Reviews (181)

RS · 4 October 2005 · Chapter 6: Departure - Part One -

This chapter just gives Strider more of that aura of mystery about him..It is so well-written; his movements, his facial expressions (did you describe that or do I just see it in my mind?), the way he says things that makes the whole village stop and listen, his silence..just the way he carries himself. I love the banter around the campfire; especially the bit about the bread!(It's such a light mood in a story that I know will be dark in the future chapters.) It gives you an idea of how close the village is and how everyone knows everything about each other. I love the way Doran's mood changes when he thinks that STrider is Thorongil's son! So Daevan is going with Strider. It is going to be interesting!

Larner · 27 September 2005 · Chapter 6: Departure - Part One -

Thorongil himself across the fire, and there is yet the question, and the assumption of the son. Glad to see the interplay here. Two typos--debt instead of depth which I suspect your spellchecker gave you, and weighing words rather than waging them. An excellent story, and am pleased to read it.

viggomaniac · 27 September 2005 · Chapter 5: A Stranger Named Strider

Of course I "meant" to review the day I read this, which (it probably goes without saying) was the same day you posted it. As always, fine work. Ah, the nightmares! So terrifying, so disturbing, so, so...so 'fetching'. Nilana is wonderful. What a caring person, and yet it's as though she hungers for so much more. A man? Some excitement? A chance to shake off, if only for a little while, the sometimes stifling bonds of her life? Can't blame her for hoping, can we? Don't much care for Gaellyn. He seems too easily irritated and suspicious. He also seems less than helpful. And finally, Strider gives them his *name*. Nilana's daughter was sweet, much like her mother. And now, what's this? Strider is going to leave? Poor Nilana. Ah well, all good things must come to an end. If he manages to stay on his feet, that is. I love the way you portray Aragorn's gratitude toward her. He doesn't say a lot (because he can't speak very easily, silly reviewer!) but the looks all say so much. Poor woman. But what a wonderfully strong woman she is, gracious despite all the gossip and the teasing she has had to put up with. I love her! And now since you have just posted the next chapter, I must move on. Thanks for sharing this marvelous tale.

RS · 27 September 2005 · Chapter 5: A Stranger Named Strider

I applaud you. What an excellent chapter!!! I am so glad Aragorn got his voice back. As usual you got this reader as curious as a cat. Those nightmares Strider keeps having got me wondering. Who was he speaking Elvish to? Can I guess?? Will his dreams be explained later on? I just want to say that your writing is phenomenal. The story does not drag on..It keeps this reader interested and wanting more. Everything that Strider does is so mysterious to these people. Even when he has his voice back, he does not say much and the way he carries himself leaves everyone guessing! He is so much of an enigma..even to me!!!I love his interaction with Nelin. Everything in this story is so vivid. I am actually in the hut watching and listening!. I can't say enough of your characters!! They are so well-written. I love them. By the way..is "puking" a "middle earth" language? Can't wait to find out where he thinks he's going now. Hope he has enough strength. Until next time.

grumpy · 25 September 2005 · Chapter 5: A Stranger Named Strider

Strider is trying to leave already, he is barely healed. How does he think he is going to find Gollum in his current state. Looking forward to more

lindahoyland · 14 September 2005 · Chapter 5: A Stranger Named Strider

You have a real gift at creating original characters and portraying them as vividly as Tolkien's.I feel I have visited this village and can see it my mind's eye. I hope to have more time next week to continue.

Larner · 14 September 2005 · Chapter 5: A Stranger Named Strider

The concern about the stranger in their midst is very realistic, I find. This is indeed well written and enjoyable.

Gandalfs apprentice · 14 September 2005 · Chapter 5: A Stranger Named Strider

Hi, Timmy I've been reading all your stuff for a while, but always lurking. Sorry for that. Anyway, I just had to break my bad habit to tell you how much I like this story. I'm glad you are doing a pre-Ring Aragorn adventure! I've read "Castle" twice and (obviously) really like it, too. And I'm following "Twilight of the Gods" and am dying to know what those marks on Aragorn's neck are doing to him. Keep writing! G.A.

