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At Hope's Edge by Cairistiona	14 Review(s)
Lexilooper	Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 12/19/2025
By the following morning, the worst of the storm had eased, although the argument had continued and finally Halbarad left Aragorn no choice but to thunder at him to cease his protests lest he lock him in the stable under charge of insubordination. Halbarad had turned white, but he pressed his lips together and said no more, except to bow slightly with a very stiff, "Yes, my lord," as he left the cabin. The silence with which he carefully shut the door behind him bespoke his anger more loudly than any ear-splitting slam could possibly have. Sjajdjfj I love Aragorn threatening insubordination because his men love him But also It is because Halbarad loves him And he is really trying to keep him from bringing about his own death Aksjdj Halbarad’s white face, okay usually I don’t like conflict but this time? I do?? Maybe because it’s over Aragorn’s health. White face in anger, not fear, I think. Well, not fear of Aragorn. Fear of his health, certainly. Akskdkk the extreme stiffness and visible lidded fury “my lord”,,,, and OH MY GOSH the extremely careful door close, Halbarad would do that instead of slamming it. It’s like. That type of parent who gets quieter the more mad they get. Anyways I love this which is surprising because it’s a fight between friends I think you have built up the love and trust so well, and the fight is because of that love, that I can enjoy it :) Aragorn saw the angry set of the man’s shoulders and didn’t try to stifle his irritation. "Say in words what the stiffness of your neck speaks in silence." Yesssss What a great way to say that :) Denlad turned, spinning on the balls of his feet as he remained kneeling by the fireplace. "You were too hard on Halbarad," he said without preamble. He rose to his full height to stand nearly eye-to-eye with Aragorn. "You know that every word of his mouth and action of his hands is done with the sole motive of keeping the one he loves as a brother safe from all harm." Askdjfjjfjdjdjf thank you Denlad “The one he loves as a brother” <333 Denlad’s eyes flashed. "Would you not have his protection, then? Our protection? Would you rather we had left you to the tender mercies of the Nazgûl and let Middle-earth suffer whatever fate it may without the Hope of Men?" Skajdjdjd "Do not do me the disservice of putting words in my mouth," Aragorn said very softly, aware that the rein on his temper was fraying and fraying quickly. YESSSSS “Very softly” Again I love when that shows the extreme restraint a person is exercising over their very extreme emotions. Angst and also self-awareness "I am grateful beyond words for what he did. For what you did. But that does not change the fact that I am healing and well able to resume my duty. And it is neither his place... nor yours... to question that." "No, it is not," Denlad agreed, his anger melting into concern as he placed both hands on Aragorn’s shoulders. "Nonetheless, I will never relinquish the stirring of my own heart, and it tells me this: you are far from healed, Aragorn. Hold whatever anger against us that you may, chafe however much you will against our care for you, but know that we–Halbarad and I, and Galadh and Eledh as well–will not let you destroy yourself." He held Aragorn’s gaze for a long moment, then nodded as though satisfied with what he saw, and left. Aksjdjfkdk DENLAD <3333 Putting his hands on his shoulders Listening to his heart YESS “chafe however much you will against our care for you” okay this is my favorite thing especially when it’s acknowledged out loud instead of becoming a silent conflict that tears them apart, it gets to just internally tear the person (Aragorn) and they all see and struggle together to help him and for him to balance allowing help with his need for independence and to keep doing his duty Satisfied <3 Aragorn took a deep breath. Denlad had never spoken in that way to him before. It was as if the younger Ranger had suddenly grown in stature and confidence, he now the teacher and Aragorn the student. Aksjdjdkdjd <333 he grow It left him feeling shaken. <333 And confound it, Denlad was right. Not that Aragorn felt he could concede to Denlad’s wishes any more than he could to Halbarad’s. He simply could not abandon his duty to his people. He would deal with the wraith, and then go to Rivendell and hope for the best. That is after all what I do best, isn’t it, he thought sourly. Hope. Skajdjfjdj <:( He wished he could kick something. Okay fair Denlad veered to the left, toward the small house where Aragorn, by craning his neck, could see Neala waiting on the porch. Denlad greeted Neala with a smile and an ease that astounded Aragorn. <3333 awwww But any thoughts of Denlad’s potential change of fortune faded as Halbarad continued toward the main house. Aragorn moved back to the fireplace, suddenly swamped by regret at his anger, and studied the flames as he heard Halbarad just outside the door, stamping the snow from his boots. The door opened. Aragorn glanced over, trying to judge from Halbarad’s expression whether his fury still simmered or if perhaps his storm, like the blizzard, had blown over. But Halbarad’s emotions were too carefully veiled. Aragorn turned his gaze back to the fireplace. He chewed his lip, unsure how to undo the mess his loss of temper had unleashed. Hmmmm Good job wanting to though, Aragorn. Looking back on cooled temper and wanting