Shoshana_Rose
· 30 August 2007
· Chapter 11: Have Yourself a Merry Little Penninor
Hi again! I find myself rereading this story in the early AM hours, and realizing that I never did fully understand what the room of light was all about, and what Aragorn's reaction to the light signified to Gandalf. Do you think you might clarify a bit?
I do love the touch of mystery, but I'd like to be able to appreciate the weight of the episode, which I can't do because your Gandalf (like Tolkein's) is so good at being opaque. I see the surface of the lake, but not it's depth.
Thanks kindly,
Shoshi
Author's reply
The room of light is the elves'_iaun_ "holy place, fane, sanctuary" within the Stonghold. So, it is where the elves commune with Eru and/or the Valar. The light therefore represents the Light of God and Gandalf is curious to see how Aragorn reacts to such a "close" encounter with the Divine. Remember, he is given the gift of choosing when he will relinguish his life, something that none of his ancestors after the fall of Númenor were ever able to do. Perhaps this is where that gift is given and Aragorn does not come to the realization of the gift until later in his life.
Is this less opaque for you? *grin*
Jay of Lasgalen
· 13 August 2007
· Chapter 13: Dream a Little Dream of Arwen
*Grin*
Poor Arwen - how embarrassing to fall down while watched by everyone. No wonder she said orc spit :>)
I can't blame Celebrían for immediately blaming the twins - they do seem the most likely suspects!
Author's reply
Big brothers, little sister... a deadly combination and I'm sure they were guilty of plenty of mischief with Arwen so it's natural for Celebrían to look to blame them first before seeking others to blame.
Elf Lover
· 7 July 2007
· Chapter 15: Epilogue: Sweet Home Imladris
I really enjoyed this story and it kept my interest all the way through. All the characters were believable, and their inteactions great.
I also enjoyed that the story had humor, adventures, and angst all in one.
Your ending, where Gilhael showed she knew what had happened to her son was the perfect touch. I would like to know is how she knew.
Thanks for sharing this story with all of us.
Author's reply
I'm glad you enjoyed this tale, Elf Lover. As for how Gilraen knew about what happened... she's a mother! Mother's always know about such things, at least mine always did. *grin* Thank you for reading the story and letting me know how much you enjoyed it. I appreciate it very much.
ShimmeringWater
· 15 June 2007
· Chapter 15: Epilogue: Sweet Home Imladris
The best praise I can give to such an excellent work is, that there where moments when I was reading that I forgot this was a fanfiction, and really believed tolkien to be the author of such a story. It is not only pausible, but also well wrtten with enough descriptions to make it clear but not overwhelming. I hope you continue writting.
SW.
Author's reply
Oh, I do not intend to stop writing and I hope you check out some of my other stories as well. I post almost exclusively at Stories of Arda. I'm very gratified that you found this story to be more as if Tolkien had written it rather than some fan. That's high praise indeed. Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. It's a writer's lembas and miruvor.
nautika
· 11 April 2007
· Chapter 15: Epilogue: Sweet Home Imladris
I've finished reading this story and am ready for the sequel! I always enjoy finding a new writer with your skill level. I almost missed the chance to read this because I was a little intimidated by the amount of Author's Notes and words that had to be translated. Even though I had to stop and think about the months (I kept wanting to turn them into people's names! Grin!), you write so well, I wasnt distracted for long.
I'm glad I decided to print it because it is a great story!
nautika
Author's reply
I'm glad you decided to read (and finish) this story. Thank you. I'm sorry if the notes and translations were intimidating. I just love the Elvish languages and like to incorporate them into my stories whenever possible, though I do try to curb my enthusiasm, since I know not everyone can read Quenya or Sindarin fluently. *grin* And the notes, especially the historical ones, help to put the story in perspective with respect to the history of Arda as Tolkien sets out in the Tale of Years. Many readers I think appreciate knowing just where and when they are in relation to other events happening in Middle-earth.
nautika
· 10 April 2007
· Chapter 6: Moon Over Rhosgobel
I've been reading this story and really enjoying it, but havent taken time to review until now. I have to tell you how much I like your Radagast. When I've seen him (and written him), he's normally more of a simpleton. I realize that even a 'simple' Maia would be more advanced than a man, but this is the first time I've seen him as a Wizard, standing up to elf lords. Really like it.
