Suzelle
· 25 October 2011
· Chapter 13: Good and Ill Oft Travel The Same Roads
And though he would never admit it aloud to any man, half the time the deer bounded away unharmed; Flora was actually a far better shot than he could ever hope to be, and it was usually she that did the hunting.
Bwahahaha, did you put that in just to make me happy??? Because it worked XD. Go Flora!
I will leave it for him to tell you that tale, for it is long and harrowing, for he came fully to manhood at that time, and such rarely happens without hardship and sorrow. Suffice now to say that he swore never again to be without a spare.
I'm assuming/hoping we will get the full story behind this in your eventual Halbarad-coming-of-age story, correct?? *is excited*
As for the rest of this chapter...what a perfect end to it all. Bowen's reaction to Strider's precautions/training are quite perfectly suited to his character. Hopefully he will pass on what he's learned to little Owen Estel as well as tales of Strider and his companions.
I especially loved the exchanges between Bowen and Strider at the end...it's clear that Bowen has been forever changed by what he's learned of and from these Rangers.
I cannot even begin to tell you how much of a delight and a pleasure this story has been to follow. It bears your trademark mix of lightheartedness and weight, comedy and heart-moving drama. Hopefully it won't just be Bowen who comes away from all of this with a fuller life--I like to think that the Rangers are deeply happy to know they have one more friend among the Bree-landers. I'm sad to see this tale end, but it couldn't have ended in a better way. I look forward to that not-too-distant future! :)
Author's reply
Ha! No, I didn't write that line to make you happy, although as soon as I wrote it, I immediately thought, "Oh, Suzelle will be happy!" LOL It just seemed to me that given the way I think about the Dunedain women being capable of handling a bow, so might a Bree farm woman living on the edge of the Wild as they do. And it went with Bowen's character somehow to not be the best shot ever. He really is more of a peacemaker than a fighter, though when pressed, look out!
And yes, you will see the genesis of Halbarad's little obsession with making sure he always has a sword in the young Halbarad tale, whenever I finally get that done. The third Rushlight story has priority for now, though. (And yay, I spent an hour or so hammering away at timelines this morning and I *think* I have it sorted out now... gah, I HATE figuring out timelines and what happened "away from the action" and when.)
I'm so glad you enjoyed this story as much as I enjoyed writing it! I'm really sad to see it come to an end, but getting started on the next installment is helping in that regard. It will be fun to take everything that happened to Bowen in this story and apply it throughout the rest of his life. :)
Thanks again for all your reviews!
Nath
· 23 October 2011
· Chapter 12: Rangers A'Plenty
*heh* Seemed as if the mother hen was in danger of having his hand pecked at right at the start of the chapter.
It was a lovely sight, those cultivated fields of Eriador, and one Halbarad carried like a secret treasure in his heart during all his journeying into danger and darkness. He lived to keep Aragorn safe and regretted not a minute by his king's side, but in these quiet moments he felt keenly the longing for a simple life by his hearth and fields. He had no doubt that someday such peaceful scenes as far as the eye could see and beyond would be the reward for all their hard labors, if not for them then for their children or even their children's children. A world at peace, where men and women tended their farms and raised their families without fear, where little ones like Owen Estel enjoyed a childhood full of small adventures and harmless mischief and bright hopes for the future... how Halbarad coveted such things.
*sigh* (*hugs Ranger*)
I must admit to agreeing somewhat with Galadh about babies; they're fine in theory, but that's where I like them best *g* although I can do an almost convincing admiration session if necessary (and Strider holding the baby is a great image).
And Bowen may be stubborn about the farmwork, but he's met his match in the man who is stubborn enough to have wooed and won the Elf princess.
All in all, another enjoyable chapter. Is it really nearly done? *pouts at the thought*
Author's reply
Thank you, and alas, yes, it is almost over. One more chapter is all. You may be pouting, but I admit I'm panicking a bit, wondering how on earth I'll bring the trilogy to a close in one more book! But I'll get it pounded into submission, one way or another.
