Linda Hoyland · 5 July 2007 · Chapter 19: A Prisoner Freed
Another very exciting chapter, which had me on the edge of my seat.Yet, my favourite moment was Aragorn gently sending the boy to sleep.
Stirrings of Shadow by Fiondil
Reviews (427)
Larner · 5 July 2007 · Chapter 19: A Prisoner Freed
Aha, our clever ones. All the hostages within the city are now free, and they are headed for the one place where they will have a chance at self-defence and needful assistance.
Author's reply
Yes, Dunharrow should prove a haven... or not. Nothing is ever as it seems, even in real life. Now all they have to do is find Thengel and Théoden and that won't be an easy task given the circumstances.
Larner · 5 July 2007 · Chapter 18: Licweg
Most major places had a secret way or two, and they were certainly needed by those who lived there. Glad to find Meduseld has its own secret passageway, and that Morwen was such a worthy queen for Rohan. Steelsheen she proved as well!
Author's reply
What's a castle without secret passages, anyway? I just had to include one in this story. I hope to write more scenes with Morwen as the story progresses. She is one of those shadowy, under-rated characters that deserve more ink-time than is normally given such as she.
websterans · 5 July 2007 · Chapter 19: A Prisoner Freed
This story grows ever more thrilling, as the treacherous plans slowly unfold...
Author's reply
Glad you are enjoying the story. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Linda Hoyland · 30 June 2007 · Chapter 18: Licweg
I love all the unexpected twists in this story,which keep me on the edge of my seat.A unique tale for which I eagerly await each chapter.
Author's reply
Hi Linda, I am happy to see that you are enjoying this story and that it is suspenseful enough for you. I'm doing my best to give the plot interesting twists without stepping outside the realm of possibilities. Not an easy task so I appreciate it when people let me know that I'm doing something right. Thanks for reviewing.
Hildigrim · 29 June 2007 · Chapter 18: Licweg
Excellent. Although I have my doubts about the very cinematic, final short paragraph (I could practically hear "The Mighty Wurlitzer" wurlitzing), I think this chapter hits a very high standard of story-telling. Grimbold and Aragorn continue to find their way working with each other.
Author's reply
Have no idea who "The Mighty Wurlitzer" is so wasn't thinking of it when I wrote the last paragraph. *grin* But I'm glad you liked the chapter anyway and hope you continue to enjoy the story. Thank you for your review. I truly appreciate it.
obsidianj · 28 June 2007 · Chapter 18: Licweg
That is quite a development. What happened? Where is Thengel? Who are the traitors? So many questions. I guess I have to wait to find out. At least Aragorn has now more on his mind than just what happened to his cousin. I liked the way you described how Aragorn's mood affected Widfora and how he worked on getting himself into a better frame of mind.
Author's reply
Wídfara is probably suffering from a mild case of hero-worshipping where it comes to Aragorn (but then, who isn't *grin*), so Aragorn's mood would affect Wídfara more than it would the others. It was probably one reason why Hilderic had Wídfara join them, knowing or hoping that Aragorn's relationship with the younger Rider would help him emotionally. The answers to your questions will be forthcoming in subsequent chapters, I promise.
phyloxena · 28 June 2007 · Chapter 18: Licweg
It is os nice that you made Morwen a noble and lovable character, not an arrogant outlander. And I like the way Aragorn makes everyone feel better about their positions.
Author's reply
I don't think, given Thengel's character as I've portrayed him here, Morwen could be anything but noble and loveable. Aragorn has a gift for making everyone feel better about themselves whatever their circumstances. It's one of the reaons he's one of my favorite LOTR characters.
Raksha The Demon · 28 June 2007 · Chapter 18: Licweg
Woo-hoo, the game is afoot! Go, Earntungol! A neat, suspenseful chapter, with, as always, the very skillful usage of other languages adding much to the story.
Author's reply
Glad you are enjoying the story so far. Hopefully future chapters will not disappoint. Thanks for your comment on my language skills. I'm not an expert by any means, but I do try to be as authentic and as accurate as possible. I think the use of other languages, especially the Elvish languages, helps to ground the story squarely in Middle-earth rather than just anywhere.
