Mirach
· 20 January 2011
· Chapter 7: The Dwarf Didn't Like It Either
Wonderful chapter! Aragorn can be very stubborn if he wants to, but he stood no chance against a wizard here. And personally, I love flying, although I had the chance to fly with a parachute only once. So I can totally understand the last paragraph, but I can easily understand the rest, too. The thought of flying had to be much more unusual to the people of Middle-earth then to us, and it was almost funny when Durvain enthusiastically showed his shadow to Aragorn - it's quite understandable the dwarf didn't like it either! Durvain is really an amazing eagle, and I love to see that Aragorn can finally trust him after the fight.
It was a few times that I tried to read this chapter today but had no more time then a few minutes, but when I finally had the time to read it to the end, I loved every bit of it.
Author's reply
Thank you, Mirach! I'm probably more like you than not when it comes to flying (although not sure I could do the parachuting thing), so it was a bit of a stretch for me to write Aragorn's troubles. Far easier, like you, for me to relate to that last paragraph! But in thinking about the residents of Middle-earth and flying, it's pretty easy to see where it would probably be more common than not for someone to look on that experience with a lot of trepidation. Add in Aragorn's unfortunate childhood incident and it's little wonder he was squeaking with fright. :)
I'm glad you had a chance finally to read the entire thing to the end... it was a bit longer than most chapters but I didn't want to split it into two. There's enough cliffhanger chapters as it is in this story!
Thanks for the review!
Silivren Tinu
· 20 January 2011
· Chapter 7: The Dwarf Didn't Like It Either
I knew you wouldn't make things easy for your favourite ranger, but I have to admit I never thought he'd be attacked while flying through the air! Given the circumstances, Aragorn handled his first flight far better than I could have done - I probably would have died from fright. *g*
Durvain really is "great of heart" - I bet that rogue eagle was quite surprised when he turned on him! I'm just glad both Aragorn and Durvain survived mostly unscathed. Since Aragorn seems to be able to enjoy flying now, I guess the attack was good for something. ;-) I'm really not surprised that Durvain's erstwhile dwarven passenger wasn't really keen on admiring his shadow, too. I pity that poor dwarf, lol!
Author's reply
Thanks, Almut! I'm glad I stirred up some pity for that unnamed dwarf--it was nice of Tolkien to have left some of those details out in "The Hobbit" so I could play a bit. *g*
Durvain really is a scrapper, I think. He's small, but he really can't be pushed around, which is a good thing for Aragorn! I think by this point of the story, Durvain has taken on Aragorn as a surrogate son, for all that he was talking earlier about this experience being good for Menelris. I think it's actually given Durvain the healing he needed as well.
Fingers crossed the rest of the flight goes more smoothly. *g*
Linda Hoyland
· 19 January 2011
· Chapter 5: Tuck Your Head Under
I just love your eagles. THeir sorrow nicely mirrors poor wounded Aragorn's pain.It is heartrending to see him like this.
Author's reply
Thank you, Linda... what an interesting comparison of the Eagles' heartbreak to Aragorn's pain. I hadn't thought about the two mirroring each other--thank you for sharing that insight!
Ainu Laire
· 19 January 2011
· Chapter 7: The Dwarf Didn't Like It Either
Aragorn has no fears... except this!
I like how you paint him human in these last two chapters, showing that even men like Aragorn have very human, somewhat irrational fears. Fearing the large eagles even though logic completely dictates against it, for instance... that's fantastic. And I do not blame him for fearing to fly. Perhaps when he was a young man, he would be more bold, but an older, wiser Aragorn... it makes sense.
I love his bonding with Durvain. I smiled at the name; I named my character's horse in LOTR Online the same thing, and it is likely a name I'll use in a fanfic sometime or another. Glad to see you noted the mutation too! Anyways, the eagle... he cracked me up quite a bit in this chapter. I love how he is a bit oblivious to Aragorn's paralyzing fear. Like, he knows he doesn't like it, but doesn't quite seem to realize that he is absolutely stricken with terror. I laughed when he showed him his shadow and then stuck him out! Oh, what a fantastic character... I don't see him appearing again in any story, which is a pity, for I've really grown to like him. Menelris is likeable, too, but he is just fantastic.
The battle with the other eagle and Aragorn's shout of joy at the end was just perfect, too. I love how Aragorn evolved from fearing him to really respecting and trusting him. Perhaps he could help see to his wing or something.
I also noted how Gandalf used Aragorn's real name at the end, there. I wonder if the Eagles will also notice and comment about it.
