Estelcontar
· 1 March 2009
· Chapter 13: Repercussions
I see things are getting darker again. Poor Aragorn! But he is stuborn ins't he? He knows he's not well; he knows the best course for him would be going to Rivendell, but he still won't. He's lucky he's got someone wise and sensible like Halbarad to knock some sense into his thick skull. LOL
I couldn't agree with Halbarad more when he mentions that it's the Nazgûl evil that's blinding Aragorn to the fact that Elrond loves him.
I also enjoyed the dry humour you infused in the parts with Eledh, Denlad and Galadh. We do need these lighter moment in a dark fiction like this one, and besides they do help to individualize your characters.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed Aragorn pays due attention to Halbarad's most wise words, but somehow I'm not very hopeful he will.
Author's reply
Thank you, Estelcontar! Yes, it is getting darker again, both with the weather moving in and Aragorn's bit of trouble with the chains...things are definitely amiss still. And yes, Halbarad's wise but I doubt his wisdom is enough to overcome Aragorn's stubbornness. It's interesting how stubbornness can be both a help and a hindrance in a leader. Thanks for the review!
inzilbeth
· 1 March 2009
· Chapter 13: Repercussions
Your conversations are so real! I absolutely love the interplay between all the characters in this, but especially, of course, the stand off between Halbarad and Aragorn.
Another great chapter.
Author's reply
Thank you, inzilbeth! I'm glad you like the conversations between the Rangers... it's so fun playing around with them, imagining what they'd say to each other and how to make it fit their personalities and temperaments and even their standing within the company--Denlad a bit higher than Eledh and Galadh but Halbarad his superior. But all of them nearly on equal terms as far as skills and quality. They're an interesting group of men, Aragorn's chosen. Glad you're enjoying them all! Thanks for the review.
Raksha The Demon
· 1 March 2009
· Chapter 13: Repercussions
More enjoyable interplay between the Rangers. Aragorn badly needs mother-henning at this point; and the sooner he gets some quality time on Dr. Elrond's couch for some Elven healing (physiological and psychological), the better.
Author's reply
Thank you, Raksha! I'm glad you liked this chapter... we're definitely getting a look at the relationships between all the Rangers at this point. And yes, Aragorn needs to see Elrond... but it can be hard when you're torn between duty to yourself and duty to your people. Aragorn usually puts himself last in such things! Thanks again for the review!
Linda Hoyland
· 26 February 2009
· Chapter 12: Time
I'm glad Aragorn is coming to realise he needs Elrond's help.I liked the story of Denlad and how Aragorn took an interest in him.
Author's reply
Thank you, Linda! Yes, even a stubborn Ranger gifted with healing abilities like Aragorn has to realize that some things *might* be a little beyond his control. Of course, we're still a long way from Rivendell. Very glad you liked Denlad's story... he's had a tough life, that boy. Thanks again for the review!
Lady_Roisin
· 26 February 2009
· Chapter 12: Time
Just wanted to say again how very much I love this story. I know I've been reviewing it at N&N, but, seriously, if this was a book at the store, I would buy it. Your writing is so inspiring, and your OCs are great. I love how they play a big role, but they get the same care as the canon characters do, and have a great deal of depth and personality. I love your Aragorn too.
Author's reply
Thank you, Roisin! Wow, you didn't have to leave a review here, too, but thank you for taking the time. I'm flattered that you would pay money for my writing (my dream is someday people might do just that) and I'm so glad you like my OC's and feel they add to the story. And Aragorn... well, he's my favorite, so it makes me very happy when others feel I've got him "right". Thank you again for the review!
Estelcontar
· 26 February 2009
· Chapter 12: Time
What a wonderful chapter. I really enjoyed that lighthearted part in which we witness Eledh's fall, with Deland reminding Aragorn of a very large spider, picking something from the thatching. It had me chuckling again. Poor Eledh.
I see that Aragorn isn't yet completely free from the after effects of his battle with the Nazgul. Aragorn alone and exposed on a wind-swept ledge is a very vivid, and very effective image indeed. I'm sure he will make no misstep.
It was so good to get to know Denlad's back story. It does indeed explain why he's shy around women and why he's so loyal to Aragorn. I do hope Neala gets her way with him. LOL
A most enjoyable chapter indeed.
