1r93BMjpc · 2 December 2015 · Chapter 18: Licweg
I love it. I really feel like I'm back home. I also raileze I like watching it come down from the inside, nice and toasty. How am I ever going to go back North?
Stirrings of Shadow by Fiondil
Reviews (427)
gBcUzONxnUnH · 2 December 2015 · Chapter 11: Strategies from the Past
That's a weh-otloughtl-ut answer to a challenging question
Eruherdiriel · 15 July 2014 · Chapter 70: Epilogue: Shadows of the White Wizard
You were right, this is a slightly darker book. But then again, the subject matter is darker too. I like all the OCs. Especially Widfara. Does he ever see Aragorn again? Does Aragorn reveal his identity to his swordbrother? I enjoyed seeing the hints and foreshadowing for TT. It gave me such a thrill to recognize certain bits as something that would be important later. ~Eruherdiriel
Author's reply
Hi Eruherdiriel. Widfara is a favorite OC of mine. He does follow Aragorn to Gondor at the end of this story, so he obviously saw him for some time after leaving Rohan. Whether he ever learned the truth about Aragorn's identity, I have no idea. I would like to think he did at some point. And the whole point of this story was to foreshadow what would be the conditions in Rohan and elsewhere during the Ring War and how the seeds of those shadows were sown. I'm glad you enjoyed the story. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
Ecthelion · 16 September 2013 · Chapter 70: Epilogue: Shadows of the White Wizard
Let me just say that I have thoroughly enjoyed your story. I have liked all your stories so far but this one was probably my favorite. I really hope that you will write a sequel to this about Aragorn's time in gondor. Thank you for writing such interesting and thought provoking stories. Keep up the good work!
Author's reply
Hello Ecthelion. I am so glad you enjoyed this story so much as well as all my other stories. Everyone has their favorite, even me. I have no plans to write a sequel with Aragorn in Gondor any time soon, but you never know. Stranger things have happened. *grin* Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. I appreciate it very much.
Soledad · 6 December 2011 · Chapter 999999: Character List
Perhaps not the best place to answer, but I can't think of a better one. Thank you for allowing me to add the story to my reading rec list - let's hope it will bring around new readers. New readers are always good. Now I'll go and read the prequel, too. *g* (BTW, the Valar had nothing to do with my decision re: Church. Sorry if I wasn't clear in that point. What I meant was that their attitude as you describe them reminded me why I made that decision - because of people with similar attitudes. At least your Valar have awesome powers and beautiful clothes. I can practically see the latter when reading your stuff. ;)
Author's reply
No problem, Soledad. I'm flattered that you would want to put this story on your rec list. It will be interesting to see if I do get any new readers after all this time. Hope you enjoy the prequel. It's a bit tongue-in-cheek and definitely a h/c story. As for the Valar... I rather like them myself, especially their clothes. *grin* Glad that my descriptions are vivid enough for you to see them. Thanks for commenting.
Soledad, not logged in · 5 December 2011 · Chapter 70: Epilogue: Shadows of the White Wizard
I've been reading your stories in no particular order for quite some time and with great interest, but I must say that this one is my favourite. Perhaps because the Valar - whose attitude always remain me why I turned my back on the Catholic Church - are only marginally involved. ;) In any case, you actually made me like Aragorn again, which seemed almost an impossibility after the movies, and I enjoyed your take on the Rohirric culture (not to mention your awesome language skills a great deal. It made me inspired to pick up "Emissary in the Mark" somewhere in the future again, and I've all but given up on that story, so for that, I'm particularly grateful. I wanted to ask: would you mind if I linked this story to my reading recommendation page? In case you want to check out the page first, it's here. Feel free to say no if you don't want to see your story listed among the other stuff, I won't take any offence. :) Congratulations to a captivating story, I liked it a great deal.
Author's reply
Hi Soledad. Wow! I never expected to get a review for this story after all this time. I'm not even going to wonder how the attitude of fictional angel-like characters could ever lead anyone to leave any denomination. *grin* On the other hand, I'm glad that my depiction of Aragorn meets with your approval. Of course, the Aragorn here is about 60 years younger than the one we meet in LOTR but he's definitely based on book!Aragorn. As for my take on the Rohirric culture, I guess it's because I studied Old English and Anglo-Saxon Archeology while I was attending the University of Nottingham, England way back in my uni days. I've always been fascinated by the Anglo-Saxon culture and enjoy extrapolating that culture to the Rohirric one much as Tolkien himself did. And I am absolutely thrilled that you want to link this story to your reading recommendation page. Thank you and thank you for taking the time to let me know how much you enjoyed this story. I really appreciate it.
