Raksha The Demon
· 10 January 2009
· Chapter 5: To Save One Soul
Heart-rending and very, very real. It is a tribute to your skills as a writer that the chapter worked for me; I, like Aragorn, thought that they could save the child - it did not make him any less heroic that they could not, only showed his and the Rangers' courage and fortitude. What a great, though tragic, reminder, that Aragorn is, for all his greatness, a man and not a god, and cannot save everyone.
But this is going to haunt Aragorn and his men, I fear. Bad enough that the orcs slaughtered everyone else, but that they couldn't save the only survivor must be an extra grief that the Rangers don't need at this time.
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Raksha! I think you've hit the nail on the head: Aragorn isn't a god, after all, and not all-powerful. I'm glad the chapter worked for you, and thank you for your kind words.
Larner
· 10 January 2009
· Chapter 4: Bracken's Ferry
Ooh--a cliffhanger!
Nazgul, searching for Bagginses and the Shire, I'd wager. And not finding either, they burned the place to the ground!
Now, to find out who or what is still alive down there!
Author's reply
"Nazgul, searching for Bagginses and the Shire, I'd wager. And not finding either, they burned the place to the ground!"
Could be, could be ... but I'm not saying. *grin*
Calenlass Greenleaf
· 10 January 2009
· Chapter 5: To Save One Soul
I was holding my breath for most of the chapter—
And then it happened.
:( Poor Aragorn. He must be feeling quite badly about this.
Excellent writing, as usual.
~Cal
Author's reply
Thanks, Cal! Glad I made you hold your breath. ;) And yes, unfortunately, it did not have the outcome they wanted. More sorrows for our Rangers.
Those poor people! I think I really would have liked Bilfen Broadbow, and Kenevir sounds interestingly mysterious. The plot definitely thickens here. I loved the moment when Aragorn touched that boot track and felt... something. A mysterious figure wearing a long cloak and nailed boots combined with the quote at the beginning of this story certainly stirs my imagination. ;-)
I liked how you managed to convey the dreadfulness of what has happened in that village without ever having to resort to describing gory details. I also enjoyed all the humorous moments you managed to squeeze in there (horse balm, Sauron's footprints, Halbarad's comment about women). Last but not least it's nice to be taken to a part of Middle-earth I've never been to before (I'm tracking their progress in the 'Atlas of Tolkien's Middle-earth'). I'm already looking forward to next Monday! :)
Author's reply
Thank you for such a nice review! So you're tracking this in the Atlas, eh? Whew, glad I worked on my geography! LOL I went by the maps in the Trilogy, because I've only gotten the Atlas this Christmas and the story was already finished, so be aware that there is a possible discrepancy about the name of the Hoarwell River. In the maps in the Trilogy, it's the Hoarwell even north of the Last Bridge, but there's a map in Atlas that calls it the "Hoardale" as it goes up between the Ettenmoors and Coldfells. I stuck with Hoarwell, since that's what it is in the Trilogy, and they don't go that far north in this tale. So many tricky details, writing LOTR fic. ;) I'm glad, geography discussion aside, that you liked how I handled the less savory details. It definitely was a matter of balancing enough vs too much in this chapter, and I'm glad for you it swung to the right side of the scale. And interesting too that you liked the boot track bit ... I *almost* cut that out as being a bit too "out there". And if you want a bit more of Bilfen, he appears in my story No Greater Comfort (which I really need to get posted to SoA). It can be found at NaN. The town was originally called "Bracken's Ford" in that story, but it's the same place. Thanks again for your review!
inzilbeth
· 7 January 2009
· Chapter 4: Bracken's Ferry
It's hard to imagine the full horror of finding a whole town destryed in this way, but you do an excellent job of conveying just that. Also you can really feel the pressure to solve this weighing heavily on Aragorn. You just know something awful is going to happen!
Author's reply
Aragorn is definitely feeling the pressure of leadership in this one and the full weight of the sorrow of his people in this entire tragedy. Not a good place, that! I think this will test him as nothing else has to this point in his life (or at least that's my intent). Thanks for your review, and as always for your help in smoothing this story out. :)
Estelcontar
· 6 January 2009
· Chapter 4: Bracken's Ferry
Another most gripping chapter. It was a very sad one too. Your eloquent prose brought to life the despair the Rangers must have felt at the destruction of Bracken's Ferry. Not only that, but since you managed to individualize Bracken Ferry's inhabitants, especially Bilfen, Kenevir, and a bit less Telvor, you made us empathize with them much more than if they were just names on the pages. So, their deaths and the destruction of their village was much more of a tragedy than it would have been otherwise. I remember Bilfen and Kenevir from your "No Greater Comfort", so, maybe, for me their deaths were even a bit harder than they would have been otherwise. Anyway, you made a most wonderful job of characterization here.
