Vilwarin
· 21 September 2011
· Chapter 3: Strider Said Nothing
Now *that's* what happened to Gilraen's old pot! I was already wondering what had become of it. ;)
It's interesting to see poor Aragorn being condemned to silence - not that he ever was a chetterbox. But it makes for a very different reading and for me intensifies the feeling that Bowen is in charge here.
Bowen. That brave man who has a heart of gold himself probably is the only one in all of Bree-land to ever get the opportunity to get a look at the man behind Strider (which will most likely go down into family history).
Author's reply
Yes, mystery solved about Gilraen's missing soup kettle! *g*
Bowen is definitely in charge now, which makes for an interesting way to write Aragorn, as he's usually the one calling the shots. But with no voice and almost no energy, he's at Bowen's mercy. And you make an excellent point about Bowen likely being the only Breelander to really get a good look at Strider the Man. Butterbur can claim to be acquainted with him but I think his own prejudices against Rangers likely keep him from ever seeing Strider for who he really is (and I imagine Strider didn't do anything to change that, to be honest, as it worked for him as far as keeping away from Sauron's notice). It's just good for Strider that Bowen does have that heart of gold!
Thanks for the review!
Mirach
· 21 September 2011
· Chapter 3: Strider Said Nothing
Great chapter! It looks like a challenge, to write Aragorn losing his voice, and a very interesting one - writing the inverbal communication. You managed to do it wonderfully, during the enire chapter I had the image of strider before my eyes, and saw every his nod and grimace. Even without words, he can be expressive =) I love when you make the characters stumble over the truth about Aragorn by pure chance, and dismiss it like a fancy. The references about roots, king and eagle were very nice! And Narsil as a soup pot, lol!
Author's reply
Thanks, Mirach! It was a bit of a challenge to write Strider engaging in dialogue without his actually speaking a word. I think in my case, it helped that I've done a lot of study of how to write dialogue and how important silence actually is in writing believable dialogue, which is something I read in one of my writing how-to books. In this case, it definitely helped to know how to express emotion through... or despite... silence! And yes, Narsil disguised as a soup pot! Perish the thought! LOL Glad you enjoyed the chapter.
curiouswombat
· 20 September 2011
· Chapter 3: Strider Said Nothing
Feral is a good word for the way the Rangers must have been perceived by the Breelanders.
And I love the idea of Aragorn playing charades, even though I sympathise with him for the sore throat.
Author's reply
Thanks, curiouswombat... I've had to do that charade game because of a sore throat myself and it's never very fun, is it!
Estelcontar
· 20 September 2011
· Chapter 3: Strider Said Nothing
Strider might have said nothing, but he was very eloquent and looked very sweet speaking just by gestures. LOL I'm glad to see that he and Bowen are now getting on like a house on fire.
It was very perspicacious of Bowen to notice that under that feral exterior there lurked a heart of gold.
I absolutely loved the bits featuring Arwen's tunic, and how you made her very present even though she is not in the story. I also loved the image of Strider "granting pardon to a misbehaving commoner". It's so easy to imagine this delightful scene. And Strider's mother old soup pot is a great find. I imagine they are the shards of Narsil.
I'm most definitely in love with this tale
Author's reply
Thank you, Estelcontar! :) Yes, those are the shards of Narsil clanking at the bottom of his pack, but better for him to let Bowen imagine it's a soup pot. I'm glad this scene was easy to picture... I had such a clear picture of it in my own mind that it's good to know that translated into the same for the reader.
And gold stars to you for using "perspicacious" in a review! *g*
Fantasia
· 20 September 2011
· Chapter 3: Strider Said Nothing
Bowen is really a treasure. They should make him an honorable member of the Rangers. His house can be their post in Bree! Poor Strider, he must be very sick if he agreed to go to Bowen's house without protest. It broke my heart to read him so forlorn, so lost and vulnerable. Good that he found Bowen, there are good people in the world and for once, Strider found one. I can't wait for see his wife, I'm sure that she is all kindness; I can't picture a man like him married to a harpy.
I suppose that Arwen made his shirt. And I suppose that he was looking for his ring and not for his mother's pot. Or it was his mother's pot?
Looking forward for the other ones to join. Bowen will have two sick Rangers at home. And three low spirit Rangers as well. A lot of work!
Author's reply
Thank you, Fantasia! Yes, Arwen made the shirt, and as for the clanking in the bottom of his pack--no, not his mother's cookpot nor the Ring of Barahir but a certain broken sword. But shhhh... don't tell anyone! *g*
Bowen doesn't seem to be the sort to marry a harpy, does he?
Thanks as always for sharing your thoughts and for your kind comments!
