Elentarri · 13 April 2009 · Chapter 22: Deliverance
Thank you. I am eagerly anticipating the next chapter.
Author's reply
Thank you, Elentarri... glad this one has you looking forward to the next!
At Hope's Edge by Cairistiona
Reviews (397)
Fantasia · 13 April 2009 · Chapter 22: Deliverance
Finally, I'm so glad that it is over, what a terrible nightmare, Elrond is amazing, so much love and concern, the end is so emotional, it is truly a father and a son, beautiful...It is so heratbreaking the blind trust that a child has in his parents, I have a three years old girl and every time that she looks to me for help it make me feel like I can die for her, it is so hard to see your own child suffering, it doesn't matter how old he is, I can feel Elrond emotions...so,Thursday? Thanks, Fantasia
Author's reply
Thank you, Fantasia--I'm glad you liked this chapter, and yes, finally Aragorn is freed from the shadow gripping him! And yes, Elrond too was really put through the wringer in this. To have to treat your own son for something you pray would never happen... goodness, that would be hard. And yes, hopefully on Thursday but it may be Friday, due to some real-life stuff. Not too long, either way. :)
Ainu Laire · 13 April 2009 · Chapter 22: Deliverance
AMG! That was awesomeness on a stick! I loved this chapter so much- it was really wonderful. Elrond and Aragorn need to talk over Arwen one of these days.
Author's reply
LOL! Awesomeness on a stick... that's a first for me. LOL Thank you! I really do wish Aragorn and Elrond had worked it out between them, but alas, they never did. But at least by all accounts the rest of their relationship remained unstained. Thanks for the review!
Calenlass Greenleaf · 13 April 2009 · Chapter 22: Deliverance
This chapter was definitely worth waiting for. I've read couple of fics that had Elrond doing something similar for Aragorn, but it's been too long since I last read one so poignant and beautiful that it brings tears to my eyes. Yay for Elrond-and-Estel moments. :) ~Cal
Author's reply
Oh my goodness, thank you! I'm so glad this moved you! There are a lot of good Estel-Elrond moments out there, so I'm glad this ranks up there with them in your eyes. Thank you again!
Silivren Tinu · 10 April 2009 · Chapter 21: At Hope's Edge
*hands over Mean Cliffhanger Award* I think this ending qualifies, lol! I have to say I absolutely love your Gandalf! //Gandalf glared at him from under those massive grey eyebrows of his, which were drawing toward each other like two warships bent on destroying each other.// This beginning already made my day! *g* That's about how I hope Gandalf would react. You've perfectly captured the irascible, quick-witted, aquiline-nosed (if that's a correct expression ;-), big-hearted wizard from the books, whom I personally much prefer to the Gandalf of the movies. It was really a relief that Gandalf was finally able to get the whole story out of Aragorn. //"It is unusual, I must say, after all this time. Most men would long have died by now," he mused, seeming to be talking to himself more than Aragorn.// *chuckles* What a wonderful, annoying reaction to Aragorn's tale! I think it probably need an Istar in full-wrath-mode to stop Aragorn from marching right into Mordor. *shakes head* It's a good thing Aragorn did not think about the possibility that Sauron might have learned his identity (or suspect it) before Gandalf arrived. Gandalf's outright way of talking about things is so very refreshing! :D No need at all to disturb Elrond, of course. *glares at half-dead ranger* Luckily Gandalf has no such qualms. //"Elrond, cease your slumber and come immediately!" // LOL!!! I only hope no one tells Halbarad what has happened - that poor ranger might get a heart-attack. A wonderful chapter, Cairistiona (if I didn't mention it lately, I love your sense of humour *g*)! I'm a little bit worried about Aragorn now, though. ;-) Almut
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Almut! Gee, the Mean Cliffhanger Award, even! I'll gladly accept. *evil grin* I do like cliffhangers at the ends of chapters, which I'm sure everyone's figured out by now (and is probably wishing they could beat me about the head and neck over). It just always seems to me that a chapter should leave the reader leaning forward a bit off balance so that the next chapter can sort of push them back in place. I have to say I laughed when I read your review of the last chapter as you hoped Gandalf would snort loudly in disbelief--I didn't have him exactly snorting at the start of this chapter, but basically the same reaction. *grin* I'm so glad you feel I've caught Gandalf in all his many irascible, witty and compassionate ways. He is rapidly becoming a favorite of mine, so it's reassuring to know I've managed to capture the essence of him. And yes, I do think aquiline-nosed is the right expression! Your point is well made in that it likely was a good thing Aragorn hadn't figured out that he might be the target of the attacks... he may have done something foolish and impetuous and really brought a mess down on his head (as if this mess he's in now isn't bad enough!) Thank you always for your kind (and fun!) reviews! (And yes, we do have the same sense of humor, don't we! LOL)
Raksha The Demon · 10 April 2009 · Chapter 21: At Hope's Edge
Well it's about time!!! Excellent building of tension and some misdirection between Gandalf and Aragorn, culminating in Aragorn's final fall and Gandalf being there to understand and catch him, literally and metaphorically. Aragorn can't pretend to Gandalf; the wizard is simply too old and wise. Looking forward to the next chapter!
