Reviews (322)

daw the minstrel · 26 June 2006 · Chapter 11: A Matter of Honor

As always, I love Halbarad. He's heroic and down-to-earth at the same time, as he compares himself to a slinking fox, one with a lower back problem. And Hurin to the rescue! I loved his appearance. His father must have about died, but the kid did okay. That was a very exciting rescue scene. For reasons I can't explain, I really liked the way Halbarad murmured "Elendil" as he shot. His memories of Hurin's gentleness were so touching as he released him back into the cruel world. Aragorn is clever and brave. I hope Hurin knows how to follow orders too.

Nilmandra · 26 June 2006 · Chapter 11: A Matter of Honor

I could just see Halbarad roll his eyes at this: There was a rustling in the leaves behind Halbarad, and a series of muffled grunts. Nothing like the silent ranger, hardiest of men, quiet and stealthy and all that! What is one to do with a stubborn chieftain? He clearly is not ready to be traveling, much less getting into a battle in his current condition. I felt little compassion for the end of Garstic, Halig and Malek. They're gone, the girl is safe. Otoh, she was a little too resigned to her fate. "It doesn't matter" could mean many things, but my first thought was that she felt no matter what happened, it wouldn't be good. The shining moment of the chapter though, was Hurin. What a great kid, willing to take on these men to protect the girl. Not sure his chance would be great if it really had been him alone, but who knows? The kid did a pretty convincing job here. And Halbarad's reaction to him is great. And I like that after that embrace... with the knowledge that comfort would be needed later.... he treated him like the man he has become. And with pride. I also liked the fact that Eriador is not a place where the Rangers go around battling other Men all the time either. Killing still left an impression in their minds and haunted their dreams. 'Rationing his feelings' is a great way of saying that. And Hurin can cook! Nice tribute to Karen's story. :D And Aragorn is still being stubborn about his injuries. You know, he really does need to go somewhere and just recover. Do you suppose the twins might come and haul his butt to Imlraids and they can chain him to a bed? I'd say the angle, but if he commanded them to release him, they might have to. The elves aren't under his command. And lovely men, lovely customs. Great. Restore honor for having your family killed by dying yourself. No wonder the girl said 'it didn't matter'.. her clan likely had the same customs. I hope Aragorn and Halbarad have some great plan to get all four of them away. But then.. what to do with the girl? I admit you have me curious to know how she plays into the larger story of Aragorn's search. Good chapter, well waiting up for. :D

Elflingimp · 26 June 2006 · Chapter 11: A Matter of Honor

Well its so good to hear from you! I hope you had a nice birthday! I sure enjoyed all the stories they wrote for you.But now on to yours,Please dont kill the girl,that is so cruel customs or not surly as Aragon said there has to be another way Please

Bodkin · 26 June 2006 · Chapter 11: A Matter of Honor

I love Hurin. And Hurin and Halbarad together. And poor suffering Aragorn - who of course didn't hurt his hand again while lopping off that head! And I love the musings on the difference between leading armies in Gondor and being a Dunedain irregular on the plains of Eriador. And how long it took Halbarad before he could put a face to each man he has killed. This ... He said the words, but still did not want to release this awkward, coltish boy from the safety of his arms; this boy who had kept baby rabbits as pets, this boy who had cried when his favorite hen met its destiny in the cook pot, this boy who had drawn portraits of his family on the planks of the barn, this boy who had just tried to bluff two cold-blooded killers. He did not want to release him back into this world full of orcs and wolves and Dunlendings with knives at children’s throats. And then he did. ... brought a lump to my throat (not easily done). It is so the way parents react - and it says so much about Hurin and Halbarad. And killing the girl because the honour of her family is besmirched! All sorts of things jumped into my head there - apart from 'Noooooooo!' and 'I can't see loving-father-Halbarad and honourable-Aragorn taking too well to that idea'. Although the girl seems resigned. (It hardly seems worth fighting off the Karani if any survivors are going to get the 'restoration of the honour' treatment! ... Oh wait, that only affects women, I daresay.) I was bouncing with glee when I saw this come up - posting twice in a weekend! What have we done to deserve that! This chapter certainly lived up to expectation - and I hope you are inspired to move on to the next right away!

