Reviews (322)

Imrahoil · 22 August 2005 · Chapter 4: Homecoming

Have read on LJ that you're having a hard time - yes, I'm stalking your LJ, Daw's, Nilmandra's and the Karenator's just to see if you're going to update or not, pityful, but, pffft, who cares - and wanted to give you all my best. No no no, that's it, I'm not going to bribe you with grape products, not even for an update, it's bad for your stomach.

Imbecamiel... again... · 21 August 2005 · Chapter 4: Homecoming

Ok, I'm really tired, and I've got the beginnings of a really bad headache coming on, but I just realized how pitiful my last review was. It didn't say half the things I wanted to say, much less half the things your stories deserve. So, I will now attempt to mention at least a few things. Please excuse any stupidity, and chalk it up to the fact that my Mind has apparently decided to take Sundays off ;-) First, I love the realism of your stories. Many people have written descriptions of Middle Earth that have given me excellent pictures of what they've described. You are one of the few who have actually made me *feel* like I could be there. Even down to the way you describe the misery of riding for long hours in the cold and the wet, you don't in any way make Aragorn, Halbarad, ect. look like anything less than the tough, seasoned warriors that they are, while still making it plain just how uncomfortable these sort of things must be in reality. Second, your characters. Honestly, I don't think there is even one character in your stories that I find annoying (except for villains, but that's another matter altogether ;-). From cannon characters, to barely mentioned original characters, you've put in a wide variety of people, and they're all *very* well kept in character and consistent. I love all of them! Wonderful, wonderful job! Third, I love your sense of humor. Hehe, "Say goodnight to Mithrandir" comes to mind, as I just finished reading it, but there are *so* many other examples. I laughed so hard over these stories - and unlike for many stories, it was at parts that were actually *meant* to be funny ;-) Fourthly... *blinks* I'm sure there was a fourthly... *yawns* I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I've really got to stop writing before I make a complete idiot out of myself :-P Looking forward to more! (soon, I hope?) Imbecamiel

Imbecamiel · 21 August 2005 · Chapter 4: Homecoming

WOW! I just finished reading both your stories, and they are *so* incredible! Beautiful writing, excellent characterization, fascinating plotlines... You are just such an incredible writer! I'm afraid you must have a subtle cruel streak as well, though... Now I'm spoiled, don't know of any stories *nearly* as well written that I haven't already re-read half a dozen times, and I'm getting bored. PLEASE update soon! Imbecamiel

viggomaniac · 13 August 2005 · Chapter 4: Homecoming

Sorry about the extreme lateness of this review. I was away and then came back to a hard drive that is on its last legs, so am now using a borrowed computer! Well, enough of that. Stupendous chapter again. I really must compliment you on the sheer excellence of your writing. It seems to me that you're among a select group of authors who can bring all the elements of a story together -- plot, characterizations, a finely honed sense of which is the best word to use in a particular segment, etc. -- all the things that make for a truly unforgettable story. Fortunately, unlike me, you don't ramble when you write. It's all very exciting and interesting, but you don't ramble. But fortunately, you are the writer of this terrific story, not me. Anyway, on to the actual review. Loved Dudo's reaction to the wonders of Rivendell, elf maidens included! Elrohir's explanation as to who Estel was was quite touching. I think the elves must really feel a sense of poignancy when they think of their longevity as compared to Aragorn's. I just find that whole element in Tolkien's work fascinating. Aragorn's dream and his gradual reawakening was very well written and I also like the way you delve into the difficult relationship between him and Elrond. I appreciate so much all the stories Tolkien left unwritten. The story possibilities are almost endless. It's probably because I am such a total Aragorn fangirl that I find the Elrond/Aragorn relationship the most fascinating. On a side note, there is a hilarious parody called "Estel's Happy Childhood" regarding Aragorn's childhood in Rivendell. You *could* say it's written in recognition of *cough* some of us who have an endless thirst for Aragorn angst. You would probably really appreciate it. If you want the link, let me know in an e-mail. I don't know if I'm supposed to post them here. A beardless Halbarad, you say? Well, that won't last long. But it is a funny thought. And as always, 'your' Gandalf is a treasure. Hm. Well, it is quite late (12:11 a.m.) so I should really be intelligent and go to sleep, but I just *had* to send you a review. And regarding 'spreading the word' about the best Aragorn stories, I love doing that. You understand how it is when you find something you really love. You just want to share it with other people you know would be interested. As always, I eagerly look forward to your next chapter. You write Aragorn so very well!

keela · 9 August 2005 · Chapter 4: Homecoming

I'm afraid I can't articulate how much I loved this story as some of the other reviewers have, so let me just say I agree with them whole-heartedly! I don't know how you do it... everything is perfect, and then some. So I'll just leave you with the obligatory "when is the next chapter coming out? Soon, I hope!!" Thanks for a great piece of work.

