Well, this is the first, and probably the only chapter where I don’t agree fully. Éowyn is my second favorite character after Aragorn, and I think there is more depth in her character then seeking death in despair of unfulfilled love. And I don’t think that when she first saw Aragorn, she would think “And from your body would come worthy sons for the line of Eorl.” It felt a bit calculating, although I’m sure that you didn’t intend it. I sensed more of longing for freedom in her, and with her love and admiration to Aragorn there was a just a slight hint of envy for the great deeds that she sensed in him. But this is my own picture that this chapter doesn’t entirely follow, and that is the only thing that disturbs me a little – maybe because all the rest of the story is exactly what I would like to read about Aragorn, fitting perfectly into my image of him. But the decision to write this chapter from Éowyn’s point of view is very poignant in this place.
Author's reply
You're right there is far more to Eowyn than just seeking death in despair at unfulfilled love. This a snap shot of how I see her feeling at that moment when Aragorn leaves her, so desperate and alone and I do think that Aragorn's rejection of her was the final straw which pushed her to take the course she did. In weighing up Aragorn as a potential husband, I imagine that, as the niece of the king, she would, perhaps even subconsciously, give thought to his suitability and the fact that he was clearly a noble lord and hence more likely to be considered acceptable, which is what my wording about noble sons is referring to, would be something that would cross her mind, if only fleetingly. Another box ticked, if you like.
I'm so glad though that your view of Aragorn so matches my own. Throughout the writing of this story, I've tried very hard to be faithful to canon and not to introduce any interpretation not likely to be considered the consensus one.
Mirach
· 11 September 2009
· Chapter 29: The Palantir
I have always wanted to see this missing scene. Tolkien became almost annoyingly vague about Aragorn since the Dúnedain arrived… But maybe he did so purposefully, to leave place for our imagination – just like yours. Halbarad’s concern and loyalty was very touching.
Author's reply
Thank you! I too desperately wish Tolkien had written this scene, but as you so rightly say, it is fun to try and fill in the gaps ourselves!
Mirach
· 11 September 2009
· Chapter 28: The Doubter
And this… ah, you are going from one extreme to another. That were truly grim moments, and a hard decision, maybe one of the hardest in his life. The path may be dark in other places, but here the direction was unclear, and the path not visible at all.
Author's reply
Yes, this was definitely one of the hardest decisions of his life and I suspect he knew that too. But who, without the benefit of hindsight, would have liked to call this one?
Mirach
· 11 September 2009
· Chapter 27: The Foster Son
This was a beautiful chapter; I had tears in my eyes.
Author's reply
Thank you so much. This was the scene which triggered the entire story. If PJ had done this right, I might never have put pen to paper!
Mirach
· 11 September 2009
· Chapter 26: The Sons of Elrond
Poor Rangers in Sarn Ford. May they find peace after such a horrible death...
Author's reply
There must have been such a story to tell there, and one which would surely have broken Aragorn's heart, yet this event is hardly mentioned and Aragorn, as always, puts his duty first and his personal grief second.
Mirach
· 11 September 2009
· Chapter 25: Isildur's Bane
The silent vigil in Prancing Pony is a perfect setting for such an inner fight. And it had to be fought, sooner or later. That quote from the Last Debate and the image of Aragorn if he would take the Ring is equally powerful as the image of Dark Galadriel.
Author's reply
I'm glad you agree. That night, while the hobbits slept and the Ringwraiths were closing in, I'm sure had to be the most likely time for Aragorn to be tempted by the Ring. Once he came to know Frodo, and his respect for him began to grow, I doubt he would have even considered taking it.
Mirach
· 11 September 2009
· Chapter 24: Strider
You think that Tom and Aragorn know each other? I was toying with the idea of their first meeting too, it is an interesting image =)
I loved the clue with Trotter!
Author's reply
I find it hard to imagine that Aragorn, in all his years, had never encountered Tom. His familiar 'Old Bombadil' at the Council of Elrond suggests to me far more that just knowledge of his existance, and Tom himself knew of the 'forgotten sons'. If there had been more scope within canon, I would have written an exchange between them as I too have thought of writing a Bombadil Aragorn story!
And 'Trotter' was just too tempting!
Mirach
· 9 September 2009
· Chapter 23: The Journey to Mirkwood
This chapter was a whole story of itself. It felt just like Tolkien’s own writing: a lot of darkness, but an occasional green valley that returns hope to the heart.
