Raksha The Demon
· 1 June 2007
· Chapter 13: Another Threat Looms
Thandir shouldn't have been so quick to leave. Can Aragorn get along without his babysitter?
Oops. Apparently not. Hopefully the wisdom of Men will suffice to save him.
Minor quibbles - did you mean grume or grime? And I thought that mercurial was not the best choice for a Middle-earth word (derived from the Roman name for a greek god), but I'm being very picky here.
Highly readable chapter, as usual, and, as noted elsewhere, excellent dialogue between Widfara and Aragorn on the relative merits of Elves and Men.
Author's reply
"grume" is a proper word meaning "thick, viscid clots of blood". And granted the etymology of "mercurial" in our world, but what other word would you have used? After all, this is merely a "translation" of the Rohirric that they were actually speaking and this word is perfectly acceptable in English. Even Tolkien would have agreed.
Anyway, I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. Writing the conversations between Aragorn and Wídfara exploring the relative merits of Elves and Men is half the fun of writing this story. I like bringing in some of the philosophical aspects that Tolkien imbues in his Legendarium.
Larner
· 1 June 2007
· Chapter 14: Retreat to Helm's Deep
He may heal more quickly than others as one of the Dunedain, but the Man does push himself, doesn't he? And I, too, wonder why their troop was attacked, and one with a poisoned blade sent against Aragorn? Sounds as if someone would wish to remove what is seen as a serious threat.
Author's reply
Aragorn is definitely a type-A personality, I think. *grin* He certainly refuses to take anything lying down (unless forced to by circumstances). As to why their troop was attacked.... we may discover that in a future chapter... or not.... but certainly Aragorn has much to think on concerning the attack.
eiluj
· 31 May 2007
· Chapter 14: Retreat to Helm's Deep
I'm glad to see that your Aragorn carries athelas leaves with him. I always felt that JRRT made a mistake in that regard....
Author's reply
Well maybe by that time, he no longer had his medicinal box, which is actually a recent birthday gift from one of the healers from Thranduil's court as described in my story "Tad Edhel a Firion".
Calenlass Greenleaf
· 31 May 2007
· Chapter 14: Retreat to Helm's Deep
Mini-cliffhanger.
Just when they get into a battle with Orcs, you stop. *headdesk*
Until next time--fair writing!
-Calenlass
Author's reply
Of course, otherwise there'd be no point in you coming back to read what happens next.
Linda Hoyland
· 25 May 2007
· Chapter 13: Another Threat Looms
A great chapter! I loved aragorn's wisdom at the beginning. Widfara is a great OC and I love his devotion to Aragorn. The fate of the villagers was truly chilling.I am glad there are no orcs in reality, though I know some humans could rival them.
Poor Aragorn, I eagerly await more !
Author's reply
Thanks Linda. I'm glad you liked this chapter. Aragorn of course has had his entire life living with elves to learn the worth of humans which I'm sure both Elrond and Gilraen instilled in him. Wídfara is fast becoming one of my own favorite OCs. And, you're right... it is a good thing there are no orcs in reality but unfortunately we don't need them... there are plenty of humans willing to take on their role instead.
Larner
· 24 May 2007
· Chapter 13: Another Threat Looms
Orcs did like to use poisoned weapons, didn't they? So the sooner the Elves return the better, I think. I do believe their Estel needs their help and aid.
What a way to learn that there is such evil afoot, and I find myself wondering just how much Isengard is involved.
Author's reply
As to whether or not the elves come to the rescue Aragorn's rescue... only time will tell. The same goes for Isengard.
Calenlass
· 24 May 2007
· Chapter 13: Another Threat Looms
Ouch. Poor Aragorn--now he has a poisoned wound. Not good at all.
Surely you would not kill him off...
Author's reply
Don't be ridiculous. He's canon. I'm not allowed to kill him off. Honestly.
