hebeid
· 30 October 2019
· Chapter 13: Epilogue: Strong Arms and Spilled Blood
I remember reading part of this story, probably a few (or several?) years ago, bit for whatever reason I never finished it. So what a delight it was to get to read it all the way through! My love for your writing hasn't faded in the slightest, and it likely never will; I am so lucky to have come across this archive all those years ago, and so relieved that it is still here and holding all these treasured memories. I'm probably going to re/read all of your stuff in the near (ish) future - it's fall, and fall is a Rangerly time of year, I find. Thank you so much for sharing your skill and your hard work time and time again, and I hope that wherever you are now, whatever you're doing with your days, you are happy and safe and contented and cared for.
Author's reply
Thank you so much! I'm glad you rediscovered this one and finished it... it's actually one of my favorites, because I got to write a hobbit character, something I haven't done much.
I'm doing well--haven't written LOTR fic in a long time, having switched over to Captain America fandom, but I still harbor hopes to return to LOTR fic when the muse reawakens one day (I'm hoping that the new Amazon series helps ignite the fandom, even if it won't probably include much about the Dunedain or Aragorn).
Happy reading and thank you again for your kind words!
MP brennan
· 13 January 2013
· Chapter 13: Epilogue: Strong Arms and Spilled Blood
Just dropping by to mention how much I enjoyed this fic. Ferdinand is a delightful OC. He's just the right balance of Tookish and hobbity if that makes any sense. :) I loved the little details like him carrying eggs around out in the wild so he could have Second Breakfast. And his tangents are wonderful.
As usual, the dynamic between the rangers was great. I liked Denlad and Halbarad's partnership--especially the way it's implied at the beginning that Denlad knows how to play Halbarad to get what he wants. At the same time, they balance each other really well. I liked how you showed them having to lean on each other to get through it all.
This, though, was my favorite exchange:
"And here I thought you regularly get yourself maimed simply to torment me."
"That is part of the appeal, yes. Every dark cloud must have its bit of mithril lining, after all."
"You will make a truly detestable king."
Aragorn grinned. "Thank you. May I have some more of that stew?"
Please don't ever stop writing those two!
Author's reply
Thank you, MP! I'm so glad you enjoyed this. I still wonder how Ferdinand manages to carry eggs without breaking them, but leave it to a Hobbit to figure it out. *g* I do hope to continue writing Aragorn and Halbarad... I enjoy their friendship/kinship far too much to ever stop, I think!
lisag
· 6 May 2010
· Chapter 12: 'Ware a Hobbit Throwing Stones
Just re-read this story...great stuff. I wanted to add another post because the end of the last chapter always makes me wonder what would happen if Aragorn visited Bree after becoming King and Butterbur finally realized who he had been insulting all these years! I would love to see the man bowing and scraping, which I'm sure Aragorn would tell him wasn't necessary. I just don't like that Butterbur treats all the Rangers with such disdain when they've never done anything destructive or rude or improper in his inn. That would sure put a dent in his inn's AAA rating! ;)
Author's reply
Thanks for the re-read! I'm glad you like it well enough to give it another go. :)
And yes, I imagine Butterbur and so many of the residents around Bree and Archet and the Shire in general, would have had quite a shock when Aragorn returns. Despite how cranky I have him in this story, I don't see Butterbur as being entirely cold toward Rangers. He's simply had a run of bad customers and as the Rangers are quiet and mysterious and a little scary, he lumps them in with the bad eggs and Aragorn bore the brunt of that particular burst of frustrated anger (maybe knowing that, because the Rangers do tend to be polite, that he can vent his spleen without fear of getting punched in the nose!). And too, I think in my tale, which is set quite some years before he helps Aragorn with the Hobbits in FOTR, he's probably a bit more prejudiced against Rangers. Perhaps he mellows a bit with the years, gaining some measure of tolerance and understanding--enough that he does end up helping out in the end and shows himself not to be all that bad (AAA rating intact! *g*). I like to think so, anyway.
LisaG
· 2 February 2010
· Chapter 13: Epilogue: Strong Arms and Spilled Blood
Spectacular story! Full of peril, angst, comfort, humor, bravery, courage, friendship, caring and love. Don't get any better than that!
Author's reply
Thank you, Lisa! I can see you're working through all my stories. *g* I'm so glad you enjoyed this one... it was so fun to write (they're all fun, really, but this one didn't have too many glitches I had to sort out). I try to put elements of all those things in my stories, to keep them as well-rounded as I can, so I appreciate your mention of them. :) Thanks for the review!
