Reviews (499)

obsidianj · 11 November 2015 · Chapter 70: Anduin Again

It is sweet to repay for kindness and shame those who were not so kind. I like it that Aragorn gets the chance to repay all that helped him on his journey.

obsidianj · 11 November 2015 · Chapter 69: Repayment in Kind

So, I was right, Aragorn is able to help Freya or at least try. But I think it will work. I liked that Aragorn had to think what he might have available in this household and not just assume all his usual herbs grow everywhere.

obsidianj · 11 November 2015 · Chapter 68: Westward Away

So, nice to stop at Beorn's place once again. This time Aragorn is better equipped to enjoy his stay and he might be able to pay back some of the hospitality he got the first time he was there if I read the signs right.

obsidianj · 8 November 2015 · Chapter 67: Finery, Flattery and Flight

What a wonderful description of the feast. The food, the revelry, Aragorn sitting there not quite comfortable and then the song to commemorate his deeds as Thorongil. I can understand that Aragorn is not comfortable with that. Then at the end when he is dozing off from too much food and wine and has to be helped to bed. It was a marvelous feast and a marvelous chapter.

obsidianj · 8 November 2015 · Chapter 66: Prospects of Healing

And the healing continues. I like the way you show how tiresome and irksome it is to interrogate Gollum by having Gandalf develop a headache. At least Aragorn could do something about it even without potions. I know the kind of headache Gandalf has and massage is the best remedy.

Bitsay · 31 October 2015 · Chapter 68: Westward Away

I do love Aragorn's interactions with the children - he will make a wonderful father someday. *g*

quodamat · 25 October 2015 · Chapter 75: Gentle Wisdom

(I didn't leave any reviews my first time through this story (I read it mostly on my phone with an app that didn't have that functionality), so I'm hoping to leave at least a few comments as I revisit favourite parts.) This is such a brilliant chapter from beginning to end. It’s a definitely favourite of mine, so please forgive my wordiness in response! Right from the beginning, I love the image of little boy Estel being amazed that his ada always knew when he was coming. It’s especially cute when you consider that, as the only human child in a household of mostly adult Elves, he probably didn’t pose much of a challenge to *anyone’s* detection abilities! I also chucked at adult Aragorn’s continued wonder at the aptness of chair arrangements. Isn’t it just that sort of seemingly prosaic thing that would lend an air of indefinable mystery to a person or place?? On re-reading this, it occurs to me that there’s something just a bit humourous in the thought of Sauron and friends basically doing a grid-search of Middle-earth in hope of finding the Shire. I don’t know if you intended that or if it’s just my bizarre imagination, but it strikes me as great satire-fodder: “No one appreciates how hard it is to be a Dark Lord. The *logistics* of it all!” ;) Elrond’s mention of Elros … oh! It really brings home the incredible poignancy of this scene of familial love and comfort to be reminded that Elrond has, to put it mildly, an incredibly traumatic family history, and more sorrow yet to come. Elrond’s efforts to reassure Aragorn and sooth his feelings are just so, so very lovely. I especially love the passage beginning, “Estel, you are forgetting all you know of small animals.” Just so perfect. He seems to understand all the fear and doubt Aragorn feels, and the unbearable pressure to be stronger, braver, more enduring, more perfect, just … more … than any human – or, dare I say, any created being – can be expected to be. I really appreciated your comment about Elrond’s respectful approach to the “inherent imbalance of power” at the end of the exam. Would that more real-world healers shared that sensibility! That part of the scene made me think that you can really see Elrond’s influence in the way Aragorn approached his treatment of Freya, being so gentle and reassuring in a very delicate and awkward situation. Finally, I’ll add my voice to the other reviewers who were deeply moved by Elrond’s response to the bruising. It must be so heart wrenching to see something that would normally be more than enough reason to seek a healer all on its own … and Aragorn is so battered, and so *used* to being battered, that he doesn’t even properly notice it. I hope you don’t mind my very long comments – this chapter really is just tremendously well done!

Cimarron's Girl · 19 October 2015 · Chapter 82: Toils to Come

And so at last we come to the end... I'm sorry to see this story conclude, but this is a perfect note on which to do it, and I'm bursting with excitement at the thought of reading the appendices! Once again, this has been a beautifully descriptive, impressively researched, perfectly-characterized, and just all around well-written tale. I enjoyed reading it so very, very much. Every chapter was lovely, and this one is particularly touching to read. I'm so glad that Aragorn is finally well enough to wield his sword and even best Glorfindel, in front of Arwen! The interactions between Aragorn and Arwen are very sweet, and I loved the little hint of Arwen's future project with the black silk. Also, I'm pleased that you threw in a detail about Moroch returning to Mirkwood; I enjoy seeing little details like that, which addresses in brief any doubts about what happened to a character. Of course, I should additionally note that it was lovely for Aragorn and Arwen to finally share a kiss - it was such a sweet release, if only for a moment, of all the longings and emotions that lie, often unsatisfied, between them. Again, thank you for sharing this epic saga with us; I'm sure it was hard work to produce it, but know that your labors have been immeasurably appreciated by readers around the world. Best wishes!