Elentarri
· 20 September 2011
· Chapter 3: Strider Said Nothing
Your beautifully written chapters are just way too short. They are over so quickly. :)
Strider at a loss for words - that's funny. I'm glad he didn't put up much of a fuss. The bit about the roots and Aragorn being feral is very nicely written. What amazes me is your original characters that manage to fit in so nicely that they feel canonical - Bowen prattles almost like a hobbit :)
Can't wait for the next chapter on Friday.
Author's reply
Thank you, Elentarri! That's very nice of you to say about my OC's. Bowen is a bit hobbit-like. I think that there's really not much different about farmers, be they Hobbit or Man. Even the farmers in real life that live in my area, who've descended for the most part from immigrants from rural England and Ireland and have kept a lot of those ways to this day, tend to be that same sort of chatty, friendly sort. Tolkien knew his rural folk!
It is rather rare for Strider to be at a loss, and I have a feeling there were all kinds of words he might have said had he not lost his voice to this illness. *g*
Thanks for the nice words!
shirebound
· 20 September 2011
· Chapter 3: Strider Said Nothing
He had no idea where Rangers came from, but Strider left him feeling that he had blown into the Prancing Pony like a dazed bird stranded by a storm. Not just any bird, mind you, but a wounded eagle, fierce and independent and a little bit frightening. Even in need of care, he had a wild and wandering air about him that couldn’t be ignored
What a marvelous and insightful description. How I love this story!
Author's reply
Thank you, shirebound! So glad you liked that passage--I think it's one of my favorites in the entire story, if I can say that without sounding too puffed up! It's just so fascinating to look at the Rangers through the eyes of an ordinary Breelander, and Strider especially. I imagine he was really quite an impressive and scary figure, probably considered by most of those folks as best viewed from a distance.
Suzelle
· 19 September 2011
· Chapter 2: I Liked You Better As A Weepy-Eyed Lad of Nineteen
Aaaah, Cairistiona...it kills me to wait to read these chapters only after I've finished my schoolwork, but they do make such fabulous rewards!! I *loved* loved loved this...I love that we are getting a chapter from Halbarad's POV, and the interactions between him and Denlad were wonderful. And bright side for waiting this long, now I only have to wait one day for the next update! *g*
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm very happy to have provided you with a reward for your hard labors. *g* And I'm also very happy you liked this one... I just can't stay away from Halbarad and Denlad for very long, seems like. They'll have a big part in this. :) And yes, new chapter goes up today, just as soon as I zip over there and hit "publish". Thanks for the review!
Vilwarin
· 19 September 2011
· Chapter 2: I Liked You Better As A Weepy-Eyed Lad of Nineteen
Ouch, ouch, ouch. Poor Halbarad. And the cold and wet certainly don't help the injury. Good that he has such a reasonable young man with him. ;)
Author's reply
Halbard isn't always the most reasonable sort, is he. Too much like Aragorn himself at times, I fear!
Layne
· 19 September 2011
· Chapter 1: Never Have I Nursed A Ranger
That stubborn Ranger!! Thank goodness that Bowen was even more stubborn than him ( and brave, too! ) :)
Author's reply
Hee! Yes, Bowen was brave to take on caring for such a wild-looking stranger, wasn't he! I wonder if I'd be that brave...
Hope you enjoy the entire tale!
Nath
· 18 September 2011
· Chapter 2: I Liked You Better As A Weepy-Eyed Lad of Nineteen
*heh* Halbarad is certainly not having a good time there.
"No. I’ll not indulge myself nor abuse–" And Denlad definitely has the measure of him on that point.
I wonder what they'll make of Bowen, and he of them...
Author's reply
No, poor Halbarad isn't getting the best of it, is he? Even getting twisted into knots by Denlad! Horrors! *g* Thanks for the review(s)!
Nath
· 18 September 2011
· Chapter 1: Never Have I Nursed A Ranger
Hmm, I think Strider may have met his match in stubbornness... Bowen will still have his work cut out for him with this one, though.
Looking forward to the rest of it:-)
Author's reply
Stubborn vs. Stubborner... which is which will be the question! Hope you enjoy the rest of the tale!
Lily Baggins
· 16 September 2011
· Chapter 2: I Liked You Better As A Weepy-Eyed Lad of Nineteen
Oh, Halbarad's a fine one to get upset about being Mother Henned---as if he isn't the biggest Mother Hen himself when it comes to Aragorn! Fussing about and worrying like crazy! LOL! Now it seems he's getting a taste of his own medicine, poor guy!
His wound sounds very painful. Yikes. Even though it's a minor wound, I can just imagine how aggravating it is---minor wounds seem to BE the most painful, sometimes.
