LisaG
· 15 January 2018
· Chapter 13: Good and Ill Oft Travel The Same Roads
I can read all your stories over and over and still enjoy them immensely! I really do hope one day (SOON!) you publish the 3rd Rushlight story. :)
Author's reply
Thanks... I'm very grateful you enjoy my stories enough for rereads. I'm not currently writing LOTR fic, in no small part because I hit a big writer's block with the 3rd story. So "SOON!" probably isn't going to happen, but one day? I never say never. Thanks again for reading and re-reading!
Elentarri
· 15 August 2016
· Chapter 13: Good and Ill Oft Travel The Same Roads
"Book Three of the Rushlight Trilogy to follow in the hopefully not too distant future."
Beautiful story. Any chance of seeing Book Three, or anything else you have written recently? Assuming that real life isn't butting in and all that.
;)
Author's reply
Hi, Elentarri! Thanks for the kind words. :)
I wish I could say that something LOTR was coming soon, but that muse seems to have gone silent for a lot of reasons, not least of which is a massive writer's block brought on by a lot of real-life stress and changes that occurred since publishing my last LOTR story. I've been writing, but in the Captain America fandom. I still hope to return to Bowen's story, because it does still eat at my brain and I don't like leaving it unfinished (the WIP is roughly 17 chapters but needs probably 17 more to tell the tale I have in mind).
I'm sorry I'm unable to promise anything more firm than "hopefully someday maybe", but thank you for asking!
cairi
Eirinn Leigh
· 21 April 2016
· Chapter 10: Surely It Must Be Bad If Denlad Was Being Nice
'as strange as news from Bree' is a Shire saying, arising from the fact that Bree acts as the gateway between the Shire and the rest of the wide world and so is the final stop of any unusual news that might trickle into the Shire. A Breelander is unlikely to use the saying as, in their eyes, the news comes not from Bree, but from elsewhere.
I am enjoying your stories and would very much like to read more of Ferdi, and how he came to be an adventurer.
Author's reply
I don't really have plans to write about Ferdinand Took as a central character, though he may yet show up in any future stories I might write someday, when the muse returns. Thanks for reading!
Sneha
· 1 January 2014
· Chapter 13: Good and Ill Oft Travel The Same Roads
It was so good. My internet went off for a few days when I was right in the middle of this story. I couldn't bear it. Thankfully it is working now. I will miss Bowen. I love Lord of the Rings but it is filled with the sorrow of so many partings. I felt it here too. I hope you are working on your third? I would love to see Bowen's reaction to Arwen!
sidh
· 30 July 2013
· Chapter 13: Good and Ill Oft Travel The Same Roads
My heart, my heart...I cannot remember leaving a tale and feeling so good. Bowen is such a wonderful character, truly the salt of Middle Earth and that's no lie.
I really love the relationship between Halbarad, Denlad, Aragorn, the sense of family you manage to instill that carries so well through the whole story.
Please tell me more about the third installment and that there are many, many chapters with your "most welcome" hurt/comfort, illness, and pulling the rangers back together after they prevail.
I adore this and am printing it out. It is a keeper.
sidh
Author's reply
Thank you, sidh! I'm so glad you enjoyed the story so much. Bowen Rushlight has become one of my favorite OC's, and "salt of Middle-earth" was my mind as I created him, so I'm very gratified you picked up on that aspect of his character. I've grown just as fond of him as I have of my Ranger OC's, to be honest. :)
The third story will focus a lot more on Bowen and his family, as it takes place some 24 years later. That's a big jump, I realize, but it puts us in Bree during the Ring War, which of course includes the battle in Bree and the scourging of the Shire. So there won't be as much Aragorn and Company, but there are still key moments, including, I don't know, Bowen meeting some King that shows up... ;)
I hope you enjoy it as much as you did this one. Thanks for your kind words--they're greatly appreciated!
Whispy
· 26 July 2012
· Chapter 13: Good and Ill Oft Travel The Same Roads
Oh, this is too great...I love Bowen and family, and can't wait to see part the third!