Laerien · 14 September 2005 · Chapter 5: A Stranger Named Strider

I am here and still love this! I wonder that after this, were this story will go... At last they know his name. But that doesn't help them much. I truly like Nelin. She is such a sweet girl with her touching, funny or simply cute questions...:o) I pitied Nilana so much... :o( She is a kind woman. I have to admit that I like this three characters the best. Thought I didn't mention the third one, I think you can guess. ;o) I eagerly wait for the next chapter!

viggomaniac · 7 September 2005 · Chapter 4: Close to Comfort - Part Three -

As always, a great chapter. You weave your tale so slowly and intricately that the reader just can't help being anxious for more. Ah, the Eagle of the Star, eh? Understandably Doran wouldn't expect the stranger to be Thorongil. After all, he still appears to be a young man. But his suspicions aren't entirely laid to rest. Poor Nilana. Constantly being flustered in Aragorn's presence. That rings so true, the idea of not wanting to be embarrassed in front of someone you like or hope to please. But it is a good thing she had Bradolla there. The old healer means well and is insightful enough to realize she was rather harsh with Nilana. I also liked Daevan's observation that 'old people needed to be a bit strange to not get lost among all the young folk.' And of course, my favorite bits are the 'helpless Aragorn' moments. Bradolla's last words were, um, intriguing. Yes, that's it, intriguing. Okay, Timmy, I'm dying for the next chapter. Please. Pretty please?

Laerien · 1 September 2005 · Chapter 4: Close to Comfort - Part Three -

Sorry, last time I wasn't here, and somehow looked over the update, but I'm still here and like it! :o) Everyone seems to suffer here in some way... :o( That should be better if Aragorn regained his voice. Or at least, that's my opinion. I can't wait to read more, and sorry that I can't add anything intelligent, but I'm not in the right mood. :o( Maybe, next time! But keep writing (and updating!)

rs · 1 September 2005 · Chapter 4: Close to Comfort - Part Three -

Again..the jewel!!! Doran recognizes the face and knew someone that wore such a jewel!!! OK THE SUSPENSE IS KILLING ME!! Will he find out??? I don't know if I've said this I'm really starting to like Nilana. Maybe because she is so compassionate towards Aragorn. But anyway.. update soon please.

rs · 31 August 2005 · Chapter 3: Close to Comfort - Part Two -

Aha.. the myster solved. I wondered what kept Aragorn down under water for so long..Those damn elves!! Creepy. Poor Aragorn. Very Good Story!!! I cannot stop from reading..

rs · 31 August 2005 · Chapter 2: Close to Comfort - Part One -

Aaah.. the brooch.. Is that the evenstar pendent that Arwen wore?..If not, was the brooch from Arwen?? I'm confused. I must have missed something in Tolkien's book. Anyway, I like Nilana, I kind of feel sorry for her, I don't know why just yet..maybe because people keep mentioning that she needs a husband?, or that maybe her husband died, or that she is seeking something that Aragorn cannot give her? Boy..Bradolla sure is feisty. And Doran... he remembers that face???. I'll keep reading.

RS · 31 August 2005 · Chapter 1: Into the Dead Marshes

Hello!! I am so happy that I read Viggomaniac's list of stories or I would not have found this fic. Started reading this chapter and had to stop and review. First of all your description of the Dead Marshes is unbelievable. I am actually there walking on the wet mud and can actually feel and hear the "thwuck" sound that Aragorn's boots are making..let alone smell the stench of the place. Anyway.. I just let out a loud "yeah!!" when Aragorn punched Gollum and when he threw him down (like I'm watchin a boxing match or something). God he's so gross!!!--Gollum I mean. What was the brooch that Gollum threw in the water?? Also, I am still reading Twilight of the Gods and throughly enjoying it. This is great. Now I have two stories to look forward to. I will now continue reading this delightful but creepy story. rs

grumpy · 31 August 2005 · Chapter 4: Close to Comfort - Part Three -

Poor Nilana, she needs to sit down and have a nice cup of tea. Nilana is doing her best to help Aragorn. At least he has a salve for his back. I do believe that Bradolla might be related to that old healer woman in Gondor.

Larner · 29 August 2005 · Chapter 4: Close to Comfort - Part Three -

The healer with no voice unable to speak with the healer! Lovely!

grumpy · 20 August 2005 · Chapter 3: Close to Comfort - Part Two -

That was some bad nightmare Aragorn had, poor guy, he is hurt bad. And just what does Nilana want? She can not have the ranger, he is mine I tell you mine. Well Arwin might hae a thing to say about that. I like Nilana's daughter.