Ainu Laire · 22 June 2007 · Chapter 17: Confrontation
Ah! It is finally summer and I have time to give this brilliant story a decent review. I have been reading it with every update- school has kept me busy, however, from doing much else. This whole story is just as good, if not better than the last one. Your characterization is just brilliant. Each character is clearly their own; even the minor characters have a set personality. I love how you manage to create a plot filled with action and adventure, but not too over-the-top. You are truly one of the most canonical writers out there, and it is difficult to write action stories without becoming over the top. It is truly brilliant. I do not know where you came up with this amazing plot, but I absolutely cannot wait to see what happens. I absolutely loved the final confrontation between Thrandir and Aragorn. I cannot see canonical Aragorn as anything *but* an overconfident, somewhat arrogant young man- exactly how you portray him. I love how it took a couple of times for him to back down- I wonder, though, what Thrandir foresees? Why does Aragorn need to go to Edoras? What is his purpose there, and why does he fear for himself? Gilhael needs to live. I desperately hope that he is found alive. Also, I am glad that Grimbold and Aragorn made up- it shall prove fruitful, I'm sure. I am glad to see that the poor messenger made it alive thus far, and I am glad to see Widfara is tagging along to Edoras- I like him. I truly cannot wait to see what you have in store for us. Laire
Author's reply
"I do not know where you came up with this amazing plot, but I absolutely cannot wait to see what happens." Me, too! *grin* Half the time I'm never sure what is going to happen from one chapter to the next! Anyway, I am glad you are enjoying the story, especially my characterization of Aragorn. This last chapter was very emotionally draining for me. I know that I would never want to be where Aragorn was with Thandir. I don't think I could have lasted as long as he did against the implacable will of a Firstborn who remembers the Light of the Trees. As for all your questions.... never fear! They will eventually be answered in subsequent chapters. Thanks for reviewing.
Hildigrim · 21 June 2007 · Chapter 17: Confrontation
Since Thandir was talking in Westron at the time, I wonder what the Rohirrim made of his oration culminating in "...evil that has the stench of the nameless, though he is lost in the Void"? Thandir strikes me as a bit unusual for an elf. Compared to Gildor Inglorion, who departed from Frodo while knowing the latter was "bearing a great burden without guidance", and the sterotypical "Go not to the Elves for advice, for they will say both no and yes" sort of elfishness, Thandir is pretty directive.
Author's reply
I doubt that the Rohirrim in that room really understood what Thandir was saying, but I think the Elf switched to Westron for their benefit. By switching from Sindarin to Westron, Thandir was reminding Aragorn that, however exalted his bloodline, he was still a Mortal (Westron being a Mannish language) and could not hope to beat an Elf in a war of words. The key word in your last paragraph is "stereotypical". I refuse to write stereotypes if I can possibly help it. Thandir, like all sentient beings, is unique unto himself and as such acts according to his own set of internal rules (as do we all). He is neither typical nor atypical... he merely is. While Thandir may not have had much dealings with Men in the last three ages, he has dealt with Aragorn and knows him. His manner towards the Dúnadan may not be typical of how he would act towards a complete mortal stranger, but certainly typical of how he would treat one he knows and loves, though he does not publically demonstrate his feelings towards Aragorn in that regard.
obsidianj · 21 June 2007 · Chapter 17: Confrontation
Whew! That was quite a confrontation, if even Aragorn was shaken that much... I think the Rohirrim would have preferred to be anywhere else than in the room with Thorongil and the elves. I think this is a hard lesson for Aragorn to learn: that he can't always follow his heart, that he sometimes has to let others do what he wants to do.
Author's reply
I'm sure that none of the Rohirrim were happy to be in that room with Thandir and Aragorn and were very glad (Háma especially) that Thandir's attention was not directed towards them at that moment. Of course, unlike Aragorn, it would never have occurred to any of them to dispute or argue anything Thandir or any other elf would have said. One does not argue with one of the Firstborn... ever. It is certainly a hard lesson for any to learn but especially Aragorn who is really just beginning to learn the cost of leadership... you cannot always follow your heart but must let others do what you want to do, or do what needs to be doing though you would rather be doing something else. By the time of the War of the Ring, of course, he has learned this lesson when we see him letting Frodo and Sam go alone into Mordor though he would've liked to have done otherwise, recognizing that his duty lay in a different direction.
