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At Hope's Edge by Cairistiona	11 Review(s)
Lexilooper	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 12/13/2025
Including me. To think of Bilfen, whose greatest joy was to give comfort to strangers What a beautiful life purpose <:( <3 He shifted, struggling to find a way to hold his left arm without waking the dragon that had been chewing on it. Halbarad had dug out all the splinters, and wrapped it well, but some had been large and deep and Aragorn wondered if a bit of fever was settling in. He felt shivery, but he wasn’t sure if that was from the wound or simply from the overwhelming toll the day had taken on him. He shut his eyes to try to snatch sleep, but jerked them open when a vision of collapsing walls and crushing timbers and a child’s broken body assaulted his mind. Aksdfshgsdh hurt again and now with nightmare visions <3 He sighed without meaning to, and Denlad glanced his way, then to his surprise, quietly came to sit down beside him. Denlad had not spoken to him since the disastrous rescue attempt. Aragorn was not sure the man would ever willingly speak to him again. "I apologize," Denlad said without preamble. "Denlad, you do not need–" "No, Aragorn, I do. My sorrow filled me with fury, and I made you the target when I should have saved my wrath for the foul wretches responsible. It was unforgivable and I apologize." sakdhfsj how I love them <3 "Apology accepted, then. But I never held blame against you, Denlad. Grief makes a man do things his heart would never let him do otherwise." Denlad picked up a rock chip and tossed it toward the fire. "You would think I would learn to control myself better." "If you figure out how, pray share the secret with me. I have plenty of my own moments when anger gets the better of me." <333 what a good response to "I should be better". "I you figure it out, please tell me" "If you have, I’ve not seen them." aww <3 "And now I fear you lie to your Chieftain," Aragorn said drily. "I have never felt your wrath." <33 "That’s because you have never given me cause for such anger." "Now who is telling falsehoods? Either that or that wound has obviously made you delirious." Aragorn’s smile was fleeting. "Perhaps." lolll <3 Halbarad came over and handed Aragorn a cup. "Hot tea. You look like you need something stronger but it’s all we have." aww thanks they can all see "This will do, thank you," Aragorn said, taking a cautious sip. LOL he's like will it burn my insides this time "And that goes for you as well, Aragorn," Halbarad said. "You look fairly well used up." "I am simply tired, and if you will both leave me in peace, I will drink this and lay me down like a good little chieftain and sleep. I promise." <333 yay Denlad chuckled and left to dig a blanket from his own pack, but Halbarad scooted around to Aragorn’s left side. "Let me see that arm before you bed down." "It has not changed since you looked at it an hour ago," Aragorn grumbled, but he gentled his arm from his coat for Halbarad’s inspection. "gentled his arm from his coat" okay what a wonderful way to say that. Love. he certainly would do it very gingerly After some poking and prodding that more than sufficiently awakened the sleeping dragon and brought forth several involuntary grunts and hisses of pain, Halbarad pronounced his satisfaction that thus far there was no sign of infection. "It looks good." THE DRAGON THAT HAD BEEN CHEWING ON IT "It feels terrible." yess being honest "And it will no doubt feel worse tomorrow." Aragorn pulled a face. "Ever do you speak words of overwhelming comfort." lolll so much better than "it barely hurts" claims Halbarad gave him a crooked smile and then retired to the other side of the fire, where he spread his blankets between the men and the cave opening, and lay down with a soft groaning sigh. Aragorn sipped his tea, then set it aside and stretched out on his back. It was a long time before he finally found sleep. awwwww he's doing it againn Impatience with his apparently endless proclivity for making wrong choices oh how this again fits with his feelings in the books As the figure slowly approached the outer reaches of the glow cast by their fire, arms held high, Aragorn could scarce believe his eyes. "Bilfen?" he cried incredulously. Another, taller figure followed him. "Kenevir!" "Bless me if it isn’t that rascal of a Ranger, Strider!" Bilfen Broadbow cried, lowering his hands to clap them together with delight. SKADJSGHKDJH I I SOBBED BILFEN????? ASKDHFJDSGHJHJKS THE JOY UNEXPECTED INDEED His round face wreathed itself in smiles and, completely missing the dumbfounded expressions on all the men, he launched into a rambling greeting. "Halbarad, Denlad... and you two young men whom I have yet to meet... what a wonderful surprise! You know, it was pure chance that I saw your fire. I had to stop to pick a stone from my horse’s hoof and while I was bent low, I saw the faintest gleam through the bottom of the bushes. You’ve a good hiding spot here. I doubt even orcs know of it." He glanced back at Kenevir, who nodded his confirmation. The man’s glittering black eyes silently took in the walls, the horses in the rear, the narrow passage that led to the opening. He nodded again, with approval. Aww the approval of that dour man <3 Bilfen went on, "And I hope you didn’t ride through Bracken’s Ferry expecting a meal at my inn–it’s been closed these last three weeks while we’ve been visiting my cousin in Bree. oh NO I'm so glad but...he doesn't yet know Bilfen tapped his arm. "Strider?" Somehow when Bilfen called him that name, it never felt like an insult, and never before had he been happier to have anyone call him that than at this moment. <33333 oh my heart "I say, young man, are you ill?" young man <3 also is he a certain age here? Perhaps I have already asked Aragorn shook his head, a smile trembling on his lips. "No," he choked, finally finding his voice. "No, Bilfen Broadbow, I feel better at this moment than I have felt in many a long day." Unable to hold himself back, he pulled the astounded innkeeper into a rough embrace, knowing the man would feel the tremor of emotion shaking him and not caring. He reached past Bilfen with one arm and Kenevir clasped his hand, a bemused expression on his face. sakdjdkshgjgshjshjsghsdjhs HUGS HE FEELS JOY "What is this, Strider?" Bilfen said, pulling back to peer into Aragorn’s face. He touched the tears tracking down Aragorn’s cheeks. "Such lines of care and sorrow..." He carefully looked at the rest of the men, at their sooty faces, their muddy clothes and the weariness in their eyes that Aragorn knew was mirrored in his own. "Oh dear. You look... all of you look... oh my. What has happened to put such grief in your hearts?" askdkhdsjsdg he's crying finally <333 The men