Suzelle
· 27 September 2011
· Chapter 5: A Ragtag Stray Like Strider
So, today I was at my lifeguarding job, and it was really boring because no one came to the pool. So I was lifeguarding invisible people. And I knew that you had a new chapter out, and I really wanted to read it. And I was super-tempted to read it on my smartphone at work, but I thought "No!! Story-reading cannot be relegated to a mere phone!" Aaaand...then I got impatient. And read it on my phone anyway :P.
BUT, leaving a short review with my phone just wasn't going to do!! I quite enjoy the twists we've taken in this chapter...it was definitely not what I was expecting! Silly Bowen, forgetting to mention that your wife is pregnant :P. But I love the character of Flora, and also the small details that really add to Bowen's character. The part where he's worrying about what Strider is going to think of his farm...perfection :).
And I really, really, really love the discussion between Bowen and Flora about Strider's background. It's so telling, and illuminates in a great way both the way Rangers are seen and that these are awesome people who aren't going to let that get in the way.
I'm anticipating the party to get rather crazy once Halbarad and Denlad finally show up! *g*
Author's reply
Oh dear, I hope no invisible people drowned because of my story!! *g* But thank you... I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter! It's so fascinating to me, the dynamics of the relationship between Rangers and the people around Bree. I think back to the quote of Aragorn's at the Council of Elrond when he says, "little thanks have we"--he didn't say "NO thanks have we", so you know there had to be at least a few people who appreciated the Rangers, or, like in Bowen's case, grew to appreciate them once he finally got to know one of them. And hee! Glad you like the little plot twist. I like to surprise readers that way.
Crazy party coming up Friday. *g*
Darkover
· 27 September 2011
· Chapter 5: A Ragtag Stray Like Strider
Dear Cairistiona: Yet another delightful chapter! I love Bowen and Flora. They seem like very realistic characters, and you write the dialogue, especially Bowen's lines, beautifully. I especially liked it when he reminded Strider that even an eagle needs help now and again. I don't believe I mentioned it when I was reviewing the previous chapter, but IMHO the imagery and metaphors you use to describe Strider are quite appropriate and compelling. Strider does often give the impression of being some kind of feral animal, or a wounded eagle. I can well imagine Strider not wanting to accept any help from anyone. As a Dunedain Ranger, he is probably so accustomed to being the object of suspicion, scorn, and derision from the very people he and the other Rangers protect that he would never dream of asking for help. Plus, as Bowen observed, men in general dislike asking for help anyway, as they consider it a sign of weakness. Poor Strider has to accept it now, though--he is in bad shape. Flora is such a sweet and kind lady, and she is quick-witted enough to make the connection between the Ranger who acted as a midwife, and the Ranger who is unconscious in her chair, burning up with fever. I loved this chapter too, and I eagerly await the next! Take care. Sincerely, Darkover
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Darkover! I'm so glad you like Bowen and now Flora, too. And the metaphors for Aragorn! Gosh, he just begs to be described metaphorically, doesn't he? It's been kind of fascinating to see what sort of things a man like Bowen would come up with in that regard. And you point it out well--Strider has to be in bad shape for him to have overcome all those barriers to accepting Bowen's help; he pretty much has to be unconscious or nearly there, doesn't he, silly Ranger.
shirebound
· 27 September 2011
· Chapter 5: A Ragtag Stray Like Strider
I just love this happy marriage. Aragorn's been taken in by folks of quality, and that's a fact.
Author's reply
Thank you, shirebound! Bowen and Flora really do have a good marriage, equally matched in temperament and respect for each other and acceptance when one partner does something unexpected, like bringing home a sick Ranger!
Estelcontar
· 27 September 2011
· Chapter 5: A Ragtag Stray Like Strider
Let me rephrase what I said on chapter three: I see that Bowen is more than a match for Aragorn when it comes to stubbornness. I wonder he didn't try to doctor Aragorn with another of his poultices as soon as they were inside. LOL
I like his Flora too. You pitched on a lovely name for her. She's a most motherly, kindly and comfortable person; as comfortable as Rushlight farm seems to be. It's no wonder Bowen is so in love with her.
