Suzelle
· 31 October 2019
· Chapter 12: Ranger Names
Okay. So. I very clearly remember first reading this fic when it was first published in...god, the timestamp says 2003?? Which would have been when I'd gotten into Tolkien fandom for the first time and I was an impressionable young teenager. I remember ADORING this story and Halbarad and Gandalf and all the rest. But I had not read it since! In a fit of nostalgia this past weekend I tracked it down and I was SO happy it was still posted and SO glad that it was just as delightful as I remember it being. I think this story unconsciously informed a lot of my own development as a writer, especially in terms of Halbarad and Aragorn's relationship. There were so many instances I was laughing out loud because of the Halbarad-Gandalf shenanigans, and this last chapter in particular was...*chef's kiss*. Thank you so much for sharing this story with us; it was wonderful then and it's wonderful now.
Author's reply
You're making me cry, for so many reasons. I have so many wonderful memories of that time and hearing from you brings them all back again. Thank you. I'm interested in hearing about your writing and I'll reach out to you on your e-mail from my meckinock email address.
ReaderKit
· 8 January 2015
· Chapter 12: Ranger Names
Hehe, this chapter's end was so hilarious! Kudos. The entire tale was good, and the parallels between Rolly and Tillfield were thought-provoking. I am glad to see how Aragorn sometimes despaired of ever achieving his destiny, and how Gandalf would hit him over the head for being a fool. And yay Halbarad!
Author's reply
Thanks for the review! I'm sorry the reply is so late; I don't monitor this e-mail address like I should. I'm glad you liked the story.
Meckinock
I'm so glad I stumbled across this! It's excellent. It's deftly plotted and perfectly paced. You had me guessing with just about every chapter. Your style is so engaging and immersive--I got lost in this fic.
The original characters just leapt off the page. Gotta love Tillfield! ;) Rolly absolutely broke my heart, particularly his last words to Aragorn. His conflict comes through so clearly with so little explanation. And the dynamics between the canon characters are note-perfect.
Anyway, I know you posted this forever-ago, but I just wanted to say well done!
Author's reply
Thank you for the kind review - I'm sorry the reply is so late in coming. I'm glad you enjoyed the story. It's hard to believe the kitten I named after Rolly is now 11 years old.
daw the minstrel
· 11 October 2008
· Chapter 6: A Clandestine Raid
I love how practical Hal is. Why waste time messing with a lock when you can just pry the door off? Watching him with Tilfield is interesting. He thinks of himself as tough and others may see him that way too but all the kid has to do is cry. Though he did make up that stuff about his mother. LOLOL
With Aragorn, you see the power of subtext over text in his elliptical comment about hurting Elrond.
Author's reply
Thanks for reminding me how darned much fun this was. I loved writing Halbarad, especially in this story. And it's amazing how Tillfield just jumped up and grabbed me by the throat, too. He wasn't supposed to be a major character at first. And he was supposed to be a bad guy. And a Mannish kid. Thanks for the review; I needed a reminder that this can be fun.
daw the minstrel
· 11 October 2008
· Chapter 5: Spies in Bree
One of the things I like about this chapter is how Halbarad's character is established as much by how others react to him as by what he thinks or does. He's potentially dangerous, and like the barmaid, I have to ask if that's entirely a bad thing. :-)
Author's reply
I don't think it is :-)
daw the minstrel
· 10 October 2008
· Chapter 5: Spies in Bree
The tall Ranger leaned wearily against the doorjamb, dripping melting snow onto the floor. “Gandalf, listen, have you seen Ara – I mean, Strider?” Halbarad asked, wincing at his slip and glancing about. “I really need to talk to him.”
“This manner of his disappearance seems very suspicious,” Gandalf concluded, having coaxed the Dúnadan back out into the common room and given an account of his own attempts to determine what had happened to Aragorn.
See that? Lovely condensing of time so we see the interesting stuff only. And see the intriguing mysteriousness of this? Intriguing despite the way we know more than Hal does. At least, in some ways we do. But it also feels like he knows intimate things we don't.
We had just finished the burials when Strider came walking up, out of nowhere.” Halbarad looked down at his folded hands, and added in a voice almost too low to hear, “Just like he always does.”
And I truly love Hal's dry humor:
Strider wasn’t fit company for a troll. I had hopes that their influence might improve his disposition."
"Did it?"
"Not so I noticed."
Author's reply
LOL; thanks again for reminding me this stuff can be fun. It seems to me the second paragraph is a little awkward, though - I'd be tempted to dink with it now (Gandalf concluded, having coaxed etc.)
daw the minstrel
· 10 October 2008
· Chapter 2: An Urgent Message
Have I told you lately how much I admire your writing?
his wiry mass of brows plunged together again, deepening the furrow above his much-broken nose
I want that! I want to be the one who wrote it!
