Vilwarin
· 23 December 2009
· Chapter 7: How Long Can a Blizzard Last?
I've come to like Dírhael and Denlad's conversations very much. He's a wonderful figure for the young, fatherless man to look up to. And he really lives up to his name. His wisdom, but also his kindness, show in everything he does. I never met my grandfathers but I like to imagine that they were like Dírhael.
Author's reply
Thank you, Vilwarin... I think I would have also loved to have a grandfather like Dirhael. Maybe that's what I've done with him--subconsciously turned him into the grandfather I wish I had known! I'm glad you like him so well, and thank you again for the review!
Fantasia
· 23 December 2009
· Chapter 7: How Long Can a Blizzard Last?
Poor Denlad, when I was 19 I was only thinking in myself too, my future, my college, my goals, my boyfriend, I was so focus in myself, so selfish...Not everybody can be Aragorn...This people really have to mature very fast, it is another world and conditions, people that live and survive a war are so diferent. But you know, you are righ, Faith will help you a lot, when it seems that Hope is lost.
Merry Christmas!!!
Author's reply
Thank you, Fantasia! I do think most young adults, and sadly a lot of older adults who should know better, think the same way. I know I did (and still do... writing this was a bit uncomfortable as it made me think about my own motives). Aragorn is nothing if not a good role model for all of us, even if we never can quite attain *that* level of perfection! (If only!!) Thanks for the review!
Fantasia
· 23 December 2009
· Chapter 6: Winds of Winter
God Cairistiona, I'm so cold now....the only good thing is that they will have a celebration when the rangers get back, but if you keep delaying them with more troubles, knowing your Aragorn, I'm sure that this is not the last of his problems, poor guy.
I want two brothers like Elladan and Elrohir for Christmas.
In this sentence, it is Elrohir or Elladan? I wasn't sure: "Undoubtedly. Whatever you choose to leave for those in needs, Ellarohir and I will take care of. We will return to the settlement at such time as we are free. Do not look for us for at least a week."
Merry Christmas and stay warm...it is not so bad where I'm, around 60F an sunny, but for us is cold.
Author's reply
Ellarohir... that's the long-lost brother of Elladan and Elrohir. Didn't you know they were actually triplets? *g* Seriously, thank you for pointing that little gaff out. I think my fingers must have been frozen!
I hope the chapter didn't leave you too cold to enjoy the rest of the story!
Thanks for the review, and yes, if I don't get a chance to say it before, Merry Christmas to you, too!
Silivren Tinu
· 23 December 2009
· Chapter 6: Winds of Winter
You know, I would always be willing to take in half-frozen rangers. *bg* Aragorn, Halbarad, and Turgil really were lucky. That crazy horse chase could have found a much worse ending. I'm quite relieved they all made it. It's a good thing Elladan and Elrohir were able to take care of them right away. I'm glad Aragorn has already stopped blaming himself - making the right decision when you are half-frozen is beyond even him. ;-) I loved the nice comfort scenes in thia chapter. :)
P.S. And it is so like Aragorn to worry that Denlad might have seen his presents after he himself has just almost frozen to death! *g*
Author's reply
Somehow I thought you might volunteer, warm blankets and hot toddies in hand! *g* You are so right in even the mighty Aragorn isn't very mighty when he's nearly frozen. Even Numenorean brains suffer when the body pulls all the blood into its core like that. And yes, now onto the next worry--whether or not the surprise has been spoiled!
Glad you enjoyed this and thanks so much for the review!
Vilwarin
· 23 December 2009
· Chapter 6: Winds of Winter
Ouch... again. Long rides in winter conditions are not pleasant indeed. And then almost freezing to death. Uh oh.
But at least there are some nice people in the world. That must mean a lot for the Rangers.
And it's sweet that Aragorn starts worrying about Denlad's presents.
Author's reply
Thanks, Vilwarin! I know I definitely would not want to ride out in weather like that. *Brrr* And I do figure there had to be at least a handful of kind folks in Breeland, although they were few and far between. Fortunately, our kind woodcutter wasn't TOO far away. Thanks for the review!
