SoundofHorns · 9 February 2004 · Chapter 8: Nowhere to Run
I love this story! Hehe, stuffy younger Aragorn is perfect! I can't wait to see what other humiliations Halbarad attempts to put him through.
Cantrip by bryn
Reviews (122)
fliewatuet · 9 February 2004 · Chapter 8: Nowhere to Run
Ai, so Strider's decline has already begun. A visit to the bar, a bit of ale and he doesn't even bother to remove his boots before falling asleep. Where will that end ... At least he managed to withstand Halbarad's ladies and the fighting (though I think that the others should be thankful for that, given that he even managed to best Guttarion in swordfighting ...) Now I wonder how long Aragorn will withstand the urge to smoke pipe-weed (at least it's not love at first sight). fliewatuet
grumpy · 9 February 2004 · Chapter 8: Nowhere to Run
wonderful, a trip to a bar where Aragorn gets to know "what a rabbit must feel when thrown into a den of wolves". Glad that Aragorn has not forgotten himself so much that he stayed. But he is becoming a ranger who can now sleep in mud. loved the whole thing, and the lies Halbarad can tell, raised among the elves he was! looking forward to more
Lyta Padfoot · 8 February 2004 · Chapter 8: Nowhere to Run
Almost sounding like a Ranger? Hee Hee!
daw the minstrel · 8 February 2004 · Chapter 8: Nowhere to Run
I continue to love this story. Aragorn is trying to fit in but he is also staying true to himself. And Halbarad is such a fascinating figure. What is he running away from? What is his background? I want to know!
Halandleg4ever · 8 February 2004 · Chapter 8: Nowhere to Run
I'm really enjoying your story so far! I haven't found many good stories involving Aragorn's time as a ranger... Keep up the good work, I can't wait to read more.
Orophins Dottir · 8 February 2004 · Chapter 8: Nowhere to Run
"Melkor’s teeth, you will!” Go, Halbarad! I have always wanted to yell something like that at Aragorn when he gets all ambivalent. I love the way you depict the conflict between elf and man that still struggles within the old Elf-Stone as he comes to terms with life. Oh, and the "vampire" ladies of the night! Save us! They made my skin crawl even as they must have done Aragorn's. He still does have a way to go does Estel on his path to becoming Strider. I have faith in Halabarad. I just hope he is not too drunk himself to find his way back to camp! Great chapter! Orophin's Dottir
Kal · 26 January 2004 · Chapter 7: Animal Farm
If I ever get lost in the woods and happen upon this particular group of rangers, I sincerely hope that I'm not injured. Or have amnesia and need a name. Or have to camp out with them. Although getting to meet them would be really cool! Next chapter looks to be very interesting! Hugs and Cookies =)
Author's reply
Kal- I don't think I'd mind being tended to, as long as it wasn't Halbarad doing the tending. He might mistake poison ivy for a painkiller or something of the sort and that just wouldn't be good. Yay for cookies! And thank you for the wonderful review!!! :)
Earwen of Alqualonde · 25 January 2004 · Chapter 7: Animal Farm
::gasps:: u updated so much and I missed it all! Oh my, more Halbarad...I love him! Thanks for updating!
Author's reply
Earwen of Alqualonde- I went on a bit of an updating tear for a while there. Needless to say, I've reverted back to the slow updating. ;) Hooray for Halbarad! Thank YOU for the review! :)
Ren · 23 January 2004 · Chapter 7: Animal Farm
I loved this chapter! We get to see Aragorn adapting to Ranger life. Gees, that must suck! Oi! I bet Aragorn was wishing he was back in Imladris in his nice, warm, elvish bed....I felt his misery, 'cause the cold doesn't go down so well with me also. I'm from Jamaica, MWHAHAHA! warmth year round!! most of the time at least. It got suprisingly really cold back in December. I swear, I almost froze (NEVER been that cold in my life), and I was almost in tears. Lots of respect to you people in the cold climates!! -3 degrees?? *spasm* I can't deal with that!! Hobbits shoving a pole up someone's...hmmmm...well...anything is possible, I mean, look what the did in the scouring of the shire chapter.....I could imagine the Tooks or the Brandybucks doing that!! HAHA!! :P Veterinarian rangers?? LOL!! amusing!
