Virtuella
· 15 October 2008
· Chapter 6: The Wizard's Pupil
I enjoyed the dialogue between Gandalf and Elrond, it rang very true. The double perspective of the first encounter between Gandalf and Aragorn could have been awkward, but you made it work. You have also managed to make me look forward very much to what's to come.
Author's reply
Thank you very much; it's always good to know that something rings true. There was so much to include in this chapter that the double perspective seemed the best way to do it.
Virtuella
· 15 October 2008
· Chapter 5: Chieftain of the Dunedain
Goodness, I've fallen behind, I'll have to catch up with this!
A melancholy, rain-drenched mood lies over this chapter and I could imagine the scenes very well. You have done well in showing the transition from the old home to the new, which is, in fact, not so new at all.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you thought the mood worked. This must have been a huge wrench for Aragorn to leave home [and Arwen] but I like to think he coped with it well.
RS
· 15 October 2008
· Chapter 7: The Horseman
"Here, he was the man who cleaned out the swine and the kine" I love that line! As if he was not humble enough!
Author's reply
LOL! Yes, I really have made him work his way to the top, haven't I?
Elfinabottle
· 14 October 2008
· Chapter 7: The Horseman
I've just read all seven chapters and all I can say is
Well Done! This is remarkably good writing. I cannot wait to read more. Your take on Aragorn is entirely plausible and a pleasure to read. Thank you.
Author's reply
Gosh, thank you so much; I'm thrilled you enjoyed it enough to keep going!
And there certainly is a lot more to come!
Larner
· 14 October 2008
· Chapter 7: The Horseman
I think this is one of the more realistic treatments of the introduction of Aragorn to the Rohirrim I've yet read. Let him prove himself a bit at a time; and it does sound as if the stables would be a vast improvement on the cot where he'd been staying!
And as a born and trained healer, I'd think he'd be as good with common complaints of horses as of men, particularly coming from cultures in which a good horse and a good sword were two of life's necessities!
Very nice.
Author's reply
'a good horse and a good sword were two of life's necessities!'
Absolutely! I'm so glad you found this realistic. It can't have been easy being stranded in such a different culture where you can't speak a word of the language and without the kudos of being either the Lord of Imladris's foster son or the Chieftain.
And as I mention below, we know from that piece in HoME that he was good at treating horses. Thank you so much for your review.
Linda Hoyland
· 14 October 2008
· Chapter 7: The Horseman
How very fitting that Aragorn should be able to use his skills with horses in Rohan.It is lovely to see our Ranger/Healer/King with a none human patient for once as treating animals takes an especial skill.
Author's reply
There is a lovely piece in HoME, it must be The War of the Ring, where Aragorn is tending an injured Snowmane during the battle at Helm's Deep which I so wish Toklien had retained in the final version as it does show that he was as good with animals as people. And yes, treating animals does take a special skill - don't I know it LOL!
Many thanks for your review.
Estelcontar
· 14 October 2008
· Chapter 7: The Horseman
As I told you a couple of times before, I really liked your take on Aragorn's first days in Rohan. It is good that in your story Aragorn starts to learn about the other cultures of Middle-earth not as a warrior but humbly, helping to tend the stock, and alone at that, with no knowledge of Rohirric. Being wise as he is, that must have thought him some humility. A quality most rulers need but lack, and which Aragorn thankfully does possess oodles of.
Author's reply
Ah yes, Aragorn's humility, definitely one of the reasons we love him so much and, while I'm sure it was an innate quality within him, I expect he also learnt it in his time as a 'nobody'.
I'm glad you enjoyed it.
daw the minstrel
· 14 October 2008
· Chapter 7: The Horseman
Nice extrapolation from that quote from the Paths of the Dead. You also do a nice job of incorporating details to bring the scene alive.
Author's reply
Thanks daw, I'm glad you thought so. I was torn between using that quote and one from UT which tells us what great horse lovers the Numenoreans were. Either way, what with his elvish upbringing as well, Aragorn had as long a cultural history of fine horsemanship as the Rohirrim, though I somehow imagine they would have been doubtful about that!
shirebound
· 14 October 2008
· Chapter 7: The Horseman
I can definitely feel Aragorn's weariness and frustration. What marvelous detail!
Author's reply
Thank you so much, hopefully things are on the up for him now!
RS
· 11 October 2008
· Chapter 6: The Wizard's Pupil
I love your Aragorn! And it wouldn't be Gandalf if he wasn't irritated with someone in one way or another!
Author's reply
Oh thank you so much! Its such fun to try and write Gandalf; especially when he's huffing and puffing! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Grumpy
· 11 October 2008
· Chapter 5: Chieftain of the Dunedain
Hi, great chapter on Aragorn's first night out, and his trip to his new home among men. Vast difference between the Dunedain village and Rivendell. Nothing like a little party to make you feel better.
Author's reply
Hi Grumpy, sorry I've only just found your review. I'm so glad you enjoyed this. Yes, it must have been quite a shock for Aragorn but you are so right, after a few pints of that home-made cidar I'm sure life looked quite rosy again!
