A pony named Gerontius? Someone has a sense of humour!!!
I can just imagine that Aragorn wants to know more about Gandalf and his parents - but now he will have to wait until another suitable moment arises to ask questions without raising suspicions. Lovely development in this chapter Larner.
Was the site acting up again? I couldn't get in to it this morning.
Author's reply
I do think that Gerontius probably visited Rivendell secretly a time or two alongside Gandalf, and probably made as favorable an impression on Elrond as later did his grandson Bilbo. I did indicate before that as a small boy Aragorn rode a pony named Gerontius, after all. And why not name a wise pony after a wise Hobbit?
Yes, now that he's back among his parents' people I'd think Aragorn would want to know more about his father and mother and their lives before the tragedy of Arathorn's death, but you're right he'll now need to await a more propitious moment to learn more about them.
The site wasn't letting me in yesterday morning our time, but has been behaving since then. But it can be a chancy thing to get on at times. So good to hear from you, and hope you and yours are doing well.
shirebound
· 18 June 2014
· Chapter 3: The Patrol
I just love that final line, and of course any respectful mentioning of hobbits gets my attention! I'm enjoying this story very much.
Author's reply
Being aware that a new acquaintance is a competent healer and was dealing well with a comrade would be reassuring, I suspect; and I imagine that Aragorn often sang the songs familiar to him from having been heard frequently in the Hall of Fire, and perhaps had at least a touch of the Elvish ability to bring images to mind for some of his hearers. As for Hobbits--well, how could they be left out of a story of mine if there is a means to include them? And it was just ten years after Bilbo went with Thorin to the Lonely Mountain. Certainly the party of thirteen Dwarves, a Wizard, and a Hobbit must have been noted by some of the Dunedain!
As for small Estel riding a pony named Gerontius as his first mount, that has been mentioned in my stories before--I felt I had to mention it again and to put it into context.
Thanks so!
Dreamflower
· 18 June 2014
· Chapter 3: The Patrol
Well, he (and his companions) have acquitted themselves bravely in this encounter, and "Peredhrion" is proving his usefulness more and more. I look forward to seeing as you reveal more and more clues.
Of course, we readers have to remember that however obvious the clues are to *us*, they aren't so easy to read by Aragorn's comrades who don't have the context that we do. Hindsight is always 20/20, and they don't have hindsight yet, since none of the things we know have yet happened, LOL!
Author's reply
Well, in spite of his differences "Peredhrion" is not seeking to lord it over the rest, which would in itself help to lessen hostility. Nor does he boast vainly, and he recognizes others' observations and abilities with respect. Aragorn is already earning respect in his own right by being respectful in an honest manner.
I suspect that old stories are beginning to resonate in the minds of several of the other recruits, and it will be easier when the moment comes for them to accept that this is indeed Arathorn's son, the Heir to Isildur.
Thanks so, Dreamflower.
UTfrog
· 18 June 2014
· Chapter 3: The Patrol
Great chapter. You really illustrated how very dangerous the times were for that training patrol to battle orcs two days straight. Aragorn is slowly showing the others that he does belong. Thank you.
Author's reply
In patrolling close to the mountains they would be closer to the dangers of orcs and trolls, but they would also be in a better position to destroy the dangers to their people before the orcs got far into Men's lands. By demonstrating his skills but not lording it over the others, and by being honestly approving of the skills and observations of others Aragorn is earning their respect in return.
And learning that their mentors are certain that his healing abilities and abilities in tracking are valid goes a long way to assuring the young Men that Peredhrion can be trusted to aid the rest.
Andrea
· 14 June 2014
· Chapter 2: The Elven Princeling
I would love to see Lord Glorfindel expertly performing an arrogant shrug :-D
It becomes quite clear that Aragorn has much more experience, training and knowledge than the other young men. And still he does his best to be accepted by them.
And what do they do: They try to cut his warrior braids! The only excuse for that is that they simply did not know the true meaning of the braids. Those boys still have a lot to learn!
Author's reply
He does need to know acceptance from the others, and will need it more as he begins to grow into his role as Chieftain of the Northern Dunedain. But he's different, and our too common response to difference is to attack the one who's different. Yes, they have a lot to learn, but so does Aragorn if he's to make a success of himself as a new recruit to the Rangers.
