At Hope's Edge by Cairistiona
Larner · 25 January 2009 · Chapter 7: For the Dead of Bracken's Ferry
Halbarad, or another of his folk--or one of his Elven brothers? Excellent time for a rescue, I'm thinking!
Author's reply
Thanks, Larner, and yes, our five intrepid Rangers could use some more assistance, to say the least! I'm glad you're still reading, and thanks for the review!
Larner · 25 January 2009 · Chapter 6: Unexpected
Ah, exactly what I'd expect from the two of them. Am so glad the two men managed to live. Now, to see to Windlydale. Excellent.
Author's reply
Thank you, Larner! And first off, my apologies for my lateness in replying. Somehow the alert for your review ended up in my spam folder. *scratching head* I'm glad you liked this chapter and glad you're happy Bilfen and Kenevir survived--I'm kind of relieved myself. :) Thanks again for the review!
george · 24 January 2009 · Chapter 7: For the Dead of Bracken's Ferry
No no, don't stop there! I mean, I guess it could have been a worse cliffhanger, but the rhythm of the chapter was flowing so well, I don't want to stop now!
Author's reply
Thank you, george! I didn't really want to stop it then, either, as originally this chapter and the one that follows were one big chapter... but it was too big. So a cliffhanger it is. But it won't be long until the next update. I might squeak it online a bit earlier than normal, given Aragorn's dire circumstances. *grin* Thanks for the review! It's always so encouraging to hear that a reader hates to stop reading. :)
Calenlass Greenleaf · 24 January 2009 · Chapter 7: For the Dead of Bracken's Ferry
Wonderful battle scene. I envy your ability. :) Aragorn vs Nazgûl is delightfully frightful. *shudders* Definitely looking forward to the next chapter. Enjoy your birthday. :) ~Cal
Author's reply
Thank you, Cal, both for the review and the birthday wishes! I'm glad you enjoyed this, and as for writing battles ... sometimes I worry I'm a bit bloodthirsty because I do love writing them and reading them. LOL I'm glad you liked this and are looking forward to the next. Thank you again!
inzilbeth · 24 January 2009 · Chapter 7: For the Dead of Bracken's Ferry
Phew, I swear that gets better and better the more I read it! That has to be the best Nazgul fight ever. I do though also love the short passage about how Aragorn feels when in the midst of battle. That seems so right. Yes, suddenly he's no longer the pooch stretched out by the fire having his tummy tickled, but the wolf that his ancestors were, hot on the heels of his prey and loving it. The pooch, though, will return as soon as the job is done. An excellent chapter all round though shame we didn't get a repeat of the horse balm LOL!
Author's reply
LOL!! What imagery! I love it! And I'm so glad you continue to like this chapter. It was the one that inspired the entire story, more or less--in other words, I wrote it first and the rest of the story grew around it. I love your imagery of Aragorn the pooch-wolf! Wonderful! Thank you again!
Raksha The Demon · 23 January 2009 · Chapter 7: For the Dead of Bracken's Ferry
Woo-hooooo! It's Halbarad channelling great-great-great-great-to-the-umpteenth-grandpa Beren. Whack that Witch-King, Hal! I'm available for Dunedain Cheerleading anytime. Seriously, excellent sequence.
Author's reply
Thank you, Raksha! *wiping eyes from laughing* I hereby appoint you Captain of the Dunedain Cheerleading Squad! Oh my, but what a fun review. I'm so glad you liked this and glad you liked that Halbarad borrowed a line from, yeah, however-many-greats Grandpa Beren. And we'll see if he whacked the wraith (sounds like a Middle-earth arcade game... whack-a-wraith) enough for them to get away in the next chapter. Thanks for the review!
Linda Hoyland · 23 January 2009 · Chapter 7: For the Dead of Bracken's Ferry
What a scary chapter!You explain well Aragorn's knowledge of and reaction to the NAzgul in LOTR.Poor Aragorn,if he gets out of this he needs some TLC! Many Happy Returns!
Author's reply
Thank you, Linda! I'm so glad you mentioned that about Aragorn's knowledge and reaction because that's exactly what I'm trying to do with this tale. I have always thought that, given his strong reaction to simply thinking about the Nazgul in FOTR, a) it had to have been a very recent encounter that might not have been extreme but was still frightening; or b) it was an encounter some years back that was so intense and horrific that years later it still causes him to break into a cold sweat. Obviously, I went with the latter. And yes, he's definitely due for some TLC from Halbarad and Co. Thanks for the review and glad you enjoyed this!