6336 · 17 July 2010 · Chapter 22: Ierre
Tea and scones with Namo, I like that idea! With strawberry jam and clotted cream I hope?! Lynda
Author's reply
Naturally! *grin*
obsidianj · 16 January 2010 · Chapter 70: Epilogue: Shadows of the White Wizard
I finally had the time to finish the story. That was quite a ride. You brought the characters, canon and original, to life. I got very fond of the riders of Rohan especially Widfara. I hope there will be a new story about Gondor and we hear more from him.
Author's reply
I am glad you finally got the chance to finish the story and enjoyed it so much. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it very much. Perhaps someday, time and the Muse permitting, there may be a sequel to this depicting Aragorn's first year in Gondor with his friend Wídfara, but I can't promise anything at the moment.
Midnight Promise · 25 October 2009 · Chapter 10: A Midnight Conversation
Ah Finrod. . . When Aragorn does meet him, I want a front row seat for that awesomeness. . . ;) Hope life is being awesome, MP
Author's reply
So do I *grin*.
Arasinda · 14 October 2009 · Chapter 70: Epilogue: Shadows of the White Wizard
Dear Fiondil, Thank you for a wonderful story with exciting situations and the delightful talent to fill in the blanks that Tolkien left for our imaginations. When I originally read that Aragorn had served in Rohan, I wondered what the experience might have been like for him. Plus, how would he deal with his ties to Imladris? At times I find myself including your tales with the Tolkien canon when asked by friends about The History of Middle-Earth. I must be more careful in the future. For the present I patiently wait for your new chapters about Finrod, and once you have completed all of Glorfindel's second book, I will sit quietly during the short summer break and completey enjoy it, too. Sincerely, Arasinda
Author's reply
Hello, Arasinda. Thank you so much for your lovely comments. I am glad you enjoyed this tale of Aragorn so much. I really appreciate you taking the time to let me know. I do hope to finish Glorfindel's tale before next summer, so you definitely have something to look forward to *grin*.
Tari · 19 June 2009 · Chapter 16: The Scouts Return
The Elves are back. Very interesting. I wonder what that's all about and what happened to Aragorn's cousin.
Author's reply
We will eventually see what the Elves are up to and what happened to Gilhael, though not immediately.
Tari · 12 June 2009 · Chapter 13: Another Threat Looms
As if things weren't bad enough, Aragorn has to receive a serious wound. I'm wondering who will be able to heal him. Perhaps the Elves are not that far away. Who would be better able to heal him then them?
Author's reply
The Elves will not be of any help as they are not near enough. Aragorn will have to rely on his own healing abilities, as you will see in the next chapter.
Tari · 22 May 2009 · Chapter 10: A Midnight Conversation
Your command of the Elvish laguages amazes me. I would so love to be just able to speak it, but unfortunately there is no one else around who is interested in doing so. This was a very touching interlude between Aragorn and Thandir. Wouldn't it be wonderful if elves really existed? I'd be waiting in line to meet them.
Author's reply
Thanks, Tari. I don't speak it either but I've studied both languages for some time now. I'm not an expert by any means, and I rely heavily on the work of people like Thorsten Renk and Helge Fauskanger. Thanks to them and many others who are more knowledgeable about these languages, I can be fairly confident that I have rendered the languages as correct as possible given what information is available to us. Whenever new information comes along that clarifies existing grammar points I will often go back into my stories and update the sentences to reflect more closely what we believe is the 'correct' form(s) of verbs, nouns, sentence structures, etc. I'm glad you found this interlude between Aragorn and Thandir touching. It would indeed be wonderful if elves really existed... somewhere.
Tari · 21 May 2009 · Chapter 9: In the Company of Elves
Methinks the Elves are up to something, but what that might be remains to be seen.
Author's reply
Elves are always up to something. *lol* Hopefully we'll find out just what that might be.