Ainu Laire · 25 June 2006 · Chapter 11: A Matter of Honor

I actually whooped in happiness when I saw this in my inbox. *grins* Finally! :P I am so happy to see this! Man, what an awesome chapter! I do wonder how they are going to convince the villagers that she shouldn't be killed. Man, poor Yenne. That really, really stinks... heheh, women's rights are a blessing... But yea, I am really anxious to see how Aragorn and the others get out of this. I wonder what Aragorn's plan is. And I am also curious if this will tie with the main plot about Arathorn. Gah! So good! *spazzes* Right. I do hope you do update soon... hopefully before summer ends *grin* Cheers, Suvi

Gandalfs apprentice · 25 June 2006 · Chapter 11: A Matter of Honor

Hi, meckinock! What an action-filled chapter! I'm keen to find out how Aragorn and Halbarad outwit the villagers. Is this adventure leading indirectly to an answer to the central problem--Arathorn? Or are yet more plot complications on the way? The longer and more complicated the tale, the happier I will be! You built up great suspense in the scene with Hurin. Kudos! I'm hoping to post chapter six of "Sword," "Rangers and Rivendell," in a week or so. G.A.

Gwynhyffar · 25 June 2006 · Chapter 11: A Matter of Honor

That was awesome! I should be in bed. Erm, you have the next chapter ready, correct? Because I HAVE to know how they manage to get out of this one.

fliewatuet · 20 April 2006 · Chapter 10: In the Footsteps of Our Fathers

Needless to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this chapter (as I did all the others), even if it took me quite some time to finally type up a review. I absolutely love your Halbarad! There are so many little details I love about him - from his certainty that Aragorn was ready to talk when he did, to his squeamishness when they discovered the corpses - that I cannot list them all. Be assured that I occasionally squee in delight when reading and re-reading what you have written so far. And now, as if Aragorn had not enough to trouble his mind, you threw in a pack of recless horsemen who have abducted a girl and are heading straight to where Halbarad's son is stationed. That leaves me to wonder when and if in how many pieces Aragorn and Halbarad will reach Tharbad.

Audra · 19 April 2006 · Chapter 10: In the Footsteps of Our Fathers

I don't think there's anything left to be said that everyone else hasn't covered. I'm not sure I could put it into words anyway. Fantastic work. You never disappoint.

pipinheart · 14 April 2006 · Chapter 10: In the Footsteps of Our Fathers

Very nice... Aragorn is tormenting himself. The child may not even be a brother of his, but it is understandable that he can't rest until he knows the truth... Good thing Halbarad is with him to make sure he dosen't do anythink unwise. He should tell elrond, it is almost as if he fears Elrond won't love him if he isn't his fathers Heir.... I hope the children weren't captured Update soon....

viggomaniac · 11 April 2006 · Chapter 9: The Secrets of the Dúnedain

Here I go again -- playing 'catch up'! Oh well. I swear, you are the most awesome writer. This chapter just oozes brilliance. Simply fantastic. Ah, but I do run on, don't I? I read a few of the other reviews, and they are absolutely right. Your story is a perfect balance of humor and reality, along with those startling revelations that make all your characters so interesting. After all, who of us in Real Life hasn't experienced things that our chilren would be shocked by? I can just picture Halbarad, mouth agape, at the things he has learned about his own mother! Brandol -- how could I not comment on his ability to drink from a mug without bothering to remove the pipe? Genius. And the comment about his son writing bad poetry. I laughed out loud when I read that one, because my own son writes poetry about the girls he likes (of course, if I do say so myself, HIS poetry is good). But bad poetry -- there's an art to that! The line "Halbarad's fingers, unbidden, found the bridge of his nose and began kneading." Worthy of comment - so true, so funny. The argument with Nelaer -- something we can all relate to and then finding out the reason behind it tempers our feelings of irritation at her. Nice conveyance of poignancy there. And then you add that truly marvelous touch -- Nelaer has a crush on Elladan (but then, who wouldn't I ask you?)! But the best line in the whole chapter is when Eirien whispers to Halbarad and his response -- 'What do you mean, everyone?' I SO loved that as did your readers everywhere I'm sure. Guys really can be so clueless. And oh yeah, Halbarad, your wife got you when she made her point that every man who ever laid eyes on Arwen no doubt fancied her too. Truly -- SO many great things about this chapter I can hardly list them. Aragorn is in a bad way, Elladan is distraught, and now our rash ranger has gone off into the night alone. Ack! What am I going to do now? Oh, that's right. I'm way behind but you've long since posted the next chapter. *Sigh of contentment.*