Edlyn · 21 June 2007 · Chapter 17: Confrontation
Oh, Meldonya! I am stunned by the intensity of this chapter. For a bit I was wondering if Someone Else was talking to Aragorn through Thandir. But then it occurred to me that it could just be that the Elves who regularly interact with humans (and me trhough the medium of reading about them) keep themselves in check so as to not overwhelm them. Humans most likely block the alieness of the elves from their consciousness unless they are forced to actually seriously confront it (as Aragorn and Hama--though to a lesser extent--do here). Not only is this a being who looks different, but one who is immortal, who has an experience of living and priorities coloured in a distinctly different way from us because of that immortality, as well as the ability to do practically everything better than any human ever has any hope of doing. I truly appreciate the way you write the Elves in Middle Earth and in Valinor. You make it clear that they are DIFFERENT than humans. So many writers depict Elves as essentially more beautiful and talented humans with long hair and pointed ears, which is a complete failure to take into account immortality and the psychological differences that creates. Others make them aloof and standoffish without realy giving any idea of the (spoken or unspoken) reasons for the behaviour. Yet others make the Elves out to be more extreme versions of human beings, in both negative and positive aspects (if I never see another Evil![fill in the elf's name] story it will be too soon!). I suppose what Aragorn experienced between himself and Thandir is a parallel experience to what an Elf experiences with one of the Valar. I certainly don't want to go through such an experience. THe only thing I can think of that might give me an inkling of what it must be like is the times in the old and new testament when an angel is giving a message to a human from God (when I read the annunciation in Luke's gospel I've always wondered if Mary fainted from fright and had to be revieved before the angel could give her the message). I also like the way you are writing Aragorn. Not only is he the younger, less experienced version of the man in the books but he is truly HUMAN here. A lot of times Aragorn and the other Dunedain/Numenoreans seem intimidating to me. Yes, as a group they are more noble than most Men in Middle Earth but it seems a lot to the time (even in the books when Aragorn is fretting about whether he has made a bad decision or not) that I belong to another (and lesser)race entirely. But here, he is still learning and still making the kind of mistakes I would make and having to deal with the consequences of those mistakes. He's still obviously the same man who we see sixty some years later during the quest, but I can better connect with him as a character because of his inexperience and youthfulness. Having thought about both Elves and Men and their differences has got me considering the Peredhil. Elrond and Elros (and other half-even characters we never really ever get to meet) really must have had a rough time as they developed their identities. Not fully Elven, not fully human, their physical, mental, and psychological maturation very likely affected by the mingling of Elven and human genes, they are trapped in between the two races. Even given the choice to be Elf or Man by the Valar, neither can actually really be one or the other. The only thing that the choice provides is either immortality or death. Apparently, it didn't change their abilities or appearance and it certainly wouldn't negate the experiences that were the foundation of their identities and worldviews prior to the choice. After making the choice of course, that would change. Elrond now had millenia to live, learn and experience, he could take the long view. Elros, his years limited by the Gift of Eru, must have had to learn to adjust the way he thought about things and dealt with problems because he no longer had all that time. Come to think of it, Elrond was the perfect person to have the raising of Aragorn after the death of Arathorn, regardless of any oaths to succour Elros' decendants. He was in a position to be able to understand humans better than a full elf, sort of a case of seeing things from halfway up a hill instead of from the top of the hill. Oh, dear, this has wandered far from the events in the chapter, hasn't it? It will be interesting to see how Aragorn responds to Thandir's lessoning. He's still in shock and not necessarily in the best condition to be heading post-haste into what sounds like certain trouble but he doesn't have a choice. But that's part of being a grown-up isn't it? Sometimes you have to do things regrdless of your fitness at the time because there's no one else there to do the job. I'm glad Widfara is going along though, I suspect that Aragorn is going to need his friend's support. I hope that Hama has a friend or two who can help him through the aftermath of his encounter with Thandir as well. Well, I don't think this is longer than the chapter (I must be slipping!) this time. Very well written (as usual) and most effective! Take care of yourself and stay well. May you live blessed! Edlyn
Author's reply
Aragorn has lived all his life among elves but this is the first time I think that he has been forcibly confronted with the alienness of the Firstborn. Thandir doesn't pull any punches here, which is why Aragorn reacts as he does in the end. I'm glad you like how I depict the Elves in my stories. I do try to show that they are different from humans and are not prettified versions of the Secondborn. We tend to forget that the elves were in Middle-earth for over 4600 years before they ever met any of the Secondborn. Aragorn, of course, is entirely human, however exalted his bloodline, so his reaction to Thandir is as any human would be, no matter how "used" to elves he may be compared to other mortals. His youth and inexperience also are deciding factors in this entire confrontation. While haring off to Edoras in his condition is probably not the wisest move, it is necessary and perhaps with the need to deal with a "human" problem, Aragorn will be able to put the confrontation between himm and Thandir in perspective. I'm also sure that Hilderic will see to it that Háma is comforted by his fellows and given special care until the shock of what has happened wears off... right after he recovers himself. *grin* Your analysis of the difference in psychological make-up of Elves, Half-elves and Humans is quite interesting (if beside the point of the chapter).