Author's reply
Ren- Poor Aragorn, indeed! Though he does seem to be adapting, slowly but surely. Jamaica? Really? Oh wow! I've been there once--yes, it was very nice and warm. And then the hotel people found the broken cap gun my brother had in his suitcase and threw in the garbage can, thought it was a real gun, called the airport, the airport security and police and customs officials came and took us to the police station... Oh it was quite a memorable vacation. *lol* -3 degrees is rather uncomfortable (though my mother has been known to break out the grill and barbeque at 9 degrees). I definitely wouldn't want to mess with the likes of Merry... A warrior hobbit, that one. Thank you for the review!!! :)
Orophins Dottir · 23 January 2004 · Chapter 7: Animal Farm
Oh, oh! Is a touch of Aragorn's elven arrogance rearing its little head again? Halbarad shall surely smack that out of him quickly! Love the fox kit and all the other little whelps of Melkor that you have assigned the poor young Rangers. Must have promised pub crawl however! Hope Aragorn does not order anything too prissy! Humble Scribe to his Majesty Thranduil
Author's reply
Orophins Dottir- Something tells me that Halbarad will make sure Aragorn drinks something befitting Ranger status... ;) And taking care of small furry animals will probably have its benefits. Especially when attempting to impress the ladies. *lol* Thank you for the wonderful review!
grumpy · 23 January 2004 · Chapter 7: Animal Farm
this wonderful chapter made my day, so much snow outside i am having a time finding a place to put it. so your story was a bright spot in the day. Got to feel for Aragorn and the rangers, being outside when it is cold and wet, with no chance of getting dry, pretty much sucks. I get the feeling that Halbarad's mouse is going to be so fat it won't be able to leave when the time comes, if he does not kill it first with the wrong herb. thamks for the good read
Author's reply
grumpy- I do love the snow. That is, when it's new and not all slushy and grey yet. (Don't get buried in!) Hahahaha, Halbarad will take good care of his new pet, Halbarad the Second--don't worry. ;) Thank you for the great review!!!
Estel_Mi_Olor · 23 January 2004 · Chapter 7: Animal Farm
Yay funny chapter! I just love Halbarad. Wait is this Théomund the same Théomund son of Théoden? If so, what is he doing out in the wilds training to become a Ranger? Cheers and keep writing!
Author's reply
Estel_Mi_Olor- Halbarad is quite a trip, isn't he? You know, I was wondering the Theomund thing myself, then recalled it was Eomund. Er, Eomond(?). Something of that nature. Actually, just a sec, I usually keep RotK in my desk drawer for reference... Yes, yes, it was Eomund. :) Thank you for the fantastic reviews!!! :)
paranoidangel · 23 January 2004 · Chapter 7: Animal Farm
I loved the description of the camp when they woke up - it sounds a lot like here at the moment (cold and wet). You certainly wouldn't get me out there! I loved Halbarad in this chapter. He's so funny and so exactly what Aragorn needs.
Author's reply
paranoidangel- Miserable weather, isn't it? But I suppose the boys need to learn to toughen up sooner or later. I agree--Halbarad is EXACTLY what Aragorn needs. Thank you for the great review! :)
fliewatuet · 23 January 2004 · Chapter 7: Animal Farm
That Ranger training camp is such a comfortable place! Rain, wet tents, damp clothes ... (*fliewatuet pauses briefly to send a silent blessing to the inventors of central heating*) You can tell that I do so not envy my favourite Rangers (or rather Rangers in training;-)) The thought of having to put on damp, chill clothes on a morning like that ... brrr. And Halbarad's interpretation of the reason for Guttarion's somewhat stiff posture was priceless, as always. But I was kind of disappointed though (no, not because the promised visit to the pub was delayed, though I am eagerly waiting for that chapter), I would have really loved to see Aragorn healing an injured warg! At least he and Lord NoName seem to have a mutual understanding.
Author's reply
fliewatuet- *lol* Aragorn's injured warg healing would've been ...interesting... wouldn't it? Thankfully, the Rangers don't hate him that much. Either that, or they didn't want to go through the trouble of capturnig a Warg for dear Aragorn. Let's hope Aragorn and Halbarad have a lot of warm blankets! Poor guys. Thank you for the wonderful review, as always!!! :)
webster · 23 January 2004 · Chapter 7: Animal Farm
I like the details, like waking up in a tent on a damp winter morning. It really makes being a new ranger more real and immediate. Why do I get the feeling that little Estel had named a few animal patients, and missed them for years when he found that wild birds make bad pets?
Author's reply
webster- *grin* I thought back to my wonderful days of Girl Scouts and swim camp for the tent inspiration. Though I have to say, Ranger camp is probably a bit more challenging than Girl Scout camp. *pauses at odd mental picture of Rangers in Girl Scout uniforms* Hmmm. I'm definitely not buying any cookies from them. Aragorn got off easy as far as the healing goes. Thank goodness the Rangers had enough sense not to go with Halbarad's warg idea. Thank you for the review!!! :)
daw the minstrel · 23 January 2004 · Chapter 7: Animal Farm
The description of the cold morning made me shiver. It was -3F yesterday morning when I went to work. And that didn't count the wind. I can't imagine living in a tent in the winter. Halbarad is really bold to provoke the chieftain like that. I suppose he can't help himself really. He's Halbarad! The first.
