The Ranger and the Eagles by Cairistiona
Larner · 13 January 2011 · Chapter 5: Tuck Your Head Under
I find I LOVE Durvain. Menelris is a most discerning soul to have taken this gentle soul as her mate! A lovely chapter! And I grieve for the loss of their eaglet.
Author's reply
Thank you, Larner! So glad you love Durvain... he needs love. :) And I'm glad that their story touched your emotions. Thanks for the review!
Minerva Organa · 13 January 2011 · Chapter 4: A Bit Feeble in the Feathers
How much do I love Menelris? Thiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiss much!! I love that the Eagles have finally come, I love that you have given us a female Eagle, and I *love* the way you characterize her. The way she talks is very similar to how I've always imagined the Eagles, and the exchanges between her and Gandalf are perfect. And of course, I also love Gandalf and Aragorn. And am very concerned for our Ranger!!
Author's reply
Thank you, ma'am! I'm so glad you like Menelris... I had a lot of fun creating her, almost as much fun as coming up with owies to inflict on poor Aragorn. *g*
shirebound · 13 January 2011 · Chapter 5: Tuck Your Head Under
What dear, wonderful eagles! I just adore them both. Such a sad experience for them, but it's lovely that Menelris has someone to 'mother' again.
Author's reply
Thank you, shirebound! So glad you like them. :) Menelris is more the "fiercely protective" mother figure, whereas Durvain is sweetness personified and a nurturer through and through... and they both needed someone to care for. Lucky Aragorn!
LisaG · 13 January 2011 · Chapter 5: Tuck Your Head Under
Very sweet! I'm really loving the eagles in this story. :) It's good that Gandalf has a "friend" to lean on and help him with our sweet injured ranger. I wonder if Aragorn's fear of the eagles is based off of a bad experience with them as a child? He seems awfully fearful of them...or is it just the fever of the infection that's not letting him think straight?
Author's reply
Thank you, LisaG! So glad you're enjoying the Eagles; they really have arrived at the right moment, as Eagles tend to do. :) As for Aragorn's fear... could be any number of factors, including those you mention. And it could just be the sheer size and unexpected appearance of it in cave--waking up expecting to see only Gandalf and seeing an Eagle instead might be enough to make anyone's eyes widen a bit. Perhaps future chapters will tell... *g* Thanks again for the review!
Elflingimp · 13 January 2011 · Chapter 5: Tuck Your Head Under
Sniff,sniff.....well I got all emotional over this chapter, gosh have any extra kleenex? What wonderful way with words you have, it is a true talent. Hugs The Imp
Author's reply
Aw, thank you, Imp! I'm so glad this chapter moved you! *hands you tissues*
Fantasia · 13 January 2011 · Chapter 5: Tuck Your Head Under
Ay Cairistiona! what a beautiful chapter. These pair of Eagles are the best thing that have happened to Aragorn and Gandalf in years, I'm sure. I laugh when I read this: "The things one learns, even at my great age" and their love for each other is so beautiful And then, you have me in tears with Belechen's story. And all the care and concern of Durvain towards Aragorn, it is very touching. At least, it wasn't only me, Gandalf was almost crying, because the Eagles and Aragorn. Lovely chapter. Now, I'm still worry about Aragorn's health, you really push the poor guy to his limits. Thanks
Author's reply
Thank you, Fantasia! How gratifying it is to hear that a reader laughed and cried in all the right spots. :) You know, I think I've about pushed poor Gandalf to *his* limits in this one! Glad you enjoyed it, and thanks again.
Mirach · 13 January 2011 · Chapter 5: Tuck Your Head Under
Ah yes, I know that... "Your flight has been delayed due to the weather conditions. Thank you for your patience." At least they got some compensation from the airlines ;) I adore the eagle couple! They fit so well together! I loved the moment when they almost made a wizard blush. And "Keep your feathers fluffed!" Awwwww... But losing a hatchling must be so hard for them, and Menelris' care for Strider is now very understandable. Seeing Aragorn in this condition makes me also feel... not sure how to describe that, but it's that feeling that I love in h/c stories, expecting the comfort already.