And in spite of his bluster I think Ruddy is a very discerning hound and as kind as his owners. So, I'm very glad to make his acquaintance.
Author's reply
Thank you, Estelcontar! The name Flora does kind of give off that motherly vibe, doesn't it? And that Ruddy! He barks up a good show but he's all mush inside. :) Glad you enjoyed the chapter!
Mirach
· 27 September 2011
· Chapter 5: A Ragtag Stray Like Strider
I thought the ride will be hard for Aragorn... (the scene from Two Towers when he's riding to Helm's Deep barely conscious, comes to mind, and that's one of my favourites =))
Bowen's anxiety about Strider's opinion on his farm was a very nice touch, it makes Bowen very believable character. But yes, Bowen, you didn't tell us that your wife is with a child! I'm sure Aragorn wouldn't want to risk her getting sick, and if he would feel just a little better, he would not stay. That they actually convinced him to stay tells much about his condition.
But Flora's pregnancy can yet make things complicated - and interesting for a story. And Halbarad with Denlad will arrive soon, so I'm curious how she will welcome them! A "ragtag stray" that can barely stand on his feet is one thing, but two dangerously looking rangers another...
Author's reply
Thank you, Mirach! Hee... isn't that just like a man, to forget to mention his wife is pregnant! And he's so worried about his farm; pleasing folks is one of Bowen's strengths, and somehow he knows that Strider is definitely one to try to impress, even though he's sick and bleary and eaten up with fever. Your curiousity will be satisfied come Friday, when Halbarad and Denlad finally track down their elusive Chieftain!
Fantasia
· 27 September 2011
· Chapter 5: A Ragtag Stray Like Strider
What a beatiful couple, Flora and Bowen. And how lucky was Strider to find them or to be found by them. I'm suspicious taht he will return the favor, with the baby's delivery. Will see what they will say when the two other Rangers show uninvited to their door.
The Farm sounds lovely. Bowen's worried about Strider's opinion of him and his Farm was touching. I like Ruddy too, so friendly with Strider.
What does Strider have, tonsillitis? He is noble to a fault, worried about her conditionan and the possibility of infection before his own sickness. What a great leader, Chieftan and King he is and he will.
Thanks. Read you next Friday
Author's reply
Thank you, Fantasia! I'm so glad you like Flora... to me she seems like the perfect motherly sort, ready to take care of anything that comes under her roof, even scary Rangers. :) And Ruddy, oh that dog! Barks at anything that moves but is a chicken at heart, just like my own dog. I'm not sure what really ails Strider--it could be tonsillitis or strept throat, or some other stray virus known only to Middle-earth. In that day and age, without microscopes and knowledge of bacteria and viruses, it could have been any number of things, is how I'm looking at his illness. Eventually we'll hear how he actually got sick, but that's a few chapters on, yet. Onward from here to Halbarad and Denlad's arrival!
Thanks for reading!
Elentarri
· 27 September 2011
· Chapter 5: A Ragtag Stray Like Strider
Absolutely lovely. This chapter and the one before. :) Now I just have to survive until Friday.... :D I can't wait for Halbarad and Denlad to pitch up at Bowen's farm.
You really do need to make your chapters longer so there are more delightful things for your fans to read. :)
Author's reply
Thank you, Elentarri! Glad you enjoyed both chapters... may you survive until Friday! As for chapter length, well, I try to write until the chapter ends, pretty much. *g* But it's very kind of you to say you want more!
Lily Baggins
· 27 September 2011
· Chapter 4: Valar Forbid Anyone Turn Down Your Oatmeal
Well, I am feeling very bad that Halbarad and Denlad didn't get to finish off their meal... here's hoping that Bowen's wife is a good cook who will fatten them up some! (If Halbarad can put aside his worry).