One question about Beorn... is this the same Beorn as in the Hobbit? I guess you viewed Beorn as rather young in the Hobbit? Because with 60 years passing, he must be outright ancient. I imagine that Grimbeorn will be around, or at least mentioned... and maybe a wife for him, too? Unless Beornings procreate by budding... :D
Looking forward to more.
Author's reply
Thanks, Laire! Glad you enjoyed this wild flight of a chapter. :) I too like the idea (obviously) of Aragorn being beset by a few of those things that are common to man, like childhood phobias. He might handle them a bit better (or not!) than most, but I still think he might struggle with them.
My take on Beorn and his age... after researching everything I could find on him, and not finding an age anywhere, nor even a time of death (other than he had the span of a "normal" man), I knew I had a clean slate. So, after discussion with my trusty betas, I decided that in "The Hobbit", it wouldn't be out of line to assume, for my "universe", that Beorn was around 30... I figured it wasn't a stretch to have him fairly young and vigorous when he went to war at the Battle of Five Armies. So that puts him near 90 at the time of my tale--and some 90 year-olds are very strong and active still. And since Beorn is a man, by Tolkien's own definition, he would have had a wife to have produced Grimbeorn. So no budding or cloning involved. *g*
How cool you also have a character named Durvain! As for my Durvain not ever showing up in other tales... one never knows. *g* He really is a fun character--I wanted him to be far less aloof and serious than Menelris, but still with a sort of innocent dignity about him. And of course, that caring nature that one wouldn't expect in an Eagle. He's been great fun to write, and I confess to being surprised a bit at the chemistry that sprang up between him and Aragorn. Funny how your own characters (and borrowed characters) will surprise you like that.
Thanks for the thoughtful review!
Lily Baggins
· 19 January 2011
· Chapter 7: The Dwarf Didn't Like It Either
Oh my goodness, what an AWESOME chapter! I'm sitting here grinning like a total fool.
First off... let me say that I sympathize GREATLY with Aragorn. I have an incredibly intense fear of flying in airplanes. The last time I had to get aboard one, years ago, I remember closing my eyes and making quite a number of deals with God if he'd just let me survive it. I get nervous for days before I have to fly... now, I just won't. I would rather do ANYTHING than fly in one of those unnatural silver machines that have a gazillion parts to them---any one of which could go wrong and lead to a spiraling, fiery death.
So, I understand. I do. I don't blame him a bit.
Aragorn is utterly adorable here---if he can be called such---with his petulance and pouting and stubbornness. Oh, I adored his bad attitude about flying so very much . . . I can't tell you how amusing I found it. And his attempt to hide the fact that he can't even sit up on his own---oh, Aragorn, you try to fool a wizard but you can't! How awesome is that? This is h/c I live for!
VOMITING AND THEN PASSING OUT---MY ARAGORN DREAM FIC! You rock, you SO rock---I am speechless! I am overcome!!! I can't even express my facial expression at the whole "stand up, collapse, vomit, pass out" episode. That was superbly done, and I will see it in my mind's eye for years. Oh, Aragorn was so pitiful and trying so hard... it was just perfect. And Durvain does make me laugh---the shoes comment was priceless.
I loved the humor in this chapter to bits. I think I did laugh the most at Durvain's innocent attempt to show Aragorn the scenery! How hilarious!
But oh, oh---you wicked THING. Poor Aragorn just actually lived through his worst, most horrible nightmare---the fear of an eagle wanting to eat him and trying to grab at him! I would be in fetters. Now that is some bad luck---I'm very surprised he even got back in the air! But I suppose it's like falling off a horse and having to get back on.
Gandalf's concern for Aragorn in this chapter was just lovely... especially the sweet embrace and calming Aragorn's fears as he shivered and quaked... adored every moment of it.
Gosh, I could just babble on all night if you let me. I can't possibly relate to you how happy this story is making me! Words cannot express.
Author's reply
LOL, Lily!!!! Thank you so much... I figured you'd be in raptures at a certain scene in this and I'm relieved to find I predicted well. *g* I honestly didn't think Aragorn's condition was going to lend itself to that, but as the story went on, and then this chapter came along and he started acting so foolish--well, let's just say that he asked for it, silly Ranger!
You make an interesting point that I hadn't really thought about--that Aragorn's "grab him and eat him and spit out his bones" nightmare might have actually come true had that southern Eagle gotten him. Now I wished I'd touched on that a bit! Ah well. I think, though, that to my mind, the moment Aragorn finally was a bit free of those fears was when he looked up at the wound on Durvain's wing and felt the battle surge rise. It's hard to be fearful when you're wanting to get your sword out and go to war, even if you are 8,000 feet above Arda!