Bodkin
· 24 May 2007
· Chapter 12: Into the Westmark
How to impress the Rohirrim: be on friendly terms with a bunch of dangerous elves and trust them enough not to flinch when they aim arrows between your fingers.
And it does make sense that QEtQM would be using Rohirrim to shake loyalty to Thengel. Outside dangers pull a people together against a common enemy. Divide, as they say, and rule.
Author's reply
Dangerous elves, indeed! *grin* As to whether the QM has any direct link with what's going on in the Westmark remains to be seen, yet certainly, the dictum "Divide and rule" hold true, whoever is utilizing it.
Linda Hoyland
· 18 May 2007
· Chapter 12: Into the Westmark
I just loved the image of the Elves washing dishes, a delightful scene !
Author's reply
Thanks, Linda. It's one of my favorite scenes, too.
Beruthiels Cat
· 18 May 2007
· Chapter 12: Into the Westmark
The Rohirrim are certainly getting an education from Aragorn about elves! The shooting display-I can just see them backing off thinking; Oh, *#%&!! Aragorn's response was priceless; (kinda makes me wonder what he would have done if the arrow had pinned the bowl to the table instead, but that would have been a major insult to their hosts)
Washing dishes-another Rohirric assumption about elves just got turned upside down... This just keeps getting better!
BC
Author's reply
Well, someone does the dishes in Imladris, and it ain't dwarves! *lol* Glad you enjoyed this chapter, Cat. I had a lot of fun writing it, especially the last scene with Thandir and Aragorn. One wonders if they haven't played this sort of game before.
Anonymous
· 17 May 2007
· Chapter 12: Into the Westmark
You write the mercurial moods of the elves better than anyone else I've read. Just wanted to let you know I'm enjoying your story!
Author's reply
Thanks for your review. Writing about the otherness of elves when dealing with humans is not easy and I appreciate it when readers tell me I've gotten it right. I'm glad you are enjoying the story.
Elflingimp
· 17 May 2007
· Chapter 12: Into the Westmark
I loved this chapter,it was well worth waiting for! Thandir and his elf friends are most amusing and dear old Aragorn knows how to handle them,but a girl fainting at Thandirs beauty!?(poor thing) althou I can't say if I would be affected any differently LOL
Author's reply
Glad you liked this chapter. Thandir does grow on one, doesn't he? *grin* As for his beauty, I can't say *I* wouldn't faint from it myself either so I don't blame the girl for doing so. *lol*
Larner
· 17 May 2007
· Chapter 12: Into the Westmark
Aragorn knows his limits when taunting Elves, and just how to do it. And of course he has no fear of the arrow aimed precisely short of him, does he? But it would certainly cow the rest of them!
As for Cedric and his grandchildren--I know how THAT goes! (Grinning)
Author's reply
Aragorn does indeed know his limits when teasing Elves and who is to say that this isn't a game the two of them haven't played before. Of course, it goes without saying that such a stunt as Thandir pulls would have impressed the Rohirrim to no end.
Larner
· 17 May 2007
· Chapter 11: Strategies from the Past
Some sort of post-hypnotic suggestion, perhaps? Or post-shock syndrome of a most severe kind? I suppose I need to read the Sil again--it has been a LONG time since I read it last.
But attacking the attackers does appear a most proper strategy.
One think I'm noting--they are NOT hiding the fact Aragorn grew up in the midst of the Elves, nor that Thandir was one of his teachers. However, there can be no greater teacher than an Elf in how to be devious. Heh!
Author's reply
I'm assuming you're referring to Gilhael here. He appears to be suffering from a severe case of PTSS but what exactly is triggering the episodes is unknown at this time. Hopefully, Gilhael will come to terms with what happened and move on.
>> One think I'm noting--they are NOT hiding the fact Aragorn grew up in the midst of the Elves, nor that Thandir was one of his teachers. However, there can be no greater teacher than an Elf in how to be devious.
Sometimes the best place to hide something is in plain sight. It's the last place most people look.