Author's reply
LOL! Yes, you could definitely say that flights have been delayed due to weather conditions! I'm glad you like my two Eagles... they do make a nicely matched couple, if I do say so myself. :) And I know what you mean about that feeling that h/c gives you... it really is hard to describe. Thanks so much for the review!
curiouswombat · 13 January 2011 · Chapter 5: Tuck Your Head Under
What a fascinating, and tear-jerking, look at the family life of Menelris and Durvain. I wanted to cuddle the pair of them! I can just imagine Gandalf eating raw venison to be polite...
Author's reply
Thank you, curiouswombat! It sounds odd to say I'm glad I made you cry (or at least feel sad), but you know how that goes. :) The death of the little eaglet wasn't planned at the outset but came out of my research into real eagles, who do indeed lose nearly half or more of their eaglets in their first flights from the nest, a figure I found absolutely heart-wrenching. I thought it would add a layer of realism to Tolkien's Eagles by having them suffer some of the same difficulties as real eagles, and in Arda Marred, it seemed that such a statistic might be the rule even in Middle-earth. And wouldn't that be a picture, had Durvain insisted Gandalf eat his meat raw! I'm glad Durvain's a well-mannered bird who wouldn't dare think of such a thing. :) Thanks for the review!
Ellynn · 13 January 2011 · Chapter 5: Tuck Your Head Under
Ok, I have three comments: 1. awwwww, I want an eagle like that and we'd be friends... *melts* 2. :((((( such a sad story about their little one. :( 3. Indeed, he was so grateful for everything the Eagle had done for them thus far that had Durvain insisted Gandalf eat his own portion raw as well, he would have fallen on it tooth and nail and demanded seconds. AAAAAAA this is crazy! *dies laughing*
Author's reply
Hee hee! Thank you, Ellynn! So glad you liked this chapter... and I'll answer in your format: 1. I'd *love* to have an Eagle like Durvain. *pets noble-yet-humble head* 2. *whispers* I actually shed a few tears writing that part. 3. Hee hee! I'm so glad you laughed at that. Can you imagine Gandalf tearing into raw meat like that??? Ew! But that's how crazy-thankful he was. :) Thanks again for the review!
LisaG · 13 January 2011 · Chapter 4: A Bit Feeble in the Feathers
I love Menelris! She's very...well...eagle-ish, but kind and caring :) Gandalf's concern and compassion over Aragorn's current predicament and his life long struggle against the darkness is very touching...you made me smile at his teary reaction in the end.
Author's reply
Thank you, LisaG! So glad you like Menelris, and I'm glad Gandalf's teary reaction wasn't too over the top. I imagine it would take quite a lot to bring him to tears like that... and well, Aragorn nearly dying surely qualifies!
layne · 13 January 2011 · Chapter 4: A Bit Feeble in the Feathers
Yay for a girl eagle! I thought that was a good move, and I love it when she said that Strider was such an earth-bound name :) What does Thorongil mean btw?
Author's reply
Thank you, Layne! I'm glad you liked this. Menelris as a Chieftain seems to be agreeable with just about everyone, which is a relief. :) And Thorongil means "Eagle and Star" or "The Eagle and the Star", basically, so you can see where Menelris might prefer that name over Strider!
Ainu Laire · 12 January 2011 · Chapter 4: A Bit Feeble in the Feathers
I fail at the whole 'review on time' thing. Anyways, this story is fantastic so far. Very medically-techy, never knew you were so well-versed with medicine. Also, I love how you characterize the Eagle, she seems very neat. I did love the end of chapter 3 when Gandalf was staring at the eagle, wondering how he was going to help Aragorn and find a horse... and then he came to realization. I was laughing a bit at that. Anyways, fantastic job, as always, Cair. Cannot wait for more! :D Hope the eagle isn't shot at!
Author's reply
Thank you, Laire! Fear not, you don't fail at reviewing... there's no deadline, after all. :) I'm glad you're liking this so far. As for the medical stuff, I did quite a bit of research, and though I don't aim for technical perfection, as this is fiction and not a medical journal, I do try not to stretch "dramatic license" too far past believability, although I'm sure there are glaring errors here and there. And yay that you laughed at poor Gandalf! Well, Gandalf may not appreciate your laughter, but I do, as I wanted that to be a bit of a light moment amidst all the angst. :) And you know what? Eagles are FUN. I never would have thought I could have enjoyed writing Eagles but wow... Anyway, thanks for the review and hope you enjoy the rest of the tale!