Elentarri
· 22 December 2009
· Chapter 6: Winds of Winter
Hi
Thank you for the new chapter.
I must admit to looking forward to your chapters more than I'm looking forward to Christmas Dinner with my family or Christmas Day with my boyfriends family.... or the holiday by the sea in the new year......
Splendid writing as always.
Elentarri
Author's reply
My goodness, thank you! I hate to think of my story trumping the anticipation of a holiday by the sea or Christmas dinner with family but I am grateful it's added joy to your holiday season!
I could do with a holiday by the sea, actually. LOL Thank you for the review!
Raksha The Demon
· 22 December 2009
· Chapter 5: Of Fell Winters, Chickens and Small Boys
What happened to your hair?
Heeee! Poor Denlad. He'd probably fight orcs than deal with annoying kids. And no, he can't throw Halbarad's son in the river, much as I can understand why he'd want to do so.
Seriously, the kid is cute but very realistic; smart and also pesky.
Good chapter; though I want more Aragorn/Denlad interaction.
Author's reply
Thanks, Raksha! Hard to have Aragorn/Denlad interaction quite yet, as they're miles apart, but there's more to come when Aragorn finally gets home, fear not.
And yes, I have to agree that there's a part of me as well that would rather deal with orcs than a pesky little boy! LOL
Thanks for the review!
Canafinwe
· 22 December 2009
· Chapter 6: Winds of Winter
Ooh, the cold! The biting, permeating, insidious cold! You had me shivering all through this chapter! In my corner of the globe, winter temperatures routinely drop below -45 degrees C (-50 F), and let me tell you, you have nailed this kind of storm! It's a calm, if cold, day, and then the sun comes out (or goes down) and the wind picks up and the temperature plummets...
I can understand Aragorn's self-castigation (and it's all too in-character!), but really, as Elladan said by the time he went charging after that horse he was already addled by the cold. That kind of weather makes thinking a chore long before hypothermia sinks in. The other point that neither of them seem to make (again, perfectly in-character) was that it was Turgil who took off first. Aragorn, being the consummate captain, could scarcely leave one of his men to go off alone.
The thawing scenes are simply fabulous: accurate, gut-wrenching, and yet oddly scrumptious. I just love to see Aragorn tended by his brother. Elladan's anger (read: terror), his firm ministrations, and his gentle soothing of Aragorn's tormented conciousness were absolutely sublime! My favourite moment in the whole chapter was '"Hush, my brother." Elladan put a hand on the back of Aragorn’s head, briefly pressing his own forehead to Aragorn’s as in old when Aragorn was only a child tagging along after the half-Elven brothers he idolized.' Much-needed consolation, fond filial love, and a reminder of wee little Estel long ago... who could ask for more!
Dear me, though, Mettare when the trees are in bloom indeed! I look forward to seeing how this plays out, but I do hope they aren't stranded for too long! Aragorn needn't worry too much about Denlad happening across his gifts, though: I don't really think he's got enough self-confidence yet to go poking around in the Chieftain's cottage.
Unless Ivorwen needs something from it and Denlad goes running in a fit of helpfullness. Uh-oh. The storm had better break quickly!
Author's reply
Thank you! You read Elladan's anger perfectly--he was hiding terror in anger, that sort of "Now that I've found you, I'm going to kill you" reaction mothers have when they finally track down a wayward child. And I'm so glad that I got the weather pegged. I don't live quite so far north that we deal with those extremely low temperatures, but being something of a weather nerd, I do know how brutal... and shockingly fast-arriving... a storm system like this can be. I knew someday I wanted to write Aragorn and Halbarad inadvertently trapped by a storm like this, and this story presented the perfect moment.
"Denlad goes running in a fit of helpfulness"... I love that! LOL Is there medication for that, do you think? *g*
Thanks for the review!
Canafinwe
· 22 December 2009
· Chapter 5: Of Fell Winters, Chickens and Small Boys
Aw, bless Denlad's heart! Poor boy's so worried. He's a thoroughly loveable character, Cairistiona! Simply marvellous. I just love the banter between Ivorwen and Dirhael, and Ivorwen's instant comprehension of Delad's concern for his chickens (awwwwww...).