Linda Hoyland
· 12 December 2009
· Chapter 4: Grim Deeds
I like it that these Rangers don't lose their basic goodness and will ease an enemy's pain.. I hope they catch up soon with Aragorn.
Author's reply
Thank you, Linda... no, I don't see the Dunedain as ever sinking so low that they're wantonly cruel, so they would find some way, within the limits of the situation, to be merciful. They could not possibly stay with the man until his passing, not with Aragorn injured and still ahead of them, so that was the next best thing.
Thanks for the review!
Mirach
· 12 December 2009
· Chapter 8: 'Twas You I Heard
I think I reviewed this chapter already, but again I must say how I loved it! Again, watching without being able to help in the first half, and then actually being able to help in the second... Awesome!
Author's reply
Thanks! This chapter was far easier to mull over and write than the last. Knowing that Denlad and Halbarad were going to finally reach Aragorn and give him the care he desperately needed was such a relief! I'm glad you liked this chapter enough to leave two reviews. :) Thanks!
Mirach
· 12 December 2009
· Chapter 7: Not Without A Fight
This was such a heartwrenching chapter! It was pretty bad even before the Southorn appeared. It would be pretty bad even if Aragorn would be not injured when he appeared, and got into his hands somehow. But the two combined... that's really painful to watch! And the threat to blind Aragorn made me feel really uneasy, I knew he won't do it, but on the other side I knew he's capable to do it... *shudders* Denlad's cry came in the very best moment, poor Aragorn was in really desperate situation. His incoherent thoughts at the end show clearly how bad his condition is at the end... now I must rush to the comforting chapter!
Author's reply
It definitely is a disquieting chapter; it was disquieting to write such a nasty specimen as this Southron but then the story required enemies that were as evil as any of the ones Tolkien created... they are all more or less cut from the same vile cloth. It's just a good thing that Aragorn had help on the way! Thanks for the review!
Mirach
· 12 December 2009
· Chapter 6: Just Bring Him Back Alive
So the two rangers and hobbit meet, but still Aragorn is not safe... I remember waiting impatiently for the new chapter in this point, reading it to the end, and then waiting impatiently for the next one. I imagine Ferdinand throwing himself at the big Southron - like Bullroarer Took himself! Golf, anybody? =)
Author's reply
It's too bad Ferdinand didn't knock that Southron's head off, isn't it! That would have simplified things tremendously and saved Aragorn a lot of pain and hardship.
Thanks so much for going back through this to share your thoughts!
Mirach
· 12 December 2009
· Chapter 5: All You Need Do is Listen
I enjoyed the conversation between Aragorn and Ferdinand greatly, Ferdinand would make a great sport comentator! *g* It looked through the whole chapter that there is no more reason to worry, when suddenly, at the very end... ah, I'm really glad that the next chapter is already there!
Author's reply
LOL! Can't you see Ferdinand doing a play-by-play of the Battle of the Pelennor?
Glad you liked this one, and yeah, since the chapters are all there for you, the cliffhanger won't leave you hanging too long! Thanks for the review!
Mirach
· 12 December 2009
· Chapter 4: Grim Deeds
Poor duo of rangers! Denlad described the overwhelming sense of compassion very accurately! It's exactly what I felt when reading this story and awaiting the chapter when they are reunited anxiously. The handprint was very touching, they saw the tracks left by Aragorn in great pain, they could imagine him clearly clutching his fingers into the ground when the pain was unbearable, but could do nothing... it reminds me on Eärendil - another one whose heartstrings are sorely tried here, I'm sure.
And with the second reading I see how Denlad deserved the arrow that he got! Telling the Southron that Aragorn killed his brother, and then leaving him an analgetic! I suppose he has never heard the word "vendetta"...
Author's reply
Thank you, Mirach! Wouldn't that be hard, to be following along too far back to really be helping, yet seeing the evidence of just how badly someone needed your aid? Very much like Eärendil, watching and unable to directly help, but at least they have the comfort of knowing they at least have a chance at getting to him before it's too late.
And yes, it does seem kind of cruel to just leave that guy behind, but saving the King comes before cosseting dying bad guys.
Thanks for the review!