I really like hearing when readers can connect with a certain character, like you with Galadh and babies. I'm a little that way myself--I like them, and I like to cuddle them, but I've never been one to turn all gooey and go chasing after every baby I can find to hold. So I think a little of that went into Galadh. I'll let Aragorn be the one that turns into man-goo at the sight of a baby... mostly because *that* is what makes me turn all gooey. *g*
*wipes up all the goo slopping over in this reply with a towel*
Nath
· 23 October 2011
· Chapter 11: There Could Be No Better Name
And so it turns out that Bowen's concerns were not entirely spurious, and a big yay for hidden kings doing mystical things *g*
Bowen wants his peace back... now if that doesn't sound like a cue for more disturbance;-) even if it's only the rest of the Rangers turning up.
Author's reply
Don't you love it when Mysterious Kings Are Mysterious? *g* And yes, eek, more Rangers! (Which for me, wouldn't be a problem!)
Thanks for the review!
Linda Hoyland
· 22 October 2011
· Chapter 9: It's Always The Brown Eyes I Remember...
Poor Denlad to have such a dreadful childhood.
Author's reply
He really did have a time of it, didn't he. Thank goodness Aragorn found him when he did, though wouldn't it have been nice had Aragorn been able to swoop him away entirely before it all happened. But then he wouldn't be Denlad, I suppose. A bit like a fiery forge heats steel into a good sword, his hard life played a big role in shaping him into the man he is and will become.
Linda Hoyland
· 22 October 2011
· Chapter 10: Surely It Must Be Bad If Denlad Was Being Nice
I just loved the part where We learn about what Halbarad's wife called him! I'm glad Flora is OH
Author's reply
Thanks, Linda! Glad that part gave you a giggle. *g*
Darkover
· 21 October 2011
· Chapter 12: Rangers A'Plenty
Dear Cairistiona: This was a lovely ending to an excellent story! Strider is back in good health, Bowen and Flora got some help in catching up on the farm work, the baby has been born, named, and is doing well, Bowen has made friends with the Rangers and vice-versa, and presumably, by the time the latter leave, Bowen will have been instructed at least a bit in how to defend himself and his family. All loose ends were neatly and appropriately tied up. As always, I liked how you portrayed Halbarad in this last chapter. I'm not sure any fan author writes him as well as you do. He seems very human and believable, concerned foremost about Strider, missing his own wife and children, and yet thinking about the other men and thinking ahead, just as a good leader should. And as Aragorn's second-in-command, and the man who leads the Dunedain when their Chieftain is not around, Halbarad is indeed a leader. This story has been a delight to read from the start, and so was the tale that preceded it. Thank you very much for writing and posting both, and for doing such a good job both times. Sincerely, Darkover
Author's reply
Thanks so much, Darkover! You're very kind to consider my Halbarad among the best out there--I do try to make him a real person, with as many layers as a real person has. I always feel like he deserves that much, having died such a hero's death without anyone really knowing much about him. I'm glad you feel I have him pegged. :)
But don't give up on the story yet! I almost hate it after you give such a good summation of how I've tied up the loose ends, but there's one last chapter to come. :) There's still a few loose ends, at least to my mind, and of course, I have to do a little bit of pointing toward Book #3 in the trilogy. So one more, *then* you can just copy/paste this for that chapter too. LOL
Thanks again!
Estelcontar
· 21 October 2011
· Chapter 12: Rangers A'Plenty
Here was I thinking I would not like anything in this chapter as much as well as Halbarad at his mothering best pestering Aragorn, when in bursts Bowen and steals the scene. It was totally delicious. I see Galadh loves dogs too as much as he likes talking. Poor scorned Ruddy! Thank the Valar, Halbarad was there.
So here was I again thinking that was going to be the best part of the chapter when you give us Aragorn training to be a father, and that melted me down. I loved the way you used Aragorn and Owen Estel's bonding to frame Halbarad's dream/foresight, a most effective foreshadowing of what I imagine is going to be told in the next story. The last paragraph is just about perfect.
Author's reply
Thanks, Estelcontar! Bowen did more or less steal that scene, didn't he. LOL And yes, Aragorn-in-training, holding that baby so much and being Chief Babysitter! I just love that image. *g* And I imagine it will have formed a lasting connection between Aragorn and Owen Estel, even though Owen Estel was far too young to remember.
