lindahoyland
· 30 July 2005
· Chapter 1: The Trap is Laid
As I'm enjoying your other story so much I felt compelled to try this one too and am already gripped by it. I loved your scene for Aragorn and Halbarad.You already have me worried about Aragorn !
Was this your first story ?If so it is excellent !THe Aragorn Angst Group recomended your work and I'm glad they did !.
Author's reply
Hehe. The other one will make more sense if you read this one first, although maybe not much more! This was my first story, yes. I'm glad you're enjoying it.
Rose Sared
· 30 June 2005
· Chapter 12: Ranger Names
Oh bother, I finished it. Just the most wonderful, gritty tale, my dear. I was going to save reading this for a day or so but then Imrahoil forbid me to read it because she wanted me to keep writing my own story. Well show a dog a bone!
Your imagery is superb, your pacing and plotting to die for, and your Middle- earth a desperate and precious place. Please hurry to write more so I can spend more time in these truly great character's company.
You are a gem
Rose
Author's reply
Rose,
I'm so sorry for the late reply -I was out of town when you left this review and somehow missed review alert when I got back. A desperate and precious place -that's very poetic! It's going to get more desperate before it gets poetic, I think. Thanks so much.
meckinock
Imrahoil
· 14 June 2005
· Chapter 12: Ranger Names
Hello Meckinock
It's Tuesday, at least, in good old Germany it's Tuesday. What about your part of the United States of America? Or did you perhaps mean another Tuesday (you'd better not)?
Imrahoil, no Bambi eyes this time, but hollering for all she is worth
Leaward
· 4 June 2005
· Chapter 4: Friend or Foe?
I steeled myself and began reading again .. you're such an inspiration and frightening at the same time because you make me feel so inadequate in my own writing. I LOVE the details you manage to think of and describe!
"Aragorn cleared his throat. Family and friends had been inspired to call him many things these past weeks. ‘Stubborn Dúnadan’ had been a favorite, of course, along with ‘Arrogant Númenorean.’ Elrohir had been especially proud of ‘Obstinate, stiff-necked, self-absorbed offspring of Arvedui’- LMAO! I love this line, it's one that will stay with me for a while.
Author's reply
Thanks, Leaward. I don't feel like much of an inspiration most of the time! I struggle with the details a lot. Sometimes I have to go back over a draft four or five umpteen bazillion times and ask myself, "What is [POV character] thinking/feeling/wondering about this?"
I actually had reservations about the name-calling, so it's good to hear you liked it.
Thorongirl
· 25 May 2005
· Chapter 12: Ranger Names
It's the rare story that is as good as this one. Excellence throughout. Everyone seems so in character and I can picture Tolkien himself would be proud of the story you have written. So I guess you're not going to reveal who Rolly's "mentor" is yet. That's fine. You are right though in your answering note, that Rolly's actions were not just out of fear, but of loyalty, too. I suppose that was obvious in what he said to Aragorn about how HE would never disappoint HIS father (or father figure) but I rather neglected that point in my review. Love the camaradie between Gandalf and Aragorn here. You make it easy to picture. I like my Aragorn/Legolas stories too, even though I know that that friendship isn't as well established in the books, but I like to imagine it anyway. Wonder if Tolkien had any inkling that indeed the "road would go ever on and on" via the world of fan fiction? Oh, the 300 recommendations? Afterwards, I thought that "perhaps" I shouldn't have been so eager to make so many recommendations since you DO have another story to finish. Actually, right now I am culling the list and am planning on highlighting within my Profile Page the stories that I consider to be the "Best of the Best". Yours will be mentioned of course and *strangely enough* MOST of them will be about the Scruffy Ranger (Aragorn, not Halbarad, though I do love him too). And all my names? Lord, I can hardly keep track. (Checks out Personal Internet Name Book). I always find it fascinating that the Breelanders have little appreciation for the Rangers. I guess that's part of the reason for their effectiveness, that folks don't really know what to make of them. Off to Rivendell, I assume? My stars, that sounds like a wonderful idea for a story. Loved Halbarad's reaction to sending Dudo to Rivendell. Priceless. That and the line "I ran out of people to beat up." And the ending, wherein Aragorn gives Dudo his new "Ranger name". Very poignant. Honestly, there are just SO many things to commend and comment on, I'm not sure where to leave off. Oh. Of course. Bob Pearblossom??!!! You had me laughing out loud. Thank you so much for this marvelous story.