viggomaniac · 18 August 2005 · Chapter 3: Close to Comfort - Part Two -

This is such a fantastic story and it just keeps getting better. I think I might actually break down and *squeal* when you post the next chapter (although it might be a little over the top)! I love Nilana's embarrassment at her brother's suggestions [could what she 'saw' be given two different meanings BTW?] and her indignation at his rather callous attitude towards Aragorn. That whole nightmare sequence and Aragorn's frantic behavior afterward was brilliant. I am *so* loving this! Oh my, I don't know why a helpless Aragorn has such appeal to me (er, actually I probably DO know why but I'm afraid I might slip here and drop too many clues LOL). This whole bit with him not even being able to speak is just so mesmerizing. Did I mention that I love this story? Nilana's brother is rather a complainer. My word! The poor ranger is hardly responsible for vomiting all over his sleeve. Poor baby. Oops. Must try to be more mature about this review. Sorry! It must be crushing for Aragorn to find, after all he's been through, that Gollum got away. You really make us commiserate with him there. And Gollum's bite wound is badly infected? Oh, what potential this story has. I am going to be SO sad when it ends. Are you ever afraid to read a story because you just know that it's going to be SO unbelievably good that you don't want it to end? Well, that's the case here. When I get your update notices, I check them immediately, but then I'm almost afraid to, because then it's over and I have to wait for the next one. And before I know it *poof* the story IS over. Ah well. (Real) life must go on. But of course, I'm dying for the next chapter *reviewer keels over* -- hey, they don't 'toss' silly reviewers from this site, do they? Nilana is wonderful. I bow in admiration of your talent!

Larner · 17 August 2005 · Chapter 3: Close to Comfort - Part Two -

Love the caring for Aragorn contrasted with the envy of the brother.

Radbooks · 16 August 2005 · Chapter 3: Close to Comfort - Part Two -

I am really enjoying this story. It's very different and it's hard to see Aragorn in this kind of situation where he can't even talk! But yet you can sense his frustration and 'we' know why he's upset over the loss of Gollum, but the people that rescued him don't. I'm looking forward to the next chapter!

fliewatuet · 8 August 2005 · Chapter 2: Close to Comfort - Part One -

Now that's an interesting take on the whole Gollum episode. I must admit that I had to shove my inner canon geek firmly back (I once beta'd another Gollum story and being overly familiar with that episode sometimes comes as a hindrance), but now that she's safely locked away, I really enjoy your story. Interesting effect the water from the meres in the Dead Marshes has. It's quite unfortunate that Aragorn cannot speak. And I can well believe that he chose to omit that part of the tale at Elrond's council :-) Now I wonder what it will take him to capture Gollum again (now that he knows what he's facing, he will sooo not look forward to another encounter).

grumpy · 4 August 2005 · Chapter 2: Close to Comfort - Part One -

Aragorn seems to have fallen into good healing hands, Nilana seems to know what see is doing. To bad they let Gollum go, sneaky little beast. I like the characters of this village. Wonder where Doran remembers Aragorn from?

viggomaniac (thorongirl, or...whatever) · 4 August 2005 · Chapter 2: Close to Comfort - Part One -

Brilliant, unexpected chapter. You had us all thinking that Gollum was somehow going to be the rescuer, but you really know how to twist that plot bunny. Simply grand. Okay, now I'll calm down. A little anyway. Really, great chapter. You conveyed Aragorn's sense of discomfiture and disorientation wonderfully and also introduced us to some very interesting original characters. Seems like the marsh waters were quite ghastly indeed. I couldn't help but love the feelings of helplessness radiating from Aragorn. I can't help it. I love it! Nilana is terrific, although I do envy her! (If you have to ask why, then my thoughts aren't as transparent as I believed -- although I'm pretty sure they are). The busybody visitor, Baeni, rings wholly true. I 'know' people like that. "A fine catch" -- indeed! But I like the way you show Nilana's understated embarrassment not giving in to doing what has to be done regardless and her recognition of Aragorn's bewilderment. She's just coming across as so compassionate and likable. Also liked her ponderings on the Evenstar. Next question, 'who is the old man?' and what connection does he have with Aragorn? I hope you continue writing LOTR but that of course, is up to you. I personally think you 'play' with Tolkien's work beautifully!

Laerien · 3 August 2005 · Chapter 2: Close to Comfort - Part One -

I liked the change! Though, first I thought I am reading another story :o) Is this story going to be VER AU?? You know I do not like AU stories nor do I read them, yours is the exception... But I hope you will try to be canonical. Oh, they released Gollum!!! I can't believe it! Now he has to capture him again!? Valar, no wonder he was shocked... After how much time he will get back his voice? It would be better for both him and Nilana if they could talk. I like Nilana. She takes good care of him, she is very nice.I loved when she didn't want Aragorn to hear about bad wounds and such things... :o) I hope you update soon! (Sooner than you did with this chapter ;o) )