As usual, I adore your Halbarad and Denlad... and can't wait for the next chapter!
Author's reply
Thanks, Lily! Hee hee... yes, Halbarad has a big blind spot when it comes to his own Mother Henning, although I think if pressed he'd have to admit that he is one. And that he really doesn't mind *too* much when others fuss over him. *g*
And yes, his arm is a minor but very annoying wound--I imagine they have no end of those kinds of problems, the lives they lead. And it gives Denlad his turn to Mother Hen. Because they're not a band of Rangers but a flock of hens. *g*
Next chapter up on Tuesday!
Lily Baggins
· 16 September 2011
· Chapter 1: Never Have I Nursed A Ranger
Oh, this is too wonderful and funny for words!
I'd have to say that Aragorn is just about the most stubborn man ever when it comes to matters of his health... but then, having to put up with mustard-and-onion plasters and Halbarad's stinging balm and those sorts of things WOULD give one pause...
I'm loving this look at Aragorn through a humble farmer's eyes... now I wonder what will his wife think of Aragorn? I'm betting she won't be one to disobey!
Author's reply
Thank you, Lily! I was hoping you'd get a chance to read this! I think you're right about Aragorn's stubbornness, but all the same, it really is asking too much of the poor man to be happy about a mustard plaster. *g* Poor Aragorn.
Hope you enjoy the rest!
Darkover
· 16 September 2011
· Chapter 2: I Liked You Better As A Weepy-Eyed Lad of Nineteen
Dear Cairistiona: Another great chapter! Your portrayal of Halbarad is second to none. I very much admire your account of his thoughts and how he makes his decisions, as well as his thoughts about his cousin and chieftain. Your insightful writing style is a pleasure to read, and your descriptions of pain are absolutely right. As I can testify from past experience, nerves are not mocked! Once again, you have written a chapter that leaves me wanting more. Please post the next chapter soon! Thanks again for this story, and take care. Sincerely, Darkover
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Darkover! So glad you like my version of Halbarad--he really has become near and dear to my heart and I greatly enjoy writing him, although he's none too happy about me inflicting nerve damage on him. You're right... nerves do not suffer injury lightly, do they. Just about the time you think it's all better, brrrzzzzing!! Poor Halbarad. He needs to rest that sword hand and leave off sparring to Elf Maid, if he'd only agree. ;) Next chapter should be up Tuesday. Thanks for reading!
Estelcontar
· 16 September 2011
· Chapter 2: I Liked You Better As A Weepy-Eyed Lad of Nineteen
I just loved hearing Denlad call Eledh Elf Maid. I'm with Halbarad. It's no wonder Eledh did not want to spar with him. I'm surprised Eledh did not instead paste him a good one. I'm in awe of Eledh's forbearance.
It was also fun seeing Denland manipulating Halbarad so smoothly. It's no wonder Halbarad misses the weepy-eyed lad.
That was definitely a most delicious and amusing chapter. Well done
Author's reply
Thank you, Estelcontar! I'm a bit surprised myself that he didn't come back nursing a black eye when he told Halbarad Elf Maid wouldn't spar with him. *g* I have a feeling that poor Eledh has heard the joke so many times it's no longer worth getting worked up about.
Denlad does seem to have Halbarad's meausure, doesn't he! Glad you enjoyed the chapter!
shirebound
· 16 September 2011
· Chapter 2: I Liked You Better As A Weepy-Eyed Lad of Nineteen
What a marvelous conversation, so full of trust, honesty, and a delightful banter between equals... whatever their age difference.
Author's reply
Thank you, shirebound! I think as Denlad gained experience and maturity, the actual years of difference fell away and mattered not a whit, just as it does in real life when you reach a certain point where years become pretty much meaningless. :)
curiouswombat
· 16 September 2011
· Chapter 2: I Liked You Better As A Weepy-Eyed Lad of Nineteen
Denlad is growing into a very likeable young man - with a very good head on his shoulders. He is quite right that Halbarad needs the break - although I don't expect it is going to be quite such a break as they expect...
Author's reply
Thank you, curiouswombat! Yes, I think Denlad definitely has a well-grounded view of the world, thanks to good tutelage (some of which will eventually, someday, be revealed when I go back to write the sequel to "A Star in Midwinter". I *wish* I could be more linear and organized but there you go... my poor beleaguered readers get stories from me willy-nilly.) I'm very glad you're liking Denlad; it's my hope to write him in such a way that everyone wants to adopt him as a son of their own. :)
Fantasia
· 16 September 2011
· Chapter 2: I Liked You Better As A Weepy-Eyed Lad of Nineteen
I love those two. They are a good pair. If they think that they will get a nice rest in Bree, they are mistaken. Maybe not, maybe some days with Bolwen will be beneficial for all of them.