Author's reply
Thanks, Thorongirl! Though I don't have a hundredth of his gift for language, it's my hope that Professor Tolkien wouldn't be too horrified by my take on his world. Thanks so much for reading, reviewing, and recommending (again). And now I'd better get back to this writing business...
Thorongirl
· 24 May 2005
· Chapter 11: Rolly's Decision
I'm getting ambivalent about this now. I love this story but of course, I don't want it to end. Powerful chapter. Poor Rolly. Obviously controlled by darker forces than Teburic because even though he likes and admires Aragorn, it isn't enough to prevent him from doing what he does. He fears someone. Saruman perhaps? It would make sense since Gandalf doesn't know as yet about Saruman's treachery. Just speculation. I still have that last chapter to read and I'm not sure if you will actually reveal who Rolly's "mentor" is or not.
Some powerful emotional stuff going on here too. Halbarad trying valiantly to disguise his distress at Aragorn's condition by attempting humor and Gandalf's declaration that "We will get him back." I felt like cheering when the wizard said that. Never underestimate a righteously indignant wizard, I always say. (Really. I do).
The little hobbit boy turns out to be a hero, too. Very nice. And of course, all that Aragorn pain. Sure I feel *somewhat* guilty at liking it. But not much.
Can't wait for the sequel.
Author's reply
Who Rolly was afraid of (and loyal to, because I felt it was more than just fear) is, as you've guessed, a mystery I can't let our heroes solve for now. They'll get to it eventually. In about eleven years, to be exact! Losing Rolly was tough for Aragorn. He saw something worth saving in the boy and it was hard for him to accept that sometimes he can't save everyone by the power of his own will. The person has to make a choice, too.
Halbarad is such a mensch. I love his single-minded devotion to Aragorn. And I do love Gandalf coming to the rescue. Although I think someone left Daw the Minstel a review today that said something to the effect that if Gandalf looked at your kid and said, "he looks like he might be useful," you should be very worried...
The emotional stuff is always a balancing act. I like the guys to act like guys, but to still have the emotions come across. Glad you thought it worked. The hobbit was the biggest surprise of all. He started out as a walk-on and then got under my skin.
And don't feel guilty. I have some very guilty pleasures as well! Glad you liked it and thanks again for the reviews.
Thorongirl
· 24 May 2005
· Chapter 9: Leverage
Hi, this is "viggomaniac" from the FF site. I just hate to use the same "name" on too many different archives. This is a fantastic story, with a nice mix of drama, tension, and humor. The droll amusement that Gandalf shows at the young hobbit brought a smile to my face and after the last few chapters I rather think of Halbarad as the Middle-Earth version of the old TV show, "Colombo". (Don't know if you've ever seen it, but if you have, you'll recognize the similarity immediately). Teburic. What a wonderfully evil villain. [I hope it doesn't bother you that *some* of your readers like to see an evil villain torturing their favorite hero -- not, I hasten to add, that "I" am one of the readers. Why, the very idea]! Actually, I really like Rolly, but my intuition tells me that there's more going on as far as he goes. I'm not so sure that Aragorn can completely trust him. I guess the only way to find out is to sit down and read the next chapter. Sufferin' Succotash, this is SUCH a good story!
Author's reply
Hi, Thorongirl! You get the prize for most clever screen name. You also seem to have as many names as Aragorn! Thanks for hopping over here where I can answer you back. I got the other reply you sent and I have to tell you you are a Bad Influence. Three hundred recommendations to read will NOT help get my sequel done quickly! But they will be a very nice reward if I can manage to delay gratification until I'm finished, I admit.