And I wondered how many people who are afraid of flying would read this and relate. I'm actually not afraid of flying--I better not be, as my husband is in the aviation industry! So I had to go a bit by "insight through imagination", to borrow a line from a Dick Francis novel. And I had to make sure I didn't make Aragorn TOO craven. He is Aragorn, after all. Inzilbeth helped immensely in guiding me in keeping Aragorn frightened but still Aragorn. But I thought it safe that even Aragorn might be afraid to fly, since less than 1% of the population of Arda ever had the experience!
Don't take off your seatbelt or pull down the tray table in front of you just yet... still more flying to come in the next chapter!
Thanks for the review!
Darkover
· 19 January 2011
· Chapter 7: The Dwarf Didn't Like It Either
This is another fine chapter! Poor Aragorn! He faced up to his fears more bravely than I suspect I would have. I'm really beginning to like Durvain, as well--he may be small for a giant Eagle, but he has a big heart. Gandalf, as before, is completely in-character--made abrupt and impatient by worry, but deeply concerned about his friend. I'm glad Aragorn was finally able to bring himself to enjoy the experience, at least to some extent, before it ended. Sure, it would be scary, but think of how cool it would be to fly! I eagerly await the next installment. Thank you for writing and posting this one. Sincerely, Darkover
Author's reply
Thank you, Darkover! So glad you liked this chapter, and very glad indeed that you're growing to like Durvain. He really has carved a soft spot in my heart, I must admit. :) And I do think that Aragorn finally overcame the last of his fears of Eagles; now it remains to be seen whether he has the stamina left to actually enjoy the final leg of his flight. He's been through a lot for a wounded, weakened man, even if he is a Numenorean!
Thanks for the review!
shirebound
· 19 January 2011
· Chapter 7: The Dwarf Didn't Like It Either
Oh, what a thrilling experience! And what a sweet love story between these mighty and wonderful Eagles. This chapter was mesmerizing, and the end was just wonderful. Goodness, whatever will that prickly Beorn think of all this?
Author's reply
Thank you, shirebound! Hopefully some of Beorn's prickles have worn a bit smoother over the years, but yes, it'll be interesting to find out, won't it!
AzureSkye
· 19 January 2011
· Chapter 7: The Dwarf Didn't Like It Either
Wow, those sound like some pretty miserable nightmares. Love the question of Numenorean insanity....and it sounds like Aragorn doesn't like sailing. As mild as Durvain is I really don't think he's liking Aragorn calling his talons hooks and claws. And the seven-year-old looks never work anymore do they? I was laughing hysterically when Durvain told Aragorn to try again; he'd missed Gandalf's boots. I don't think I could have taken the turbulence or the dive during the flight, I *hate* falling. I don't like roller coasters for that very reason. I'd never even considered there might be "fallen" eagles, but I suppose as every other race has some, eagles must too. And its wonderful that Aragorn has finally gotten over his fear of flying!
Author's reply
Thank you, AzureSkye! I'm with you in not being particularly fond of that feeling of freefall (although I used to love rollercoasters in my younger days!). I don't think you'll ever catch me, or Aragorn, skydiving!
As for "fallen" eagles... that southern eagle is an original character but the idea of him is straight out of canon. In "The Hobbit", Tolkien tells us, "Eagles are not kindly birds. Some are cowardly and cruel. But the ancient race of the northern mountains were the greatest of all birds; they were proud and strong and noble-hearted." I wrote Menelris in the same vein as Tolkien wrote most of his Eagles, but Durvain I wanted to be a bit of an exception--much like in nature, one can very rarely come across an exceptionally friendly wild animal. I wanted Durvain to be that exception to the rule--still very much the noble-hearted and strong, proud bird, but also with a rare charitable streak. And if you don't mind my yammering too much on where I get ideas for characters, Durvain was influenced in part by a real bald eagle named Freedom, who had been rescued and brought back to health and has proven to be exceptionally friendly and caring toward both her caregiver and also, inexplicably, toward the seriously and terminally ill. If you google "Freedom the Eagle", you can find more information about her. :)
Fantasia
· 19 January 2011
· Chapter 7: The Dwarf Didn't Like It Either
Of course that your Aragorn's fly experience couldn't have been easy, he has to get in trouble!
Love those Eagles, they are the best thing that happened to Aragorn in years, I'm sure.