Gandalf’s short question: “My dear Aragorn, how are you?” said it everything. Their friendship and deep concern for him, all the deadly perils that he was in alone. My dear Aragorn…
Author's reply
Oh thank you so much, to write anything that feel's like Tolkien's own writing has to be the ultimate goal for any of us.
And I'm so pleased you liked that line. I just felt all that love and concern myself when I wrote it, it seemed so like Gandalf.
Mirach
· 9 September 2009
· Chapter 22: Deadly Perils
Oh my, that was very, very intense. I almost despaired too, despite the fact that I knew that you will find a way to get him out of there. But he is still far from any help… Hopefully he can catch some rabbits and find some taters in Ithilien…
Just a side-note: I think that Uruk-hai were bred a bit later in Isengard
Author's reply
I'm so glad this story drew you in. It was by far the most difficult chapter to write in terms of how hard I made this for Aragorn but, of course, I was always going to have him triumphing over his situation. He wouldn't be our hero if he didn't!
Yes, Saruman's Uruk-hai only appeared in the Ring War, but Sauron's, which is what these were, had been around for over 500 years. [See Appendix A 'The Stewards'.]
Mirach
· 9 September 2009
· Chapter 21: Roheryn
I don’t know what to say… It was such a beautiful chapter, like a ray of pure light in shadows. Ah, sweet love…
Author's reply
Thank you! I must admit, I enjoyed giving Aragorn a holiday so much in the Bilbo chapter, I wanted to write another one.
Mirach
· 8 September 2009
· Chapter 20: Gilraen
Poor Gilraen… She has never seen the renewed kingdom of her son. She would be the King’s mother there, but she died alone in a poor Dúnedain village.
Author's reply
Gilraen's story is so sad and it must have been heart breaking for Aragorn to leave his mother in such despair.
Mirach
· 8 September 2009
· Chapter 19: The Storyteller
There is Mrs. Barliman? I admit, I’ve never thought about that, but it makes sense… I think mentioning the dice would help Barliman to remember Halbarad. But, like Barliman, I would love to hear more of the tale. And I wonder what was Halbarad doing in Moria, and who has led the Dúnedain in that time. Isn’t Dírhael already too old for that? When Aragorn mentioned a friend that was with him, I assumed it was Gandalf in their hunt for Gollum. But apparently Gandalf was not with Aragorn in Moria from the little that was mentioned in FotR. Hm… I got a bit tangled in my reasoning. Good that you didn't! =)
Author's reply
Lol! I imagined a Mre Barliman working away behind the scenes and keeping Barliman in order! The full tale is progressing very slowly but it will be finished [one day] and then hopefully all will be made clear!
Mirach
· 8 September 2009
· Chapter 18: All that is Gold
“The cook was delighted to see him and fussed over him as he always had done since he was a boy. He chastised him for being too thin and made sure he did not leave until he had been suitably fed on several of his favourite pastries.“ - Applause for the cook!
And another one for you, and your Bilbo. He is just the hobbit whose home was unexpectadly invaded by 13 dwarves and a wizard, and who prepared the long expected party for the whole Hobbiton 60 years later.
Author's reply
Thank you so much! You can tell I really enjoyed writing Bilbo, can't you!
Mirach
· 7 September 2009
· Chapter 17: Gandalf's Request
…and bigger things began to move. The Rangers have my deep respect. Halbarad too, there are times like this in every friendship, and it only shows its strength at the end.
Author's reply
And mine! The uncomfortable blend of tedium and danger that went with the job must have worn all their nerves, but, yes, what bonds were forged by it.
Mirach
· 7 September 2009
· Chapter 16: Elf-Friend
This chapter was strangely comforting. It feels right to me that Aragorn would be the only Man in his Age to see the Western Realms. And that foreboding about the Palantír , how true it is! Círdan is a rarely seen character, but I like the kind therapeutist that you made from him =)
Mirach
· 7 September 2009
· Chapter 15: Elrond's Decision
I think that this may be the most difficult topic in the entire story. It takes a great understanding of the characters to get it right, and as subtle as you did. I applaud you!
Author's reply
Oh you have so made my day, thank you! There were so many emotions to consider, from both characters, getting them down on paper in an order which made sense was quite a challenge so I'm thrilled you thought it worked.
Mirach
· 6 September 2009
· Chapter 14: Arwen
Telling this chapter in Arwen’s point of view made it even more immediate. Sometimes I tried to imagine the scene in Valinor when Elrond meets Celebrían again, and has to tell her that Arwen will not come. Having Galadriel to tell her the news spars the poor Peredhil that duty. Arwen’s inner turmoil is very believable – a few thousands of years of peaceful life – and suddenly she is madly in love!