Bodkin · 6 August 2005 · Chapter 4: Homecoming

Ooooh - one of the very first things I read on my own homecoming and I didn't say how much I had enjoyed it. I did! I promise. What did I like best, now. Dudo's reaction to Imladris - it's a place you know is exquisite, but seeing the awe it inspires in a boy from the backside of Bree - each detail piles on the preceding one to make you feel like Buck Rogers arriving in the 25th Century. Love him admiring the swamped-nightshirt look in the mirror. And his pride in waking to find his weapons to hand. And then there's Elrohir - conveniently identifiable and just so darn gorgeous. As for the fate of Halbarad's face. . . well, I don't know how he's going to react to the clean shaven, rested look. He won't know himself. Love the kitchen - Dudo's home from home - but the cook seems to be something of a shock to him. Suppose she would be really, in comparison to the doyennes of the Pony's kitchen. (I imagine the more decorate members of staff are likely to be placed front of house.) Aragorn's dream - such despair. The weight of the world truly is on his shoulders, and I'm only astonished that he copes with is as well as he does. I hope he realises that Elrond's determination to call him back - and the vision he offers - is about as solid a declaration of love and trust as the poor half-elf can offer. Estel needs his adar just as much as he needs Arwen - he hasn't got much to hang onto. A broken sword, a ring and a few prophecies don't make for a life of easygoing contentment. I hope between them Glorfindel and Mithrandir manage to bully the pair of them past their stiff-upper-lippedness and into a bit of sharing. And Gandalf - you've let Saruman sucker you. Read my lips: he is a baddie. Listen to Elrond. Great story. And Karen's review adds a certain je ne sais quoi. Again.

unowho · 31 July 2005 · Chapter 4: Homecoming

I like it, I like it. Best chapter so far I thought the karenator rewote the chapter. All I can remember is furniture and blankets//////

Estelcontar · 31 July 2005 · Chapter 4: Homecoming

Well, here is another wonderful chapter. I'm glad to see Aragorn is now conscious enough to fend for himself I was sure you would be able to give us in a few, keen and sure words all the complicated feelings that Aragorn and Elrond must have had for one another. And who else better than Gandalf to bring them up to the surface, and make Elrond face them. "Estel has yet to accept that all things cannot be saved." "Maybe that is his gift." That is so true of Aragorn, at least as I always felt him to be. Now, I'm just dying to see what Halbarad will do when finds himself clean shaven!!!!!!!