Author's reply
Hi nautika! I'm glad you are enjoying this story. I always felt that Tolkien short-shifted Radagast in LOTR, although I think what we are seeing is not Gandalf's views on his fellow Maia but Saruman's. This is especially true when you read about the forming of the Istari and how Saruman resented Radagast's inclusion in the group. I've tried to make Radagast just as powerful, in his own way, as Gandalf, so that elf-lords in a snit don't faze him. Besides which, "simple" and "simpleton" are not synonomous. *grin*
vaske
· 8 March 2007
· Chapter 15: Epilogue: Sweet Home Imladris
I really enjoyed reading your story. It was so hard to stop reading it so I could work on uni assignments! Thanks:)
Author's reply
Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed the story and hope your grades don't suffer becasue of it! *lol* Don't forget to read the companion piece "Erestor in the Dock" to find out what happened to Erestor after they all returned to Imladris.
Agape4Gondor
· 6 February 2007
· Chapter 9: Meet Me In Thranduil's Stronghold
Just to let you know I am continuing to read, mostly during lunch when I don't have access to a computer - wish I could write down responses on each chapter - but I can't. I am most enjoying this tale. I find it interesting that poor Aragorn gets beat up on such a regular basis - but you write it well enough to make it seem plausible.
Only one problem I am having - your chapter titles, though probably meant to be tongue-in-cheek, detract, for me, from the greatness of your writing. The chapters themselves are wonderful to read, full of tension, excitement, angst, joy, and about 14 other neat emotions - but, after the first chuckle, I becme distracted by the titles. The work you have created here, IMHO, deserves better.
Author's reply
Well, you could always ignore the titles. *grn* Since, for me, the entire story is tongue-in-cheek, the titles are appropriate to the level of humor intended. I carried the idea forward to the "sequel" to this story, "Elladan and Elrohir's Not So Excellent Adventure". Titles are meant to convey some idea of what the chapter is about, but could just as easily be left off, I supppose. At any rate, I'm not about to go back and change the titles to something more serious when the entire story is meant to be anything but. *raises eyebrows and grins*
In spite of the distraction of the titles, I'm glad you are enjoying the tale and look forward to reading any further comments you are able to leave.
Agape4Gondor
· 3 February 2007
· Chapter 2: Misty Mountain High
I've been meaning to get back to your tales for some time now. At last, a moment came - but not enough time - never enough time.
Excellent beginning - I won't be able to get to the next chapter till tomorrow - but I'm going to be very upset that I have to wait.
Blessings!
Author's reply
After all this time I was surprised to see that I had a review for this story. Glad you are finding the time to read it and I look forward to seeing additional comments from you later.
viggomaniac
· 23 November 2006
· Chapter 1: Rainy Days and Orithiliath
Wow! I just read through this entire story. I read the prologue months ago but then it got set aside and well...I just finished reading it. What a fantastic story! This first chapter was wonderful. I loved the humorous moments as well as the serious and I really felt for Gilraen in the flashback -- not only for the humor of the situation but also for her anger at Arathorn. That was really beautifully done. I loved the bantering between Elrond and Glorfindel and Estel's youthful exhuberance. And all that poignancy with Estel wanting a friend -- well as I read through the story I liked the way you brought that all together. (But it sure made for some wonderfully humorous moments too; ah, the innocence of a child). Anyways, I will be reviewing other chapters individually too. I REALLY, REALLY hope you intend to write more Aragorn stories. This is one of the best ones I've had the pleasure of reading! I have a 'forum' over at FF.Net (which isn't really much of a forum; I just started it last week as a means for me to recommend stories) and I put your story down as one of my first off-site recommendations. I was riveted to the story throughout and I took advantage of a rare slow day to just sit down and read the entire thing. Very well done. Hope all this praise doesn't get old.