I loved to see Aragorn display his tracking skills.
Furthermore, I'm glad to see underneath it all, the dry humour of Aragorn's and Halbarad's contrariwise companionship, acting as counterpart to the tension and the sorrowful mood.
Author's reply
Ah, thank you so much, Estelcontar! Your reviews always make my day, they're so detailed. I'm glad to know I was able to impart a realism to the victims such that you felt empathy for them and for the Rangers' grief at their loss. This tale is a bit of a microcosm of the grief of the Dúnedain as a whole, in a way. They had to deal with these sorts of losses so much--it's little wonder they had grim faces and made Gimli feel they made the Rohirrim look as boys next to them. Anyway, thank you for the review, and hope you enjoy the next chapter as well. :)
Szepilona10
· 6 January 2009
· Chapter 4: Bracken's Ferry
Is it a baby? Great chapter! Update soon please!
God Bless!
~Szepilona10~
Author's reply
Now, now ... if I answered your question, why would you keep reading? *grin* You'll just have to wait for Sunday's update. Or Monday morning. But thanks for hanging in there with this and for your kind review!
Raksha The Demon
· 5 January 2009
· Chapter 4: Bracken's Ferry
Uh-oh, is there a Ringwraith out there? Several, perhaps? Or just one Witch-King on some terrible mission?
Harrowing chapter. I hope they can save the survivor.
Author's reply
Thanks for the review, Raksha ... and, um, well, I'd like to answer your question, but best to let the story do that. *grin* I'm glad you found this harrowing--I was definitely going for harrowing. Thanks again!
Marethiel
· 5 January 2009
· Chapter 4: Bracken's Ferry
Thank you for your chapter update. You write so well! Very evocative imagery, and powerful. Unsettling, but I'm pretty sure that's what you were shooting for... (tongue firmly planted in cheek. :D)
Thanks again... I look forward to the next update.
~Marethiel
Author's reply
Yep, unsettling is definitely the aim with this chapter. I'm glad it worked. :) And thank you for your kind words! I'll be updating again next Sunday or Monday. Thanks again for leaving a review!
Linda Hoyland
· 5 January 2009
· Chapter 4: Bracken's Ferry
You captured the horror of the aftermath of the Orc attack very vividly and made me wonder how anyone finds the strength to deal with such events.Poor Aragorn must be close to breaking point.I do hope they have found a survivor.
Author's reply
Aragorn and his men are definitely being tested, aren't they? Glad you found this chapter vivid... I was definitely trying to make the scene as real as I could within the bounds of, well, not grossing anyone out. We'll find out Sunday or Monday what happens next. Thanks for reading, and thank you for your review!
“Anything. Horses, men, orcs. A fire-drake. Sauron himself. Anything.”
*snort* Bad timing for me to laugh, but...I couldn't help it. *grin*
You have me on edge. And the way this chapter ended--
*grinds teeth* Wonder who that could be.
Thank goodness you're updating every week. :) I certainly am looking forward to more!
~Cal
Author's reply
Actually, that was perfect timing for you to laugh, because I did stick that in there as a reflection of Aragorn's wry sense of humor. I think even in dire situations, that humor is always there beneath. So I'm glad it worked. :)
And yeah, bit of a cliffie, this chapter. More to come on Sunday (or Monday morning, if Sunday gets too busy). Thanks for reviewing!
Jay of Lasgalen
· 4 January 2009
· Chapter 4: Bracken's Ferry
Someone survived the destruction of the town? That's a miracle considering what horrors they must have witnessed, and after laying hidden, trapped or injured for days.
Your descriptions of the devastation are horrific, but wonderfully done - I could really feel the atmosphere amid the ruins.
Jay
Author's reply
Thank you, Jay ... I'm glad you made it through this chapter. It's a rough one, certainly, and I had to tread carefully to convey the horror without crossing the line into something too horrifically detailed. I'm relieved that for you I managed to do that.
And yes, sometimes there can be some very miraculous tales of survival--some that you hear in the news really make you wonder, "How in the world..." Whether this will be a complete miracle or not... well, you'll just have to keep reading. ;)
Thanks again for the review!
It seems I've been very, very amiss in my reviewing.