Raksha The Demon
· 17 May 2007
· Chapter 12: Into the Westmark
I love the image of the three High-Elves washing dishes while Aragorn dries. You do a wonderful job on conveying the sheer age of these Elves, as well as the contrasts between them and the rough-hewn but tough Rohirrim, and Estel himself.
Please, please, dont' kill off Thandir - he is such a great character!
Author's reply
Never fear. Thandir will actually accompany Elrond West along with his two children to await the release of his wife, Eluwen, from Mandos, though that's 64 yeqars away. I'm glad you like the image of the elves washing dishes. I don't think the citizens of Dunwulfstun ever recovered from the shock of it though. *grin* I'm glad that you think I'm doing a good job of conveying the sheer age of the Elves (rather hard to do from a mortal POV) and contrasting them with the Rohirrim as well as with Aragorn.
Edlyn
· 17 May 2007
· Chapter 12: Into the Westmark
How am I to write coherent review when I am snickering with delight over that last bit with Aragorn and Thandir? I can just see it happening, meldonya!
Ah, the plots multiply and thicken. Indeed, it makes sense for the raiders to appear to be Rohirrim. It certainly sets things up for waht will amount to a civil war on multiple fronts.
I know that Thengel's mother is out to get him but I'm seriously wondering if there's more than one person (or entity) interested in breaking the King's rule and taking the Riddermaerc. Time will tell.
I'd love to know what Thandir's comments to his companions were when Aragorn summoned them to supper but since I'm not fluent in any form of Elvish, I suppose I'll just have to imagine what was said. Though I am certain that I don't want a look like the one Thandir turned on Estel turned on me.
This continues to be an excellent story and I'm looking forward to its continuation.
May you live blessed,
Edlyn
P.S. And I haven't given up on reviewing Elf, Interrupted. I've just been busy. I will get back to doing that as soon as possible.
Author's reply
There are of course several groups, not necessarily working together or even aware of each other's existence, who are attempting to undermine Thengel's rule. There are many who see him as an outsider, having removed himself from Rohan for some thirty years, so there's a great deal of resentment on that score. It doesn't help of course that he returns with a foreigner for a wife and his children speak Sindarin more fluently than they speak Rohirric.
I never really intended to have elves figure so prominently in this story which I thought would be a "human-only" story with the elves on the periphery. But Thandir has sort of taken over the show and every time I think I've gotten rid of him and he's on his way back to Imladris he shows up again. *sigh* Anyway, he does sort of grow on you, and I had a lot of fun wth him in my other story "Elladan and Elrohir's Not So Excellent Adventure", so I don't mind playing with him in this story.
Calenlasss Greenleaf
· 17 May 2007
· Chapter 12: Into the Westmark
Aragorn’s smile deepened as he calmly picked up a spoon, dipped it into the trencher and took a sip of the stew, smacking his lips appreciatively. Then, before anyone could respond, Thandir pulled his bow off his shoulder, whipped out an arrow and shot it so that it rammed into the table within a hair’s breath of Aragorn’s hand. Everyone at the table rose in shock, backing away. Everyone, that is, except Aragorn, who’s only reaction was to move his trencher half an inch to the left, as if to give the arrow more room.
Loved that paragraph. :) And also Thandir.
Why must you create such admirable elves? Now I must live with he fact that you, and you only, own them. *glare*
~Calenlass
Author's reply
It's my favorite scene in the whole chapter also.
Hey, nothing stopping you from creating your own admirable elves. *snicker* And I may own them, but I'm willing to share.
viggomaniac
· 17 May 2007
· Chapter 7: Dúnælfenedale
I've been following this story every week so sorry for not reviewing more often. You write wonderfully and I find myself thoroughly engrossed in each chapter. There are always so many things to think about and speculate about and it makes for a very interesting read. I like that you make the characters speak in a way that you would expect them to speak -- no 'gonnas', 'okays' and the like...:>)
I don't feel qualified to point out the finer details of the story (though I do enjoy reading reviews by some of your more scholarly reviewers) but here are a few things I liked this chapter: Widfara, Aragorn's displeasure with his perception of being treated like a child by Thandir, his refuting Thandir's words about men being barbarians, and of course the whole storyline itself. The richness of detail is amazing. Anyways, I'll be back (how's that for a threat?) to review again, though I'm not sure when. I'm going to sneak ahead now and read your latest chapter.