Whispy
Author's reply
Thank you, Whispy! I'm so glad you liked the story and Bowen & family. :) I'm working on the follow-up. It's been a bit of a rough year for writing for me but I'm hopefully back on track now. Still, it's a very loooong story so it will be a while yet before I post it, but I hope it'll be worth the wait.
Lily Baggins
· 5 November 2011
· Chapter 13: Good and Ill Oft Travel The Same Roads
Well, I simply can't wait for part three---I'm dying for it!
Somehow, I really did enjoy the fact that Bowen still has no idea who this mysterious Strider is---but of course he can tell something about Aragorn is "different." And that's all he really needs to know for now.
Will he indeed be putting his newly-gotten swordsmanship skills to the test? Most likely, I suppose, in some years' time. I sure hope his little family all turn out safe and sound in the end.
The very last scene---with Aragorn rearing up on his horse and all the rangers' swords raised---may go down as best EVER closing story scene. That was powerful and simply wonderful. I felt a quiver in my own belly as I read it.
I thoroughly LOVED this story---it's always enjoyable to see our favorite LOTR characters through others' points of view, but it does take skill to pull it off, and this was just perfect.
Author's reply
Thank you so, Lily! I'm very glad you enjoyed this--I was wondering, to be honest, because it's not the usual h/c tale that I write, where we get to see into Aragorn's mind. But it was a lot of fun to see how he might be viewed by outsiders and I'm glad you felt I did a good job at that.
And isn't that funny how it's not really a problem that Strider is still a mysterious? I guess because it's only right that he wouldn't reveal himself. As secretive as they had to be with him, it wouldn't have been in character for either Aragorn himself or any of the men to have revealed Strider's identity, and it would have made Bowen into something other than a somewhat above-average man of Bree for him to have figured it out any more than he did. But the day will come! *g* I just need to get it all written. :)
Thanks again for reading and for all the reviews--I appreciate each and everyone one. :)
Now, I could handle a bunch of rangers roaming around my house... but I guess Bowen's a little different. He's probably ready to get somewhat back to normal, I should suppose!
Aragorn's little smile at the knowledge he saved Owen Estel was the best part of this chapter... thank goodness he's had some good luck lately in that department and perhaps feels a little better about life in general.
Of course, he's above all practical and careful, so I'm not surprised he's planning on teaching Bowen how to defend himself.
Really enjoyed the way the rangers are always on top of things and thinking about the dangers, even while the "simple folk" go about heedless of such things. Tolkien showed us this, but only in very small bits... I really enjoy hearing more about it.
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm soooo glad you liked Aragorn's sleepy little smile! Is there anything better than a happy Aragorn falling asleep after performing deeds well done? No wait, don't answer that... I can hear you already: "No, but Aragorn falling to sleep after tossing feverishly all night after contracting a deadly plague while performing great deeds is!" *g* This one didn't have quite the level of h/c in it that I know you love, but I'm glad you enjoyed it anyway.
I like to think that when they were allowed, the Rangers did a bit of "arming" the folks of Bree... if not training them at weapons then at least dropping a word of wisdom here and there about watching the shadows and being cautious. But I have a feeling those opportunities were few and far between.
Lily Baggins
· 5 November 2011
· Chapter 11: There Could Be No Better Name
Oh, I've been remiss in not reviewing earlier!
But anyway... gosh, I loved how Bowen wept in this chapter after seeing his baby son for the first time. That was lovely! And especially after Halbarad---big strong strapping masculine ranger Halbarad---warned him that would happen.
I knew there HAD to be a reason Strider went home with Bowen, and it seems it was indeed good fortune! Poor Denlad---he must have been a nervous wreck!
"Sporting ladies" had me giggling... that's a good term for it that seems very Middle-earthish!
Now poor Aragorn must recover some more... but I'm sure he thinks it was worth it.
LOVELY chapter!
