Lily Baggins
· 11 November 2009
· Chapter 7: Not Without A Fight
Wow. Just WOW at the never-ending action and fight for survival in this chapter. That was as real thrill-ride---I'm suitably impressed both at your writing skill and description and at Aragorn's fortitude.
Yeeeouch on the eyeball thing---I felt that. And the arm slash, and the bleeding---it seems as I hoped, he's definitely hurt worse than before.
I loved the split-second description, the play-by-play... I was sitting here mentally cheering Aragorn on. GO GO GO!!!!
Now, I must needs let my blood pressure go down. Whew!!!
Author's reply
Thank you! Everyone seems to have the same sort of cardiac/respiratory challenges with this chapter... my evil plan worked. *g* This chapter was both challenging and doggone fun to write (and rewrite, and rewrite), so I'm glad it was fun for you to read as well.
Now yes, you get a day for your blood pressure to go down. Next chapter up tomorrow. :) Thanks for the review!
Lily Baggins
· 11 November 2009
· Chapter 6: Just Bring Him Back Alive
Oh my goodness... not only was Aragorn attacked, but now you've had him dragged off the by Southron! I wasn't expecting that---eeek! That doesn't look good. However, I know our intrepid ranger, and he's being tracked to two just-as-intrepid rangers, so I'll stay positive.
I can only imagine the pain/torture/discomfort a mad and angry hot-headed Southron can inflict. This should be good. ;D
Author's reply
Yeah, it's not often that poor Aragorn is dragged off anywhere, but he's not at his best by a long shot. Staying positive is good, though. This *is* Aragorn and the Dunedain after all. *g*
Thanks for the review!
Midnight Promise
· 11 November 2009
· Chapter 7: Not Without A Fight
Hmm, just realized I didn't leave a review for the last chapter. . .Just combine it with this one then. :)
Well done for both chapters! I love Halbarad and Denlad and their love for Aragorn. :D GAH! Stupid person, why won't he DIE!??? o-o;;
Woot woot! You get him Aragorn! NO! STAY AWAKE YOU. . .gah! >_<;; These people need to listen to the reviewers to survive, I swear. . .-_-;;
Lol, awesome job, loved it, want to read more! :)
Glad your life is AWESOME and I hope it has upgraded in awesomeness! :3
MP
Author's reply
Thanks, MP! Gosh, I think the decibel level must have been pretty high for this chapter... lost of readers seemed to have been shouting at Aragorn in it. It won't be for lack of reader encouragement if Aragorn gives up now. *g*
Thanks for the fun review, and yes, life is still awesome! :)
BeeGee
· 11 November 2009
· Chapter 7: Not Without A Fight
Now that my breathing has returned to normal, I'll review :D. Excellent heart-thumping chapter! My favorite line; "He had time and therefore hope, for Valar willing, this wretch's failure to kill him outright would prove a fatal mistake." Yes, it was, and I appreciate Aragorn's mindset here. It's really all he has to pull himself through, and you really wrote it well. More! More!
Author's reply
Thank you, BeeGee! I'm glad you liked that line... it really does offer a glimpse into the strength of Aragorn's mind and will, and of course, his hope, which may falter at times but always remains at the very core of him.
I'm also very glad your breathing returned to normal. More coming on Friday. :) Thanks for the review!
Ellynn
· 11 November 2009
· Chapter 7: Not Without A Fight
Oh, poor Aragorn. :( I hope help will reach him soon.
Author's reply
He's having a hard time of it, isn't he? I do think help is getting closer, though. :)
Minerva Organa
· 11 November 2009
· Chapter 7: Not Without A Fight
A sample of an IM conversation I was having while reading this...
Me: uh-oh, graphic material warnings. This can't be good...
Cali: what sort of smut are you reading?!?
Me: Not smut. Aragorn fic, but he's in trouble.
Cali: Uh-oh. Not good...
Me: Oh.
Me: Ouch.
Me: Evil people, stop hurting Aragorn!!
Me: Oooooooh, notgoodnotgoodnotgood!
Cali: Stop that!
Me: Oh ok. He escaped. Still...oh Aragorn, owwwwww....
Um. Yea. So good, but so intense! Glad he's out of that particular situation...hoping he finds Halbarad and Denlad, stat!!
