Nikara
· 17 October 2003
· Chapter 3: And So It Begins
This is an amazing story! It is very amusing, and has all of my favorite characters. I love Aragorn's soap. Oh, how things will change. Keep it up, this is amazing!
Author's reply
Nikara- *blushes* Wow, thank you! I'm thrilled you like this tale so much! Thank you for the wonderful review!!
fliewatuet
· 17 October 2003
· Chapter 3: And So It Begins
I wonder how long Halbarad will need until Aragorn gives up his attempts at cleanlyness and looks as scruffy as your next Ranger (and stops to smell of lavender;-)).
But I do not only love your story for the humour alone. I also enjoy your take on Aragorn's struggle to adapt to the ways of the Dánedain, homesickness and fits of temper included, and the Dánedains difficulties to come to terms with the son of their former chieftain. And if there's a bit of Elrond's twins and Glorfindel involved as a topping, I will be the least to complain.
BTW, I hope you get better soon (so you can update faster, of course;-) I am soo selfless these days ...)
fliewatuet
Author's reply
fliewatuet- I gather Halbarad needs about 3 months. E2 are going to get quite a shock when the discover sweet Estel has been replaced by Strider the Man-Ranger. This story is as much about the sons of Elrond as it is Aragorn and Halbarad, don't you worry. I'm hoping the next to weeks allow me to catch up on some seriously needed R&R (oh health, how I miss you). Wish me luck! Thank you for the great review!!! :)
daw the minstrel
· 17 October 2003
· Chapter 3: And So It Begins
I gotta say, bryn, I really feel for poor Aragorn here. As a matter of fact, I am quite angry at the other Dunedain (except for Halbarad, of course). So he is different from them and he is very skilled and that means they dislike him? That ticks me off. I realize these guys had a very stark life and Tolkien does repeatedly describe them as grim, but still! Grow up!
On the other hand, Halbarad is wonderfully rendered. He's so smart mouthed and resilient. I love him.
Author's reply
daw- You're right, the Dunedain are behaving ridiculously. Then again, at the same time, they probably aren't to thrilled to have Aragorn in their midst. A couple Elves spring out of nowhere, touting the Next Leader of the Dunedain in tow... Hackles are bound to raise a little. I love Halbarad too! Almost as much as I love your Eilian, but not quite. ;) Thank you for the review!!
Miriel
· 17 October 2003
· Chapter 3: And So It Begins
Little old ladies...that would be hysterical. (Although a bit scary) I really am going with the nose though. :)
Well, the plot bunny for Mirinus is calling you..."write me..."
A third time...hm. Are you planning on killing poor Glorfi? Although he might welcome it, considering the pain that he will be put through in several years...
That's really interestng, the thought that the Rangers didn't accept Aragorn very quickly. It's true though, as one who was living with elves for so long, even if he wasn't stuck-up, he might seem that way. It would be difficult for him to get used to being around men (especially Halbarad) and hard for them to be used to him. How many elves do they come in contact with?
Is Halbarad crazy, throwing a knife at Aragorn like that? Or just overly confident that he won't hit and kill Aragorn?
Halbarad ruler of middle earth...that would be a good AU story. (Although a bit scary.)
Well, have fun writing! Oh, and by the way *Hands over band-aids for the plot-bunny wounds*
Author's reply
Miriel- *groan* Curse that marinus stiria! I'm forced to be ridiculously precise and obsessive while writting it, and the story itself is becoming terribly depressing. *sigh* But I am working on it, slowly but surely. I did manage to get that snippet up. (Medication sort of made it impossible to write all this week. Lousy side-effects.) *shriek* Kill Glorfindel!?!? Oh no no no! Valar forbid! The poor guy already died once, I don't have the heart to do it to him again. *grin* Just wait until Halbarad meets Elrohir and Elladan. Then the fun will REALLY begin. (Oh dear...) Halbarad's pretty confident with himself, and his knife-throwing ability. And Aragorn had been knocking him down all day. Oh wow, Halbarad Ruler of Middle-earth... that does have some dangerous possibilities. Many thanks for the band-aids, and thank you for the great review!!! :)
Kal (the Magnificent)
· 9 October 2003
· Chapter 2: Company
I knew it was going to be Glorfindel! I knew it! Lol, riding through Mirkwood with bells... so that's what they're for. But wouldn't you think that the elves from Mirkwood would be able to differentiate between an elf lord and an orc? Even if that elf lord fell in mud? And then fell into a pile of manuer? And then... well, I trust you get the picture. Although it does give an interesting reason for him to have bells on his reins. Are you sure the other blond elf won't make an appearance? Not even a camio appearance? Please?