But really I just admire the way this feels so easy, combining actions, emotion, description, characterization, and humor with seemingly effortless ease. I'm in a nasty, ill-lit attic on a rainy night in Bree.
He fingered the map once more, tracing the route of travel as if caressing a favorite pet, then tapped the corner of the table absently. “Go and fetch your men.”
“But it is nearly dark -” Teburic protested, only to be cut off by a flat, expressionless gaze.
“You were told to make them ready,” the other said with a note of accusation. “They must be waiting for him at the falls tomorrow. Everything must proceed exactly according to plan. Do you understand what is required?”
“Yes, my lord,” Teburic answered, suddenly realizing that he was not sure that he did.
alpestars
· 1 January 2008
· Chapter 12: Ranger Names
Very delightful fic. Thanks for the story. I admire your skill in weaving a good story and your creativity in coming up with that scene between Aragorn, Halbarad, the hobbit, and Gandalf in the last chapter.
Author's reply
Thank you so much! I'm very pleased you enjoyed the story, and especially the last chapter. It was nice to end the story on a light note.
nautika
· 13 February 2007
· Chapter 12: Ranger Names
This was a wonderful story. I just finished it and am already printing the story about their return to Rivendell. I really enjoyed Halbarad and Gandalf together and your original Hobbit, too! I was undecided through the whole story as to whether the boy was good or bad. I knew it was he that knocked Strider out, but then I'd change my mind, then I'd change it again.
I was really glad to have the other story to print because i have *not* had a good afternoon! Thanks for sharing!
nautika
Author's reply
Hi, Nautika,
Thank you so much. I'm glad you enjoyed the story. This one at least had a few lighter moments, unlike the one-shots. I didn't realize Gandalf and Halbarad would be such a hoot together until I started writing them - they were a lot of fun for me, too. And I'm glad you liked Dudo. As far as being undecided about Rolly being good or bad, well, he was, too, up until the end. In the end he chose loyalty to his master over the forgiveness and love that were being offered to him by Aragorn and Gandalf. Sometimes I want to go back and write an AU where he chooses differently :-) Anyhow, thanks for reading and reviewing.
daw the minstrel
· 25 December 2006
· Chapter 1: The Trap is Laid
I just reread this. Man, it's good. You set the scene and give us characters very economically, and it's all show, no tell.
Author's reply
Wow, thanks, Daw. What a surprise to check the e-mail and see a review alert - definitely a great Christmas present.
perelleth
· 23 June 2006
· Chapter 12: Ranger Names
Now that my head doesn't hurt anymore, after a long session of desk banging, (how could I have missed this!)I think I can write this so long due review.
I am too picky with my ff reading, I have not much time and I am easily bothered by small details that, to my view, are out of character. So it is absolutely my fault that I let pass jewels like this. (Although I must say that I discovered ff about a year and half ago, so my knowledge is far from vast...and closer to limited by my own prejudices.. :-)
It was Daw who pointed me to your stories some weeks ago, saying that you were the best fanfiction writer she knew of, so it was a worthy recommendation! And then I read Karen's tale for the last birthday's party and that kind of finally did the trick.
I really loved the tale, Meckinock. I'm deeply amazed and healthily jealous of your writing, how fluently description puts the nail into the mood of the situation, how landscape becomes a part of the tale, and how characters interact in such a natural way.Dialogues are fast and significant and the quick retorts and the dry sense of humour always manage to catch me.
And then the characters. Your Halbarad is an archetype, and a good man in essence, with an urgency, and a mission, and a great, generous view on life and his own place in it, despite his own misjudgings and his close-to-earth approach. Rolly was deep in his conflict and a fantastically well-developed character. Dudo is simply amazing, I cannot fathom how you managed to get into his mind like that but he is superb, and Aragorn is very much Aragorn, and that's all that is needed.
Yet to me the most amazing surprise was Gandalf. He comes out exactly as I always guessed he would be, and there are glimpses of his own nature, his own conflict, his inability to be what he may instinctively know he is, a great being confined to a mortal -and old- body, and yet he stubbornly does what he thinks needs to be done with what he has at hand. His dry sense of humour, his brusqueness, his compassionate approach to the task at hand really moved me, and I think that you nailed him down perfectly, the only Maiar who kept true to their mission, selfless service to the forces of good in Middle-earth.
It has been a really rewarding reading, and I must say that since I rather enjoy reading stories as a whole, for the chapter to chapter thing at times makes me lose concentration ( I'm a greedy reader...) I do not mind that it took me so long to find this out, for I had the pleasure of reading it in long shots during a few days!