Author's reply
LOL! Gosh, this story is getting, hands down, the most interesting reviews I've ever gotten! I've never had the privilege of hearing a reader's IM conversation while reading. *g* I'm glad you liked this... and survived it. It *was* intense, especially to write. I wasn't wild about what the story required but you do what you gotta do, and poor Aragorn had to show his willpower, stubbornness and survivability in this.
Denlad and Halbarad are going to have their hands full, patching poor Aragorn up! Thanks for the entertaining review! :)
Estelcontar
· 11 November 2009
· Chapter 7: Not Without A Fight
By The Valar, what a chapter! You were right it was most difficult one to read because I felt so sorry and worried about Aragorn. You did a great job of showing us his determination, and the sheer strenght of will that kept him to his feet, and that ultimately allowed him to defeat his enemy.
Uour most vivid description of Aragorn's life and death struggle with the Southron had me on tenterhooks.
It is also so typical that it was his worry for Ferdinand that kept him on his feet for a little longer when everything was over.
I have to say that I just loved this chapter very, very much. In the end, I was very relieved to see Aragorn still alive, though not kicking. LOL I'm sure Halbarad and Denlad will take loving care of him come chapter 8, though knowing you I'm a bit afraid about counting on that.
Author's reply
It was a worrisome chapter, yes... I'm glad that you found that I captured his strength of will. That's about all he had left to him by the end, that and his worry over Ferdinand. But even those things can't overcome extreme exhaustion and blood loss. Halbarad and Denlad need to hurry up with that loving care! Thanks for the review!
Elflingimp
· 11 November 2009
· Chapter 7: Not Without A Fight
Holy Cheetos!!!! You had my heart pumping away there! Cardiac arrest! I think I'm goin down with Aragorn, but wait I have to stay alive enough to read the rest, so Denlad had better heal me too along with him. Hugs The Imp
Author's reply
*note to self: in the future, do not write a chapter that will kill off all your readers*
LOL... I'm glad I got your heart pumping and hoping it didn't actually go into full arrest! Yes, please do try to stay alive so you can see what happens next. I'll let Denlad know that he'll probably have to revive all my readers. I think he'll have his hands full!
Thanks for the review!
shirebound
· 11 November 2009
· Chapter 7: Not Without A Fight
Eeeee! I had to peek through my fingers at this chapter, but I trust there's lots of lovely comfort and healing to come. What on earth is going on with these ruffians, though?
*paces*
Author's reply
Yes, things got a little rough in this chapter, but these are really nasty folks that Aragorn's stumbled into. Hang in there, and don't wear yourself out too much with pacing! Thanks for the review!
Elentarri
· 11 November 2009
· Chapter 7: Not Without A Fight
NOOooooo!! You can't do that! You have to post the next chapter immediately! :)
Please??
Author's reply
Weeelll... it'll be Friday morning. It won't be quite ready to go until then (gotta check on those last minute typos and tweaks!)
But thank you for reading! And putting up with this hair-brained, hair-raising tale. :)
Fantasia
· 11 November 2009
· Chapter 7: Not Without A Fight
Well, he did fight for his live...I just hope that the other ones are close enough to help him before he bled to dead....So, Denlad shout saved his life (Hey, he can be an opera singer, if the healer jod is not available)....I'm sorry I'm at work and can't review properly...Still I'll have a heart attack if you keep ending your chapters in this way and I'll wait for your Ranger to visit me with flowers.
Author's reply
Ooh, Denlad as Opera Singer... eh, maybe not. His skills are many but I don't see him as court entertainer. *g*
I'll warn the Rangers to start gathering up wildflowers as they're hunting down Aragorn. *g*
Thanks for the review!
Calenlass Greenleaf
· 11 November 2009
· Chapter 7: Not Without A Fight
Yikes...I've been very bad about reading and reviewing. I missed a lot.
Such a great chapter for me to find, though. Loved the action, the angst, and the ending--*bites nails* Yeesh, you certainly know how to write well! :)
Looking forward to more from you. *grin*
Author's reply
Thanks, Cal... glad you've found some time to read and glad you decided to check out this story. It's a nailbiter, definitely! I'm not sure Aragorn will forgive me for it...