Glad you liked so many parts of this chapter. :)
Suzelle
· 21 October 2011
· Chapter 12: Rangers A'Plenty
More love to give! Let me count the ways:
1. I've mentioned it before, but I do so love the subtle fleshing-out you've given to all your OC's. Galadh never fails to crack me up...perhaps Owen Estel will prove to be the baby that warms his heart *g*.
2. "But those are all... I'm no good at cooking, and I don't have the first clue about the laundry." Bwahaha Bowen I know how you were originally going to end that sentence and you're lucky that you didn't, otherwise I think there are certain females who would have given you a very strict talking-to! *g* And good for Strider/Halbarad for pointing out that it is quite important, indeed, for everyone to know how to cook XD.
3. Oooh, I do like the idea that they are going to try and get Bowen/some of the other Breelanders to start defending themselves...it would be an ease off of everyone's mind, wouldn't it?
4. The scene where Halbarad was missing his home/family may or may not have brought a lump to my throat. But in a good way.
Author's reply
Thanks, Suzelle! Hee... I'm glad Galadh makes you smile! He's such a taciturn guy, but I really do suspect he has a heart of mush under that silent and stern exterior. *g* And I wondered if I'd be absolutely destroying Bowen in your eyes by making him a typical male for the time... that is, one that delineates "women's work" from "men's work"! But don't be too hard on him--division of labor in those days was rather specific out of necessity.
Would that the Rangers could have taught defense to those heedless folk! But I fear they would have just thought them off their rockers to even suggest the need. Bowen's going to be one of the fortunate ones, really.
Aw, yay for the possibility I gave you a lump in your throat. *g* I like inflicting lumpy throats... bwa ha ha!
Suzelle
· 21 October 2011
· Chapter 11: There Could Be No Better Name
I will have you know that I have been so dying to catch up on this fic all week that I am breaking my time-honored rule to never read fanfiction on university computers...but you know, it's the first spare half hour I've had all week, it's Friday, and gosh darn anyone who judges me for reading fic in the library!!
*ahem* Anyway...
As always, I loved this. A lot of info is finally revealed to us, but it's done with such a deft and touching hand. Thank goodness Strider was there indeed, and no wonder Denlad was so distressed during the birth itself!! And it was a relative of Bowen's who so harmed Denlad and his mother, after all...I just want to give more hugs to Denlad, but hopefully this revelation will help him to gain some closure and move on.
And more Rangers, hah!
Author's reply
Oh wow, you read this on university computers! Eek! Well, hopefully no one will judge you. *g* Call it "literary critique and examination via fiction" instead of "fanfiction" and even the snootiest academic won't have much to say. *G*
Glad you enjoyed the chapter... wouldn't it have been be awful if you sneaked online at the university and read it only to think at the end, "Well, that sure wasn't worth it. :P" LOL I do think you should go ahead and give Denlad some hugs, just to make sure he REALLY feels okay about life again. :)
Elflingimp
· 21 October 2011
· Chapter 12: Rangers A'Plenty
Loved this chapter.....it's so heart warming to see grown men cooing over a baby(well most of them)and helping Bowen out with his fields and such, wish life was like that today. Hugs The Imp
Author's reply
Thanks, Elflingimp! Isn't it so warm and fuzzy, picturing hardy and dangerous-looking Rangers cuddling a little baby and no doubt making silly faces at it? :) And it would be nice to live that thoroughly peaceful and rural life. Those that have managed it in this day and age are truly blessed, I think.
shirebound
· 21 October 2011
· Chapter 12: Rangers A'Plenty
A world at peace, where men and women tended their farms and raised their families without fear, where little ones like Owen Estel enjoyed a childhood full of small adventures and harmless mischief and bright hopes for the future... how Halbarad coveted such things.
And how they all deserve it. What a wonderful chapter.
Author's reply
Thanks, shirebound! They really did deserve those things, didn't they. I think it's just too tragic that Halbarad didn't get to enjoy them after the fighting was done, but maybe they gave him a lovely patch of fertile ground to till in the lands beyond the Dark Sea. :)
Fantasia
· 21 October 2011
· Chapter 12: Rangers A'Plenty
Lovely, lovely chapter. Halbarad’s description of his home and family, especially his wife was beautifully written. I can see, feel and hear the fields, the breeze that sounds. It breaks my heart, to know that he won't know that peace. But he has a home well worthy of his fight.