Darkover · 11 January 2011 · Chapter 4: A Bit Feeble in the Feathers
Dear Cairistiona: I love this story. I'm very pleased that you've added some new chapters, and I eagerly await more. I loved that "feeble in the feathers" line. I'm still wondering how Aragorn managed to get part of a tree branch in him. Thanks for writing and posting this story. Sincerely, Darkover
Author's reply
Thank you, Darkover! I'm so glad you're enjoying this tale! I'll be updating twice weekly until it's finished, so there's more to come on a regular basis... including a bit more on how Aragorn managed to get snagged like that. Thank you again for the review!
Imbecamiel · 11 January 2011 · Chapter 4: A Bit Feeble in the Feathers
Just a silly, short addendum, but I forgot to say - And *naturally* she would think that "Thorongil" was a far superior name to "Strider." Ha! Yep, that part gave me the giggles. ;D - Cami
Author's reply
Hee hee! I'm glad you liked that little detail... as I was writing, it just occurred to me that an Eagle wouldn't really like anything to do with walking! *g*
Imbecamiel · 11 January 2011 · Chapter 4: A Bit Feeble in the Feathers
Oh, this is just excellent. I believe I've mentioned before how much I admire the sure-handed way that you write characters commonly seen as difficult and intimidating to handle (I think so, certainly!). Gandalf is so fun to read, and to my mind perfectly in keeping with his canon personality. You know it's good when reading a story not only satisfies your inner fan, but actually makes you love the character more. Aragorn, in both his moments of wakefulness and the secondhand views of him through Gandalf's thoughts, continues to be utterly awesome. The way that you manage to blend Aragorn-being-awesome, Aragorn-being-vulernable, Aragorn-being-hurt (*g*), and the general dichotomies presented by his being simultaneously noble and kingly, and yet humble, down-to-earth, and very used to rough living... Well, I just couldn't ask for better. Utterly satisfying. Yep, enough to leave me grinning like crazy all the way. And eagles! Oh, eagles! I just love the great eagles, but they are so rarely used in fanfiction. (I can actually only remember seeing them make an appearance... once? Maybe twice?) Yes, given the fact that they tend to avoid involvement in outside affairs that may be only logical, but still... *wistful* So much fun to see them here! Menelris is just delightful - you do just have the best sense for OCs, always making them interesting and endearing, real, and never crossing that line between "filling out and complementing the plot" and "taking over, drawing things too far from the main characters, and becoming annoying." They really serve to make "your" vision of Middle Earth that much more alive, and I enjoy them immensely. And, naturally, the occasional touch of unavoidable ranger injury and illness is nicely handled. Yes, I think I can tolerate that aspect or this particular story quite easily. *innocent smile* (Okay, yes, it's just as excellently done as I've come to expect from you, and wonderfully angsty. Bring on more! ;D) You know, there are some stories that're so packed full of awesomeness that all the way through I'm torn between the desire to read as fast as possible to find out what's going to happen next - and the need to keep taking breaks, just because there's so much good stuff there that I actually have to keep stopping to think parts over and properly savor it. Your stories definitely do fit in that category. Yes, even on re-reads. *g* Absolutely loving it - and can't wait for more! - Cami
Author's reply
Thank you, Cami! Oh gosh, you've made me blush furiously, reading all this! Where to start... I guess by saying that you've hit on all the reasons I write fic: to explore the "untold" bits of Tolkien's world, definitely, but also to bring, hopefully, a new appreciation of the characters to readers. Like the Eagles--you're absolutely right in that there's very little fanfiction that includes them, and most of that is done with a sort of light hand. I want with this story to show them as full-fledged (no pun intended!) individuals, each with their own personalities, and who, as a group, have a thriving community of their own. In some ways I think this story is more about Eagles than Aragorn! At any rate, I'm glad you enjoy the OC's and the way I handle the canon characters. It's always encouraging to hear that I've given someone new appreciation for the canon characters. :) Thanks so much for the thoughtful review!
Larner · 11 January 2011 · Chapter 4: A Bit Feeble in the Feathers
As Manwe's servants, the Great Eagles were likely to recognize the royalty in Aragorn, or so I would suppose. Love the caring she shows for him, and her willingness to dare the bows of the Beornings for Aragorn's sake.
