Brothers at Heart by Radbooks
harrowcat · 22 June 2006 · Chapter 19: Nineteen
Hmmm...I hate to say it but I think that I am with Nestad on that one. Glad to see that Halbarad is still along.
Author's reply
Thanks for your review! Aragorn does need Halbarad along to teach him things - because of what he has foreseen, but I think he wants him along as a friend more than he realizes. :)
Misty · 21 June 2006 · Chapter 19: Nineteen
Oh, I hope Nestad is wrong in this! Poor Will. He made some very stupid choices and ended up traveling with the wrong men, but I don't think he deserves to die, either. He could be rehabilitated pretty easily, I think. But I doubt that rehabilitation is part of the usual punishments doled out in Bree. Only one more day till they reach Bree, and I worry about what will happen when they get there. I kind of think Halbarad's idea wasn't all bad! ;-) I can't wait to see what happens when they get there.
Author's reply
Thanks for reviewing, Misty! I sort of thought that Halbarad had a good idea, too and perhaps they should have done it a long time ago. :) But, then, a long time ago they wouldn't have known any of that about Will either. Oh, yes, Will could very easily be rehabilitated... it's not like he is a hardened crimal, just a boy that made a very bad mistake.
fantasia · 7 June 2006 · Chapter 18: Eighteen
Hi I just love your story, it is very realistic and it won’t portrait Aragorn as the superhero that accomplishes impossible deeds that even Superman won’t be able to do. He is only a man, very skilled, but a man and nothing else. I had read you story “In Aragorn’s safekeeping” in ff.net and I really liked. It was incredible well done, and liked how you portrait Halbarad there, as well Aragorn interaction with the elves, his brothers, father and Legolas. I would like to see more of that, maybe in another one? I recall Legolas telling something about Estel practicing his healing skills in him, and that he was perfectly safe before knowing him. Also, I would like to know more about Will and Rebecca. I’m trying to remember if some of the rangers in this story were in the other one; I think that I remember Alvist. I also remember something about Halbarad being hurt while protecting Estel and how guilty he felt after that, and something else, about a girl that Halbarad liked and was killed with her brother when visiting another village. You know, I think that I’m going to re-read your previous fanfic to refresh my memory. Well, really, keep writing; it is very interesting to read about young Estel, working hard to integrate into his new world, and at the same time trying to keep his elf childhood alive and his unconditional love for his father and brothers. You are a very good writer and I really enjoy your job. There is more that I would like to say, but English is not my first language and sometimes I hesitate to write because I don’t find the right words. Waiting for updates.
Author's reply
Thanks for reviewing my story and I'm glad that you are enjoying it. I think that you write very well, don't hesitate to write me because you think I won't understand you! :) Many of these Rangers are in 'In Aragorn's Safekeeping', though of course their roles there were very small and most had very few lines. Gilost, Alvist, Balrant, Baisael, Laegrist, and Caladithil were all in that story. Alvist became the Steward of Arnor and Balrant, Baisael, and Laegrist are three of the Rangers that stayed in the South with Aragorn. I am working (slowly) on a short sequel to that that would cover Thomas and Rebecca's wedding and a few other things. My next story is going to be an Eomer and Aragorn story and I may or may not include Thomas and Rebecca in that story... I have not decided yet. It did also included a part where Aragorn told Thomas about an incident where Halbarad saved his life - that is what started this whole story and it will come up eventually. The other part will not appear in this story as that happens many years in the future and this story will only cover the first year of Aragorn's life among his people. Thanks again, Radbooks
Amy · 7 June 2006 · Chapter 18: Eighteen
phew! I for one was relieved that the Rangers' clean-up operation is going pretty well so far. Poor horse, though, ergghh. I have to admit to a weakness for injured!Aragorn healing others. And I was relieved by the baths. The birthday tarts sounded lovely! How special a treat that would be while on a journey. Food becomes such a focus. *still concerned about bandit group dynamics*
Author's reply
Oh, yes, those Rangers would definitely need a bath after battling orcs! :) I think sometimes people forget how much blood would be shed in a battle like that... not that it is something I like to dwell on or describe, but still... I'm sure that the tarts would be appreciated by all of the men and it speaks to his Aunt's nature that she would do something like that for him. Any type of fresh (or semi-fresh!) food would be a wonderful thing to have as they travel the wilds. Thanks for reviewing!