Tari
· 11 June 2014
· Chapter 2: The Elven Princeling
Another area Tolkien didn't cover much was Aragorn's joining with his people. This is so good that I'd like to see more written. (My birthday is in July. Hint, hint.)
Author's reply
I intend to write more, but other constraints do interfere at times, I find. So glad you appreciate what's here now! Thanks, Tari!
Freyalyn
· 11 June 2014
· Chapter 2: The Elven Princeling
This is a lovely story - very much looking forward to seeing it develop.
(And are we ever going to see how we get to the end of 'Last Little Star...'?
Author's reply
Oh, dear--you and so many want "Last Little Star" while others want "The Tenant from Staddle" and I want to finish particularly "Stirring Rings"! So glad you're enjoying this one, and hope it doesn't start lagging behind, too.
iboneki
· 10 June 2014
· Chapter 2: The Elven Princeling
I'm giddy with excitement that you're writing this story! It's fantastic so far. Looking forward to more.
Author's reply
I'm so glad that you are enjoying it, Iboneki. Thanks so!
Idril Celebrindal
· 10 June 2014
· Chapter 2: The Elven Princeling
Larner, I'm enjoying the chapters so far. Well written, I want to keep on and then the chapter ends. Can't wait for the next installments. I will have to binge read so I feel its not ending. ;-)
thank you,
Idril
Author's reply
Sorry it will take at least a week between installments, but that's the way it's going at the moment. So much to write, and so many interferences! So glad you like what IS written, at least. Thanks so, Idril.
Matt
· 10 June 2014
· Chapter 2: The Elven Princeling
Really nice job on this chapter. I like the conflict that you are setting up as well as some of the quiet lessons Aragorn is teaching with the support of the older rangers. I continue to look forward to future installments of this fic.
Author's reply
And thank you so much, Matt. It couldn't have been particularly easy for Aragorn to return to his own people after living with the Elves of Imladris for so many years.
Linda Hoyland
· 9 June 2014
· Chapter 1: Building on the Ruins
How daunting this must have been for Aragorn and how inspiring for his people. I'm enjoying this story.
Author's reply
Thanks, Linda. (Am realizing how many comments I've missed responding to in this story, and am trying to get better.)
shirebound
· 9 June 2014
· Chapter 2: The Elven Princeling
Baerdion and Halbarad will be such a wonderful friends and guides during these first days of testing and evaluation.
Author's reply
I do think you are so right, Shirebound. And Aragorn will need their support as he finds his feet with this group, I'm certain.
UTfrog
· 9 June 2014
· Chapter 2: The Elven Princeling
Fantastic chapter! I think you are writing a very realistic picture of Aragorn's first patrol with his people. Also you are drawing very realistic young men who have much to learn about their new recruit. I am really enjoying this. Thank you.
Author's reply
I hope it is realistic, at least. It couldn't have been easy on either side, or so I'd think.
Teresa
· 8 June 2014
· Chapter 1: Building on the Ruins
It's always good to read something by you Larner! And this, in particular calls to me because Aragorn has always been one of my favorite characters! Your stories have added so much depth and richness to him for me; and this chapter is excellent! Many thanks for posting it! :)
Author's reply
I first fell in love with Aragorn when I was thirteen years old. Here I am fifty-one years older, and the love still holds! And thank you for such a compliment!
Ellynn
· 3 June 2014
· Chapter 1: Building on the Ruins
Awwww, I love the end!
Author's reply
I so rejoice to read that, Ellynn! Thanks you so.
Andrea
· 3 June 2014
· Chapter 1: Building on the Ruins
In fact all the others were as uncertain as Aragorn about the situation. Uncertain and wary, but that is to be expected.
The ice was broken for Aragorn when he saw the expression on the other young man's face! Is it Halbarad?
Author's reply
Aragorn would be seen by many as an untried element, I'd think. It appears a mere handful of people even knew he'd survived and been taken into safekeeping by Elrond's folk; now they must learn just what kind of individual he will prove to them.
And, yes, this is Halbarad.
Dreamflower
· 2 June 2014
· Chapter 1: Building on the Ruins
This looks to be very promising indeed! I am guessing that it will soon be the chapter you wrote for the challenge!