Author's reply
Thank you, Larner! So glad you liked this... and I do wonder if that recognition of Aragorn might have played a part in her willingness to help, or if it just is an aspect of her caring nature. I haven't quite decided which!
Silivren Tinu · 11 January 2011 · Chapter 4: A Bit Feeble in the Feathers
Now I really want to meet an Eagle, too! I love the way you wrote Menelris - she's so perfectly eagle-ish (now that a really weird-sounding word, lol). I wouldn't be surprised at all if the Eagles knew about Aragorn. I'm just glad this one does and is more than willing to lend a helping hand... uhm, I meant to say wing. *g* I'm beginning to get more than a bit worried about Aragorn, though. It seems to me there's something more ailing him than what we (and Gandalf) already know. Well, I'll wait and see, but I'm quite sure he wouldn't be happy with whatever you've planned for him. ;-)
Author's reply
Thanks, Silvren! Oh, poor Aragorn really is better off not knowing what lies ahead. *evil grin* And that's all I'll say about *that*. hee hee. But I'm glad you like Menelris... she did turn out very Eagle-ish, didn't she? And Tolkien wrote his Eagles very Eagle-ish, if you look at real eagles and how they behave and think etc. It really has been fascinating to study both types of birds and see the similarities and differences. :) Thanks for the review!
Envinyatar · 11 January 2011 · Chapter 4: A Bit Feeble in the Feathers
Great chapter! I love the idea that the Eagles (or one of them, at least) watched over Aragorn and this particular eagle is a wonderful creation. Looking forward to seeing more of her. And I'm with Aragorn on the fear of heights, if that's what it is. I would be staying in that cave, I think, if that was the only alternative!
Author's reply
Thank you, Envinyatar! I'd be with both you and Aragorn at the idea of flying on an Eagle... it's just not something one ever imagines doing, really! Especially in the days before parachutes. *g* Glad you enjoyed seeing the Eagle finally arrive. :)
Midnight Promise · 11 January 2011 · Chapter 4: A Bit Feeble in the Feathers
. . .Okay, who can say, when they read that the Eagle was leaning over Aragorn - that they didn't freak out and start shouting: "DON'T PECK HIM TO DEATH! DON'T PECK HIM TO DEATH!"? Only me? Fine. Haha. ;_) Menelris's character is perfect; your description is wonderful and it was so cute (yes, I did a mental "aw!" when this happened) when she got maternal on Aragorn! ^o^ When I read "a bit feeble in the feathers" I chuckled, when I read "am I mad with fever, or did an eagle just touch me?" I laughed out loud. Loved the humor! :D HAHA! I wondered what Menelris's reaction would be if she heard Gandalf comparing riding an Eagle to a horse? Not good, you think? ;) I hope Menelris sticks around for a while, and maybe bring her mate, etc. . . ? ;D Haha, yes I think Aragorn is good without any cold comforts! But I don't think the snow will leave. . >_>; I must say I was looking forward for Aragorn to return to Rivendell and to see some cccccc with him and his brothers and father, but I am excited to see what happens next! :D Take care, MP
Author's reply
LOL!! Hopefully there was never any risk of anyone, least of all Aragorn, getting pecked to death! I think the Eagles reserve that treatment for Orcs. *g* As for what Menelris would think of the comparison to a horse... hard to say. She might admire horses, if an Eagle can admire any land-bound creature. Or she might get her feathers in a fluff over it! I'm glad you're enjoying this... and thanks for the review!
Linda Hoyland · 11 January 2011 · Chapter 4: A Bit Feeble in the Feathers
Another great chapter! I like the Eagle as a kind of M-e rescue helicopter and I liked it that you made her a girl. There must have been female eagles after all! Poor Aragorn, you have me worried about him.
Author's reply
Thank you, Linda! "M-e rescue helicopter"! LOL! I love that... that really is how Tolkien used them in many ways. And yes, there had to have been females or there really would have been no more Eagles! And if I have you worried about Aragorn, I've done my job. *g* Thanks for the review!
layne67 · 11 January 2011 · Chapter 3: Wishing For a Penny Beyond Reach
I love it when Gandalf refered to the eagle coming as a "dragon hoard of mithril" ( and so it was! ).