Lady Bluejay · 6 June 2006 · Chapter 18: Eighteen
I admire your industry: you put out a great deal of excellant work. This is a very detailed story that keeps one spellbound.LBJ
Author's reply
Thanks for reviewing my story. I'm glad that you are enjoying it and that it is keeping you so interested! I do spend a lot of time on my writing... I'm single so I can afford to do that. :)
harrowcat · 6 June 2006 · Chapter 18: Eighteen
This just keeps getting better Radbooks. I am kind of glad that Aragorn and Halbarad's relationship is not completely smooth - it is more realistic.
Author's reply
Thank you for your very kind words. I don't think that any real relationship is ever without some type of conflict and so I try and portray that in this story. Glad that it is coming across as I had hoped. :)
Larner · 24 May 2006 · Chapter 17: Seventeen
A fine description of the battle and the concern for all involved. Wish the one horse hadn't run away with its rider; to die tied to his horse would possibly have been poetic justice, considering what his people did to the two families, but it would still be untenable to such as Aragorn. And so now the athelas smells like home, does it? Of course!
Author's reply
Thanks for reviewing the chapter. Glad you liked the description of the battle... it was fun to write as I don't usually have too many action scenes in my stories. Well, at least they don't dominate my stories. :) Aragorn and all of the Rangers are horrified about the horse running away with the bandit and will do their best to find him. None of them would wish that kind of fate on anyone... even someone as evil as Dale deserves a painless death for his actions. Though you are right that it would have a certain sort of poetic justice to it!
jack bauer · 18 May 2006 · Chapter 16: Sixteen
I just read this *entire* story in one sitting. I congratulate you on this wonderful accomplishment and look forward to the chapters to come. Fantastic work.
Author's reply
Wow, that's a lot to read at one time! :) Thank you very much for your very kind words and for leaving me a review. I do so appreciate the encouragement.
sidonieatsunset@aol.com · 15 May 2006 · Chapter 16: Sixteen
Hi, I stumbled on this a couple of days ago- it is really good. Not my usual thing, as I cannot usually get past reading and writing about the Rohirrim and Eomer! It is very detailed and you pocess a great imagination. Thanks for the great read. LBJ
Author's reply
Thank you for reviewing my story and I'm glad that you have enjoyed it even if it is not your usual fare. I also enjoy reading Eomer stories, though Aragorn is my favorite character. My next story is going to be an Aragorn - Eomer story set in the 4th age. I enjoyed writing Eomer as a minor character in another story - which is not on this site - and wanted to do a story with him as more of a central character. Thanks again.
Fire · 14 May 2006 · Chapter 16: Sixteen
This sounds like it's gonna be an evenful journey. I must say that I feel kind of sorry for young Will, he just didn't know hat he got himself into before it was to late. They have a big problem now, just four man against a band of orcs, this sounds like it's gonna be a hard fight.
Author's reply
Thanks for reviewing the chapter. Yes, it has turned into an eventful journey so far, hasn't it? :) Keep in mind all of the bad things that Will has done. The people that you know he has helped to kill. I feel bad for him, too, but has he shown any remorse or does he just feel bad that he was caught? That society probably doesn't have a rehabilition program for bandits and every choice has consequences as Estel told him. But it's tough not to like him and to feel sorry for him.
harrowcat · 14 May 2006 · Chapter 16: Sixteen
Hmm, Yes, I think a large company or orcs could just ruin your day! Good luck Aragorn!
Author's reply
Thanks for reviewing! Orcs would always ruin your day... they wouldn't be a lot of fun to be around.
SurgicalSteel · 7 May 2006 · Chapter 15: Fifteen
I've been reading this for a little while, actually - I'm really enjoying the story, and I love the developing friendship between Aragorn and Halbarad.
Author's reply
Thank you for reviewing the story, I appreciate the encouragement!