And the Rangers gang is being a framer gang. Just perfect.
Author's reply
Thanks, Fantasia! Yes, Farmer Halbarad! I really see him as being a peace-loving man at heart and happiest when he's at home with his family and his farm, rare that those times are. You're right in that it makes it all the more heartbreaking that he doesn't gain it for himself in the end... but all the more noble of him, I think, to add that to the reasons why he fights.
And yes, they're all getting a rare chance to play at being farmers! I think it's fun to think about them setting aside swords for plowshares. :)
Mirach
· 21 October 2011
· Chapter 12: Rangers A'Plenty
A few off-topic things first:
- I don't know why I checked SoA right now, because I didn't get the notification for your new chapter yet, so it was a surprise to see it. I'm sure I'll get the notification 10 minutes before leaving again, they tend to to that =)
- I knew what's a "ha-ha""! :D We learned about it in the history of landscape architecture =)
And on topic now:
Aww, Ruddy! I want to pet him... He's getting my new favourite character =) Bowen is surely starting to miss the old peaceful days without Rangers and babies, poor man. Are they really going to teach him to fight? It's hard to imagine, but I'm curious what you will do of it. And what fate did you prepare for Owen Estel in the third part of the "Rushlight trilogy" (Did I guess right?) And how did Halbarad plow with his hand? Or is it already healed?
Author's reply
Thanks, Mirach! Glad you liked the chapter! And knew what a ha-ha was! That's not a common term in the US so I wanted to be sure to put a definition at the bottom so people wouldn't think they were fixing Bowen's laugh (I don't know... maybe he has a really irritating laugh that DOES need fixing! *g*) And yay, Ruddy's gaining fans!
To answer your questions: As to whether they'll teach Bowen to fight... you'll have to wait for the last chapter to see. :) The fate of Owen Estel... will be revealed in detail in Book #3. (You didn't really expect an answer to that, I know!) And as for Halbarad's hand and plowing... I guess it's healed enough that he managed all right. And too, maybe it's a different enough motion that it didn't aggravate it too much.
phyloxena
· 20 October 2011
· Chapter 11: There Could Be No Better Name
Such a touching story! I couldn't help thinking that if Strides was too sick to help the baby, rangers would've been blamed on the unhappy birth. But of course the whole point of a hero is that he is always on time and adequate to the task.
Author's reply
Thanks, phyloxena! Glad you're enjoying the story so far. :) I don't know if Flora or Bowen would have blamed the Rangers, necessarily... Flora is a midwife, after all, and knows that sometimes births go wrong. So she's not in the same sort of mindset as the family that Strider helped, not understanding and ill and eager to find a scapegoat, etc. Fortunately this time around, things went the right way for all concerned, and Strider had a heroic moment after all.
Layne
· 20 October 2011
· Chapter 11: There Could Be No Better Name
Owen Estel is a *perfect* name :)
I wondered a bit why Strider seemed weak when Bowen went in to see his son, I thought he was getting a better. No wonder, he had been calling the little one from the dead ...
Was Bowen's uncle the one from Denlad's backstory? I thought he wasn't but I'm a bit unsure from his reaction there.
Yay, more Rangers! Heheh, poor Bowen. Uhm, I hope he knows how to make pot roast ;P
Author's reply
Thanks, Layne! And pot roast!! LOL!! I wonder if Bowen could manage pot roast...? Maybe Denlad could teach him. *g* (and anyone reading this who's wondering about the joke, friend me on LJ at "cairistiona7", where you can hear me wax poetic about pot roast... *g*)
And yes, Rowen Rushlight was the one that caused all the problems with Denlad and his mother. I left it more or less unspoken, though, because a) we can't see into Denlad's mind because the point of view of the chapter is Bowen's and the way I write, we only get to see into one head at a time; and b) I didn't feel it entirely necessary to spell it out since there's a lot of clues pointing toward the fact that it was Bowen's uncle, when you compare what we hear Denlad say to Halbarad and what Bowen reveals here. As for Denlad's reaction, he realizes again that he can't hold it against Bowen and that he has to let it go--and when you've long held anger toward someone and find out it really doesn't matter anymore, it can leave you a little flat, emotionally, before the sense of freedom sets in... which we see when Denlad mutters to himself that it doesn't matter, but then shortly after that gives Bowen the sunny smile and the complement. Denlad's going through a real storm of emotions here, but since we're looking at the Rangers, except for Halbarad, through Bowen's eyes, I wanted to only show what Bowen saw here, which serves to reinforce his opinion that Rangers are highly secretive and a bit of a pain in the neck to try to talk to! Hope that clears things up!
