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At Hope's Edge by Cairistiona	9 Review(s)
Lexilooper	Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 12/17/2025
mm is Aragorn still freezing to death in his bones? Eledh laughed and then settled himself in a chair. Aragorn tucked some coins in a crack between the mantel and the wall, where hopefully they would go unnoticed until long after they were gone, then limped to the set of shelves Neala used as a larder and found a loaf of bread and a ham. He handed the bread to Eledh and cut off a thick slice of ham. "Neala’s generosity seems to have no bounds. She told us to help ourselves, but I worry that she doesn’t really understand how much food five hungry men can eat." aww he's so good and are you sure? She herself served you far too much food earlier, on purpose, so. Anyways I love her. Aragorn smiled grimly. "Halbarad better, if he knows his place." loll "Oh, he knows his place–hovering over you like a very stubborn and ugly mother hen. Denlad nearly had to put him in a headlock to get him to take some rest those two days when you were lost to this world. I can foresee a very loud argument ensuing when you tell him we are leaving so soon." LOLL <3 stubborn and ugly mother hen And perhaps that was the wisest course. But his last departure from his childhood home had been.... He frowned as he searched for the right word. It had not been contentious, exactly, but he had felt keenly an unspoken anger coursing through his father. Elrond had not spoken openly about anything, but always there lay between them Aragorn’s love for Arwen, and their betrothal, and it did not seem to Aragorn to be a leap in logic to assume that somehow the betrothal had been the cause of Elrond’s silent fury. Truth was, Elrond had looked so dark and forbidding that Aragorn feared he might not be welcomed back with open arms ever again. aww this makes me sad <:(( I'm sure that last part is not true but even so. I want him to be welcomed with open arms always :( Eledh eyed Aragorn, seeming to read his thoughts. "If you need me to, I’ll do the beating. I doubt you’re strong enough to take on Halbarad just yet." loll <3 "Hopefully it will not come to that." "You don’t know how worried Halbarad is about you." LOL <333 The door flew open and Denlad entered with a rush of cold air. He slammed the door shut and shivered. "The snow is starting to fall already. Come on, Elf Maid. Our turn to watch. Think of it–we can hurl snowballs at the wraith!" LOLLL "I’d like to hurl something at you," Eledh muttered but he shoved the last bites of his ham into his mouth, strapped on his sword and gathered his coat. He slung his quiver and his bow over his shoulder and then tossed a salute toward Aragorn as he headed out the door. Denlad shot Aragorn a grin and followed. the salute XD <3 A few minutes later the door blew open again and Aragorn gave up trying to stay warm by the fire and instead snatched a blanket off the cot and wrapped it around his shoulders. Galadh and Halbarad trooped in, stamping snow from their boots and brushing white flakes from their hair. <3 shameless in his "okay I'm freezing and y'all are making it colder I need a blanket", anyways <3 "Eledh’s by the stables. Denlad’s on the north side of the small house. They’ve both got ropes to guide them back here." He shot a questioning look at Aragorn. "What went on between those two today? You should have heard Eledh’s laugh when I sent Denlad to the north side of the house. Denlad will be staring straight into the teeth of the wind, and it’s not like Eledh to laugh at another’s misery." "Do you really want to know?" Halbarad considered for a moment. "No. No, you’re right. It’s best not to know." LOL XD <3 you can tell they're used to this cold (obviously) the ropes prepared for a blizzard and all. Makes me think of Little House the long winter "Denlad will be glad to hear that. I think he has his heart set on taming it." "If anyone can, it’s Denlad," Halbarad said. He shook off his coat and draped it over a chair, setting it close to the fire beside Aragorn. "He has an uncanny way with animals, that boy." <333 Aragorn smiled. "‘That boy’ has passed thirty-eight summers, Halbarad." "A puppy," Halbarad snorted. "He still has much to learn. As do you, upstart," he added with a pointed look at Galadh, who was smiling. XDD "Better an upstart than ancient. We’ll be kitting you out with a cane and a blanket for your knees before too long." Galadh reddened as he glanced at Aragorn, who was now seated with a blanket across his knees that he hastily pulled off. "I am sorry, sir." SKAGKF "Upstart," Aragorn growled, cuffing Galadh on the back of the head. He limped to the fireplace and tossed in yet another log. He hid his smile as Galadh found a sudden pressing need to sweep up fallen snow from the floor near the door. SAKDHFJKH XDD Aragorn hiding his smile makes me the happiest