Mirkwoodmaiden
· 29 June 2025
· Chapter 4: In Minas Tirith - II
PSW!!!
Finally a time to catch to this story. I am really enjoying this story. My stories have involved the Dunedain as they existed while Aragorn was growing up. I am very interested in how they fared after the reunification of the two kingdoms!
I can see why he is having trouble with what to call Aragorn!!
Thanks for this!!
(((Hugs)))
MM
Author's reply
I’m glad you enjoyed! As you can see, updates will be slow - but I have always been curious how the Northern Kingdom moved forward after Aragorn’s ascension to the throne… Thx for your comments!
Fimbrethel
· 25 May 2025
· Chapter 4: In Minas Tirith - II
A cliff hanger?! When is the next installment?!
An interesting topic.
Author's reply
It will come! I’ve been out of town and will be again this weekend, but I hope to get back to it after that. Thx for reading!
Itarille
· 3 May 2025
· Chapter 4: In Minas Tirith - II
I liked how you described Haladan and Faramir offering each other condolences, and sincere appreciation for each other's father.
I also liked the way you described Faramir :)
Author's reply
It seemed to me that this is what they primarily know about each other, so it would be the most likely to come quickly to the surface. It's also something they have in common that they both wish had not come to pass, and something about which each can in some way unburden the other. And, I'm glad you liked my description of Faramir! :-) Thx so much for your lovely comments!
Itarille
· 3 May 2025
· Chapter 3: In Minas Tirith - I
You added new chapters!
Strangely (perhaps), this is my favourite part of this chapter:
The wealth in this door would have fed a Northern village for a month.
Oh, and Faramir made an appearance!
Thank you for sharing this story.
Author's reply
Any detail may jump out at someone! I was telling Lindalea that Haladan has not been nearly who I expected him to be - he is pragmatic in both noting the wealth around him and not allowing himself to feel jealous over it. (Much.) Yes, he just sort of showed up. (Apparently, according to Tolkien, he has a habit of doing that...) Thx so much for your comments!
Robbie
· 3 May 2025
· Chapter 4: In Minas Tirith - II
I love this story. I have long waited for a Halladan-and-Faramir story, but never found one nor could produce one myself. Even though this is just a part of your story I treasure their meeting and am intrigued by their careful but generous approach to each other. I'm also looking forward to the next part and Halladan seeing Aragorn in the King.
Thank you!
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm so glad you're enjoying it - it's been fun to imagine these scenes and write them out. Thank you for your comments, I appreciate them!
Sforba
· 1 May 2025
· Chapter 4: In Minas Tirith - II
Thank you for your gripping story, well-written, with a tolkienesque flavor and in character heroes, either canon or invented. I hope to read soon your next chapter.
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm so glad you're enjoying it, and thx for your lovely comments. :-)
shirebound
· 26 April 2025
· Chapter 4: In Minas Tirith - II
His father had loved Aragorn. He would have loved Elessar Telcontar also, but had not been given that opportunity.
It really is a joy to imagine scenarios in which Halbarad lived to know his friend, captain, and king in a whole new way.
Author's reply
Isn't fanfic lovely for that kind of thing? So many scenarios to ponder. :-) Thx as always for your comments!
Lindelea
· 26 April 2025
· Chapter 4: In Minas Tirith - II
p.s. I forgot to ask: Is Haladan aware of the parallels between the Northern and Southern Rangers and the role Faramir and his Men played in Ithilien? They may have a lot more in common than he knows at this point.
Author's reply
They probably do, as I suspect most of what he knows about Faramir is rumor and hearsay - and I would bet that most of the gossip doesn't center around the Rangers. It probably will give them something to talk about - Aragorn is about to make them close correspondents, so it will be good to know they have some common ground.
Lindelea
· 26 April 2025
· Chapter 4: In Minas Tirith - II
The "something more than a light repast" sounds wonderful. I got hungry just reading the list of good things. And being hungry is an excellent reason to eat when invited to do so, even if you suspect it might be a breach of etiquette in this unfamiliar place, and while worried that the familiar leader is gone, so transformed as to be unrecognisable, dissolving the bonds forged between them. At least Haladan retains enough confidence in his kinsman to think, Still, if Haladan was certain of anything, it was that the man would not tell him to eat and then be offended when he complied.