Author's reply
daw the minstrel- Ahh yes, there's nothing like the pleasures of Wind Chill on an already freezing morning. My favorite is waiting outside for the T in that weather... *brrrrrr* My sympathies! *lol* There will always be one and only one Halbarad. (the first.) Praise the Valar. I don't think Middle-earth could handle two of them. ;) Thank you for the wonderful review!!!
Layangabi · 23 January 2004 · Chapter 6: Bladed Tongues
Let. me. catch. my. breath... MWAhahaha! Ahem. Sorry byrn. =) But I love it when Thranduil is being catty, (as in delicously evil) and particularly when someone (like you) does it so well. Poor Elrond--- "A vision of Thranduil came to him: golden-haired and imposing. There was a gleam of smug arrogance in the grey eyes, which clearly said, 'I win.'" Go Thranduil! I have to root for the elven king here: not simply because he's become my favourite character (courtesy of you, Thundera, LKK, and other writers) but I throughly sympathize with his (and E2's) apparent frustration with the dilly-dallying Council. And judging from the fact that Celeborn has mastered the art of looking like he's paying attention when he's really not, Thranduil's not the only Council member who's impatient with words. I'm also rooting for Thranduil, because, disturbingly, the Rivendell elves seem rather smug. In their faith in the Council, in their dismissal of Radagast as mad while they hold Saruman to be brilliant. "Thankfully, Saruman had also come to the gathering, ensuring at least one sane wizard was present" *Snort* How I laugh at the irony of it all.
Author's reply
Layangabi- *grin* Thranduil is hands down my favorite Elven King. He deserves waaaaay more credit than most give him. Oh so sure, maybe he's a little greedy and hot-tempered and self-centered, but he's also wise, has a good heart, and doesn't need a Ring to keep his realm intact. Go Thranduil!! *sighs happily* I absolutely adore Thundera's Thranduil. We did a mutual Thranduil exchange--I keep hers (aka "Your Thranduil") in a small pen in the corner of my room (with a tree to recreate his natural habitat). Don't think he likes me very much, as he's prone to glowering and growling. But I love that cantankerous golden fellow to death. Thranduil and Celeborn are kin somewhere down the line, and Sindar Elves amongst the Wood-Elves, so I think they probably have a few similar traits. :) I'm glad you liked the Saruman line. ;) And yes, I think Radagast is crazy... "crazy like a fox!" as the saying goes. Thank you for the amazing review!! :)
Miriel · 22 January 2004 · Chapter 7: Animal Farm
OMG, I loved this chapter! I was dying of silent laughter (it's late at my houes) during the part during the lecuture...and the way the guy stands with the hobbits...classic. And the pet animals...oh dear...Halbarad the second...Arwen...Malinineal (I can't even remmeber that!), oh dear oh dear. Yes, I was really looking forward to the bar chapter...that's ok, though. Now I just have something to really really look forward to! (But you must update very very soon!) Ah, yes, and I believe that I am ready to continue marinus stiria...even though Bergil is dead. *sniff* If there was only some way to continue his legacy...I did fall in love with him. (Wait-that came out wrong...although along that line of thought, perhaps I should write a Mary-sue with Bergil as the object of desire!) No, the romance part never did get through to me. :-( That's ok, I shall survive. Dude, that IS weird. You know, I think you're right, it must be that Elrohir has a cooler name than Elladan. Yup, that must be it. (I've been having the weirdest Elrohir dreams...seriously. And I was met with stunned silence when asked who I thought the hottest guy in LOTR was, and I said 'Elrohir!' Then I said, 'you know, the son of Elrond?' Then they said, 'Huh? You mean someone who's not Legolas?' Then since they didn't know who he was they asked who my second fave was. So...'Figwit!' *ahem* Let us say that conversation ended oddly... Anyway, sorry that this is a rambling review...it's really late at night! Oh, yeah, and could you try again to send the romancy bit? It's allisonsaddress@sprintmail.com. Thanks!
Author's reply
Miriel- I'll send you the romancy bit promptly. :) Oh you SHOULD write a Mary-Sue with Be---holy sweet Valar, did I just say that? Wait. I mean, Mary Sues are BAD. And she'd probably get confused at who exactly Bergil was, fall into Middle-earth during the War of the Ring... Bergil was what, 8 or 10 at the time? I promise you he will have a cameo in my next story, and he won't get killed. Cross my heart. Yeah, I really do think Elrohir surpasses his brother because of his name. Tolkien never did anything to distinguish the two from one another, so we can only go by what they're called. No offense, Elladan, but... *shrugs apologetically* I, personally, have developed an unhealthy crush on daw the minstrel's OC Eilian, older brother of Legolas. It's very disturbing. Figwit! *lol* Okay, did he also appear in the final movie, when Arwen turns back to Rivendell? Because--and please don't kill me--I thought that Elf looked so horribly girly I actually burst out laughing. It was the eyes, and the look on his face, I think. Right, off to email the romance. Thank you for the great review!!! :)
calenore · 22 January 2004 · Chapter 7: Animal Farm
*blinks innocently* The hobbits shoved the pole where? LOL, I love Halbarad! Only he would name a mouse Halbarad the Second, and even DARE to suggest that Aragorn name the bird Arwen. A Ranger and an Elvish-raised man walk into a bar, hmm? That should be fun!
