Raksha The Demon
· 28 December 2009
· Chapter 10: Epilogue - Chieftain's Call
A touching wrap-up to a timely and heart-warming story, with Aragorn as the Dunedain Santa Claus, and a happy Denlad coming with him. Thanx for this great holiday present, Cairistiona!
Author's reply
You're very welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed it and thank you so much for all the reviews!
Raksha The Demon
· 28 December 2009
· Chapter 8: I Would Never Look
Wonderful Aragorn/Halbarad dialogue - they put me in mind of Bing Crosby and Bob Hope in the classic "Road to" comedies, only they're Dunedain Rangers and so they're taller, grimmer, and more more deadly of course!
Author's reply
LOL... I've never actually watched those movies, so I can't claim any influence on my Halbarad and Aragorn, but I'm honored nonetheless to have my stuff compared to that sort of classic bantering. :) I imagine the Dunedain would be quite a bit taller, grimmer and deadlier than Bing and Bob. *g* Thanks for the review!
Raksha The Demon
· 28 December 2009
· Chapter 9: The Light of Hope
Denlad's joy at finding a place to not only live but belong comes to life here. The kid reminds me of Aragorn; minus the legendary ancestry and legitimacy and upbringing; they've both grown up as outsiders and come to belong to the Dunedain. I think Aragorn has felt the parallels too.
Anyway, a lovely chapter to end with.
Author's reply
Thanks, Raksha... that's a very good point that I hadn't consciously considered, that Aragorn would feel a connection with Denlad based on his "outsider" status. He would definitely know that feeling, if not to such an extreme extent as Denlad. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter!
I rejoice I had time and energy to read this tonight, and wish you well as the new year comes in. Joy to you ever! And good to see the new Dunadan settled in!
Author's reply
I'm so glad you were able to find time to finish reading this in such a busy holiday season! Thank you for all the reviews, and have a wonderful New Year. :)
Larner
· 28 December 2009
· Chapter 9: The Light of Hope
He will prove himself many times in the coming years. It is fitting that at the beginning of the new year of the Sun he should find a new life to live.
Author's reply
It is a nice time to make a fresh start, isn't it? Although just like the sun's returning doesn't immediately bring warmth, his life won't immediately be perfect, but far better that his now accepted into a supportive community that will become family to him. Thanks for the review!
Larner
· 28 December 2009
· Chapter 8: I Would Never Look
Quite the bantering. At least they are nearly home.
Author's reply
Halbarad's toes will be happy! Thanks!
Larner
· 28 December 2009
· Chapter 7: How Long Can a Blizzard Last?
Ah--this quiet would be MOST welcome indeed!
Author's reply
A moment where I'm sure everyone took a long deep sigh of relief! Thanks for the review!
Larner
· 28 December 2009
· Chapter 6: Winds of Winter
Recovering and anxious--our Aragorn! And the horse is safe in spite of its foolishness.
Author's reply
I do think that Aragorn's one of these types that's not content unless he's fretting about something. *g* Nah, he's not that bad, but it is funny how when the big crises pass, there are always little crises waiting to make you worry. Thanks for the review!
Larner
· 28 December 2009
· Chapter 5: Of Fell Winters, Chickens and Small Boys
Poor lad! My last rooster was a caution like Copper, and most protective of his coop. And then Dirhael's teasing to put up with! He'll do well, though.
Author's reply
Oh, so you have had roosters! So you can sympathize with poor Denlad and his cranky hen. *g* It definitely wasn't the best day for Denlad, was it!
Thanks, Larner!
Larner
· 28 December 2009
· Chapter 4: Howls in the Night
All safe and only minor injuries--thanks to the Valar!
Author's reply
Yes, just an aching shoulder for Aragorn this time, which will no doubt be frustrating enough for him! Thanks for the review!
This is a beautiful story and so full of Hope, perfect for this season. I don't mind to have Aragorn as Santa coming to my house....
Thanks and hoping to see more of your stories. Love the whole gang, Denlad and Halbarad.
So sad about Idril.
Thanks again.
Author's reply
Thank you, Fantasia! I'm so glad you enjoyed this story... I think most of us would definitely shout, "We bid you come!" at the top of our lungs. I know I sure would!
There'll be more stories to come, although none imminently... taking a bit of a break to let the creativity recharge (and get through the New Year holiday) and then I'll get back to writing.
Have a happy New Year!
Mirach
· 27 December 2009
· Chapter 8: I Would Never Look
I loved Aragorn’s and Halbarad’s friendly banter! I can’t say which part I enjoyed most because they were all perfect! And they are returning home! Let’s celebrate Mettare!