Author's reply
LOL... I think that's been the general consensus of everyone: FINALLY!! *grin* I'm so gratified at your kind words about the build-up of tension, because that is exactly what I was going for: that sort of push and push and push until everyone's about ready to explode from the tension. And yes, Gandalf was there on every level for Aragorn, which is how I see their relationship--Elrond is of course Aragorn's father but with the tension that exists between them, I've always felt Aragorn needed one other father figure, one without the "baggage", so to speak, and that need is filled by Gandalf. And yes, Gandalf is so wise... he won't really let Aragorn get away with much foolishness, although he did perhaps miscalculate just how sick Aragorn was. We might forgive Gandalf that, though, since Aragorn had almost everyone fooled except Halbarad. And Halbarad was not there to hop up and down insisting they strap Aragorn down and get him fixed up. :) Have a wonderful weekend and a happy Easter, and thank you again for the review!
Lily Baggins · 9 April 2009 · Chapter 21: At Hope's Edge
After reading this chapter, if I were a man I'd ask you to marry me. Seriously---how can you know this is practically a scene I've dreamed of reading for years? And years? And years? Aragorn steadfastly refuting Gandalf's assertions that he's not well . . . stubbornly refusing to get help . . . and then completely collapsing, leaving Gandalf to find him and do his best to help? For someone such as myself who is such a a huge hurt/comfort lover, this chapter was masterfully done. Gandalf's concern is awesome, while Aragorn's fear and despair are so palpable. The collapse scene alone deserves some sort of special Aragorn angst medal, yes it does. My heart was up in my throat when the stabbing pain in his head came about, and I'm sure my eyes were popping out as I read on. I am SUCH a sucker for Gandalf comforting Aragorn, and his use of "dear boy" and his alarm absolutely melted me into a puddle of goo. So Aragorn is unconscious now---I can't help but hope he'll regain some consciousness and be something of a difficult or stubborn or delirious patient!!! Or at least, sick for a good long while with fever and all the terrible and unpleasant complications of the wound infection and the BB and the wrenched ankle and the chest bruise and the mosquito-borne illness he hadn't ever quite rested up from. :) I'll be thinking all weekend about the next chapter, I promise you! Have a wonderful weekend!
Author's reply
Oh Lily, you have no idea how your reviews are leaving me smiling! I think were I not already married and were YOU a man, I'd accept your proposal. *grin* Goodness but your comments are so encouraging. I'm so glad to have brought to life a vision that you've had for so long--to think we both had that same "if only *this* might have happened" idea! That's the fun of fanfic, I think, is exploring those things and then finding others with the same ideas. Yes, poor Aragorn is unconscious and whatever fighting he may do from this point is merely to stay alive... no more protestations of being perfectly well. Now it's up to poor Elrond to sort through that incredibly long list of ailments and figure out what to handle first. You have a wonderful weekend, too, and a happy Easter. Aragorn, well, he'll likely sleep through the entire thing. ;) Thanks again for a lovely review!
Linda Hoyland · 9 April 2009 · Chapter 21: At Hope's Edge
I just love Gandalf here and how he manages to make Aragorn tell him everything.No other man could have endured so much and it was an amazing feet bringing Halbarad to Rivendell.You have me gripped by this story. I hope Aragorn now gets some TLC that he badly needs and deserves.
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Linda! I'm so glad you're enjoying the story so much. :) And yes, I really do think only Aragorn had the stamina and the strength to endure so much--like I said at the outset of this journey, this is truly a test of the "most hardy of living men". But even the hardiest have limits, and Aragorn's finally reached his. Now for that TLC! Thanks again!
