Reviews (153)

grumpy · 4 November 2003 · Chapter 6: A Clandestine Raid

great chapter 6, do you know your story makes my day! Parts of this have me laughing out loud, like Gandalf trying to blend into the shadows, and a lock that is enchanted but the wood arround is not. Plus on reading back over some of it, I really don't think Strider should trust the kid, I don't think he told Rolly he was heading for the Ford. So looking forward to more

daw the minstrel · 4 November 2003 · Chapter 6: A Clandestine Raid

I still love Halbarad. His thoughts about Gandalf were priceless. I can imagine only too well that Gandalf is hard to hide while sneaking down an alley. And Halbarad obviously believes in the direct approach, whether it be to locks or talk. I think that Aragorn is still in some trouble. I am worried that Rolly knows he was going to Sarn Ford. I want to believe in him, but I am wary. The conversation about Elrond was touching. Poor Aragorn.

Strider's Girl · 4 November 2003 · Chapter 6: A Clandestine Raid

Oh this story is marvellous! I've loved every chapter. Brillient characterisation of Gandalf, Halbarad and Aragorn. I think you've got him perfect in character! Keep up the good work!

Eledhwen · 2 November 2003 · Chapter 5: Spies in Bree

This is excellent stuff - exciting, in character, plausible - more please!

Avon · 1 November 2003 · Chapter 5: Spies in Bree

Daw recomended this and she's right - it's a very good read. Well done! I love the relationships. Avon

The Karenator · 1 November 2003 · Chapter 5: Spies in Bree

Wow! What a great chapter. I could see the scene unfolding in a seedy downtown hotel room where neon lights split a night so dark that even the stars were afraid to show their innocent faces. The mood is set where the gumshoe is interrogating the witless kitchen boy after the kid was fingered by the mysterious but beautiful cocktail waitress who served the P.Eye's missing friend the evening before. Despite this man's underlying current of extreme danger, his living on the edge demeanor and his scruffy hardened appearance, she finds herself inexplicably drawn to him; he's sexy as hell! Halbarad, as Johnny Halbarad, PI, is skating on the edge, grasping for control of his overwhelming urge to beat information out of his reluctant informant and his practical need to wheedle it from the kid by indentifying with him, soothing him and offering the diminutive floor-swabber his strong shoulder to unburden himself on. He is the consumate investigator, having served his time as an enforcer of an imperfect law that fails as often as it succeeds. Then we have Olorin Gandalf, a forsenics/science expert and kind hearted gentleman who is well known in his field for his uncanny abilities. Some have even called him a wizard. However, for as gentle as Gandalf seems, he is equally as deadly and the few who have firsthand knowledge of this deception rarely live to tell it. Barley Butterbur is extraordinary in his role as the flustered inn-keeper. I see movie offers...maybe even a TV series. Girl, you nailed this scene! :>) Karen

daw the minstrel · 1 November 2003 · Chapter 5: Spies in Bree

I LOVE Halbarad. He is so human and he interacts so convincingly with both Gandalf and Tillfield. He is clever and tricky and honest. He cares about dead teenagers and does what his wife tells him. What more could one ask for? This is just another stunning chapter. I continue to be so impressed by your ability to bring these people and places alive.

grumpy · 1 November 2003 · Chapter 5: Spies in Bree

hi there,this chapter was great, so glad you gave us the backstory of what had happened between Halbarad and Aragorn, and what the rangers life is like. Can not be very easy between the orcs, wolves and winter (snow) The rangers life is very hard, you got to wonder why they do it! Loved the parts with Gandalf and Halbarad, and when Gandalf asked for a clean handkerchief, I couldn't help but laugh. looking forward to much more

Nilmandra · 1 November 2003 · Chapter 5: Spies in Bree

Just when I think this story cannot get any better, it does! I love your look into the life of the Dunedain - the hardness of it, the suffering and all that they did to keep the lands safe. Halbarad is fantastic - I love his retelling of the orc hunt and how Strider normally behaves around his men and his brothers. I also like how you have made the women strong -they fought off the orcs, they hold these families together and they bury their sons and husbands - and sometimes apparently their mothers and daughters too - when fortune does not go their way. Gandalf is very good interrogating the girl, but Halabarad truly rose to the occasion for the hobbit lad. He recognized the 'enemey' as not inherently evil, but as someone who chose to do the wrong thing for reasons we can all empathize with. You give believable motivations to the characters here. And I cannot wait for Halbarad to meet Teburic.