Terrific story.
Author's reply
Thanks viggomaniac. I'm glad you are enjoying this story and am happy to read a review from you whenever you get the chance to do so. I've been very careful to recreate the speech patterns of the early Middle Ages, especially with regards to the Rohirrim in their Anglo-Saxon mode. I think it's very important in order to maintain the believability of the story. Aragorn and Thandir's relationship will be further explored in later chapters. I just finished writing a chapter where there's a real confrontation between the two and unfortunately Aragorn does not come out the winner. Anyway, I hope you continue to read and review the story.
Bodkin
· 13 May 2007
· Chapter 11: Strategies from the Past
Spies of a different kind, perchance. Sent by someone with rather different motives from those of QE the QM. The experience of elves might well be rather handy round here.
Aragorn can't help but show his authority - and Gilhael can't help but respond to it. I don't know if they're fooling anyone much really with their modesty. And the flightiness of elves ...
Author's reply
Only time will tell how handy the experience of elves will be in this situation. I'm sure that some of the Rohirrim have their doubts about the real relationship between Gilhael and Aragorn but I suppose if the two Dúnedain don't get carried away, most will just ignore it and take them at face value.
And the flightiness of elves indeed....! *grin*
Shoshana_Rose
· 11 May 2007
· Chapter 11: Strategies from the Past
Another nice chapter. I am curious about what exactly is the trigger for Gilhael's PTSD (or should that be SCR?) episodes. Having a vocal trigger is interesting, especially if it is a particular word, rather than a sound or tonal quality.
The banter between the elves and Aragorn was again very well done. You pull of such witty exchanges with a great sense of timing and appropriate diction, which makes the lightness of such dialogues come through. What incident with Glorfindel was Gilhael thinking of?
Bravo!
Author's reply
I'm not sure what exactly trigger's Gilhael's episodes. That hasn't been revealed to me yet. At first I thought it was mention of orcs, which makes sense, but later I realized that would be too easy and given the place and time, he would be going into his fugue every five minutes.
I'm glad you enjoy the banter between Aragorn and the elves. I find it amusing to write, especially Aragorn's teasing, which the other mortals would find disturbing simply because these are ELVES and you don't treat them so familiarily. As to what incident with Glorfindel Gilhael was thinking about, again that hasn't been fully revealed to me. It would be interesting to find out though and maybe someday I will.
Bodkin
· 6 May 2007
· Chapter 10: A Midnight Conversation
Aragorn lived in so many worlds - part of all of them and yet detached. But Imladris must have been home, and those elves his family, in a way that no other could ever be. And yet he was still a cuckoo in their nest. A loved cuckoo, though.
Author's reply
I suppose that is one way to look at it, Aragorn being a cuckoo in the Elves' nest. Growing up he probably didn't think about it much, it was just what was and he knew no other world. As an adult, having left the nest, he realizes just how unique his life has been and still is. It must be hard, since we all have the desire to "blend in", to be "just like everyone else", only he isn't and he is beginning to see that as he lives among the Rohirrim. Thandir and the other elves just make it that much harder for him to "blend in".
Edlyn
· 4 May 2007
· Chapter 10: A Midnight Conversation
This was such a lovely chapter, meldonya, very evocative.
I truly enjoyed hearing Thandir talking about Finrod (like Aragorn I wish I could have known him in person).
Aragorn's reaction to Thandir's presence really pointed out to me how young his still is at this point. He's angry at the intimation that he's not capable to be out on his own but also in desparate need of affection and reassurance.