Mirach
· 12 December 2009
· Chapter 3: Broken Baggage
"And kingsfoil has such deep roots! Frost won’t get them, not by a long chance." I loved the paralelles in this chapter!
"At any rate, I like to sit quietly" seems a bit contradictory, considering I felt my jaw drop a bit every time Ferdinand began a tirade, skipping from one topic to another, and mentioning things with much deeper meaning without realizing it. (I'm such a quiet type myself, speaking only when necessary, so when someone does that, I'm always a bit awed =))
I loved the descriptions of "Halbarad the Elven, Fierce and Fair of Face, and Noble Denlad of the Golden Hair" - I have the feeling that Aragorn can threaten them with revealing these titles to the other rangers it in the future when they will argue with him :D
And see, if this would be the review after the first reading, it would be full of "Oh my..." and "Oh dear!" and "What's going to happen?!?" too...
Author's reply
Thanks, Mirach! I'm so glad you caught that little parallel between kinsfoil and Aragorn. Who knows if kingsfoil would really be that way, but I figure it must be a very hardy and tenacious perennial to have survived on its own in those patches where people planted it years and years and years ago. My own bit of M-e gardening fanon. LOL
And yes, it is kind of hard to imagine Ferdinand sitting quietly, the way he's acting in this tale!
Glad you enjoyed this, and yes, glad you waited so you could give me a more coherent review than "oh dears" and "oh no's"! ;)
Mirach
· 12 December 2009
· Chapter 2: Concern and Consternation
I hope you don't mind that these reviews are coming after the second reading - at least they will not frantically demand the next chapter =)
I can imagine the shock of both rangers when they discovered a human body on the trail, that must have been a really unpleasant surprise. Good that the Southron does not resemble Aragorn at all... And after recovering from this shock, they find the bloodstains, and these are not the Southron's this time... Being around Aragorn, one must have iron neves to absorb all the shocks that he prepares them... not that he would be doing it deliberately, but still. Anyways, good that they have his trail!
Author's reply
I don't mind at all when and how you leave your reviews--I'm very flattered you're giving this a second reading! That's praise enough right there!
You make very excellent points... it would take a lot of emotional stamina to keep up with all the shocks Aragorn metes out. Even from the age of two, he was wrenching at Halbarad's heart strings (if Halbarad is indeed older than Aragorn, as I imagine him to be), although that wasn't exactly his fault. But then he up and leaves for years and years as Thorongil, then he comes back only to disappear looking for Gollum... and I'm sure when he did return he likely had more scars and more grey hair, and that would have been very hard for a kinsman like Halbarad to take, I would imagine!
Thanks for the review and I'm glad you're enjoying the story another time around!
Lily Baggins
· 30 November 2009
· Chapter 13: Epilogue: Strong Arms and Spilled Blood
Well, this has been a thrilling ride, but I'm so very sorry to see it end! I've adored it from start to finish.
The ending here was a really telling look at how Ferdinand so easily accepted Aragorn and showed his gratefulness, when contrasted with Butterbur's barely concealed contempt. Oh, how I love Aragorn's control and his wish to just give in and let Butterbur have an earful!
I do hope we might see Ferdinand again! I mean, he's still a young hobbit... methinks he might want to visit Rivendell someday or perhaps go to Minas Tirith many years in the future. :)
Gosh, I'm going to be reading and re-reading this one. I'll have you know that I'm one of those who VERY frequently revisits At Hope's Edge, as well. I've lost count how many times I've read it.
This will be one of my favorites, I know. Thank you for gracing us with such a wonderful story.
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Lily! I'm glad this is a story you'll return to again--I do hope that my stories are worth a second read and it's nice to hear from a reader who's already got re-reads planned (and is also reading At Hope's Edge over and over! Wow!) :)
I definitely can see Ferdinand trekking to Minas Tirith--knowing him, he'll probably just show up unannounced and unexpected, whistling a merry tune just like along that path in the wilds, confounding the palace guards and feeling right at home.
Thanks again for the lovely reviews and all the support you give my stories! It's much appreciated!
Fantasia
· 30 November 2009
· Chapter 13: Epilogue: Strong Arms and Spilled Blood
I'm so sad to see Ferdinand in his way to the Shire and to see that this story has come to an end. I'll miss Aragorn and his gang.
You know, what a good idea will be to see the reaction of Bree at the news that the King is no other that old Strider, they are such a bunch of ungrateful people.