The repeated name trouble ("Arag—Elessar") made me laugh. My brain misfires much the same way, and always has, quite annoyingly.
Mention of healers and scheduled meals and "obvious pallor and general air of fatigue" constitutes a nice bit of Faramir-angst. Well-balanced, not overdone, and enhancing the conversation ahead by providing an anchor of sorts in terms of Faramir's state of mind and health. What I mean to convey is that you deftly show Faramir's "quality", as Sam put it some time earlier, in his thoughtful approach to Haladan, especially in light of his current... would "infirmity" be too strong a term? Stage of recovery?
That said, Haladan himself is no slouch despite his worries about making a fool of himself.
Hmm. Methinks Faramir just almost let a cat out of a bag? (Alas, poor cat.) "Chosen..." Quite an interesting hint.
Dare I ask if Beregond comes into the story at all? When he was relieved of his duty, he was assigned to guard Faramir in the Houses of Healing, and he marched to the Black Gate as the Captain of a Company of Men from the City (rather than regular guardsmen, if I'm remembering right). Has Faramir been declared the Prince of Ithilien yet? Is this happening before or after Beregond's trial? I ask because Beregond's conversation with Pippin when they meet makes me think he'd be just as eager to learn about the lives and endeavours of the Northern Rangers. Why, he seemed as thirsty for information and curious and inquisitive as Pippin, as full of questions, and as quick to laugh, "tall and proud and noble" but not full of himself.
Also, as a Northerner, Haladan would probably know some hobbits, I should think? But of course, JRRT said that the Rangers held themselves aloof from the people of Bree. Still, Bilbo seemed to know Aragorn fairly well. Has Haladan interacted with Bilbo in the past? Will he meet the Travellers from the Shire in this story, do you think?
Author's reply
It does sound yummy, doesn't it? I got hungry just typing it out ... :-D
It's an interesting task to write Faramir - he's so very layered. And Haladan is turning out to be so too - in fact, I come to think that Aragorn had him in mind for this new charge (poor cat indeed ;-) even should Halbarad not have died (and Halbarad may very well have agreed). Not sure - not sure that piece will ever be a question.
I had no intentions writing in Beregond, but your question just made some pieces I was struggling with neatly fall together - so I suspect we will indeed see him in a few chapters. Though it likely will not be Haladan - possibly Dorhaur, more likely Brendis. We'll see when I get there ... Thx for the suggestion!
I don't believe Haladan has known any hobbits - though they would come into the story at some point I would think, considering that the Shire is within the bounds of the Northern Kingdom.
Those bounds, I must admit, are something of a puzzle after Aragorn's ascension to the throne - I can't find any place indicating that the northeastern borders of Arnor are solidly delineated in the Fourth Age, so I am going to make them where I want them and hope I'm not making a rather large error ... :-P
As always, thx so much for your lovely review!
Lady Forlong
· 22 April 2025
· Chapter 3: In Minas Tirith - I
I get a kick out of how he keeps having to remind himself about the name "Ara-Elessar," especially since the new king probably wouldn't mind if he keeps calling him Aragorn.
BTW, you've got this story marked complete over on fanfiction.net. Gotta have another chapter...
Author's reply
Oh thx - it’s fixed now! Since I can’t make updates to FF from my iPad or phone, I often find things that got missed on that site…
Yes - Ara-Elessar would indeed not mind ;-), and in fact makes that point soon enough. They’re all a little confused and trying to feel their way through the newness of things.
Thx so much for your comments!
shirebound
· 22 April 2025
· Chapter 3: In Minas Tirith - I
Oooh, I eagerly await this meeting!
once his ancestors, too, had known such prosperity and beauty. They had lost it for themselves—their fall into a fading people scratching a living from the rugged hills was none of Gondor’s doing or responsibility.
It mattered not. They might not have gold and mithril in any quantity, but they had brought the line of the King safely through the centuries. He knew which he would choose, were he offered such an opportunity.