Larner · 6 May 2006 · Chapter 15: Fifteen
As I think you know, I made the choice to have the Northern Dunedain speak mostly Adunaic with Sindarin their secondary language, based primarily on the use of the "Ar-" prefix used by the people of Arthedain for the heirs of Isildur and to partly differentiate themselves from the Elves with whom they cooperated. But Sindarin would indeed be used heavily, particularly, I think, among those of the strongest royal lineage. I love Aragorn here, and the realization by Eradan that in truth Aragorn is little older than he himself, and yet that he is already far more mature. And I love the smoking lessons! How anyone can decide to smoke considering how difficult it can be to learn to do so without choking is beyond me, actually. And I loved the manner in which Aragorn handled the direction of the taking of the raiders, and his dealing with Halbarad and Alvist particularly afterwards. Certainly Eradan has learned the hard way just how careful he must be walking amongst enemies.
Author's reply
Thanks for reviewing the chapter, I do appreciate it. I thought about Adunaic as I knew you used it, but I don't know much about it myself so didn't want to go that way in case something came up and I was already using, 'adar' and 'naneth'. The whole language part is not very clear and Tolkien said different things at different times and so I went this way as it just seemed easiest. There are times that I wish that Tolkien had not left so many notes for his son to put into all of these books to 'muddy' up the waters. But then what we would have to write about to fill in the gaps, etc? :) Glad that you loved Aragorn in this chapter, we haven't really gotten to see his 'warrior' side so far in this story, though we will a bit now. :) Yet his compassion and firmness in speaking with Eradan later was needed... he did do a good job, yet he did need to be reminded to be aware of what was happening as well. Eradan will never forget that lesson, nor will he forget Aragorn's confidence in him that he will be a good Ranger one day. I just wanted to point out the very small difference in Aragorn and Eradan's ages and yet Aragorn is leading all of these people - men 70 & 80 years older look to him for leadership and Eradan is not even allowed to go out on patrol yet! It just strikes me at times of the difference in the two of them and all of the things Aragorn told Eradan were right - the lives they have led were just so different. Halbarad is just wearing Aragorn down with the whole pipe-smoking thing! :) I don't smoke, but I do like the smell of pipes, but not cigarettes.
Fire · 6 May 2006 · Chapter 15: Fifteen
An other fine chapter. I'm sorry for Halbarad, having to kill that man, but it could'nt be helped. I'm sure it happens to the rangers more often than they would like, being who they are. I can imagine Eradan thinking it was his fault the man was killed, but it surely wasn't. So Aragorn wakes what ever elves there are with him on patrol when he starts humming does he? ;) Nice picture you paint there. It's good to see Aragorn trying to comfort Halbarad and Eradan, he does really seem a lot older than they are.
Author's reply
Thank you for reviewing the chapter, I appreciate it. It would be so difficult to have to take a man's life, it is not something that I can imagine and yet it had to be done, and as you said, probably much more often than they liked. In another story that I have written one of the other characters made a comment that he couldn't imagine how Aragorn could have been involved in fighting and war for over 70 years at that point in his life... I can't imagine that, either! It just strikes me how very young Aragorn is to be leading these people and I want to bring that up from time to time. Men seventy and eighty years older than him are looking to him and he is only the same age as this 'boy' who is not even allowed to go out on patrol yet. But all the things he told Eradan were true, growing up with only adults (very ancient adults at that!) does mature you and he has just been groomed for this for a long time, etc.
grumpy · 29 April 2006 · Chapter 14: Fourteen
I had a great time reading of Aragorn's first, Dunedan festival. I loved all the gifts given and recieved. Something made by Arathorn was a great idea of Ivorwen's. I wonder what she will make of the poetry. She also gave some very good advice, for Aragorn to dance while he had the chance. I loved the long chapter.
Author's reply
Thanks for reviewing the chapter and I'm glad that you enjoyed it and that the length was fine. Ivorwen is a lot wiser than she comes across at times and people probably overlook her because she is so... cranky. :) But, yes, she did give Aragorn very good advice and he was wise enough to listen to her not so gentle prodding.
harrowcat · 28 April 2006 · Chapter 14: Fourteen
I have been having internet trouble but have managed todrop in to say how much I am enjoying this Radbooks. Personally, I like long chapters but short chapters posted frequently work too! :) A character list might be helpful for some people but I don't think that you need one at the end of every chapter.
Author's reply
Thanks for reviewing, harrowcat! I'm glad that you are enjoying it. I also enjoy longer chapters, but my last story it got a little crazy as they often stretched past twenty pages! So, I am trying to keep them around ten pages and update weekly.