Halbarad as Columbo, LOL. That is too funny. Yes, I can see him with a trenchcoat and a cigar, sort of. I actually was feeling a little sorry for Teburic by the end. He was brutal, but only because he thought he needed to be to get the job done, really. Even though he had no love for Dunedain, but he really would have rather been chugging beers back in Bree than roughing it out in the woods trying to get information out of one.
Aragorn liked Rolly, too.
Thanks for the review!
Hi meckinock
Take your time with your story. You'll know when it's time to post. Then we fans will gobble it up like Gollum with tasty raw fissheses!
I'm working on a story myself about Aragorn's first years with the Rangers, until he is 26 and leaves for Rohan and Gondor. It will deal with his first meeting with both Halbarad and Gandalf, among a lot of other things that I haven't figured out yet. I won't be posting at Stories of Arda, though, because I'm not an approved author.
I have got one finished story up at www.tolkienfanfiction.com. It's called The King of Many Cloaks and it's an AU tale of Aragorn and Arwen. If you're interested, I'd love to know what you think of it. You ought to post there, too.
Author's reply
Hey, G.A.,
Sorry for the late reply; I've been out of town for a few weeks and just got home. Thanks for the review and encouragement. Your young Aragorn story sounds very interesting; I look forward to reading it. And thanks for letting me know about your Aragorn/Arwen story - I'll make a point to pop over to Tolkienfanfic and check it out! I'm a little squeamish about writing Arwen myself - she'll always manage to be off somewhere else, I think.
Imrahoil
· 13 April 2005
· Chapter 12: Ranger Names
A teaser? Uhoh. Why do you think I'm channeling Gollum? I'm the greedy type. Here I sit having swallowed your appetizer in approximately two seconds and want more. In other words, a teaser is definitely not a kind idea. I would love you to death should you ever update. No, forget that, not ever, soon, now, but not ever.
A typo: but Rivendell also did not seem to by the place ...
Author's reply
Thanks for picking up the typo! I guess I just dug myself deeper with the preview of coming attractions, huh? Thanks for the prodding, though. It sometimes seems the universe is conspiring against me so the encouragement is definitely appreciated.
Imrahoil
· 13 April 2005
· Chapter 12: Ranger Names
By the way, it's April. Perhaps you haven't noticed. I do remember something about sequel and end of March, we will just forget the "don't hold your breath" part, won't we, so where is it?
Imrahoil *desperately trying to do Bambi eyes whilst muttering in her mind "The naaasty Ranger holds them from us, but we wants it, we wants Halbarad, we wants Gandalf, we wants Tillfield in Rivendell, wheeeere is it, where IS it ..."*
Author's reply
You're killing me! I love you. I'm trying. How about a little teaser?
Dudo took the bundle and unfolded the garments skeptically. Though they appeared to be more or less his size – a trifle big in the middle, perhaps – they were garments such as he had never seen on a Bree hobbit. Shire clothing this was: a deep green coat, finely tailored with lapels and bright brass buttons, fitted trousers that buckled at the knee, and a cream-colored shirt with buttons. They looked like not only the clothing of a Shire hobbit, but a rich Shire hobbit. He put them on and hesitated about the dagger belt. He hated to leave it behind, but Rivendell also did not seem to by the type of place where people went about carrying weapons. He tugged a last time at his jacket and emerged into the hallway feeling slightly ridiculous, but upon seeing him Elrohir’s face broke into a delighted smile. “They fit! Splendid! Then let us find the kitchens.” He guided Dudo through broad hallways of polished stone, down a great staircase, and along more hallways, until Dudo was quite sure he would never find his room again should Elrohir abandon him. Finally the hallway opened into a large kitchen. It was much larger than the kitchen of the Prancing Pony, and much, much cleaner. There were worktables of polished stone, great ovens for baking bread, and two enormous wood stoves. Pots and pans hung from racks over the center worktable, and every size and shape of baking dish was stacked neatly in a hutch. A lady elf was standing at the stove, stirring a copper pot that must contain whatever it was Dudo had been smelling since leaving his room. It took him a moment to work out what she was doing there, because she looked nothing like any cook he had ever seen before. Butterbur’s two cooks were old, with stringy gray hair pulled back haphazardly from faces that sprouted hairs in all the wrong places. One was fat and the other thin, but this….what should he call her, he wondered. This… lady Elf….was tall and lithe and as graceful as a hawk in flight. The hand that stirred the pot was slim and graceful, with long fingers that curved about the simple wooden spoon as if it were a silver chalice. Her face was smooth, flawless, and despite the steam from the cauldron, white as snow. Her raven hair fell down her back like a river of ebony, and her eyes were like liquid sapphires. “Dudo, I would like you to meet Tiriel,” Elrohir said.
