Reviews (18)

It was so vivid. I could feel the filled up inn and the jovial noise. Bowen as your character is so well real! Can't wait to read the other two.

I very much enjoyed this story, even more so on second reading, because of all the little details you put in the background. I find Bowen to be a truly likeable, sharp, wry character, with a wonderful immeditate rapport with Strider; and I'm very much looking forward to reading the sequel to this story to "meet" him again. The descriptions were very vivid and palpable. Writing the story from his perspective added very much to the vividness of the tale, and gave nice insights into life in the Prancing Pony and into its customers. I also liked how perceptive Bowen was right from the beginning at first sight of Strider. I think it not only shows him as a good judge of character, but also, keeping in mind Tolkien's rules of the canon, that he himself must be a good character to be able to discern the nobility of Aragorn behind the guise of Strider (regardless of the final line, which is a funny juxtaposition for the us knowing readers). It must be a rare treat for Aragorn to be greeted so openly, non-judgmentally, and "non-distrustfully" (for lack of a better term), particularly in Bree (I also loved the oak comparison and the "quiet dignity" bit). One thing I especially liked was how Bowen would put aside a patch of mushrooms especially for Hobbit youths who might happen to come raiding - not just for the plain fact alone, but for the matter-of-factness and casual generosity in the way this detail is revealed. And of course the issue of Bowen's problems with "Strider's" name is just too funny. And I also have to say, I'd really like a scene of Aragorn telling a tale in the Prancing Pony - your little throwaway line about that really whetted my appetite...

You have outdone yourself this time, dear Cairistiona. Story, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways :D 1. I heart Bowen, and am sort of jealous of his wife :D. 2. I love seeing the Prancing Pony/Bree from the perspective of a native. It casts a different and somehow more familiar light to the place, and it's especially nice to get it from someone who is kind and isn't automatically distrustful of the Rangers (See #1). 3. “Now Halbarad... there’s a proper name for a man. Might be a little Elvish but nothing wrong with that.” BRB STILL LAUGHING. (and laughing at all the other funny bits). 4. I love the interaction between the two men to the ninth degree...how Aragorn is obviously on his last legs and a tad bit wary of any Breelander approaching him, but to Bowen the fact that he's a Ranger doesn't make a difference in the slightest. I can see the seeds of a long and good friendship forming here! (See postscript). Thank you for such a wonderful little tale!! P.S. Sequel please? *winning smile*

So you *have* posted the story! I was waiting for a chance to review it, and didn't notice thjat for some strange reason, my mailbox started to consider SoA notification as spam. Bad mailbox, bad! I knew you are exaggerating when you said you won't get the 1st place ;) Congratulations! It was a wonderful story, simple and yet full of understanding the characters. I'm adding it to my favourites! I just hope the one-night's rest was enough for Aragorn to get better, that illness seemed like on the border of "something that will pass in the next morning" and "something serious".

Ah, but I do like this. A foolish name, perhaps, for one who is obviously anything but foolish; and a simple man who sees beyond appearances. Excellent, Cairistiona!

Hey Cair! Cair Cair Cair Cair! Guess what? ... I like Bowen. Also: Sequel. Yep. That's about it. I'll leave the well-written and fancy shmanzy reviews to everyone else. They basically said everything I am thinking right now. *nods vaguely* Bowen!

An outstanding story and worthy Teitho winner.

this was a wonderful little story! An excellent look into life in Breeland with great insight in Aragorn's life as a ranger. You write extremely well--I could hear the rain pounding on the roof, smell the ale in the air, and fancied I almost heard the voices in the crowded room :) Your characterizations were in depth and fit perfectly for the culture and are they were fitted in--they really came to life and Bowen was very likable! I think you did Tolkien proud in this little snippet, and I thank you most kindly for sharing it! OF course, now I wonder what Bowen thought in a few years when King Elessar came north--if he got a chance to meet the king, that is....

Dear Cairistiona: This story was a pleasure to read! It is beautifully descriptive, and the dialogue is equally good. You have done an excellent job with characterization, too. Barliman is his typically bustling, kind, parochial self, and your OC seems most Bree-like but generous. You have portrayed Strider best of all. Even for a man who is coming down with an illness, he is impressive and gives the impression of being both strong and keen. The line you ended the story on was the best. Thank you for writing and posting this. Sincerely, Darkover

As I already told you twice, I absolutely loved this story. And for once you completely fooled me. It was the first story you wrote for Teitho which I had no clue was yours. I should have known better because Bowen sounds very much like one of your characters. You did a great job of bringing him to life. I'm indeed really glad he was there to recognize Aragorn's worth, and to make things easier for our poor exhausted ranger. You did a great job too of showing Aragorn's nobleness and dignity through Bowen's very observant eyes. Your Aragorn, as usual, to my mind was spot on. Well done.

Hey While reading this on Teitho, I was thinking the whole time, "this reads like a cairistiona ficlet". And sure enough.... I fell in love with Bowen and this story. Such a thoughtful and kind man. You make your characters so endearing..what's not to love? All Breelanders aren't so mean and aloof after all. And Aragorn..through Bowen's perception, you've made him more enigmatic than ever. Another fic that has become one of my favorites!

Oh rats...complete? I really liked this and wanted to read more. I hope Strider wasn't too ill. :( At least he has someone looking out for him.

Oh, this is beautiful. Nice to see some common good in Arda. It always annoyed me that the Breelanders were so callous, complacency is no excuse for lack of manners! As for no fit name for a king...all you need to do is translate it into an ancient language that almost no one speaks anymore, and it works great! LOL.

Love the story. Is a silly name, isn’t? No fitting for a King. Bowen is a good observant character; he can deduce a lot only from his observations. Good that poor Strider found some kind, softhearted hobbit that took pity of him. Thank you,

Hee! What king indeed would have such a silly name? A lovely sketch, Cairistiona, rich with detail. Bowen is indeed an astute observer of character. And, oh, you reminded me much too acutely of how miserable it is to be cold and tired and sick and out in the elements.... You know, I'd like to think that the future King of Gondor might remember in some small way all the kind people who helped him in his more, erm, disreputable-looking days.... Imagine getting a thank-you note from a great king, and finding out that he's that massively tall guy with the funny name that you helped when he was ill! Nicely done, Cairistiona! - Barbara

This was a really nice look at Aragorn from a totally different perspective. Very nicely crafted. - Erulisse (one L)

Hee-hee! No king ever, indeed! *giggles* Wonderful story, dear. It got one of my votes. And yes, I recognized it was yours. :)

Weathered was the word that sprang to mind, like an old oaken barn that had withstood the onslaught of the seasons for years beyond count and would continue to do so for untold years to come. That's a great description. How these folk must have been amazed when the King at last took his throne, and his story was told.