That was priceless, the way in which Halbarad discovered Aragorn's illness. I can just see it playing out in slow motion in my mind. And I can completely relate to that roller-coaster of emotion you can feel when you get good news and bad news and then good news again...
I am really looking forward to Halbarad getting to be a Mother Hen for a time... it's always so enjoyable!
Loved this---looking forward to more!
Author's reply
Thanks, Lily! Poor Halbarad didn't have a good time at all in Bree, what with hearing his chieftain is ill, and not getting to eat, and having to put up with getting the news in such a crazy way. And now he has a cranky Denlad to deal with! I think he needs a hug. :)
Lily Baggins
· 27 September 2011
· Chapter 3: Strider Said Nothing
So much to love about this chapter! The fact that Aragorn is feeling sicker (poor thing), and not quite himself; and of course the fact that Bowen thinks he's got an old pot in his backpack!
(If he tasted Aragorn's cooking, he'd know that wasn't true, wouldn't he?)
I'm really enjoying all the little surprises about Aragorn that Bowen's discovering, such as Aragorn's fine white shirt and the fact that he has a horse. That made me laugh--he must really think Aragorn is down and out, lol!
Aragorn MUST be feeling lowly to go home with Bowen, but then, I'd want to do the same if I had a nasty sore throat and just wanted to rest and be taken care of.
Lovely chapter!
Author's reply
Thanks, Lily! Hee hee... I hadn't thought of that but yes, a cookpot is likely the LAST thing Aragorn would haul around. *g* But he just wants to curl up and go to sleep until he's better, so cooking's the last thing on his mind anyway. And he probably would have figured out a way to avoid a ride to Bowen's farm if he'd felt better, but that just shows how miserable he was, poor fellow.
Glad you enjoyed this chapter. :)
Suzelle
· 25 September 2011
· Chapter 4: Valar Forbid Anyone Turn Down Your Oatmeal
Three things:
1). LOL Strider leaving graffiti. I want this to be canon.
2). Om nom nom roast beef.
3). Poor worrying Denlad :(
Author's reply
LOL!! Wouldn't it be funny if someday, somewhere, an archeologist actually digs up a shattered piece of an old bench, with mysterious markings on it that if you squint just right look like "S---d-r 29-5". *g*
Thank you for your always creative review!
Darkover
· 24 September 2011
· Chapter 4: Valar Forbid Anyone Turn Down Your Oatmeal
Dear Cairistiona: This chapter was very well written, too! I thoroughly enjoy your version of Halbarad. His conversation with Butterbur was priceless, and IMHO you portrayed the innkeeper very much in-character. His report on Strider's health was simultaneously hilarious and enough to drive a saint to violence. As usual, this was a pleasure to read, and I happily await the next chapter. Please post soon! Sincerely, Darkover
Author's reply
Thank you, Darkover! So glad you're still enjoying the story... can you imagine trying to get any sort of concise and thorough report from Butterbur on anything? He's a good cook and innkeeper but don't ask him to be any sort of administrative assistant!
Next chapter will come on Tuesday. :) Thanks again!
EllyBaggins
· 24 September 2011
· Chapter 4: Valar Forbid Anyone Turn Down Your Oatmeal
I LOVE your stories! You write all of the characters so well, I can't get enough of your Halbarad and Aragorn!
I'm really enjoying this so far...it has made me hungry for roast beef though! Keep up the good work :)
Author's reply
Thank you, EllyBaggins! So glad you're enjoy my tales and feel I get the characters right. I really do enjoy writing Halbarad and Aragorn. :)
Hopefully you can get you some roast beef soon. *g*
Thanks for the review!
Vilwarin
· 24 September 2011
· Chapter 4: Valar Forbid Anyone Turn Down Your Oatmeal
What a shame to leave the good roast beef behind. They should have taken it "to go". ;) I'm also both amazed that Halbarad gives Barliman their real names and that Barliman remembers such outlandish sounding words.
Strider carving his name - what a fun thought. I recently visited a monastery that was (and still is) later used as a protestant school. People had chisled their names in the stone! That's something different from today!