"You missed his shoes, Master Strider. Perhaps you should try again." - Again, this made me laugh.
Do you think that the Eagles can fetch Elrond? I think that we will need him to tend Aragorn injuries.
Author's reply
Hee hee... yes, Fantasia, with me it can't just be a simple flight to Beorn's Hall, can it. And sending them to fetch Elrond--that's an interesting thought. Trouble is, winter has already struck up in the high passes, and I don't think Elves can fly any higher than Men can, so I think Aragorn will have to settle for Gandalf and whoever they might find at Beorn's Hall.
Thanks for the review!
Radbooks
· 18 January 2011
· Chapter 6: Grab Him and Eat Him and Spit Out His Bones...
I'm really enjoying this story! I loved the glimpse of Aragorn as a child... very fun. I'm glad that he remembered where his fear of eagles came from, it would have made it tough for him to trust the bird otherwise. :)
Thanks so much for sharing!
Author's reply
Thanks, Radbooks... glad you're still enjoying it! I love thinking about how Aragorn's childhood might have went, in those small, everyday ways. We know the "big" stuff, but I like thinking about all the little things... not that getting scared out of one's four-year-old mind is little! But it's not something in canon, though I think it could fit canon. At any rate, hopefully the realization will help some, but I imagine it's still going to be hard to accept that he's going to have to fly, flying not being something most residents of Middle-earth ever think they'll do!
Thanks for the review!
Silivren Tinu
· 18 January 2011
· Chapter 6: Grab Him and Eat Him and Spit Out His Bones...
I have to say the title of this chapter made me quite nervous! I'm quite relieved no one (especially not a certain ranger) was grabbed and eaten during the course of this chapter. *g*
I can't blame Aragorn for not being entirely comfortable with the thought of being carried in the talons of a giant eagle, especially since he seems to have (at least imaginary) reason to be nervous. I loved that little scene with Aragorn and Glorfindel, though Aragorn would probably have been quite happy without it... or at least without the events leading to it. ;-)
It's good to see Gandalf in a grouchy mood again - it's almost worrying when he becomes too mother-henny. :D It's a pity he doesn't feel like dancing, though - I'd LOVE to see him dance that jig! *ignores glaring wizard* Poor Aragorn, though. It doesn't seem as if he's likely to feel any better anytime soon. Flying will be quite hard for him for more than one reason - if it even comes to the flying part and you don't have any more nasty surprises up your sleeve. I almost suspect you have. *g*
Author's reply
What, me? Nasty surprises?? *blinks innocently* Everyone seems to think I'll have nasty surprises for Aragorn and I can NOT imagine where they're getting such ridiculous ideas.
*coughs*
Okay, fine... I do see. *g* But if I say anything they won't be surprises, if such are in the offering, so I'll simply say thank you for your review! I think like you, Aragorn is also glad no one was eaten in the course of the chapter, least of all him. Bad enough he has those phobias of being eaten; he'll give no thanks to me for having anything gnaw on a leg or arm. And yes, now that Aragorn's showing tiny signs of improvement, Gandalf's relaxed enough to get grumpy instead of merely panicked and hysterical, which is always an improvement, but I don't think you'll get him to dance that jig, sorry. *g*
Thanks again for the review!
Lily Baggins
· 18 January 2011
· Chapter 6: Grab Him and Eat Him and Spit Out His Bones...
Oh wow, I keep thinking I can't enjoy the story any more than I am, and then you post a new chapter that I love even more than the ones before!
I have to say that you absolutely are a master at the Aragorn POV, and it's so nice to see his feelings here---and know exactly HOW he's feeling and the details of his injury.
Gandalf's "hysterical staccato" made me laugh! To someone as cool and collected as Aragorn, I can imagine it does seem like hysteria! But it's lovely to see how much Gandalf cares for Aragorn, hovering over him like a mother hen.
Mother hens and eagles! I must say, I can only imagine the night terrors a child in Middle-earth could suffer. It's a dangerous place with a lot of dark and scary things---that unfortunately DO exist as more than a figment of the imagination.
So... the wound is infected now. I must say that news should make me feel terrible, but it gives me a feeling of giddiness, because I know Aragorn isn't in for too easy a time of it. Poor thing! I would wipe his brow and soothe him if I could---but thank goodness he has Gandalf and Durvain. I can't even imagine how flying is going to feel in Aragorn's condition, can't even imagine how the poor dear is going to handle it!