TR the Lurker
· 8 April 2005
· Chapter 12: Ranger Names
I'm such a bad fic reader, I don't think I've ever left a review before. But this one is just too special not to say anything.
I agree with what the last few reviewers have said. This is also one of my favorite stories. I was just back reading it again, because it just holds up so well. You know, you go through these same-ol' fics all the time and then once in a while you just need some outstanding characterization and writing to bring you back to that happy ficland place. This story is definitely that. First of all, I'm highly thankful to anyone who writes Aragorn and Gandalf pre-LOTR fics. I can only imagine the friendship and adventures they had together. Why don't more people write him? If I had the skills, I know I would. And then to also have Halbarad? YES!!! I love the movies, but I was a book whore first, so I have a definite soft spot for Halbarad, and you wrote him EXACTLY the way I think of him. It's so dead on character and so well-written that I feel like I have followed these rangers around for years and know them personally. Also, I get pretty tired of the Aragorn and Legolas pre-LOTR fics... the movies make it seem like they were best friends, but anyone who read the books knows he was closer to Gandalf and Halbarad. So this is even more of a precious gem for me. And as if THAT wasn't enough, you also wrote likable, believable OCs! I'm normally not an OC type of person, but if all of them were written like this, I might have a different attitude. Great job.
I'm glad to hear you are writing a sequel. Anything I can do to help the process? Send you a fruit basket? How about an Aragorn cardboard cutout? :-p
Author's reply
I don't know what to say, TR, except wow! You made my day! I'm a semi-reformed lurker, too; this story has actually forced me to become a better reviewer because I realize now how nice it is to receive positive feedback and I feel obliged to give back the gift once in a while. But even though I've gotten better about leaving reviews I can definitely relate to lurkerdom, AND really appreciate the extra effort you took to review. I think part of the trouble with writing the sequel to this story has been that great feedback like yours really puts the pressure on me to write a sequel that meets readers' (as well as my) expectations. This story had a fairly simple and straightforward plot structure that made it easy for me to explore the characters while still moving the plot along. Once I started working on the sequel I realized it would by necessity have a trickier structure, and wrapping my brain around that problem took about a year!
It was a joy of discovery for me to write these characters, and I'm so glad to hear you enjoyed my interpretations. Halbarad is such a mensch. A simple, hard-working guy with no pretensions to greatness, sustained by a simple but steadfast faith - in Aragorn. And Gandalf - what a gift it would be to have a wise counselor in one's life who accepts you as you are but is always helping you become better. Glad you liked the OCs, too - OCs are tricky and I hadn't planned on having them feature heavily in the storyline, but like so much else in this story, they surprised me.
While I've enjoyed my share of Aragorn-Legolas friendship fics, and some of them are excellent, I do agree that it seems unlikely that the two were close, long-time friends prior to the Quest, simply because of geography, what we know of Aragorn's early life, and the obligations of their respective roles. What I find challenging is to try to wedge my stories as best I can into the canon relationships that we know existed, and this includes, as you say, Aragorn's relationships with Gandalf, Halbarad, and Elrond.