Halbarad!! I love Halbarad! Lol, Aragorn is actually sounding unsettlingly like me, arguing my my mother... hmm... dancing?! That's... random? Ooo, I bet the Dunedain aren't really the Dunedain! Actually, since you introduced Halbarad (who's most obviously a Dunedain), I bet that the high-ranking Dunedain aren't really high-ranking Dunedain, they're allies of Sauron who are going to kill Aragorn and all the real Dunedain. Killing Aragorn would actually set off a bunch of stuff. Arwen would die of grief, and, because of Arwen and Aragorn dying of grief, Elladan, Elrohir and Elrond would all die of grief. Frodo would become a ringwraith (after being stabbed) because Aragorn wouldn't save him, and then the ringwraiths would take him and the ring to Sauron, who would rule the world. So, you see, Aragorn needs to kill Guttarion before Guttation can kill Aragorn, or else Sauron will win.
caz baz
· 9 October 2003
· Chapter 2: Company
Prancing Rangers, LOL!
Now you have the image of Gandalf walking up to the gates going "BOO!" in my head, i'm going to be thinking of that all night and laughing to myself and then my brother's going to go 'What you laughing at?' and i'm going to have to come up with something other than Gandalf going "BOO!".
Poor Aragorn getting left all on his own with a bunch of sadistic rangers out in the middle of nowhere, prancing around like a bloody elf.
Glorfindel was funny! Residents of Mirwood beware of the big bad Balrog slayer -you know that he's called "the Balrog slayer" he was killed while slaying one so then why's he back again? is it cause they go back to their original bodies? I am really confused about that, so elves die and then come back as they were before? or they stay in the halls of Mandos for ages like Feanor?
Elves are a confusing people. Tolkein didn't explain them thoroughly enough. the whole collection of Lord of the rings, hobbit and silmarillion are confusing.
can't wait for the next chapter
caz baz
Miss Aranel
· 9 October 2003
· Chapter 2: Company
Hey there! I was acutally *glad* to hear that you're a slow updater---I seem to have horrible problems with keeping up reviews on anything.
I love the shift between dark and lights bits---it was wonderful to have the chapter end on a more humorous note after the dark beginning. The first half of the chapter was well-done though---I esp. liked the reasoning behind everything from the twins' attitudes to the bells on Glorfindal's horse (lol!). The brief mention that a Noldo might find appreciation of the landscape "vulgar" put a smile on my face.
I loved the second half even better though---Aragorn is proving to be very entertaining, and Halbarad sure lightened things up. He must be quite a character in the fic that spurred this one. Loved the bits on the dancing and prancing. *g*
--Aranel
Earwen of Alqualonde
· 9 October 2003
· Chapter 2: Company
I love all stories with rangers! Especially with Halbarad! Right...
It seemed as if Aragorn was very out of place with the Dunedain, I never thought that would happen. When I read the part about Aragorn being chief of the Dunedain, I assumed they immediately took him as leader, now I know it was not so. Update soon...
Ren
· 8 October 2003
· Chapter 2: Company
Oh wow, this is so cool! I've never seen a fanfic which addressed when Estel firsted joined the Dunedain. Loved the first chapter, and this chapter is even better. I LOVED your explanation for the bells on Glorfindel's horse. I have always wondered why myself...i like your P.O.V...cocky ass bitch...just kidding!!! :P Glorfindel is my fav. character....
Strider prancing!! LOL!!
Update! Update!!!
Miriel
· 8 October 2003
· Chapter 2: Company
Just your Authors Notes had me laughing. "Who in their right mind would gives the sons of Elrond a small army?" That, my dear, is a very good question...
Isn't that funny how you're just writing, then a plot bunny attacks you? *Sigh*
I liked Glorfindel's reason for the bells, althought that might not be as safe in the wild. "Here I am! Glorfindel! Come kill me if you want, I'll just return to Middle Earth again! Hah!"
Poor Elladan and Elrohir...leaving Aragorn must be tough. Ah, well, other things will soon occupy their mind, I'm sure.
Halbarad! Hooray! Somthing about how you portray him makes him very likable. "Prancing." LOL.
I like your opinion on why Elrond might have tiaken Estel in. Guilt. I never knew that Arathorn was riding with Elladan and Elrohir when he died. You learn somthing new every day...