Linda Hoyland
· 10 October 2008
· Chapter 6: The Wizard's Pupil
I always imagine Gandalf's influence had a major impact on the great man Aragorn became.Another great chapter.
Author's reply
Many thanks for your review, Linda. I think Gandalf's influence was huge and yet we see very little of that important relationship.
Ainu Laire
· 7 October 2008
· Chapter 6: The Wizard's Pupil
Oh, what a delight! I love Gandalf, and I think you portrayed him very well. I definitely want to see more of him.
You simply must show Aragorn's first meeting with a hobbit. I wonder if he will take him to Bilbo? That would be a lovely meeting, though Bilbo isn't exactly the most normal hobbit.
Oh, and your story is listed as "complete". Thought you ought to know :)
Author's reply
Oh thank you, Laire, I'm so glad you liked Gandalf in this. I have written Aragorn's meeting with Bilbo which is actually my favourite chapter of the story, but I'll have to leave this first meeting with hobbits to your imagination. You do influence me though, as, although the tale is complete, I hastily wrote the previous chapter only after you said you were looking forward to more Dirhael!
Larner
· 7 October 2008
· Chapter 6: The Wizard's Pupil
Ah! A wonderful introduction between two of my favorite people! To see Gandalf accept the news of Aragorn's existence and begin seeing the type of knowledge and experience he would need and begin seeing to it he learned what needed to be learned--that is so wonderful! Yes, this is a marvelous thing, to see the young man become the man we love!
Author's reply
They are two of my favourite people as well, and I'm thrilled that you enjoyed this encounter between them. Aragorn's journey to become the man we know so well, is certainly an interesting one.
Thank you so much for your review.
Estelcontar
· 7 October 2008
· Chapter 6: The Wizard's Pupil
What I liked best about this chapter is that the two different point of views complement each other and give us a very comprehensible idea of how Aragorn must have felt on his early years as Chieftain of the Dúnedain of Arnor.
The daily life details as for example Gandalf wanting to smoke in Rivendel, Aragorn mending Gandalf's weapons as a token of peace made the stories much more enjoyable and perceptible.
And as I said previously your young Aragorn is a very engaging lad, indeed.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you liked my 25 year old Aragorn! I'm sure those first few years involved some very fast growing up and many set backs, but I imagine that by the time Aragorn left the North for his long journeys, he felt secure enough in his position to do so with confidence.
shirebound
· 7 October 2008
· Chapter 6: The Wizard's Pupil
of one thing I am certain; this Age will end in his lifetime.
What a chilling thing to know in advance! This is a marvelous chapter, and the meeting of Aragorn and Gandalf was just perfect. I'm very thrilled that Gandalf is the one who will introduce our young Heir to the Shire and the hobbits about which he feels such a fondness.
Author's reply
Yes, foresight must be a mixed blessing!
I'm sure Aragorn was instrumental in encouraging Aragorn to do a lot of things and I like to think that included meeting hobbits too.
Thank you so much for your kind words.
Elflingimp
· 7 October 2008
· Chapter 6: The Wizard's Pupil
I am enjoying this story so much! I can't wait to see Aragorn reaction to Hobbits, it should prove to be very entertaining, you tell this story so well it seems almost real, as if I was right there with them and I am enjoying the journey! Hugs The Imp
Author's reply
Oh thank you so much, Imp. It was great fun to write so I'm so glad you are enjoying it. I'm afraid the next chapter moves on to Rohan but we will have Aragorn's meeting with Bilbo later on.
daw the minstrel
· 7 October 2008
· Chapter 6: The Wizard's Pupil
What a great gapfiller. I love the use of the derelict village as a camp. And Aragorn has grown so much in 5 years. He's earned his place with the Dunedain. It had never occurred to me that it might take him a while to see his role stretching beyond that.
Author's reply
Thanks daw, I'm thrilled you enjoyed this chapter. I've always felt it was more than coincidence that no sooner had Aragorn met Gandalf than he was off on his long journeys. I'm sure his wisdom must have been a huge influence on the young chieftain.
shirebound
· 3 October 2008
· Chapter 5: Chieftain of the Dunedain
This is a marvelously written story. Aragorn, in all of his nobility and humanity, is beautifully realized here, and the details are delightful.
I don't suppose the story will go on long enough for him to meet any hobbits? :)
Author's reply
I am so thrilled, Shirebound, that you are enjoying my story, and oh yes, there will be a few hobbity chapters as the story goes right to the end of Aragorn's life.
Thank you so much for your review.
Linda Hoyland
· 2 October 2008
· Chapter 5: Chieftain of the Dunedain
What a beautiful chapter!Halbarad's pledge and Ivorwen's foresight sent shivers down my spine. Outstanding writing!
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Linda for your kind review. I'm so glad you enjoyed those two moments in particular as they were my favourite parts to write.