Author's reply
Thank you, Estelcontar! I'm glad you liked this chapter, and Denlad's fake (maybe!) spider prank on poor Eledh. I do hope that was a dead spider he picked up from the thatching. *grin* Yes, and Aragorn's feeling pretty vulnerable right now, poor Ranger. And I'm glad you liked hearing of Denlad's backstory. As I've mentioned on other review replies, I wasn't 100% sure it was good to put all that in the story, but it seems to have worked out all right. Thanks again for the review!
Silivren Tinu
· 26 February 2009
· Chapter 12: Time
Denlad and Neala would make such a nice couple! *g* Tell him I absolutely forbid him to get himself killed! ;-) Denlad's story is really a sad one. I'm glad Aragorn was there to keep an eye on him. It's really remarkable that Denlad did not forget how to love, and grew up to be a good man in spite of the difficult childhood he must have had. I liked that he was even able to soften his mother's heart in the end. :) I hope Neala is a patient woman, he'd really deserve some happiness.
I'm glad Aragorn at least thinks about the nature of his wound and what's wrong with him, even if he doesn't share his worries or problems with anyone else (I wish I could drag him to Rivendell - I'd feel much better after Elrond has had a look at him!).
"He felt... exposed. Alone and naked and terribly vulnerable, as if he were somehow trapped on a wind-swept ledge, with no one to throw down a rope and help him climb back to safety. One misstep..." - This is really not very reassuring. Somehow I'm beginning to doubt time will heal this specific injury.
Loved it (though that's probably quite obvious *g*)!
Almut
Author's reply
Thank you, Almut! So glad you liked this latest installment! It's very reassuring to me that you're able to feel such sympathy for Denlad, considering all we really know about him is what's revealed in this story. One of these days I'll tell his tale in a separate fic, but it's good to know that even with the limited information about him here, you're feeling strongly about him. And yes, not really the time to feel comfortable about Aragorn's seeming recovery, is it! Thanks again for the review, and yes, I will tell Denlad to be extra careful. :)
Larner
· 26 February 2009
· Chapter 12: Time
A wonderful look at life on a Dunedain farmstead. And I hope indeed that Neala wins over Denladh--he needs some taming and comforting.
Now--to get Aragorn to Rivendell whether he wishes to go or not.
Author's reply
Thanks, Larner... you know, Aragorn *really* needs to listen to you. But somehow I worry he won't ...
Fantasia
· 26 February 2009
· Chapter 12: Time
This is such a beautiful chapter, so well written, I just can "see" them...I love this story...well, Aragon the matchmaker...I liked the spider joke scene, to see the rangers behaving as normal human beings is priceless
Now, he needs to go and see Elrond and he knows that, but I suppose that he will keep pushing himself until Halbarad force him to go to Imladris.
I was thinking that maybe Elrond will send some help when he receives the news from the survivors, maybe the twins? I'm sure that he will come to the conclusion that there is more than orcs around and I just think that Aragon and his little band of Rangers need help. And please, do not kill Denlad now or any of them, I can't take another loss.
Thanks, Fantasia
Author's reply
Thank you, Fantasia! I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter and its touch of "ordinary" life. And yes, Aragorn's in quite a state, isn't he. Who knows when he will finally accede to Halbarad's good sense. Sometimes it seems that "sensible" and "Aragorn" are not concepts seen often together. ;) Glad you like all my Rangers well enough not to want to lose any of them. I don't really want to lose any more, myself, but that will be up to them, and how well they continue to fight this Nazgul. Time will tell! Thanks again for the review!
Ainu Laire
· 26 February 2009
· Chapter 12: Time
Aww, a love story! :P That's adorable.
I have a feeling that this little boo-boo isn't going to go away soon- and the nightmares likely won't, either. And perhaps not easily. A Nazgul is no small foe. This is the calm before the storm. Dun dun dun.
Author's reply
Thank you, Laire! I'm glad you like the little Denlad/Neala subplot. It almost didn't make the cut... I was afraid it might be too distracting. But then I thought about how real life isn't all just one-dimensionally big, bad and ugly, and neither should it be for our Rangers. And those two just would *not* quit making moon eyes at each other...
And yes, definitely in the calm moments for now.
Glad you liked this and thanks for the review!
MP brennan
· 22 February 2009
· Chapter 11: To Make Right Again
This is a very sweet chapter.