Tari · 19 May 2009 · Chapter 8: Fox and Hounds
Elves to the rescue. I'll bet that was a sight to behold considering they had never seen Elves before. I'll bet there was a serious change of opinions where those fair beings were concerned.
Author's reply
I'm sure there was, Tari, at least among some of the Rohirrim, especially the younger ones like Wídfara, who would be more open-minded than their elders.
Tari · 15 May 2009 · Chapter 7: Dúnælfenedale
I was delighted to see Haldir in this tale. As for Aragorn's plan, I think the Elves greatly improved on it. I would have loved to see the expression on the faces of the three mortals. It had to be priceless.
Author's reply
I couldn't resist adding him into the mix even if for a chapter or two. *grin* I would love to have seen the expressions on the Mortals' faces, too. A definite 'Kodak moment' *lol*
Kaylee · 14 May 2009 · Chapter 70: Epilogue: Shadows of the White Wizard
YAY! Wonderful, wonderful, meldonya! I'm so glad to see that Earntungol and Tungolfrod *grin* Or should that be, Thorongil and Gilhael, have made so much of an impact on Rohan! Oh, but Saruman...of course it was Saruman! Who else! And so he's there, biding his time..."I'll get you, Star-Eagle, and your little cousin, too!"...Okay, not quite :-p But hopefully he didn't realize that Aragorn was ARAGORN! *grin* Ah...quick correction to your reply to another reviewer. You meant 60-odd years later. Not 600. *wry grin* Anyway, I'm so glad to see mention of Theodwyn, and to know that Theoden grew up around his "big brother"...it's a pity Theoden doesn't seem to remember much of him when the King returns! And now for Gondor...someday, dare we hope. *grin* (As for that "tl;dr" reviewer in Ch. 1...their loss, I say; this was epic, brilliant, and as beautiful as though the Master Professor himself wrote it. You sure you're not channeling Tolkien's mind?) ~Kaylee!
Author's reply
Hi, Kaylee. I'm glad you enjoyed this story. I've enjoyed reading your reviews. Don't worry, I made the correction on the number of years. I think I need new glasses. *lol* I have no idea if there will be an actual sequel or if I will occasionally write short stories similar to "NORTH". We'll have to see. I do wish people would not write in chatspeak when writing reviews. I saw that "tl;dr" review and have absolutely no idea what it means. I deleted it anyway as it was anonymous and (to me, at least) meaningless. I doubt I'm channeling but I've been immersed in the Professor's world for about 40 years so I guess I know his mind a little better than someone who's only read him casually. Thanks again for all your reviews and your encouragement, Kaylee. I truly appreciate it.
Midnight Promise · 13 May 2009 · Chapter 70: Epilogue: Shadows of the White Wizard
*blinks, looks at chapter title. Blinks again* WHAT?! Every Wed. (and Fridays of course) I come home, get chocolate, sit at the computer and read your updates, now your saying its OVER? (I may be slightly over reacting but I am on a sugar rush right now. . .) I kept expecting for Thrandir to appear. . .>_>; Oh well, just leaves room for the sequel right. Right...? o-o;; With summer coming up, and more free time for me to laze around the house, I cannot wait for more material to read from you. :0) *coughs* No pressure. ^_- Hope everything is going great!
Author's reply
Well, I did warn you (and everyone else) *grin* Anyway, I do have other stories in the works and in June I will begin posting a new multi-chaptered story on Wednesdays to replace this story, so stay tune. Thanks for letting me know how much you enjoyed this tale. I really appreciate it.
Erulisse · 13 May 2009 · Chapter 70: Epilogue: Shadows of the White Wizard
This has been a great exploration into the ever-building character of the future king. I hope that you take this theme further to explore the enmity that develops between Denethor and Aragon - two who were fast friends while Aragon was in Rohan. A pleasure, as always, to read new chapters from your pen.
Author's reply
Thanks, Erulisse. I'm glad you enjoyed this tale. Whether I continue this theme and do a sequel of Aragorn's time in Gondor remains to be seen.
