Reviews (122)

fliewatuet · 7 January 2004 · Chapter 5: A Bit of a Snag

Yay! An update to Cantrip. I already saw your update to Mariuns Stiria on ff.net, and wondered when the promised update to Cantrip would be due. Congratulations to meeting your self-appointed deadline! I tend to fail in these things. And, of course, I am more than relieved to hear that you are feeling better. You already had me worried ... seriously! But now for the story: I was chuckling from beginning to end (good thing that my significant other is wearing headphones at the moment ...) Of course, Aragorn would chose the elvish way in tracking his prey, while Halbarad seems to favour the obvious ... with similar success. Then there was Halbarad's lovely, if ... maybe ... somewhat exaggerated imitation of Aragorn ... Why do I have the distinctive feeling that Aragorn has just made one of the major mistakes in his life in telling Halbarad about his infatuation with Arwen? I doubt that he will hear the end of it any time soon. And I do not dare think about what Aragorn will have to endure once they are granted their leave ... (did I already mention that I am a squeeeeling Aragorn fangirl?) Anyway, I hope your health improves further, for I would really, really miss you and your wonderful stories, fliewatuet

phoenix23531 · 7 January 2004 · Chapter 5: A Bit of a Snag

Hallo! I love this chapter. The humour between Aragorn and Halbarad is priceless, especially the hair-chop! I only wish the chapter were longer! As for the "encounter" between Gilraen and one of Elrond's sons, I would think it most unlikely, as they were known to ride with Arathorn's rangers. If they knew him, and given the ages at which he both married and later died, it would seem very unlikely that there was any time for Gilraen to have an encounter (if I remember correctly, she was considerably younger than Arathorn at marriage). Also, I tend to follow the same idea of Gilraen as presented by AfterEver's "Last Hope" story. But ultimately, the choice is yours. (Dunno if that helps any.) Emma

Earwen of Alqualonde · 25 December 2003 · Chapter 4: The Logic Behind the Treason

Oooh, that was so amusing! I loved it. But not yet ready to forgive u for the terribly long wait!

Ren · 21 December 2003 · Chapter 4: The Logic Behind the Treason

Merciful Valar!! An update!! Yeeaahhh!!! Wonderful as usual. Absolutely love the fact that this chapter was from Glorfindel's P.O.V :P and we get a chance to see his age, wisdom and loyalty... speaking of which, I couldn't help but thinking about the times in Rome when it's soldiers became emperors when Elladan and Elrohir were talking about treason...heh. Maybe it's just me. ^_^ Yeah, what's up with the pheasants?? What could truly be amusing about them...I know birds can be amusing ("Look!! drunk birds!!" Don't ask!) but heh?? I also sorta understand where Elladan and Elrohir are coming from when they are complaining about the White Council. It's something I've also wondered about too. Did they really serve any purpose?? Oh well... "The Balrog slaying seemed to make him an outstanding authority on everything; from weaponry and war counsel to spring wardrobes and which brew of tea Lord Elrond would most prefer." LOL!! My favourite line!!! An update in 2 weeks? Looking forward to it!!! Merry X-mas/Hanukka/Kwanzaa, and Happy New Year!!!

The Karenator · 20 December 2003 · Chapter 4: The Logic Behind the Treason

What a pleasure to see this new chapter. I was just wondering about what had happened to Aragorn's Unculturing. As usual, this chapter did not disappoint. I loved the 'wild' sons of Elrond and their witty exchanges and well..irreverent remarks about the silliness of excessive committee meetings. Glorfindel has their number! I can't believe the twins were serious about treason against their own father. I guess they wanted to see Glorfindel's reaction? And Glorfindel has pulled out the old 'balgrog slayer'line before. What a pick up line! The Middle earth equivalent of 'I'm a professional football player'. I was glad to see the cameo of a young Legolas and to meet his older brother. They are busy in the Green Wood trying to stay the shadow and I'm sure Thranduil would 'love ' to attend another meeting about what to do. I'm looking forward to being a fly on the wall when Elrond has his fatherly talk with his sons. Good chapter, Bryn. Karen

calenore · 20 December 2003 · Chapter 4: The Logic Behind the Treason

I'm certainly glad Glorfindel is around here to beat some sense into Elladan, Elrohir and Elrond. Makes things a lot better.