It was very poignant to meet Neala and see the woman's perspective on the long struggle. Far too often, their contributions go unnoticed. It takes an amazingly strong woman to pledge the life of her only remaining son to the cause that has killed the rest of her family.
You are undeniably the queen of dialogue that is both Tolkien-styled and realistic to the modern reader. The unfailing humor of this story continues to amaze me. (Duck!)
Kudos and chocolate for another great chap.
Author's reply
Thank you, Brennan! I'm so glad you enjoyed Neala... I too see her as one who has amazing strength of character, or maybe amazing compared to our standards today. I think back to women in WWII and all the way back to the pioneer women of the US in the 1800s and what they had to deal with and did deal with, without complaint, and I think Neala has that same sort of sacrificial strength and pride that they did. They were women able to cope, and to do whatever was needed and still retain a sense of joy. That's basically who Neala is. And queen of dialogue? Well, I don't know about that, but it's kind of you to say. I do try to write the dialogue in the same sort of vein as Tolkien, but yes, a bit more easy to our modern expectations. It's a bit of a challenge to keep that balance and I'm glad you find that I do. Thanks again for another lovely review... and for the chocolate! ;)
Aiwen
· 22 February 2009
· Chapter 10: Respite
I have been enjoying reading of Aragorn's misadventures. Thank you for writing. I must admit I'm rather startled to encounter Nazgul across the river this early in the third age. I thought they were still still hiding in Morgul, Dol Guldor and Mordor at this point.
Author's reply
Thank you, Aiwen, for leaving a review to let me know you're enjoying this. And yes, the Nazgul did mostly stay in those places during this time... but in my little sub-universe, one strayed north and west, much to Aragorn's dismay I'm sure. It's probably stretching canon a bit (or more likely to the screaming point) but I wanted to tell a give the Aragorn-encounters-a-wraith fic a new twist.
inzilbeth
· 21 February 2009
· Chapter 11: To Make Right Again
Neala is a wonderful example of how Dunedain women very likely were; stoic, practical, fiercely proud of their men and prepared to lose them in the service of their people and lord. You're done a terrific job of portraying all that here, making her a very believable OC. Aragorn's sorrow is also very real and moving. A very well done conversation.
Author's reply
Thank you, inzilbeth! I'm so glad you liked Neala and found her believable. That's the hardest thing about OC's, making them feel fully rounded and believable and, especially with female characters, *not* Mary Sue. I'm glad also you liked the conversation with Aragorn... hard to imagine the weight of all the men who've died in his service, and the difficulty of having to face their families with such news. It's a wonder, really, that Aragorn ever smiled, and a testimony to his strength that through all the sorrow he could still find joy. Thanks again for the review!
Larner
· 20 February 2009
· Chapter 11: To Make Right Again
I find I truly like Mallor's mother here, and regret that she has lost both husband and older son to the long defense.
Lovely. Now--how long will it take them to get Aragorn to Elrond?
Author's reply
Thank you, Larner... glad you like Neala. And now, if I answered your question, why would you keep reading? *grin* Time alone will tell...
Thanks for the review, and for continuing to read. :)
Linda Hoyland
· 19 February 2009
· Chapter 11: To Make Right Again
Neala is a very courageous woman. I'm glad Aragorn is at least getting a good meal!
Author's reply
Thank you, Linda... I think Aragorn was pretty glad of that himself. :)
Estelcontar
· 19 February 2009
· Chapter 11: To Make Right Again
I loved To Make it Right Again. It's wonderful of you to give to your rangers and readers this delightful break from the stress, worry and sorrow you have been putting them through.
I really, really liked your Neala. She is just the kind of strong woman I've always imagined the Dúnedain of Arnor to be. She reacted exactly as I expected them to react. She's extremely brave but caring, grounded in reality, proud of her heritage and of what the Dunedain stand and are fighting for, supportive, understanding and proud of her menfolk, and ready to defend her home and family when needed.
Randir's hero worship of Aragorn is very true to life too, and what you would expect in a boy his age when confronted with someone like Aragorn.