Halbarad stood up and put his coat back on. "I think, since it looks as though we’ll be holed up for at least a day, that I’ll bring some things from the stable in that we can work on repairing. Keep us from lunging at each others’ throats from all this enforced togetherness." lol you'd think they weren't used to being together He left in a swirling gust of snowy wind and Galadh continued to avoid Aragorn by furiously sweeping up the additional snow. LOLLLL Aragorn chuckled softly and sat back in his chair. He did not, however, drape the blanket across his knees. He stared into the fire, feeling the heat on his face and hands. He was grateful for the sensation, but how he wished the warmth could touch the cold that still lurked in the center of his being. He frowned and switched his gaze to his hands. <:( yessss lurk lurk lurk "Aragorn," Galadh said tentatively. "I apologize. Truly, I never meant for that crack to be aimed at you." aww he's so sweet "Your jest did not trouble me." Aragorn forced a rueful smile. "But I do feel a bit old, of late." Galadh pulled the chair around and straddled it backwards, folding his arms across the back of it and resting his chin on his forearm. He regarded Aragorn, his dark eyes grave. "I do not think age has anything to do with how you feel. A man of younger years than even Mallor would be feeling sore and a bit old, had he gone through such a thing." <3333 thank you, Galadh Galadh nodded, his burst of loquaciousness apparently over. OH YEAH GALADH IS LIKE. TALKING. Have we even seen him talking before this chapter I haven't kept track of late also thank you for teaching me new words here and there :) By the time he started on the bread, the door swung open. He expected it to be Galadh with Eledh and Denlad, but when he heard a soft clinking noise, he glanced up and saw it was Halbarad. He looked at what Halbarad held in his hands and froze. Chains. His chest suddenly felt tight as the room seemed to darken. No. This is not my nightmare. He merely has brought in some broken chains to fix. This is not my nightmare. SKADHSFKG YES YES ANGST thank you for making him face his nightmare for a second I thought he was just seeing things "Aragorn?" Halbarad asked. "Are you well?" Aragorn blinked and tried to still his pounding heart. "I," he started, but his mouth had gone bone dry. He coughed, tried to banish this illogical fear that shook his limbs and stole his breath. "I’m fine. You just startled me." skshadjfhag stole his breath Halbarad came closer, the chains still in his hands. Aragorn could not stop himself from taking a step backwards. His hand closed tighter around the knife. He could not take his eyes off the chains. ooooh tightening on knife "Aragorn? Are you sure? You look ill..." Halbarad’s voice seemed to come from a long way off, muffled by the sound of Aragorn’s own pulse raging in his ears. "Halbarad, I..." He took another deep breath and sternly told himself to get hold of himself. But those chains... he could almost feel their cold embrace pinning him. Trapping him like an animal. Like a sacrifice. like an animal. Like a SACRIFICE skadhfjhsgkhsjghsjk <:(( ANGST Halbarad grasped his arm with his free hand and something inside Aragorn snapped. "No!" He jerked his arm free from Halbarad’s grip and some small voice of sanity screamed at him to not use the knife do not use the knife so he dropped it but at the same time shoved Halbarad away from him, hard. Halbarad let out a startled cry and dropped the chains as he scrambled to keep his balance. He staggered into a chair, knocking it over, then went down on top of it with a loud grunt when his feet tangled in the rungs. SKJADUHA the one voice of reason telling him DROP THE KNIFE so all he can do is push Halbarad away <333 and Halbarad's surprise because he has no ideaa what this is At the sound of the chains hitting the floor, reason suddenly returned to Aragorn’s mind. He stood blinking, unsure what had just happened. "Halbarad, I... I’m sorry." Halbarad disentangled himself from the chair and accepted Aragorn’s hand as he hauled him upright. "I’m sure I have no idea what that was all about," he said, eyeing Aragorn warily. "But I expect you’ll tell me. What did you think I was going to do?" skaudhg <3 yess make sure he tells you Aragorn shakily sank onto the chair Halbarad just righted. His foot inadvertently kicked the chains piled on the floor and he couldn’t help flinching. THE FLINCH <3 "It’s these chains, isn’t it?" Halbarad said. He started to pick them up, thought better of it, and shoved them away with his foot. He squatted down in front of Aragorn and looked up into his face. "Tell me what terror struck you when you saw me carrying those chains. For it was terror I saw in your eyes, no doubt about it, and terror lingers yet." YES YES thank you again for seeing the terror <33 and doing things again to help him feel safe. Kicking away the chains. Squatting