Linda Hoyland · 9 April 2009 · Chapter 20: Splintered Fragments
Poor Aragorn is his own worst enemy here.Fancy not even sleeping on the bed!THank Goodness for Gandalf.You really made me feel Aragorn's despair here.
Author's reply
Thank you, Linda... I'm glad this touched on your emotions. Aragorn really is despairing here, to the point where he no longer feels worth even of sleeping in a comfortable bed. Not a good place for our Ranger to be in, at all, is it! Thank you always for your kind reviews!
BeeGee · 9 April 2009 · Chapter 21: At Hope's Edge
Woweee! Excellent characterization of Gandalf here, and Aragorn does have a lot on his shoulders. I'm sure all of Imladris is awake now with Gandalf's bellowing :) Poor Elrond! At least now Aragorn won't be able to squirm out of getting proper treatment. I'm looking forward to the next chapter....
Author's reply
Thank you, BeeGee! I'm glad you liked this chapter, and my characterization of Gandalf. Yes, I do think he probably managed to rouse the entire Homely House with his bellowing, and I do bet it was quite a rude awakening for Elrond. Thank you so much for the review and the next chapter should be up on Monday. :)
Vanadesse · 9 April 2009 · Chapter 21: At Hope's Edge
HAAAA! You can't leave it there! Il like the way you write Gandalf. It sounds a lot like both book and movie Gandalf. I was touched to see Aragorn going home again after so long a time. I am waiting ... ;)
Author's reply
Thank you, Vanadesse! I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter and how I wrote Gandalf--the movie Gandalf was very close to the book Gandalf, and while I try to stick to the books, the movie versions are there as well; almost impossible not to feel their influence. Thank you for leaving a lovely review--the next chapter goes up on Monday. :)
Jay of Lasgalen · 9 April 2009 · Chapter 21: At Hope's Edge
Yikes! Aragorn's collapse is worrying, but understandable. I'm less worried about him now that he's finally admitted what's wrong, and Gandalf has worked out the rest. Once Elrond has seen to him - and as long as Aragorn doesn't convince anyone he's 'fine' - I hope things will improve. Jay
Author's reply
Thank you for the review, Jay, and yes, it is a bit of a relief that Gandalf worked out that it's largely the BB involved, but still a "yikes!" moment when he collapses. Thanks for continuing to read!
curiouswombat · 9 April 2009 · Chapter 21: At Hope's Edge
Hmm - Hurrah might be an odd thing to say at this time, but 'Hurrah!' At last he might get some treatment! Typical man...
Author's reply
LOL... I know what you mean. There is a bit of relief when you see him finally collapse and know that he will be getting the help he needs at last. So yes, 'Hurrah!' Thanks for the kind review!
Elentarri · 9 April 2009 · Chapter 21: At Hope's Edge
Brilliant! I love your Gandalf. You have to post the next chapter immediately :-)
Author's reply
Thank you, Elentarri! I'm glad you liked my take on Gandalf... and the update will be ready on Monday. Hang in there! :) Thanks again for reviewing!
Minerva Organa · 9 April 2009 · Chapter 21: At Hope's Edge
Cliffhanger.....*whimpers* I loved loved LOVED the dynamic between Gandalf and Aragorn, it was fantastic. I was reminded of that one Monty Python sketch... "'tis but a scratch," "a SCRATCH? Your arm's off!" "No it isn't!" "Then what's that over there?" .... "I've had worse." I'm glad to know that everything's out in the open now, and that Gandalf wasn't completely fooled by Aragorn's stubbornness . Hopefully he'll finally get the care he needs...
Author's reply
LOL! I love that... yes, Aragorn's definitely trying to turn an amputated arm into just a scratch, isn't he? Now they can get on with taking care of him and making him all better. ;) Thanks always for the review!
Minerva Organa · 9 April 2009 · Chapter 20: Splintered Fragments
NO, ARAGORN, YOU ARE NOT FINE. You're in Rivendell, go get the help you need...please???? =P Great chapter as always!! I loved the image of him sleeping on the floor instead of on his bed...it was a interesting mixture of humor and sadness...very Ranger-y and amusing but at the same time it's a bit saddening that he's been away from comfort for so long that even the bed seemed too strange to him.
Author's reply
Thank you, Minerva! I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. Aragorn really is in a muddle, isn't he? Definitely feeling out of step with everything, even with what should be the comforts of home. No, fine is not a word that he should associate with himself in any way, shape or form! Thanks again for all your lovely reviews!