fliewatuet · 1 November 2003 · Chapter 5: Spies in Bree

Aah, here comes the backstory! No wonder Aragorn was not in his best mood. And Halbarad obviously had to listen to a few choice words of his lady *grin*. I loved this chapter. I especially love your characterization of Gandalf. The mental image you created of a bleary-eyed wizzard clad in his nightshirt, woken in the middle of the night by some ill-tempered Ranger was priceless! And then his attempt at eaves-dropping at Halbarad's door, earning him not much insight but a crick in his neck. All in all, a nice mixture of humour and the grim reality of the day to day life of the Rangers. And, by the way, I like your Halbarad as well. Though he is angry at the Hobbit and the whole situation, weary, worried and probably had consumed no small amount of ale, he still has enough discipline to adapt his interrogation technique to the situation at hand and not use the same methods on the poor Hobbit he would employ were he to question some Orcs.

grumpy · 30 October 2003 · Chapter 4: Friend or Foe?

wow this story just keeps getting better and better, last chapter was great. Amazing the amount of weapons on Aragorn, and a few the boy didn't get. Reading so far about the boy i wouldn't trust him, but then Aragorn has not read this. I love some of the names the Strider has picked up, the best being "Obstinate, Stiff-necked, self-absorbed. . ." And if wasn't bad enough that it was raining now it is snowing. Hate the white stuff myself. Really looking forward to more

fliewatuet · 30 October 2003 · Chapter 4: Friend or Foe?

That battlefield must have been a gruesome sight indeed. Rolly seems like a tough fellow to me, in spite of his tender age. His 'cleaning up' was quite efficient, and maybe even mercyful given Kergelen's pityful state. Aragorn, as always, was marvellous! Even tired, wet, wounded and barely conscious he is a most formidable warrior. Pretending to be unconscious so as to trick Rolly was no small feat. Neither was their march to find at least some semblance of shelter. But you did not spare them aught! After fighting a battle (BTW will you give us some more details about that battle Aragorn and Halbarad fought prior to the events of your story?), travelling injured in the constant rain, being ambushed and knocked out, you have to add snow to Aragorn's misery? (Okay, I should not complain ...) But he at least was granted a warming fire. As far as Rolly is concerned, I still don't know where to place him. He did neither try to tie Aragorn's hands nor try to kill him, but I am still not sure that he is to be completely trusted. He did knock out Aragorn, after all. Finally, I loved that Gandalf-Butterbur scene! Butterbur groping for an answer to Gandalf's question, his digression and Gandalf trying to turn his focus back on topic! Wonderful!

daw the minstrel · 30 October 2003 · Chapter 4: Friend or Foe?

This is just so well written that I can't get over it. There's enough description of setting to give a real physical sense of the place, but not so much that it gets tedious. There are real characters and a well controlled switching between their perspectives. There is a plot. I want to know what happens! And there is the honesty it takes to describe the deaths of the thieves. I can't wait for more.

Nilmandra · 30 October 2003 · Chapter 4: Friend or Foe?

Friend or foe is the question, isn't it? This 'boy' just cruelly killed in cold blood; has lied and seems to continue to do so, and yet has also been bested by the ranger rather unexpectedly....but when he could finish Strider off, he does not do so. Which rather leads me to believe there is danger waiting ahead that he is leading Strider into.... Nice suspense, nice writing...

The Karenator · 30 October 2003 · Chapter 4: Friend or Foe?

I'm beginning to think this boy is the one that needs watching. We already know he was with the outlaws, but then he lied to Aragorn about Aragorn's head injury. I want to jump to conclusions and decide who he is, but in order not to make a complete fool of myself, I'll wait...and try to be patient. I don't think Aragorn trust him at all. I should hope not anyway. The kid is certainly a mysterious sort....he puts up a good front though. I doubt he would want to meet Gandalf, but I am hoping that the wizard goes after Aragron. Your characterizations remain strong and the plot thickens. I loved the descriptions of Butterbur. This is such a great line..."In all the long years he’d known Barley, he’d never been able to decide if his memory lapses were a genuine character trait or merely the useful affectation of a career bartender." I'm glad you're updating at a good rate. I just hate being left in the dark! :>) I'm looking forward to the next chapter. Good show, meckinock. :>) Karen

Elemmire · 30 October 2003 · Chapter 4: Friend or Foe?

I loved this bit - Rocks. Rocks poking into his ribcage. He buried his head further beneath the blanket. Dampness seeping into his trousers. Outside, he finally conceded with dismay. ;), Elemmire

Nilmandra · 28 October 2003 · Chapter 3: Ambush

A number of things struck me in this chapter. The first was about the horse - I never thought of the care and risks one took in having a horse along. I had given thought to this on the Quest, as to why the nine set out on foot - but your explanation really brought home to me why those who needed to move with stealth did not bring beasts of burden. I had only considered the benefits prior to this. The second big thing that hit me (not as hard as whatever hit Strider though) was how he could be ambushed and I think his skills are shown to character in that he takes down both of those men. They really did not know who they were up against. But apparently the boy brings him down with a well thrown rock. From Tolkien's world, that is the strength of a hobbit or of small hands accomplishing by unexpected means a task that the strong may be bested at. It's also a bit like David and Goliath - except in that case David was the good guy. So, our dear, tired, cold, wet ranger is getting some rest. I don't think it is quite what he had hoped for!