calenore · 20 December 2003 · Chapter 3: And So It Begins

Good for Halbarad. Those Rangers will learn their lesson eventually, I hope.

calenore · 20 December 2003 · Chapter 2: Company

Once again, poor Aragorn! Is everything going to go wrong? Wow, the Rivendell elves haven't heard from Mirkwood in a long time! It's surprising that they don't even know the Mirkwood elves still exist.

calenore · 20 December 2003 · Chapter 1: Not a Man

Oh, poor Estel! It must be doubly awful to part from his brothers if he's with a "Man" like this!

daw the minstrel · 20 December 2003 · Chapter 4: The Logic Behind the Treason

I loved this chapter. You have three of my favorite characters here and the twins are such an intriguing pair in their wild seeking after revenge. Glorfindel is shocked. But I think he's capable of dealing with them, perhaps more so than Elrond is.

Orophins Dottir · 20 December 2003 · Chapter 4: The Logic Behind the Treason

Whoop! A new chapter. She IS back! Hooray! "The younger twin shrugged in graceful nonchalance. “Nay, I do not lay blame upon the Council. I would have argued it a large stone monument of sorts—” “—that just so happened to be in the shape of the fallen Barad-dûr tower,” Elladan sourly finished for him. " Have I told you I love your E2? I do. They are serious enough to kill but still funny. So many stories just turn them into the Fred and George Weasley of Imladris. Not our Bryn! Kill those orcs, E2, show them no mercy! Also love the contrast of Glorfindel's military mind and the guerrilla tactics of the Rangers. All this plus a walk-on by our favorite Elf Boy! Glorfindel and a Teleri maiden? Who knew! Humble Scribe to his Majesty Thranduil (who appreciates your acknowledgement of his ringless efforts to thwart evil)

websterans · 20 December 2003 · Chapter 4: The Logic Behind the Treason

Been looking forward to this update--thank you! I like tbe way you handle the twins angst

fliewatuet · 20 December 2003 · Chapter 4: The Logic Behind the Treason

Yay! A new chapter just before christmas (I will consider it as a present) ... I loved E2's pick at the Elves' obsession with discussions. Hehe, having spent much too long a time at various universities, all those commitees and councils sound frighteningly familiar. I wonder how the Sons of Elrond themseleves will fare in such a council meeting. Wonderful potential for Daddy-Offspring shouting and glaring contests ... Will you elaborate more as to the reasons of E2's company's amusement at the sight of a pheasant? For I feel with Glorfindel and have not the slightest idea of a possible meaning of that joke. Of course, I eagerly await more about Halbarad teaching Aragorn propper "manners", and about E2's reaction to the outcome. I hope health finds you again, and soon. I wish you happy and untroubled holidays, fliewatuet

Imrahoil · 20 December 2003 · Chapter 4: The Logic Behind the Treason

What (incredulous cry of pain)! Giving it up? Don't you even dare to think about it. I get myself a voodoo doll if you do. I mean it. But for now, there is a new chapter to read and hopefully it will help to calm me down again. Bryn, do us a favour and try to recuperate during the holidays.

Imrahoil · 15 December 2003 · Chapter 3: And So It Begins

Hello Bryn, do you remember Cantrip? This is a story, written by you, and it awaits to be continued. Eagerly. Beware, an overripe plot bunny might become poisonous. A friend

Ren · 30 November 2003 · Chapter 3: And So It Begins

Another great chapter! Poor Aragorn, having to leave fair elfs for raucous, crude human males. I feel his pain. >_Update soon!!

