Days of the Dunedain by Arnakhor
Lindelea · 31 January 2026 · Chapter 23: Separate Ways
though he and Aravir shared something in common as it pertained to rescuing hobbits. For some reason, I am now craving a story where Odofur rescues a Ranger. Nice summary at the end of the chapter to put this slice of history into perspective.
Lindelea · 31 January 2026 · Chapter 22: Odofur's Hospitality
Odofur had fashioned them to make the apple harvest easier than ladders for lower hanging fruit. Now they made dinner easier. I seem to recall Tolkien describing hobbits as "clever-handed" somewhere or other... Gandalf wandering off and the merry, racing children tugging at his cloak add a nice note. "first hobbit" – what a lovely thought, and nice that the two Men have such a shared experience. His bold nature far exceeded his water skills in those days. LOL! Wonderful background! But I forget if you mentioned Odofur's family line... were there Stoors, who were familiar with boats, if I'm remembering right? Or is he from one or both of the other hobbit clans/lines, and he picked up boating from a Stoor? Or did he invent the idea for himself? Hmmmm on the discussion of "chance". I think Gandalf might have another perspective. One day when my tasks are less pressing I should like to pay a call on Tom. But I cannot yet see that day. Lovely bit of foreshadowing. The Oldbucks were serving dinner. So much promise in so few words! to keep up with the appetites of the Big Folk and the mention of flagons brought a quick flash of memory: Nick the fox in Zootopia at the wedding of the Arctic shrew mob boss's daughter, holding a tiny utensil and dipping it into a small bowl of gelato or something like that. And now I'm wondering: were the Men and the wizard eating and drinking out of hobbit-sized vessels? Or did the hospitable hobbit have a supply of dishes and cups and utensils for oversized guests? Truly, Odofur has had a busy day.
Lindelea · 31 January 2026 · Chapter 21: Dunedain Reunion
Hooray for a family reunion! (Even though Odofur and his guests didn't know that in the last chapter.) Trust a hobbit to have a handy pavilion he can set up in the back yard for an unexpected celebration. If he likes mutton... Ah, yes, I seem to remember Gandalf vouching for the mutton. “Back quickly now. There will be two more!” Haha, luckily, Odofur's sons are capable of whisking. The three-way hug is most satisfying. If anything, this would enhance his reputation. Always look on the bright side of life, as they say. And I think I can see here the seeds of Gorbadoc Brandybuck's reputation for setting a generous table.
Lindelea · 31 January 2026 · Chapter 20: Back Across the River
Ah, hobbit hospitality. It never fails to bring a smile. And the concerns of the rest of the world seem to have forgotten us. I hope this statement doesn't fall into the category of "famous last words"! Good thing the hobbit has some reinforcements at hand. On to the next chapter!
Tripsy · 30 January 2026 · Chapter 23: Separate Ways
Really expressive work belongs in comic format. Paid artist, connect with me! Discord: tripsydraws
Author's reply
Thanks. I'll think about it. Just published another one that might lend well to that format...on this site...The Ride of Eorl. Check it out
Fimbrethel · 25 January 2026 · Chapter 5: Rescue
cool!
Author's reply
I'm glad you're enjoying this. It's the second of three works involving the Dunedain in some capacity. The first one Dol Guldor, is a full length novel invovling the first Chieftain of the Dunedain, Aranarth, his son Arahael, Gandalf and others taking on casting Sauron out of Dol Guldor in T.A 2063. The third one has just been published, The Ride of Eorl, documenting in detail his rescue of Gondor's army in T.A 2510. By chance, Aragost, Chieftain of the Dunedain is along for the ride.
Fimbrethel · 25 January 2026 · Chapter 4: Prancing Pony
And he will run into Aravir and Aragorn, I suppose.
Fimbrethel · 25 January 2026 · Chapter 3: Tharbad
I like this scene better for obvious reasons: mention of Aragorn, friendly chatter, hobbits.
Fimbrethel · 25 January 2026 · Chapter 1: In the Wild
I have never read this before, but it seems interesting. One note: for us obviously the grandson is Aragorn I, but back then he would only be Aragorn...until Aragorn II was born.
Lindelea · 5 January 2026 · Chapter 19: Framsburg to Bree
Seeing the Prancing Pony in an earlier time was fun! Two tables of hobbits were celebrating something involving a great deal of ale and food. That sounds legit. I like how Aranuir takes comfort that he has fulfilled his mission in the long stretch of centuries. Someday... I can vouch for the mutton. LOL, such a hobbity thing for a wizard to say.
Lindelea · 5 January 2026 · Chapter 18: Bombadil
“It is and this is my son Aragorn who is learning the lands and ways of men in Bree, hobbits of the Shire, and whatsoever else dwells in between.” I should say he's getting his penny's worth in this lesson!
Lindelea · 5 January 2026 · Chapter 17: Tales to Tell
It would be his last of such distance. He would use the time to learn more of the Eotheod and set plans so others could visit. Even though it is his last journey, he resolves to lay the groundwork for the connection between the two groups of people to continue. This glimpse into his thoughts reveals a lot about his wisdom and leadership qualities.