Elflingimp · 23 January 2009 · Chapter 7: For the Dead of Bracken's Ferry
Gods that was great!, I got so caught up in it, I alsmost fell off my chair, PLEASSSSSE update soon! (I believe I'm hooked) Hugs Deb the Imp
Author's reply
LOL! Thank you, Deb! I'm glad I have you hooked, and thank you for such a lively review. I'll be updating again at the end of the week. I'd do it sooner but it takes me about a week to really make sure each chapter is good and polished. Thanks again. :)
Estelcontar · 23 January 2009 · Chapter 7: For the Dead of Bracken's Ferry
By the Valar, that was a hard chapter to read. You've been building up the suspense so well that I was practically bitting my nails off in fear for Aragorn. I'm glad though that he was spared, and, considering his state of mind, that he resisted so long under the Nazgûl attack. I'm even gladder faithful Halbarad was there to save him. I liked that Aragorn's motivation to face the Nazgûl was to keep him away from his men. That is very much like Aragorn. I'm also glad that before the attack you gave us a breather: Aragorn and Halbarad's conversation was as delightful as ever. And to put Beren's words on Halbarad's mouth was a stroke of genius. A difficult chapter for me to read, but very well written.
Author's reply
Thank you, Estelcontar! I'm glad despite it being a difficult chapter for you that you felt it well written. And yes, what would Aragorn have done without Halbarad? I really wanted to give Halbarad a moment in the sun as a hero and I think he qualifies on all counts with his actions here. And I figure he probably has heard Aragorn recite the stories of Beren so much, that line of Beren's had to have leapt to his mind. :) Thanks for the review!
Linda Hoyland · 20 January 2009 · Chapter 6: Unexpected
I'm so glad Aragorn's friend survived. I just love the relationship you write for him and Halbarad.Aragorn needs to take the good advice and go to Rivendell as he is obviously ill. A wonderful chapter.
Author's reply
Thank you, Linda! I think we're all very glad Bilfen survived (even me, because I wasn't sure at first he was going to!). I'm glad you like my take on Halbarad and Aragorn. And yes, Halbarad would definitely agree with you that Aragorn should haul himself to Rivendell and out of danger... but it remains to be seen whether Aragorn will be that sensible! Thanks again for the lovely review.
MP brennan · 17 January 2009 · Chapter 6: Unexpected
Bilfen and Kenevir are alive! YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!! (Doesn't take much to make me happy, does it?) ;-) Great chapter, as usual. The character interactions are wonderful. Whether it's Aragorn and Denlad, Aragorn and Halbarad, or some combination therein, the characterizations and dialogue were spot on. Halbarad's impression of a mother hen gets sharper with each passing chapter, and with the dialogue at the end we see that it's not just for comic relief--there are good, understandable reasons for him to act this way. And Bilfen . . . don't get me started. I'm eagerly awaiting more! cheers! -Brennan
Author's reply
LOL! Thank you, Brennan! I can definitely sense a trend here, that people are happy to see Bilfen and Kenevir are alive. *grin* I'm so glad you like Bilfen--I'm really fond of him myself (and thinking I need to use him more in other stories). And you've definitely hit on Halbarad's motivations perfectly: he keeps much of his words light (almost reminiscent of Hobbits hiding deeper feelings behind a jest) but he takes his role as protector very, very seriously. He sees himself as "keeper of the King" and he will do whatever it takes to make sure Aragorn lives to see the throne... even to following Aragorn through the Paths of the Dead when he knows his own death lies beyond. Tolkien birthed a great character there but left him not much more than a sketchy outline--I'm just coloring him in and hoping to do him justice. Glad you're enjoying this and thank you so much for the lovely review!
Estelcontar · 17 January 2009 · Chapter 6: Unexpected
Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay! So both Bilfen and Kenevir survived. I'm sooooooooooooo glad you spared them. Bilfen is a character with such a relish for life that even his sorrowfulness and despair give way to the need to care for the living. He was like a most needed breath of fresh air coming into that cave. And I fell in love with Kenevir when I read "No Greater Comfort". It would have been a pity if both had died. I liked the dialogue between Halbarad and Aragorn. Halbarad's dry, ironic humour is there again, and he needs it to knock some sense into Aragorn's stubborn head. The chemistry between the two is just about perfect.
Author's reply
Thank you, Estelcontar! Three cheers for Bilfen and Kenevir, eh? LOL I agree, it is good to have them back on Arda (although they never really left... just to Bree). I was just thinking the other day it might be interesting to explore a story where we find out how Kenevir ended up the way he does. Someday! I'm glad you're still enjoying my Halbarad and how he handles Aragorn--he really has learned through the years how to "manage" his friend. I wonder if his father had any similar troubles managing Arathorn! Thanks again for the review!
Inzilbeth · 17 January 2009 · Chapter 6: Unexpected
Ah, Halbarad is a good friend indeed! What a roller coaster of emotion there was in this chapter, but all so seemlessly and convincingly done. The 'hug factor' for Aragorn just keeps on rising. Wonderful stuff!