Author's reply
Thanks, Vilwarin... too bad Butterbur didn't provide those handy little to-go boxes you get nowadays in restaurants!
I don't think it too unusual that Halbarad would use his actual name... he's not of the direct line of kings (and who knows, may not even be related to the royal line at all... he is in my universe but Tolkien doesn't say). At any rate, he doesn't really have to hide his identity like Aragorn does. Now, Butterbur remembering those outlandish names is another thing entirely--I wonder how many times he had to be told Halbarad's name before he finally remembered it!
And isn't it interesting how long people have been carving their names in places! It seems to be a universal need, somehow (although I have to say I've never been tempted myself). Over the summer I toured a Spanish fort in Florida, established in the 1500's and the barracks had all kinds of names carved in the stone walls, both of the soldiers who lived there and the tourists in the centuries that followed... though none in recent years, as the sharp eyes of the park rangers see to it that no one gets busy with chisel and hammer!
Nath
· 24 September 2011
· Chapter 4: Valar Forbid Anyone Turn Down Your Oatmeal
Aragorn will have to get well very fast, if only to escape from the flock of Mother Hens he'll soon have around him...
Author's reply
And everyone thinks it's flocks of crebain you have to worry about! :)
Thanks for the review!
Nath
· 24 September 2011
· Chapter 3: Strider Said Nothing
"Feral" is the perfect choice to describe Strider here; I also quite like the eagle comparison (and I'm sure Thorongil would get a chuckle out of it). The way Bowen kept making all these right guesses amidst the babbling on and on had me smiling quite a lot.
Author's reply
Thanks, Nath... glad you liked that, and I've wondered ever since I wrote about the eagle bit what Strider would think about that! I think you're right--he'd get a chuckle out of it. And yes, Bowen's tripping all over the truth, isn't he!
Ainariel
· 23 September 2011
· Chapter 4: Valar Forbid Anyone Turn Down Your Oatmeal
I am really enjoying this tale - Bowen is such a treasure! I was worried a bit, at the end of Ch 3, that Halbarad and Denlad might come upon Bowen as he was readying Striders horse...that could have presented a bad situation!
And the mustard poultice...ah, what memories! It is a nasty stuff, but wow...can it do wonders. My great grandmother used one on me when I was a youngster (maybe 3 or 4 yrs old) and I thought the old woman had lost her mind! She put the poultice on and 'packed' me in bed - had all the covers tucked around me/between mattress & box spring so that I could barely move! The fever broke, the congestion didn't settle in my chest, and I felt much better (other than being tired) the next morning...of course, I didn't really know what she had done until I took an herbal remedies course a few years ago!!
Anyway, love the characterization here - all seem spot on, and their voices are perfect (even Strider's non-verbal communication seems very much in-character!) Can I ask what book you were speaking of regarding non-verbal communication? I dabble in writing and the sheer amount of reference materials is overwhelming...it's hard to find good resources!
Author's reply
Thank you Ainariel! So glad you're enjoying this... and yes, yikes, that might have been interesting and not in a good way for Bowen, had Halbarad come upon him seemingly stealing Strider's horse! I'm not sure even Bowen could talk fast enough to get himself out of that jam.
You are the first person I've ever met who actually had to endure a mustard poultice. It's definitely one of those cures that can seem worse than the illness, from the sound of it.
As for the book on dialogue, it's "Writing Dialogue" by Tom Chiarella. It's full of all kinds of good advice on how to make dialogue work better and feel fresh and interesting, and he includes an entire chapter on how to use silence in dialogue. Good stuff, that book. :) He writes in a very conversational tone that doesn't feel dry or didactic. (And now that I've got it down from the shelf and am looking at it, I think I'll give it another read--I think it's been about 10 years since I read it and I'm sure I've forgotten some really good nuggets in there.)
Thanks again for the review!
