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At Hope's Edge by Cairistiona	12 Review(s)
Lexilooper	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 12/13/2025
He was frightened by the way his heart ached. Sorrow was an emotion he could ill afford to entertain, for he feared that when he finally gave in to its pull, it would drown him like waves in the sea. ooooh thissss frightened by it <:( Later. I will grieve later. I cannot give into this, not yet. good, Aragorn. You will grieve. This is sad but I think shows his emotional intelligence, he's not trying to freeze the grief forever, just to get to a safe place before really feeling it He felt his horse, Bronadui, falter, ever so briefly, but it was enough to wrench his attention to the needs of the horses. Even one named Enduring could not run at such speed forever. He reined in. “Easy,” he murmured. “You shall rest soon.” aww what a perfect name <3 and very Aragorn to think of the horses as well, as he should Then he turned to Halbarad. “Out with it,” he snapped. Halbarad blinked, his face a mask of innocence. “Out with what?” LOL <3 “You have been watching me ere we were a furlong away from Mallor’s–” His throat maddeningly seized up, and he struggled to hide the catch from Halbarad. “Since we left,” he finished, the lame response further adding to his ire. awww oh gosh he hates to show weakness I think he needs to work on that "his utter nonchalance at being so accused" XD “Even your horse does not believe you.” SKAHF XD Halbarad shifted uneasily. “Very well. Turn those steely gray eyes away from me and I will keep my own off you, if you insist on being so testy about it.” lollll no one wants the glare of Aragorn's steely gray eyes (<3), and no surprise. They make even the Mouth of Sauron quail. Aragorn pointedly brought his steely gray eyes, if that was what Halbarad cared to call them, back to Halbarad’s. LOL <3 “No, it was an order!” Aragorn snapped, then lowered his voice as Galadh glanced their way. “You try my patience, which is already worn perilously thin.” Aww <3 Halbarad knows him well enough to know why, because Aragorn is not naturally an impatient person. And Aragorn feels safe enough with him also to be a little open. <3 “Let me say my piece, Strider,” Halbarad interrupted, ignoring Aragorn as he pulled a face at Halbarad’s use of the less-than-flattering appellation put on him by Breelanders. Halbarad used it as an affectionate insult, but also whenever he thought Aragorn was getting too stubborn, as he obviously did now. Aragorn resigned himself to a lecture as Halbarad went on. aww I kind of love that. Aragorn knows exactly what it means when Halbarad uses it, but he still uses it affectionately. Also, Halbarad taught him. Aragorn may be chieftain and future king, but Halbarad reserves the right to lecture him still when he sees the need :) “You know of what I speak. Your destiny, indeed your very character, makes you take on burdens no single man can carry, no matter how great his strength. I see it weighing you down, as day by day goes by and the shadow grows unchecked. And you need rest, and you are not allowing yourself any. You have not fully recovered the strength you lost to fever.” He stopped, frustration creasing his brow. “If one of us falls, Denlad, myself, Eledh, and yes, even Mallor... it is of no great note save to a few grieving friends and our families. But you are more than just a Ranger, and if you were to fall, either to a blade or to illness or even to the failing of your own hope–” Aragorn winced. He knows. Halbarad had, blast his infuriating perceptiveness, seen through the facade behind which Aragorn thought he was well hidden, and the thought frightened him. ooh YES Halbarad, at least, knows of Aragorn's failing hope Also THANK YOU for refuting Aragorn's belief that kings must hold burdens alone. The burdens are far too much for a single man, even Aragorn son of Arathorn, to carry. But of late Aragorn found it harder and harder to see how hope could prevail, and today especially he felt he would draw his sword against any who spoke of his duty or his destiny. Sauron’s shadow grew in the east, and it was reaching even the uttermost parts of Middle-earth, and how could one man, no matter how strong his heart’s desire, vanquish such evil? Especially one as beset by despair as I have been of late? oooh depressionnnnn But he could speak his doubts to no man, least of all his faithful captain. So he shook his head slightly, pleading without saying a word. Not now, Halbarad. Not now. My heart is too sore. ARAGORN PLEADING FOR MERCY ON HIS TENDER HEART <:( He dismounted, hoping that no one noticed his wince as pain shot across his shoulder blades. The bruises from the battle were stiffening up. yess :) Aragorn squeezed Eledh’s arm, then looked at the rest of the men. “Halbarad, you and Galadh take the second. I’ll take the third with Denlad. Take what sustenance and rest you can, and keep your weapons to hand.” just like Aragorn to take two watches. His duty as leader, maybe, but he also needs the rest :(. Galadh nodded. Aragorn felt a faint stirring of wry humor as he watched Galadh dismount. A nod from that man amounted to a lengthy speech. aww Galadh and his mithril words <3 also thank you for subtly reminding us