This is so insightful. What a noble people.
Author's reply
Yes, I must admit Haladan was a bit of a surprise to me. His reactions were … not at all what I expected, and I find that I really enjoyed writing him. He will be the perfect man for what Aragorn has in mind. ;-)
Thx so much for your comments!
Lindelea
· 21 April 2025
· Chapter 3: In Minas Tirith - I
Oh! I love Haladan's caution and discretion, along with his observational skills and his hard-won wisdom.
And I find myself wondering, is this situation something of a setup, to give him and Faramir a chance to talk, or is it happenstance?
Author's reply
Haladan was a bit of a mystery to me when I began writing this chapter, and he didn’t come out quite as I had envisioned but I suspect far better than anything i could have planned! I really enjoyed writing him.
I honestly don’t know the answer to the second question - Aragorn hasn’t told me. Perhaps it’s a little of both… ;-)
Thx so much for your comments!
Itarille
· 19 April 2025
· Chapter 2: At Cormallen
Oh, you added a chapter!
It was very thoughtful of Aragorn to place the Northern Dunedain within a larger company, instead of as his very vanguard.
I liked the way you described different characters of the Dunedain.
They are all dignified and wise.
Thank you for sharing the story!
Author's reply
Thanks for reading! Yes, I'm sure Aragorn wouldn't want to put them all out front again...
The Northern Dunedain are all described as silent and grim and I'm sure they are to outsiders but of course they all have their own things going on as much as anyone else - and I'm sure their own feelings about what was to come. Thanks so much for your comments!
Lady Forlong
· 17 April 2025
· Chapter 2: At Cormallen
Nice little sample of what various people might have been thinking at this celebration, and I love the little quip at the end.
Author's reply
Thank you! The brothers just came to me there at the end, and I'm glad they were there to lighten the mood a bit. Thanks so much for commenting!
Mirkwoodmaiden
· 14 April 2025
· Chapter 2: At Cormallen
PSW!
Been too busy to read this! Now I have a little time. I love the idea of the view point of each of the surviving Dunedain rangers. Each have their own view point. Themes of loss within the general celebration, yearning to recognized though that is never what any of them fight for and wanting to return home to their own. Thought of what Arnor would soon become. All wonderfully rendered and thought out!
Thank you for this!
(((hugs)))
MM
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed. Yes - as we know there is no real celebration in Professor Tolkien's world without some sort of loss too, and it's different for each person. They'll all have to figure their way forward somehow... Thanks so much for reading and commenting!
shirebound
· 7 April 2025
· Chapter 2: At Cormallen
Ohhh, I'm just insatiable when it comes to Cormallen (especially when hobbits are involved). I love how you've woven the celebration of the multitude with the thoughts of these treasured few Men.
Yet until this hour he had been theirs, and there was no man among them who would not have traded his life to reclaim that place denied now by circumstance and King.
For King they now had, declared or no. The days of their Chieftain were no more.
Beautifully said. Well done.
Author's reply
What? You like it when the Hobbits are involved? ;-D I think I knew that ...
So glad you enjoyed it! This was a different chapter, but fun. Thanks for your comments!
Lindelea
· 7 April 2025
· Chapter 2: At Cormallen
I wouldn't be surprised if Aragorn placed them deliberately where they ended up in the order of battle. It would have been a shame for none of them to survive to return to the Northland.
Haladan’s pride in the Chieftain of the Men of the North sang in his blood, fierce and glad Wonderful turn of phrase. And grief and exaltation are not mutually exclusive...
I hope for Eredhed that he will regain the use of his legs, and if not, that his new bride is worthy of him and proves herself so.
It's past midnight, and I must be up early, so I'll sum up the rest of my impressions here. The thoughts of each of the surviving Dúnedain are thought-provoking, saddening – even tragic, but some are hopeful and, at the end, it is somehow reassuring that life goes on, and it is the little things that matter most. I do hope that those who are grieving will find comfort, the discouraged will discover hope in unexpected places, and the deep hurts will yield themselves to healing.