The Karenator · 8 April 2006 · Chapter 10: In the Footsteps of Our Fathers

"Really, Boss," the PI muttered to no one save the bumble bee that rode on the mane of his horse. Lazy insect. Hitching a ride. But, the PI had to admit, the rotund bee was a good listener. "My granny could follow these tracks with a snout fully loaded with Boones Farm and a keg of Butterbur's Bud strapped to her back." The boss was up to something as sure as Voldermort was an ugly worm with a receding hair line. Not even hair restorers would give him the David Cassidy look. No matter. The PI was on to the chief. He could track the Partridge Family's rise to fame without a radio or a smart-mouthed red-headed kid to snitch. The PI found the chief slipping along the trail on a hot horse as innocently as Darren Stevens went down the aisle. "I see Stella got her groove back," he said. "But your mama is six feet under twenty miles back." "My name's not Stella and I ain't going to HBO." "Ah," the PI said. "Then you must be jumping ship over to CBS with Katie." "Nope." The chief stopped talking there, but the PI knew it was only a matter of time until he cracked him like the DaVinci Code. The sun set like a red rubber ball--a one hit wonder--and the PI was sure if he could have set the mood to music he could have retired to Simon and Garfunkel in southern Eriador to live out his days as a wealthy ex-husband of Princess Leia. As it was, his job was to block trouble for the boss like the Refrigerator Perry clearing out the line for the Bears. After they’d set up camp for the night at a Motel 6 and got take-out, the PI pondered his next move. "So what's got your sisters twisted?" he asked after he scooped up the last of his double order of fries from the Golden Arches. The chief tossed a Ronald McDonald cookie and a leather packet into his lap. It was obvious the pack had been left over from the days of The Young Riders and before Josh Brolin's old man married a Funny Girl. The PI skimmed letters more crinkled than Granny Clampett's backside. "What?" he yelped. "A half-blood prince?" "As sure as a six-book deal from Scholastic can make you richer than the queen." "This is more screwed up than Brad Pitt's love life." The PI scratched at his beard like Underdog digging for clues to save Sweet Polly Purebred. He leveled his gaze on the boss. "Does the Last Homely Dad know about this?" The full-blood prince and chieftain’s eyes popped bigger than Inigo Montoya's vendetta. "Not from my lips," the boss said. "My betrothal is boffed if he finds out the Ring of Barahir is bogus." "Where exactly are you going to run this half-blood whelp to ground?" "I'll find him if I have to dig like a bride through a forty-layer cake to find a diamond chip." This news had thrown the PI off his game like Tiger Woods missing a putt. Thinking clearly had clearly cleared the chieftain’s cranium for the time being. The PI had to clear his cranium too. He’d sleep on it. Back on the road to perdition early the next day, the PI followed along behind the boss with all the enthusiasm of a drag queen signing up for the draft. Lost in thoughts more horrifying than Phyllis Diller’s ‘do, he started when the boss dropped off his hot ride and took a gander at the ground. “Tracks,” the chief said. “Six fairies on horseback wearing custom made tutus in the shape of lilies, Lee Press-On nails, Max Factor eye shadow in peony pink, twenty-six cents in the lead rider’s pocket, and all armed with wands from the prop shop of Harry Potter.” He