silently looked to Aragorn to tell the tale. Aragorn walked back to his bedroll and dropped onto it, feeling like his legs would no longer hold him. He swiped an impatient hand across his cheeks and nose and took a deep breath that shook more than he wanted. "Bilfen, Kenevir, sit down, please." aww the impatient wiping away tears that he will not stop now <3 Alarm rose in Bilfen’s normally merry blue eyes. He and Kenevir exchanged glances before slowly lowering themselves to the stone floor beside Aragorn, Kenevir taking a spot just behind Bilfen. They looked at him with expectation and dread. <:(( Kenevir, his tongue long ago cut out by orcs, could only growl his rage and sorrow, but Bilfen was more vocal. "Burned... oh dear," he said faintly. "Oh dear. What of the people? Telvor, the other families? Were they spared?" <:(( oh he must have so many memories of orcs "Annelia. That would have been Annelia. She turned two this summer. Oh dear." So it was indeed a girl. Aragorn glanced at Denlad, but Denlad was staring with empty eyes into the fire. <:((( asdhskdsg and SO YOUNG. And she survived so long. Halbarad cleared his throat. "We did all we could to save her, but the building collapsed. It nearly took Strider, here, with it." thank you for giving him this credit he deserves <3 Bilfen was silent for a long moment, then shook himself. "It is well to mourn the dead, but care for the living cannot be neglected. You men look half starved. I may no longer have an inn, but I do have supplies on my pack horse, which is still outside. I have vegetables, and Kenevir took down a stag just this afternoon. It’s late, I know, but if you will allow, I’ll bring my animal in and fix all of you some food. I always say that food can provide comfort when nothing else can." He laughed softly and patted his ample belly. "I obviously have had much need of comfort in my life." Halbarad managed a chuckle and Aragorn even managed a smile. "You do well to remind us that there is still joy in this dark world." <3333 oh how I adore him and live to be that kind of person. His entire town destroyed and he says "you look half-starved. let me make you a warm meal" <333 and these terrible cooks need it :) Teach Aragorn some cooking, Bilfen Aragorn nodded, but there was not much to say. They had all had moments where the emotional toll was too heavy and they had broken down in tears or in anger, Aragorn included. Denlad would overcome this, as they all would, given time. <3 they have been through much together Aragorn tossed the pebble aside and again leaned his head back against the cave wall, watching as Bilfen busied himself with making a stew. He did not think he wanted any food, not now nor at any time in the immediate future, and the way his stomach turned over as the smell of Bilfen’s soup rose to fill the cave only confirmed his suspicions. He knew he should try to choke something down, that he needed food to keep up his stamina, but he could not face even a spoonful. He stood. "I’m going outside to ensure that less friendly eyes have not spied our cave." oooh "too sick at heart to choke down food even though starving" is great angst Halbarad was watching him with that piercing look that Aragorn knew portended questions about his well-being, questions for which he had little desire to provide answers, even if he had answers he was willing to give. "Before you ask, I will tell you that there is nothing wrong with me." "Hmm." bless you, Halbarad, for your non-committal grunts <3 Halbarad laughed. "Ah, Aragorn, your sword has less bite than your wit when anger has hold of you. But to answer your question... I still have a tongue in my head and, believe it or not, sometimes I actually know how to hold it." XD <33 oh how I love him true words indeed Aragorn snorted. "Your hand is on your sword already. One ill-timed word from me and I fear you will slice my head from my shoulders. So I am sticking with ‘hmm’. It’s safer." XD Aragorn deliberately folded his arms. "Now my hand is nowhere near my sword. Speak your mind." XDDD I love them both "Very well. I think that sending Bilfen and Kenevir to Rivendell is a good idea." "And for that you think I would lop off your head?" hmm "I also think," he continued, "that you should go with them." SKAHDFG I agree I like this opinion But there goes his head :) His patience gone, Aragorn shoved Halbarad back, pinning him against the rough stone. "My life, and my destiny, are my own, to command or forfeit as I see fit," he hissed. "And you forget your place!" oh dear Halbarad gazed at him with infuriating calm, not trying to free himself. "I have not forgotten my place. Lord Elrond conferred on me the task of keeping you safe, and ever has it been that my house has defended its Chieftain. Even if that means risking harm at your own hand, I will do my duty." <333 thank you Halbarad Aragorn’s anger dissolved into shame. He shut his eyes, dropping his head and then his hands and took a step back, appalled at his loss of control. askdhsfdgjsdhjdsk the shame what a good man he knows Halbarad is indeed in his place <3 While he groped for the words to apologize, Halbarad stepped close and grasped Aragorn’s good arm. "If I could, I would take your burden and carry it for you, for surely it is crushing you." aksdhfjshjsg <:( thank you, my brother "It is mine alone to bear," Aragorn whispered. <:(((( THE WHISPER And I can only pray that I find the strength to go on bearing it. Then he worked up a crooked smile. "And I am not crushed. A bit wilted, perhaps, but not crushed." Halbarad did not look convinced and Aragorn’s smile faltered. oh my heart the falter "Truly, Halbarad. I am frustrated, yes, and full of sorrow, but not crushed." He paused as he looked out into the dark night. He spoke almost as if to himself. "I spoke too harshly just now. My life is not solely my own, I know. And long have I accepted that, and gladly do I bear the burden of my destiny. But these days it seems my future lies in shadow, and more than ever I feel that evil will overtake this world before I figure out how to take the first steps toward defeating it." But then he glanced back at Halbarad and cut his musing short. He had no right to add to his friend’s worries by speaking aloud of his dwindling hope, especially after his harshness a mere moment ago. Halbarad was too loyal to deserve the ill treatment he had just meted out. "Your devotion deserves more respect than I just gave you. I am sorry," he said softly, then walked back to the fire. oh oh all true things said and I love your words. But I think Halbarad would be gladder for you also to voice your dwindling hope. He sees it. He has guessed it. You know this. And he just expressed his desire to take your burden. I think he would be grateful for an opportunity to share it. <3