This chapter was both amusing and sad. The last paragraph was perhaps my favorite, a perfect touch to end this part.
~Cal
Author's reply
No problem--it's a busy time of year for everyone. :) Glad you liked this chapter, and really glad you liked that last paragraph. It's a bit of a peaceful moment for him that was sorely needed.
Thanks again for the review!
Linda Hoyland
· 30 December 2008
· Chapter 3: Healing Balm
Poor Aragorn, Halbarad should have found somewhere more private to try out the salve!His concern,though,for Aragorn is very moving as is Aragorn's watch scene.
Author's reply
Thanks, Linda! Glad you liked this. And yes, I bet Aragorn wished the same thing!
inzilbeth
· 30 December 2008
· Chapter 3: Healing Balm
I absolutely adore this chapter. You write humour every bit as well as angst and I'm never entirely sure which makes me the most sorry for Aragorn!
Author's reply
Thank you, Inzilbeth! Yeah, my humor kind of tends to be at Aragorn's expense, doesn't it? LOL Poor Strider. He can't win. *grin*
LOL! Poor Aragorn! Sometimes it seems there's nothing worse than having people who truly care for you. *g*
//assuming that his glare had been sufficient to stop even an oliphaunt in its tracks//
He should have known better indeed - a worried mother hen is far worse than any oliphaunt could be! :D
I'm beginning to think Aragorn might have preferred having to drink Elrond's TEA after all. I really like Halbarad's protectiveness (and his obstinacy), it's so sweet and besides, I'm quite sure Aragorn needs it, judging from the way he's (not) taking care of himself.
//What an end that would be: the sixteenth Chieftain of the Dúnedain, fallen not to trolls or orc arrow but to a misguided attempt to ease a set of sore muscles. //
With any luck, Sauron would have died laughing upon hearing this and Aragorn would have defeated him post-mortem without having to fight a single battle. *bg*
Loved it! :)
Almut
Author's reply
LOL ... Thank you, Almut! Your reviews always make me smile! Hmm, Sauron dying of laughter... now *there's* an AU plot bunny if I ever saw one! Would have made life a lot more simple for everyone, wouldn't it have? Well, except maybe Aragorn and Arwen. *grin* And there's a debate for all time: which is worse, Halbarad's Horse Balm or Lord Elrond's TEA?
Thanks again for the review--glad this chapter gave you a smile. :)
Marethiel
· 29 December 2008
· Chapter 3: Healing Balm
"Aragorn smiled faintly, and they sat watching the night, silent but in accord. It was moments like this, Aragorn realized, that acted as a balm to his aching soul just as Halbarad’s ointment had helped his aching shoulders, and far less painfully at that."
Awwwwwwwww!
Dadburn it, you write well... Your original characters are three-dimensional, I can hear their voices, and I see our poor Aragorn, frustrated, irritated and so endearingly sweet and caring. And Halbarad -- wonderful characterization.
I'm so glad I found your work; it has given me wonderful hours of escape into Middle Earth and I thank you.
~Marethiel
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Marethiel! It's always so reassuring when I hear that my OCs are drawn well... it's always a risk, adding your own people to M-e, so I'm glad mine are working out for you. And you've really summed up Aragorn well--he's not exactly in his most sunniest of moods in this story, is he, poor guy, and yet he still doesn't lose that deep sense of care for his men that's so essential to his character.
So glad to have a new reader! I hope you lose yourself for many, many more hours to come! Thank you again for leaving such a lovely review. :)
Larner
· 28 December 2008
· Chapter 3: Healing Balm
Peace can come with soothed muscles, soothed bruises, and soothes spirits.
A lovely episode!
Author's reply
Thank you, Larner! I'm glad you liked this respite... and yes, they were in sore need of peace, Aragorn especially. Thanks for the review!
Estelcontar
· 28 December 2008
· Chapter 3: Healing Balm
This was another most enjoyable chapter. I liked it's lighter mood, and dry humour. It cleared the air a bit, and gave our group of Rangers some much needed respite.
The scene in which Halbarad slaps the horse ointment on Aragorn's back is priceless. On the other hand, the one in which Aragorn gives Eledh a sidelong glance is most revealing. It shows how well he got along with his men, how well they understood him, and it also highlighted how stubborn he might be. After all, nobody, not even Aragorn is perfect. And who likes to be proved wrong?
