grumpy · 3 October 2009 · Chapter 1: Stranger at the Gates
Ah Aragorn! It is very polite for him to wait for permission to stay, before he fainted. Hmmm he seems to be a bit tattered and smelly. The great outdoors will go that to you.
Stranger at the Gates by Linda Hoyland
Reviews (17)
Larner · 2 October 2009 · Chapter 2: I met a lady in the meads
And so that fateful second meeting occurred, and each was stirred by the other as was needful, not just for them but for the hope of the entire world. Beautiful, Linda!
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review.I'm pleased you enjoyed this and like me are stirred by the significance of the moment.
Estelcontar · 1 October 2009 · Chapter 2: I met a lady in the meads
A most fitting end to a lovely tale, Linda. Trust wise Galadriel to do what should have done, and to garb Elrond, paraphrasing her own words, in a manner fitting to his lineage, and to his inner self. The last line is short, sweet, and perfect.
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review. I'm pleased you enjoyed my story.
Inzilbeth · 1 October 2009 · Chapter 2: I met a lady in the meads
Oh that is not a good place to stop, Linda! I'm glad Aragorn had a chance to heal and rest before meeting Arwen. A lovely sequel to your tale.
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review. I'm pleased you enjoyed my story.If the Muses ever give me more, I'll be certain to share it..
Dreamflower · 1 October 2009 · Chapter 2: I met a lady in the meads
Ah! The fateful meeting, at Galadriel's instigation! I love the way that you begin the chapter, so languid and leisurely, as Aragorn speaks of the timelessness of Elven Realms, and enjoys his convalescence-- and then, the ending, so abrupt, in contrast. It serves in a way to contrast the immortal approach of the Elves with the more urgent one of mortals. Very nicely done!
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review. You have mentioned some points I hadn't realised which is always an especial treat to a writer. I'm delighted you enjoyed my story.
Raksha The Demon · 30 September 2009 · Chapter 2: I met a lady in the meads
I love the way Galadriel sets up the meeting of Aragorn and Arwen - just call her the Elvish Matchmaker! A wonderful last line, too.
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review. I'm pleased you liked the last line as they are the toughest lines to write!
Raksha The Demon · 30 September 2009 · Chapter 1: Stranger at the Gates
Galadriel is very much in character here; the discriminating but very wise Lady of the Golden Wood - you don't want to get on her bad side, but she will appreciate goodness. It's also very much in character that Aragorn does not flinch from her gaze - well done!
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review.I'm pleased you liked my interpretation of Galadriel.She is one of my favourite Elves and fascinates me.
Celeritas · 30 September 2009 · Chapter 2: I met a lady in the meads
This was a nice companion and coda to the first piece. How very Aragorn to apologize for the method of his arrival, when it's clearly something he couldn't have helped! Nice to see how well he cleaned up, too!
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review.I'm pleased you enjoyed my story.
ellie · 30 September 2009 · Chapter 2: I met a lady in the meads
I like the way Galadriel planned/aided this meeting. It does explain why aragorn was garbed as an elven lord when they met in Lorien. Nicely done!
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review.I'm pleased the story worked for you.
Cairistiona · 30 September 2009 · Chapter 2: I met a lady in the meads
Ah, I love how Galadriel not-so-subtly maneuvered behind the scenes to arrange to perfection their meeting, and I'm sure it was a great relief to finally get Aragorn cleaned up! I can well imagine it happening just this way.
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review.I'm pleased you enjoyed my version of Tolkien's story.
Estelcontar · 18 September 2009 · Chapter 1: Stranger at the Gates
I've already told you how much I like this story, and on second reading I like it even better. You did a great job of showing Aragorn's exhaustion after his gruesome travel 'on the dark confines of Mordor', and of Galadriel's wiseness and love for Arwen. Bring on chapter two.
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review.I'm delighted you find the story worth a second reading and it grows on you.I often wonder just how bad a state Aragorn was in. I hope to post the rest very soon.
Larner · 18 September 2009 · Chapter 1: Stranger at the Gates
Yes, I think this is much as I've envisioned it, too. No chance for another love, not because there would be no other to possibly stir her heart, but because there would be world for her to love in. Lovely, Linda!
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review. I've always had a fancy to write this story and Teitho prodded me into doing it.
Inzilbeth · 18 September 2009 · Chapter 1: Stranger at the Gates
I'm very much looking forward to reading more. Aragorn and Galadriel together are fascinating and this is very well done, Linda. I'm always slightly amused though that Galadriel could see the worth of the man beneath the dirt but she wasn't prepared to take a chance on her grand daughter feeling the same way.
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review. I'm fascinated by Aragorn and Galariel too.I think even one as wise as Galadriel can make assumptions at times.
RS · 18 September 2009 · Chapter 1: Stranger at the Gates
I enjoyed reading this at Teitho and I surely enjoyed reading it for the 2nd, 3rd, time. Galadriel's first impression (and smell) of Aragorn certainly would have been my reaction also (poor Aragorn!). OHH...but when she started probing his mind and looking at his eyes...simply melted my heart. This is one of my favorite moments in the book and again...your interpretation just leaves me wanting to read more. Your quoting of Deuteronomy is perfect.
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review and am honoured you feel the story worth rereading.I'm touched that it melted you and pleased you liked the quote which was at the back of my mind when I wrote the story.
Cairistiona · 18 September 2009 · Chapter 1: Stranger at the Gates
Very well done... I like how bedraggled and exhausted Aragorn is, to the point where Galadriel is not quite sure how to handle him. And I did have to chuckle a bit at her telling the handmaidens to sprinkle flowers around the room; I imagine Aragorn did smell very rank after clawing his way out of perils. It will be interesting to see Galadriel's reaction to him once he's cleaned up.
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review. I'm delighted my exausted Aragorn worked for you and you were amused at the need to sweeten the room!
Celeritas · 17 September 2009 · Chapter 1: Stranger at the Gates
This looks really good so far! I like your rather unconventional take on Galadriel's first impressions of this scruffy Ranger.
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review. I'm fascinated by Galadriel and Aragorn's meeting and wonder what prompted her to help him in his courtship.
shirebound · 17 September 2009 · Chapter 1: Stranger at the Gates
This is a marvelous 'gap-filler', and I look forward to chapter 2.
Author's reply
Thank you for my only review so far! I'm delighted you are enjoying the story.