Congratulations for such an excellent tale. I'm now trying t decide if I go to the next one or just give you time to finish it, although I doubt I shall have the willpower to resist! :-)
Author's reply
Give your head a rest, Perelleth! I'm sure there are plenty of gems out there that I've overlooked or simply don't have/make time to read. Multi-chapter stories, especially, get to be a commitment and sometimes with our busy lives we tend to shy away from one more of those, I think. And then we all get into our genre ruts. I know I do! I must remember to thank Daw for pointing this out to you. I'm very glad you enjoyed it. Sounds like you could use a diversion after all your globe-trotting.
It's actually extra special to get such a nice review so long after the story was originally published. You know, these things are our babies, and sometimes it seems like fan fiction is performance art - once a story leaves the front page it's gone and forgotten, and oftentimes when people find an older story there's not the same inclination to leave a review because it's not the flavor of the day. Writing this story was one of the single best experiences of my life - I felt like a kid in a toy store and I really tried to stretch my meagre skills as far as they would go. So glad you enjoyed it!
The sequel is about 3/4 done. If you normally like to read straight through, I'm hoping to finish it by the end of July. But I'm notoriously unreliable.
Ainu Laire
· 3 February 2006
· Chapter 1: The Trap is Laid
This is really bugging me. I swear I left a review for this story, yet I cannot find it anywhere. *frowns* well, thought you should know that I've probably read this fan fic more times through than any other fan fic, ever. It's brilliant.
But I *swear* I left a review... *frowns* And I found Karenator's reviews. I split a gut laughing. XDD Must continue reading those.
Author's reply
It's OK. I'm not even sure what day it is at the moment, much less remember something I did two years ago. You made my day, though. I'll have a smile on my face the rest of the day, which will really confuse everyone...
Levade
· 28 December 2005
· Chapter 7: An Ill-fated Rendezvous
Well. I am SO glad Nilmandra pointed me towards this story! It's better than good. Not only do you have a solid plot, you write believable OC's who come alive and write the canon characters so well it's an easy jump to see this as an add-on to Tolkien's canon. I love the details too -- from the burrs that Halbarad pulls off after scouting, to the Ranger CSI. Gandalf is just how I imagine and Halbarad is terrific in his grumpy, crusty, tough-as-nails but still loveable Ranger Tough Guy. It's just so easy to picture this all happening, and that, among other things, is what makes this so great. And you're continuing it! Wonderful story, Meckinock. I hope you share many more with us.
Author's reply
Hi, Levade!
Glad you're enjoying the story! I had a great time writing it.
RS
· 4 December 2005
· Chapter 12: Ranger Names
PERFECT!!! What a magnificent way to end this lovely story!! Aragorn laughing. Such a jovial ending after reading so much angst and sadness. I wanted to leave a review after each chapter but I just got into "the groove" and didn't want to ruin it (although I still had to stop and make dinner for my family...I didn't forget this time!). I've fallen in love with Dudo. I wish he would spring to life so I can pick him up and hug him!!! Your OC's are wonderful and so realistic!! I was saddened by Rolly's decision. I couldn't help but feel for him. What a powerful character! His last statements to ARagorn...WOW!!. Such loyalty! Halbarad has become one of my favorite characters (next to Aragorn of course). I enjoyed Halbarad's tracking of Aragorn and his admiration for Aragorn's skill for decapitation (I got a kick out of that one)! I love the comradery and loyalty between Aragorn and Halbarad. Their quick wittedness had me in stitches. They are the definition of true friendship. Gandalf of course was true to character. I marvel at such a wonderful story and at the person who wrote this. I hope there's more plots and stories in that brilliant mind of yours so we can read more gems like this in the future. Can't wait for your update on "A Matter of Honor". Bob Pearblossom....Hmph!!..BWAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!
Author's reply
Wow. Forget feeding your kids; you keep throwing around words like "perfect" and "brilliant" and I'll just start having food delivered to your house every night.
I love Dudo, too (although it was totally an accident) and I hated losing Rolly. But I kept his options open until the end and decided that Saruman had such a strong hold on him that he couldn't find his way back, even though he wanted to. I had such a wonderful time writing this story, and it thrills me to no end when someone discovers it after all this time -especially someone as enthusiastic as you! Halbarad isn't terribly fond of that nickname - he's going to try to hand it off soon. I'm so glad you found both stories, and thanks for your reviews. They put a big grin on my face.
lindahoyland
· 13 September 2005
· Chapter 12: Ranger Names
This was such a touching chapter,especially the foreshadowing and Aragorn's scenes with Halbarad and Dudo.
I have loved this story and am eagerly awaiting your next chapter of "A matter of Honour"
Thank you so muchfor a wonderful read.