Ithilien · 11 November 2003 · Chapter 2: Company

You broke the rules. You started another story. Ages ago it seems. You weren’t supposed to do that, remember? We had an agreement. And now look what happens. I fall behind in reviewing (like I was ever really good at keeping up anyhow), and you fall behind on Marinus Stiria (like you were ever good at keeping that up to date * snicker *). Okay, so we are equally as bad. Guilty guilty guilty. I know you are not so fond of MS, but please, could you feed me something? Just give me some gratuitous Legolas sea-longing/bashing. It doesn’t take much to keep me happy. Really. A few words of description and I swoon. It’s easy. But since that story isn’t coming along anytime soon, or so it appears, here I am. And the real bummer part is, I’m liking this story! Garrrrr! I told myself, “No. No enjoying anything until another chapter of Marinus Stiria sees the light of day.” But in a moment of weakness, I read this, and lo, to my deep regret. I found myself looking forward to the next installment. And then the next one. BRYN!!!!! You know you’ve got yourself in trouble now, don’t you? Oh yes you do, and you can’t say I didn’t warn you. Now, not only are there many of us clamoring for an update to MS, but now you have us on your case about Cantrip. More please! Now! I hope you are happy. Humph.

Miss Aranel · 24 October 2003 · Chapter 3: And So It Begins

Just a very quick review this time, since I've only got a few minutes. I enjoyed the sword practice bit---it is amusing in a way that Aragorn, who is considered by the Rangers to be a bit to "prissy", is also one of the best swordsmen among them. Perhaps Halbarad will benefit from continuing to go up against him. The bit with the soap was amusing as well---"soap on a thread"! I adore the smell of lavender (I have three plants in my room), but I suppose it's far too girly-smelling for a self-respecting Man. Time to break out the "Mountain Fresh" variety, eh? Another great update; I continue to enjoy this very much! --Aranel

Kal who is weary of writing "The Magnificent" and will be known simply as "Kal" from here on out · 20 October 2003 · Chapter 3: And So It Begins

Couldn't remember if I already reviewed, so you get another one! And, if I haven't, you get one! Being a ranger would be fun... it would be a lot like going to a REALLY intense summer camp! Maybe boot camp, but more fun... how do you hold something you protect in suspicion? Because if you are suspicious about it, wouldn't you have a hard time guarding it, because if it got attacked, you might think that it had staged the attack so that you would start fighting and get killed (truly, this is how my mind works!). So, wouldn't it be better to trust them? And why would someone be suspicious of their protectors? That must not be a very healthy relationship. o.O? Blinking flowers? Where did Halbarad pick that up from? Interesting... I think Aragorn should slaughter all of the elder Dunedain and take over (I'm in a slight mood for carnage, could you tell?)! That was a NICE move Halbarad pulled, with the knife! I like it. Aww... poor wittle Aragorn (that was sarcasm; I have very little tolerance for him)... perhaps if he didn't take it into his hands to try and teach all the little Dunedain's how to fight properly, other people would like him more... just a thought... *sigh* no Leggie? Oh well; Glorfindel's second-best (only don't tell him I said that!); he'll do nicely! "Shoot first, ask questions later" probably isn't the best tactic, especially when other elves come into your wood... ah well, whatever works! But they'd better hope that orcs don't figure out how to put bells on wargs (I don't think orcs would ride horses, although they might)... that would be bad... Switching topics completely: I have to write a fable; any ideas of good gossip topics (my moral is "ne pas faire des commérages" (don't gossip), and I need a good gossip topic. And names! Names from the Silmarillion, preferable female. Hugs and Cookies =)

Earwen of Alqualonde · 19 October 2003 · Chapter 3: And So It Begins

love it so much! Especially when there is plenty of Halbarad. It would be definitely interesting to see how Aragorn adapts to the life of a Ranger. And lavender? LOL. have I mentioned I love this story?