down. Aragorn rubbed his face. Several long minutes passed before he finally spoke. "It is a nightmare. One that I keep having over and over, ever since fighting the Nazgûl. It started during those two days I was under the spell of the shadow, of the Black Breath. Before you found the athelas. I was floating in a black sea, and then when I crawled ashore, I saw you coming. I-I thought you were there to help." He scrubbed at his eyes with the heels of his hands, then stared bleakly at the fire. How he hated putting the horrible memories into words, admitting his weakness, his inability to overcome such a stupid trifle as nightmares. But he owed Halbarad an explanation. He finished with a rush. "But you had chains, and you bound me and carried me into Mordor and handed me over to Sauron." AKSJDUHF you write his telling SO EXTREMELY WELL the halting "how do I explain that you have been betraying me terribly in my worst recurring nightmares?" and going through the end bit super fast to get it over with. Halbarad’s eyes widened. For a moment he seemed unable to speak, but he finally found his voice. "Aragorn, surely you know I would never do such a thing." "Of course I do," he snapped, then moaned. "I am sorry. But something has... there is a dark..." He ground to a halt, digging his hands into his hair as if he could force clarity and calm into his scattered wits by pressing against his scalp. He let out a frustrated, inarticulate growl. "I can’t explain it, but it’s as though something black... some malevolent and fearful thing... still lingers in my mind. I think I have it bested but when I least expect it, it suddenly rises up and consumes me." He turned stricken eyes to Halbarad’s, his voice dropping to a strident whisper. "I do not know how to fight it." SKAJDHFSGKJ <:((((( his frustrated growling, snapping and apologizing, voice his deepest concerns Halbarad chewed his lip. "Aragorn, now more than ever you must realize that we have to get you to Rivendell, to your father. He will know how to help you." Aragorn immediately shook his head. "He will not want–" "No, Aragorn. He will welcome you back, as he always does." "But he was so angry–" Halbarad stilled him with an upraised hand. "Aragorn, you are his son. In every way but by blood. He has never turned you away, nor will he now. Not when you need help, no matter how angry he may be with you on other matters. I know that you must realize that." Halbarad paused and then placed a hand on Aragorn’s shoulder. "I fear that the Nazgûl’s evil has somehow blinded you to the fact that he loves you." SASKGHKH thank you, thank you for discussing this openly and sharing this fear. Of course Halbarad would know. I am glad he's not keeping it to himself. Whether or not it influences his decision to return now or later. It is comforting. Aragorn squeezed his eyes shut when they suddenly burned with unexpected tears. "I am not blinded. I know that he loves me," he whispered. He took a shaky breath and swiped a hand across his eyes. "But our path cannot turn to Rivendell yet. I cannot leave our people undefended." skadhf something hit there <3 Galadh, Eledh and Denlad chose that moment to pile through the doorway. As they shook off coats and laughed at the snow dusting their beards and eyebrows and lashes, they only gradually noticed the tension that seemed to vibrate the very air between Aragorn and Halbarad. Denlad nudged other two. "Quiet, fools, " he hissed. The three of them fell silent. LOL I love when Denlad's like ah yes I am the adult Halbarad raised an eyebrow. "Of that I have no doubt. But for now, I suggest you sit down before you fall down. I’ll get the food." A ghost of a smile flitted across Aragorn’s face, then he bowed his head in acceptance of the temporary truce and retreated to the table. awww XD I love when Aragorn accepts things like that. He's like okay fair you can tease me about falling over. It's true. Eledh, having watched the quiet exchange, sat down across from Aragorn and gave him a wry look. "So," he said, "how loudly did the ugly mother hen squawk?" LOLLLLLLL SKAHF XD Aragorn suddenly laughed. He looked at Halbarad, who looked back at him with no little amount of confusion on his face. "Loudly, Eledh. I am surprised you did not hear it over the noise of the wind." SAKHHGSJKH Halbarad's confusion XD Aragorn's ready response Denlad scooped up the chains. "Where did these come from?" Aragorn tensed, but Halbarad immediately moved between the table and Denlad so Aragorn’s view was blocked. "Toss them back out on the porch. I was going to fix them, but," he added with a quick but pointed glance over his shoulder at Aragorn, "they’re not worth saving." askdhsf <333 thank you As Denlad walked out of the house, Aragorn met Halbarad’s gaze and nodded his thanks. But from the grim look he received in return, Aragorn knew the fight was far from over. <333 I would not expect anything less