Thanks Caristiona for this wonderful story and looking forward for more in the future. Maybe you have one planned as a Christmas gift for us, please?
Author's reply
Thank you, Fantasia! I'm so glad you enjoyed the story... I'm sad to see it end, too, because it was so much fun to write.
I do want to do some sort of story for Christmas, if the muse cooperates and if time allows. *crossing fingers*
Thanks again for all your reviews and encouragement!
Silivren Tinu
· 29 November 2009
· Chapter 13: Epilogue: Strong Arms and Spilled Blood
I really hope Ferdinand will reappear in another story - he's barely gone, and I'm already missing him. Well, I guess Aragorn feels the same way right now. It's too bad Ferdinand isn't the landlord of the Prancing Pony. ;-) Butterbur is not only trying Aragorn's patience, he's also trying mine. *glowers* It's probably a good thing Halbarad is taking care of the horses. Somehow I don't think he would have taken kindly to Butterbur insulting Aragorn (and all other rangers) after all he's just been through. *shakes head* That landlord really is a fool! I wonder if he ever learned about Aragorn's true identity and how he reacted to it (I bet he fainted, lol). A great story, Cairistiona - I enjoyed reading it from beginning to end. :)
Author's reply
Thanks, Almut! Yeah, I think Halbarad might have popped a gasket if he heard what Butterbur had to say to Aragorn! Just as well he was out with the horses. I do sometimes wonder what Butterbur's reaction was when he found out the Strider he used to more or less abuse all the time ended up becoming the King of the Realm. I imagine he served himself up a LOT of humble pie! LOL
I'm glad you enjoyed the story and enjoyed Ferdinand so much... I do think he'll be back at some point. Just have to figure out when and how. :) Thanks for the reviews throughout and of course for this one!
grumpy
· 28 November 2009
· Chapter 12: 'Ware a Hobbit Throwing Stones
Well thank heavens for the talent of hobbits that can throw stones and het their targets. Love your story, nothing better then my favorite rangers, with a hobbit thrown in.
Author's reply
Isn't it great that hobbits are such good stone throwers? I'm so glad you enjoyed this story... thank you for the review!
snarky
· 28 November 2009
· Chapter 13: Epilogue: Strong Arms and Spilled Blood
Wonderful story. Your OCs were fabulous.
What's next from you? Any stories on the horizon? :)
Author's reply
Thank you, snarky, for the definitely not-snarky review! I'm glad you enjoyed the story and the OCs especially.
As for what's next... I have several multi-chapter WIPs but none are near completion. I'm hoping to get some short stories done (I'd love to do something for Christmas but I'm still waiting for inspiration to strike), and I will be adding a bit more to the appendix for At Hope's Edge.
Thanks for asking, and thanks for the review!
Raksha The Demon
· 28 November 2009
· Chapter 13: Epilogue: Strong Arms and Spilled Blood
Excellent interaction between Aragorn and Butterbur. You convey the hidden king's pent-up frustration with the innkeeper's distrust very well. After all he's been through, Aragorn having to endure such scorn from a provincial innkeeper is almost too much!
A most enjoyable story, and I loved Halbarad's mother-henning Aragorn. Somebody has to!
Author's reply
Thank you, Raksha! I'm glad you enjoyed this story... you're entirely right in that Aragorn needs mother-henning, and what better candidate at this point in his life than Halbarad. And yes, it does seem too much insult to injury, Butterbur's reactions to Aragorn's arrival, but I do imagine that was likely the reception Aragorn and the rest of the Rangers received--lumped in with the wild troublemakers, without any attempt at understanding. It made their hard road that much harder, I think.
Thank you for your kind feedback all throughout this tale!
Larner
· 28 November 2009
· Chapter 13: Epilogue: Strong Arms and Spilled Blood
Ah, if they only knew!
Was glad to see this here, Cairistiona. Joy to you and yours, as we pass Thanksgiving and approach Advent and Hannukah and so on. May the Light return to bless us all, even Ferdinand Took and his stubborn, delightful Tookishness!
Author's reply
Thank you, Larner, and yes, the same in return to you this holiday season! I'm so glad you enjoyed this tale and my first foray into writing hobbits. Ferdinand was a fun character to write and I do think eventually I'll have to return to him in a tale of some sort. Thanks for all your reviews!