Oh, I can't wait. This honestly all excites me to no end, reading this---it's quite unlike any Aragorn fic I've read before, and after nine years of reading LOTR fanfic, that's quite an awesome thing!
Author's reply
Thanks, Lily! This really isn't like any Aragorn fic that I've seen either--whether that's good or bad I'll leave in the eyes of the readers. LOL I always try to write my take on scenarios as uniquely as possible, even if it's something that's been done a million times before (which this storyline definitely hasn't). I think I've managed to do that here; I've never heard of any stories out there that take Aragorn to the places he has gone and will go in this tale. *fingers crossed*
You make an excellent point about M-e being a scary place for children... I wonder that any of them grew up without screaming cases of the heeby-jeebies but I suppose they were a resilient and courageous lot, for the most part. Good thing!
Glad you enjoyed this latest chapter!
Estelcontar
· 17 January 2011
· Chapter 6: Grab Him and Eat Him and Spit Out His Bones...
I'm so glad to see that though injured Aragorn has not lost his sense of humour, and happy to hear his right earlobe at least was not giving him misery. LOL
This is a great chapter. Your description of the avalanche was so intense I almost felt as if I were poor Aragorn lying in the snow slowly freezing to death.
Aragorn's childhood terrors read very real, just like something that would have happened to a child. They do have great a great imagination, don't they, and can conjure these real life nightmares and believe in them most completely. I also reaally, reaally liked the way you used "...who would grab him and eat him and spit out his bones..." as a link between Estel's experience and Aragorn's irrational fear of eagles.
It also goes without saying that I enjoyed to bits Aragorn's reaction to Durvain, and his interaction with Gandalf. The humour which you instill in these scenes makes them very lively and entertaining. And the tail feather's bit had me chuckling out loud.
Author's reply
Thanks, Estelcontar! You know, I would have loved to have actually seen Durvain mumble that little complaint about the wind blowing across his bum! *g* Poor bird, but he's doing a good work, blocking the winds and keeping them warm. I'm glad you liked the link between the childhood event and his current fears--that was admittedly a challenge to come up with, because it's hard to make the mighty Aragorn afraid of anything, at least on that illogical, visceral level. Yes, he's frightened of the Nazgul but then anyone in their right mind would be; giving him a true, believable phobia was more of a challenge!
Glad you enjoyed it the second time around, and again, thanks for the review!
perennial lurker
· 17 January 2011
· Chapter 6: Grab Him and Eat Him and Spit Out His Bones...
Just came across this for the first time. This amazes me because I've wanted someone for *years* to do a thoughtful Aragorn and Gandalf friendship fic framed by their Gollum hunt. I've read a few one-shots but nothing like this. It's really good so far; your characterizations of both of them are just as good as your other stories. Here's an obligatory "keep up the good work." You really have a knack for writing Aragorn.
Author's reply
Thank you, perennial lurker! So glad you found the story and are enjoying it. There really aren't enough Aragorn & Gandalf friendship fics out there, and still fewer, as you say, framed by the hunt for Gollum, which to my mind had to have been their greatest endeavor together short of the events in LOTR. It's definitely worthy of exploration... challenging, though, because it's hard to figure out how to approach an event that took place over so many years. My solution is to take it in bite-sized adventures like this one.
Hope you enjoy the rest of the tale, and thank you for the review!
Darkover
· 17 January 2011
· Chapter 6: Grab Him and Eat Him and Spit Out His Bones...
This is the best chapter so far! You have a gift for writing dialogue. You have done a particularly good job of writing Gandalf in-character, and I loved his conversation with Strider. As usual, when the wizard is frustrated or worried--and in this situation, he is both--he gets tetchy and sarcastic. The thought of him dancing a jig is quite an image! You are doing a fine job with the h/c. In this chapter you express it mostly in words, and yet you still keep our favorite wizard and our favorite Ranger both in-character. It seems typical of Strider that, even though he appreciates Gandalf's concern, he would ascribe the shoulder-patting to a sort of "hysterical staccato"--good choice of words--and that Strider would do his best to tough things out, not letting on how much his injuries hurt. The title of this chapter certainly got my attention, and I quite sympathize with poor Strider's childhood fears. Childhood fears are intense and don't have to be rational, and they often stick with us even years later. Besides, Eagles, even noble and helpful ones, are still predators, and Strider's primitive hindbrain is probably responding to that with Durvain so close. Again, I am really enjoying this story. Thanks for posting so promptly, and I eagerly await the next chapter. Sincerely, Darkover
Author's reply
Thank you, Darkover! Glad you found this chapter even more to your liking than the others... it's one of my own favorites, to be honest. It was fun to explore the idea of Aragorn having a childhood fear that still rose up to bother him as an adult. He's always so brave and noble and capable that the idea of him being reduced to shivering fear is hard to write plausibly in character--the Wraiths apparently give him the "creeps" but I wanted to see if there could be some other, unexpected, thing that might (and yes, Eagles being predators helped in that regard... hard not to feel a bit dicey about those giant talons, simply on an instinctive level). "Cranky Gandalf", on the other hand, is not quite such a stretch, as Tolkien gave us so many wonderfully funny glimpses into the cantankerous nature of the Wizard.