I would love the Aragorn cardboard cutout - but what I really need right now is a cardboard cutout of ME. I work in a pretty busy industry, where long hours are expected, I travel a lot, and my firm is on a three-year inspection cycle, with our big inspection coming up in July. We are doing all the pre-inspection work now, so I have even less free time than usual. Today I have set aside to work on the story, though, so I'd better get to it! Thanks again.
Envinyatar
· 23 March 2005
· Chapter 12: Ranger Names
Re your reply to ai elbereth, don't ever doubt that this story helds up well. I, too, re-read it frequently and I don't do that with many stories. What impresses me the most is how true to canon it feels. I enjoy some Legolas/Aragorn friendship stories, but it seems to me pretty clear from the books that they scarcely knew each other before the Quest. Aragorn clearly did, however, have close friendships with both Gandalf and Halbarad and its a pleasure to read anything about them, particularly when the story is as well-written as this.
All of this is, of course, leading up to that sequel of yours. I'm delighted to hear you're working on it and really looking forward to reading it. No pressure, of course...
Author's reply
Gosh, you are so sweet. I was drawn to explore Aragorn and Gandalf's friendship because it seemed they must have been very close for many years and through many trials. And then at some point Halbarad just showed up and elbowed his way in, and he seemed to go surprisingly well with Gandalf. Who knew? I still can't believe how much wonderful encouragement I've been getting. I really do appreciate it, even though it makes me feel even worse about not getting the sequel out yet! As much as I love hearing how people enjoyed this story, I wish even more that I could give you something new to read...like, tomorrow. But finishing the story right now is like trying to do a root canal at a rock concert. I just hope that when you do get to read it you'll think it was worth the wait!
Leaward
· 18 March 2005
· Chapter 2: An Urgent Message
Meckinock! What can I say, but I stand humbled in your shadow!
Teburic found himself unnerved by the answering glitter of cold amusement in the other’s pale eyes. An unnamed villain, that you know is up to no good, that reeks of evil .. glitter of cold amusement ... how poetic!
I love the detail you put into your writing:
Her winter-thick ginger coat was just beginning to dry, and the leather he worked gently over her muzzle and around her ears was still soaking wet. As too were the saddle, and the blanket, and the girth strap which he tightened and cinched with fingers already half-numb again in the damp chill of the stable.
As for the story itself ... you have worked so much detail into the plot that even in chapter two I can tell it is going to be a well thought-out rich story. Sigh, you have set the bar so high!
Author's reply
Hey, I thought you didn't read Dunedain stories! Gosh, I'm honored that you broke your cardinal rule for me, but...you're braver than I am. If I read anything in my own genre while I'm writing a story I turn into a quivering mass of humbled protoplasm. Whereas normally I'm a flaccid mass of humbled protoplasm, or something...Anyway, just take a deep breath and vault right over that bar! Thanks for the review, and glad you enjoyed the villain. He may reek of evil, but he doesn't have the stench of Mordor on him, or so Gandalf is telling Elrond in the chapter I'm supposed to be writing now...
I have to say that this is one of the best fanfics I've read, and I'm hard to please. And, as you can see from my nom de plume, I am one of those who sadly notes the absence of Gandalf from fanfic. I'm no slave to canon, but come on...we can invent that Aragorn can have a great friendship with Legolas without leaving Tolkien's story in the dust, right? What I really like about your story is that you take off on the canon and use it to make a new adventure (aside from the fact that the writing is splendid). There must have been all kinds of incredible adventures in Eriador during those years.
My guess is that Rolly's master is Saruman. Who else can it be? Gandalf and Aragorn can't figure it out, though, because they're not supposed to know that Saruman has turned. Although I've always wondered why it was that Thorongil warned Ecthelion to place trust in Gandalf over Saruman...Please, please, please, get that sequel up! I was so thrilled to find out about it!
Have you read Nightwing's story on this site? It's terrific.
I haven't written any stories yet myself (except forty years ago as a teenager, way before the Net was even thought of), but I've got one in mind.