Larner · 21 June 2007 · Chapter 17: Confrontation
To be forced to give way in this manner would be most difficult indeed, and I can understand the feeling of disconnectedness he experiences. But Thandir is right, and Aragorn is needed now at the King's side.
Author's reply
This is probably the first time Aragorn has ever attempted to defy any of the Elves of his acquaintance and it must have been very difficult to give way. Thandir, I'm afraid, was not gentle with Estel, needing to get across to him in no uncertain terms the necessity of the Man to ride to Thengel's aid. More is going on than Aragorn suspects and Thandir will not say.
Larner · 21 June 2007 · Chapter 16: The Scouts Return
A most interesting and necessary turn of events. Gilhael is on the run, and the orcs and Dunlendings are about to have the wrath of Elves come upon them. And poor Hama has fainted? Ah, dear. At least the young Man was found in time.
Author's reply
I think I would faint too if I had the wrath of Elves come upon me the way Thandir comes down on poor Háma, and that's nothing commpared to what the Dunlendings and orcs are going to find when the Elves catch up with them.
Shoshana_Rose · 21 June 2007 · Chapter 17: Confrontation
Short and sweet! Very interesting chapter. The pieces are moving across the board, but I still can't see the final picture. Can't wait to read what happens next. :) Cheers, Shoshi
Author's reply
The pieces are indeed moving across the board but how it all turns out remains to be seen.
Linda Hoyland · 20 June 2007 · Chapter 17: Confrontation
I would have loved to see the confrontation between Aragorn and Thandir! Another amazing chapter, a great read.
Author's reply
I just feel sorry for the other mortals in that room when that confrontation occurred. It could not have been pretty. Glad you enjoyed the chapter.
Linda Hoyland · 20 June 2007 · Chapter 16: The Scouts Return
Another great chapter ! Thank Goodness for Aragorn and the aethelas !I hope Gilhael can be saved.
Author's reply
As to that, we will see....
Shoshana_Rose · 15 June 2007 · Chapter 16: The Scouts Return
Now this should be interesting! I think there is more at stake in Thandir's appearance than the present crisis. After all, he has seen much of war and even more of death, so Gilhael's current predicament is likely not the sole source for his grim look and stern demeanor (enough to send knock poor Hama right out). That he appears grimmer than *Aragorn* has ever seen him hints to me that worry for Aragorn's cousin is not the only thing on the dear elf's mind. I'm happily intrigued. Cheers, Shoshi
Author's reply
I'm sure with Thandir there is more going on than concern over Gilhael's predictament, but being the gadgey elf that he is, he's keeping his reasons close to his chest. I'm sure he'll reveal them to me in his own good timme. Glad you're intrigued and happily so.
Idril Celebrindal · 14 June 2007 · Chapter 16: The Scouts Return
Oh let me ride out with Thandir!!!! Idril
Author's reply
Sorry, he's not taking any mortals with him on this one.
Edlyn · 14 June 2007 · Chapter 16: The Scouts Return
Grytings! What an excellent chapter. Things certainly aren't getting any duller in the Riddermaerc, are they? I have to say my favourite bit was when Aragorn teased Herithain about learning to knit and Grimbold commented about needing a new pair of socks. "Ga ásúgan æg" indeed! *snicker* It was lovely to see Aragorn being a healer again, though I am worried that he can't possibly have that much more athelas in his medicaments box by this point. Hmm... Oh, my goodness! Thandir has this talent for appearing out of nowhere doesn't he? If I were Hama I think I would have fainted, too. However, I'm not very happy with the implication that Hama has something to do with Gilhael's fate. Well, I shouldn't be surprised about the actions of any of the characters. As much as I wish that all Rohirrim were noble and honorable like Thengel and his family are I know that there are bad apples in every barrel, if you'll be so kind as to pardon the metaphor. So we have Thengel underseige (so to speak) in the Eastmark, and our heroes in trouble in the Westmark and more trouble appears to be popping up all over the place... Intrigue, asassination attmepts, orcs and Dunlendings running rampant... Life is never dull for our heroes, is it? Wonderfully crafted, as usual, and I'm looking forward to what happens next. May you live blessed, Edlyn
Author's reply
I enjoyed writing the light-hearted banter between the men as a counterpoint for the seriousness of their situation. Even when things look grim we tend to look for the lighter side of life as a way of coping with too much that is dark. Háma is actually innocent of any wrongdoing with regards to Gilhael. He has had the unenviable duty of following a superior's orders even though it goes against everything he believes in yet realizes that Hilderic and Aragorn need to know what has happened. Thandir's appearance and his reaction to Háma has momre to do with him being an elf than anything else. He needs information that only Háma has and he means to get it however he can and fainting humans aren't going to get in his way of obtaining that information. We will see, though, in the next chapter, what happens and what decisions Thandir makes.