isabel villena · 19 October 2015 · Chapter 82: Toils to Come

Ooooh, it is over! What a wonderful ride! I am not exagerating when I tell you it is the best fan fiction story I have ever enjoyed, with its incredibly ambitious scope and staggering achivements. I can not believe you are not a professional writer... Now, I can enjoy an indepth rereading of this beautiful work, many long hours of it, to get me through until your next project graces my computer. You have made addicts of us, you cannot fail now! Thank you so much for your all that talent and hard selfless work; and may the Universe give you back all the good times you have gifted us.

Bitsay · 19 October 2015 · Chapter 82: Toils to Come

Thank you Canafinwe for this magnificent Tolkien-esque tale. I was riveted and delighted. I do love your stalwart Aragorn and your crusty Gandalf. All the renderings of the various characters feel very 'true' to canon. I very much enjoyed 'A Long and Weary Way.'

someone · 18 October 2015 · Chapter 82: Toils to Come

Rivendell in June sounds lovely. It must have done good for Aragorn, to have spent so long time in such a nice place. And he has new boots, too! No need to go to the dunedain in the green ones. It is quite clear where the black silk is needed for. It seems that Arwen is starting her own preparations for the return of the king. (Now that you have mentioned the difficulties of making black fabric, I can't help thinking that Sauron and his minions must be quite desperate to have some dyed by Elves!) And when it comes to making clothes, the Elves must have had quite a bit of fun with Aragorn's. It's not every day that they can make everything look old and badly done! Quite different from the ones they made for Elrond in The Valley is Jolly, but the boots seem to be as difficult to put on. The farewells were lovely, too. I especially enjoyed the fact that both Elrond and the groom gave Aragorn and Arwen some privacy. And that Arwen tasted of cinnamon and moonlight, I've never seen a combination like that before! Thank you for writing this story and sharing it with us! I will be looking forward to the appendices.

Sneha · 16 October 2015 · Chapter 82: Toils to Come

I am so sad it is over. I used to check for updates several times a day and read the new chapter at least twice before reviewing! You set the mood so beautifully in this chapter, the bout under the sun and then the news of his leaving (I swear I had the same response as Arwen, mine was more selfish however, I kept thinking this is the last chapter!). The 37 years of betrothal made me sad for both of them, how long the wait with very few days of comfort. For me that was one of the highlights of the story, I really felt how slender was the hope and how much had to pass before it could be fulfilled. I admire Arwen's strength in never asking Aragorn to leave his duty aside, he would have been torn then, and it would have grieved him to deny her or abandon his duty. I loved the tiny bit about the beginning of the standard, the final, tender farewell between both of them. Your Elrond never disappoints! And finally a note to the wonderful imagery, the sights of Spring, the mists in the morning, the verdant valley below as the traveller takes a last look! It was amazing in tone and dialogue. The promise of appendices brightened my gloom! I want to thank you again for the many happy hours I have spent reading this wonderful tale and for your regular updates! I do hope that you would continue on with new stories (hint: Aragorn's betrothal in Lothlorien and wedding in Gondor, I had to beg one last time!) Best wishes!

Aromene · 16 October 2015 · Chapter 82: Toils to Come

Oh GOOD, there are appendices! I had a moment of 'oh no, it's over!' I'm glad they'll be a little something else to read. Your wording in this chapter is the most beautiful yet. Every word sounds so carefully chosen, and just fits the mood so well, particularly in the latter half. Stunning writing, the whole way through! ...I have no idea what I'm going to do with myself now.

Lori · 16 October 2015 · Chapter 82: Toils to Come

That was an awesome finish to an awesome story. Aragorn is back, or nearly back, to full strength. I love the way you describe whatever activity or setting you are writing about. You put details that most people don't even know that really add to the scenes and bring them alive for us as the reader. Aragorn and Arwen stole the show after her unexpected appearance at the epic sparing match, which by the way was so cute to see Agagorn win at least with practice blades before his beloved. But I really felt for Arwen as she realizes he is leaving and it is his duty to do so. She could cry and beg and plead, but she won't because she knows how much that will tear Aragorn's heart and make him want to put aside his duty. This is why we have the quote about behind every great man is a great woman. Without her inspiration, the hope of their future, and her selfless willingness to put his duty ahead of their own desires show that she is one of the main reasons Aragon was able to get to do his duty so faithfully through that long wait. When Bilbo mention that in a few months in would be Midsummers eve and that Aragorn should spend some time with his bethrothed on that special day and Aragorn looked at Arwen, it made me so sad. I am sure there was nothing more that Aragorn could wish for than to do just that. It is at times like this that you can see the real burden that was placed upon Aragorn when he was told his title and destiny. 37 years of waiting - definitely nothing to celebrate from their point of view. A real kiss! I loved it. Their great restraint makes it all the more precious. They so needed something to boy their spirits up for another prolonged separation. The good bye to Elrond was loving, encouraging, and very fitting. Everything was a fitting end, and the beginning of something new. I loved reading this whole story.

