journey
Wow, quick update! :)
shirebound · 15 November 2003 · Chapter 2: Journey
That's a *very* insightful idea, and one I hadn't thought of -- that the air would get easier to breathe, the farther away from Mordor they travelled. Wow, Beregond is more than repaying Pippin for the hobbit saving his life. Such angst, Lindelea!