Dreamdeer	Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 8/5/2009
And now the tension builds, as the reader realizes that the respite draws to an end. Knowing that the hero still hasn't completely healed, body, mind, or soul, cranks it up a notch. The interactions still ring hauntingly true, committing the reader hopelessly to the reading on... Author Reply: Ah, I like hearing that a reader can't help but keep reading. grin I'm so very glad you're taking time to give me your thoughts on each chapter--that really does let me enjoy the reader's journey through this story. And yes, Aragorn is far from healed in any way, much as he would argue otherwise. Thank you for yet another lovely review!

Silivren Tinu	Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 3/7/2009
Time to try and catch up to the lovely new chapters of yours I've found waiting for me in my inbox. ;-) Hm, I'm not sure now whether to be relieved or even more worried. I'm glad Aragorn finally told Halbarad what's going on with him (or at least the part of it he understands himself), but his reaction to seeing Halbarad with the chains was worrisome, to say the least. I so loved Halbarad blocking Aragorn's view of the chains at the end of the chapter - all the little ways he's constantly looking out for his chieftain are so endearing. :) I also loved Halbarad assuring Aragorn that Elrond still loved him, in spite of his anger over his betrothal to Arwen. I really wish Aragorn would agree to go to Rivendell, but somehow I'm not very confident that will happen. ;-) //Oh, he knows his place–hovering over you like a very stubborn and ugly mother hen.// - LOL, that was priceless and so very true. g //Eledh eyed Aragorn, seeming to read his thoughts. "If you need me to, I’ll do the beating. I doubt you’re strong enough to take on Halbarad just yet."// - That made me chuckle. It's so nice how helpful they all are, lol! Loved it! :) Almut Author Reply: Thank you, Almut! I'm glad you're finally feeling well enough to get caught up. I'm also very glad you liked all this... I think my favorite part was the way Halbarad blocked Aragorn's view of the chains as well. One of those moments that sort of wrote itself, actually. And yes, Eledh is trying to support Aragorn, isn't he? LOL I was glad to give him and Galadh a bit of time in the spotlight. They're really very minor characters in this story, but I want them to feel real when they do get a chance to be front and center. Glad Eledh made you laugh. Thanks again for the review!