Author's reply
Thank you, Mirach! I'm glad you liked this lighter chapter (yay, a light moment at last!) Yes, onward to the celebration!
Mirach
· 27 December 2009
· Chapter 7: How Long Can a Blizzard Last?
The wisdom in this chapter is deep, and through the talk of Denlad and Dirhael gives much insight into Aragorn, also. The life of a king is valuable, but so is every life, and it is worth protecting. That is the wisdom that Aragorn learned, and Dirhael understands. And now Denlad understands also...
Author's reply
Thank you, Mirach! Denlad really is in a good place to be learning about this new people he's found (or who have found him) and about the man who will be King someday. Dirhael has much to share, and Denlad's a willing student. :)
Mirach
· 27 December 2009
· Chapter 6: Winds of Winter
The weather seems to be against Aragorn’s Mettare celebration, too. I know the feeling of coming from a blizzard into a warm cottage, it’ð something wonderful. Halbarad has some very convenient contacts in these parts, it seems. But who can be angry at Aragorn for chasing the horse? I hope he’s not angry at himself anymore, too. And the horse would certainly appreciate a warm barn instead of freezing outside. But it was good that Aragorn didn’t have to use both arms to catch him, he must be really cold that he forgot about his injury. First after they return inside it was clear how cold they really are, dangerously cold. You did a great job in showing the thoughts confused with cold. Good that Elladan is there to unthaw him, and, even more important, to prevent him from blaming himself.
Author's reply
Thank you, Mirach! I'm glad you enjoyed this. It's very likely Aragorn forgot his shoulder along with his good sense in that literally mind-numbing cold! But yes, Elladan was there to remind him that no one is perfect, not Elves, Peredhel, nor even Kings of Men.
Thanks for the review!
Thank you, Elentarri! This story has come to a completion but there'll be more stories of the Dunedain to come. I've lots of ideas I'm pursuing--the Dunedain are really very much a blank canvas and I intend to color wildly (and sometimes softly and calmly) upon it. :)
Elentarri
· 27 December 2009
· Chapter 9: The Light of Hope
Marvellous epilogue! What a beautiful ritual Chieftain's Call is -- and a brillliant adaptation of a fine Scotch tradition for the denziens of Middle-earth. I love that Dirhael has his own variation so that the children need not be without their midnight gifts in years when Aragorn is away.
The visit to Maevor's family was a poignant choice: the innocent hope of the children, the serene acceptance of Idril, and Maevor's stoic smile. Small wonder Aragorn was brought almost to tears. His helplessness to save Idril is doubtless part of his larger inability (or so it must seem at this time) to aide and bolster his fading people.
That Denlad is able to accept the moment of weakness, and to be silent, and to let Aragorn recover his composure -- and then lighten the mood with his query about the ale -- does even more, if possible, to endear him to me! Such a lovely story, such a lovely character, such a lovely Christmas gift!
Thank you!
Author's reply
Thank you, Canafinwe! I do agree wholeheartedly that these little "failures" no doubt bring wrenchingly to Aragorn's mind his people's dwindling plight. Aragorn has come to terms with the fact that he cannot save Idril, but while logic can keep away any lingering feelings of guilt, it cannot stave off grief and sorrow. I think that Denlad's nature being what it is--to stay quiet and watch--stood him in good stead with his Chieftain's emotional storm. I bring out in another story that Denlad's greatest gift, in Halbarad's estimation, is being a good listener. He was able to offer that to Aragorn this cold wintry night.
So glad you enjoyed Chieftain's Call! Thank you again for all your lovely reviews!
Canafinwe
· 27 December 2009
· Chapter 9: The Light of Hope
Wow! After all of the anticipation, you still manage to exceed my expectations! You're gifted, my friend!
Denlad is so sweet; taking note of Aragorn's hidden pain and favoured arm, rushing in to help. Aragorn's happiness to see him is lovely to! I love how his first consideration is to inquire after Denlad's welfare during the storm! I do love Dirhael -- "Aye, if you... that is, the men are not too weary." -- and Ivorwen's thinning lips! But of course, even Aragorn's grandparents don't stand a chance against his indomitable will!
The giving of the gifts was simply gorgeous! Denlad's eagerness to don his new boots was thoroughly adorable! Poor child: he needed them badly! Inevitably, though he accepts the gifts of necessity with eager grace, he is stunned by the sword. I love Denlad! He's fabulous!
Aww.. and he says "I'm sorry" in response to Halbarad's frostbitten toes! His first prolonged conversation with the dreaded Halbarad seemed to go well! I do hope our favourite (well... second favourite?) Ranger isn't too hard on his new pupil.