We know, of course, that Aragorn will not forget his kinsmen or their sacrifices over the centuries, and the North-kingdom will rise again as a beacon of hope rather than being left in ruin, a reminder of once-noble rulers who failed and fell under Shadow. Tolkien appeared to be a great believer in second chances.
Thanks! I hope the Northern Dúnedain have more tales to tell you in future. I look forward to reading them.
Author's reply
Yes, Aragorn could of course not forget them - but I suspect everyone (northern, southern, and everyone else) is more than a little wary at the moment. No one knows what it coming, the world is changing around them, and they have no idea what next week will bring let alone next year or the next ten years. They are all going forward together in that unease, at least.
Thx for reading and leaving a comment!
Robbie
· 22 March 2025
· Chapter 1: After the Pelennor Fields
You moved me to tears.
I'm glad you braved this topic, as such is neglected in the book (unavoidable, with such a long story, I guess, but still regrettable).
Your writing is calm, but intriguing and shows a lot of thought and insight. We see next to nothing of Aragorn in interaction with his kinsmen. I feel like a missing piece is filled in the story. Thank you.
Author's reply
Thank you for your lovely comments - I'm so glad you enjoyed it. And I agree, I wish there was more about this particular group - they seem such an important part of Aragorn's life.
Itarille
· 21 March 2025
· Chapter 1: After the Pelennor Fields
I forgot to mention: I like Dorhaur a lot from your story Beyond Imladris, and it seems very fitting that he lived a long life, still hale in his old age, and died at the momentous Battle of the Pelennor Field.
Did all three of Dorhaur's sons fall in that battle?
And Baradhald (the antagonist in Beyond Imladris, if I recall the name correctly) fought valiantly as well! I loved this detail.
Author's reply
I don't think Dorhaur would have had it any other way. <3 And I'm happy you caught the mention of Baradhald - in my mind, he was never an overtly pleasant soul but did have a redemption arc of some kind. At least, enough that he would have been with his brethren defending their chieftain here ...
No, only Demedhel. Duinath fell to an orc arrow 15 to 20 years ago - Derinadh (Dorhaur the younger's cousin that died here) was his son. And Daelin had very recently before they set out been seriously wounded - Dorhaur (his son) does not know whether he will yet live when they return.
Itarille
· 21 March 2025
· Chapter 1: After the Pelennor Fields
PSW, what a beautiful story!
I love the idea of an all-night vigil for the dead--it is very plausible that the Dunedain would have such a custom.
I feel for the Northern Dunedain: seventeen of their company dead, and their Chieftain could not even be with them for one night's vigil.
I also love how you include two men of Gondor in the Dunedain's vigil.
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
I always imagined the Grey Company must have taken heavy losses - they are Aragorn's particular people and would have been particularly set on ensuring their Chieftain's safety throughout the battle, knowing better than most perhaps his importance. Also, after Halbarad was killed someone else would have needed to take up Aragorn's standard, making that man a target, and down the line ...
Thanks so much for your comments!
Lady Forlong
· 21 March 2025
· Chapter 1: After the Pelennor Fields
The ritual of an all night vigil for the dead is simple and beautiful, and you describe it so well.
I'm surprised to see the sons of Elrond participating in mourning the dead when they too should be in the Houses of Healing along with Aragorn, trying to save the living. They must have been healers like their father, but there's just not enough about them in the books. As I recall, Aragorn does send for them later and that's what they do for the rest of the night and probably beyond. I'd love to see you write about that part too.
Author's reply
Yeah, it's hard to say what Elladan and Elrohir were doing when Aragorn first went to the Houses of Healing. I even checked that section because I was like, am I sure he didn't bring them along? But as you say, he definitely called for them later - and who knows why. Perhaps he wanted to see the situation first. Perhaps they had determined to follow his lead regarding their role, as this is his circus (as we might say). Whatever reason, I thought they may be with the Northern Dunedain until then, with whom they have so often ridden and with whom they traveled this time. There's so much about this time left open to the imagination!