shirebound · 16 October 2015 · Chapter 82: Toils to Come

Congratulations on such a marvelous tale. This is a satisfying ending for your readers, and another beginning for Aragorn in his long, difficult, noble journey. How lovely of Bilbo to be keeping track of Aragorn and Arwen's betrothal date -- only a true friend would do that. And your line, "Go with a peaceful heart, my child, and know that the works of your hands are good" reminds me of part of a Native American poem that I dearly love: "Make me always ready to come to you with clean hands and straight eyes, so when life fades, as the fading sunset, my spirit will come to you without shame." Well done.

UTfrog · 16 October 2015 · Chapter 82: Toils to Come

One of the very best stories written. Fantastic achievement. I so appreciate your work. I also am very greedy and look forward to more.

Kate · 16 October 2015 · Chapter 82: Toils to Come

What a journey you've taken us on! I have to admit I'm a little sad to see it's over but all stories must end, and of course we know that Aragorn's tale continues! I genuinely mean it when I say that is one of the best pieces of fiction I've ever read. Wouldn't change a thing! You bring so much depth and a sense of realness to Tolkien's beautiful world. Thank you so much for all of the hard work that you have put into this. It has made many a long bus journey enjoyable! Aragorn taking his leave of the valley is so well done, particularly the words between him and Elrond, and then Elrond giving him and Arwen privacy to say goodbye was just lovely. And then we get a kiss! I wonder if we will meet Halbarad in the appendices...? Kate x

NotACat · 16 October 2015 · Chapter 82: Toils to Come

This is awesome, and I shall make sure to download it to my Kindle for repeat reading as soon as the darn thing is back in service. I look forward to the Appendices. I confess to being confused about the timing. Gandalf visited Frodo in April 3018, before being side-tracked by Saruman. You have Aragorn leaving Rivendell in June, which I have to assume is June 3018 because he found Gollum in 3017 and there's been a winter since then. Yet you have Gandalf say that he won't confront Frodo about the Ring until Yule which isn't for months yet, when according to the calendar he already did! Where am I going wrong?

DoggieGirl · 15 October 2015 · Chapter 82: Toils to Come

So this long, enduring, weary, recovering, loving, hopeful journey comes to an end while another one begins. It was an excellent chapter. Glorfindel and Aragorn’s sparring was great. You made it believable that Aragorn could defeat the mighty golden warrior in this setting. Although I am not sure I buy Aragorn’s line that ending the match when he did had absolutely nothing to do with Arwen’s presence. I am sure that Aragorn was tired all that and seized an opportunity when he saw it, but he is still very much a guy and what guy doesn’t want to win in front of his girl. Aragorn always seems very credible doing the amazing feats he does in your story. You always set up enough back details to make it all somehow realistic. We all want to Aragorn to be the truly remarkable hero unparalleled in the world of men that he is, but not many of us can actually make it believable like you can. The detail about Aragorn jumping over the stile and offering to carry Arwen’s burden for her highlighted again what a gentleman he is. It is a small detail, but says much about his depth of character for me. And sneaky Arwen is already working on her banner. Aragorn is obliviousness to what it will become is cute. I love this story so much that I was very sad to see Aragon go. I knew he had to leave soon, but it sort of crept up on me. Poor Arwen though. She must so want Aragorn to stay forever, but doesn’t want to do anything that would draw him away from his duty. Selfless love that. I can’t say it enough, you have brought true sense class, deepness, unwavering loyalty, and self-sacrificing love to Aragorn and Arwen that I had always wished for but had never seen so well-articulated before. Oh the good bye on steps and the kiss just about killed me with feels. I liked how you said in review response that kisses are dangerous things for this betrothed couple and thus are rarely bestowed. But when they are, they are intensely intimate and treasured. These two are so deserving of each other and love each other so much. The unenviable necessity of patience, the torturous waits, the helpless fears of safety, the sad fair wells, the long separations, the constant dull ache of unsatisfied longing, the hopes hardly dared to think about, the darkening future – it all was so hard for those two. I can’t imagine experiencing that for 37 years. I would have driven myself mad I am sure. What devotion to each other and depth of love. She was his and he was hers indeed. Oh their wedding and rule together must have just about burst their hearts with joy. Because of their many personal trials endured during their long wait, the last few weeks of anticipation and final fulfillment of all their dreams must have been stupendous. I am sure they had to keep pinching themselves it was for real. You really must write a story about that sometime. You write them so profoundly. Thank you so, so much for this awesome journey you have taken us on. It has led us through many unsavory places and bitter trials but ended in a beautiful valley in triumph. I look forward to reading the appendices coming up. Anything you write will be on my radar. Keep up the excellent work. It is always a pleasure to begin to read some of your work and to practically see the world described and the characters there in paint themselves vividly in my imagination through your words.