Author's reply
Thanks viggomaniac. I was so surprised to see that I had a review of this story after so long and very pleased that you liked it so much. I'm honored that you found the story so riveting that you read it all at one go and that you're recommending it to other Aragorn fans on your own site. I do indeed plan to write (and am writing) more Aragorn stories. I plan to devote myself to a sequel of this story once I finish writing and posting my Glorfindel story "Elf Interrupted". Even though Aragorn doesn't appear in them, I hope you will take a peek at some of my other stories. For instance, "Elladan's and Elrohir's Not So Excellent Adventure" and the companion piece "Erestor in the Dock" describe the story Elrond and Glorfindel tell Aragorn while he's recovering at Rhosgobel from the orc wound. I look forward to reading your comments on other chapters. Thanks again.
Calenlass Greenleaf
· 31 August 2006
· Chapter 15: Epilogue: Sweet Home Imladris
Great story. I'm sorry that it took me so long to review, though. I ran away on vacation, LOL.
I hope to read more of your stories in the future.
Namarie!
Author's reply
Thanks, Calenlass Greenleaf, I'm glad you enjoyed the story and that you look forward to reading more of my storie in the future. That's music to my ears. Hopefully, I will have a new story out fairly soon.
Grumpy
· 27 August 2006
· Chapter 15: Epilogue: Sweet Home Imladris
Great story, I loved reading each and every chapter. Glad that Estel made it back to Imladris, without too much trouble. Also glad he squared it with Halbarad on why he could not go with him, on his trip south.
Author's reply
Thanks, Grumpy, I'm glad you enjoyed the story. It is somewhat ironic to think that Halbarad would be considered too young when he's older than Aragorn, but I guess being the Chieftain of the Dunedain does have some advantages.
Lily Baggins
· 23 August 2006
· Chapter 15: Epilogue: Sweet Home Imladris
This was such a wonderful story... a marvelous mix of great writing as well as the really visceral angst that I adore so. And yet the angst is completely believable and medically accurate, and the characterizations are refreshing.
I do hope you write more Aragorn stories... do you know what I would give for one set upon the quest featuring some good angst? There are precious few of them. At any rate, I was so sorry to see this end ... new chapters every day were really something I looked forward to!
Author's reply
Glad you liked the story Lily, and perhaps I will write more Aragorn stories, though at the moment none come to mind. However, since he's my favorite (Adan) character, I will probably be writing more about him, though whether pre-Quest, Quest or post-Quest remains to be seen. Keep your eyes open and your fingers crossed.
Ainu Laire
· 21 August 2006
· Chapter 15: Epilogue: Sweet Home Imladris
This story was absolutely amazing. You rarely see book-canon stories that manage to add a good dose of action, adventure, and angst for Aragorn, but you managed to pull it off very well XD I'm slightly addicted to Aragorn angst, but I especially love canon stories.
I am glad you kept Gilraen alive, and I did like the brief appearances by the other Dunedain. It was also interesting to see how Aragorn grew as the months passed by.
I absolutely love how you portrayed all of the elves. I usually cannot stand elves in fan fiction, for Elrond's sons are usually portrayed only as pranksters, Legolas as a man-hating emo, and the older elves are usually not fleshed out. But here, you portrayed them all pretty much exactly as how I imagined them, especially Legolas. I love how he is light-hearted and young. Thranduil was excellent; brought me back to the days of the Hobbit. Glorfindel and Elrond were great as well, and I really liked your OCs. Really, no complaints at all.
And Gandalf! Oh, I love this meeting with Gandalf, and how it coincides with his decision to be Thorongil, which I always thought to be connected. Speaking of Thorongil... clever to have himself named after the eagle who rescued him! And speaking of eagles, I love how you acknowledged the eagles, the Beornings, and Radagast; they are often left out in these types of fan fics, so I'm most grateful.
I loved all of it. The small bantering, the action, the boar, Aragorn's horse, Bard, Legolas, the trips there and back, Gandalf... the whole thing was truly very good.
I hope to see more fiction from you in the future. Aragorn is my favorite character, so for the most part I read stories that have him in it. I hope you'll write about him again... I dunno, a sequel or something. There are not enough Thorongil fics out there ^^
Yet again, excellent job. Thank you for the fabulous story.