The Karenator · 30 July 2005 · Chapter 4: Homecoming

The peewee pie pincher woke up so fast he thought he had been dropped from the south end of a sputtering cargo plane. His face was mashed neatly into a blood-red velvet puff that made him think he'd passed out in a raspberry-filled Krispy Kreme. To his misfortune, his stomach rumbled the rumba, but unless he wanted to have feathers sticking out of his teeth, this flagrant finery was not snackable. Lucky for him, when he looked around for the welcome fruit basket, he saw that someone had left his piece all wrapped up like an episode of CSI on a table nearby. The kid wasn't dumb, despite the cherub face and the Shirley Temple 'do curling around his ears; he knew this was a sign that he was running with the big boys now. He was as tough a warrior as Conan. If he kept his nose to this trail, he'd be running for Governor of the Shire within five years. Glancing around his quarters, he realized that he could see himself from angles that would make a hooker blush. "Whoo!" he gasped like a fish getting snared on a broken Barbie leg. So this was the House of the Last Homely Dad. Without a doubt, Rivendell must be the Best Little Cat House in all of Arda. Puffing his chest out and grinning like a guy who never missed a sale, he hung out over the balcony railings to see where the action was. Two strong hands grabbed him around the waist like vice grips from Sears and pulled him off his hunt. When the tiny trouser tyke craned his neck upward to see who had stopped his eyeballing of the grounds, he found one of the Bookend Brothers looking down on him like the Statue of Liberty sighting a cockroach on her toe. "Where's the gumshoe?" the punk pie patter asked. "He's laid out finer than a corpse in Six Feet Under," the one-half of the Brothers Beautiful told him. When the microscopic mint maker saw the PI, he let out a yelp louder than Rin-Tin-Tin scenting a perp. "What happened to his face?" he asked, his eyes bulging like Dolly Parton's buttons. "Dusty Dad got a new Shick for Dusty Dad's Day and tried it out," the Bookend Brother smiled with a glee that hadn't been seen since 'Dynasty' went off the air. "We don't get to use those much around here, ya know." Beautiful Brother poked the compact cookhouse cowboy between the shoulders like a crow from the 'Birds' pecking at Janet Leigh's false eyelashes and motioned him to follow. "Come on, let's go find some chow. Your innards are making more noise than Howdy Doody's joints." Meanwhile, back in the recovery room, the PI's pal--a guy known by more names than Prince--was just coming up for air from his coma. One of the shrimpy soap sudser's unknown kin was keeping his eye out on the Lone Ranger. But the sitter was no more help than the Ruby Red Slippers turned out to be. All alone, the ranger found himself floating around in more murky layers than the last season of 'Lost' and finally found that if he didn't wake up, he was going to find himself in a paternity suit that would make 'Days of Our Lives' look like 'Captain Kangaroo'. Just his luck, Dusty Dad was waiting on the other end of a nightmare that made 'Dallas' look like good script writing. Turns out, Dusty Dad was the father of the dream-time-luscious lass showing off the results of a night hotter than the burning of Atlanta. Dreams were just not what they used to be. After Dusty Dad had readjusted the ranger's attitude tighter than Aunt Bea's purse, he slipped his festering foster son a mickey just seconds before Olorin Gandalf materialized at the door like money in a politician's bank account. Over a glass of Dusty Dad's finest stash, the wizard laid out the heart of the father/son squabble as flat as Roseanne singing the Star Spangled Banner. Dusty Dad had been sure that he had been the victim of a plot more heinous than 'King Arthur', but once the wizard had put the smackdown on him, he decided that it had been no worse than 'Batman Returns' and shifted the blame to the puppet master of the kid who had sung in the 'Oliver' production that had nearly cost the mangy ranger a leg to stand on. To Dusty Dad's relief, Buffy, the balrog slayer, slid in the door like a greased pig with a bit part in 'Dukes of Hazzard'. The big, buff blond smiled like a Pepsodent commercial and pointed like a yellow lab sighting down on his prey. "Say goodnight, Gracie." Dusty Dad shot a smug mug at the wizard and smiled. "Goodnight, Gracie." Ray's Dog Italics are in tribute to Raymond Chandler. It was lifted, if not verbatim, then in spirit from Raymond Chandler's novel, The Long Good-bye. The Lone Ranger idea is lifted from a post by elasg. Now a word from the measly typist: This was one of the best chapters yet. I loved the part with Dudo and his reaction to the finery of Rivendell. He was such a hoot with his sword and oversized shirt. But my favorite part was the discussion between Elrond and Gandalf. You did a great job of exploring how difficult it must have been for Elrond to lose not only Aragorn--which he knew would happen--but to also lose Arwen forever as well. Elrond loved them both. He must have had torn feelings. Gandalf was great. You can't slip much by a wizard! What a wonderful chapter! Karen