Lori · 13 October 2015 · Chapter 81: The First Debate

We don't always think of the discussion and debates that happened before the ring even left the shire. This is a very realistic portrayal of what might have happened. Thank God, Gandolf was overruled about giving the ring over into Saruman's keeping that would have been so disastrous it is unthinkable but of course very logical to Gandolf's mind. Good thing Aragorn was bothered by it either through strategic vulnerability or some kind of vague foresight. I loved the bit were, Aragorn was affirming Elrond's choice to remain true to his character despite the consequences. It showed that both of them value doing what is right more than even victory over an adversary and as earlier reviewer mentioned the end doesn't always justify the means.

someone · 13 October 2015 · Chapter 81: The First Debate

Yes, I'm quite sure that Saruman would agree to hold the ring in Isengar! You have managed to bring new points of view to this discussion. First, that there is some reason other than boredom that Smaug merely talked with Bilbo and did not barbeque him at once. Second, that they really might have brought the ring to Saruman if Gandalf had not visited him and got captured. Third, that they had settled on destroying the ring before the council, even though there the official decicion was made. I have somehow always thought the time before Frodo left the Shire as nearly filled with panic, but they really had the time to think of different options and plan. It is interesting to see the same resolve (the end does not justify the means) in both Aragorn and Faramir. They are from very different backgrounds and yet Aragorn would not have accepted Isildur's murder, even though it would have destroyed Sauron, like Faramir refused to use the ring to win the war (or try to).

Sneha · 12 October 2015 · Chapter 81: The First Debate

Aragorn comforting Elrond that his fall from nobility would have been too great a price to pay was my favorite part. The dialogue is so well written! Indeed it could be Tolkien's. I am so very glad that Aragorn had the foresight to not take the ring to Saruman. I can imagine Gandalf counseling that! Time was indeed dearly bought and I am glad they do not know of Saruman's treachery yet, it might have made it harder for them to come to a decision and the peril might have been greater had they confided in him too soon. Finally the last labors of Gandalf and Aragorn will begin! I wonder if they could guess how little time they actually had with the nine soon aboard and Saruman's greed!

Sneha · 12 October 2015 · Chapter 80: Revelries in Rivendell

I just read the newest update but this chapter deserves a review of its own. How well you write the magic of elven song and the restraint between Arwen and Aragorn in their wait and actions! You absolutely must write about their wedding and betrothal! I love your portrayal of Elrond. From the books he came across as ageless, wise and gentle (nothing like the movies where he looked angry and was manipulative and petulant. I have made myself hoarse defending Elrond passionately!) I loved him in that brief glimpse, loved him even more in the appendices when he constantly referred to Aragorn as his son. That Aragorn took his leave lovingly from Elrond, not in sorrow or anger is telling (but not to Peter Jackson). He is perhaps to me the most tragic character in the books. On a lighter note, your Bilbo is a delight. Affable, jolly and the bond between Aragorn and him is well written!

demeter d · 12 October 2015 · Chapter 81: The First Debate

In her ongoing story "Stirring Rings", Larner showed us meetings of the White Council which included the prominent leaders of the groups of Men. If a meeting of the whole White Council had indeed been called, these three would certainly have been involved. Perhaps one from the nation of Gondor could have been asked, but at this point I reeeaaallly do NOT see Denethor as a willing participant! (Prince Imrahil would be a more likely choice by then, perhaps.) As another reviewer has pointed out, Aragorn seems to be the only one to really object to Orthanc and Saruman. His reasons for doubting are more about military strategy at this point. No one in the story, as yet, knows what we, the Good Professor's readers, know about why that really would be a bad choice! You have reminded me of some phrases from The Return of the King. In the movie, Gandalf says them to Pippin while in Minas Tirith. I can not remember where they are in the book, but you brought them to mind, here. "The board is set, the pieces are moving." And, "This is the deep breath before the plunge." Things are now getting ready, but everything will break loose, very soon now!

demeter d · 12 October 2015 · Chapter 78: Where the Trees are Grey

Those last two paragraphs gave me chills! Good ones, not scary ones. Even here in peaceful Imladris, the Battle against the dark is foremost on everyone's minds. I like the way that you show that Elrond still deeply loves Aragorn. Yes, his and Arwen's relationship has come between them, but Elrond even so only wishes for his beloved children's happiness.