Virtuella
· 2 October 2008
· Chapter 4: Elrond's Daughter
I like the reflective quality, the calm, dim atmosphere of a rainy day in autumn and the big feelings shown in small gestures. Lovely piece.
You mgiht want to edit it again, there were a few typos and other errors.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you thought that sense of a grey day came through. Transferring the atmosphere you see in your head to paper can be so tricky, I find.
Thank you for your kind words and for pointing out the errors. Why are they always so easy to spot in someone elses work and so impossible in your own?!
Estelcontar
· 30 September 2008
· Chapter 5: Chieftain of the Dunedain
What a beautiful gap filler you have written.
The opening paragraphs are very vivid and show so perceptively how Aragorn must have felt when living Imladris: his sorrow about leaving the comforts of home, the place in which he had been happy and loved, his anxiety about meeting his people, and the excitement new experiences and places hold for youth. It’s all there, and I do love your young Aragorn. His scare with the rat was delightful, and the scene in which he holds Arwen’s shirt to his face most moving and sincere.
The second part does live up to the expectation of the first. I really, really enjoyed his meeting with Halbarad. The contrast between the irreverent “this sorry excuse for an elf anywhere” and your adaptation of the Gondorian oath of allegiance when Halbarad’s swears fealty worked very well.
His reception by his people sounded faithful to Tolkien and very much like I have always imagined it. I enjoyed most especially his meeting with Ivorwen and her vision of Elessar because it reminded me of the fact that she always was foresighted about Aragorn’s greatness, and that it was due to her foresight that Gilraen wed Arathorn. It also reminded me about that bit in the foreword of Peoples:
…and his father gave him the name Aragorn, a name used in the House of the Chieftains. But Ivorwen at his naming stood by, and say ‘Kingly Valour’ (for so that name is interpreted): ‘that he shall have, but I see on his breast a green stone, and from that his true name shall come and his chief renown: for he shall be a healer and a renewer.”
And the ending was delicious. It was very fitting that in spite of his fear Aragorn enjoyed himself at his homecoming feast
Author's reply
Oh thank you so much for taking the time to write such a detailed review. I'm thrilled you enjoyed this.
I'm particularly glad you liked the bit about Ivorwen's foresight. I was thinking of exactly the same thing when I wrote that part. I've also rather regretted not writing a prologue for this story based on that quote from the beginning of vol 12. Ivorwen certainly didn't have any doubt's about the worth of her grandson, did she?
This had to be a very turbulent time in Aragorn's life and, when I thought about it, there was a surprising amount that needed to be said about his return to his people. I'm very relieved it all rang true. Thank you again.
Elflingimp
· 30 September 2008
· Chapter 5: Chieftain of the Dunedain
Inzilbeth ,I must tell you,you are a most excellent writer! I was waiting faithfully for this chapter. I got pulled into it and didn't stop reading until the end.I liked the part with the rat in it, that was humorous, I could picture it all in my minds eye. Alot of imagery here going on, can't wait for the next chapter! Hugs The Imp
Author's reply
Thank you so much, I'm so pleased you liked this chapter. I don't imagine Aragorn met too many rats in Rivendell! The next chapter moves the story on five years to Aragorn's first meeting with Gandalf.
daw the minstrel
· 30 September 2008
· Chapter 5: Chieftain of the Dunedain
How clever of Aragorn to use an abandoned hearth as a shelter. I'm such an indoor girl, I'd never have thought of that. I like the fact that Aragorn goes on his own here. It makes him seem like a man ready to take on his responsibilities (although with some guidance) rather than a package the Sons of Elrond would deliver. And he sees exactly how crucial his task is when he sees their life. The abandoned houses are such a poignant way to show how the Dunedain are dwindling. And nice recollection of the mare and foal that two-year-old Aragorn toddled off to visit.
The reminder of Ivorwen's vision was so cool! I love those magical moments in Tolkien's world.
Author's reply
Oh I absolutely love those moments too, and not just with Aragorn but any with character.
I felt it was important he left home on his own. It was somehow so final that we are told he went out into the wilds and then, in the next sentence, that he laboured for thirty years. After living at Rivendell, it must have been so hard at first even though he had been well prepared. And I think the idea of the abandoned houses comes from all the ruins Strider and the hobbits pass on their way to Rivendell.
Thank you so much for all your comments and I'm so pleased you enjoyed it.
RS
· 25 September 2008
· Chapter 4: Elrond's Daughter
I've been following this story since it's been up and have been wanting to leave a note to tell you how much I'm enjoying it.
I was tickled pink after reading this chapter. Your description of Aragorn, a mature and brave warrior suddenly become a bumbling, bashful, and giddy love-struck youth (although he managed to hide it well) was excellent..not to mention contagious! Ahh...but what a smile can do to a person!
I think Arwen is also smitten but she does not know it yet!
Can't wait for the next update!
Author's reply
I'm so thrilled you enjoyed this tale and thank you so much for letting me know. And you have a very good point about Aragorn being able to hide how smitten he was but, as Elrond told us, his eyes betrayed him!
I'm glad it made you smile.