The presentation of Denlad's star was beautiful. I had tears in my eyes. It's so wonderful to see the acceptance of the Dunedain, and Aragorn's faith, and Denlad's humble astonishment and joy... Wonderful! It's a beautiful denoument to a beautiful story!
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Canafinwe! Gosh, now that the story is nearly at an end for you I must say I'll miss these wonderful reviews you've given. (I suppose I'll just have to get busy writing new stories!) I'm so glad you enjoyed the events in this chapter... so much emotion amongst the people, seeing their men arriving home more or less in one piece, and Denlad again feeling that insecurity of being on the outside looking in... it was so wonderful to finally be able to write these scenes that brought him joy at last! So knowing that this moved you and caused you to feel that much more love for Denlad makes my day! Thank you so much for this and all your other reviews!
I wanted to thank you for this wonderful story - the Dunedain are a greatly neglected group in fan fiction and it was so interesting to see such a plausible tale of the life they must have led.
Denlad is such a sweet character and deserves the affection and confidence of his Chieftain. Of course Aragorn was perfect and I loved Halbarad and Dirhael. They all stepped out of the screen as living, breathing people. Lovely!
Author's reply
Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed this... the Dunedain are a bit neglected in fanfic, sadly. Seems there's plenty of Aragorn tales but not so much of him with his people in the North. I'm very gratified you found the characters "come to life" like that. I do hope that my stories feel real to readers, and of course, I'm always gratified to hear anyone enjoys Denlad, as it's always a bit of a risk creating OCs.
Thank you so much for reading and for the review!
You did an amazing job of adapting the fist-footin tradition to the life of the Dúnedain of the North. It sounded totally plausible, and I think it fitted them perfectly.
I loved seeing Aragorn cherishing and being cherished by his folk I also loved to see your Denlad start assuming his self-appointed place as Aragorn's second protector.
It was a beautiful ending to a beautiful story. Thank you so much for writing it.
Author's reply
Thank you, Estelcontar! I'm glad you liked how I reworked a real tradition to fit the Dunedain... I just loved the idea of Aragorn going house to house like that. Hmm, I don't know that he'd ever be able to do that as King, though! Minas Tirith has a LOT of houses. *g*
And yes, Denlad is off on his new life as a tenacious protector of the King and I think he will take it very, very seriously. How could he not, when a man such as that rescued him from starvation and loneliness! It will be fun to see what happens next, I think. :)
Thanks again for all your reviews and your help "behind the scenes". Until next time!
Estelcontar
· 26 December 2009
· Chapter 9: The Light of Hope
What a most joyous chapter you've gifted us with. I really, really loved seeing the rangers arrive safely to enjoy Mettarë with their family and kin. I loved seeing the beginning of Halbarad and Denlad's friendship. I loved seeing Aragorn among his folk. I loved seeing Denlad being accepted and accepting his new life, and mostly I loved seeing the Dúnedain joyfully celebrating the gift of life together.
As you can see I just loved everything about this delightful chapter of yours.
Author's reply
Thank you, Estelcontar! I'm so glad you enjoyed this "almost final" chapter. It was definitely the culmination of a long wait for everyone, but especially so for Denlad in his long wait to finally feel like he was accepted and loved. It's still going to be a sometimes rough journey for him but he's off to a good start. :) Thank you for the review!
Larner
· 26 December 2009
· Chapter 3: Teach Me to be a Warrior
Oh, love the young man and his growing dedication!
Author's reply
Thank you, Larner! I'm so glad you're enjoying this! :)
Once again I find myself amazed by your Dunedain-themed stories. There are far too few works (let alone good ones) in the LOTR fandom that deal with this oft-shafted canon group. I hope we'll see plenty more Ranger tales from you.
Author's reply
Thank you, snarky! That's so kind of you to say! There is a dearth of Dunedain stories out there, and I do hope to do what I can to rectify that, for I dearly love that portion of Aragorn's life. I'm very glad you're enjoying the stories I have written; hopefully there'll be many more to come. :)
Dear Cairistiona,
Your story is made of so much win. THank you so much for this wonderful Mettare story. Denlad is definitely now my favorite OC ever, and the Chieftain's call tradition brought such a smile to my face! I'm a bit behind in reviews of other chapters, and will leave them at a later date, cos I have even more praises to sing! Merry Christmas!
Love, Minerva
Author's reply
Aww, thanks, Minerva! I'm so glad Denlad is on the top of your Best OC list! (and he's blushing furiously at hearing that!) I'll look forward to hearing your thoughts on the other chapters but I'm just very grateful you managed to squeeze in reading this story in your busy holidays. Thank you so much, and yes, you have a wonderful remainder to the holidays... Happy New Year (a bit early)!