Ugh. I hate ice. If it weren't for ice, winter would be wonderful. I was getting a headache just reading about Denlad's falls! And that cantankerous chicken! He's much more patient than I am, I think! Or perhaps not... the chickens and the ice escape his wrath, but his annoyance at the boy (and seven-year-old boys, however adorable, are trying even to the saints among us!) hold some of his frustration, I think. I can't help but wonder whether Denlad has lingering memories of other confident boys, in other villages, who tormented him when he was small. Poor Denlad.
I let out a "squee" of delight when I realized the precocious hair-critic belonged to Halbarad. He certainly has the tenacity of his house! To say nothing of the charisma. Your original characters are a joy to read!
My, but Denlad's building Halbarad into something of an ogre, isn't he? I look forward to seeing the two of them together... Denlad will be so nervous! It must be quite an interesting road between this shy young man and the confident Ranger in "At Hope's Edge". Another fabulous chapter! Well done!
Author's reply
Thank you so much! I'm with you 100% about ice. The last several winters we've dealt not with snow but with terrible ice storms and sleet and it's been horrid. Give me a foot of snow any day over ice. Anyway, I digress... I do think you make a very good point that I hadn't really thought about, that Denlad would be a mite more irritated at Halbaron because of his own unhappy childhood, which really wasn't all that far past. Fortunately, his own sense of compassion and innate friendliness (despite being shy) keeps him from becoming truly frustrated (no throwing him in the river, after all!).
Except that Denlad has met Halbarad, both over the years on the visits and a bit more in depth on the 2-day ride to the settlement, he probably does imagine Halbarad is at least part orc and part troll!
Canafinwe
· 22 December 2009
· Chapter 4: Howls in the Night
Gripping account of the wolf-hunting. I was braced for a far worse outcome than the one you gave us! Aragorn was lucky to escape with a dislocated shoulder (though I say it as shouldn't...)
I love Halbarad's dry wit, the careful characterization of your own Rangers, Aragorn's good humour despite the interruption of the Mettare celebrations, and your perfectly perfect twins!
Gah! Thank goodness there's no sign of "brain fever". That's the last thing they need (especially with Aragron bitten!). Ick.
I simply adore how, even unknown and unappreciated, Aragorn is still the responsible and bountiful lord, sharing the wolf-pelts that his own folk can surely use with the needy of Archet. It's a very in-character decree, and wonderfully in the spirit of Mettare. It's these details that lend such a richness to your work. Bravo!
Author's reply
Thank you, Canafinwe! I always have seen Aragorn as having a charitable and generous spirit, so yes, his first thought would be how to share the bounty of the wolf pelts, especially as it was those people who bore the brunt of the attacks.
And yes, no brain fever (which is my own made-up term for rabies... I figured they'd call it something like that). This story's scope didn't lend itself to having to heal Aragorn from rabies! *shudder*
So glad you liked all of this, and the twins. Thanks!
Midnight Promise
· 22 December 2009
· Chapter 6: Winds of Winter
Aw, Estel is worried about Denlad's present. . . :3
FLUFFINESS! I absolutely ADORE the scenes between Aragorn and the twins! Maybe there will be more scenes/possible flashback of when Estel was a child "tagging after his idolized brothers"? ^_^
Hahaa, I can't believe Elladan slapped him! I shouldn't be laughing. . . .hehehehe. ;3
Awesome job, LOVED IT!
Kudos,
MP
Canafinwe
· 22 December 2009
· Chapter 3: Teach Me to be a Warrior
"When he is gone, I am in charge". Oh-ho! So that's how it is, then? I love your Dirhael! Though doubtless Aragorn's right in that Denlad needs a place of his own, he's still awfully young and with a storm coming (bad news for our wolf-hunting Rangers...) he'll be much better off with Dirhael and Ivorwen. Perhaps they can help to bring him out of his shell and to make him feel more at home.
I'm glad Denlad had a chance to cry. I doubt he would have done so in front of Aragorn (and he'd be mortified to know that Aragorn took note of his readened eyes). Dirhael, once again, fits the bill perfectly!