Next chapter should be up on Thursday--thanks for reading!
curiouswombat
· 17 January 2011
· Chapter 6: Grab Him and Eat Him and Spit Out His Bones...
Oh dear - poor little Estel to have been so frightened - and oh, how those childhood fears and frights colour our adult selves, no matter how we try to reassure ourselves with logic.
Author's reply
Thank you, curiouswombat... yes, those fears we carry with us from childhood have much to answer for, and are very hard to put down. Aragorn will have his job cut out for him, methinks.
AzureSkye
· 17 January 2011
· Chapter 6: Grab Him and Eat Him and Spit Out His Bones...
Ooh, childhood phobia is it? Poor Aragorn. Love that the "orc" was Glorfindel, he's probably the farthest one can get from an orc! I really liked the discussion on sarcasm, as for this entire fic Gandalf's been the father figure, and suddenly its a reversal of roles, at least for a moment. Aragorn's head wound is troubling me, I'm getting the feeling your planning something....at the very least flying isn't going to be pleasant when every movement hurts like that. And Aragorn only wants to sleep on Eagle down now hmm? I wonder how successful he'll be. Probably not very. Well, I hope Aragorn will be able to make progress on feeling more comfortable with Eagles, and that the storm stops soon. Can't wait for the next chapter!
Author's reply
Thank you, AzureSkey--yes, childhood phobia it is. I think even one as mighty as Aragorn might have one or two, the same as everyone. :) And yes, I suppose it is a bit of a role reversal with those two, at least for the duration of that particular line of conversation! I hope you enjoy the next chapter--coming up on Thursday as usual. :)
Larner
· 17 January 2011
· Chapter 6: Grab Him and Eat Him and Spit Out His Bones...
As the victim of my own personal childhood-related phobia, I feel for Aragorn here! Poor guy!
Author's reply
Thank you, Larner! I think we all have those, be they big or little. And none of them seem to pay the least bit of attention to the stern voice of logic!
Fantasia
· 17 January 2011
· Chapter 6: Grab Him and Eat Him and Spit Out His Bones...
But he was also starting to worry about him, for he had a way, at Aragorn’s least movement or murmur, of instantly appearing at his side to hover in ill-concealed alarm while patting his shoulder in a somewhat hysterical staccato- This make me laugh.
Poor Aragorn, he is really in bad shape and now he will have to flight. Can't wait.
Author's reply
Thank you, Fantasia! Glad you laughed at that... I had noticed that Gandalf seemed to have developed almost a nervous habit of patting Aragorn's shoulder, and of course, that wouldn't have gone unnoticed, despite Aragorn's wits still being muddled. :) Glad you enjoyed the chapter!
Mirach
· 17 January 2011
· Chapter 6: Grab Him and Eat Him and Spit Out His Bones...
You convey Aragorn's feelings and thoughts amazingly realistically! Those childhood fears always emerge in the worst moment... Not that it would be always bad (I remember that Tolkien has been attacked by a big spider in South Africa when he was little... and we have Shelob and Ungoliant ;) But I really can imagine a huge painting of an eagle swooping down scaring a little boy with a vivid imagination, and it's hard to dispell the fear with reason in a situation when one's right earlobe is the only part of body that doesn't hurt (so far). And it's visible that Gandalf is very worried, maybe even a little guilty for convincing Aragorn to take on the Hunt. And I'm beginning to wonder, what is the carrying capacity of an eagle?
Author's reply
Thank you, Mirach! So glad you enjoyed this chapter. I think even someone as brave and heroic as Aragorn might have a few little "phobias", to use a modern term, that he might have to deal with, and thus his fear of Eagles has a logical explanation (even if the fear itself isn't exactly logical!). Just for trivia's sake, the painting of the Eagle in Glorfindel's apartment was inspired by one of Ted Nasmith's paintings, called "The Eagles of Manwe" (which you can find at his website--I'm not sure SoA will let me put a URL in a review reply), which is a beautiful painting but I imagine one that might frighten a little boy of four who was already worked up from thinking he was about to be eaten by orcs!