I enjoyed this breather most thoroughly
Author's reply
Thank you, Estelcontar! You're definitely right in saying no one likes to be proven wrong, not even Aragorn. I'm glad you liked the humor in this; it's definitely a bit of a respite for all the men. They'll need it. :)
Raksha The Demon
· 28 December 2008
· Chapter 3: Healing Balm
Oh, poor Aragorn; not only to endure the humiliation (LOL) of having one of his men look at his injuries, but to suffer the application of Halbarad's home remedy!
Excellent chapter - the humor is very credible and woven into the pathos of the situation.
Author's reply
Thank you, Raksha! I'm glad you liked the humor in this and found it believable. I figure a group of men as tightly knit as these are going to have some lighter moments even in the midst of dire situations--just like real life. Thanks again for leaving such a nice review. :)
Alone Dreaming
· 24 December 2008
· Chapter 2: I Will Carry Your Sorrows
Well-written. :) That's all I have time to say for now. I'll leave something more in depth later. Thank you. Merry Christmas.
Author's reply
Merry Christmas to you, too, Alone Dreaming, and thank you for taking time out of your holiday to leave such a nice review! I'm glad you're enjoying the story.
meckinock
· 22 December 2008
· Chapter 2: I Will Carry Your Sorrows
My favorite moment was when all Aragorn had to do was stand up and put his hand on his sword, and his men automatically sprang into battle mode. And his good-humored humility when it seemed he had a case of the jitters.
You've really set up a sense of spookiness and impending doom, and ragged nerves and exhaustion and short fuses ready to ignite. The pot is steaming and looks ready to boil over. And whatever is out in the woods...
Author's reply
"And whatever is out in the woods..."
Okay, I now have the galloping heeby jeebies. LOL I have to say, yours is the first review written in such a way that has me getting goosebumps about my own story! LOL I all but dove for the next button myself ... well, I would have if there was one. LOL Next Sunday...
Seriously, thank you for a stunner of a review. I'm glad you liked that little moment of leadership--I do think the men are so attuned to everything Aragorn does that the least little frown on his face has them loosening their swords in their scabbards, if not drawing them. And him leaping to his feet like that ... yeah, you can bet I'd be readying my bow, too. Thanks again!
Larner
· 22 December 2008
· Chapter 2: I Will Carry Your Sorrows
I can appreciate the sentiment; but Halbarad is right, of course! May they both not need to fight this night!
Well, well described!
Author's reply
Thank you, Larner! Halbard usually *is* right... Aragorn needs to start realizing that, methinks. *grin*
Silivren Tinu
· 22 December 2008
· Chapter 2: I Will Carry Your Sorrows
I loved this chapter! This is getting wonderfully creepy and mysterious. Halbarad's worry about Aragorn was sweet and obviously justified. Aragorn's state of mind (or perhaps rather, his state of soul, if there is such an expression) is quite alarming. I wonder if that mysterious evil influence they're all feeling has at least partly something to do with it - at least it surely won't be helpful. It is really a heavy burden Aragorn carries. I wish he wouldn't be so stubborn. ;-) What that rider told about "shadow falling on all the villagers, knocking them senseless and making them easy prey" is both intruiging and frightening. I can't wait to see where you're going with this! It's too bad Halbarad isn't Elrond - drugging Aragorn to make him get some rest is beginning to sound like a good idea to me. *g*
Author's reply
Thanks, Silivren! I'm so glad you liked this chapter. Creepy and mysterious, definitely, and you're right in that it's not helping Aragorn's already troubled state of mind ... or state of soul (I like that expression, so let's hereby make it an official one!) As if it wasn't bad enough, having just come off a summer losing so many of his people, now there's this *thing* to deal with.
And hmm, you might give Halbarad some ideas that Aragorn won't like! In fact, I'm seeing a rather evil glint in Halbarad's eye ... *slaps his hand away from Aragorn's pack of medical supplies*
Thanks for the review!
Linda Hoyland
· 21 December 2008
· Chapter 2: I Will Carry Your Sorrows
Another great chapter,my one minor quibble is that "I am fine" sounds a bit modern for M-e ,but otherwise I loved it,Aragorn's forebodings are truly chilling.
I love Halbarad's concern and wish Aragorn would accept it.
Your horses were especially endrearing here.
Author's reply
Glad you liked it ... personally, I don't think "I am fine" sounds too modern, but reader's mileage will vary on that point. We'll just have to agree to disagree, I think. Hopefully it won't put you off reading the story because I do use it again in later chapters.
But I'm glad you liked the rest of the chapter, and especially glad you liked the horses--I like writing about the horses and feel they can be characters in and of themselves.
Thanks for the review! :)