Interestingly enough, Denlad doesn't seem to be aware of Aragorn's relationship to Dirhael. The deference that the Chieftain shows this old man will make more sense once he makes that discovery!
I do love the hints at Aragorn's early encounters with Halbarad! Of course, he would be too well-bred to defy authority, but I'm sure Halbarad's more... rustic methods of instruction came as a shock after the careful tutelage of Glorfindel and the twins. Maybe you should write that story next? *hopeful eyes*
Dirhael handled "History for Practicing Dunedain" very nicely: all the necessary information without too many daunting details. And of course, "Teach me to be a warrior, that I might defend him." makes me love Denlad even more than I already do, if that's possible!
Author's reply
Thank you again (it's such a nice lift waking up this morning to all your reviews!)
Denlad doesn't have people sorted out into relationships quite yet, no... he's still barely grasping the names of everyone. And I do intend someday to write Aragorn's early days with the Dunedain and the growth of his friendship with Halbarad. As I also intend to write Halbarad's days coming to manhood, before Aragorn even arrives.
So glad you're loving Denlad!
Canafinwe
· 22 December 2009
· Chapter 2: Mettarë Interrupted
Ooh, now, if I liked Aragorn the benefactor, I *love* Aragorn the cherished grandson! It's such a homey image, Aragorn sitting at his grandmother's table while she feeds him and dotes upon him! You portray Ivorwen and Dirhael so beautifully: wise and noble, and yet also kind and very down-to-earth. They're a delight to read about! It's wonderful that Aragorn has such wise grandparents to whom he can voice his doubts... and doubly wonderful that they're able to affirm his judgement. It must be comforting to have that support once in a while -- it would be rare enough in the field, I think.
The scene with the children is absolutely fantastic! I've seen kids do this, too. It's such a deliciously human moment, and once again a wonderful respite from Aragorn's usual toils. It's so refreshing to see him at home, amongst his own people who know him and love him.
The gathering of the gifts was fabulous: you thought of everything! I thoroughly loved the scene with Elladan and Elrohir (even if they did bring grim tidings). My favourite part, though, was the joke about Halbarad and his wife, and the fact that they have four children. I approve of large families, and Tolkien did, too! I hope we'll have a chance to meet Halbarad's wife, and to see our dour-handed Ranger with his family!
But of course, it wouldn't be much of a story without a dangerous errand, and so it seems we're off to hunt wolves... I wish everyone good luck with that one!
Author's reply
Thank you! I definitely see Aragorn leaning on the love and strength of his grandparents when he is home with his Dunedain people. I imagine they fed his soul with love, his mind with wisdom and, at least on Ivorwen's part, his belly with food! And he of course would be the apple of their eye--Halbarad, too, but Aragorn especially since he lost his father so early and at least at this point, does not have his mother present to lend succor and comfort.
I always saw Aragorn as someone to whom children would be naturally drawn. So why not a gang tackle! I've been on the receiving end of gang hugs from the children at church and there's nothing that beats it, so I wanted to be sure Aragorn knew that feeling.
And large families... yes, Halbarad and Miriel will have that. The Dunedain tended not to have a lot of children but *someone* has to work to repopulate their people. *g*
Thanks for the review!
Canafinwe
· 22 December 2009
· Chapter 1: On the Outside Looking In
Sorry for the delay in reading! Time is at a premium this week. My reviews will be shorter than usual for the same reason, I'm afraid. My humblest apologies.
I haven't seen much of Denlad so far, so it's lovely to get some of the backstory that is hinted at in the early chapters of "At Hope's Edge". Poor child: what an unhappy life he has led! You were tugging at my heartstrings with his lonely perspective of the goings-on of the Dunedain. Of course, *we* know they are kind and friendly folk, and would gladly include him in their preparations, but poor Denlad has no way of knowing that.
Even more painful is the account of his miserable months tending his mother. He may be almost grown, but he's still too young to bear such burdens on his own. That the knowledge of his close brush with starvation "still woke him shuddering in the night" is even more wrenching.
It's so wonderful to see Aragorn in this light: a mentor, and a benefactor, doing what he can to comfort and aid one of his folk. Small wonder Denlad grows into one of the Chieftain's chosen men -- I can already see the seeds of that fierce loyalty being sown here!