Author's reply
Thank you, Lily! So glad you liked this. :) I must be honest: picture Halbarad holding his own newborns makes me melt into a completely useless puddle of goo! Any Ranger holding a baby tends to press all my warm fuzzy buttons.
I found "sporting ladies" in a list of synonyms for prostitutes... I thought it sounded like something Bowen would use. *g*
And yes, Aragorn once again has worn himself out playing the healer, but at least this time with a better outcome!
Layne
· 3 November 2011
· Chapter 13: Good and Ill Oft Travel The Same Roads
That a very fine thing they did, teaching Bowen on the arts of defence, the swordplay and all. And oh, I do hope that he'd get to know who Strider really was - his King.
Thank you for a great read!
Author's reply
Thank you, Layne! So glad you enjoyed the ending! We'll see about that reunion between them in the third story. :)
Layne
· 31 October 2011
· Chapter 12: Rangers A'Plenty
I think it's wonderful that the rangers are all helping out Bowen with his farmwork. Lovely!
Author's reply
Thanks, Layne! Isn't it fun to picture those mysterious and deadly Rangers doing things like that??
rs
· 30 October 2011
· Chapter 13: Good and Ill Oft Travel The Same Roads
Oh Man Cairistiona!
You outdid yourself. This was awesome! Love your characterizations. I loved every single one of them..I especially love Ruddy and the silent Ranger!
Favorite moments: The mustard poultice episode; Strider's charade game; Flora finding out about the mustard poultice; Flora in labor shouting orders to Bowen while she's in poor Denlad's arms trying his best not to drop her!; Halbarard--the horny-toad ranger and baby-making machine!; Bowen's conversation with Strider, "who are you?"'; the sword lesson; and the Ranger salute to the Rushlights! I'm definitely sure I missed a bunch of things but those were the ones I remember!
Cannot wait for the next installment. A most enjoyable read!
Author's reply
"Halbarad the horny-toad Ranger"
*spews coffee all over screen*
ROTFL!!!
Thank you, RS, for that very fun visual image. *g*
And seriously, thank you very much for all your comments here. I'm very glad you enjoyed this story. I hope it gives you lots of fodder for future artwork. Not that I'm hinting or anything. *g* I'm especially glad you liked the humorous parts. I try to keep the humor realistic, growing out of situations that really could happen (like her ordering Bowen around while poor Denlad's back is slowly compressing into knots).
Now yes, onward to the next tale!
*cracks whip at myself*
Ow.
Nath
· 29 October 2011
· Chapter 13: Good and Ill Oft Travel The Same Roads
*envies Bowen his teachers*
A good ending to the story, with much to enjoy in the teaching scene; the salute at the end was magnificent.
(about the glowing swords in a comment below, afaik, and without checking, the swords that are mentioned as glowing are Sting, Orcrist and Glamdring)
Author's reply
I thought there were probably other glowing swords, but I didn't have time to actually research it before I replied to Darkover. So thank you for helping us both out!
So glad you liked the story and the ending! I confess I'm still daydreaming about that gleaming sword salute. *g*
Thanks for reading and for all the reviews!
Linda Hoyland
· 26 October 2011
· Chapter 13: Good and Ill Oft Travel The Same Roads
This has been a most enjoyable story. I've grown fond of Bowen and his wife and loved meeting your Rangers again. I eagerly await the sequel
Author's reply
Thank you, Linda! So glad you enjoyed it. :)
Vanadesse
· 25 October 2011
· Chapter 13: Good and Ill Oft Travel The Same Roads
Magnifique !
I was so elated !
I like to see a wistful Strider, a not so ordinary man in an ordinary situation. I would really like to see Bowen or his son meet or hear about Strider the king.
I read your storiesfor many years now and the are regal and touching, like Strider.
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Vanadesse! "Regal and touching"? You're making me blush! But I'm very glad you like my stories and took a moment to let me know. And you'll see Bowen and Strider the King in the third story of this trilogy... as soon as I get it written. :) Thanks again for your very kind words.
