Stirrings of Shadow by Fiondil
Linda Hoyland · 12 November 2008 · Chapter 50: Prelude to War
I agree a baby cheers everyone up. The children at the meeting reminded me of how my parents always discussed bills with me to prepare me for when I had to pay them.ANother enjoyable chapter.
Author's reply
Hi Linda. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. Thanks for letting me know.
Larner · 11 November 2008 · Chapter 51: And So It Begins
I had suspected that those above were dead. So, what has become of the citizens of the town, then? Are most living and awaiting Thengel where they can join him, or are those above those who would have joined him? Whose side has managed to rule the fate of Upbourn?
Author's reply
The answer to all your questions will be found in the next chapter which I promise will not be as long in posting as this one was.
Rhyselle · 11 November 2008 · Chapter 51: And So It Begins
Hmmmm. After taking a few minutes to ponder it, I can think of at least three different explanations for the non-moving sentries.... It will be interesting to see if any of my thoughts come close to the reality that Thengel and Aragorn will find. The bit that caught my attention most was the interaction between Aragorn and Thandir, where Aragorn challenges the elf. Most young adults chafe at the bit and want to grow up faster than we older ones would like, and sometimes it is very difficult to allow them to go on their way. I imagine that it is something like this that colours Thandir's interactions with Aragorn, particularly considering Thandir's immensely long life, and the mortal's youth. Thandir has spent most of Aragorn's life protecting him, and I suppose that even for an elf, 20 or 30 years makes for a habit that is difficult to break. *grin* I'm so glad to see Widfara again, and it was good to finally see Hilderic appear to support his uncle. I look forward to the next chapter, where, hopefully, we'll get some answers to our questions. At least this story is from Aragorn's POV, so we oughtn't to be bouncing to another place or group of characters, extending the cliffhanger!
Author's reply
It will be interesting indeed to see how close your suppositions come to the actual reality that Thengel and the others find. Thandir is concerned not only about Aragorn as an elder is towards a youngster, but he knows full well that Aragorn's destiny lies elsewhere and if he gets himself killed in this war it will be the end of everything that the elves have been hoping for since the destruction of Arnor. But Aragorn's arguments are correct... Rohan is an ally and he has a duty to help them if he can, for a time may come when he (and Gondor) will need their aid... and we know that actually will happen some sixty-odd years later. We'll see in the next chapter what has happened in Upbourn and why.
Kaylee · 11 November 2008 · Chapter 51: And So It Begins
Oh, meldonya! I am glad that it was indeed Hilderic and Widfara, and other Riders who came! Thandir, Elladan and Elrohir are leaving? No! I don't want them to leave! *sigh* And yes, where on Ennorath is Gandalf, anyway? *wry look* Do not meddle with the Ithryn, I suppose... And oh...poor Widfara...finding out that the men on the ramparts seem dead and no one else is there! How did that come about? ~Kaylee!
Author's reply
Hey Kaylee! Well, it was inevitable that the elves would leave at some point, but we will see if they actually carry out their threat to do so. *grin* The mystery of Upbourn will be revealed in the next chapter.
eiluj · 11 November 2008 · Chapter 51: And So It Begins
Fewer guards on the ramparts of Upbourn: that sounded promising, until they turned out to be dead....
Author's reply
Well, that's Wídfara's thought, but we won't know for sure until the next chapter.
Linda Hoyland · 19 October 2008 · Chapter 49: New Life, New Hope
What a lovely touch that the baby arrived on Aragorn's birthday!
Author's reply
Thanks, Linda. I'm glad you think so. *grin*
Larner · 19 October 2008 · Chapter 50: Prelude to War
I, too, hope it is Hilderic who comes, but find myself wondering about the watching Elf, wondering what this watchfulness presages. I love it that you, too, see the King as teaching his children by example, much as I have Aragorn having his children by him during many audiences and judements that they learn good leadership by watching their father at it. This helps prepare Aragorn to do much the same in his own time.
Author's reply
As to who is coming, that will be made clear in the next chaper. I think this is where Aragorn learned this, although I suspect that Elrond did something similar when Estel was growing up.
Agape4Gondor · 18 October 2008 · Chapter 50: Prelude to War
Yikes! Good chapter. I loved the 'sight' of Thengel with his infant and with his children. But my fondest moment was when you wrote of the children playing - such a good thing to see after the horrible plague that had assailed them earlier. Made my heart glad. Of course - you've left us with a cliff-hanger again!!!