May the stars shine upon your imagination and time so that you may update soon!
paranoidangel
· 8 October 2003
· Chapter 2: Company
I liked this, especially Elladan and Elrohir worrying about Estel, and Aragorn trying to fit in with the Rangers. It makes sense that over time he becomes a little less elvish but I hadn't thought before about how odd he would appear to the Men. Lots to think about! (and Halbarad was cool too).
daw the minstrel
· 8 October 2003
· Chapter 2: Company
This was a nice pair of scenes. I liked your idea about the "company" of the sons of Elrond. Their speculations about Mirkwood were kind of fun too. And I was particularly intrigued by the quick reference to the fall of Dol Guldur and Elrond's wielding a sword there. I have been wondering about that time for my own stories.
The Estel part was also great. You are giving Halbarad an attractive character. But Poor Aragorn. If he has to change even his walk, he has a long struggle coming.
fliewatuet
· 8 October 2003
· Chapter 2: Company
Hehe, I loved your explanation for the bells attached to Asfaloth's reins, and the concept of Elrond's twins little company. And I am absolutely delighted that you decided to pick up that side plot from 'marinus stiria' to turn it into a story of its own.
And yes, I know what kind of tents you speak of, though the girl scout camp experience happily took another way that did not lead in my direction ...
Nerwen Calaelen
· 8 October 2003
· Chapter 2: Company
An interesting start.
There are so many stories about Aragorn's childhood in Rivendell, but this is certainly the first one I've read that shows his coming to the rangers. You have got very interesting ideas about the differnces.
I look forward to reading more
Sphinx
· 7 October 2003
· Chapter 2: Company
Although the chapter was so much more serious than the first, couldnt help but giggle at the thought of the Dear Ranger first dancing, and then prancing. Such a choice selection of words by Halbarad.
Very nice. I loved the way they met. Glorfindel's entry was a pleasant surprise, as was the little fact that the twins had seen Elrond raise a blade only once. Lovely touch. The angst demon approves.
Do update!
The Karenator
· 7 October 2003
· Chapter 2: Company
Bryn,
I read the first chapter when you first put it up and loved it, but didn't get around to reviewing until this one. You have captured the feelings of the twins well. I can see how difficult it must have been for them to leave Estel alone with this rough and tumble group of rangers. And Aragorn caught dancing! Too funny. You handled his first meeting with Halbarad very well. It would only seem logical that Aragorn would be more Elvish than human in mannerisms. I also liked the way you explained Glorfindel's bells on his his reins. It does seem a bit like announcing your arrival and his retort was priceless. Keep going....I'm ready for the next chapter. Very well done, Bryn. Karen
fliewatuet
· 5 October 2003
· Chapter 1: Not a Man
Being the squealing Aragorn fangirl that I am, I'm always looking forward to reading more of those 'missing scene' fics about him! And given the author, I hope for some very entertaining reading:-)
BTW your description of the rangers' tents alone woke some long buried memories of the smell of damp canvas, wet clothes, mud and the like (aka fliewatuet's very first near-camping experience, fortunately not too far away from home, so that I could opt out and spend the night in my own bed ... have not been so fortunate on every camping trip, however, ...)
Elemmire
· 2 October 2003
· Chapter 1: Not a Man
Ooooh, I am looking forward to this! It's always a pleasure to read a serious Aragorn fic...
Elemmire
Miriel
· 2 October 2003
· Chapter 1: Not a Man
*Claps* Hooray, a new story!
I like Elladan and Elrohir finishing each others sentances. Very humerous.
This looks to be a very promising fic. I like the idea of Aragorn going back to the Dunadain to "Become a man," (OR, whatever the guy said.)
It will be interesting to see what transpires. (And to meet Halbaraad!! Mayhap we will find what is with his obsession with wearing a dress..?)
Cheers!
daw the minstrel
· 2 October 2003
· Chapter 1: Not a Man
Great beginning. I for one am glad this plot bunny bit you because this is a time I've wondered about. You've done a great job with little details here. They make everything seem real. Go bryn!
Miss Aranel
· 1 October 2003
· Chapter 1: Not a Man
Ah! I'm going to have to try to keep up with this one!
I'd never thought about Aragorn's assimilation into Rangerhood....this should be amusing to watch. *g*
--Aranel
Sphinx
· 1 October 2003
· Chapter 1: Not a Man
Very nice. ;)
I'd love to see what more you do with this.
Could not stop chuckling when they entered the tent. Next time, make Aragorn say 'How do you do?' courteously, instead of just 'please'.
Do update soon!