Darkover
· 25 October 2011
· Chapter 13: Good and Ill Oft Travel The Same Roads
Dear Cairistiona: After the previous chapter, I didn't think this story needed one more installment, but I am very glad that you posted this! IMHO, the dialogue in this chapter is the best in the entire story, which is saying something. I loved the conversation between Bowen and Strider. Bowen's imagined reaction to the idea of Halbarad thinking Bowen had stolen his sword made me laugh out loud. I understand and sympathize with Bowen's unease, as a sword is unfamiliar to him, but Strider seems like a very good teacher. BTW, not that I am any expert, but your descriptions of how to use a sword, and the exhausting effect it can have on someone previously unexperienced with sword practice, impressed me as being quite realistic. After all, historically speaking, in the days before the sword gave way to the gun, people (usually men) who used swords started their training when they were no more than six or seven years old. They had to, in order to become proficient, and I'm glad you made that clear in this story. As Strider pointed out to Bowen, the latter would never be as skillful as someone who had trained since childhood in the use of a sword, but that didn't mean Bowen couldn't become proficient enough to use a sword to protect himself and his family. Strider's advice to Bowen reminded me of martial arts training--nothing magical or mystical about it, just constant practice until your body knows what to do without thinking about it. Strider's remarks on that subject, and the comments about swords turning blue in the presence of orcs, were very enjoyable to read, too. (I suspect to have that characteristic, a sword had to be not only Elven-made, but probably Noldorin-made. Weren't they the most proficient Elven-smiths when it came to making weapons?) Bowen showed some perception in his realization that there is more to Strider than meets the eye. I liked how Strider never got rude with Bowen, nor did he lie to him; if Bowen just asked a question that Strider believed the farmer would be better off not knowing the answer to, he just smiled and went on to another subject. I very much liked the ending; Bowen has become friends with the Rangers, and vice-versa. I *loved* the scene you described at the end, with Bowen calling out to the Rangers, and Strider and his men lifting their swords in acknowledgement as they all rode off. Your talent at writing descriptive scenes is just as remarkable as your talent for dialogue! It would be great if some talented fan artist would paint that scene. Bowen's words at the last to his newborn son were wonderful, too. This all started from another "chance meeting" in Middle-earth. Tolkien would approve, I'm sure! Thank you so much for writing and posting this excellent sequel, which was even better than the first. I eagerly await the third story! Take care! Sincerely, Darkover
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Darkover! Your reviews are so wonderfully comprehensive, I always save replying until I have time to do it properly. :)
I'm glad you found this chapter a nice bonus... the story could have ended a chapter earlier, but I wanted to see the story through to the point at which they all parted ways.
I didn't envision the whole "lifting swords" scene until I was very literally at that moment in the story but that's often how these things come, on the fly in the middle of writing! So it kind of caught me by surprise but I was happy at how it hints at Strider's true identity and foreshadows what will come to pass. And ooh, I'd love to see that in an artistic rendering! Wouldn't that be grand, as Bowen says? RS has done some wonderful illustrations for stories, including a few of mine, so maybe she'll give it a go. :) (If you want to see them, her LJ is: http://rs9.livejournal.com/ I'm *pretty* sure they're public entries.)
As for the blue-glowing sword... I don't know if any sword other than Sting did that? I'd have to look it up, and I'd also have to look up the Noldor and sword-making. (Admittedly, I'm more knowledgeable about the Dunedain than the Elves, although I'm learning.) That was Strider's oblique reference to Sting, at any rate.
I also appreciate your mentioning that Strider isn't rude but is just forthright and honest with Bowen. I think writers, in their attempt to show him as the leader and king, shade him a bit too much on the rude side, which gives him an arrogance that I don't see in canon (and still less in the movies). The Dunedain were described as "courteous" in ROTK, and I think Aragorn set that tone by always being courteous even when he had to be firm about something--even if in the heat of the moment he comes across as forceful and rude, afterwards, if the person is an ally, he softens and shows his warmer side. I think readers of Tolkien sometimes see "stern" when applied to Aragorn and leap to the most negative connotation of the word, but taken in context with all of Aragorn's mannerisms and character, "stern" really doesn't refer to him being cruel or harsh, but rather grave and sober. My take on the character, at any rate!