Author's reply
Children are very resilient and what child can possibly resist a game of 'catch me' whatever the circumstances. *grin* I won't be leaving you on the cliff for long, I promise. *lol*
Elflingimp · 18 October 2008 · Chapter 999999: Character List
Thanks for the chapter Fiondi, Now I'm gonna sit on the edge of my seat since you left with a cliffy! I love the elves in this story and the way you present them, they are so very magical in a way, Great chapter Hugs the Imp
Author's reply
Hi elflingimp. You really need to pay attention to where you post your reviews. Twice you've left reviews of chapters in the Character List chapter and I've had to go hunting for them. *grin* I'm glad you liked this chapter at any rate. And I'm glad you love the elves in this story and how I present them. In their interactions with the Mortals I've tried to show that they are indeed 'magical' and not just humans with pointy ears. Thanks for reviewing (wherever you leave it). I really appreciate it.
6336 · 18 October 2008 · Chapter 50: Prelude to War
Things are moving along, starting to come to a head. Hopefully the troops moving towards the refuge are from Helm's Deep and not enemy forces. So Theoden thinks sisters are useless does he, just wait until he needs his socks darned or a meal cooked or to be introduced that pretty girl who is his sister's friend, he will soon change his mind! Now just who or what is that lone Elf up to? More please, Lynda
Author's reply
I'm sure Theoden will come around eventually. *grin* As for the Elf... we'll have to wait and see.
Agape4Gondor · 28 September 2008 · Chapter 49: New Life, New Hope
Just a wee nother thought.... Knowing what eventually befalls Theodwyn, Thengel's hope at her birth was just a bit hard to read without tears misting and a catch in my throat... "Théodgiefu. Her name is Théodgiefu, for she is indeed a gift to all of us, her coming is sign of hope that all is not lost." And I liked how you put that she probably would be Theoden's favorite! Nice touch.
Author's reply
Except this isn't Théodwyn. She does not get born for some years yet. Theéodgiefu is Thengel and Morwen's fourth child and third daughter. They had four daughters altogether, with Théodwyn the last one born. I'm sure Théodgiefu would be Théoden's favorite until Théodwyn came along. *grin*
Agape4Gondor · 27 September 2008 · Chapter 49: New Life, New Hope
Very nice indeed, Fiondil. I had a wee bit of concern with the author of this being a man - but you pulled off the birth in a nice way! Congrats!
Author's reply
Hey! Men can write about births, just as women can write about battles. lol Glad you liked this chapter, Agape. Thanks for letting me know.
Shoshana_Rose · 26 September 2008 · Chapter 49: New Life, New Hope
New life, new hope indeed! A nice chapter. I enjoyed Aragorn's quiet authority in matters medical. In this instance, his conduct seemed to foreshadow the quiet, forceful presence he will become as he matures. He does now, as he will later, call on the elder races for help, but he doesn't punt the actual *doing* of the task, even though we know he's been fretting about this for a while. :) The young man is growing by leaps and bounds. As for dear Theodgiefu, it seems she's become a symbol even as she's born. Well, Thorongil can relate to that, too. Cute that you had the birthdays link up. I share a birthday with my twin brother and with his youngest daughter, and can certainly relate. And with the baby's birth heralding things, maybe Rohan itself will get to be reforged, a stronger nation than before. What a gift indeed is a new life, and amazing how such an infusion can uplift everyone connected. Best, Shoshi
Author's reply
Hi Shoshi. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. Yes, Aragorn is becoming more confident and competent as time goes by. I think Théodgiefu will not always be a symbol, but certainly her parents will tell her about how she was born and under what circumstances. Since Aragorn will be in Rohan for a number of years to come, she will get to share her birthday with "Uncle Thorongil". *grin* Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.
SurgicalSteel · 26 September 2008 · Chapter 49: New Life, New Hope
Overall an enjoyable chapter - but I have a medical quibble. If a woman's losing enough blood in labor that people are worried about her bleeding out, the treatment isn't to delay childbirth while someone tries to slow the bleeding - it's to get the child delivered as quickly as possible. If delivery's imminent, you let it proceed - then massage the uterine fundus. If that doesn't slow the bleeding to a normal level, then you'd give some sort of ergot derivative to stimulate contractions (the contracting uterus will usually slow the bleeding). If that doesn't work, then you'd go looking for retained placental fragments - and these days, if none of those had worked, then you'd do a hysterectomy. If delivery isn't imminent, you'd do an emergency C-section. But either way, the treatment is to get baby out of mom as quickly as humanly possible. Aside from that, it was an entertaining read.