Author's reply
but I've got one in mind.
Oh, please write it! I can't get enough of Gandalf, either. I would love to see more stories about the adventures he and Aragorn must have had over the years before the Ring War. I really enjoyed trying to weave the story into the canon timeline and leave as few seams as possible. Rolly's master was indeed Saruman but poor Gandalf and Aragorn weren't allowed to find that out for another ten years. Actually it's Halbarad who makes the connection between Saruman and Rolly, but you won't get to read that part unless I finish this danged sequel. Thanks so much for leaving such an encouraging review just when I need it most!
ai elbereth
· 25 January 2005
· Chapter 12: Ranger Names
Gah! This has to be my favorite LOTR fic ever. I just re-read it for the hundredth time. I only wish you had more stories published; you are so talented. Anything with Aragorn is cake for me, but throw oft-neglected Halbarad into the mix? I bow to your feet. Also, Gandalf! I'd like to think he and Aragorn had a great friendship before War of the Ring timeframe and I don't think there are enough stories detailing it. This is one, and it's... well. I love it. But I already said that. Aight.
Still working on that sequel? Get a move on :p
Author's reply
Still working, still working! Halbarad won't let me neglect him any more. He got quite vocal about it, actually. Although I'm not sure telling me that he hadn't seen his wife in over a year was the best tactic...
Wow, I'm really thrilled to hear that you enjoy the story enough to go back and read it over and over again. And to hear it be called one of someone's favorites - that's amazing. I have to go back and take a peek at it every so often to check continuity with the sequel, and I'm always afraid I'll find that it's actually quite horrible this time around. So it's reassuring to hear that someone thinks it's held up well!
I, too, really enjoy the Aragorn-Gandalf friendship and I wish there were more stories about them.
Thanks for being so kind and encouraging - it really has been a struggle getting back to the sequel and it's quite difficult to make the time for it; so hearing from you really helps.
Casso
· 9 January 2005
· Chapter 12: Ranger Names
Thank the Valar I have only just read this story - now I only have to wait 'till the end of February for the sequel (that was a promise right?).
I have only recently discovered fanfiction and I must say what a relief to find something to fill the void having exhausted Toklien's own writings and all three movies, extended versions and all the extras.
I greatly enjoyed this story, its nice to see Halbarad, I missed him in the movies - Thankyou
Author's reply
Wow! Thanks for the review- I'm glad you liked the story and I'm glad you found it. Actually I've been sitting here working on the sequel pretty much non-stop all day today. I'm still shooting for the end of February. It's about half done but I won't start posting it until it's all finished.
I think we all ended up reading fan fiction for the same reason - and wait until you run out of fan fiction to read and decide that the only solution is to write your own! If you're still fairly new to fan fiction and you enjoy Halbarad, allow me to give you a link:
http://www.livejournal.com/users/meckinock/19729.html#cutid1
to a list I made recently of some of my favorite Dunedain stories - several of them feature Halbarad. Who is currently sitting in the pouring rain, somewhere on the East Road, with a hobbit who is not sure why he ever thought he wanted to be a Ranger...
washow
· 7 January 2005
· Chapter 12: Ranger Names
I've been patiently waiting for the sequel but it has been a year and still no sequel. Are you planning to write one or have you decided against it?
Author's reply
You are patient, indeed! I had to put the sequel aside for a quite while but it's coming along pretty well now. It's going to be another 50-60,000 word story and Elrond will make his appearance finally. How does the end of February sound? Thanks so much for the continued interest - I'm amazed that anyone still remembers this story after all this time and I'm sorry it's taken so long to get the sequel out.
Oh good grief, I can't leave it at that! Please don't apologize for being a lurker. Especially to me! You are talking to someone who is quite possibly the queen of lurkers. (Bryn and I argued about it once, actually. I can't remember who won, but I'd like to think it was me.) Anyway, I just had to pop back in and tell you to completely get rid of whatever guilt you might be feeling and to forget about it. Not everybody does the review gig. Not everybody needs to. If you're not one of those people, that's fine. Don't worry about it!