Anonymous · 9 April 2009 · Chapter 21: At Hope's Edge
I sort of like most of this, but I just wonder why you write that Arnor was once fully under Sauron's control? It wasn't ever fully under his control. Minor nitpicks, otherwise a fairly engaging story.
Author's reply
Thank you. You're right... "fully" was probably not the best word to use there. I think I was thinking more of the area being in the WiKi's control more than Sauron's--sometimes things slip past in long works like this. Thanks for pointing it out, and for the review.
Elflingimp · 9 April 2009 · Chapter 21: At Hope's Edge
Well truely I think the ending to this chapter will give me nightmares for about a week or until your next update ,so let that be on your shoulders!! LOL! Hugs The Imp P.S. Your writing is right up there with the very best!
Author's reply
LOL! Thank you, Imp. I think. LOL No, truly, your words are kind and I appreciate them. And I think I have broad enough shoulders to handle it. *grin* Next update should be Monday, so it won't be an entire week. Hang in there, and, er, perhaps some Valium might help? ;) Thanks again for the review!
Fantasia · 9 April 2009 · Chapter 21: At Hope's Edge
Oh my, it is like being in some ER room...love Gandalf in this chapter, his concern, his compassion and of course, he can do what we can't, scream to Aragorn and stop the nonsense, I wanted him to shake him badly, but I guess that he wasn't reading this story and has more patient than me But even a wizard can be fooled, the end was very good, now hurry up with Dr Elrond to the rescue, it took time, but he did collapse at the end...Now, do we have to wait for Monday? Cairistiona, I will need Gandalf-Freud to calm my anxiety... Definitely, not Aragorn in my house, breaking a stand and pottery, no bath, no laundry, shooting loud at night, who does he think that he is, a King? Fantasia
Author's reply
Thank you, Fantasia! And apologies for driving you mad with this story! LOL But yes, Aragorn's secret is no longer a secret. So no more need for shaking him. And yes, you really wouldn't want Aragorn in your house in this state, would you! Thanks for the review, and yes, we do have to wait until Monday. But do have a happy Easter. :)
Ainu Laire · 9 April 2009 · Chapter 21: At Hope's Edge
First off: Gandalf is flipping awesome. I love him to pieces. And your version of Gandalf is absolutely brilliant. I hope you write more of him, definitely, in future stories. Wonderful characterization. Second: YOU CANNOT LEAVE IT AT THIS PLACE FOR A WHOLE WEEK. I mean, that's a terrible cliffhanger! I want to read more now :P *beg* Well, until next time, which is hopefully sooner than a whole week :P
Author's reply
LOL ... thank you, Laire! I'm glad you liked this and glad you liked my take on Gandalf. As I said in other reviews, I do plan to write him more, especially with Aragorn. And fear not, I will not leave everyone, including poor Aragorn, hanging for an entire week. I'm updating on Mondays and Thursday now that the end of the story is in sight. It may be rushing it for some but the majority of readers seem to like the twice a week updates now that the story's pace has really sped up. So you only have until Monday to wait, and in the meantime, may the Easter holiday keep you distracted. ;) Thanks always for reviewing!
Marethiel · 9 April 2009 · Chapter 21: At Hope's Edge
Oh, MY! You write Gandalf SO WELL!!! I love it! I've simply got to stop saying "this is the best one yet" ... soon you won't believe me. :-) Congrats, this is SO well done! ~Marethiel
Author's reply
Thank you, Marethiel! I'm glad you like my take on Gandalf... this is the first I've tried writing him but won't be the last. He and Aragorn just get on so well and are so entertaining together; it's a fun dynamic. And I'll keep believing you, no worries! Glad you liked this, and thanks for the review!
Calenlass Greenleaf · 9 April 2009 · Chapter 21: At Hope's Edge
I would've missed this; the alert didn't come through. Good thing I thought to check SoA this morning. One missed quotation mark here:"And how long ago did you fight him? "And no doubt have been all evening and yet all you could tell me is ‘fine’. Stubbornness, your name is Estel Elrondion!" Oh, this is certainly Aragorn. "I'm fine, it's nothing, it's only a scratch, etc." No-one's going to fall for that, not anymore. *grins* I do hope he'll turn out all right in time, though. *bites fingernails in anticipation* ~Cal
Author's reply
Thanks for the heads up on the missing quotation mark; I'll get that fixed here in just a bit. The alert... eh, maybe it's coming but slowly? Who knows. I'm just glad you checked the site! I'm also glad you liked this chapter... yes, no more hiding anything now that he's utterly collapsed! Thanks for the review!