Dreamdeer	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 8/3/2009
Each chapter just gets better and better. The emotional veracity of this one shows no flaw that I can detect. Not every writer could handle the rapid shifts of humor, grief, compassion, loyalty, defiance, gentleness and anger, but Cairistiona manages deftly. Author Reply: Thank you again! My goodness, you're doing my ego good with these reviews. I always try to get the emotions of the characters as right as I can... I don't want the men too weepy but nor do I want them emotionless automatons. Finding the balance can be tricky, so I'm relieved you've found I'm hitting it right each time. :)

Stefania	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 6/1/2009
Hey Cairistiona - I just wanted to leave a little note to tell you I am loving this story so far. The language you have used to described difficult feelings and angsty moments is spot on. Not only that, the tough situations haven't become maudlin and over the top so far. Good job. I'm off to the next chapter. - Steff Author Reply: Thank you, Steff! I'm glad you're enjoying the story and especially appreciate your comment that the tough situations haven't become maudlin. That's something I really do hope to avoid in my stories, so that's encouraging to hear. Hope you enjoy the rest of the story and thanks for the review!

Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 1/25/2009
Ah, exactly what I'd expect from the two of them. Am so glad the two men managed to live. Now, to see to Windlydale. Excellent. Author Reply: Thank you, Larner! And first off, my apologies for my lateness in replying. Somehow the alert for your review ended up in my spam folder. scratching head I'm glad you liked this chapter and glad you're happy Bilfen and Kenevir survived--I'm kind of relieved myself. :) Thanks again for the review!

Linda Hoyland	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 1/20/2009
I'm so glad Aragorn's friend survived. I just love the relationship you write for him and Halbarad.Aragorn needs to take the good advice and go to Rivendell as he is obviously ill. A wonderful chapter. Author Reply: Thank you, Linda! I think we're all very glad Bilfen survived (even me, because I wasn't sure at first he was going to!). I'm glad you like my take on Halbarad and Aragorn. And yes, Halbarad would definitely agree with you that Aragorn should haul himself to Rivendell and out of danger... but it remains to be seen whether Aragorn will be that sensible! Thanks again for the lovely review.