Right. Sorry to clog up your reviews here, but I really couldn't let you talk about not reviewing without jumping back in. (You see how good you are as a writer? You've prompted me out of lurking yet again!) Anyway, I'm flattered that you've heard of me and that you've taken the time to read some of my stories, but that's more than enough. Concentrate on your own life and don't give a second thought to lurkerdom. Believe me when I say that it's a great place to live!
Author's reply
OK, then. If I can't apologize for being a lurker, then you certainly musn't apologize for artificially inflating my review count!
Holy cow!!! I cannot believe I missed out on this story. I heard about it, but I never got around to reading it when it was being written, and I would have missed it entirely had it not been on the MEFAwards. But I'm here now, and I couldn't leave without raving about just how much I loved this story.
Okay, first off, your characterizations. I love Halbarad. There are so few fics out there with him in it, and I love the deft way you paint his character. The few snippets about home and family life are very enriching, his dedication to his horse Daisy is a very telling point, and his dogged almost dangerous pursuit of Aragorn speaks of a legendary friendship. I really enjoyed his views on other characters who never even appear in the fic, such as Elladan and Elrohir. With just a few words, you get Halbarad to characterizes them for us as well.
I could spend pages talking about the way you paint Gandalf, too. He's definitely a wizard, he's got a sense of humor, he can be kind and gentle when he needs to be, but when it comes down to business, you don't cross him. He can more than take care of himself, and those blinding flashes of light were a great use of wizardly power without ever overextending Gandalf or making it unbelievable. The unusual team-up of Gandalf and Halbarad is one I'd love to see more often, because I thought they made a very good pair, especially given Halbarad's worn and slightly impatient frame of mind.
And then there's Aragorn, who knows enough to keep his mouth shut even in the throes of delusions where Gandalf features prominently. I love how you kept him so off kilter throughout the fic and I love the brief glimpses we've been given into the awkwardness of his relationship with Elrond. He is every inch the grim, dour Ranger that Tolkien shows us, but you go even deeper and expand on his protective nature, his ability to sense when not all is right, and his persistent refusal to give up, no matter the situation. The fact that he was willing to sacrifice Rolly to keep his information a secret was a great characterization stroke that I agree with wholeheartedly. Aragorn knows what's at stake and he knows he can't sacrifice it. The gold mine bluff was brilliant, and I was actually laughing despite the situation.
And let's talk about the plot. I love how you gave us just enough information that I expected the twist and I expected Rolly to be a pivotal role. But even knowing how he callously killed the other men, I wasn't expecting the full revelation when it came, and being surprised like that was really a treat! Not enough fics can do that. Not enough published stories can do that. Excellent work here, and great pacing. I love how you jumped back and forth between Aragorn, Gandalf, and Halbarad, and I love how all the characters seemed to be one step behind all the time. It was maddening and frustrating, but it made for a great ride. The wrapup at the end was perfect, and I agree with Halbarad's decision to remain in the dark. Thank you so much for such a wonderful tale! I'll be coming back for more just as soon as I find the time!
Author's reply
*lies prostrate*
Oh, man! I feel like I won the lottery and ran someone over in my car on the way to pick up my check. I don't know whether to thank you first or apologize.
First, the thanks: I'm so humbled that you (Thundera Tiger; The) would read the story and write such a lovely review. The review was loads better than the story, and I think definitely there was more thought put into it...I am unworthy. Thank you.
II A confession: There's nobody in this fandom who hasn't heard of you, and that includes me. And I love your stories ('cause you almost always feature Aragorn, and sometimes even my pal Hal.) I'm not sure if I've read them all, but "When the Ring Went South" was one of my all-time favorites, and I rush to read your updates of "Fear No Darkness" or "Land of Light and Shadows." The one with Aragorn visiting his mother's grave was beautiful, too.