Stefania · 8 April 2009 · Chapter 1: Foreboding
What an action-packed start to your story, Cairistiona. The chapter is a great attention grabber for all who enjoy the angst and/or adventure genre, especially when it stars Aragorn. (Hope you don't mind that I imagine Viggo Mortensen's Aragorn as I read.) I love adventure fanfics, with or without angst, so you have certainly got me wanting to read on. I've written about the Ithilien rangers in the past, and am also interested in the lives of Aragorn's hardy Dunedain rangers of the North. - Steff
Author's reply
Thank you, Steff! I'm glad you liked the start of this story, and no, I do not mind in the least you picturing Viggo as Aragorn. I do, myself--it's just nearly impossible not to, he did such a terrific job (and well, he's just darn nice eye candy, to be shallow about it!). As far as characterization, though, I do write book-Aragorn... so no angst over not wanting the crown of Gondor, but plenty about his ability to ever *get* there. I hope you enjoy my take on the Northern Rangers... I imagine they're a bit different but then in some ways similar to their Southern brethren. Thanks for the review (you're the 200th!), and please, feel free to leave a review now and then telling me your thoughts as you read along. :)
Lily Baggins · 7 April 2009 · Chapter 20: Splintered Fragments
I've been reading this story, but bad me, I haven't reviewed it yet. I have to tell you that I worship the ground you walk on after reading this latest chapter. If I could kneel prostrate before you in supplication, I surely would! I adore Aragorn hurt/comfort stories---am a member of the AA list---and this one is perfection. First of all, it's so, so refreshing to read such a story in which Aragorn is the mature Chieftain of his people instead of a young whippersnapper in his early 20s. I love both, but I LONG for more stories featuring Aragorn in his prime. The injuries and angst are heart-wrenching, and yet completely realistic and believable. My heart just about gave out when Aragorn failed in his attempt to rescue the wee girl from Bracken's Ferry---your writing packs such an emotional punch. And now to see him in such despair, his arm infected, suffering a fever, and trying to hide it from everyone---I'm in deep, deep bliss here! I can never get enough Aragorn and Gandalf friendship fics, especially in which Gandalf shows concern for Aragorn's health or well-being, and so I about DIED when Gandalf showed up in Rivendell. I was that happy. I'll be avidly hitting refresh on Thursday every chance I get, looking for the next chapter. :)
Author's reply
Thank you, Lily! Wow, what a lovely review... I think now I'm the one in deep bliss! I'm so glad you've been reading and enjoying the story, and gladder still to finally hear from you. I too really enjoy stories of Aragorn in his prime--his years as leader of the Dunedain are really what fascinate me the most. So many untold tales there. And I also really like the friendship between Aragorn and Gandalf. I think both aspects of Aragorn's life are under-represented in fanfic and I hope to try to fill in a bit of that void. *grin* I'm glad you're finding the story realistic and believable... there are times when I fear I've piled too much on, but I do think the way Strider reacted when he told the Hobbits about the Nazgul in FOTR indicates that something really awful had happened to him. A man a strong as Aragorn wouldn't still have that sort of reaction if it was just a chance encounter, and yet you have to be careful not to make the encounter *too* intense or it would have been fatal. Hence all the other things surrounding it--the arm wound, the loss to his people, Halbarad's injury. But the losses to his people are the biggest blow, I think. Anyway, I'm really rambling here... thank you again for popping up with your review. It's always such a treat to discover what someone who's been reading all along is thinking about the story!
Raksha The Demon · 7 April 2009 · Chapter 20: Splintered Fragments
Now, now, Aragorn; don't be such a stoic - tell Herr Doktor Gandalf what is troubling you already! Seriously, when Aragorn can't even relax in the Last Homely House, he needs some help, even if he doesn't think he needs it. Sad but good chapter.
Author's reply
Thank you, Raksha... yes, things are pretty dark right now for Aragorn. "Stoic" is a good word for his attitude right now... stoic to a fault, actually, because he's not helping his own cause even a little, is he. We'll see if he'll indeed open up to Herr Doktor Gandalf! Thanks for the review!