Larner
· 23 September 2011
· Chapter 4: Valar Forbid Anyone Turn Down Your Oatmeal
Worries will plague one in such a case. Glad they're following after, but wish Denlad were in a better mood.
Author's reply
Yes, Denlad is definitely hard at worrying now, on top of being a little down in the dumps... poor guy could use some good news, couldn't he! Thanks for reading along!
Estelcontar
· 23 September 2011
· Chapter 4: Valar Forbid Anyone Turn Down Your Oatmeal
I'm sure Barliman would be very disappointed if for once Halbarad made a subdued entrance at the Prancing Pony. *g*
I see that, when it comes to Aragorn, Denland is now as big a worry-wart as Halbarad ever was if not bigger. Halbarad should be proud of his tutoring skills. LOL I'm so sorry though they did not get to enjoy their delicious meal and their mug of ale at the Prancing Pony. They really deserved the rest.
I'm most definitely loving this story of yours to bits
Author's reply
Hee, thank you! I do wonder how high Barliman would jump if Halbarad snuck in and suddenly there he was in a corner! I imagine there were times when Halbarad made a quieter entrance, but when faced with an empty inn, why not make the best of it! And yes, Halbarad taught Denlad a little too well about mother-henning.
Glad you're enjoying this the 2nd time around!
shirebound
· 23 September 2011
· Chapter 4: Valar Forbid Anyone Turn Down Your Oatmeal
Halbarad could take no more of this handing out of good news with one hand only to snatch it away with the other.
Butterbur is positively gifted at that! You wrote his dialogue so beautifully.
Whew, at least they know where Aragorn is, and *how* he is. What a fun story.
Author's reply
Thank you as always, shirebound! I'm glad you're finding this a fun story to read because it certainly was a large part of my aim, to keep things somewhat lighter than some of the past stories I've written. Bowen himself is helping toward that end, as he's just such a happy and warm person. I'm glad he stepped into my stories and introduced himself. *g*
And yes, Butterbur. He's just so... Butterburry!!
Fantasia
· 23 September 2011
· Chapter 4: Valar Forbid Anyone Turn Down Your Oatmeal
"Did you expect him to have carved ‘Strider was here, 24 March, 2995’ on the bench?"---This is priceless.
Aragorn has now two mother hens Rangers around him. When one is not worry, the other one is. They take turns.
Are you sure that we have to wait until Tuesday?
Author's reply
Ah, alas, yes, we have to wait until Tuesday... aside from it being a busy weekend for me (as most are) it seems to take most readers about that many days to get a chance at the current chapter. I don't like making them feel rushed, though on the other hand I do have readers that want the entire thing NOW. Finding that middle ground is tough sometimes.
But thank you, I'm glad you liked this chapter--and now you see exactly what the date is! Wouldn't it have been funny if Aragorn *did* carve somewhere on "his" bench "Strider was here". Middle-earth graffiti!
Layne
· 22 September 2011
· Chapter 3: Strider Said Nothing
I've a feeling that maaaaybe Bowen will get something from Strider as a token for his kindness, maybe the pin? ( though probably that's too much lol ) And I can't wait to see how Denlad and the Elf Maiden would take to Bowen ( and vice versa ) :)
Author's reply
Ooh, yeah... I think giving away his pin would be a bit too large a gift, but I bet Strider will think of something! And it won't be too much longer before Halbarad, Denlad et al meet Bowen. Poor Bowen... he has no idea about the invasion heading his way. *g*
Larner
· 22 September 2011
· Chapter 3: Strider Said Nothing
More likely what he heard clunk was Strider's ancestor's ancient sword's shards, but Bowen doesn't have to know that! Heh! Love the description of the shirt he wore for the night--sounds as if Arwen did him proud. A lovely thing for the King-to-be.