And I'm glad to see that Aragorn has recovered enough to again cast an ironic glance at Galadh's cooking skills. LOL
Author's reply
Thank you, Estelcontar! I'm glad you liked this chapter. It's more of the interlude, and hopefully I'm not slowing down the story too much in order to give the men a much needed bit of rest. Talking to the mothers of fallen Rangers had to have been one of the hardest jobs Aragorn had as Chieftain, yet I don't see him ever shirking that responsibility. I'm glad you liked Neala--the women had to have been remarkable to have lived such hard lives, more often than not losing their husbands to war or accident. Neala's definitely a survivor, as his Randir, in his young way. And yes, he definitely sees Aragorn as the ultimate hero. :) Thank you for the review!
Silivren Tinu
· 19 February 2009
· Chapter 11: To Make Right Again
You know, I think I really wouldn't want to try Galadh's cooking *bg* Poor Aragorn.
I like Neala - she really is a bit like Halbarad, sensible, courageous, and strong. ;-)
//"I am no warrior, my lord."
He reached out and caught her hand, looking into her eyes. "But you are, my lady. You and every wife and mother who sends husband or son to fight for me, for our people... it takes a rare bravery to do such a thing."//
So true! Words like these are just what I love that ranger for, among other things. ;-)
I'm glad Neala had the idea to feed Aragorn. I somehow don't think that the meal Galadh has provided has done anything for his recuperation, lol. It's good to see Aragorn's appetite return.
Another chapter I really enjoyed - it was nice not to have to worry about Aragorn for a change. *g*
Author's reply
Thank you, Almut! I'm glad you liked all this. Neala is a little bit like Halbarad, in the way all the Dunedain are: brave, sensible, hardy folk, all. And yes, Aragorn always has the right words to say, doesn't he? I'm glad you're not worrying about Aragorn. For now. *grin*
Thanks for the review!
Marethiel
· 19 February 2009
· Chapter 11: To Make Right Again
Awwww... Okay, you have to do more with Neala... she's WONDERFUL! I love how we begin to see some healing for our poor Aragorn. Thank you. And I loved the surprise at how good the stew was! LOL Reminds me of feeding my adult son.
:-)
Very human, lovely touches of authenticity and pathos, beautiful images (love the cat reference, too). But your depiction of Neala as a woman of the Dunedain is superb.
Well done!
~Marethiel
Author's reply
Thank you, Marethiel! I'm glad you like Neala. Taking another risk with yet another OC, so I'm glad you felt she was a good example of a Dunedain woman. There'll be a bit more of her in the chapters to come, although she is a relatively minor character for this tale. But I'll likely include her in other stories. And yes, a bit more healing for Aragorn. For now. ;) Thanks for the review!
Ainu Laire
· 14 February 2009
· Chapter 10: Respite
Heh, I love the beginning of the chapter! I do wonder if it is merely the Black Breath affecting Aragorn, or something else. The blade did not pierce him, so it was not that... perhaps he is near, and he feels the wraith's presence because of the close contact.
Still, I'd like to see more about this child, and this mother, and perhaps find out the reason why they live isolated and not in any, say fortified village with other Dunedain families xD
Author's reply
Thank you, Laire... glad this chapter has you wondering. :) As for Neala and Randir... I figure not all the Dunedain lived near villages. Some had to do the farming etc. I guess I sort of see the North a bit like the way the western US was before large scale settlement. Many were in towns and forts but there were also those scattered outside those safer spots. And they're not *too* far from Bracken's Ford and Windydale. Thanks for the review!
Linda Hoyland
· 13 February 2009
· Chapter 10: Respite
It is good to see Aragorn starting to recover but I feel he needs Elrond's help. Halbarad makes a great nurse.You bring the Rangers very vividly to life as well as Aragorn.
Author's reply
Thank you, Linda... I'm glad you like how I write the Rangers. And yes, Aragorn really does need to get to Rivendell, silly boy. Thanks again for the review!
Silivren Tinu
· 13 February 2009
· Chapter 10: Respite
Now that's definitely not a good way to wake up! *g* Poor Aragorn.
//One Halbarad was vexation enough. The very idea of there ever being three of him was simply too much to take. //
LOL! I don't know - I think three Halbarads would probably be quite useful in case they encounter the Nazgul again, or to drag a certain stubborn chieftain from the pits of self-doubt. Aragorn would likely not stand a chance against them. ;-)
//"When anger stirs you into acting like the king you will be someday, it’s all I can do not to drop to one knee and grovel."//
*chuckles* Halbarad really has his very own way of showing respect to his chieftain! I'm glad he's there - the situation and Aragorn's gloomy thoughts definitely need some humour to lighten them up.