I remember Eledh and Galadh as part the usual gang, “the choose ones”, but not Cannagar.
I laughed with Halbarad the Left, I supposed that is unkind of me, but I can't help with Halbarad.
Which period of time is this story happening? For sure is before Hope's edge, because Denlad sounded younger and Neala is not mentioned. Before Ferdinad too? How old is Denlad?
Thank you, how often will you be posting? The wait is killing me
Author's reply
Thank you, Fantasia! What a nice review of the chapter. I'm so glad "Halbarad the Left" gave you a giggle, because that was one of those little things I liked myself. LOL My Halbarad just has a sarcastic, sometimes dark sense of humor, what can I say. Soldiers usually do have a streak of black humor in them, to cope with the stress.
To answer your questions:
Cannagar is a new OC, yes, for now just a sort of "extra" who has a name (and apparently a very sore bum). The original four--Eledh, Galadh, Denlad and of course Halbarad--are still the ones that most stories will focus on but now and then I'll bring in other OC Rangers because obviously, there's more Rangers floating around Eriador than just Aragorn and his four buddies. *g*
The time period: You know, that was something that I didn't intend to really specify, because the first story, "By Such a Foolish Name", I'd left intentionally "floating" in time. It really could have taken place anywhere during Aragorn's time guarding the Breeland area and the Shire and as a one-shot, I didn't really want to pin it down to a specific date. But when I realized I had much, much more of a story on my hands (oh my word, you've no idea... the third tale is going to be, um, epic in scale, I fear), and that Halbarad & Company would come horning in on the story, I had to figure out when all this was happening. The answer will be revealed specifically in chapter 4, but for now, suffice to say that it takes place before both "At Hope's Edge" and "The Ranger and the Hobbit" and well after "A Star In Midwinter" where we first meet Denlad. Denlad's seasoned now, but still fairly young.
And finally, as to updates: twice a week, as usual, on Tuesdays and Fridays. :)
Thank you so much for reading and wow, remembering all these details about my happy band of Rangers! I think you know the timelines better than I do. *g*
Elentarri
· 16 September 2011
· Chapter 2: I Liked You Better As A Weepy-Eyed Lad of Nineteen
I love your Denlad & Halbarad dialogue. Very amusing. Dying for the next chapter. :)
Author's reply
Thank you, Elentarri... I have fun with those two. :) Next chapter will be up Tuesday.
6336
· 16 September 2011
· Chapter 2: I Liked You Better As A Weepy-Eyed Lad of Nineteen
A little R.& R. never hurts!
Lynda
Author's reply
It certainly doesn't! Thanks for reading. :)
Mirach
· 16 September 2011
· Chapter 2: I Liked You Better As A Weepy-Eyed Lad of Nineteen
I really admire the way you write the rangers, with such an ease! The text flows naturaly, and is very pleasant to read and imagine the situations you describe. So Halbarad and denlad are going to meet Aragorn, and not like the condition they find him in, it seems =)
Author's reply
Thank you, Mirach! Yes, I do think it will come as a surprise to them both that Aragorn isn't lolling away his time with his feet warming on the heart at the Pony. I'm so glad you like my version of the Dunedain. I'm kind of glad Tolkien left most of that canvas blank because it's certainly fun to try to draw in the details. :)
Inzilbeth
· 14 September 2011
· Chapter 1: Never Have I Nursed A Ranger
I'm so glad you continued Bowen's story. He's is such a fully fleshed character and it is wonderful to view our ranger through his eyes.
This is an absolutely delightful story which, thanks to having being one of your very priviledged betas, I can confirm just gets better and better! Definitely not one to miss.
Author's reply
Ah, thank you, my dear... if it's a "don't miss", it's largely because of your help as always. :) I'm really glad you enjoyed reading it even as you had to do the techy-beta-y stuff! Now maybe you can sit back and just relax as you read it along with everyone else (or hit the back button to see the back of this story once and for all! LOL)
Thanks for the review and the help. :)
Larner
· 14 September 2011
· Chapter 1: Never Have I Nursed A Ranger
And, of course, there is the question of what Bowen's wife will be willing to put up with! Glad Aragorn's getting some decent nursing at last.
Author's reply
Thanks, Larner.... yes, Aragorn's finally met his match in stubborn kindness with Bowen, I think!
Elentarri
· 14 September 2011
· Chapter 1: Never Have I Nursed A Ranger
oooo! I love this chapter. Its very amusing. Please update as soon as possible.
Author's reply
Thanks, Elentarri... glad you liked it! Next chapter will be up on Friday morning. :)