Lovely chapter all 'round! On to the next...
Author's reply
Thank you, Canafinwe! And goodness, I'm just glad you're having a chance to read this... I know everyone's very busy this week. Don't fret a bit about the length of your reviews. :)
I'm so glad you're enjoying this deeper look into Denlad's character. I've long wanted to start on that and this plot idea blossomed into a perfect opportunity. The seeds of loyalty were definitely sown both here and every year that Aragorn visited him as a young boy. But now is when the sowing gives way to the nurturing, I think.
I hope you enjoy the entire tale!
shirebound
· 22 December 2009
· Chapter 6: Winds of Winter
Thank goodness Elladan and Elrohir are with them, and that at least one farmer has the sense to give Rangers shelter when they need it.
*shivers*
Author's reply
Thanks, shirebound! And I shivered all the way through writing that; funny how writing cold scenes can make you feel cold! And yes, one woodsman at least is a friend to our lonely Rangers. I figured there had to be a *few* folks around there that were friendly.
Marethiel
· 22 December 2009
· Chapter 6: Winds of Winter
I come from the northeastern most tip of New York State, right up on the Canadian border, and I have seen blizzards like the one described, though gratefully haven't had too many fast killing chills like the one the author so ably describes. Scary as all get-out, and Cairistiona nails it.
So many wonderful moments in this chapter: I absolutely LOVE it that his big brothers are the ones who save him, Halbarad and Turgil; Estel getting scolded by the big brothers; his remorse at not being superhuman enough to keep his beloved men from injury; how he still wants to be sure the farmer receives some kind of payment; and then ending with his gifts for Denlad.
Angst-a-Poppin! LORDY, what fun!
~Marethiel
Author's reply
Thank you, Marethiel! I'm glad I got the blizzard described right. I have never been through such a storm but I know they happen, from reading them in books (The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder, anyone?) and from seeing them everywhere on the news. We *have* had those kinds of sudden drops in temperatures, where within an hour temps have dropped 40+ degrees. Those are awful.
I'm glad you like all the "personal" stuff as well as the weather in this. It was fun to write Elladan and Elrohir giving the comfort instead of Halbarad to Aragorn or vice versa. Brothers just have a special way about them.
"Angst-a-Poppin"... LOL!!
Thanks for the review!
Estelcontar
· 22 December 2009
· Chapter 5: Of Fell Winters, Chickens and Small Boys
LOL and there is that Cooper again. Do you know only now did I notice I had written Cooper instead of Copper. Doofusness, Thy Name is Estelcontar. *g*
Author's reply
I don't know how many times I typed Cooper myself, so I know how easy it is! LOL
Estelcontar
· 22 December 2009
· Chapter 6: Winds of Winter
What an exciting chapter.You did a great job of describing that horse chase. I felt right there with them, and felt like skipping ahead to see what was going to happen to them in that horrible snowstorm. The entire sequence in the snow was most vivid, but the horse chase was totally exciting.
I also enjoyed the part with Aragorn and his brothers because it felt so intimate and brotherlike, and at the same time it was not too sentimental. To my mind you struck just the right note there.
Bring on chapter Seven.
Author's reply
Thanks, Estelcontar! I'm glad you liked the horse chase... Aragorn wasn't exactly thinking straight by then or he would have let the darned thing go. And of course Halbarad by that time was running on autopilot as well, following Aragorn wherever he leads, even if it doesn't make sense to. And Turgil, well, it was his horse. LOL So... recipe for disaster, pretty much, so it was good that the twins were along. I'm glad you liked my not-too-sentimental moment between Aragorn and Elladan. I definitely do not like treacly scenes, so that's good that you think I hit the mark.
Thanks for the review! Chapter 7 is coming along tomorrow. :)
Estelcontar
· 22 December 2009
· Chapter 5: Of Fell Winters, Chickens and Small Boys
That was a most delightfully lighthearted chapter. I just loved to see Denlad opening up to Dírhael and Ivorwen's loving and wise handling. The interlude with Red and Cooper was most enjoyable. Cooper is a real character, and has a mind of her own, doesn't she? LOL
And it goes withouth saying that I just loved Halbaron to bits. He's a most worthy son of Halbarad. *g*
A very enjoyable chapter indeed.