Author's reply
Thank you, Inzilbeth! I definitely want to keep racking up the hugs for Aragorn. :) And yes, very much an emotional maelstrom for Aragorn & Co. And it's only really just beginning.... Thanks again for the review!
Silivren Tinu · 17 January 2009 · Chapter 6: Unexpected
Can you see the big, happy grin on my face? *bg* To see Bilfen and Kenevir again is something I certainly would not have expected (thanks to a certain evil author ;-). It's really a ray of hope in the midst of all this mysterious darkness. Also, I want to hug Denlad. Him apologizing to Aragorn is more than I would have hoped for. It's just good to know he doesn't blame Aragorn for anything. It's already difficult enough for all of them without starting any blame-games. The Valar bless Halbarad, btw. He really tries valiantly to keep his chieftain safe and sane, even if Aragorn does his best to boycott him. I would feel much better if Aragorn chose to go to Rivendell, too - which is why I'm very sure he won't go. *g* Poor Halbarad, I hope Aragorn at least won't choose to send *him* to Rivendell. Aragorn riding on with only three companions is bad enough. I do have a really bad feeling about all this, but I guess I'm not the only one. I'm looking forward to see what will happen next! :) Almut
Author's reply
Oh, Almut, your reviews *always* bring a smile to my face--thank you! (Well, all reviews make me smile but yours are always so detailed, I appreciate them.) I figured you might be happy to read this chapter. I really did plan on killing off Bilfen and Kenevir, but in the end I just couldn't do it. And the story needed an upswing, so voila, they live! And yes, I will gladly claim the title Evil Author. mwu ha ha! And yes, Denlad and Halbarad both earn their hugs in this chapter. Denlad for doing the upstanding thing and clearing the air, and Halbarad for, well, putting up with a cantankerous Chieftain who only promises to get more cantankerous as time goes on. Hang onto your hat when next weekend's chapter hits. Thanks again for the review!
Elflingimp · 17 January 2009 · Chapter 6: Unexpected
Just wanted you to know I love your story, it is written so very Tolkeinish almost as if it were part of LOTR, it is right in tune with it Hugs Deb the Imp
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Deb! To be told that this is in keeping with Tolkien and LOTR is high praise and I so appreciate it. I'm glad you're still hanging in there with the story. Much more to come! Thanks again for the lovely compliment.
Calenlass Greenleaf · 17 January 2009 · Chapter 6: Unexpected
Mm... So much about this chapter that I liked. The emotions--my heart goes out to Aragorn. Descriptions--you very, very good at this. A wonderful read for this frigid Saturday. ~Cal
Author's reply
Thank you, Cal! I'm glad it gave you something to distract from the nasty cold air outside. Emotions and descriptions... I always hope they're vivid enough to capture the readers' imaginations and tug their heartstrings. Our Rangers are really hurting right now, but Bilfen's arrival helped a bit. Thanks for reading and reviewing!
MP brennan · 14 January 2009 · Chapter 5: To Save One Soul
Wow, this isn't going to lighten up any time soon, is it? Seriously, though, it's beautifully written. I'm strangely glad that you're taking the poor Ranger to the edge of despair and back; far too many authors "wimp out," in my opinion, by glossing over the pain and skipping to the fuzzy part. This story has much more impact because you're willing to go all the way. Wonderful characterization of both Aragorn and Denlad. Excellent writing over all. You *do* toy with the audience, making us think the child will be saved, but sometimes that's the best way to make us care. Looking forward to more. -Brennan
Author's reply
Thank you, Brennan! What a lovely review! And no, unfortunately for Aragorn (and the rest), things in general won't be lightening up any time soon... bad as it is, Aragorn's still not really at hope's edge. I appreciate so much that you're actually glad to see this story going where I'm taking it... I too have the same thought sometimes, that a lot of fanfic doesn't really go far enough. Of course, conversely, I do think some go *too* far and take him beyond the edge of despair to what would be ruination, and then bring him back unscathed. With this story, I'm trying to keep it so that it fits both his character and canon--he does, after all, have to be the person we and the Hobbits meet at the Prancing Pony by the time I'm through with him. So there are limits set by Tolkien that I strive to stay within. But within those limits... yeah, there's lots of room for pushing Aragorn to the brink. And I'm so glad you're liking Denlad. He's one of my biggest risks, really, being an OC. You never really know how an OC will be received in fanfic, so I'm trying to make him as real as I can, as I am all the OCs in this. I realize I've packed quite a few in, but hopefully they'll add to everyone's enjoyment of the canon characters and not distract. Thanks again for the review! I think I need to go pop my ballooning ego now... *grin*
Inzilbeth · 13 January 2009 · Chapter 5: To Save One Soul
You absolutely feel Aragorn's despair in this chapter. We become so used to thinking of Aragorn the hero being able to set things right that something like this comes across as almost shocking. It was all too harrowingly real. Well done.