Laire
Author's reply
Wow! that's the best review I've ever received. Thanks very much. Your enthusiasm is much appreciated. I'm glad you enjoyed so many aspects of the story, and that I portrayed the various characters to your satisfaction. I try very hard to keep to canon, but as you may have noticed, especially with the initial interchange between Legolas and Aragorn, I don't hesitate dipping into movie-verse when warranted.
I do not know why Gilraen wouldn't be alive at this time since according to Tolkien she did not die until after Aragorn returned from Lorien bethrothed to Arwen and by then he was around 49 or so.
I am indeed writing a sequel of sorts, but not about Aragorn. Instead I have begun writing the story Elrond was telling Estel about Elladan and Elrohir's first time overmountain by themselves and all the things that went wrong. I hope when I finally post it, you will want to read it.
And I hope to also write more about Aragorn (my favorite character of all). Perhaps I will write a Thorongil story soon. Keep your eyes open.
Thanks again for such a wonderful review. It's what writers live for.
grumpy
· 20 August 2006
· Chapter 14: A Hundred Bottles of Dorwinion On the Wall
Oh, Estel this should teach you not to drink to much wine. A hangover to remember for while.
I do like what they did with the tusks, I too could not imagine them wanting to drag them back over the mountains.
Author's reply
I've been drunk a few times in my life but never as drunk as Estel! Still, I remember how I felt AFTERWARDS and that's what I wanted to convey in this chapter. And as for the tusks, I suddenly realized that they had to do SOMETHING with them and so I came up with the idea of a traveling chess board (I like to play chess, myself).
Idril Celebrindal
· 15 August 2006
· Chapter 15: Epilogue: Sweet Home Imladris
Oh jeez, I knew it had to end at some point. But I really enjoyed your story.
Thanks!
Author's reply
Yeah, I know what you mean. I'm glad you liked the story. I appreciate your comments and support.
Elflingimp
· 15 August 2006
· Chapter 15: Epilogue: Sweet Home Imladris
Just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your story, I will miss it! Wish you well with your teaching job, it sounds interesting, and how did Gilraen find out about the boars and the cliff? Hummm.
Author's reply
Thanks Elflingimp. I really appreciate all your comments and am glad you enjoyed the story. I feel almost like Aragorn, setting off to explore the Wilds, though it will be the 'Wilds' of Inner Mongolia rather than the Wilds of Middle-earth. Oh well, can't have everything....
And as for Gilraen... well naneths ALWAYS know these things, don't they? *grin*
grumpy
· 15 August 2006
· Chapter 9: Meet Me In Thranduil's Stronghold
I think Estel has found a friend in Legolas. To bad his first meeting with Thranduil did not go to well. I like that part about Elrond and Glorfidel have gone and lost Estel again.
Author's reply
Well, Thranduil likes to act tough but I think you will find that he has a soft heart if you read further in the story. As for Elrond and Glorfindel... their track record has much to be desired, doesn't it? And you notice nothing bad happens to THEM! I may have to write another story where something bad does happen to these two elves, just to balance things out a bit *grin*.
meckinock
· 15 August 2006
· Chapter 13: Dream a Little Dream of Arwen
Sorry; I should have mentioned that was meant to be tongue-in-cheek.
Author's reply
Oh I know. I was just being mendacious about it. You have to admit though, that I've done everything to the poor schmuck but have certain of his bodily parts removed (but then, that wouldn't be canon, would it?). Someday I should write a story where absolutely nothing bad happens to Aragorn.... NOT!
Lily Baggins
· 15 August 2006
· Chapter 14: A Hundred Bottles of Dorwinion On the Wall
I absolutely live for chapters like these---Aragorn suffering, in pain, and EMBARRASSED!!! I so enjoyed the dreams---I think it shows his human side. And the rating---my motto is if in doubt, go ahead and put an adult rating on it just to be on the safe side. I think it was done extremely tastefully, but it never hurts to put a warning when discussing adult issues.
Beautiful, delicious h/c when Aragorn attempted the physical therapy . . . plus the subsequent fainting, not to mention the vomiting. And his fatigue when attempting to climb with Gandalf . . . have I mentioned how much I love Aragorn sick and injured? I'd love to see even more nursing care, so to speak, from Elrond and Legolas.