Layne
· 19 October 2011
· Chapter 10: Surely It Must Be Bad If Denlad Was Being Nice
((((( Mrs Halbarad )))))
:DD
Never mind, Halbarad, Strider's turn will come soon enough, though Arwen's Elvish's cursing would probably be more ... refined, maybe? :DD
Author's reply
LOL! Yes, Miriel needs hugs, having to deal with Halbarad! *g* But spare a hug for him to, since she's threatened to sever his Little Big Halbarad from him! :D
Hadn't thought about Arwen ripping into Aragorn, but if she did, I imagine it would be very eloquent and in at least three languages!
Lynn H
· 18 October 2011
· Chapter 11: There Could Be No Better Name
Born on Estel's OWN Birthday, when he has the choice of Death - no wonder Death could not take the babe! Happy Birthday Estel & Estel!
Author's reply
Estel's own birth month, at least, yes! The 25th is the day the Ring was destroyed and now Owen Estel's b-day, and the 1st is Aragorn's b-day... so let's have a month-long party! *tosses confetti*
Darkover
· 18 October 2011
· Chapter 11: There Could Be No Better Name
dear Cairistiona: To sound like Bowen for a moment--another excellent chapter, and no mistake! This chapter was just as enjoyable as the others. Strider came to the rescue, Halbarad had his inside jokes, Denlad had his childhood mystery solved, and not least of all, the baby was born--all delightful! The passage in which Bowen holds his newborn son was just great, especially your description of the baby and how he made a perfect "O" with his mouth--that is just what tiny babies do, and how they look! Very well written! I also loved the lines; "Bowen's relief was vast. Odd trances and terrible voices were all completely beyond him, but a man tired and hungry, in need of cake, that was something he felt he could handle." I very much like your OCs, and you have portrayed Strider and Halbarad equally well. Moreover, although I admired the fact that Denlad apologized for his earlier cold behavior, it is much more understandable in view of the great likelihood that the creep who beat up Denlad and his mother was Bowen's uncle. I also really loved Bowen's epiphany, when he realizes that not only are the Rangers not a bunch of murdering rogues, but they are good men, who have become friends. Still, between the fact that they are still a strange people by Breeland standards, plus Strider's uncanny abilities, it is understandable that they make Bowen nervous, and that he wishes they would move on soon. Now other Rangers have shown up at his door. I can hardly wait for the next chapter! This story is all the more remarkable for the fact that it grew out of what you originally intended to be a one-shot! Thanks for writing and posting this. Take care! Sincerely, Darkover
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Darkover! I don't say it enough, but I love your very detailed reviews... it's nice to hear just what exactly works for you in a chapter (and yes, what sometimes hasn't!). The baby I based on one of my friend's sons... he would just stare so intently at anyone that held him, you wondered what he must have been thinking, and about the time you expected him to smile, he'd yawn and fall asleep, and you'd realize that what he apparently thought was that you were utterly boring! LOL And yes, Bowen is really at sixes and sevens as far as his feelings about the Rangers, poor man.
Isn't it funny how a one-shot can grow into something much bigger!
Thanks again for the review. :)
Estelcontar
· 18 October 2011
· Chapter 11: There Could Be No Better Name
I see it was after all Bowen's uncle and not Bowen's father who was the villain. I'm glad Denlad has at least come to terms with that part of his past. I'm also very glad that saving young Owen Estel Rushlight's (Loved the name!) life has helped and made it easier for Aragorn to come to terms with the young girl's death. You've managed to tie up these incidents very neatly.
I see Bowen is going to be a great father. The scene in which he holds Owen Estel is very sweet and sounds very true to life (Can't get enough of that name. *g*)I also loved Aragorn's reaction when Owen was named Estel. And it goes without saying that the ending was priceless. Wonderful chapter!