And finally, your reference to martial arts training and the idea of Aragorn's directive to Bowen to repeat the motions until they're ingrained is actually exactly what I was thinking as I wrote that. My husband and daughter are both involved in various forms of martial arts and repetition is such a vital part of the training. At this point, Aragorn can't offer complete training but I thought to write it so that he can at least set Bowen on a path toward basic sword-handling skill, with the knowledge, as you again point out, that he'll never have the proficiency that comes from learning it at a young age. Bowen won't ever be a master swordsman, but now at least he has the basics in mind.
Whew. Long-winded reply! I hope when you read the third installment of the trilogy that you enjoy it as much as you have this one! Thanks again for all your reviews!
shirebound
· 25 October 2011
· Chapter 13: Good and Ill Oft Travel The Same Roads
Strider turned and, with a glance toward Halbarad, pulled his sword and held it above his head. Halbarad did the same, and then one by one the others followed suit. Strider kicked at his mount and it reared on its back legs, and so regal he looked, so powerful and noble surrounded by his men with the sun flashing on their bright swords, that Bowen felt he was seeing legends from the mists of time come to life from the old tales and stories to stand right there on his little lane. It was a sight he knew he would remember to his dying day. His throat closing and chin trembling, he lifted his hand toward them, and then they turned as one and galloped around the bend and were gone.
Oh, that gave me chills! I never wanted this story to end, and am so delighted to know there will be more. You're a marvelous writer, and have crafted characters I truly love.
Author's reply
Aww! *blushes furiously* Thank you, shirebound! It's the highest compliment for a writer to hear that a reader didn't want the story to end! Thankfully, at least for now, the end isn't at hand just yet. *g* Thanks for reading and for your kind words. :)
Elflingimp
· 25 October 2011
· Chapter 13: Good and Ill Oft Travel The Same Roads
Wow! The visual I got of Strider at the end with the swords and all was wonderful!(sniffs) I do declare you could write a movie! Hugs The Imp
Author's reply
Thank you, Imp! I was kind of hoping that last scene of them on their horses with swords raised would evoke a sort of "classic movie scene" vibe... if only there could have been swelling music as well, right? LOL The grand minds behind SoA need to figure out how to let us add soundtracks... *g*
I'm so glad you enjoyed the story; I hope the 3rd installment in the trilogy will move you just as much as this did. Thanks again!
Estelcontar
· 25 October 2011
· Chapter 13: Good and Ill Oft Travel The Same Roads
I see that Aragorn is making sure, with the resolution which peculiar to him, that Bowen will be well able to keep Owen Estel safe enough once he and his rangers are gone. *g*
You did a great job of setting up the third installment of your trilogy. With Rangers a’ plenty coming ever so often to provide Bowen with sparring partners, enjoy some rest and taste Flora's wonderful cooking, Owen Estel is bound to develop a keen interest in them.
I love Galadh when he is putting on his loveable curmudgeon act, but his change of heart tickled me as much as it did Halbarad. LOL A most delightful closing to a wonderful tale.
Author's reply
Thank you, estelcontar, both for this review and all your other ones and for being, as always, my "test reader"! I very much appreciate all your input, and I'm grateful you enjoyed the story from front to end. :) And you know, I think Galadh's turnaround from curmudgeon to mushy-hearted softy surprised me as much as it did Halbarad. I'd never seen that side of him before!
Here's to Bowen's sword skills improving week by week... he may need them in book #3. *g*
Obrigadão, minha amiga!
LisaG
· 25 October 2011
· Chapter 13: Good and Ill Oft Travel The Same Roads
Awww, the end always comes too soon for your wonderful stories! :)
I loved the imagery of Strider holding his sword aloft as his horse reared...very kingly image!