Dot · 30 July 2005 · Chapter 4: Homecoming

I’m so sorry I’m late with this :-( But it was another great chapter. I do like Dudo. I love how fast he moves between pride, curiosity, embarrassment, joy… His reaction to his surroundings is very touching. Not only do we get a sense of what Rivendell is like, but it gives such better understanding of how Bree is and the life that he had there. Although, I suppose no matter what you were used to, the splendour of Rivendell must be breathtaking. I’m in love with your elves. I really am. Your description of Elrohir, “He was unarmed now, dressed in a simple blue tunic and leggings, but even unadorned with any insignia of rank or authority, there was nobility in the set of his shoulders, authority in the casual strength of the hand resting on Dudo’s shoulder, and wisdom beyond reckoning in his grey eyes,” made me melt. Sorry, I didn’t realise I had such a fangirl lurking in me… Actually, I think it’s the fact that it’s exactly how I always pictured Elladan and Elrohir, as beautiful and valiant and chivalrous and wise… and you capture that perfectly. “What happened to his beard?” Eek! Oh, he’s not going to be pleased about that! It might cheer Aragorn up enormously, though. I hope they haven’t gone and dressed him in some elfy outfit as well. Actually, I do. I really do. I had forgotten about Bilbo! At least that meant there were clothes there for Dudo. I bet he looked fabulous. The green will match his eyes anyway ;-) I loved the scene in the kitchen. Crikey, you’d really want to love cooking to do it for… well, forever I suppose. It must be so strange to see this beautiful elf doing such mundane things as cooking. Or killing a chicken. I don’t think we need to see that. I enjoyed the playfulness between her and Elrohir. Elrohir’s little explanation of who Estel is was very moving too. Aragorn’s dream was quite frightening. It was so vivid. It gives a lot of insight too into the weight of duty that he carries. The way I’m reading it (feel free to correct me!) is that Elrond then shows him the future with Arwen. How hard that must have been for Elrond! And yet it’s the only thing that would bring Aragorn back. Oh, I have to say too how much I adore the idea of him awakening to the familiar smells and using that to identify where he is. Just lovely. You made me smile with the scene between Aragorn and Bilbo. You write Bilbo marvellously! And Elrond! His sheer exhaustion comes across so well. All I wanted to do was bundle him up in a blanket and make him go to sleep. I think as well as being frightened by how close he came to losing Aragorn, Elrond must be feeling quite hurt too that Aragorn didn’t turn to him when he was so obviously in need. I get the impression that if he wasn’t so deeply affected, Elrond would likely have at least waited until Aragorn was a bit better before questioning him like that and allowing himself to get angry. Very interesting discussion between Gandalf and Elrond. Personally, I don’t think Saruman is really a good guy ;-) Gandalf must be difficult enough to have a sensible conversation with at times but trying when at the point of exhaustion and feeling vulnerable is possibly not the best idea Elrond ever had. Still, I suppose it was a good opportunity for Gandalf to give Elrond a few things to think about… You do a truly fantastic job in presenting every side of the story, allowing us to see just what each of them are feeling and helping us understand each viewpoint. So much so that I’m left wondering which of them to feel most for (including Gandalf for having to sacrifice his beloved Shire), or whether to just hope that they all get on with things. O.k., not so much that last part. You do have my heart broken for Elrond, though. I do think he’s hurting Aragorn and that needs to be resolved, but at the same time I can’t blame him at all for feeling such pain at what is being asked of him. I’m looking forward so much to seeing what happens between these two! Well, yay for Glorfindel! “Say goodnight to Mithrandir.” LOL! Only he could treat the Lord of Rivendell like a small child and get away with it. The ending was lovely. More please! Oh, and is Halbarad going to wake up??! *wanders off in search of a poking device. Or maybe some cold water…*

lindahoyland · 29 July 2005 · Chapter 4: Homecoming

I love the way you contrast Rivendell and Bree as they must seem like different worlds ! You capture Aragorn and Elrond's uneasy relationship very well.I am so glad Aragorn is improving. I would love to know the answer to the question Gandalf asked about why Arwen was never mentioned. Another gripping chapter. Thank you so much for your kind reviews of my story,I'm so pleased you like it.A year on, I am still busy devising torments for poor Aragorn !

Elwen · 29 July 2005 · Chapter 4: Homecoming

I think this last chapter is my favourite yet. The friendly interraction between Elrond and Gandalf was perfectly done.

chriska · 29 July 2005 · Chapter 4: Homecoming

What a wonderful chapter. I loved the description of Rivendell through Dudo's eyes, and it contrasted beautifully with Halbarad's view of how the Elves live. My favorite line in the whole story was, without a doubt, "What happened to his face?" Bwah! Poor Halbarad -- they've put him to sleep in a comfy bed and shaved his face. What will Elrond's sons think of next? The conflict between Aragorn and Elrond was very real as well. The notion of them talking, but never hearing what the other is saying, struck a chord. Gandalf giving Elrond a talking-to was so believable and well-written. I absolutely love your "character interaction" scenes. You manage to drive the point home so that even dense readers (like me!) can grasp it without being heavy-handed and obvious.