I am also looking forward to seeing the development of Aragorn's relationships with these very characters. You've made us familiar with them in their older version; now we get to find out how they got the way they were, so to speak.
Author's reply
Yes, the next chapter is the challenge story I wrote. And it's proving interesting to investigate these people as youths themselves. Sorry to be so long responding, but this past week has been challenging.
Cairistiona
· 2 June 2014
· Chapter 1: Building on the Ruins
Oh, what a nervewracking moment for Aragorn as he stood looking at strangers who were his own family and fellow countrymen. That was quite the introduction Elrohir gave! I do hope that the friendly young man is Halbarad. Looking forward to the next chapter.
Author's reply
Oh, yes, we have had our first glimpse of Halbarad. I would think that the acting Steward would wish at least one of his sons there as witness to their expected Chieftain's return. And I do think that one of Elrond's sons at least would stand to reintroduce Arathorn's son to his people.
Thanks so!
UTfrog
· 1 June 2014
· Chapter 1: Building on the Ruins
This had to have been one of the scariest moments of Aragorn's young life. Torn from all he knew and shocked by the revelation of who he was, he had to have been shaking inside. Great job. Thanks.
Author's reply
Oh, but I do agree, UTfrog. Now is the end of the Estel portion of his life and the opening of himself to what being Aragorn son of Arathorn, Heir to Isildur, should mean!
shirebound
· 1 June 2014
· Chapter 1: Building on the Ruins
This introduction by Elrohir is well done. And this is a great analogy:
this tower can be built anew upon the ruins of Elendil’s own works, for his foundations still remain. And so it is for the Northern Dúnedain...
Author's reply
Am so glad you agree, then. Thanks so, Shirebound!
Lindelea
· 1 June 2014
· Chapter 1: Building on the Ruins
Halbarad, perhaps?
Well done! Very believable.
Author's reply
Oh, yes, Halbarad. So glad you think it believable. Have seen several ideas as to how Aragorn might have returned to the Dunedain, and finally decided to indicate in more detail my own thoughts on how it might have happened.
Andrea
· 31 May 2014
· Chapter 0: Words of Hope
So he really disarmed one of the twins? Wow!
It is time, Adar believes, for Hope to be restored to your people.
Very well said and very fitting for Elrond! Now, let's see how this restoration is done. I'm looking forward to reading more!
Author's reply
In my-verse the Twins assured him that only when he could disarm one of them during sparring could he ride out with their patrols, and that he managed that as a "birthday present."
And if Aragorn-Estel was the embodiment of Holy Hope through Faith, it's time indeed for that Hope to return to its own proper place, don't you agree? Thanks, Andrea!
Antane
· 27 May 2014
· Chapter 0: Words of Hope
That would have indeed been interesting to see - a mere mortal boy beating an Elf. :)
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I agree, Antane--to see a youth of fifteen beat one of the indomitable Peredhil twins must have been quite the feat. But I doubt that he could have done less and been accepted as ready to ride out with their patrols.
Remember, one of the most effective generals in British history was fifteen-year-old Richard, brother to Edward IV, who helped to map the strategy by which his older brother returned to the Throne of England after their uncle Richard Neville temporarily unseated Edward following the young King's unfortunate marriage to Elizabeth Woodville. There is certainly historical precedence for Aragorn's skills in battle at such a youthful age.
Raise the white roses!
matt
· 27 May 2014
· Chapter 0: Words of Hope
I tend to be drawn more toward stories of elves and men rather than hobbits so although I always take note of your work I often don't read or respond. This one I will definitely be reading....and looking forward to future installments.
Author's reply
I'm glad you chose to let me know about this one. I love the Hobbits, obviously, but I also love Aragorn son of Arathorn, and have done so since I first encountered him at the tender age of thirteen. And now I have a snowglobe of him as King with Anduril raised before his face, and I am content--for the moment, at least. Heh!
Lindelea
· 26 May 2014
· Chapter 0: Words of Hope
Stupid autocorrect. of course I meant "Estel".
Author's reply
I know--I do my best to turn autocorrect off, but it still works its brainless will from time to time to my embarrassment. Heh!