Beruthiels Cat
· 15 August 2007
· Chapter 24: In Search of a Lost Prince
Mean, you is...out of the frying pan and into the fire. Patience? Not hardly! I'm power-pouting over here (grins) Be safe-we'll be here when you get back! Let's see...that will mean you have to give us EXTRA CHAPTERS, don't it? ooooooooooo. I like that.
Not a greedy bone in me,
BC
Author's reply
Hey, I need to keep you coming back for more, so cliffies it is. *grins* I will do my best to give you at least a couple of new chapters for each of the three stories I am writing. Those overnight trains are good for writing.
Larner
· 14 August 2007
· Chapter 24: In Search of a Lost Prince
Yes, knock the poor kid out and keep him out with drugs, even if it endangers his health or might kill him. But at least Theoden is now with his father.
Clever Aragorn, and love the frustration Widfara expresses.
Author's reply
Those who had Theoden in their clutches obviously were not concerned for the boy's health as long as he served their purposes. Such is evil in its many forms. Widfara wants to be heroic like Aragorn, little realizing that true heroism lies in intent more so than in action. That he joined Aragorn in search for the lost prince was enough to make him heroic whether he actually did the actual rescuing himself or just helped get the boy back to his mother and safety.
Elflingimp
· 14 August 2007
· Chapter 24: In Search of a Lost Prince
Yeah!!!!! Finally you got Theoden back, but did you say China?! Can you pack me in your suitcase and take me along? Oh! I would love to see it! anyway have fun and be careful, hear from you when you get back.
Author's reply
Sorry, my suitcase is full. *grin* Besides, I LIVE in China so it would be rather difficult getting you back home even if I could've fit you in my suitcase. Save up those pennies and maybe someday....
Tira
· 14 August 2007
· Chapter 24: In Search of a Lost Prince
understanding, yes...patience, not so much. *sigh* but somehow I shall survive. Have fun!
and of course, you leave us with a small cliffie...how evil!
Author's reply
Yes, truly evil... *grin*
obsidianj
· 14 August 2007
· Chapter 24: In Search of a Lost Prince
So, Aragorn got Theoden out of the clutches of whoever is camped before the gate, but now he is trapped. But the enemy has no hostage anymore. Maybe they can use that to their advantage... And Widfara and Grimbold are still free. They can go back and hopefully bring help. Oh, wait. Isn't winter approaching? I hope you have a good trip and I'm waiting (im)patiently for an update ;-)
Author's reply
Yes, Theoden is free and whoever the baddies are they no longer have a hostage. I'm sure Thnegel and Aragorn will think of something to get themselves out of the city. And when I return from my trip I'll have at least the next chapter (maybe more than one) written.
hanci
· 8 August 2007
· Chapter 23: Recuperation
How do you do it? You have two long, complicated stories going on, each from a very different culture, with original plots, both with my favourite characters (the third favourite being Celeborn in Doriath - why stick with only one character, no?)...
The plague had me shuddering, although I knew the main characters will survive. To have such a delay in their pursue, at least Theoden isn't in immediate danger, so they still have a chance.
Oromë calling a Hunt - brrr, when I recall the one in Aman... I'm glad you brought Námo and Oromë here, their part was great. It would be interesting to know what Aragorn thinks of this meeting with Námo.
I admit that I imagined Mithrandir and Aragorn in the gardens of Lórien (and I don't mean the forest). Aragorn's spirit could pause there, but would Mithrandir be there?
Author's reply
Well, as to how I do it... I just do *grin* And when I get tired of playing in one universe I just go play in the other(s).
As for the Hunt... we'll see how that all works out eventually.
Mithrandir and Aragorn's meeting... not sure *where* that took place, but I suspect it was somewhere in Middle-earth rather than in Valinor. Even in fëa, I don't think Aragorn would have been *allowed* anywhere else in Aman except before the Halls of Mandos.
Linda Hoyland
· 3 August 2007
· Chapter 23: Recuperation
Another great chapter with some more lovely scenes for Aragorn and his new brother. Nice too,to think that Aragorn could tell Eomer and Eowyn some family history as I assume Morwen is expecting their mother? I also enjoyed the scene with Gandalf.
Author's reply
Thanks Linda. Glad you liked this chapter. Actually, Théodwyn will not be born for some years yet. According to Appendix A, Théoden and Morwen had five children of which the third was Théoden and the last born was Théodwyn. So at this time Morwen is carrying their fourth child and third daughter.
Larner
· 3 August 2007
· Chapter 23: Recuperation
I rejoice at the recovery, and find myself intrigued at Gandalf being found in a log house somewhere in the wilderness, apparently checking the condition of the spirit of the current Dunedan.
Fascinating chapter here.
Author's reply
Thanks Larner. The opening scene was something of a surprise to me. I didn't even know I was going to write it until I did. I find it as intriguing as you do.