III Confession, Part II: I am a hopelessly lousy reviewer. Hopeless. Pathetic. I would rather sing "When a Man Loves a Woman" naked on live television than try to put together a review that sounds more coherent than "u rock grrll!@" Plus I have a job and a house and all that RL garbage we all have that cuts back on my fan fiction time. So I'm a shameless lurker. Well, not exactly shameless, I guess; since I do actually feel guilty about it. Which brings me to part IV:
IV Apology: I don't think I ever left you a review. I'm sorry.
Not that you need the endorsement; but it's always nice to let people know you enjoyed their work, as you're doing for me now. I was a heel not to.
Dang. I think I'll go re-read your review again - I've depressed myself. Thanks, truly.
Imrahoil
· 26 August 2004
· Chapter 12: Ranger Names
Ah, good idea, rub hard and write fast.
Imrahoil
· 25 August 2004
· Chapter 12: Ranger Names
I'm depressed, nobody of my favourite writers - and that includes you - cares about updating - or starting a new story - anymore. I have to read the Mithril awards mess to see anything new written by you or Lindorien for example. I prefer stories. Couldn't you write one instead? Please, I'm waiting.
Author's reply
LOL! It's probably a sad commentary, but tilting at windmills comes more naturally to me than writing fiction - and I have MUCH more experience at it! But thanks for the reality check. As it turns out, I am headed out today to a little informal writers' conference with Daw the Minstrel and The Karenator. Let's hope that some of Daw's indefatigable dedication to the craft will rub off on me...
Aloysius
· 24 August 2004
· Chapter 12: Ranger Names
"To know Gandalf was ever to wander paths of one's own choosing, only to find oneself arriving at destinations of Gandalf's" - fantastic line!
This is a really great story. Your characterisation of Tillfield, Halbarad and Rolly is wonderful, and the structure of the tale is very effective - you certainly had me gripped all the way through.
I particularly like the fact that it doesn't end too abruptly - the extended conclusion is very satisfying, and it's clever how you connect it to the wider tale of the books.
Very nicely done.
Author's reply
It's funny -- you set out to write a story about canon characters, but it's the OCs you end up having the most fun with. I'm glad you found them entertaining. I also appreciate the comment about the ending - after a pretty action-oriented yarn, I winced a bit when the last chapter wanted to be nothing but a drawn-out series of gab-sessions. I didn't seem to be able to pare it down and still tie up the numerous loose ends I'd left lying about. It's reassuring to hear that you thought it was worth it!
Timmy2222
· 6 June 2004
· Chapter 12: Ranger Names
Yes, I really love this one! You delivered an excellently built story with its share of surprises; you set a good pace (though Aragorn's dreams/flashbacks are quite long); Gandalf is very much in character; Halbarad is a loyal friend with nice flaws; the boy is believable and a surprise in itself, and the hobbit is likable as well.
There are only two minor things left to remark about: An ending should be an ending after the main plot is told (and maybe a short epilogue). And with all the imagination I was blessed I cannot see Aragorn to be so joyful (chuckling/snickering/with Halbarad 'like two schoolboys') after the ordeal he had just suffered and barely survived. - But this is just my humble opinion...
Take care and keep on writing,
Timmy
Music2084
· 29 May 2004
· Chapter 12: Ranger Names
Wow...what a great story....i really enjoyed reading it.
Author's reply
Hi, Music,
I don't know if you even remember leaving this review but somehow I missed the notice for it. Thanks very much for the review and I apologize for not replying sooner.
j
· 28 February 2004
· Chapter 12: Ranger Names
excellent story!! I loved it! What about a sequal where Aragorn/Strider/Estel/Thorongil/etc goes to Rivendell to be healed? Please!! Pretty please and an elf on top!
Author's reply
Hi, j,
thanks for reading and for the enthusiastic review. I had been working on a sequel just as you described but I got a bit sidetracked. I'll do my best to see that it gets done eventually, but a scruffy ranger would be more effective than an elf as an enticement for yours truly...
m