who's who so I don't have to keep referring back to the prologue :) Aragorn felt a smile tug one corner of his mouth for the first time that day. Only Halbarad would have the temerity to mock his chieftain to his face. And the heart big enough to worry over me like a mother hen. Feeling grateful for such a stalwart friend, even if such faithfulness came with aggravating stubbornness and the occasional round of disrespect, Aragorn walked his own horse to the spring. awwwwww <333 and Aragorn being grateful for even his mother henning hehehe mocking "ah so eloquent but still I do not like the words" and managing to making Aragorn just a lil happier As Bronadui drank, Aragorn pulled his pack off, gasping a bit as again his shoulders protested. ooh that is no average soreness. Making Aragorn gasp = not feel good awww Aragorn's relationships with his horses are my favorite "my swift friend" <333 AWW Mallor's horse took it upon himself to follow Aragorn <33 AKSDHDFSGH thank you, THANK YOU for giving us the meaning of those words. AND THEN THE HISTORY. Augh, beautiful. My heart. Is torn. MAGLOR SPEAKING THEM TO ELROND. ELROND TO SWEET YOUNG ESTEL. AND NOW ARAGORN DESIRING TO TAKE THE SORROWS OF EVEN MALLOR'S HORSE UPON HIS OWN HEART <:(((( TEARS And like. I always wondered about the growing up of Elrond and Elros. Earendil and Elwing were wonderful, and what they did was important, but. Elrond and Elros would certainly have grieved long. Also what is the meaning of Mallor?? It's extremely similar to Mallorn, I like, FINALLY noticed. Thinking of those ancient days always brought a great lump to Aragorn’s throat. oh, mood <:(. It'd be so much worse reading Silmarillion knowing it all really happened. Swallowing hard, Aragorn stroked the horse’s head lightly. “Halbarad says I carry the sorrows for too many,” he murmured, “but I suppose I have strength to carry yours as well.” Suddenly feeling weary beyond all reckoning, he hobbled both horses, and then gingerly hoisted his pack and headed to the camp. <:(((( oh I love him "swallowing hard" Denlad had a small fire going. In a patrol of six men who were all terrible at cooking, Denlad was the best, and the big, fair-haired Ranger usually took it upon himself to take care of what meals they were able to scrape together. aww thanks Denlad After Aragorn dropped his pack and settled down beside it, Denlad handed him a stick with a half-burnt sausage impaled upon it. he's like okay I'm just going to make a habit of dropping my pack. Try and minimize shoulder movement. “That is the last of the fresh meat that doesn’t have a foul smell. Or at least not much of a foul smell. We took a vote and decided to give it to you.” Aragorn was relieved to see a bit of sparkle return to Denlad’s blue eyes, but he worried a bit about the cause. Denlad was known for his pranks and Aragorn would not put it past the man to have spiked the sausage with some wild weed that would set his mouth afire. But Denlad’s gaze seemed guileless enough, so Aragorn took it, nodding to the men around the fire. “Thank you.” He sniffed the meat and added, “I think.” He took a tentative bite and tried not to curl his lip at the meat’s ripeness. He had eaten worse, with no ill effect, but it never made for a pleasant meal. The men laughed, but the mirth soon faded. LOL I love them so much <33 Aragorn nodded again, inwardly relaxing. Orcs and blackness and evil are easy subjects compared with Halbarad’s confounded worries about me. LOL wow he REALLY does not like to talk about his negative feelings Although I have never put much stock in ghost stories, there are plenty of evil things in Arda that have no name but might stir themselves without warning to plague Man and Elf alike. yeah...that's the thing. I'm sure there's plenty of ghost stories but. There's also real magic and sorcery in their world, and so there are also many legends of truth and many beings not really living who serve the dark lord. So. "with a muted cacophony of swords sliding from their sheaths" you are soooo good at descriptionsss Halbarad squatted beside Aragorn as the men settled themselves again. “I’ll trust your imagination over hard facts any day.” <333 I love how quickly they all follow suit to his reaction And how quickly he reacts to the feeling And how much they trust him And how much they continue to trust him when there's nothing VISIBLY wrong, they still know his instincts are not to be trifled with, The Witch-Kinggggg Halbarad cleared this throat. “That reminds me. I think it might be best if I take the first watch with Eledh, then stay through the second watch with Galadh. That will let you have more rest.” <33 THANKS Aragorn narrowed his eyes as his earlier irritation at Halbarad’s overprotectiveness flared back to life. “First all of you vote to give me the best meat, a questionable boon though it was. Now Halbarad is talking of taking my watches so I can rest. Have I suddenly grown so feeble that you feel the need to coddle me like an old man?” He made sure every one of them felt his glare. “The watches stay as they’re set.” OH BOY I FEEL THAT GLARE he knows the power of it and he sure uses it when he wants to. Aragorn. Friend. They are not trying to coddle you. They are only caring for you as you do for them. Will you not let them?