caught the PI in a stare that would weld Double Mint to the bottom side of a school desk. “The fruits were on the heels of four people, on foot, carrying two duffle bags, a liter of Jim Beam, an entire set of Emeril’s non-stick cookware, a Waring Blender, two sides of bacon, Paris Hilton’s biography….” “I get the picture,” the PI said. “Traveling light.” Then there was a flash of another kind of light, so bright the PI and the ranger had to pull out their Ray Bans. “What was that?” asked the ranger. “Ah, crap!” The PI knew the MO. It’d happened before, back when he was a cub PI doing his time pounding the hillside learning his trade. “The Zorthonians.” “The who?” “No, not The Who; they’ve not been the same since Roger Daltrey cut his hair and that Pete Townshend incident. I’m talking about the slimiest, most arrogant roaches whoever cruised the galaxy.” The PI motioned to his horse and walked on. “Come on, I’ll show you.” In the middle of a field of poppies and rye grass, the PI pointed to a large circle. The grass lay on its side in whorls as if it had been trampled by drunken Hell’s Angels doing wheelies after an Easy Rider filmfest. “See,” he said. “Crop abuse.” The chief ranger glanced at the circle shaped like a big eye with long lashes that batted when the wind blew. But his interest was in a grove of trees where three sets of shoes had been hung from a limb. “Look at this.” The PI studied the lynched footwear. “Yep, Zorthonians.” He spat. “The bastards.” Moving a shoe from side to side, the boss turned it over. The stench was suffocating. Both men clapped their hands over their noses. “Still smells. They’ve not been out of these for more than a day.” The PI turned, searching the damaged field. “Where’s the forth set? The girl’s?” His gut twisted like Chubby Checker. The Zonthonians were known for packing off with ladies’ shoes. Strange bunch. He suspected the oddball aliens were into cross dressing, but he’d never been able to finger them. When the boss didn’t reply, but stood as silent as Marcel Marceau, the PI pointed down the yellow brick road that snaked toward the Emerald City. “We don’t have time to bury them now. We’ve got to get on the trail of these sickos. When shoes show up swinging from a sycamore, you can bet your last Chucky Cheese token they’re headed for the nearest town to complete their ensemble.” The boss walked slowly back to his ride. His shoulders were slumped and his eyes were glazed and dazed from the horror. It was like a Nike commercial gone bad. The PI sighed and followed. Johnny Halbarad had seen too much today, but still, he couldn’t help but hope that the half-blood prince--if he existed--wasn’t a snitch for a band of natty nonterrestrials. Ray’s Dog Human reviewer: Wow! What a good read. The descriptions were wonderful and I always love the witty banter between these two. And Halbarad even caught the chieftain in a lie. A minor one, possibly even one of perspective, but Halbarad knows when to call a spade a spade. I laughed out loud when Arathorn’s mailman turned out to be Halbarad’s father. That set the ranger on his heels. I really liked Halbarad’s reaction to the letters. He got the implication right off the bat, but he sure wasn’t ready to believe it. Even if it was true that Arathorn had another son, he was loyal to Aragorn and not the turnip farmer. The poor family! This throws a wrench into Aragorn’s plans. I can’t wait to see how this plays out. Looking forward to the next chapter. Once again, WONDERFUL chapter. Karen