Laerien · 29 July 2005 · Chapter 4: Homecoming

Another chapter, yes!!! Dudo wasn’t the only one who got lost in Riveldell’s beauty. As I read it, I could only agree with him! I think he will enjoy being there, now that he knows Tiriel as well :o)… I wonder what could turn ill for him (and for Aragorn) Hehe… I look forward to see how Halbarad will react when he finds out what happened to him. I have a feeling he won’t be pleased about being drugged by Elrond when ‘his captain needs him’! Also, the conversation between Aragorn and Elrond sounds very interesting as you seem to catch the tension between them and the reason of it very well (for me of course!). Gandalf was absolutely my favorite in this part, and I see I am not alone with this. :o) The way he talked with Elrond… He didn’t really persuade the elf, he simply said a few words to think about, and let Elrond persuade himself… Only a maia like Gandalf can do this :o) The last line “My son” is wonderful…(along with many others which I am too lazy to write down) Sooo, when should we expect the next part?????

grumpy · 28 July 2005 · Chapter 4: Homecoming

Your chapter has made my day. Not only did Halbarad get a bath in the river, but the nice elves have shaved his face. His wife will not know him. So glad to see Bilbo, be the one for Estel to wake up to. So he did not have to wake up to the wraith of healer Elrond. Loved the conversation between Elrond and Gandalf, and Elrond feeling better after losing a fight with Gandalf. Aragorn is in a state, going by what he was thinking before the voice called him back. looking forward to more

fliewatuet · 28 July 2005 · Chapter 4: Homecoming

Very lovely chapter that! I don't know where to start: first of all, there's Dudo's sincere joy at the beauty of Rivendell. I loved his encounter with the mirror and the tears of joy at the sight of the valley. And of course his encounter with the cook. And Elrohir's teasing of that cook, and Tiriel's reply. Hehe, sending Elrohir to Valinor at the back of her frying pan ... Aragorn's return to the living (or to the not quite dead) was also marvellously done. Of course, he in his gloomy mood would have visions of his absolute failure before being finally released. He should be really grateful for daddy Elrond spoiling his departure, though, of course, daddy Elrond does have a few choice words to say to our Favourite Ranger's irresponsible behaviour. Not that I do not agree with him, but he could have chosen a more appropriate moment. Though I am somewhat relieved to see that Aragorn has recovered enough to feel somewhat peeved at Elrond's words. But my absolutely favourite part was Gandalf lecturing Elrond. He did not really lecture him, but managed to put his finger with utmost precision upon Elrond's sore spot. I am amazed at how you managed to pull off their conversation. And I am amazed that Elrond managed to down the entire decanter of wine during that conversation. And I cannot quite shake off the feeling that Glorfindel thoroughly enjoyed his task of putting Elrond to bed ... "Say goodnight to Mithrandir" ... hehehe Now I wonder what Elrond's next attempt at conversation with Aragorn will bring. Hopefully, they should be both in a somewhat better mood.

aragorn_reader · 28 July 2005 · Chapter 4: Homecoming

Gandalf tries tough love on Elrond! Very affecting interchange. I feel for Elrond, the separation from his parents, his twin, his wife. I can sympathize with him, but he was being a bit harsh with his children. Good old Gandalf. Congratulations on two v. well written and engaging stories.

Gandalfs apprentice · 28 July 2005 · Chapter 4: Homecoming

Hi meckinock Great character scenes! I especially liked the one between Gandalf and Elrond, and the very last line about Elrond feeling better when he's lost an argument with Gandalf. You've set up such suspense for the next chapter's Aragorn/Elrond scene. And then there are all the others---like Dudo and Bilbo, of course. I'm very glad Halbarad is getting such a long sleep. Since I hadn't heard from you for several days, I figured you must be about to post! I'm only sorry it takes so much less time to read what you've worked so hard to write. Can't wait for the next.... Meanwhile, I'm full of ideas for Sword. Talk to you soon, G.A.