And yes, it is interesting to wonder what the carrying capacity of an Eagle is, especially a smaller one like Durvain!
Thanks for the review!
shirebound
· 17 January 2011
· Chapter 6: Grab Him and Eat Him and Spit Out His Bones...
I love all your details, from Aragorn tracing back his childhood fear to the simple pleasure of a soft, warm bed. It was good to finally learn what happened to him, and experience this situation and his injuries from his own POV.
Author's reply
Thank you, shirebound! I like including as many details as I can (without dragging down the pace of the story), and I confess that after writing about him sleeping on Eagle down, I've decided I want one of those beds for my own! :)
We'll be in Aragorn's POV for the duration, now... I wanted a "split" story, because I needed Gandalf's POV for the h/c when Aragorn was unconscious, but now that he's awake, it's time to get his thoughts on the situation!
Thanks again for the review.
Darkover
· 14 January 2011
· Chapter 5: Tuck Your Head Under
Dear Cairistiona: Another great chapter! I enjoyed reading this very much, and I appreciate the rapidity with which you posted it. If I have any criticism at all, it is that IMHO you may have anthromorphicized (sp?) the Eagles too much. But that is just me, and this is Middle-Earth, after all, where lots of creatures speak, and the nobler ones have compassion. Otherwise, though, you wrote this chapter with your usual great skill, including explaining such details as what an eagle was doing with blankets, and the methods they used to keep the Man and the Wizard warm and fed--they were the kind of solutions that might be found by two Eagles, not by humans. I also found myself getting upset and sympathizing with Menelris and Durvain on the loss of their fledgling. Indeed, the h/c of this chapter was particularly good, and I love well-done h/c! I'm glad you didn't leave Aragorn unconscious the whole time, and that he had some things to contribute to the chapter. Your portrayal of Gandalf was also especially good, IMHO--I liked the part about how Aragorn engenders paternal feelings in the wizard. And while I don't know if our favorite Ranger was in a position to appreciate it, I liked the way Gandalf kept trying to comfort him by patting his shoulder. I doubt if Aragorn, practical though he is, thought Gandalf mad; he probably appreciated the effort. When you're sick, injured, or miserable, even small gestures can make a difference in how you feel, and I believe Aragorn would appreciate that, even if he wouldn't mention it. Thank you for this most enjoyable chapter, and I continue to await the next one! Sincerely, Darkover
Author's reply
Thank you, Darkover... very thoughtful review! I'm glad you're enjoying the chapter (and it is my habit never to start posting a story until I have it completely finished, so hopefully there'll never be six-month long or more gaps in posting. Real life can throw a monkey wrench in things, of course, but I try to post on Monday and Thursday).
I'm glad you enjoyed the interaction between Aragorn and Gandalf... writing h/c with those two isn't the norm but it's been very fun to explore. And I don't like leaving Aragorn unconscious for too long--he's much more interesting to me awake and talking, or at least trying to talk. As for the Eagles, aside from giving them more depth and personality, I don't feel I've anthropomorphized them any more than Tolkien already has--as you say, this *is* Middle-earth, where talking animals do show up from time to time. In LOTR the Eagles are not as "talkative" but in "The Hobbit" they are, and I've based my characterizing on both sets of books, and on what I could glean from "The Silm", "History of M-e", etc. I felt it safe to assume they had lives and community and what-not similar to Men... they did have Chieftains and a Lord, after all, and showed up in very militaristic flying ranks at the Black Gates. I also researched real eagles and added in what I could of their way of living as well (which is where all the bits about nests and, sadly, that half the fledglings die on their first flights come from). At any rate, lest I bore you with the fascination I gained for eagles, both real and imaginary, I'll just say that I'm glad that my take on them hasn't caused you to lose interest in the tale.
Thanks again for the review!
Silivren Tinu
· 14 January 2011
· Chapter 5: Tuck Your Head Under
Awww, Menelris and Durvain are such a sweet pair! I'd like to cuddle them, but I fear they're probably a bit too big for that. *g* Birds have always been my favourite pets and I can only say you write the both of them and their entire demeanor perfectly (of course, budgies tend to be a bit different from eagles, but their mannerisms are still very much the same ;-). How sad that they had to lose poor Belechen in such a way! I already got the impression during the last chapter that Menelris rather enjoys mothering Aragorn (I'm sure he'd make a cute fledgling :D).