Author's reply
Thank you. It was interesting to change the POV for this chapter and I really liked the idea that Arwen, in spite of her great age, would suddenly feel like any other young woman in love and be rather thrown by all the unfamiliar emotions.
Mirach
· 6 September 2009
· Chapter 13: King of Men
Galadriel the match-maker, but always having the broader picture in mind… I have the feeling that after she realized that this is the thing that she should do, she enjoyed it, despite the consequences.
Author's reply
I would like to think so too! If she did have to lose her grand daughter to the Gift, then she couldn't have lost her to a better man.
Mirach
· 6 September 2009
· Chapter 12: The Spy
Please thank the old man for me. He saved Aragorn’s life, and we even don’t know his name…
Author's reply
I most certainly will! I wonder how many others there were over the years without whose kindness our ranger would never have become king.
Mirach
· 5 September 2009
· Chapter 11: Flight of the Eagle
It needs a great deal of courage to accept change. I always thought that he made the choice to leave himself, after Denethor guessed too much. But you made very sound arguments both from his and from Gandalf’s side. He really couldn’t know that he’ll return to the city ever after, and it had to take a lot of courage indeed, especially when it was Arwen’s hand that he could get would he claim the crown. And then the image if war and the tiredness of it is very vivid.
Author's reply
Aragorn's courage in making this decision is what struck me the most too. He had earned a good life for himself in Gondor, where he was honoured and respected. To simply walk away and leave all that behind must have been so difficult.
I agree, he may very well have reached this decision on his own, but we know Gandalf occasionally visited, so this seemed a more interesting way of tackling the rationale behind it.
I'm very pleased you liked the battle, thank you.
Mirach
· 5 September 2009
· Chapter 10: The Ring of Barahir
The message made me really afraid at the very beginning. And at the end I had the urge to slap Denethor and usher him out of the room: He is weak and in pain, and you pick just that time for inquiring about his lineage! Get out of here before I get even more furious, and let him rest, understood!?
A scene with a worried Ectelion coming to visit him as soon as he heard the news to make up for that? No? Ah well… I’ll just imagine… =)
Author's reply
Oh you're really making me wish I'd written that scene! No, I wanted to leave things up in the air but I'm glad you felt like slapping Denethor. I hope you felt like hugging the poor ranger as well! I picture Denethor as being easily ruthless enough to pick just this moment when his rival is least able to defend himself to launch his investigation. Thank you so much for your review.
Mirach
· 5 September 2009
· Chapter 9: The Rival
This chapter was very powerful, every word is in its place to create the bigger image, and the subtle mood that underlies the whole chapter. I can vividly imagine the matrons of the city throwing their daughters in his direction. But indeed, it is far more complicated. If Denethor almost felt sorry, what can I do?
Author's reply
Lol! What indeed! I'm so glad you enjoyed this chapter. The underlying tension between these two great men was enormous fun to write.
Mirach
· 4 September 2009
· Chapter 8: The Servant of the Steward
The first look on the White City is very impressive as you describe it. But hm, not a good beginning with Denethor…
Author's reply
Thank you so much, I loved writing that first glimpse of Minas Tirith. How wonderful must that have been to suddenly see something from legend that holds so much personal significance to you, suddenly appear before your eyes like that.
Yes, I doubt they got off on the wrong foot quite that soon, but it was a fun way to portray it.
Mirach
· 4 September 2009
· Chapter 7: The Horseman
Pigs and cattle for the future king of Gondor? Lol, you are certainly teaching him humility…
I just wonder what was the reaction of the Dúnedain to his departure. They seemed to be quite fond on his leadership.
Author's reply
Yes, if the future king is going to live in disguise, he'll have to get used to this!
That's a very good point about the Dunedain and one touched on in a later chapter. Another episode worthy of it's own story perhaps!
Thank you so much for your review.
Mirach
· 4 September 2009
· Chapter 6: The Wizard's Pupil
Ah, why did you end the chapter here? I would love to see that encounter… =) I suspected that the sentry that greeted Gandalf was Aragorn. And I really like your Gandalf, he is the wizard with every ounce.
Author's reply
I'm so thrilled that you liked Gandalf. He's such a vital character, I was very nervous of writing him.
Lol! The hobbit encounter I can pass to you to take on if you like!