I don't like that Aragorn still has that nightmare. Of no consequence! *snorts* I wish someone would sit on him and hold a bowl with athelas under his nose until he's rid of whatever it is that's plaguing him!
Malthen's home seems to be a really beautiful place. I would like to live there myself, as long as there aren't any Nazgul around. ;-)
//Darkness still vexed the corners of his mind. Some lingering... presence. //
That can't be good and I also don't like that that bruise still hurts so much. I wish he had told Halbarad. Stupid stubborn ranger!
Another great chapter with a nice bit of dark foreshadowing at the end. It really makes me want to know what's wrong with Aragorn. ;-) Looking forward to the next chapter!
Almut
Author's reply
Thanks, Almut! I'm glad you liked this chapter and the humor and the dark bits, both. I *hope* to get the next chapter up usual time, but RL being what it is, I have no idea. But I do promise to update as soon as I can. Thanks again for the review.
Calenlass Greenleaf
· 13 February 2009
· Chapter 10: Respite
The beginning was certainly...interesting. *grins* Even if Aragorn doesn't find it funny.
//But his smile slipped away as he thought of the far more worrisome ache in his chest. He shut his eyes, turning his face to the sun, but try as he might, its warmth and light could not penetrate the chill in his heart.//
*worries* This certainly does make me anxious.
Great writing. I won't be able to read the next few updates, but I'll do my best to catch up when I get back. :)
~Cal
Author's reply
Thank you, Cal... glad you liked it, and yeah, the start of the chapter was funny, but definitely at poor Aragorn's expense, wasn't it? :) Just catch up when you get back. Thanks again for the review!
Larner
· 12 February 2009
· Chapter 10: Respite
And why am I convinced he needs to be put in Elrond's hands--immediately?
Author's reply
Perhaps because that's exactly what he needs to do with himself? But do you really think he will? *grin* Thanks for the review!
phyloxena
· 12 February 2009
· Chapter 10: Respite
This was lovely. I was following the story from the beginning, but the line about Aragorn not believing in some kind of ghosts was too good to keep lurking silently! Even in fantastic world there are things that don't exist.
Author's reply
Thank you from coming out of lurkdom to leave such a kind review, phyloxena! I'm glad you're enjoying the story so far. And yes, I imagine even in Middle-earth there are a few things that are just too big a stretch of the imagination even for Aragorn, who likely feels he's seen it all. I hope you continue to enjoy the story and leave an occasional review so I know I haven't lost you. Thanks again!
MP brennan
· 12 February 2009
· Chapter 10: Respite
Another beautiful chapter. Your depiction of the farm is just lovely. The little details--like the stable that used to be blue--really bring it to life.
I don't know what I'm going to do when this fic is over and I can't get my fix of adorable Aragorn/Halbarad interaction anymore:)
"He settled for glaring at Halbarad– all three of him–instead. Then he shut his eyes. One Halbarad was vexation enough. The very idea of there ever being three of him was simply too much to take."
"Then, openly grinning at Aragorn’s snort of disbelief, he added, "But seeing as you are now back to being nothing more than a lowly Dúnedain chieftain, and one flat on his back, no less, I will, in the best manner of certain members of Bree society, try to hide any sign of respect, Mr. Strider." "
:) :) :) :) :)
Just great.
The detail about the Rangers fixing up the farm was a nice touch, though I wonder how much they'll get done in two days when two of them have to keep watch at all times. Lots of painful realities for our favorite Ranger to face.
To summarize, great job (as usual), and I'm looking forward to more!
peace,
-Brennan
Author's reply
Thank you, Brennan! I'm so glad you liked this, and enjoyed the details and the humor. This chapter, unlike some of the others, was really a lot of fun to write, because I was able to really explore Halbarad's character in a bit more depth and as a leader with his worries about having to stay when he knows they need to get on to Windydale. Responsibility weighs as heavily on him as it does on Aragorn. And yes, they won't get a lot done, but they'll do a few things for Neala and Randir. Those Rangers are all pretty handy. ;) And fear not, as Bernard Cornwell likes to put at the end of his Richard Sharpe books about Richard Sharpe and Patrick Harper, Halbarad and Aragorn will ride again in future stories (and if you've never read the Sharpe series, I highly recommend them). I'm far from done with those two, even when this is finished. :) Thanks again for the review!