//He suddenly fluffed his feathers until he was nearly twice his size, an alarming sight that, even knowing Eagles as allies who would never bring him harm, nonetheless caused Gandalf to take an involuntary step backwards.//
I love it when birds do that! I wish someone would draw Menelris and Durvain, that scene included.
//It was a tight fit, but he wiggled and squirmed and shook his tail feathers and made it inside with the loss of only two feathers that the wind picked up and blew out into the storm. //
Another one of my favourite moments - Durvain must have looked so cute! *g* I really loved this chapter, in case you couldn't tell. ;-)
Author's reply
Thank you, Almut! I'm so glad you liked this chapter, and liked my birds. *g* It's funny--I don't really like the idea of birds as pets, but I love looking at them at the feeders, and at the exotic ones in zoos. And I love it when I spot eagles, which is rare. So all that feather-fluffing and head-bobbing and such came from a lot of observation, even if it was from a distance. I'm glad it all rang true to a bird lover!
And I would LOVE to see a drawing of Aragorn with these two... I just wish I could draw. *sigh*
Thanks again for the review!
Lily Baggins
· 13 January 2011
· Chapter 5: Tuck Your Head Under
I LOVE Durvain! He's darling---such a gentlemanly eagle, with a compassionate heart. I like to imagine him as the healer among the eagles, if eagles have such a thing. And their poor fledgling... so sad.
I have to say that Aragorn's fear of the eagles has me also imagining that maybe he once encountered some giant, exotic, desert bird-of-prey in Harad that attacked him or something! At least, it's an interesting thought, lol! Or maybe he's just not completely himself due to the head injury---that's a likely scenario.
I wonder if that might be one of Aragorn's blankets that Durvain picked up? Maybe our poor Ranger has been suffering for quite a long time from the cold, poor thing! Who knows?
My very favorite part of this chapter was seeing Gandalf become emotional over Aragorn's weakened state. Oh my... I live for that sort of stuff! I haven't really read much (if any?) fic so clearly describing Gandalf's attitude toward Aragorn, and so seeing that care and affection described here is just . . . wonderful. I felt like a melty puddle of goo after reading---with a lot of pity thrown in, because I well know that "hollow in the pit of your stomach" feeling you get when you're worried about the health of a loved one. It's a sinking, awful feeling, and you described it perfectly. No, I haven't seen Gandalf that shaken up before, and it was so nicely done.
And it goes without saying, doesn't it, that I ate up every wee bit of Aragorn's suffering and discomfort? Oh, absolutely! He does seem to be in quite a bit of pain, poor fellow, and I imagine the eagle down is going to be a real boon. Of course when Aragorn smiled and touched the down to his cheek, I wished I could just jump into the story and squeeze him!
I don't think I can wait for the next chapter---I need it yesterday, of course!
Author's reply
Ah, thank you, Lily! I'm so glad you like Durvain... when I was writing him I was really hoping everyone would take to him, because I kinda fell in love with him, too (if that's not too indulgent to say!). Funny how you get attached to certain OCs more than others--Durvain's now got a special niche in my heart right next to Denlad. :) Who knows, he might indeed be a healer, and it's an interesting thought that it might be one of Aragorn's blankets. Heaven knows after an avalanche, he might have lost some of his stuff. And I'm glad the eagle-down & smile made you want to squeeze Aragorn... but squeeze gently! He's a bit fragile right now. *g*
Thanks for the review!
Estelcontar
· 13 January 2011
· Chapter 5: Tuck Your Head Under
In my second read, I still enjoyed to bits. I like your Durvain. He's a very plucky one, and most admirably so because he is a bit of a runt. Having been one myself, I'll always have a soft spot in my heart for plucky, and kind-hearted runts like Durvain. My Lady Meneldir was very wise in her choice of a mate. I also liked seeing Durvain and Aragorn together and Aragorn's reaction to Durvain. Needless to say, I loved the idea of Gandalf having paternal feelings for Aragorn. Somehow it feels right.
Poor Belechen! What a sad fate. I'm glad Meneldir found someone as worthy as our ranger to lavish her mothering instincts on.
Author's reply
Yay! Thank you, Estelcontar... I'm always glad when things hold up to a second reading. Durvain really is a bit of a plucky runt, isn't he! I've got a soft spot for runts, too, so it was fun to explore that in this character. And I've always seen Gandalf as another father-figure for Aragorn, albeit one with a sort of comrade-in-arms sort of flavor as well. It's an interesting dynamic, the relationship between those two.