Raksha The Demon
· 15 March 2009
· Chapter 15: To Windydale
That's all poor Aragorn needs right now; another chance for the Ringwraiths to play Catch-A-King. Hopefully, the Peredhil will lead the Whack-A-Wraith rematch. And Aragorn will eventually learn to let up on himself a teensy bit. Cracking up from stress and Black Breath residue won't help anyone.
Author's reply
Thank you, Raksha! It sounds as though we have enough names now for an entire arcade. *grin* But the arcade champ in the person of Glorfindel has arrived so maybe the wraith won't be too successful at the Catch-A-King game, eh? We'll hope so, because yes, Aragorn really doesn't have time in his life for a total meltdown, which seems where he's headed. Thanks for continuing to read along, and for your always fun reviews!
Linda Hoyland
· 15 March 2009
· Chapter 15: To Windydale
Poor Aragorn to be blamed for what is not his fault,but the whole situation is heartrending.What a cliffhanger! Howver can Aragorn survive another encounter with the Nazgul?I just love this story!
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Linda... I'm glad you're enjoying this wild tale of mine. Yes, I fear another encounter with the Nazgul can't be good for our Ranger. And now he has the sorrows of all the people in Windydale on his shoulders as well. Aragorn's such a strong person, but, well, it remains to be seen how he can come through all this. Thanks again for this and all the reviews you've left. They're very much appreciated.
Linda Hoyland
· 15 March 2009
· Chapter 14: Ill News
Well I'm very glad that the twins have arrived, but wish Aragorn would accept their help and tell them the truth about how he feels. He will snap if he goes not let go soon.His men's devotion is very touching.Another great chapter.
Author's reply
Thank you, Linda! I'm glad you enjoyed the interaction between Aragorn and his brothers. Yes, he needs to come clean with everyone... but somehow I doubt he will just yet. Thanks again for the review!
Larner
· 13 March 2009
· Chapter 15: To Windydale
A second chance at the Witch-king? Interesting! Get him, Aragorn!
Author's reply
LOL... thank you, Larner! We'll see if he does indeed get him.
Elentarri
· 13 March 2009
· Chapter 15: To Windydale
I love this story. I also love your writing style. Thank you!
Author's reply
Thank you, Elentarri! I'm glad you're enjoying the story and particularly glad you like the style in which it's told. That to me is always gratifying, to know that someone likes my particular "voice" in writing. Thanks again, and hope you continue to enjoy the tale.
Estelcontar
· 12 March 2009
· Chapter 15: To Windydale
That's my Aragorn! No matter how physically and mentally wearied he is, he feels for others' suffering and fear, and so, of course, he feels with them. No wonder he is heart-sick. And even though he is heart-sick, and still under the effect of the black breath, he still does not spare himself. I'm glad the people of Windydale aknowledged this.
And now the Nazgûl and he orcs are back again. I'm soooooooooooooooo glad Elladan, Elrohir, and especially Glorfindel (he knows how to deal with Wiki) are there to reinforce the rangers.
Author's reply
Thank you, Estelcontar! Yes, Aragorn definitely is the true leader--putting others before himself, often to a fault. But he knows he has a lot he can give, usually. Hopefully this time around he won't give more than he can afford, although I'm sure Halbarad is worried about that very thing. And yes, go Glorfindel and the twins! First good news in a long time, them showing up. Thanks again for the review!
Casso
· 12 March 2009
· Chapter 15: To Windydale
There was movement at the station,
For the word had passed around
That the Nazgul from the East (?)
Was come to town..............
Dear Cairistiona,
I think this chapter calls for a reworking of Banjo Paterson's
"Man From Snowy River" (yes i'm an Aussie). I've made a start but have not the time at present to conclude(RL intrudes). Perhaps I'll leave it 'till I read the next chapter. Glorfy better swap bridles so he can sneek up on that baaaaad chap and deliver a suitably crushing blow. I think Aragorn needs an Athelas capsule with a codeine boost, don't you?
A whole week? *groans*
Love your story.
Author's reply
LOL ... I'm absolutely loving these musical reviews! I'll look forward to the longer version. *grin*
Yes, the Nazgul from the East has indeed come to town, much to the town's bad luck. And I like your idea of the athelas capsule with the codeine... I do think that might help Aragorn quite a bit! And yes, alas, a week will probably go by before the next installment. Thank you for hanging in there!
Casso
· 12 March 2009
· Chapter 14: Ill News
And my bells go jingle jangle jingle
As I go riding merrily along
And they sing oh ain't you glad your single
And that song aint so very far from wrong.