Thanks for the review!
Minerva Organa
· 10 November 2009
· Chapter 6: Just Bring Him Back Alive
Noooooo! Cliffie anyway!! LOL I shouldn't have expected any different. Oh poor Aragorn!! He just keeps getting himself into one mess of trouble after another...
Author's reply
Hee hee!! Yeah, I cringed a little when I read your last review because I knew a definitely *headdesk* moment was coming for you. *g* Yeah, Aragorn's just having a run of reeeeally bad luck, isn't he?
Thanks for the review!
Minerva Organa
· 10 November 2009
· Chapter 5: All You Need Do is Listen
Oh, dear!!! Not good, not good! Lucky me, I didn't have time to read this till you had posted the next chapter already, so no cliffie this time! =P
Am still enjoying this immensely. Ferdinand is absolutely wonderful!
Author's reply
Thanks, Minerva! There's definitely pluses to falling behind in your reading, especially with this tale. (Although I see from your review of the next chapter, you didn't fall behind *quite* far enough! LOL) I'm glad you're enjoying this so much... it's such a relief knowing the everyone seems to like little Ferdinand. He's definitely found a spot in my heart! Thanks for the review!
Larner
· 10 November 2009
· Chapter 6: Just Bring Him Back Alive
Ah, yes--get the sausages out of the fire, and now save him, do! Hurry, men--fetch him back safely!
Author's reply
LOL... I wonder how many readers are thinking, "Forget the darn sausages... go find Aragorn!!" Thanks for the review!
Elentarri
· 10 November 2009
· Chapter 6: Just Bring Him Back Alive
Brilliant! I love the characterisation of Halbarad and Denlad. Please update very soon... the suspense is killing me. I :-) I need to know what has happened to poor Aragorn. And Master Took is cute too.
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm always glad to hear that a reader likes how I handle the characters. And er, that the suspense is becoming life threatening. ;) I think we all need to know what's happening to Aragorn... so the update will come tomorrow morning. Thanks for the review!
Elflingimp
· 9 November 2009
· Chapter 6: Just Bring Him Back Alive
Ack! You are forever leaving me on the edge of my seat. I am beginning to wonder if I will survive let alone Aragorn! LOL! Love your story thou. Hugs The Imp
Author's reply
I'm beginning to wonder if I should have put a cardiac arrest risk alert at the front of this story. *g* I'm glad, though, that you're enjoying the crazy wild ride! Thanks for the review!
Estelcontar
· 9 November 2009
· Chapter 6: Just Bring Him Back Alive
What a most exciting chapter, Your description of Halbarad and Denland's climbing that hill in search of Aragorn is so vivid that I felt as if I were with them. And I do love your Halbarad's optimism. It is most endearing.
What a plucky guy Ferdinand is. I felt like cheering him when he told his tale.
I was hoping Halbarad and Denlad would get there in time to save Aragorn, but that was expecting too much wasn't it?
And Halbarad's 'He is one to whom one's love and allegiance comes easily' is perfection itself.
Great chapter!
Author's reply
Thank you, Estelcontar! Ooh, I like to hear that a reader feels like they're right there in the story with the characters. And yeah, sorry, but Halbarad and Denlad are still just a wee bit too far behind events. But we're getting closer, finally! Thanks for the review!
Silivren Tinu
· 9 November 2009
· Chapter 6: Just Bring Him Back Alive
Ferdinand is so sweet! I think he has just become my favourite hobbit! *g* It was so courageous of him to try to stop the Southron from taking Aragorn (he should have used the frying pan after all). I'm not surprised that Halbarad and Denlad already like him after having known him for no more than a few minutes. ;-) I don't think I would like whatever that Southron's planning for Aragorn. I'm really worried about him now. It seems the Southron saw the fight - I just hope he doesn't expect Halbarad and Denlad to follow him, because that would surely mean nothing good for Aragorn. Well, at least Ferdinand seems to be alright... and I hope Aragorn will soon sit (or more likey, lie) near that fire again and have a hobbit fuss over him and try to get him to eat some sausages. LOL. Looking forward to more! :)
Author's reply
Thanks, Almut! Ooh, Ferdinand's your favorite hobbit?? Ferdinand gives you a big hobbity hug and a platter of sausage, potatoes and onions. :)
I'm glad you liked this little chapter... things are rapidly coming together, but it's looking a bit dicey for poor Aragorn, isn't it?