Parmalokwen · 13 May 2009 · Chapter 70: Epilogue: Shadows of the White Wizard
This was a marvelous story. Will there be a sequel? It could answer many questions, such as: How did Aragorn's friendship with Denethor fall apart? Why didn't Aragorn reveal his identity after his famous victory at Umbar? He was a very popular man at that moment, he could have become king then. What did he do in Harad and Rhun? I wonder who remembered Thorongil when Aragorn returned to Rohan during the Quest?
Author's reply
I don't know if there will be a sequel at this point, but you never know. And I'm not sure who would have been alive 600-odd years later in Rohan to remember him. Thanks for reading and reviewing this story, Parmalokwen. I really appreciate it. Author Reply: Oops! My bad. I meant 60-odd years later. *lol* Sorry for any confusion to those reading this.
Sunny · 13 May 2009 · Chapter 70: Epilogue: Shadows of the White Wizard
So – goodbye to Aragorn, and his adventures in Rohan. Now he is off to have more adventures in Gondor. It is sad – he got along so well with Denethor in this story, but we all know that it is not going to last. Are you going to wrinte more vignettes than the one we have already seen about Aragorn’s time in Gondor? I know, that is up to the Muse. So we are given a glimpse of the one who was _really_ behind the trouble in Rohan. And he is already plotting more trouble. Let us hope Saruman did not see more in the two Dúnedain than a pair of northern mercenaries. In any case, it will be interesting to see what the Muse has for us next – how soon are you going to start posting the Darkening story, and are there other items in the pipeline?
Author's reply
Don't know if there will be a sequel to this, Sunny, but I am working on the Darkening story though it's not yet ready for posting. I will have another mulit-chaptered story that I will begin posting in June in place of Stirrings. Keep your eye out for it. Hopefully you and others will enjoy it. Thanks for all your reviews. I really appreciated them.
Elflingimp · 13 May 2009 · Chapter 70: Epilogue: Shadows of the White Wizard
Arg! Is that it then? I think I will miss this story, it was one of my favorites, is there any chance of a sequel??? (beggs on knees with puppydog eyes)LOL! Hugs The Imp
Author's reply
Hi, Elflingim. I'm so glad to hear that this is one of your favorites. I have no idea if there will be a sequel, but never say never. *lol* Thanks for reading and reviewng. I really appreciate you taking the time to do so.
Tari · 13 May 2009 · Chapter 6: Bones of Prophecy
This was a bit gruesome indeed. It's good thing it's only a tale. Or is it?
Author's reply
Well, the Rohirrim think it's true, and so I suppose that's what counts. But the author's note does say that it the events in the story probably did not happen as remembered and was told to explain why Fengel was not like his ancestors, being the antithesis of what a King of Rohan was supposed to be.
6336 · 13 May 2009 · Chapter 70: Epilogue: Shadows of the White Wizard
Well that dots the 't's and crosses the 'i's very nicely! Will we be following Throngil to Gonder, or is that a tale for another day? Might have known Saruman would have had his finger in this pie, when does Slime, oops, Wormtonge make his appearance? More please,when the Muse is cooperative, Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Don't know if there will be a sequel but perhaps there will be vignettes describing his time there. We'll have to wait and see what the Muse decides. Thanks for your reviews. I really enjoyed reading them.
Ainu Laire · 13 May 2009 · Chapter 70: Epilogue: Shadows of the White Wizard
... but... I want to see more of the Dunedain :( I am so happy that my rather annoying, prodding review brought this creation. I will be sure to do it again! *points above* No interest in Gondor (gasp)... there's always Aragorn's time in Moria *g* Perhaps he met Balin at some point... there is always evil things stirring in Middle-earth, yes... Enjoyed this very, very much. I have complete confidence that, once you are done with that enormous Glorfindel epic of yours, that I shall convince you to turn to the Dunedain once more... *cackle* Err, anyways, certainly one of the best stories I've ever read. I love how you're so knowledgeable at languages; it brings an authenticity to your stories that most others do not have. I love your OCs, and fell in love with Gilhael and Widfara; I'll miss them, to be sure. Just a great adventure overall. Thank you for the treat ;)
Author's reply
Whether there is a sequel to this that takes place in Gondor remains to be seen. Thanks, thought, Ainu Laire, for the initial push to write this story. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Even if there is no sequel immediately we might see short stories about Gilhael and Widfara and Aragorn along the way. Anything is possible. *grin*