Dear Cairistonia,
Whenever I think of Glorfindel and the bells on his horses bridle I can't help but sing the above chorus of a song I have long forgotten the rest of. I have been tempted to put just one silver bell on my horses bridle in honour of the balrog slayer but have lacked the courage. Judges in the show ring may not be obsessed with Tolkien like I am. Mayhap Aragorn could put bells on his bridle and then he too could lament being unmarried.
Great chapter and story, I feel ,like others who have commented, that the black breath is exerting its power over Aragorn still. Beware Nazgul, you now have the mighty Glorfindel and the legendery Sons of Elrond on your case.
Thanks again for this story, am of now to read the next chapter.
Author's reply
LOL!! Oh my, we may have discovered the true reason behind Glorfindel's bells--like Tex Ritter, he's glad to be single! Thank you for such a fun start to a review. I have to say that this is the first "singing review" I've received. *grin* I think it would be fun to put one bell on your horse, but yes, best not upset the judges and miss out on the blue ribbon.
I'm glad, too, on a more serious note, that you're continuing to enjoy the story. Aragorn is definitely laboring under a slew of problems and yes, not least of which is the black breath.
Thanks again for the review!
Fantasia
· 12 March 2009
· Chapter 15: To Windydale
I'll say the same as the other, Thanks God that Glorfindel is there, if someone can defect a Nazgul and make him run is him...I don't believe that Aragorn is fit for another battle with the Nazgul, the hurts and the despair are eating him, I fear that is not going to be good for him, good that the twins aare with him too, they are powerful warriors, Ok, I'm ready for next chapter...Do we have to wait a week?...Do not kill Denlad, please...
Author's reply
Thank you, Fantasia! Glad you liked this chapter... yes, unfortunately, you'll have to wait a week. And I'm glad to have such a Denlad fan! I'll let him know he better be *very* careful. I too found it a relief when it was finally time for the cavalry to arrive, even if it is a rather small cavalry. Thanks again for the review!
Elflingimp
· 12 March 2009
· Chapter 15: To Windydale
Holy Cheetos!!!!I have to wait another whole week!!! Your story is the best, I was hoping Aragorn would get healed from the black breath but it appears he will have to wait. Hugs The Imp
Author's reply
Thank you, Elflingimp! Wow, I earned a "holy Cheetos"! That's a first. *grin* I'm glad you liked this, and yes, sorry 'bout the cliffhanger. Well, actually I'm not sorry. *evil grin* Thanks for hanging in there and thanks for the review!
Ainu Laire
· 12 March 2009
· Chapter 15: To Windydale
Oh goody, fun times to be had by all!
So the first town that was attacked knew Aragorn by Strider, so it was just some village- I didn't realize that this one was a village of the Dunedain people. That must make things all the worse for the poor chieftain.
Nice to know that the surviving men didn't commit mutiny against him, though, eh? That would really complicate things.
I am worried about this oncoming attack. Thank goodness they have Glorfindel- he will definitely know what to do, and the Nazgul actually hold some fear of him, IIRC. He can certainly stand up to them.
But seriously, I wonder how badly the Black Breath lays upon the town? Are all the victims of it dead, or are there other survivors who suffer just like Aragorn? I wonder if there is some sort of cure-area-of-effect powder or something. Or a good load of athelas :P
Author's reply
Thank you, Laire....
Yes, these are (or were) Dunedain settlements along the west banks of the Hoarwell River north of the Last Bridge (and total figments of my imagination but they could have existed, in theory). As to the survivors and BB... that would be a story to explore, wouldn't it? Not within the scope of this one, unfortunately, but interesting to think about. And yes, a mutiny would have complicated things a little *too* much! LOL And yes, thank goodness Glorfindel has arrived--you're right in that he's just the Elf they need right now. He has a lot of power over a lot of things, seems like. Still hard to believe they all but left him out of the movies. *scowl* Ah well.
Thanks again for the review!
Author Reply: A "p.s" to your review, because on reflection, I didn't really answer your point about the two villages and the difference between them, as I should have.
I had intended both to be Dunedain settlements... but in the story I first wrote with Bilfen & Kenevir, "No Greater Comfort", Bracken's Ferry was indeed "just some village" because in that tale I was more interested in writing about setting and how it can affect mood and character and events, etc. But then I realized I really liked Bilfen and Kenevir and wanted to bring them into the rest of "my" Dunedain universe, so they entered this tale. But it does create a bit of a continuity glitch between this story and No Greater Comfort that I'll have to address eventually, because Bilfen should indeed know that Aragorn is chieftain.