Dot · 7 April 2006 · Chapter 10: In the Footsteps of Our Fathers

*sigh of satisfaction* God, I love this. No-one writes brooding men like you do, Meckinock! I’m sure Halbarad and Aragorn would be appalled to know how many people you have drooling over them ;-) I love how well Halbarad knows Aragorn and just heads straight to the place where he tried to give any followers the slip. And in turn Aragorn shows no surprise that his friend has caught up with him. Even if that’s not exactly what he wanted to happen. In fairness to Halbarad, the guy is certainly persistent. I’d be annoyed with Aragorn if I wasn’t feeling so sorry for him. If he has to go through this, he could really do with being a bit healthier. I had to laugh, though, at Halbarad briefly wondering if Aragorn was headed to Mordor and then dismissing the thought based purely on the amount of supplies he had with him. I was glad to see that Aragorn did confide in Halbarad in the end. I was so afraid he wouldn’t! Halbarad’s reaction was perfect, I thought. The shock and dread that set in as he realises the implication of this reminds us that this isn’t just a personal issue – in fact, it makes my head spin to think of all it could mean. Not that I believe it for a second, of course ;-) “Brueglir!” Halbarad snatched the letters back and riffled through them. “My father,” he said in amazement. What the…??! Ok, I must admit, the letters do sound pretty conclusive. I don’t suppose it could be something as simple as the ranger in question being a friend of Arathorn’s so that he felt he should get to know and provide for the boy, but he’s not actually the father… Or he rescued them from somewhere… Arathorn may have provided a cow and taken the boy fishing but there’s no way he was the kind of person to keep his own child secret (excuse me while I convince myself!) and besides, he was too close to Elrond’s sons for that kind of secret when he knew that his son would be heir to more than just a house and a few chickens. In fact (I’m on a roll now!) surely everyone would have known who Arathorn was. So the woman, even Dunlending, would have been aware of at least some of the possibilities for the future of a son of Arathorn – Chieftain of the Dunedain, I mean. Which is a long-winded way of me saying that I have no idea what’s going on but am with Halbarad on the “doesn’t prove anything” and I’m so dying to know what it’s really all about! This bit intrigues me as well: “Your father ended this relationship. He cut off contact with the woman. *ponders* Would you have the Dúnedain be led through our darkest hour by a Dunlending turnip farmer? ROTFL!! He does have a way with words. If ever I wanted someone to speak plainly to me, I think I’d opt for Halbarad! Just as funny is this: In the few moments he’d been admiring the roadside lilies, Aragorn had gotten off his horse. I always seem to spend a lot of time sitting here with a ridiculous grin on my face when I’m reading your chapters :-) But what a horrible thing they’ve stumbled across. The scene was a little too vivid for me. I’m afraid for the girl. And Halbarad’s son is in Tharbad too. So. It looks like the boys might end up with more to do there than they thought. This really was a very fine chapter. I’m just addicted to your style of writing. Oh, and I wanted to say how impressed I am with not just your knowledge of the history, but the way you wind it in so seamlessly so that we know that it’s part of these people. And I get the impression that the author is very fond of geography too ;-) Excellent stuff, Meckinock.

grumpy · 4 April 2006 · Chapter 10: In the Footsteps of Our Fathers

Ah, that poor family, what a nasty way to go. Glad that Aragorn has Halbarad by his side, as they go after the bad guys. Bad guys who are heading towards where Halabarad's son is. Poor Aragorn he never even got to go fishing with his father, and now he is looking for someone who has. I really think they should ask the older generation, Halbarad's father night have said something to his wife. Aragorn is in a pickle, what with Arwin, the kingship and all. I think I wouldn't mind a slug of that wine.

Elflingimp · 4 April 2006 · Chapter 10: In the Footsteps of Our Fathers

Well Aragorn is sure in a foul mood! I guess I would be too,I love Halbarads drinking style it seems to solve his problems for the moment HaHa Ugh your descriptions of the dead almost made me sick. I hope they rescue the girl and kick someones butt, something has to go right at some point in time,I hope?