Author's reply
Thanks! I bet the Eagle might have liked to have heard itself compared to mithril as well!
Lily Baggins · 10 January 2011 · Chapter 4: A Bit Feeble in the Feathers
Okay... now WHY on earth does Aragorn have that fever? Not that I'm complaining, mind... (sheen of perspiration, his hair matted... GUH... my DREAM FIC) but my wee brain is working on overload to attempt to figure it out. Is it a hidden wound? Not likely, in my book. An illness? Quite likely, especially given his weakened condition. An infection elsewhere in the body? Not sure... In any case, I'm so full of squee and excitement that I've read every chapter of this story so far at least four times. No, maybe more than that! It calls to me! Gandalf, Gandalf, you flatterer, you! Whoever said that Gandalf couldn't be a ladies man? He knows how to give a compliment, especially when he's wanting a favor. Oh, how I love Menelris! She's perfect...a bit haughty as a great eagle would be (accepted the compliment as her due), but I can tell she's got a great heart, and when she looked at Aragorn and cooed in a maternal fashion, I melted right into my chair. *sighs* And when she states that Beorn would have great pity on Aragorn... I melted at that, too. She's a doll, Menelris, really. And how I love the extra bit about her gold necklace and her mischievous look regarding the sheep! Of course, my very favorite moment had to be Aragorn clenching his teeth in pain and then apologizing for it. *loves him to death* Oh my... now that is some great stuff there. It's ALL great stuff here. I'm going to re-read now!
Author's reply
Thanks, Lily! Wow, 4 times already?? *blushes* I'm glad you're enjoying it all. *g* And very glad you like Menelris... I just think that the Eagles had far more depth to their personalities than the glimpses Tolkien gave us, so I'm having fun with the range of thoughts, feelings and emotions she gives, including mischievousness. As for the fever... tracking their source can be such an iffy affair, can't it! *g* Thanks for the review!
Minerva Organa · 10 January 2011 · Chapter 2: Better at Blazes Than Bandages
1. Poor Aragorn and Gandalf both!!!! I feel so bad for Gandalf not knowing what to do, but then again, he doesn't have a tree branch stuck up his back. Yikes. 2. I love, love, love your Gandalf. Very well done indeed. 3. You're going to keep us hanging at the end of *every* chapter, aren't you? :P I am enjoying this thoroughly!
Author's reply
Thanks, Minerva! Oh gosh, "branch stuck up his..." had me going in a completely WRONG direction until I got to "...back". Whew. LOL!! But I'm so glad you like my Gandalf. He's very fun to write, I must say. And um, a cliffhanger at every chapter... moi?? Would I do that??? Surely not. Ahem. Thanks for the review!
Estelcontar · 10 January 2011 · Chapter 4: A Bit Feeble in the Feathers
Another great tittle. Menelris is a wonderful character. She sounds even more amazing on a second read. You've really managed to bring her to life, and to make her feel very alive and real. She's very wise and commanding as I feel eagles in Tolkien universe should be, but she still feels like an eagle, and that is good indeed. I like the idea of the eagles keeping an eye on the remnants of the northern Númenóreans, and paying special attention to the heirs of Elendil. The bit about Thorongil was a wonderful touch indeed, as also is the fact that you still manage to make Aragorn very much present in the chapter even though he's mostly just lying wounded on the cave floor. "Crownless you may be, but a king you are, Aragorn, and a king you shall ever be, even if you never see your throne". That is a most touching and true description of Aragorn. But then few people know Aragorn so well as Gandalf does.
Author's reply
Thank you, Estelcontar! It was so much fun digging into Tolkien for all the information I could glean about Eagles, and Menelris really is the fruit of all that labor. So I'm very glad she's working well as a character. And yay that Aragorn is very present even when laying around unconscious, or mostly unconscious. I guess that shows just how much charisma he has. *g* Even unconscious, he fills the room (or the story!). Thanks for the review, and so glad you liked this chapter on the 2nd go round. :)
Elflingimp · 10 January 2011 · Chapter 4: A Bit Feeble in the Feathers
Well now you have my maternal instincts going, I would love to take care of Aragorn ,so you may tell her she can drop him at my house. LOL! Once again your writing is outstanding! Hugs The Imp
Author's reply
Thank you, Imp! I'll be glad to pass that along to Menelris. *g*