Silivren Tinu
· 12 March 2009
· Chapter 15: To Windydale
Okay, now that's *really* angsty enough! *g* I did not expect that Nazgul to turn back and attack Windydale a second time! *hides behind Glorfindel* Now I'm really, really glad that Glorfindel and the sons of Elrond are with Aragorn and his men.
Your description of Windydale and the despair of the people was very vivid and intense. Poor all of them, and poor Aragorn. That woman blaming him was all he needed right then. I loved Halbarad trying to step between the woman and his chieftain, though the outcome was foreseeable. He really does not have an easy time trying to protect Aragorn. I also liked that it was him who came looking for Aragorn, while he was still caring for the wounded, and that he got him out of there. I don't like Aragorn's mood at all (I bet the Nazgul would be happy about it!). I very much hope he won't have to face that creature in a duel again.
I enjoyed this chapter very much and am looking anxiously forward to the next one! ;-)
Almut
Author's reply
Thank you, Almut! I'm glad you found it suitably angsty. *grin* I'm glad you liked this chapter... I did want to be sure to show the after effects of the attack and its affect on Aragorn. And yes, Halbarad really does have his hands full, between fending off angry and seemingly angry townspeople and dragging Aragorn off for much needed food and rest and seeing to fixing the town up where possible... no wonder he needed to sit on the step for a bite to eat!
Next chapter in a week. :)
Thanks again for the review!
~Marethiel
· 12 March 2009
· Chapter 15: To Windydale
This is brilliant... You write _so_ well; it is a joy to see these images in my head with such clarity. Well, maybe joy isn't the right word considering the subject matter... LOL
Poor Aragorn... he needs a cuddle!!
Thanks so much for brightening my day... the morning had been looking pretty blah. Nice to come back from getting a cup of tea and taking a short break to read your work. Thank you!!
Author's reply
Thank you, Marethiel! I'm glad I brightened your day... although yes, it isn't exactly the brightest of chapters for Aragorn. I'm sure he'd love a cuddle right now, but not much hope for one. At least he got a nap. Thanks again for the review!
Yay! More mother hens have arrived! Aragorn and Nazgul beware. *bg* It's really good to see the twins and Glorfindel! I enjoyed Halbarad's comment about the bells on Glorfindel's horse and Aragorn's answer. ;-) Poor Halbarad, btw - trying to protect Aragorn is really not an easy job, to say the least. :P At least he seems to have found some reinforcements in Denlad.
Now that the twins and Glorfindel have arrived and 'summoned' him to Rivendell I really hoped Aragorn would finally choose to be reasonable, give in, and allow himself to be dragged to Rivendell, or at least allow them to treat him. *shakes head* While I do understand his need to help the people in Windydale, I'm not convinced he's in a state to help anyone right now. Well, in any case having Glorfindel and the twins around is quite comforting, especially if a certain Nazgul still happens to be on the western side of the Mountains.
This was another great chapter, and I enjoyed it very much! :)
Almut
Author's reply
Thank you, Almut! Yes, there's a regular flock of mother hens surrounding our Aragorn, but I bet, somehow, they'll end up frustrated mother hens. They'll have to form their own support group. ;)
And yes, you have to wonder just how much help Aragorn can lend... but Aragorn being the leader he is, he'll have to go there. We'll see how he fares. And yes, he and the Nazgul both better beware now that Glorfindel's arrived. LOL
Thanks for the review!
Silivren Tinu
· 7 March 2009
· Chapter 13: Repercussions
Time to try and catch up to the lovely new chapters of yours I've found waiting for me in my inbox. ;-)
Hm, I'm not sure now whether to be relieved or even more worried. I'm glad Aragorn finally told Halbarad what's going on with him (or at least the part of it he understands himself), but his reaction to seeing Halbarad with the chains was worrisome, to say the least.
I so loved Halbarad blocking Aragorn's view of the chains at the end of the chapter - all the little ways he's constantly looking out for his chieftain are so endearing. :) I also loved Halbarad assuring Aragorn that Elrond still loved him, in spite of his anger over his betrothal to Arwen. I really wish Aragorn would agree to go to Rivendell, but somehow I'm not very confident that will happen. ;-)
//Oh, he knows his place–hovering over you like a very stubborn and ugly mother hen.// - LOL, that was priceless and so very true. *g*
//Eledh eyed Aragorn, seeming to read his thoughts. "If you need me to, I’ll do the beating. I doubt you’re strong enough to take on Halbarad just yet."// - That made me chuckle. It's so nice how helpful they all are, lol!