Larner · 28 April 2006 · Chapter 14: Fourteen
A most wonderful first solstice celebration for them all, of course; and love the thought Aragorn is taking in his gifts. The stool is a most fitting gift, and far more intimate a one than I think Ivorwen had thought to make and certainly more so than he'd thought to receive. I love the idea he has something his father made for his mother. It may help with the homesickness. And glad his first dance among the younger ladies was with those from Tarnaund. Most politic and thoughtful, and will ease their way as the fact he's made an example of including them will be noted and followed through upon early on. And love how Ivorwen is finally beginning to thaw and let go the grief.
Author's reply
I'm glad you enjoyed the first celebration that Aragorn was able to have with his people, it was rather fun for me to write. It was difficult for him to give up his books, those are precious to him, but he really did want to bless his aunt and his grandmother and so it was a sacrifice he was willing to make. The stool was something that shocked Aragorn and will be a treasured part of his possessions. Besides helping with his homesickness, it will also help him build more of a connection with his father which is slowly growing as he learns more about him. Thanks for reviewing!
Larner · 28 April 2006 · Chapter 13: Thirteen
I love seeing the early decisions as Aragorn begins learning how things are done differently among men and as he learns who knows what. And I love the sparring! I have a weak place for sparring, I think. And the thought of Estel circling carefully and working so well with others is a fascinating one for me to contemplate.
Author's reply
Oh, yes, Estel is learning of the differences between men and elves. When he wanted to give his men more time for them to settle in before they returned to their patrols, I think he was thinking from more of an elvish perspective. There is lots of time, etc. Also, I think that right now he is much more concerned about his own people, the Dunedain, than the peoples of Arnor in general. He doesn't know those people yet. Though he is about to meet them. :) But because of that, the sense of urgency to return to protecting them is not quite as high as it will become. I'm glad that you like the sparring! I, too, can see Estel wanting to really help these young men and boys to become better - he knows the dangers out there - and so he would be very serious with them and yet would never do anything to embarrass them, only do things to improve their skills. Thanks for reviewing!
Amy · 28 April 2006 · Chapter 14: Fourteen
A sparkling chapter with introverted!Aragorn talked to by his elders and forced into having a bit of fun for the good of his soul. Happy!Aragorn is rather rare, so it was a lot of fun to glimpse him here. The undercurrent of talk that must have been swirling about him! and he was probably mostly oblivious. I really like Ivorwen, I'm sure that I've said it before. She must have been a piece of work to live with, but she's real interesting.
Author's reply
I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter, it was a fun one to write. Ivorwen and Nestad are both right, Aragorn needs to not take on more responsibility than is rightfully his and he needs to be able to enjoy life when he can. There will be so much of his life that will be so difficult - he knows that, he told Halbarad that he feels his life will be unsettled - so he needs to take opportunities to dance at a festival or whatever. Oh, I'm sure that Aragorn was somewhat aware of the talk going on about him, even if didn't know exactly what was being said, he had to know that they were talking about him! Thanks for reviewing.
Raksha The Demon · 28 April 2006 · Chapter 14: Fourteen
This is an interesting story about a much younger and somewhat less sure of himself, due to his youth and inexperience, Aragorn. He's very much a diamond in the rough; and his slow adjustment from Elven fosterling to young Dunedain Chieftain makes for great reading. It made sense that despite Aragorn's caring attitude towards the young women and girls, he is uncomfortable with "young ladies". I liked Aragorn's innovation of teaching draughts/chess to the children; but am surprised that the Dunedain youngsters didn't already know the game. I'm in favor of a character list; since I don't easily remember all the OC's...
Author's reply
Thank you for reviewing the story and I am glad that you are enjoying it. I've just always felt that there had to be a period of adjustment for Aragorn. That despite all of his training, there are some things that only actual experience can give you. He is fortunate to be surrounded by wise men and he is smart enough to listen to their counsel. I went back and forth a lot on the whole draughts game because, as you said, it could easily have been something they could have known. In the end I decided to include it because I liked the idea of Estel giving something to all of the children - for what it said about his character and interest in them. Also, I liked the fact that it gave him something to have in his hands at several points in the chapter... something to fidget with. Thanks again!