Thanks so much for your comments!
bobbygniu
· 19 March 2025
· Chapter 1: After the Pelennor Fields
Wonderful story. The grey company is one of my favorite parts of LOTR. I do hope you continue the story.
Author's reply
Thank you! The Grey Company is also one of my favorite parts - they do spark the imagination and I wish there was more about them in canon. I'm so glad you enjoyed it. :-)
Erulissé
· 18 March 2025
· Chapter 1: After the Pelennor Fields
Wow. That was deep.
I always wondered what Aragorn was doing when he was fetched to the City to rescue Merry and Eowyn and Faramir. This fills that gap so well. I felt like I was there.
“I vow to you that your kin will be as my own this night.”
That hits hard. Sometimes just that solidarity and sincerity when nothing can ease the grief you feel can give comfort. I could feel the weight. It was spectacular.
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm so glad you liked it.
I assumed, since he impressed upon Eomer and Imrahil that he would wait outside the city simply as the captain of the northern Rangers, that he would have indeed been acting in that capacity. And yes - solidarity and sincerity eases many a difficult blow.
Thanks so much for your comments!
Lindelea
· 17 March 2025
· Chapter 1: After the Pelennor Fields
Oh... As I wrote in my lost review (all that typing on a phone, only to post an empty review!) this narrative brought me to tears. I love Dorhaur's grandfather in the other story I'm reading; he won my heart with his courage, good sense, and understanding. It was so hard to say goodbye to him here. It seems so right that Aragorn would have kept vigil with him, among all the others, until the dawning... except for pressing circumstances.
It broke my heart to read that more than half of them perished in the battle. (I mean, I knew from the book that Halbarad died there, but so many... and the fact that only thirty of them rode to the South speaks to me of the difficulty the Northerners encountered in being able to spare only so small a number – and how hard-pressed those who remained in the North-lands must have been after they left.) And yet the courage and wisdom of Haladan, himself wounded and having suffered grievous loss, broke my heart a little more, it felt like, and that he 'spoke for them all'.
“Go, Aragorn. You must not sacrifice the living for the dead. The numbers we have here will suffice.”
The generosity of the battle-wearied young Gondorians is moving, from the description you give of them to "As long as you need..." and Valgil's simple vow.
Just as in that old saying, 'It takes one to know one'; I recently added Itarille's story The Steward and the King to my favorites list, along with Of Hearth and Home. I'm looking forward to reading more of Itarille's stories – and yours! The two of you (among others) have kindled my interest in the Northern Dúnedain and expanded my want-to-read list at just the right time. All that to say, I'm very glad Itarille encouraged you to write on this topic, and I would love to see more of your characters and their stories. (And I'm glad I haven't finished Beyond Imladris yet, for I hate to see the last of Dorhaur's grandfather...)
Author's reply
I'm so glad you enjoyed the story. It was sad, of course - but then, LoTR is sad.
It was hard for me to say goodbye to Dorhaur (son of Dedhalin) too ... but I don't think he would have been anywhere else at this time. And as for the rest who perished - it seems to me that Aragorn's kin from the North had come to fight beside him, and they knew (and have always known) the full story of who this is and what it means for him to come through victorious (and alive). They would have been set on ensuring his survival. (Also, once Halbarad fell no doubt others took up the standard, which would have made them targets.) In my head, Halbarad made at least one man from each family stay behind, and didn't take the time to wait for all the scattered Rangers to be gathered - they took who they could and rode. So perhaps there are more left than there might otherwise be ... but I still don't think it could be a large number. The northern Dunedain are definitely a dwindling people.
Thx so much for your comments, I appreciate them!
Mirkwoodmaiden
· 17 March 2025
· Chapter 1: After the Pelennor Fields
PSW!
This was wonderful. I love the idea of this kind of funeral rites and love the realization on Dorhaur's part that Gondorian rites are not so very different from their's. After all a long time back they came from the same people. They are all Men of the West.
I think there can be more to write in this vein!
Thanks for this!
(((hugs)))
MM
Author's reply
Yes! They once all came from the same place and people, and although they have grown apart still they have much in common. Thanks so much for your lovely comments!