Loved it! :)
Almut
Author's reply
Thank you, Almut! I'm glad you're finally feeling well enough to get caught up. I'm also very glad you liked all this... I think my favorite part was the way Halbarad blocked Aragorn's view of the chains as well. One of those moments that sort of wrote itself, actually. And yes, Eledh is trying to support Aragorn, isn't he? LOL I was glad to give him and Galadh a bit of time in the spotlight. They're really very minor characters in this story, but I want them to feel real when they do get a chance to be front and center. Glad Eledh made you laugh.
Thanks again for the review!
Larner
· 7 March 2009
· Chapter 14: Ill News
And he still will not take care for himself, eh? I have a feeling Elrohir and Elladan will be taking exception to that attitude--and soon.
Love Halbarad's worry and how it is expressed.
Author's reply
Thanks, Larner! Glad you like Halbarad... he has a unique way of putting things, doesn't he? As for the twins... well, I'm sure they want to gang up on him and cart him off to Rivendell despite his protests. Fifty years back, they might have been able to, but now... it'd be a challenge! Thanks for your review!
Elflingimp
· 5 March 2009
· Chapter 14: Ill News
I am getting the idea that Aragorn is not quite himself because of the black breath, I think his brothers and Glorfindel are gonna let him have it and soon for his own good. I love this story! Hugs The Imp
Author's reply
Thank you, Elflingimp! I'm glad you're still enjoying the story and yes, it's very evident now that Aragorn's got a lot of issues, not least of which is the Black Breath still exerting its influence. Thanks for the review and for hanging in there with this wild tale!
Estelcontar
· 5 March 2009
· Chapter 14: Ill News
Another fascinating chapter. Aragorn is indeed stubborn, isn't he? One cannot help but admire his courage and hardiness, but I'm sure the effects of the black breath acting on his previous despondent state of mind are clouding his judgement a bit. I'm glad Halbarad, and now Denlad are there to let him have a piece of their minds. LOL
I'm sooooooooooooooooo glad Elladan, Elrohir and Glorfindel arrived. Aragorn & Co could do with such reinforcements when they face the Nazgûl again as I'm sure they're going to. Besides, Halbarad could do with some reinforcement too when facing his Chieftain. LOL
I just loved to bits Halbarad description of Aragorn's battle with the Nazgûl, and the following final paragraphs.
Author's reply
Thank you, Estelcontar! Yes, it's good that the cavalry, in the form of three Elves (or an Elf and two Half-elves) showed up at last. I think they'll need Glorfindel's assistance since Aragorn obviously isn't at his best. And yes, it's a fine line between foolhardy stubbornness and courage and hardiness, and Aragorn's definitely treading that knife edge right now. Of course, Halbarad considers that he's fallen off the edge completely! Glad you're enjoying the story and thanks for the review!
inzilbeth
· 5 March 2009
· Chapter 14: Ill News
Great bickering between Halbarad and Aragorn; looks like the 'mother hen' won that round!
Another absorbing chapter, but the bit I liked best was your explanation of why Asfaloth has bells on his harness. Spot on, I think!
Author's reply
Thanks, inzilbeth! I'm glad you liked the bickering... and yes, round one to Halbarad. Or round two or however many rounds it's been now. I've lost count! And I'm glad you liked that bit about the bells... there was a discussion on some list, can't remember which one it was, about Asfaloth and it got me thinking about those bells and one reason Glorfindel might have felt cheeky enough to use them. My take on Glorfindel is that he possibly has a bit of a wicked sense of humor and I think that shows in him putting bells on his horse. Thanks again for the review!
Fantasia
· 5 March 2009
· Chapter 14: Ill News
God! can I smack Aragorn? he will havea breakdown and it will be worse...He is not help at all if he keep pushing himself...Men!!
Glad to see the twins and Glorfindel, they will help, I hope...
Oh, Deland is priceless and it seems that love is in theair...
Author's reply
Thank you, Fantasia! I'm with you in wanting to smack Aragorn, as is Halbarad, I'm sure! He is being impossible, isn't he?? And I'm so glad you like Denlad. I was so hoping people would respond well to him and it seems they are, so I'm very relieved, because I definitely have a huge fondness for him myself. Thanks again for the review!
Raksha The Demon
· 5 March 2009
· Chapter 14: Ill News
Forget Aragorn & Arwen - Aragorn & Halbarad make for a great couple here! (though not in any slashy sense) And it's a good thing; since I fear Aragorn is heading for a nervous breakdown. Don't know if he'll succumb, but the pressures on him, to be the bearer of hope when all grows more and more hopeless, is immense. It's similar to the situation that ensnared and destroyed Denethor, though the pressure isn't quite up to that level (Sauron's forces haven't yet penetrated Imladris); but being a ruler of late 3rd Age Dunedain was a thankless job.