layne	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 6/16/2014
I'm thinking that that feeling of being watched was Sauron watching them through the palantir. Author Reply: Ooh, hey, Layne, you're reading my ancient story! Thank you! :) And... I cannot comment because of Spoiler Reasons, drat it. But hope you enjoy finding out just who and/or what is watching them.

LisaG	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 2/3/2010
What a heartbreaking story so far...I can't imagine the indescribable pressure Aragorn must be under! Bad enough that he has the hope of his people resting on his shoulders, but also all of Middle Earth! And if he doesn't succeed in vanquishing Sauron and winning the throne of both Gondor and Arnor, he doesn't get to be with the woman he loves. How does a person deal with all that, plus all the heartache he sees as the leader of the Dunedain? You do an excellent job of relaying Aragorn's waning hope and increasing despair at his situation...plus the feeling of losing control over events and being unable to come out victorious in the end. I would want to run away, too! I look forward to reading the rest of the chapters, where, I pray Aragorn can reclaim his hope and his spirit. Author Reply: Thank you, Lisa... this one is definitely a heartbreaker for Aragorn, darker than my other stories but still with moments of light and friendship. Aragorn has such a seemingly insurmountable task in defeating the forces of Mordor, and doing so with a people who, while fierce and brave and noble, are facing near extinction. I can't imagine how he kept his hopes up, other than with a lot of help from those who love him. I hope you enjoy the story as it unfolds... thanks for the review!

Canafinwe	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 12/1/2009
There is something very strange, very unnatural, about Aragorn's urge to run. Not only because he isn't the sort to flee from fear or peril, but your writing imbues this feeling with such eerie urgency... shudder The exchange between Halbarad and Aragorn is so painful. These two, as close as brothers, are not even able to express their grief or to find solace in one another's company. Their attempts at affable banter further underscore their desperate struggle to maintain control in the face of the terrible loss of their youngest compatriot. They need a hug, very, very badly! "Aragorn winced. He knows." These four words speak volumes about Aragorn's state of mind. He is teetering on the edge of despair, afraid to confide in his cousin, unable to trust others to help him shoulder his burdens. How difficult it must be to be "the hope that all look to" when your own hope is flagging! But if he could not even confide in Elrond, Halbarad has little hope of piercing the darkness to reclaim Aragorn from it. No danger WHILE they were being attacked, but only after? What on earth is going on here? It seems my earlier feeling was right: this fear isn't natural at all. The scene with Mallor's mount was heartwrenching. Aragorn is even trying to bear the burdens of the horse! It seems impossible that he can keep this up much longer, but there are many, many chapters remaining. I confess I'm not sure how he can bear it! (Though I have no doubt that I shall enjoy it immensely). The touch of camp humour with the remarks about Ranger cooking and Aragorn's rancid sausage are a welcome respite from the sombre tone of the rest of the chapter, but even here there are sobering notes. The men are afraid for their captain -- and rightly so, but that Aragorn's distress is so visible speaks volumes about his mental state. But of course "aye, every inch a king", he is not to be rebelled against: "The watches stay as they're set." All in all, a chapter filled with foreshadowing and turmoil (and nasty meat!). I look forward to seeing where you take this. Author Reply: Thank you most kindly, Canafinwe! I'm so glad you enjoyed this chapter, with all its eerie foreboding and hints of darker things to come. You're right when you say that Aragorn is not one to run from battle, but he is also one that can rightly judge a field of battle and wisely retreat to fight again another day, and this is a situation where he feels that is exactly what is called for. Just what they will be fighting remains unknown, though! And even in the midst of turmoil and dangers and inner struggles he dare not speak aloud, there is still room for lighter moments. I've always felt Aragorn likely found refuge at times in lighthearted moments and never did he need it more than this day. So... many layers to this chapter, and I thank you for touching on them all in your review!