Author's reply
Thanks, Larner! I'm glad you enjoyed the bit about the shirt. It can be hard to work Arwen into stories during this period of Aragorn's life, so you have to rely on little things like that. And yes, you pegged it! That was the shards of Narsil clanking around in the bottom of Strider's pack. :)
Darkover
· 22 September 2011
· Chapter 3: Strider Said Nothing
Dear Cairistiona: This chapter is my favorite so far! Poor Strider has lost his voice, but I loved the mimicry he had to resort to, especially when he vigorously crossed his heart as he promised not to kiss Bowen Rushlight! I loved Bowen's chatter, and his generous spirit. He reminds me a bit of Barliman Butterbur, only more observant and perceptive. Was that intentional on your part, as both Rushlight and Butterbur are Breelanders? I suspect that the item Strider was looking for in his pack was the Elfstone. He had already determined the whereabouts of his star pin, and I imagine he is wearing the ring of Barahir, so he wouldn't have too many treasures left. Things should get even more interesting when Bowen shows up at home with a sick Ranger in tow--his wife will definitely be surprised, I am sure! This story continues to life up to its original promise. I'm eagerly awaiting the next chapter. Thanks for writing and posting this story! Sincerely, Darkover
Author's reply
Thank you, Darkover! So glad this chapter has ended up at the top of the 'favorite' list! It's one of my own favorites as well, because of the literally unspoken humor Strider gets to show. We... and more importantly Bowen... finally get a glimpse of the "real" person behind Feral Strider. I think even in his best disguises, when Aragorn had a chance to express humor, that was his chance to express the real "him" without fear of exposing his true identity and I imagine it probably felt very good to be able to do that now and then.
As for the similarities between Bowen and Barliman... yes, in most ways it is deliberate for the very reason you give: they're both Men of Bree, so they'll have similar mindsets (even about the Rangers) and use similar colloquialisms, all those things that make a regional people similar. That said, there are ways in which Bowen is quite different than Barliman, but I won't go into them here as hopefully the story will show that as it unfolds. But I think I can say without spoiling future chapters that the two men are good friends and so there'll be shared characteristics in order for them to have made that connection with one another, mostly in the area of having a hospitable and generous spirit, which I believe Barliman had or he would have straight out banned all Rangers from the premises. Barliman is an interesting character in that there's a conflict within him between prejudice against Rangers and his warmhearted nature as an innkeeper and even that sort of idea that he's malleable as far as his views go, in order to fit in with whoever it is he's talking to at the moment (which could be viewed as a strength if done with more care, as innkeepers do have to "be all things to all people" in order to keep the customers coming to the door. He's not a bad sort at all, really, just a bit... well, flaky). I think with Bowen I'm exploring a little bit of the same conflict, hopefully minus the flaky, and exploring what changes might occur when all those prejudices are challenged by a living, breathing person come to stay under his roof, although to be honest, I didn't really think it all through that logically as I wrote this! It just sort of happened as I started telling the tale! Funny how stories do that.
Suzelle
· 22 September 2011
· Chapter 3: Strider Said Nothing
Let me tell you, I spent all of last night coughing and sneezing and generally feeling sorry for myself...aaaaaand then I read this and realized I wasn't nearly half as sick as poor Strider! At least I can talk, even if my voice sounds a bit like a Nazgul's, LOL.
And it should come as no surprise to hear that I loved this, of course! It's funny to see Bowen taking charge and bossing Strider. Oh poor Strider. And the bit at the end was quite touching. Fabulously done!
Author's reply
Aww, I'm sorry you're so miserable! You need a Bowen to come take care of you! But at least you can sit and commiserate with poor Strider. I'm glad you liked that little bit at the end... pure sentimental stuff but I kinda liked it myself. *g*
Thanks for reading this and reviewing between hacking and sneezing--feel better!!
Layne
· 21 September 2011
· Chapter 2: I Liked You Better As A Weepy-Eyed Lad of Nineteen
I like Denlad, and I like the Elf Maiden too ( hehe ) even though I haven't met him yet :)
Author's reply
Thanks, Layne! I really need to give Eledh his moment in the spotlight one of these days. He's a recurring very minor character but I do actually have this entire back story built around him... eventually I need to get it, and him, worked into a larger share of a story!