MP brennan	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 1/17/2009
Bilfen and Kenevir are alive! YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!! (Doesn't take much to make me happy, does it?) ;-) Great chapter, as usual. The character interactions are wonderful. Whether it's Aragorn and Denlad, Aragorn and Halbarad, or some combination therein, the characterizations and dialogue were spot on. Halbarad's impression of a mother hen gets sharper with each passing chapter, and with the dialogue at the end we see that it's not just for comic relief--there are good, understandable reasons for him to act this way. And Bilfen . . . don't get me started. I'm eagerly awaiting more! cheers! -Brennan Author Reply: LOL! Thank you, Brennan! I can definitely sense a trend here, that people are happy to see Bilfen and Kenevir are alive. grin I'm so glad you like Bilfen--I'm really fond of him myself (and thinking I need to use him more in other stories). And you've definitely hit on Halbarad's motivations perfectly: he keeps much of his words light (almost reminiscent of Hobbits hiding deeper feelings behind a jest) but he takes his role as protector very, very seriously. He sees himself as "keeper of the King" and he will do whatever it takes to make sure Aragorn lives to see the throne... even to following Aragorn through the Paths of the Dead when he knows his own death lies beyond. Tolkien birthed a great character there but left him not much more than a sketchy outline--I'm just coloring him in and hoping to do him justice. Glad you're enjoying this and thank you so much for the lovely review!

Estelcontar	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 1/17/2009
Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay! So both Bilfen and Kenevir survived. I'm sooooooooooooo glad you spared them. Bilfen is a character with such a relish for life that even his sorrowfulness and despair give way to the need to care for the living. He was like a most needed breath of fresh air coming into that cave. And I fell in love with Kenevir when I read "No Greater Comfort". It would have been a pity if both had died. I liked the dialogue between Halbarad and Aragorn. Halbarad's dry, ironic humour is there again, and he needs it to knock some sense into Aragorn's stubborn head. The chemistry between the two is just about perfect. Author Reply: Thank you, Estelcontar! Three cheers for Bilfen and Kenevir, eh? LOL I agree, it is good to have them back on Arda (although they never really left... just to Bree). I was just thinking the other day it might be interesting to explore a story where we find out how Kenevir ended up the way he does. Someday! I'm glad you're still enjoying my Halbarad and how he handles Aragorn--he really has learned through the years how to "manage" his friend. I wonder if his father had any similar troubles managing Arathorn! Thanks again for the review!

Inzilbeth	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 1/17/2009
Ah, Halbarad is a good friend indeed! What a roller coaster of emotion there was in this chapter, but all so seemlessly and convincingly done. The 'hug factor' for Aragorn just keeps on rising. Wonderful stuff! Author Reply: Thank you, Inzilbeth! I definitely want to keep racking up the hugs for Aragorn. :) And yes, very much an emotional maelstrom for Aragorn & Co. And it's only really just beginning.... Thanks again for the review!

Silivren Tinu	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 1/17/2009
Can you see the big, happy grin on my face? bg To see Bilfen and Kenevir again is something I certainly would not have expected (thanks to a certain evil author ;-). It's really a ray of hope in the midst of all this mysterious darkness. Also, I want to hug Denlad. Him apologizing to Aragorn is more than I would have hoped for. It's just good to know he doesn't blame Aragorn for anything. It's already difficult enough for all of them without starting any blame-games. The Valar bless Halbarad, btw. He really tries valiantly to keep his chieftain safe and sane, even if Aragorn does his best to boycott him. I would feel much better if Aragorn chose to go to Rivendell, too - which is why I'm very sure he won't go. g Poor Halbarad, I hope Aragorn at least won't choose to send him to Rivendell. Aragorn riding on with only three companions is bad enough. I do have a really bad feeling about all this, but I guess I'm not the only one. I'm looking forward to see what will happen next! :) Almut Author Reply: Oh, Almut, your reviews always bring a smile to my face--thank you! (Well, all reviews make me smile but yours are always so detailed, I appreciate them.) I figured you might be happy to read this chapter. I really did plan on killing off Bilfen and Kenevir, but in the end I just couldn't do it. And the story needed an upswing, so voila, they live! And yes, I will gladly claim the title Evil Author. mwu ha ha! And yes, Denlad and Halbarad both earn their hugs in this chapter. Denlad for doing the upstanding thing and clearing the air, and Halbarad for, well, putting up with a cantankerous Chieftain who only promises to get more cantankerous as time goes on. Hang onto your hat when next weekend's chapter hits. Thanks again for the review!

Elflingimp	Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 1/17/2009
Just wanted you to know I love your story, it is written so very Tolkeinish almost as if it were part of LOTR, it is right in tune with it Hugs Deb the Imp Author Reply: Thank you so much, Deb! To be told that this is in keeping with Tolkien and LOTR is high praise and I so appreciate it. I'm glad you're still hanging in there with the story. Much more to come! Thanks again for the lovely compliment.

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