Author's reply
Linda,
I'm so sorry; I just came to the review page to answer a review and saw that I did'nt reply to this review. Thanks for taking the time to let me know you enjoyed the story, and I apologize for taking so long to respond.
meckinock
lindahoyland
· 13 September 2005
· Chapter 11: Rolly's Decision
What a wonderful chapter ! I asume that Roly wanted the wolf to kill him?It was so noble of Aragorn to still try and protect him !
YOu created the suspense well but my favourite part was Halbarad's devoted care for Aragorn.I would much rather read about him than Legolas,for Tolkien suggests they were close.
lindahoyland
· 10 September 2005
· Chapter 10: Revelation Retracted
I guessed Roly was up to no good though he had me fooled in the last chapter.The ranger boy's death and Aragorn's grief was heartrending.Totally gripping.
Author's reply
Rolly's fate was an open question even to myself for a long time. I knew, of course, that he was Teburic's master, but he was also a kid who had been warped by an extremely bad influence. He came close to making the right decision.
lindahoyland
· 7 September 2005
· Chapter 9: Leverage
What a dreadful dilemma for poor Aragorn, I hope Gandalf and Halbarad hurry to the rescue,wizards are handy when wolves are around !
Brilliant writing,how I wish i had your skill !
Author's reply
We'll see how handy Gandalf is with the wolves!
lindahoyland
· 7 September 2005
· Chapter 8: A Battle of Wills
Poor,poor Aragorn,this is just dreadful for him and he is so brave!I'm wondering if Roly is asking questions when he is delirious at the beginning ?How dare that monster beat him so ?Beautifully written and compulsive reading.
Author's reply
Yup, Rolly is a sly creature and Aragorn is having trouble telling which way is up! You're a sweetheart - thanks for reviewing.
lindahoyland
· 25 August 2005
· Chapter 7: An Ill-fated Rendezvous
I just LOVE the Halbarad and Gandalf double act, it is quite unique ! The description of Aragorn's decapication technique was just so droll. I am more worried than ever about poor Aragorn as even in his sleep he is tormented and then to be beaten up again by another nasty kidnapper !You are a very talented writer indeed.
Author's reply
Hi, Linda,
I loved writing Halbarad and Gandalf together. Thanks for the review!
lindahoyland
· 24 August 2005
· Chapter 6: A Clandestine Raid
This story intruiges me more with every single chapter I read !I loved the humour in the search of the house. I think Halbarad must be Sherlock Holmes' ancestor !
Then poor Aragorn,I am very worried about him and I don't think Roly is trustworthy.Our hero is obviously very ill.
I love Halbarad in this story too(and his horse) You are a very gifted writer.
lindahoyland
· 21 August 2005
· Chapter 5: Spies in Bree
You had some lovely touchs of humour mixed in with all the drama in this chapter.I'm fascinated to hear all the details you have only hinted at before.I must go to bed now but I'll be back as as soon as I can to read more.
Author's reply
Thanks, Linda. Get some rest - you must be exhausted between reading and writing. I appreciate the review, and glad you're enjoying.
lindahoyland
· 20 August 2005
· Chapter 4: Friend or Foe?
I just had to read some more ! Another unexpected twist though I can't say I trust the boy and I wish that Gandalf would find Aragorn as he is obviously in a bad way.One minor quibble as a British reader "pants leg" is jarring to me,I think Tolkien would have used trousers or breeches.To the British ,pants are underwear !
Totally gripping, I can't resist another chapter !
Author's reply
Yikes. Don't want Aragorn caught in his jockey shorts. Thanks. I will fix.
lindahoyland
· 20 August 2005
· Chapter 3: Ambush
This was a great chapter.It was a stroke of genius to start from the baddies viewpoint and then switch to Aragorn's.How noble the man is to care so much about his horse ! THen you made me wince describing his pain and I dared hope he would somehow escape but it seems his brave fight was in vain.
Sorry I have been so long getting to this but my own stories are demanding at present,but I am enjoying it and will read more.
Author's reply
Thanks for reviewing. I know how hard it is, believe me! He'd better take care of that horse - it's Halbarad's!
lindahoyland
· 8 August 2005
· Chapter 2: An Urgent Message
THe plot thickens ! You have me very worried about Aragorn.I love the way he is so caring for the horse and it is heartbreaking that one so great and noble finds a fire and a meal such a luxery ! Beatifully written !
Thank you so much for your much appreciated reviews of my story. Aragorn is in all my stories, Gandalf is also in First Meeting and The White tree but my other tales are Fourth Age
Author's reply
It almost killed me to send him back out into the cold rain! But I guess he'll have a chance to warm up in the next story. I'm enjoying your story very much and looking forward to reading more. Thanks very much for reviewing