Author's reply
Thank you, Inzilbeth! It is so true that we're used to seeing Aragorn "fixing" everything... it's interesting to explore what happens when he runs up against something he's not able to. Does he crack? Does he falter? Or, like steel, is he tempered by the flames of hardship? Those are the questions in my mind as I wrote this, and hopefully by the end of the story we'll see just what the events have wrought in our Ranger. Thanks again for your review (and of course, always for your guidance!)
Rede · 12 January 2009 · Chapter 5: To Save One Soul
I almost cried at this one. I've never come so close to feeling so absolutely miserable about a story. Very sad, and very well done.
Author's reply
Thank you... I just hope that it doesn't make you so miserable that you quit reading it! :) Thank you for the review... it's gratifying to know when your writing has touched the emotions in such a strong way. I do hope you continue on with the story. Thank you again for the review!
Linda Hoyland · 11 January 2009 · Chapter 5: To Save One Soul
Utterly heartrending.I was so hoping they could save the child and they tried so hard.Very well written.
Author's reply
Thank you, Linda, for you kind words! Very sorrowful time for them, definitely. Thanks for reading and leaving such a nice review.
Szepilona10 · 11 January 2009 · Chapter 5: To Save One Soul
That is so sad! Update soon please! God Bless! ~Szepilona10~
Author's reply
Yes, it is a very sad time for Araogorn and the Rangers. Update next weekend, as usual. Thanks for reviewing!
Silivren Tinu · 11 January 2009 · Chapter 5: To Save One Soul
Oh, that's so sad. Poor girl, and poor Aragorn and Denlad. It must break one's heart, to almost be able to save someone (especially a child) and then loose him/her. *sigh* I wonder what Denlad is thinking right now, I hope he isn't blaming Aragorn. Aragorn only wanted to save his life, after all, and he must be aware of that, even if he's angry right now. I like him, btw. To learn some details about both his and Aragorn's upbringing and the problems (or blessing) it brought with it was very interesting. Joining the Grey Company must have felt like heaven to Denlad, compared with his childhood. That he found it hardest to get used to something like friendship did not only touch Aragorn, but me, too. You really have poor Aragorn going through a lot of heartache in this story. Another wonderful chapter, and I'm already looking forward to whatever will come next. :) Almut
Author's reply
Thank you so much! I'm so glad you're liking Denlad... creating OC's is always a bit of a risk, and I've loaded up the story with a bunch, I realize. But Denlad's always had a special spot in my heart, so you'll see and hear more about him as the story goes on. And Eledh and Galadh as well, though they play more minor roles in this tale. But before too long, I'll add a story that explains fully how Eledh ended up being called an Elf Maid. ;) Anyway, yes, Denlad's got a storm of emotions going through him at this point, as do all the men. And yes, I'm really piling it on poor Aragorn... we'll see how much he can take! Thanks again for your review, this one and the others!
Jay of Lasgalen · 11 January 2009 · Chapter 5: To Save One Soul
**Sob** Oh, how desperately sad - but realistic, I think. There must be many times when rescuers come so close to saving someone but ultimately fail. I can understand why Aragorn blames himself - who wouldn't? - but there was nothing he could do. Jay
Author's reply
Thank you, Jay! *passing tissues* I think you're exactly right... I don't think life then wasn't really any different than life now, when responders sometimes lose those they're trying to rescue--it's doubly wrenching when you've come so close. You're as wise as Halbarad in knowing there was nothing Aragorn could do. Of course, try telling that to Aragorn! Thank you for the review!
Estelcontar · 10 January 2009 · Chapter 5: To Save One Soul
That was a very good chapter, but very sad too. I can just imagine how devastated Aragorn must have felt, after getting so close to save the child, loosing her at the end. It must have been hell to him, and I'm sure he must have felt very guilty. That, most definitely, isn't going to help his feeling of despondency. Poor Aragorn, and poor Denlad. I imagine Denlad was cherishing the wish to adopt the girl. This was a very well written chapter, and so lifelike that it was actually very hard to read. And you've managed to surprise me. I was sure they were going to save the girl.
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Estelcontar! No, this isn't going to help his despondency at all, is it? And I did try and try to figure out a way to save the child... but the story just would not let me. And yes, I wonder if Denlad might have offered to take the child ... although as a single man, and a Ranger, not much chance of it working out. Thanks again for the review!
Larner · 10 January 2009 · Chapter 5: To Save One Soul
Oh, how horrible--but how likely it would be! But is she still alive in there? A horrible reality they lived with, of course. Thank you.
Author's reply
Thanks, Larner ... horrible is a good description of it. Losing the town was bad, and somehow losing the child as well seems worse. Or that's how I imagine it feeling to Aragorn. Thanks for the review!