The Karenator · 28 October 2003 · Chapter 3: Ambush

Such well done characters. Even though we only knew of the three outlaws for a few minutes, you were able to bring their personalities to life. Of course, I'd be grumbling, too, if I had to sit out in the cold rain for hours. You drew us a great picture. The boy is interesting. I look forward to finding out more about him.? He may have served his purpose, but he was probably the least likely to have brought down a ranger. That gives him a certain finesse. Aragorn's concerns about his horse were interesting. I suppose, having never been through the wilderness on a horse, I had not given any thought to care for an animal on such a trip. Very interesting. Since this horse is such a trooper, I hope he's not hurt by the fall. All this putting them down after a broken leg is bit too much for me. I understand why...I just don't have to like it. Get that horse up and give him a rubdown! Well...Aragorn,too. Looking forward to more. Karen

daw the minstrel · 28 October 2003 · Chapter 3: Ambush

Oh no. So close and yet so far. I knew that boy would be trouble. I had never thought of the problems of caring for horses while in dangerous situations. This was very interesting.

bumper · 28 October 2003 · Chapter 3: Ambush

hi there just wanted to tell you how much i like your story, have not read chapter 3 yet, just got it, but loved the first two chapters. It, is very good, as it is raining here and seems to have been for ages, i feel for Strider having to go back out in it. looking forward to this chapter and more

fliewatuet · 28 October 2003 · Chapter 3: Ambush

Ouch, that must hae been a rather painful encounter with the rope, the rockface and the stone thrown from above. And poor Aragorn seems to have neither rested nor warm and dry. I do so not envy him in this situation. But at the beginning of the chapter I already feared that you villains would be so bored that they'd mess up the whole bussines. Though I can't say that I am really glad that they succeeded, but it sure added to the tension of that chapter.

daw the minstrel · 28 October 2003 · Chapter 2: An Urgent Message

Poor Aragorn! What misery - cold weather, wet clothes, pouring rain, exhaustion, bad memories, a wounded knee. And I assume there are nasty surprises to follow. It's hard to recall sometimes what persistence it must have taken for him to keep following his duty. The internal conflicts were one thing, of course, but ff writers often neglect these physical miseries. Again, great job with dialogue and details to make this all come alive.

daw the minstrel · 28 October 2003 · Chapter 1: The Trap is Laid

I tried to review this yesterday and my computer quit. We will assume that was a coincidence! I am so glad I found this story. I loved the interaction between Aragorn and Halbarad. Their irritation came through so clearly, as did the nasty weather conditions. You had me from the minute I read this in the first paragraph: "his intransigent adversary, otherwise known as Aragorn, son of Arathorn, Chieftain of the Dúnedain, among other names, some of which did not translate well to the common tongue, particularly the ones Halbarad was thinking of at the moment." But then things got tense in Bree. The details were wonderful here too, including things like the boy's chapped hands. I assume these folks are spying for Saruman, which is nicely canonical. Now I intend to go read chapter 2, assuming all goes well with my electronics.

fliewatuet · 27 October 2003 · Chapter 2: An Urgent Message

I just found this story and I love it for many reasons. First, I am a squeeling Aragorn and Halbarad fangirl, and I love your characterization of them. Then, I am always fond of well-written gapfillers about the life of the Rangers, Saruman's treachery and the like. And I like the way you tell the story. The villains seem quite intriguing to me, not just some brainless brutes that harass people out of spite, but they have a motive for what they do (even if it is just money, on Teburic's part). But his as yet unnamed 'boss' seems to be a quite cunning adversary. And finally, I like the atmosphere you create. Your description of Aragorn's wet and sodden clothing and gear (almost) made me shiver with sympathy (sitting on a comfortable sofa with the sun shining in through the windows;-)) Needless to say that I'd like to read more and soon:-)

The Karenator · 26 October 2003 · Chapter 2: An Urgent Message

Another good chapter. I felt terrible for poor almost warm Aragorn. Even the horse wasn't too happy about the whole affair. I loved it when the shadowy boss told the thief that the Master would hold him accountable if anything went wrong. Well, duh! Teburic just might be over his head with this one. This is so well written and such a pleasure to read. I'm always thrilled to find such good stories. If I were an editor for a publishing house, I'd be scouring these pages. So much talent. I'm looking forward to the next chapter. Karen