Inzilbeth
· 28 November 2009
· Chapter 13: Epilogue: Strong Arms and Spilled Blood
After all the kindness and love that Aragorn has been given by both his companions and Ferdinand, it must have been so hard to 'return to work' and suffer again the mistrust of those he protects.
This has been a most wonderful story, hair-raising exciting in places but ultimately so heart-warming and satisfying. Your Ferdinand is an absolute treat and everything any self respecting Took should be! Many congratulations on a excellent job well done. As always, I feel very privileged to beta for you.
Author's reply
Thanks, Inzilbeth! As always, my stories would be far less without your excellent guidance in all things canon. :)
It does really seem, in a way, a return-to-work situation at Bree for Aragorn, although his time away hardly was a vacation. I like to believe, though, that he gets a complete rest and recuperation in the quiet room at the top of the stairs before he has to head back out to the wilds. It's too bad, really, that he couldn't go home with Ferdinand!
Thanks again for all your help!
Dreamflower
· 28 November 2009
· Chapter 13: Epilogue: Strong Arms and Spilled Blood
Awww...but eventually, of course, Butterbur and the others will come to realize just how useful the Rangers had been--once they are gone! Then perhaps he will feel a bit embarrassed to remember how he had treated them.
This has been a very lovely story, one I enjoyed immensely. I do hope that one day the twists of the Road will bring Ferdinand--or at least *news* of him, back into Strider's life...
Author's reply
Thank you, Dreamflower! I'm so glad you enjoyed this tale. I do think eventually news of Ferdinand or even Ferdinand himself will pop back into Aragorn's life, even as he surmises at their parting. Ferdinand's too much the wandering spirit to stay home where it's safe for long. (Although there will *not* be a 10th Walker story featuring Ferdinand! LOL)
Thank you again for all the reviews you've left for me!
Estelcontar
· 28 November 2009
· Chapter 13: Epilogue: Strong Arms and Spilled Blood
What a wonderful ending to a wonderful story. I so enjoyed seeing Ferdinand's fiercely hug a surprised Aragorn. It felt very much in character. I also enjoyed Aragorn and Barliman's dialogue. You did a great job of showing how the Rangers were treated by the very people they protected, and how that kind of treatment must have grated on them.
It was good to see Halbarad fussing over Aragorn again. LOL
Author's reply
Thank you, Estelcontar! Isn't it fun to picture that hug Ferdinand gave Aragorn? And yes, I don't think Halbarad ever really stops fussing over Aragorn. He sees it as his calling, after all. :) Thank you for your help with this story and for all the reviews!
curiouswombat
· 28 November 2009
· Chapter 13: Epilogue: Strong Arms and Spilled Blood
I have so enjoyed this story of an encounter that may have been.
As always it is so beautifully written, the characters all so well drawn, and the whole thing totally canon compliant(!)... Such a pleasure to read.
Author's reply
Thank you, curiouswombat! I'm so glad you enjoyed this flight of fancy... and for the extra reassurance that it was indeed canon compliant. :) I appreciate this and all the reviews you've left! Thank you again.
Midnight Promise
· 28 November 2009
· Chapter 13: Epilogue: Strong Arms and Spilled Blood
. . .Okay, someone needs to beat those fools up - no joke. *mutters about mean bar men.*
Eep. . .The ending? O_O; Are you ALLOWED to do that? o_O; Hope there is more to read of another story, maybe with Elrond and the twins?. . .Hint, hint, nudge, nudge. Gives chocolate. :3
Awesome as always (hahah your threats for the rangers are always amusing to visualize) and I loved it! Great job, my evil author friend! :D
Happy Holidays,
MP
Author's reply
Thank you, MP! I'm so glad you enjoyed this, and glad that you're looking forward to whatever I have coming along next... which, um, at this point I'm not really sure. I have a couple WIPs that could be next, or who knows, I might get an idea for something completely new. I know one of the WIPs will include the gang at Rivendell. :)
Thank you for all the reviews and support!
Author Reply: ps - Happy holidays to you too!
Calenlass Greenleaf
· 28 November 2009
· Chapter 13: Epilogue: Strong Arms and Spilled Blood
Butterbur never, never learns...*sighs*
Loved Aragorn in this, along with his banter. :)
~Cal
Author's reply
Thanks, Cal! I'm glad you enjoyed the story... and yeah, I don't know that Butterbur ever really learned, until King Elessar showed up asking for some ale. *g*
Thanks again for all the reviews!