Thanks for hanging in there and for the review!
shirebound
· 9 November 2009
· Chapter 6: Just Bring Him Back Alive
Oh my, this just gets suspensefuller and suspensefuller! At least these three have met, and Ferdinand knows that Strider's friends are on their way to find him. And LOL, at least the sausages didn't burn! What a wonderful hobbit you've brought us.
Author's reply
Thank you! Yes, the three have finally met! And now to save Aragorn even as they saved the sausages! *g* I'm so glad you like Ferdinand, and thanks for the review!
Fantasia
· 9 November 2009
· Chapter 6: Just Bring Him Back Alive
I think that you are trying to kill us with a heart attack. Just bring him alive!!!!
I can't wait for next chapter, I was reading with a lot of anticipation and you let me hanging here...
Great chapter, waiting for more....
Author's reply
If you have a heart attack because of this story, I promise I'll send flowers to the hospital, delivered by a handsome Ranger. :) I'm glad you're enjoying it despite the cardiac dangers... thanks for the review!
Dreamflower
· 9 November 2009
· Chapter 6: Just Bring Him Back Alive
Oh, poor Ferdinand! *sigh* I'm so glad he wasn't captured along with Strider, and was able to tell Halbarad and Denlad what had happened! But the way he was flung aside-- it reminded me of how poor Bilbo was flung aside by the three trolls!
Yes, they had better bring him back alive! But I am sure that they will!
Author's reply
Yes, poor Ferdinand didn't have much chance, for all that he was very brave in trying! Imagine being flung into a bush like that, poor little guy. But he was lucky to get by with only a rap on the noggin and a scrape, and so could clue Halbarad and Denlad in. Thanks for the review!
Lily Baggins
· 8 November 2009
· Chapter 5: All You Need Do is Listen
Woman, you ARE the epitome of darkness for leaving us on such a note! Oh my goodness . . . I know you had it out for Aragorn's arms in At Hope's Edge, and now I'm thinking it's his poor hand, lol!
I admit you caught me off guard, and I bow to you for making this story so suspenseful and exciting just when I thought it was safe for Aragorn to relax. Apparently not. I must say that I do hope that the Southron manages to hurt Aragorn just a wee bit more well, since he's there and all . . .
Looking VERY forward to the next chapter!
Author's reply
Oh my, Lily... you call me evil when you're hoping Aragorn's hurt a wee bit more??? You're hopeless. *g* But I'm glad you're enjoying the suspense. I like stories where you really don't know where the next chapter... or next paragraph... will take you. Thanks for the review!
Dreamflower
· 8 November 2009
· Chapter 5: All You Need Do is Listen
Oh no! ANOTHER cliffie! Whoa!
I certainly hope Halbarad and Denlad hurry up!
Poor Ferdinand, too!
I did like the way he described the fight-- it sounded positively Pippish! And his worrying about Aragorn eating, and preparing to feed the others was a neat touch...
But, oh dear!
Author's reply
Two apples from the same Tookish apple tree, possibly! I'm glad you liked this... and er, yeah, another cliffie. I'm afraid there's a lot of those in this. *g* Thanks for the review!
Raksha The Demon
· 8 November 2009
· Chapter 5: All You Need Do is Listen
Ferdinand's running commentary on the Ranger-skirmish had me giggling - very well written, though; and I could just see him doing it (also a great literary device for enlightening the reader as to the distant action and being light on the exposition)! And then, Ferdinand orders the unfrocked King-of-the-West to his bedroll; with complete Hobbit authority.
But you ended with a CLIFFIE! Bad, bad Cairistiona!
Any chance that Ferdinand could break the Southron's kneecap?
Author's reply
LOL... breaking a kneecap, eh? That'd be about the right height, wouldn't it? *g*
I'm glad the commentary made you giggle. I definitely wanted a lighter moment at this point of the story, because... hmm, I best not say or I'll spoil things.
And yes, I'm evil... bwa ha ha! I like cliffhangers. *g*
Thanks for the review!