Is this story coming to an end? I'll be extremely sad and unhappy about that... I do hope there's a sequel planned. :)
Author's reply
Girl you are one sick puppy! but I'm glad you're enjoying the story. And unfortunately, all good things (and bad) come to an end eventually. As for a sequel... none is planned at the moment, but you never know.
meckinock
· 14 August 2006
· Chapter 13: Dream a Little Dream of Arwen
Wow. I think you've definitely covered all the major bodily fluids now. I have to feel mortified on behalf of poor Aragorn - not only is half of Mirkwood discussing his private nocturnal activities but he has to rely on a female caregiver to clean up the evidence. Good incentive to work hard on his physical therapy, I suppose.
Author's reply
Well, I don't think half of Mirkwood is doing anything of the sort, since they wouldn't be aware of it. And Nessiel is a healer, so such things would not faze her. I've been on the wrong side of the hospital bed too many times myself to know that as embarrassing as it might be for you, the hospital staff are professionals and you just have to deal with such things as sponge baths and dressing changes, etc. And Aragorn being a healer would recognize this even if he doesn't like it.
Radbooks
· 14 August 2006
· Chapter 13: Dream a Little Dream of Arwen
I have been enjoying this story very, very much but have just now had a chance to review it. I only hope that Aragorn is still going to be alive at the end of it. :) I'm glad that Glorfindel is in the story because he is my favorite elf and I don't get to read about him too often... especially in a story with Aragorn. Each of the characters are very well drawn and distinct and I look forward to reading the next chapter.
I did not think this chapter needed a warning, your story is rated PG-13 and the section was very discreet and tastefully written. In fact, once I had passed that I thought there must be something else because that was so mild... I guess I've seen stuff that is much more descriptive.
Author's reply
Hi Radbooks. Glad you have been enjoying the story, especially Glorfindel, who happens to be one of my favorite elves too. And you're right, you don't see too many stories featuring him, especially in a story with Aragorn. We need to write more Glorfindel stories I suppose (hint, hint).
rikki
· 14 August 2006
· Chapter 14: A Hundred Bottles of Dorwinion On the Wall
Your imagery and characterizations have really made this story a joy to read. I have enjoyed coming home every night to find out what Aragorn has been up to next. His experience with Dorowian wine was funny, especially when he was sitting on the throne talking to Legolas. That wine sure packs a powerful punch.
I hate that this story is coming to an end, but hope that you will continue to entertain us when you get situated at your new job.
Author's reply
Thanks rikki, I'm glad my story has been something you've looked forward to reading every night. Imagery and character are very important aspects of writing a story for me and I try to make the setting and the people as realistic as possible with as much detail as I can muster (a trick I've stolen from the Professor). I thought Aragorn sitting on Thranduil's throne was a nice touch, myself *grin*
While this story is coming to a close, I do have one or two other stories in the works and hopefully I will be able to post them sometime soon. The nice thing about my job here in China is that I have plenty of free time to indulge in writing, something I was never able to do successfully back in the States.
Idril Celebrindal
· 14 August 2006
· Chapter 13: Dream a Little Dream of Arwen
Well, IMHO I didn't think this chapter needed the warning. Yes, Estel had dreams but the way they are written in a tasteful manner and it guides you towards what the dream is but never comes out and states it, at least not to me. I have read others that definately need the rating and this is tame to those, again IMHO.
I am enjoying every chapter!
Author's reply
Alassiel suggested I might want to put the warning on not so much for any adults that were reading it, because, as you say, the descriptions of the dreams are very discreet and tame in comparison to others I've read, but more for any teenagers who might be reading the story and might not be comfortable with reading about "wet" dreams. If enough readers think the warning is unnecessary I will probably remove it.
viggomaniac
· 14 August 2006
· Chapter 0: Prologue
Hi. Your story was recommended by lily baggins at the OAA Yahoo group and I took a quick look through. I must say I'm glad she made the recommendation. 'Tis good!
Author's reply
Thanks. Ít's always gratifying when someone tells an author that their work was recommended by another reader. I'm glad you're enjoying the story.