Author's reply
calenore- Into his eye. The pole went into his eye. *blinks back innocently* More like the Elvish-raised man gets shoved into the bar, I suppose... ;) Thank you for the review!!!
Saber · 22 January 2004 · Chapter 7: Animal Farm
*falls over laughing* It's the ranger zoo!!!!
Author's reply
Saber- *lol* Give them an oliphaunt and hobbits dressed up like clowns--and they're all set! :) Thank you for the review!
Estel_Mi_Olor · 22 January 2004 · Chapter 6: Bladed Tongues
So far this is shaping up to be a great story! So it takes place when Dol Guldor was just re-inhabited by some of the Nazgul, therefore Legolas has just been born or is very young? He was born at the end of the Watchful Peace, according to fanon at least. I wish Tolkien had mentioned that somehow. It kind of annoys me at how little importance he acredits Legolas with. Good thing we can always make up for that with fanfic. This is interesting: Aragorn meets Halbarad. I never thought Aragorn would be so Elvish, of course, it's obvious and only to be expected. Well cheers and keep writing!
Author's reply
Estel_Mi_Olor- Thank you! This story takes place in 2951 of the Third Age. In the appendix, Tolkien writes, "Sauron declares himself openly and gathers power in Mordor. He begins the rebuilding of Barad-dur. Gollum turns towards Mordor. Sauron sends three of the Nazgul to occupy Dol Guldur. Elrond reveals to 'Estel' his true name and ancestry, and delivers to him the shards of Narsil. Arwen, newly returned from Lorien, meets Aragorn in the woods of Imladris. Aragorn goes out into the Wilds." So, going by the Legolas-was-born-at-the-end-of-the-Watchful-Peace Theory (of which I agree with), he's around 400/500-ish. Not a baby, but still young when compared to the rest of his kin. Thank you for the wonderful review! I hope you continue to enjoy the tale! :)
Kal (sometimes known as "the Magnificent") · 20 January 2004 · Chapter 6: Bladed Tongues
Here, have a fortune cookie! *they all have "update on ff.net more often" as the fortune* teehee... here, take three crates... *dumps three crates on the floor, runs* Hugs and Cookies =)
Author's reply
*finally manages to eat way out of crates* Ooooooh, no more fortune cookies... Okay okay! I'll go update on ff.net! ;) Thank you for the review--er, fortune cookies... ;)
Ren · 12 January 2004 · Chapter 5: A Bit of a Snag
HAHAHAHA!!! Halbarad is so disgusting! LOL! But I sorta have to agree with him on the whole family thing. The descendents of Finwe are really inbred!! As my friend said, Arwen only married Aragorn because he was the only available cousin. That is so terrible!!! He reminds me of Halbarad!! The dancing is priceless. Much more of Halbarad in the future! please!!!
Ren · 12 January 2004 · Chapter 6: Bladed Tongues
Another great chapter, although I am greatly disturbed by the imagery of the savagery of the twins. Never really thought about before, given the fact that Tolkien said like, only one line about them riding to avenge their mother...but then again, that's just Tolkien. For all his details he left a lot unsaid or unelaborated...while i guess that's frustrating to his fans, it gives the chance for one's own creativity, and that's a good thing as illustrated by your story! :D I love your Erestor, too often I see him being depicted as a complete stick in the mud. Loving the contrast between the Imladris scenery, it's representation, and the turmoil within the twins. In such dark moments it's easy to feel like that i guess, but then you have Elrond's P.O.V....that's why I've always liked Elrond, it's his sense of hope when there seems none to be had. Hell! The man...half-man, sent 4 hobbits, 1 dwarf, etc. to try and do the impossible... The council scene was just funny as hell!! "All knew Radagast the Brown was mad..." LOL!!! Another chapter soon! please!!
Author's reply
Ren- I wanted to go for something a little shocking on the twins' part--to show that they weren't angels. They rode for years and years avenging their mother. It seems nearly obsessive, and I decided there must be an untapped well of rage and savagry behind it all. *lol* Erestor IS kind of a stick in the mud, and his comments at the Council of Elrond before the Fellowship set off weren't exactly brilliant. But in all fairness, he probably has his reasons. And someone needed to voice the questions he did. Yeah, kudos to Elrond! I do pick on him sometimes, make him rather push-over-ish, but I do my best to give him his moments of glory as well. ;) Thank you for the great review!