Author's reply
Thanks, Estelcontar! So glad you liked this chapter... and isn't it interesting how an Elvish and a Mannish name can flow together so well? Aragorn was just really taken aback at Halbarad's suggestion of "Estel" and of Bowen's ready acceptance of it, even with a tiny little dig at the "outlandish" nature of it! *g* Poor Bowen... he'll never really think anything outside of Bree could ever be considered normal!
Mirach
· 18 October 2011
· Chapter 11: There Could Be No Better Name
I knew something will go wrong with the childbirth! (It's quite predictable when Aragorn is around...) I actually realized what happened in the 2nd paragraph, but I just love reading about Aragorn in "healer mode" and in the aftermath =) And it's so sweet that the child got named Estel, and that it was born on March 25th!
Author's reply
Thanks, Mirach! Hee hee... yes, it's funny how situations always seem to arise for Aragorn to use his healing hands!
Owen Estel will forever have a lot of connections to Strider. :)
shirebound
· 18 October 2011
· Chapter 11: There Could Be No Better Name
Happy Birthday, Owen Estel Rushlight! And born on such an auspicious day.
Odd trances and terrible voices were all completely beyond him, but a man tired and hungry, in need of cake, that was something he felt he could handle.
Such a good and simple man. A delightful chapter.
Author's reply
Thank you, shirebound! I see Bowen as a very good man who prefers his world to be very ordered and well-defined, a lot like a hobbit and a lot like many real farmers, which makes having Rangers showing up at all hours doubly troubling! But at the same time, he has a strong hospitable streak so hopefully he won't be giving these two the Denlad cold-eyed stare!
And yes, happy birthday to Owen Estel! It will be interesting to see how his 24th birthday goes. ;)
curiouswombat
· 18 October 2011
· Chapter 11: There Could Be No Better Name
I'm glad that Denlad has some answers - and even a degree of closure I suppose.
And soon there will not be a ranger left on patrol for a fifty mile radius of the Rushlights' farm!
Author's reply
LOL... yes, Aragorn better get back on his feet before they all show up at the Rushlight Farm! Poor Bowen would go off the deep end, I fear.
Fantasia
· 18 October 2011
· Chapter 11: There Could Be No Better Name
More Rangers indeed! Poor Bowen, his life is getting so complicated with all these rangers coming uninvited to his farm. And he was thinking to have them going and finally have the farm for his family. Wrong.
Loved every single sentence. I was in tears with the baby's description, his soft skin, his tiny fist, Bowen's reaction to him. And Strider saved his life! and for sure, he may put his past experience in the past.
Poor Denlad, it was after all Bowen's uncle, and they resembled each other, no wonder the memory came alive. It seems now that he is coming to his usual self. Good.
Halbarad and his hot toddy, it was funny. And it seems that the cake wasn’t that great.
And now, when I read the title of this chapter, I just realize that the whole story was for this purpose and it is so beautiful. Thank you.
Author's reply
Thanks, Fantasia! Yes, this is definitely the chapter that ties in most closely with the title of the story and ties in with the overall theme of names in all three stories (when I finally have them all written... the third one is only in the very beginning draft stage, and not very far along even at that). How we look at each other based on our names and how our behavior affects the interpretation of our names and how our names affect our behavior... it's all part of the tale.
So glad you liked everything in this chapter!
LisaG
· 18 October 2011
· Chapter 11: There Could Be No Better Name
Although it taxed poor Aragorn, I'm so glad he was able to help little Owen Rushlight...hopefully that will help ease his mind after losing the other child to illness. And how sweet to give Estel as the baby's middle name. :)
LOL! Loved Bowen's reaction at the end...more rangers!
Author's reply
Thanks, LisaG! Yes, more Rangers! Poor Bowen, just when he thought life might get back to normal. *g* I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter.
Layne
· 18 October 2011
· Chapter 9: It's Always The Brown Eyes I Remember...
Looking at the title, I was so afraid that Denlad was going to say that Bowen had been one of his mother's clients!
Author's reply
Nope... Bowen's too young, which is a good thing because I think Denlad might have gotten violent instead of just unfriendly had he found out otherwise!