And his insistence on wearing the ring of Barahir seemed perfectly understandable as was his asking if the ellon had known his father well. It really isn't all that long since he learned of his true heritage and I'm sure he is still uncertain about it. Wearing the ring gives him a touchstone to hold on to as he tries to come to terms with who he really is--or rather, who he has to become. Eventually, I suppose he'll have to hide it. I just hope that events that lead to him doing so aren't too traumatic (but given Murphy's Law--I'm certain that it functions in Middle-Earth pretty much as it does here, I seriously doubt my hope will be fulfilled).
"I have lived among the elves nearly all my life, yet I still do not understand you." It's all right, Aragorn. I've lived among humans my entire life and I still don't understand them.
Thandir's description of Finrod was heartrendingly beautiful and his grief and love for Finrod, even after all these centuries, was just plain heartrending.
I couldn't help but snicker at Thandir's expression distaste for pipe-smoking but still hearing that Arathorn smoked also must have given him a much desired connection to the father he never knew must have provided some comfort to Aragorn.
Well, I don't have tears running down my face after reading this, meldonya, but that's just from sheer willpower. I don't want to have to try to explain to my co-worker why I'm weeping as I go back to work after my break. This was so beautifully written and a perfect quiet interlude before the next crisis appears (because as sure as Hobbits have furry feet, trouble is going to show up).
May you live blessed,
Edlyn
Author's reply
This chapter really wrote itself, especially Thandir's description of Finrod. Thandir and Aragorn obviously know one another well enough to be able to speak on the level that they do to one another, yet also maintain barriers neither one of them is ready to breach. There is much respect on both sides and, as we see, there is also love. That makes their conversation about Finrod and Arathorn so poignant, each of them mourning a loss that neither can truly comprehend, though for different reasons. That's what makes their exchange so heartrending to my mind.
Larner
· 4 May 2007
· Chapter 10: A Midnight Conversation
A lovely interaction between the two. Elves amongst the Rohirrim--it would be definite culture shock!
Author's reply
Thanks, Larner. I'm glad you liked this little chapter. It would indeed be a culture shock for the Rohirrim who have long believed that Elves are mere legends to have such people walking in their midst.
Linda Hoyland
· 3 May 2007
· Chapter 10: A Midnight Conversation
A very touching scene that shows Aragorn is still young.The memories Thandir must have.
Author's reply
Thanks Linda. I'm glad you liked this chapter. Aragorn is indeed still young and Thandir... what memories indeed.
Raksha The Demon
· 3 May 2007
· Chapter 10: A Midnight Conversation
Thandir is there to be not-so-little Estel's babysitter - I love it. While Aragorn isn't an infant anymore, he's still the only, and last, Heir of Isildur, and Elrond has more than a parental interest in him.
I loved Thandir's recollection of Finrod, an Elf killed thousands of years ago; it brings home the extreme age of many elves, and the things they have experienced. Aragorn's wistful desire to know more about the father he cannot remember are touching.
You do write Elves very well, capturing not only some of their wisdom, the different timestream they seem to move in, the haunting quality of their songs, and effects they have on humans.
Author's reply
Elrond would naturally be concerned and he has to contend with Gilraen's fears for her son as well, so he would want to keep an eye on the "baby" of the family. And being the last Heir of Isildur, Elrond especially has a vested interest in Aragorn's safety and well-being. The fact that Aragorn knows Thandir helps to keep Aragorn's resentments to a minimum.
Thandir is one of the few Noldorin Exiles left in Middle-earth who was actually born in Aman, like Galadriel. Other Elves of Holdorin descent were born in Middle-earth. For them, Middle-earth is their home, not Aman. Thandir's memories stretch back across three Ages to growing up in the Light of the Two Trees, memories that go further back than our own recorded history.
Thank you for thinking I write Elves very well. I've tried my best not to turn them into prettified humans, but beings of great power and wisdom and depth of knowledge that no human can hope to attain. As such, their effects on humans would not necessarily be benign.