Linda Hoyland	Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 3/5/2009
A very dramatic twist here.Aragorn is being so stubborn.I think only with expert help will he get over a Nazgul attack. I can just imagine the tension of being all cooped up together in a snowstorm. Author Reply: Thank you, Linda! Yes, things aren't getting easier, are they? And Aragorn, well, stubbornness can be a strength and a weakness and time will tell which way it will play out for him. Thanks for the review!

BM	Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 3/2/2009
I cannot find appropriate words to express just how much I am enjoying this. Your OCs are endearing, your characterizations so very realistic, and your scenarios so rich that I'm pulled completely into the story. I so wish I could see this as a movie! You are doing an awesome, wonderful job with this! You have wonderful talent and I hope to find many, many more stories soon. In the meantime, I'll wait not-so-patiently for the next suspenseful chapter, hoping that either Halbarad will convince Aragorn to go to Rivendell (I know, that's highly unlikely) or unexpected help will arrive. And I hope against hope that Denald, Eledh, and Galadh survive for many long years and are able to live out their old age in peace (and that Denlad finds happiness with a certain lady......) Thank you so very much for sharing this and I'm looking forward to more! Author Reply: Thank you, BM! My goodness, now I'm the one that can't find sufficient words. What a very kind review. I had never thought about this little story of mine being a movie, but it would be kind of fun, wouldn't it? Hmm, who to cast as Denlad and Halbarad! You've given me some fodder for daydreaming. :) I'm very glad you're enjoying this, and I do think you're right in that it's highly unlikely that Aragorn will agree to go to Rivendell. Poor Halbarad. And yes, I do have more stories in the works, and ideas to pursue... so hopefully they'll eventually all get written. crossing fingers Thank you again for such a lovely review!

Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 3/2/2009
Now--which is more stubborn, Aragorn or Halbarad? They are both right! But they need their chieftain, and they need help. Aragorn needs to accept that! Author Reply: Boy, is there ever a debate there! "Resolved: Who is the most stubborn, Aragorn or Halbarad"! I don't know that it could ever be resolved, to be honest, which is why they butt heads so much. Thanks for continuing to read and review... it's very encouraging. :)

Estelcontar	Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 3/1/2009
I see things are getting darker again. Poor Aragorn! But he is stuborn ins't he? He knows he's not well; he knows the best course for him would be going to Rivendell, but he still won't. He's lucky he's got someone wise and sensible like Halbarad to knock some sense into his thick skull. LOL I couldn't agree with Halbarad more when he mentions that it's the Nazgûl evil that's blinding Aragorn to the fact that Elrond loves him. I also enjoyed the dry humour you infused in the parts with Eledh, Denlad and Galadh. We do need these lighter moment in a dark fiction like this one, and besides they do help to individualize your characters. I'm keeping my fingers crossed Aragorn pays due attention to Halbarad's most wise words, but somehow I'm not very hopeful he will. Author Reply: Thank you, Estelcontar! Yes, it is getting darker again, both with the weather moving in and Aragorn's bit of trouble with the chains...things are definitely amiss still. And yes, Halbarad's wise but I doubt his wisdom is enough to overcome Aragorn's stubbornness. It's interesting how stubbornness can be both a help and a hindrance in a leader. Thanks for the review!

inzilbeth	Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 3/1/2009
Your conversations are so real! I absolutely love the interplay between all the characters in this, but especially, of course, the stand off between Halbarad and Aragorn. Another great chapter. Author Reply: Thank you, inzilbeth! I'm glad you like the conversations between the Rangers... it's so fun playing around with them, imagining what they'd say to each other and how to make it fit their personalities and temperaments and even their standing within the company--Denlad a bit higher than Eledh and Galadh but Halbarad his superior. But all of them nearly on equal terms as far as skills and quality. They're an interesting group of men, Aragorn's chosen. Glad you're enjoying them all! Thanks for the review.

Raksha The Demon	Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 3/1/2009
More enjoyable interplay between the Rangers. Aragorn badly needs mother-henning at this point; and the sooner he gets some quality time on Dr. Elrond's couch for some Elven healing (physiological and psychological), the better. Author Reply: Thank you, Raksha! I'm glad you liked this chapter... we're definitely getting a look at the relationships between all the Rangers at this point. And yes, Aragorn needs to see Elrond... but it can be hard when you're torn between duty to yourself and duty to your people. Aragorn usually puts himself last in such things! Thanks again for the review!

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