Fire · 11 April 2006 · Chapter 12: Twelve
I've just read you're story so far and I like it very much... It's great to see more of the Dunedain and the lives they live. I loved reading the first paragrafs of this chapter... older woman ... Just wait till Aragorn finally tells Halbarad about Arwen.... I think hiss jaw is gonna hit the floor on that ;) Nice to see the people of the village take in the others so willingly, even though they may not like all of them.
Author's reply
Thanks for reviewing the story, I'm glad that you have enjoyed it. I've certainly had fun with the Dunedain culture, there is very little written about them and so I get to use my imagination quite a bit. Yes, Halbarad will be quite stunned when he finds out about Arwen, though I don't think he will actually learn about her for quite a few years.
Larner · 9 April 2006 · Chapter 12: Twelve
Ladrenil's courtesy and acceptance has given a worthy example to the rest of Dolomar as to how to accept the newcomers. So-Halbarad is beginning to notice the young ladies, is he? A wonderful thing for a young man of his age. And he's realizing his cousin has different standards for considering an appropriate age difference.... Wait until he learns for certain whom his cousin considers as the queen of his heart! Lovely homecoming for all of them.
Author's reply
Thanks for the review, Larner! Yes, Halbarad is noticing the young ladies though he wouldn't typically marry for quite a few years in 'my' idea of the Dunedain. But it seemed a pretty natural thing for two young men to discuss and so I just had to bring up the age difference... how could I not? :) Halbarad won't find out about Arwen in this story but he will be shocked when he finds out, 3,000 years is a little much! Ladrenil did really set the tone for the acceptance of the people into the village. The fact that the homes were set up and ready for them and supper was prepared, etc., all of those things would go a long way to easing your nervousness about being welcomed and not being a burden. Thanks again!
Amy · 9 April 2006 · Chapter 12: Twelve
I continue to harbor a fondness for sharp-tongued Ivorwen. Aragorn doesn't show that testiness often, but I can imagine that he didn't suffer fools gladly. My favorite part of the chapter is at the beginning, with the hilarious discussion of older women!
Author's reply
Thanks for reviewing, Amy! I'm pretty fond of Ivorwen myself, the character has really grown on me and has become much more than I ever thought she would be. Some characters just do that. I don't believe that Aragorn thinks his grandmother is a fool, I think he is starting to read her fairly well and knows she has been hurt by the things of life and sometimes says things that she doesn't really mean. I'm glad you liked the discussion between Aragorn and Halbarad about older women... I figured they had to talk about women some time and it just seemed natural for the subject of older women to come up. When Halbarad finds out about Arwen, which won't happen in this story, he will be shocked! Thanks again, Radbooks
harrowcat · 9 April 2006 · Chapter 12: Twelve
I am glad to see them all safely at Dolomar. I am also glad to see Aragorn's relationship with his grandmother developing, albeit slowly. Looking forward to lots more of this Radbooks.
Author's reply
Thank you for reviewing, I appreciate it. Yes, they were able to get all home safely, with just a little bit of tension on the way. I think they've seen enough of orcs and tragedy for a time. Aragorn and Ivorwen's relationship is growing step-by-step and while she'll never be a milk and cookie kind of grandmother, I do think they will eventually have at least a level of relationship that will be satisfying to both of them. Radbooks
Larner · 2 April 2006 · Chapter 11: Eleven
Yes, the first of Aragorn's brothers among mortals. The respect Aragorn shows Hirgon as a father and an experienced Ranger is beginning to make itself felt. Am as proud of him as Halhigal is, I think. And Nestad also is serving as a proper mentor to this one intended to be Lord among Men. And to not pursue the orcs must be very frustrating!
Author's reply
I think the only way that Hirgon would be able to really 'see' Aragorn for who he is and not as just his father's son is if Aragorn treats him with the respect he deserves. (Not that Arathorn treated him poorly either, even though it felt that way to Hirgon!) Hirgon does have some good qualities, they are just hidden and a good leader will bring them out. I really like Nestad too, he's one of those characters that has just grown on me and become more than what I had envisioned for him, but definitely is a mentor. Aragorn needs people like him around who are not afraid to speak their hearts and mind and yet support him unconditionally. Yes, I think that Halbarad truly was a brother to Aragorn and that is why I was always sad when he died in the books. But it does give me things to write about, doesn't it? :) Orcs are always frustrating and yet sometimes the bad guys get away... sometimes life doesn't always work out as neatly as you would like it to.