Nilmandra · 28 July 2005 · Chapter 4: Homecoming

There is so much good stuff here I hardly know where to begin. I enjoyed Dudo waking up in Rivendell. I think his reactions could match mine or that of any other mortal waking up to unheard of beauty, even if we have a less dour starting place. I can just hear Bilbo regaling him with tales that everyone has heard a hundred times. Aragorn's waking was enlightening as well. Elrond (I assume) showed him all that was lost if he died, but it was Arwen and his future that finally reached him. I wonder what it cost Elrond to show him that, and it makes his conversation with Gandalf later on all the more interesting. The conversation with Gandalf was the most enlightening and my favorite part of the chapter (of course). Sometimes you have to exhaust an elf lord and get him a little vulnerable before you can smack him with his own faults. Heck, its probably the only time Elrond's mask falls enough for Mithrandir to take the chance. He might have accepted that he will lose his daughter, but how does one surrender not only gracefully, but not grudgingly? Nicely done anger, both between Elrond and Aragorn and Elrond and Gandalf. Well, at least Aragorn needs a little recovery time and they can work it out.

daw the minstrel · 28 July 2005 · Chapter 4: Homecoming

I had forgotten that Bilbo would be at Rivendell! I assume that's the source of the Shire clothes. What a moment for Dudo, to wake up there too. Halbarad told him it would be like this. And I liked the image of Halbarad tucked in his bed like a seed in garden soil. It's so incongruous! Aragorn's dream was scary. His death would have had consequences indeed. He was the last chieftain of direct descent at that point, and as I recall, that mattered a lot when he went to Gondor. The conversation between Aragorn and Elrond was telling. Both are being cautious and neither is very clear on what the other one is feeling. But the conversation between Elrond and Gandalf is likely to provoke some change. Thank Eru.

Dreamflower · 28 July 2005 · Chapter 4: Homecoming

What an exciting and gripping story! I will be eagerly looking forward to more of this one!

Rose Sared · 28 July 2005 · Chapter 4: Homecoming

Ah so many wonderful moments in this chapter From Dudo's revelation "He had not known before this moment, as he glimpsed for the first time the valley of Rivendell in all its splendor, that it was possible to shed tears of joy. He took a long, shuddering breath as he fought the unaccustomed emotion. Suddenly, everything he had seen before in his life seemed flat, and grey, and featureless." Sigh, this has happened to me, it is as wonderful as you describe. To“A little boy who used to live here, a long time ago,” answered Elrohir, Ahhh, sniff, to- With the cold knowledge that all he had most feared would now come to pass, Aragorn son of Arathorn quietly drifted free of Arda’s embrace. Talk about grim! To Elrond's simply superb scolding by Gandalf and one of the best last lines I have read for ages Elrond sighed and allowed himself to be pulled along. “My son.” Just a chapter to be framed and hung on the wall as an example to us all. Well done, bravo, have I mentioned I enjoyed it? Rose

Ainu Laire · 28 July 2005 · Chapter 4: Homecoming

What a nice chapter; a chapter of healing, yet of conflict. I have always wondered about the constrained relationship between Elrond and Aragorn after he meets Arwen, yet not much pre-quest fan fiction seems to actually touch on that subject and just make it seem like things between Elrond and Aragorn are all well and there are no strifes between them. I cannot wait for the talk that they shall have; it should be most interesting. Hmm, and as I read your summary of this story again, I note that this 'curious hobbit' has not yet uncovered this long-hidden secret, nor have we progressed to this quest... though I do wonder what type of quest Aragorn will go on. I suspect it may be connected to Gollum, as it is around that time period... but what that has to do about this secret I cannot figure out. Ah, well, guess I just have to wait, then! Make me wait not too long!

Thorongirl · 28 July 2005 · Chapter 3: Water

Talk about a wild, rough and tumble ride. You really conveyed the sense of realism and danger in chapter three. Fascinating as always. Gandalf's self reflections were marvelous, the twins' matter of fact deeds exciting, the struggle to save Aragorn gripping. I'd love to leave more but it's pretty late and I'm struggling to make even this little bit coherent. (And besides, I just got a notice that you posted chapter four so I have to print that off and read it). I hope your muses continue to prod you after this story. There can never be enough good stories like this and you really are one of the best.

lindahoyland · 27 July 2005 · Chapter 3: Water

Another truly gripping chapter, I thought they were all going to drown the water sounded terrifying,especially on a day one of my reviewers was telling me of her escape from a flood. You had me very worried about all the characters,especially Aragorn but now I hope again.This is a very enjoyable story.