Lindelea · 5 January 2026 · Chapter 16: Odofur's Predicament
Odofur Oldbuck didn't tell anyone where he was going, but at least he had the sense to mark his back trail. I seem to remember Merry telling his companions that speaking aloud antagonized the trees in the Old Forest. Lucky for Odofur that his boat was found and Aravir and Aragorn are on his trail!
Lindelea · 5 January 2026 · Chapter 15: Framsburg
“No, I was a young man in the company of my father, Arahael, and my grandfather Aranarth. They had traveled with Hagar into Mirkwood on a fearsome task with others long ago. It was a reunion and time for old tales.” I find myself musing about the "fearsome task" mentioned here... Such interesting food for thought!
Lindelea · 3 January 2026 · Chapter 25
From what I understand, SoA's design does not include the ability to upload non-text files like midi files for original music or graphics such as maps and illustrations. Is the map your own work? If you can upload it to a site that hosts artwork, you can put a link to it in this chapter. Similarly, if you wanted to link to a map that already exists online, you could provide a link for readers to see it using the "insert link" feature in the text editor.
Lindelea · 3 January 2026 · Chapter 25
Oh! I see the story is now marked "Complete"! I got a bit behind on my reading and lost track of this one after it scrolled off the home page (and maybe even the second page of story listings?). So, as I said in the review I posted just now to an earlier chapter, I'm glad for the update (which seems to be an empty chapter? but no matter) because it helped me to find the story again, and now I can read it to the end. How convenient to have a weekend staring me in the face! (I can't read any further tonight, but I'm looking forward to tomorrow.)
Author's reply
The story has been complete for some time. I was experimenting with trying to insert a map which didn't work (is there a way to do it?) and accidentally hit publish. So it appears as if an update has been made but it has not. My apologies to you and other readers who have already read this when originally published. I'm nearing the end of another story, hopefully to publish in a month or so.
Lindelea · 3 January 2026 · Chapter 14: The Dunedain Find a Boat
What a delightful exploration of the landscape and the differing perspectives of the Dúnedain and the Hobbits they watch over! I felt as if I could see everything clearly from your descriptions. I'm very glad to see this story updated!
Lindelea · 17 March 2025 · Chapter 13: Eotheod
Good, sounds like the Chieftain's son is healing since his fever is gone. "like so much game" – Oh, the word picture this conjures! The wolf carcass "evidence" worked as it was intended to. However, it also appears that the wanderer's expectation (of not getting away quite so simply) was also correct.
Lindelea · 11 March 2025 · Chapter 12: Odofur's Forest Foray
Odofur is so hobbity! Foodstuffs as a means of telling time... I also loved the detail of his being aware of just how many red ribbons he'd already deployed. Much better than breadcrumbs, too! (a lá Hansel and Gretel). Uh-oh. Sounds like he's in the Old Forest, with its queerness that increases as one gets closer to Old Man Willow. Not to mention, the trees can move around, which could disrupt the safety measure the ribbons are supposed to provide. And yikes! The chapter ends with a definite sense of peril to our intrepid explorer.
Lindelea · 4 March 2025 · Chapter 11: Into the Shire
I smiled at the history lesson, and the idea of going to a tavern and paying a storyteller in order to learn more. The description of Gandalf and his activities was also interesting. And may they be peaceful, Aragorn. And that is exactly why the Rangers have labored for so long, unthanked and unappreciated. But faithful, all the same.
Lindelea · 18 February 2025 · Chapter 10: Healing
Magic broth! (I too find bone broth healing...) And you know he's on the mend when his appetite comes back. Interesting that the old Ranger is familiar with the Eotheod but the young has probably never heard of him and thinks he will be surprised by the greeting committee. Looking forward to reading more and seeing how you weave the different threads together.
PSW · 16 February 2025 · Chapter 23: Separate Ways
What an enjoyable tale - more and more, I find myself enjoying tales of ‘in between’ times. Gap fillers, if you will, but on a far grander scale. Thx so much for sharing!
PSW · 16 February 2025 · Chapter 22: Odofur's Hospitality
I’m sure they will be up late! They don’t get chances like this too often…. And speaking of Chance … or Luck (as it was often called in The Hobbit) … well we know what Tolkien usually meant by that. Gandalf, you aren’t the only one directing the course of events. It seems these things were all Meant to happen … What a lovely lovely chapter. The surprise time with family and friends, the beautiful day and bountiful food and safe barn in which to sleep. It really makes you appreciate how much days like this must have meant to Men (and Wizards) who must spend so much of their time alone…
Author's reply
Thanks so much for your kind words. Glad you enjoyed it. This was the purpose all along, to bring all these disparate parties together at the end, but provide some discoveries along the way. Our three chieftains all in one spot sharing experiences and memories.
PSW · 16 February 2025 · Chapter 21: Dunedain Reunion
I just love it. So wonderful to meet unexpectedly with family and friends, and a chance to sit in peace and share a pipe and good food.
PSW · 16 February 2025 · Chapter 20: Back Across the River
No need for those swords, boys…