Linda Hoyland
· 30 July 2007
· Chapter 22: Ierre
An outstanding chapter. I loved the Valar with their tea and scones(one hopes they serve them to to the dead too)but above all I loved the scenes for Aragorn and Widfara. The bond between these two is truly heartwarming.
Author's reply
Thanks Linda. I'm glad you liked this chapter (and knowing Námo and Irmo... they probably scarfed the scones all to themselves *grin*). Anyway, Aragorn and Wídfara are certainly bonding well and I'm sure Aragorn is learning as much from Wídfara (if not more) as Wídfara is learning from Aragorn.
Shoshana_Rose
· 28 July 2007
· Chapter 22: Ierre
Love the tone, love the descriptions, love the Elf Interrupted tie in!
I simply adore the way you portray the eminent beings (valar, maiar, etc etc). They have such gravity and nobility, yet are *so* empathetic! Wry, yet with gravitas at the same time. This is how I imagine Tolkein really wanted such things done, because Gandalf's character is in this vein. You capture it so nicely.
I'm chomping to see what comes of Widfara by the time of the Ring War. Jumping the gun, I know, but his character has become so intwined with the early education of Thorongil that it's hard not to project into the future!
Cheers, Shoshi
Author's reply
Glad you enjoyed this chapter and thanks for the praise. I appreciate it when readers tell me when I get something right, especially characterization.
As for Widfara... he is only about 20 or so at this point, which means that by the time of the Ring War, if he is still alive, he would be over 80 years old. That's not to say that he does not remain friends with "Thorongil" in later years even after Aragorn returns to Eriador, but he definitely cannot be there at Helm's Deep or even as part of Theoden's court in Edoras when Aragorn returns 60-odd years later.
Raksha The Demon
· 26 July 2007
· Chapter 22: Ierre
Fascinating tour of the spirit-lands. And there's a first time for everything, including calling a wandering soul back from the brink of death.
Now what could the Hunt be?
Looking forward to future chapters.
Author's reply
Hi Raksha. Glad you liked this chapter. And yes, there always is a first time for everything. I didn't think calling Faramir from the brink of death was the first time for Aragorn. He had to have learned to do that earlier in his career.
As for the Hunt.... we'll find out soon enough I'm sure.
Beruthiels Cat
· 26 July 2007
· Chapter 22: Ierre
I should have known,lol... Love the tie-in(s) with E.I.-wonderful! This just keeps getting "gooder and gooder"
BC
Author's reply
Glad you liked the "tie-in(s)" Cat. I just couldn't resist.
Larner
· 26 July 2007
· Chapter 22: Ierre
I hate Hughes! Again it cut off my review!
I love how the two Valar conspired to hold Widfara up so Aragorn could come collect him, and that Orome has a hunt in mind, involving Aragorn and Widfara. This is wonderful!
As for the incident involving Glorfindel? (Larner raises an inquiring eyebrow!)
Actually, I know I need to read Elf Interrupted, but I have so MUCH I'm reading right now!
Author's reply
That's all right Larner. The nice thing about fanfic is that it's always there when you're ready for it. The "Hunt" referred to with Glorfindel is a central part of Elf Interrupted, but you certainly don't need to have read that story in order to enjoy this one. Námo's reference merely connects the stories together historically, but in no other way. Those who have read Elf Interrupted will know that Oromë rarely calls a Hunt and even more rarely involves any of the Children (Firstborn or Secondborn) because of the grave consequences to them spiritually. That he is calling one now and involving mortals is indicative of how grave the Vala of the Hunt views the circumstances in Rohan.
Tira
· 26 July 2007
· Chapter 22: Ierre
Oh, yesh, an appearance by my favourite, and wow, a reference to Elf Interruppted! Oh yes, I caught that, indeed I did! Good chapter, very glad he decided on LIFE. Life is always good...
Author's reply
Thanks, Tira. Glad you liked the chapter. What's a story by me without our favorite Vala putting in an appearance, heh? *grin*
obsidianj
· 26 July 2007
· Chapter 22: Ierre
That were some scary hours for Aragorn and co. I missed out on the chapter before and was a bit confused, but it all cleared up easily once I read the missing pieces. I liked the reference to Glorfindel, although, to tell the truth. This "hunt" still mystifies me. But that is an interesting development. So, is Aragorn to get sick, too? He should, being around the sick people all the time. He is a man after all ;)
Author's reply
Exactly how Oromë's "Hunt" plays out in the story remains to be seen... As to whether Aragorn sickens... well, he is a nearly pure-blooded Númenórean, so who knows?
Agape4Gondor
· 26 July 2007
· Chapter 22: Ierre
Bravo! I especially liked the foreshadowing of Faramir's retrieval...
Author's reply
Thanks Agape. I figured Aragorn had to start somewhere in realizing his gifts and this was as good a place to start as any, I deem. Good thing for Faramir that Aragorn knew what he was doing...