Shoshana_Rose · 13 June 2007 · Chapter 15: Recovery
Not Super-Adan? Broken bones, political embarassment and long healing times will do that to you, I guess. :) Seriously, though, I relate to your statement about such a realization. For most of us, it takes a close brush with mortality (either ours or someone's close to us) to convince us that we are fragile beings with finite limits. How much more was Aragorn in for such an awakening, after being raised by elves and then informed of his birthright? --Shoshi
Author's reply
I'm sure Aragorn had a lot of readjustments to make in the early part of his adulthood. Perhaps that is why he left Imladris to live among the Rohirrim and the Gondorians, to learn what it means to be human without being influenced by elvish philosophy on the subject.
Shoshana_Rose · 10 June 2007 · Chapter 15: Recovery
I'm having so much fun reading this story. I'm excited to see several different strands of the story beginning to come together here. Decisions must be made soon, and Aragorn is quite anxious to go ahead and start making them. I find it quite interesting (and insightful on your part) that even though "Thorongil" has never explicitly (at least to my recollection) been given a position of authority over any Rohiric affairs, he is naturally drawn to leadership, and takes the mantle on without even thinking about it. And because he has an air of competence and authority about him, Rohan's best and brightest include him de facto in their planning processes, their internal meetings, and oftentimes find themselves yielding to him even when he steps quite above himself to issue "suggestions" (which sometimes seem to be thinly veiled orders!). I adore the rapport growing between Aragorn and Hilderic, and also between him and Heruthain. Though these men are his superiors, they encourage Thorongil's strengths and nurture him as a leader, while also gently reiging him in when he forgets himself. All in good humor. Great work! --Shoshi
Author's reply
I'm glad you are having so much fun with this story, Shoshi. Slowly but surely the different strands are coming together, though it will be several chapters before they mesh completely and maybe not even then. Yes, "Thorongil" is a natural leader, however young he is and people (even those in authority themselves) are naturally drawn to his leadership qualities. Hilderic and Heruthain have the extra bonus of actually liking Aragorn and are his friends so when he gets a bit highhanded they gently take him down a peg or two, all in good humor, as you say. And Aragorn of course is learning that he's not super-adan! *grin* Thanks for your review. I truly appreciate it.
Larner · 6 June 2007 · Chapter 15: Recovery
I am, of course, glad that Grimbold has his honor, particularly as he was one of the commanders under Theoden at the Pelennor. But this was a particularly horrid and serious attempt indeed, and glad Theoden had his head on straight that day. The old Queen is trouble--there's no question of that. And what a thing to call another! Thorongil the ill is rather foul-mouthed, I see. Am glad THAT wasn't translated!
Author's reply
Well, this Grimbold and the one at the Pelennor cannot be the same as that's another 60-odd years away. Most likely it's a son or grandson who is one of Théoden's commmanders at the Pelennor. Poor Thorongil has had his share of poisoned orc blades lately, so his language is perhaps excusable under the circumstances. I'm sure he's regretting the lapse, but when one is delirious, one really has little control over one's actions, or memory of same. Luckily, Hilderic is the sort who doesn't take things personally and is really having some gentle fun at Thorongil's expense.
Linda Hoyland · 1 June 2007 · Chapter 14: Retreat to Helm's Deep
This chapter was full of good things, I love young Widfara more with each chapter. His devotion to Aragorn is very touching and Aragorn's lullaby was a lovely touch.I liked the elderly healer and the contrast between the two villages. I noticed a couple of minor typos you might wish to fix "thigh was thickly bandage." and "delerious" when it should be delirious,unless you spell it differently in the USA,that is. This is a great story and restores my faith in fanfiction,which takes a few knocks at times.
Author's reply
Thanks for pointing out the typos, Linda. You go blind reading a chapter over and over again and you still miss the obvious. I'm glad you like Wídfara. He's fast becoming one of my favorite OCs, along with Thandir. He's certainly endeared himself to many. I'm also pleased that my story has restored your faith in fanfiction. I know sometimes I wonder where some writers are coming from and what personal issues they're trying to work out in their writings and making us read them. Fanfiction should be fun, both to write and to read. Angst has its place but for the darker stuff, go see a psychotherapist. *grin*