RS · 4 April 2006 · Chapter 10: In the Footsteps of Our Fathers

I've learned a very important lesson today: As I could not wait to read this chapter, I decided to read while I ate my breakfast of bagels and milk. Here I was totally engrossed in Aragorn's telling of his troubles and woes while his quick witted, sarcastic but fun-loving side-kick Halbarad listened intensely. As the story unfolds, the reader--me--is thinking of all the possibilities that might have happened at Tharbad with Arathorn. You know, real serious. And then you--the author--comes up with the line "Halbarad felt his jaw fall open, and pouring wine into it seemed the most sensible thing to do". Well, it's a good thing I turned my head in time; otherwise I would have had milk all over the pages! Did you know that one cannot laugh (guffaw is the right description) and drink milk at the same time! Milk through the nose is not very fun! In fact it hurts!! The lesson: do not read Meckinock fiction while drinking milk! Gotta hand it to you. I should call you "the mailman" because you deliver! Your writing has everything and the reader does not miss a thing! Movements, expressions, smells, the mood, descriptions..need I go on? I'm so glad of the laughter because this story turned dark real quick. Your description of the bodies was so vivid and so real that it gave me shivers and almost made me sick (Halbarad can join me in sticking my head in the toilet and we both can vomit together!--sorry) The flies, the stench, everything! This was so captivating! The transformation of each character was well-written; from two ordinary buddies on a "trip" to the well-trained and serious Rangers/Warriors! Aragorn's problem will have to take a backseat right now--I assume. Or is everything intertwined? I just hope nothing happens to Halbarad's son and anyone else! And I know there is a very good and legitimate explanation for those letters. Aragorn is the Heir of Isildur! Will be waiting for the next chapter! Thanks for an incredible read!

Estelcontar · 3 April 2006 · Chapter 10: In the Footsteps of Our Fathers

Wonderful chapter. I just love Aragorn and Halbarad together. They sound true, and they feel right together. Like wise Halbarad, I think the letter has false written all over it. In a situation like that, though, I can't see Aragorn doing anything else but trying to find out the truth. He would not be satisfied with anything less. The surprising "who dunit" turn of the events was very effective too. But this must have been a very difficult chapter to write.

Bodkin · 3 April 2006 · Chapter 10: In the Footsteps of Our Fathers

Oh wow. Mood change or what. And Halbarad worrying about his 17 year old son and a 15 ish year old girl who has just seen her family cruelly slaughtered. A much more beak-dipping, fly-crawling kind of worry that is packed with immediate danger - but less serious in it potential impact on the world than some aged creased letters that threaten to dispossess the hope of Arda. I'm with Halbarad. It has unlikely written all over it. Arathorn's son, maybe, in the way that Aragorn is Elrond's. But Aragorn's right, too - any doubt in any mind could be enough to shift everything and cause the once and future king to fail. I wonder if Halbarad's mother knows more than he thinks. It would be delightfully ironic if she could illuminate them in a five minute conversation, when they are (clearly) going to go through agonies to try to find out the truth. Such a beautifully done mixture of moods - humour, scenery, angst, horror - and a reminder that being a leader and a king takes more than birth. Aragorn is the right person to chase windmills and throw himself against overwhelming odds whatever secrets emerge. And it's good to see him back on the job rather than wallowing in fears of dishonour and disinheritance. I shall go and read it again now.

Casso · 2 April 2006 · Chapter 10: In the Footsteps of Our Fathers

Hail Meckinock, Love your writing, please don’t stop. Unlike Aragorn, I just can’t believe the older brother story. There has to be another explanation. The thing is, I imagine Arathorn to be something like Aragorn in character and I cannot see Aragorn denying the getting of a child regardless of the circumstances. If Arathorn had had an older son should he not have acknowledged him openly and then declared Aragorn his heir anyway? I think you torture Aragorn intentionaly. I like it. More please. Cheers, Casso

Gandalfs apprentice · 2 April 2006 · Chapter 10: In the Footsteps of Our Fathers

I like the first confrontation between Aragorn and Halbarad--true to the character of both. And now the plot is really thickening! I hope you update soon! G.A.

Nilmandra · 2 April 2006 · Chapter 10: In the Footsteps of Our Fathers

Well, geez, that took an ugly turn. On the positive side, its enough to get the grim ranger's mind off his father's indiscretion and a missing potential halfbrother, but on the negative side... well, three people are brutally dead and one kidnapped. So now we are left to wonder what these bandits have to do with the story.. Like Halbarad, I think I need a drink.

daw the minstrel · 2 April 2006 · Chapter 10: In the Footsteps of Our Fathers

Oh you are so good. Both parts of this were wonderful. Halbarad is always himself-- a pathetic drunk apparently, but a man who sees the world clearly and honestly. He sees the subtleties but he's not going to be diverted from what's most important and can do the most good. He's not going to split hairs and angst around. But poor Aragorn. There's an honest man who's about to lose everything. Everything! And it would be a tragedy not just for him but for all of ME. The scene with the butchered family is awful. You do sensory details so well, and they're never intrusive, be they grass flattened by flood or crows on carrion. And its always in the service of the story and the characters actions and feelings.