Author's reply
Thanks for the medical information. I have gone back in and made the necessary corrections to the text (giving you credit as well *grin*). In spite of the medical error in the original text I'm glad you found the chapter entertaining. Perhaps you can take another look to see if I did it right. *grin*
Sunny · 26 September 2008 · Chapter 49: New Life, New Hope
*Ooohs and aaahs over the baby* I wonder if the reason the males are banned from such as this is because of their delicate constitutions; fainting at the sight of blood? *sniggers* (Of course, obviously _some_ males are hardier.) ;-)
Author's reply
Perhaps, but obviously Aragorn, Elladan and Elrohir are too well trained as healers (not to mention being warriors) to let a little blood bother them. *grin*
Elflingimp · 26 September 2008 · Chapter 999999: Character List
I know I don't comment on your stories to often Fiondil but I had to on this chapter, it was just beautiful! I almost started crying, I don't think you could have done any better, also this is my favorite story of all those you are writing. Hugs Deb the Imp
Author's reply
Except you've posted it to the wrong chapter. lol However, I appreciate you taking the time to tell me how much you enjoyed this latest chapter. I'm glad this is you favorite of all my stories. The others are very popular but it's nice to know that people appreciate this one as well. Thanks for letting me know. I really appreciate it.
6336 · 26 September 2008 · Chapter 49: New Life, New Hope
Yea, the baby's here!! and she and Mom are doing well!!Woo Hoo!!!! Such a good birthday present for Estel, at least he Has no excuse to forget it! O.K. nit pick time, shouldn't it be breech and not breeched whan Elaadan is talking to Estel and I think you got your tenses crossed when Aragorn was announcing the baby's birth to Thengel, ie, open instead of opened and opened instead of open? Good chapter, I enjoyed it, always do like a happy outcome! More please, Lynda
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Thanks for pointing out the grammar errors. In my haste to get this up I failed to read as carefully as I should have. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. Successful births are always happy events and I doubt that Aragorn will forget this particular birthday in a hurry. *grin* Thanks for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it.
Linda Hoyland · 23 September 2008 · Chapter 48: War Plans
It is not a good idea to annoy Elves so it seems!
Author's reply
No it isn't. Good thing Aragorn was there to remind them of their promise to stay.
6336 · 11 September 2008 · Chapter 48: War Plans
Dear Fiondil Muse, I do apologise for refering to you as female in my last review. Some supernatural beings are so androgynes it's hard to tell with out peeking under the hood, so to speak! Once again, my apologies, Lynda
Author's reply
Apology accepted. *grin*
Larner · 11 September 2008 · Chapter 48: War Plans
Far wiser than had been his father; and may they achieve victory handily.
Author's reply
Whether they achieve victory handily is one thing... how they achieve it is something else. Thengel is indeed far wiser than his father, and if truth be told, perhaps far wiser than his son will prove to be in his later years.
Agape4Gondor · 10 September 2008 · Chapter 48: War Plans
Good chapter. A lot done... a lot more to do... but hopeful. As for Morwen, let's keep our fingers crossed. Having the twins and Aragorn as attendees at the birth should definitely lesson any complications. Loved the last couple of lines.
Author's reply
Thanks, Agape. I'm glad you liked this chapter, especially the last couple of lines. I think having Aragorn and the twins present will increase Morwen's chances of a safe delivery very much. We'll see.
6336 · 10 September 2008 · Chapter 48: War Plans
Hm, Wormtongues family seems to be have a thorn in evry king of Rohan's pie dosen't it? Lets hope their plans turn out the way they want and that Morwen's delivery is not as difficult as Aragorn fears. More please, Lynda (I see Fiondil Muse is getting back to her somewhat angtsy self, go Muse!)
Author's reply
We will see shortly just how Morwen's delivery goes. Actually my Muse is male and angsty doesn't begin to cover it. lol
obsidianj · 25 August 2008 · Chapter 46: Mithrandir and Isenwulf
Wow. That was quite an unexpected turn the story took. It seemed so simple when Aragorn and Gilhael started on this mission. Friend and foe were clearly delineated, but now everything is turned upside down again. Can't wait to see what happens next...
Author's reply
Wheels within wheels... sometimes the simplest mission turns very complicated without much effort on anyone's part. And the line between friend and foe can be very fuzzy indeed.
obsidianj · 25 August 2008 · Chapter 45: Infiltrating Upbourn
What? That's quite a surprise. I never would have guessed that. Now I'm really curious where this is leading. I can't believe that Gandalf would turn against Aragorn. Luckily, the next chapter is already posted...
Author's reply
A surprise indeed, but I don't think Gandalf would ever turn against Aragorn.
Linda Hoyland · 22 August 2008 · Chapter 47: Rescuing the Hostages
Powerful magic indeed from Gandalf for this daring rescue!
Author's reply
Yes, and very handy under the circumstances. *grin*