Idril Celebrindal
· 26 July 2007
· Chapter 22: Ierre
This was wonderful! I agree with your decision to change the POV. We have been reading of Wídfara and I have wondered what he is thinking when he is around Aragorn. Now we know that a lasting bond has been formed and we even got a little foreshadowing that the two will be needed for the "hunt". :-)
Well done!
Idril
Author's reply
Thanks, Idril. I'm glad you liked the chapter and the change of POV. I made a conscious decision in the beginning to keep the POV on Aragorn, so that the reader only knows what Aragorn knows. It was a way of keeping up the level of suspense, since we have no idea what is happening elsewhere, no more than Aragorn knows. Yet, when this chapter came to me, especially with *two* Valar in it, I just couldn't resist. Thanks again for reviewing.
eliza61
· 26 July 2007
· Chapter 22: Ierre
Wonderful chapter, Fiondil (these are the times when I wish I was a writer, I need to come up with some new adjectives to thank you with.) I've said it before, you have given the Valar such wonderful description and Life. Thank you.
If you don't mind me asking, Estel and Widfara called each other "sweordbroor". Did I miss the definition? What does it mean?
thanks for the great read,
E
Author's reply
The word is "sweordbroðor" (sword-brother). It was defined in an earlier chapter.
Glad you enjoyed this chapter. Unlike the previous chapters and the ones that will follow, which are all from Aragorn's POV, this chapter is unique in that it is from Wídfara's POV, except for the last part between Námo and Oromë. When the chapter presented itself more or less as a whole, it was too good not to write.
Linda Hoyland
· 20 July 2007
· Chapter 21: Plague
Aragorn is a brilliant and selfless healer here. Beornwyn must be a very strong woman to be recovering from the illness and being given drinks wile unconcious, which could have gone in her lungs.She sounds brave and caring.
Poor Widfara,please don't kill him, I like him too much.
You capture the essential nobilty of Tolkien's characters well.
Author's reply
Beornwyn is after all a woman of the Rohirrim. They make them strong and caring in that land. As for Wídfara.... we'll have to see. I'm glad that you think that I capture the essential nobility of Tolkien's characters well. It's something I strive for in all my writings. Thanks for reviewing.
Larner
· 19 July 2007
· Chapter 21: Plague
To lose Widfara will be a great grief; but to save as many as might be saved a far greater good. And at least Lalaith now holds her proper name.
Excellent details given.
Author's reply
Whether Wídfara is lost or not remains to be seen and it is good that Lalaith holds her proper name, though I suspect that Aragorn will always think of her as "Lalaith". I'm glad that you found the the medical details plausible. Thanks, Larner. I appreciate your comments.
obsidianj
· 18 July 2007
· Chapter 20: Dunharrow
Ouch! You have gotten them into a nice fix. First traitors and now inclement weather and a plague. At least Aragorn has no time to brood over his cousin. Every time I think the story has a straight path to the end, you throw in a new twist ;-). I loved the snowball fight. These little details give life to the characters.
Author's reply
Yes, writers live for plot twists, it's how we keep the readers coming back. *grin*. The snowball fight was just a natural outcome of the snowstorm and shows that even staid Horselords know how to have fun.
Shoshana_Rose
· 15 July 2007
· Chapter 20: Dunharrow
Nothing is going easily for this group of would-be rescuers! Everything, even the elements and itty-bitty viral agents seems to be working against them. Great tension and suspense. Can't wait for the next installment.
Cheers,
Shoshi
Author's reply
Well, you know what they say: it never rains but it pours. Hopefully, Fate or the Valar will shine kindly upon them in the end.
Linda Hoyland
· 14 July 2007
· Chapter 20: Dunharrow
Aragorn is already showing the qualities that will make him a great king.How many more miseries must these poor people endure, bitter cold,rebellion and now plague.
Utterly compelling.
Author's reply
Thanks Linda. As they say, misery loves company, and when there are those who would threaten the peace of the land, the innocent are always the first to suffer. Aragorn is young still, but he's been ably trained in statescraft by Elrond and others. We are seeing him at the beginning of his "career" but already we can see the king that he will become in the chieftain of the Dúnedain that he is now.
Larner
· 13 July 2007
· Chapter 20: Dunharrow
Indeed, a grievous situation. Let us hope these manage to avoid it.
Author's reply
And as we know from our history, the Enemy loved to visit plague upon the Free Peoples of Middle-Earth. It may be trickier than one would hope.
Raksha The Demon
· 6 July 2007
· Chapter 19: A Prisoner Freed
The plot thickens! Where is Theoden; and will Aragorn find him? Will he take the Queen, princesses and Steward to safety?
Hurry and update!
Author's reply
So many questions! But never fear, they will be answered anon. I update once a week. Ain't updating any sooner than that, so you'll just have to be patient. *grin*