Linda Hoyland · 2 April 2006 · Chapter 10: In the Footsteps of Our Fathers

This chapter was full of surprises.I love the way Halbarad is there for Aragorn and his faith in him. I shuddered at the rotting bodies,it was horrible to read which is a compiment to your writing. I hope they can both save the girl and find out about the other son of Arathorn.As always ,gripping and beautifully written.

Elflingimp · 22 March 2006 · Chapter 9: The Secrets of the Dúnedain

Hello just read your chapter I loved it, such insight and funny too.I wonder if Halbarads mom had a crush on Elleden,hope old Aragorn finds what hes looking for but Ill have to wait until you update again to find out(maybe)

Dot · 22 March 2006 · Chapter 9: The Secrets of the Dúnedain

I feel like the worst reviewer ever at the moment. Sorry this is late. Again. So, I enjoyed every second of this. Loved the opening with Halbarad and Brandol. You really create such a vivid picture of this place, and these two give us a very real idea of the type of life they lead just from this conversation between people who clearly know each other well. You made me smile when Halbarad watches in fascination, as he always did, as Brandol took a drink from his mug without bothering to remove the pipe from between his teeth. Little things like that are what bring your characters to life. “Yes, and what’s more, your mother is convinced that she did it only to seduce my son.” LOL! I quite like the sound of Brandol’s bad poetry-writing, dull-but-smitten son, though. But Halbarad’s thoughts about his daughter, and about the widows of the Dúnedain and their fatherless children are very sobering. You give us colourful characters, but you never let us forget the bleakness and hardship of life with the Dúnedain too. Halbarad’s reactions to his mother are just hilarious. She’s going to annoy him no matter what she says! Everyone else’s exasperation is actually endearing her more to me than any story about her being bewitched by the elves. Though she does go too far sometimes. I was very glad Meneliel decided to explain because I was getting annoyed by her constant picking at Aragorn and saying that her son hero-worships him. She still had me choking with laughter at this, though: “If he wants to be King, then let him be getting on with it.” *snort* Still, what an explanation Meneliel had! Now that, I most certainly did not expect. As always, Halbarad’s reactions had me grinning, but my heart went out to Nelaer. Her yearning for Rivendell and struggle to go back to her old life are poignant enough but I can see why Gilraen’s tale was a blow to her. It certainly explains her attitude towards them. It makes me wonder what she really thinks of Aragorn – if she saw his ability to move between the two worlds, I’d say she envied it but she doesn’t seem to think he’s around enough. Hmm. And I thought it was a nice insight into her character that she left rather than stayed and caused trouble. I want to know about Halbarad’s father, though! He sounds… nice. Ah, and Aragorn has arrived. I feel so bad for Elladan. He seems to feel such guilt about something that he really shouldn’t. This brought tears to my eyes: “We are the ones, after all, who stole his grief from him so long ago, took from him his identity as Arathorn’s son. Maybe it will help him to be with his own people for a while.” Aragorn himself looks utterly miserable. “Boots off!” Halbarad’s mother barked from the pantry door.’ ROTFL! “Mae govannen, Elladan” *blinks* She knows him. And she’s blushing. Well! Practical, cynical old Nelaer wasn’t just dancing and painting - she fell for an elf. Erm, there wasn’t *cough* some Elrondion-related reason she left Rivendell and brooded for an age, was there? “What do you mean, everyone?” *grin* Elladan’s very own fanclub, huh? Halbarad woke up happy. LOL!! Had a good, uh, night’s sleep, did he?! I love those two. I’m so glad you let us get to see his home life. And Aragorn’s friggin well gone. If he wanted answers to his secrets, he should have just asked Meneliel. Now Halbarad is never going to get that roof done. “I can track him.” I certainly hope so! Hop to it, Hal.