Author's reply
Thanks, Estelcontar! I'm glad you like my silly chickens... Denlad needs something to vex him, as if he's not got it rough enough already. :) Copper really is a character... very much her own hen!
Glad you like Halbaron. I know a little boy very much like him, right down to the missing teeth and endless questions.
Thanks for the review!
Silivren Tinu
· 22 December 2009
· Chapter 5: Of Fell Winters, Chickens and Small Boys
LOL, poor Denlad! He'll probably take to his heels the moment he sees Halbarad the next time and I can't blame him - Dirhael is *not* helping! *g* Between Copper and Halbarad, Denlad really doesn't have an easy life. ;-) I'm glad Halbaron liked his hair, though, even if I'm not sure Denlad was too happy about it. I enjoyed this chapter very much! :D
Author's reply
Thanks, Almut! So glad you liked this more lighthearted chapter... yeah, Denlad's probably in a bit of a snit about all the comments about his hair but at least in the end he got his sticky cookie kiss. There's nothing like getting a cookie kiss from a little kid. *g* And yeah, that Dirhael's got a mean streak, doesn't he? LOL Thanks again for the review!
Minerva Organa
· 22 December 2009
· Chapter 5: Of Fell Winters, Chickens and Small Boys
Oh man, suddenly I feel like I'm a counselor back at camp...the real world makes me feel so young that only in the context of small children could nineteen be considered ancient =P. Loved this! And you're building up anticipation of Halbarad's and Denlad's meeting quite nicely...very interested to see how it actually turns out!
Author's reply
LOL... yes, only little kids think 19 is old! Hmm, wonder how Denlad would do as a camp counselor!
Thanks for the review!
Vilwarin
· 22 December 2009
· Chapter 5: Of Fell Winters, Chickens and Small Boys
*snork and giggle* I absolutely loved this chapter - all of it! It's left me with the same question as Denlad, though - who is related with whom in what way and how old are they? :D
Author's reply
Thanks, Vilwarin! I'm glad this chapter gave you a smile. :) I think poor Denlad needs a guidebook to the residents of this little village!
Mirach
· 22 December 2009
· Chapter 5: Of Fell Winters, Chickens and Small Boys
I really enjoyed this chapter. It made me laugh, not like on something hilarious, but on the relaxed atmosphere and feeling of familiarity. Loved the chickens, and the mention of Ivorwen's blankets and Halbaron, and everything! =)
Author's reply
Thanks, Mirach! Yes, it's definitely quiet humor here... although the chicken chase did smack a bit of the absurd! But catching chickens can be hard, especially one as ornery as Copper. Thanks for the review!
Midnight Promise
· 22 December 2009
· Chapter 5: Of Fell Winters, Chickens and Small Boys
Wow, even though Halbarad isn't there, I want to kill him for freaking out Denlad. . .lol!
Aw, I hope to see Halbarad with his kids. :)
. . .Scary chicken. . . .
Awesomeness abounding!
Merry Christmas!
MP
Author's reply
Thanks, MP! Yeah, Copper is a little scary, isn't she? I don't think I'd care to try to catch her or hold onto her. And I think Halbarad might not be too pleased to know his reputation as a kindhearted, huggable bear of a Ranger, *cough*, is being besmirched. *g*
Merry Christmas to you, too!
jgmsccc
· 21 December 2009
· Chapter 5: Of Fell Winters, Chickens and Small Boys
I have been enjoying this story very much, but I had to write because this last chapter was absolutely delightful. Denlad is actually going through some hard times, yet what comes through is the joy that the Dunedain are able to maintain.
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm always grateful for the quiet readers, but it's a treat when I actually hear from one. I'm so glad you're enjoying the story... I do see the Dunedain as a people who have learned that joy does not arise out of circumstance but out of the condition of the heart despite the circumstance. There's much strength in that wisdom, if it can be found.
I hope you enjoy the rest of the story and thank you for leaving a review--it's always appreciated!