I hope that the body count of (by now) familiar OC's doesn't grow any more; that could push Aragorn over the edge too.
More soon, I hope.
Author's reply
Thank you, Raksha! Yes, no slash ever from me, but Aragorn and Halbarad do kind of act like an old married couple, don't they? LOL
I do think being Chieftain would have been an largely thankless job, in many ways. Certainly a highly frustrating one, trying to defend such a large territory with very few men, men that also need to be hunters and farmers during parts of the year. I think of the verse about making bricks without straw--that seems to encapsulate Aragorn's job at times. Let's hope he doesn't do a Denethor and throw himself onto the nearest flaming pyre!
Thanks again for the review! Next chapter will be in a week--I only posted 2 chapters this week because of Aragorn's birthday. Hits/reviews lessened a bit so I think that posting 2 a week is rushing it a bit too much for everyone. So back to the regular schedule (much as I'm all but hopping up and down wanting to put the whole thing up NOW. LOL)
Ainu Laire
· 5 March 2009
· Chapter 14: Ill News
Aww! I love stubborn Rangers! Halbarad and Aragorn are quite the pair.
Poor Aragorn, going into despair. This "failure" will surely affect his mood with the Black Breath still lingering upon him. I still wonder what the Nazgul is doing in Eriador. To test the strength of the Dunedain would be interesting, but why?
Enjoyed the chapter- wonderful to see some elves there to help now.
Author's reply
Thanks, Laire... glad you liked this chapter, and yes, the Elves/Peredhel are here to help. Can't hurt, having Lord Glorfindel on hand, can it? *grin* And now Aragorn will have to fend off both Halbarad's mother henning AND his brothers'. As if the Black Breath and despair and an injured arm and losing hope wasn't enough!
As for the motivation of the Nazgul... there could be any number of reasons one might lurk around Arnor. They're servants of Sauron, and Sauron sent out all kinds of spies everywhere, including the North. Thinking of Sauron in light of military leadership, he no doubt was very much interested in seeing what the "lay of the land" was during the years leading up to the Ring War. Perhaps testing the Dunedain to make sure they're still a relatively weak force was part of that. It may be stretching things a might to have a wraith playing spy, since they're most associated with the One Ring, but I think it's reasonable to assume that the wraiths could and might have done than just search for the Ring. And of course, Sauron is always concerned that despite appearances, the Heir of Isildur might yet live.
Thanks for the review!
Linda Hoyland
· 5 March 2009
· Chapter 13: Repercussions
A very dramatic twist here.Aragorn is being so stubborn.I think only with expert help will he get over a Nazgul attack. I can just imagine the tension of being all cooped up together in a snowstorm.
Author's reply
Thank you, Linda! Yes, things aren't getting easier, are they? And Aragorn, well, stubbornness can be a strength and a weakness and time will tell which way it will play out for him. Thanks for the review!
BM
· 2 March 2009
· Chapter 13: Repercussions
I cannot find appropriate words to express just how much I am enjoying this. Your OCs are endearing, your characterizations so very realistic, and your scenarios so rich that I'm pulled completely into the story. I so wish I could see this as a movie! You are doing an awesome, wonderful job with this! You have wonderful talent and I hope to find many, many more stories soon. In the meantime, I'll wait not-so-patiently for the next suspenseful chapter, hoping that either Halbarad will convince Aragorn to go to Rivendell (I know, that's highly unlikely) or unexpected help will arrive. And I hope against hope that Denald, Eledh, and Galadh survive for many long years and are able to live out their old age in peace (and that Denlad finds happiness with a certain lady......) Thank you so very much for sharing this and I'm looking forward to more!
Author's reply
Thank you, BM! My goodness, now I'm the one that can't find sufficient words. What a very kind review. I had never thought about this little story of mine being a movie, but it would be kind of fun, wouldn't it? Hmm, who to cast as Denlad and Halbarad! You've given me some fodder for daydreaming. :) I'm very glad you're enjoying this, and I do think you're right in that it's highly unlikely that Aragorn will agree to go to Rivendell. Poor Halbarad. And yes, I do have more stories in the works, and ideas to pursue... so hopefully they'll eventually all get written. *crossing fingers* Thank you again for such a lovely review!
Larner
· 2 March 2009
· Chapter 13: Repercussions
Now--which is more stubborn, Aragorn or Halbarad? They are both right! But they need their chieftain, and they need help. Aragorn needs to accept that!
Author's reply
Boy, is there ever a debate there! "Resolved: Who is the most stubborn, Aragorn or Halbarad"! I don't know that it could ever be resolved, to be honest, which is why they butt heads so much. Thanks for continuing to read and review... it's very encouraging. :)