Thorongirl	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 4/20/2009
Oh yeah, he's fine all right. That could be taken more than one way, I suppose, but really, Aragorn? You're fine? Men. They're all alike, I swear it. I absolutely love Halbarad in this story. Writers like you and Meckinock have endeared him to me. But poor Aragorn. That poor man definitely needs a break and since I've already read everything you've written so far, I know he's not going to get one eg. 'Not now Halbarad. My heart is too sore.' Melts No, I wasn't counting this as one of my all-time favorites just based on the first few chapters, but I probably would have strongly considered it anyway. This is wonderful. 'Galadh nodded. Aragorn felt a faint stirring of wry humor as he watched Galadh dismount. A nod from that man amounted to a lengthy speech.' Very droll. 'He patted him and thought about the ancient Quenya words: May your sorrows now be ended, my friend. I will carry your sorrows. Lord Elrond had often whispered them in his ear when he was a small boy beset by heartaches that in his childishness he felt certain would end life itself.' Ah, I only just noticed this. Very well done. Is it too much to hope that you have even more stories in your vast repertoire of LOTR knowledge? Not that I would beg for another story when this one isn't even over...or would I? I think you know the answer. Fantabulous story. Author Reply: Thank you, Thorongirl! I'm glad you like my take on Halbarad... Meckinock definitely inspired me to take a closer look at the relationship between Aragorn and Halbarad--I do love her Halbarad and hope I haven't borrowed him too much! And yes, you're right in that Aragorn isn't going to be catching any breaks for quite a long time, I'm afraid. "Vast repertoire of LOTR knowledge"??? looking around to see who you might be talking to LOL I'm glad my stories come across that way, but I don't really feel I'm any sort of expert at all. But I know people who are and ask a lot of questions. grin And I'm reading a lot so that someday I'll have a better handle on all things M-e. But I'm still very much new at all this. It's gratifying, though, to know that my stories don't seem full of mistakes. And yes I do have quite a number of story ideas and WIPs piled up that hopefully will see the light of day eventually. Thanks for the review!

Alone Dreaming	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 12/24/2008
Well-written. :) That's all I have time to say for now. I'll leave something more in depth later. Thank you. Merry Christmas. Author Reply: Merry Christmas to you, too, Alone Dreaming, and thank you for taking time out of your holiday to leave such a nice review! I'm glad you're enjoying the story.

meckinock	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 12/22/2008
My favorite moment was when all Aragorn had to do was stand up and put his hand on his sword, and his men automatically sprang into battle mode. And his good-humored humility when it seemed he had a case of the jitters. You've really set up a sense of spookiness and impending doom, and ragged nerves and exhaustion and short fuses ready to ignite. The pot is steaming and looks ready to boil over. And whatever is out in the woods... Author Reply: "And whatever is out in the woods..." Okay, I now have the galloping heeby jeebies. LOL I have to say, yours is the first review written in such a way that has me getting goosebumps about my own story! LOL I all but dove for the next button myself ... well, I would have if there was one. LOL Next Sunday... Seriously, thank you for a stunner of a review. I'm glad you liked that little moment of leadership--I do think the men are so attuned to everything Aragorn does that the least little frown on his face has them loosening their swords in their scabbards, if not drawing them. And him leaping to his feet like that ... yeah, you can bet I'd be readying my bow, too. Thanks again!

Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 12/22/2008
I can appreciate the sentiment; but Halbarad is right, of course! May they both not need to fight this night! Well, well described! Author Reply: Thank you, Larner! Halbard usually is right... Aragorn needs to start realizing that, methinks. grin

Silivren Tinu	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 12/22/2008
I loved this chapter! This is getting wonderfully creepy and mysterious. Halbarad's worry about Aragorn was sweet and obviously justified. Aragorn's state of mind (or perhaps rather, his state of soul, if there is such an expression) is quite alarming. I wonder if that mysterious evil influence they're all feeling has at least partly something to do with it - at least it surely won't be helpful. It is really a heavy burden Aragorn carries. I wish he wouldn't be so stubborn. ;-) What that rider told about "shadow falling on all the villagers, knocking them senseless and making them easy prey" is both intruiging and frightening. I can't wait to see where you're going with this! It's too bad Halbarad isn't Elrond - drugging Aragorn to make him get some rest is beginning to sound like a good idea to me. g Author Reply: Thanks, Silivren! I'm so glad you liked this chapter. Creepy and mysterious, definitely, and you're right in that it's not helping Aragorn's already troubled state of mind ... or state of soul (I like that expression, so let's hereby make it an official one!) As if it wasn't bad enough, having just come off a summer losing so many of his people, now there's this thing to deal with. And hmm, you might give Halbarad some ideas that Aragorn won't like! In fact, I'm seeing a rather evil glint in Halbarad's eye ... slaps his hand away from Aragorn's pack of medical supplies Thanks for the review!

Linda Hoyland	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 12/21/2008
Another great chapter,my one minor quibble is that "I am fine" sounds a bit modern for M-e ,but otherwise I loved it,Aragorn's forebodings are truly chilling. I love Halbarad's concern and wish Aragorn would accept it. Your horses were especially endrearing here. Author Reply: Glad you liked it ... personally, I don't think "I am fine" sounds too modern, but reader's mileage will vary on that point. We'll just have to agree to disagree, I think. Hopefully it won't put you off reading the story because I do use it again in later chapters. But I'm glad you liked the rest of the chapter, and especially glad you liked the horses--I like writing about the horses and feel they can be characters in and of themselves. Thanks for the review! :)

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