Orophins Dottir · 18 October 2003 · Chapter 3: And So It Begins

I'm truly enjoying this story and a number of others of yours read with pleasure. I say first a pox on Peter Jackson, may he be given to the wargs for lunch for giving the ford of Bruinen to ARWEN and reducing poor Gil-Galad to a single-shot as a spear carrier in the prologue! He should have thrown Aeglos at that bounder! Having gotten THAT out of my system, thanks for Glorfindel and the brethern E2. Those three and the brethern HRO (never say that Orophin is aught but the youngest--I defy you and Haldir would slap you silly) have been my favorite "minor characters" for lo these many years, so it's a joy to see them in action. Anyway while lurking in the parking lot of Walmart (has word been sent to you that one has opened here in Taur-E-Ndaedalos?) whilst my liege shopped, I was approached by the plot bunny as I read from TRotK, and forced (we have received had word here that he bites) to send you this quote from "The Passing of the Grey Company". Says Mr. Soap-on-a-Thread (oops, rope!) to your boy Halbarad: "There go three that I love, and the smallest not the least,. . .He knows not to what end he rides; yet if he knew, he still would go on." To which Halbarad replies: "A little people but of great worth are the Shire-folk. . . .Little do they know of our long labour for the safekeeping of their borders, and yet I grudge it not." Now, I really would like to see your "Education of Aragon" address Aragon's first encounters with Hobbits and just why the heck the Rangers decided to be bothered with them in the first place. My unsolicited advice is to give it up on Elf Boy Legolas and being neutral on his hair/eye color. Neutrality seldom works, just look at Sweden and Switzerland. I first read these books over 30 years ago (Second Age?) and I and everyone I knew were just convinced he was blond (adjective, masculine formation). I have no earthly idea why at this point in time (as you fade from Middle Earth, you get these senior moments) but it was one of the few things we didn't argue about on the books. After Orlando Bloom's portrayal (which I think was splendid and definitive on the screen), the idea of a dark-haired elf in this slot really won't fly, and you miss out on all those wonderful opportunities for simile. Two points, one not even related to this particular story: First, I know you've alluded to it, but I might suggest the torture of E2's mother Celebrían as the reason for their unrelenting pursuit of Sauron's minions could be made more apparent. Second, "crebain" is the plural form; the singular is "craban". Sorry, but to one with a degree in a highly inflected/declined language, nodding acquaintance with about six others and a lifelong passion for philology and all its consonant shifts and other delights, I could not remain silent! Keep writing and don't chop this one off too short. I, for one, will wait patiently if you have other plates to spin.

Nerwen Calaelen · 18 October 2003 · Chapter 3: And So It Begins

Another interesting chapter. I like the way you have show the differences between the way Aragorn has been taught to behave by the elves and the way a ranger is expected to behave. I look forward to reading more.

grumpy · 18 October 2003 · Chapter 3: And So It Begins

just findhed reading chapter three and loved it, Soap on a rope, and folding his clothes, he has a long way to go, sort of like at a start of a trip everything is nice and neat by the end the car is totally trashed and you don't care, because it is so much easier. Can't wait for more of how Aragorn becomes a "man"

Sphinx · 18 October 2003 · Chapter 3: And So It Begins

Ahh...so Halbarad is responsible for the scruffiness. Poor Estel, eh? I can just imagine a whiny voice saying 'Oye...youse aint gettin no wash for a week coz youse smell too nice, and youse'll have get rid of it before youse can be smelly enough to be allowed a dip in the tub...' Very nice chapter...a noticeably different tone to it from the last. And you made Aragorn kick butt. Me likes. ;) Sphinx

The Karenator · 17 October 2003 · Chapter 3: And So It Begins

Bryn, What a great chapter! I'm so impressed with Halbarad. For as sour, dour and just plain grumpy the older guys are, Halbarad is a fresh and lively addition. His personality comes through so vividly. And poor Aragorn. He really is a fish out of water. I loved Halbarad's line to him that he hated to break it to him, but he wasn't an elf! And soap on a thread...I mean on a rope. Arwen must have picked the bar to send with him. Looks like Aragorn may have to get "manly" while with the guys, but when home, I imagine Arwen will want the lavender. I really like Halbarad as you portray him. He seems to me to epitomize what a ranger is...strong, independent and able to view the world with a slight slant of sarcasm...his coping mechanism. He is a good friend for Aragorn, the dancing ranger. I'm really enjoying this and can't wait for you to update. :>) Karen