So in the triology, does Bowen find out that Strider becomes king??? I'm not sure about the timeline of this story, but that would be neat!
Author's reply
Thank you, LisaG! So very glad you enjoyed this! I like to think there were moments when Aragorn let his kingly side show, when it was safe to do so. :)
And yes, I will say that in book #3, Bowen finds out that Strider is actually Aragorn, son of Arathorn, King Elessar Telcontar. *g* I'm still hammering out the timeline of that tale; it's much more extensive that this one and I imagine that will translate into a much longer story. Or not. At this point it's too soon to tell!
EllyBaggins
· 25 October 2011
· Chapter 13: Good and Ill Oft Travel The Same Roads
I very much enjoyed this story. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I love how you write Halbarad and Aragorn. Tolkien doesn't give us much to go on when it comes to Halbarad, and for me it really is authors like you, who write with such a strong sense of realism and wit, that bring his character to life. I look forward to anything you may write in the future :)
Author's reply
Aw, thank you very much, EllyBaggins! I'm so glad that you and others enjoy my version of Halbarad. There are some really good Halbarads out there and I'm humbled you count mine among them. Hopefully the next story will flow out as smoothly as this one did and it won't be too long before you'll have it to read. Thanks again for reading and for your kind words!
Mirach
· 25 October 2011
· Chapter 13: Good and Ill Oft Travel The Same Roads
A lovely last chapter to this part of the story!
And Bowen actually agreed to learn to fight! Somehow I wasn't sure he would... But he is indeed very quick in learning. I spent the first hours just by learning the posture and steps. I remember this moment: "then he struck it with his own sword to let him feel the way the sword vibrated", it was a bit of a surprise to feel the blow after practicing the movements without an opponent. I could write essays about learning to fight with a sword here, but I stopped in the right time, so I won't :D (and I'm saving that for my original story...)
It was a very impressive moment at the end, to see Aragorn so regal. I hope Bowen will still be alive when he returns as a king of Gondor and Arnor. I would really like to see his reaction!
Author's reply
Thank you, Mirach! Bowen is a bit of a quick study, but I figure Aragorn is probably the best teacher there is. :) And yes, I've heard that to feel your blade hit another is really a revelation, so I wanted Bowen to have that experience. You probably could write an essay on swordfighting!
And yes, Bowen will eventually have his reunion with King Elessar, in book 3, whenever it finally gets finished! Wish me luck, and thanks again for this and all your reviews!
Fantasia
· 25 October 2011
· Chapter 13: Good and Ill Oft Travel The Same Roads
Beautiful end. Perfect. I wish I can leave you an adequate review, but I'm at work and very busy. I took five minutes to read this. And good that I did, it is just perfect. I will wait very impatiently for the third book. I miss all of them already.
Thhans Cairistiona. Hope to read you soon.
Author's reply
Thank you, Fantasia, and this is a perfectly adequate review. :) I'm very glad you enjoyed the story, even to the extent that you miss the characters now that it's over. But they'll all show up again with a few more besides. I'm hard at work on book 3 now. Thanks again for all your kind reviews!
curiouswombat
· 25 October 2011
· Chapter 13: Good and Ill Oft Travel The Same Roads
What an excellent end to an excellent story. I look forward to book three whenever you get to it.
Author's reply
Thank you, curiouswombat! So glad you enjoyed this story! And "whenever you get to it" really will be the operative word. I'm crossing my fingers that comes sooner rather than later!
acairfearann
· 25 October 2011
· Chapter 13: Good and Ill Oft Travel The Same Roads
A wonderful story, I have thoroughly enjoyed the balance struck between secrets and friendship. Your ability to describe expressions and actions is very strong. And that ending, beautiful! Looking forward to the next piece.
Author's reply
Thank you so much, acairfearann! I'm glad you enjoyed the story! I'm hard at work at the next one, though just at the beginning stages at this point. Fingers crossed it flows out as smoothly as this one did.