to make amends is a very good skill that requires humility "Denlad seems to be a bit taken by Neala," he finally said, just to break the heavy silence. "And she is by him, no doubt about that. And Randir has been following him everywhere like a lost puppy." "I am happy for him. A man should have a wife, a family." <333 aw yessss Okay now face him, Aragorn He stepped on a cinder that flew popping and hissing onto the hearth, then took a deep breath. "I would not have locked you in the stables." <333 Halbarad grunted and Aragorn heard a chair creak. He turned. Halbarad was seated at the table, polishing an apple on his tunic and regarding Aragorn with that same hooded expression. "You would not have been able to." Anger flared anew, but Aragorn fought it down. Halbarad was right. As feeble as Aragorn’s strength was, there was no way on Arda he could have wrestled Halbarad into submission, and he knew from the set of Halbarad’s jaw that it would have taken a fight to lock him away anywhere. So he nodded and remained silent. Skajdjdj I love them His frustration with his continual weakness, and Halbarad continually taking opportunities to remind him anyways, makes me happy “Yes. My hair. What color is it?" "Black, of course." "No, look closely." "Very well. Black with a little bit of grey." "A lot of grey," Halbarad corrected. "Put there mostly by you and your stubborn ways." It was an old accusation, and overused. "It is not I who put the grey in your head, but time, and you know it." Lollll <33 Aragorn’s like you need to stop using that one "What I know is that every time you get yourself hurt, it becomes a battle on the scale of the Dagorlad to get you to take care of yourself afterward." "And your exaggerations are on the same scale." Lolllll yeah I think they’re both right there "‘Much’, he says," Halbarad snorted. "So tell me how being Númenórean makes you invincible." "You know it doesn’t." He regretted the testiness in his voice, but he was growing weary of this line of conversation. <33 Aragorn testy because of exhausted and hurt and “I can’t argue that” "Are we not your chosen men?" Halbarad suddenly asked. "What?" Mmm hes got a point Aragorn sensed defeat just around the corner. "Yes," he sighed. Skajdj yes "Then why do you fight us when all we are trying to do is our sworn duty? Why do you fight me?" Mmmm YES the fighting against others who are just fighting for his wellbeing Frustration made Aragorn sound almost petulant. "And why do you not realize that I am well?" "Because all the evidence screams otherwise!" YES "You cannot win this argument, Halbarad." "I know, I know. I will not win because you are the Chieftain and I am not." He studied Aragorn so long that Aragorn felt like squirming. "You and I have been friends for a long time." Askdjfjdk Aragorn finally gets a squirming look of his own Also great point about the only reason Halbarad will not win "And we still are, I trust." Halbarad stood and took a great bite out of his apple. "I suppose," he mumbled. "And I suppose I must continue to be your friend, for surely no one else is softheaded enough to put up with you. We will leave, as you order, but if I see even a hint that you are faltering, I will not hesitate to tie you across Bronadui’s saddle and haul you to Rivendell." Yesss (I somehow doubt he will actually do this but yk) Aragorn sketched as close to a bow as he could while seated. "As you wish." Okay that was so well written I can’t. Love love love. "And you can get that little self-satisfied smirk off your–" Halbarad started but was interrupted when the door suddenly opened. LOL so Aragorn’s smirking now Galadh stuck his head in long enough to announce, "Riders approach–the Sons of Elrond and, though I can’t say for certain, it looks like Lord Glorfindel." OOOOOOH also, I forgot the point about them riding to Rivendell to let them know about the Nazgûl and get help. Perhaps Elrond guessed from the report of Bilfen and Kenevir whom I love? Aragorn shot Halbarad a quick look. It was not unusual for his brothers to ride out from Rivendell and join the Rangers–in fact, he had been expecting them, given the rumors flying throughout Eriador–but it was a bit unusual for Elladan and Elrohir to have the exalted company of Lord Glorfindel with them. "I hope this is not ill tidings," Aragorn said. Hmmm Yes “the exalted company” I love because it’s honestly very accurate Also—it wouldnt be that surprising if it is him. Because we know in FotR Elrond sends Glorfindel for help with the Nazgûl. Although that is all 9 of them Also—was it the Witch-king who fought Aragorn, or just a random Nazgûl? Perhaps we shall find out "Maybe it’s Prince Legolas–from a distance, with that golden hair of his, he might be mistaken for Glorfindel," Halbarad said. LEGOLAS MENTION I love that cause whether or not it’s him it’s like, obviously he’s involved and they all know him :)) Also I love the calling him prince Okay I’m so excited for Aragorn to see his brothers <3 He would have no reason to be here in Arnor. But I suppose the only way we’ll know is to go look." Aragorn rose and, even with taking the time to snatch up his sword and belt, beat Halbarad to the door by a half step, which left him with an absurd feeling of triumph. LOL I love him. He needed a tiny win to feel a little less feeble He stopped on the porch beside Eledh and Galadh and strapped on his sword, then raised his hand to shield his eyes from glaring sunlight that was just starting to break through the clouds. "No, it is Glorfindel, on Asfaloth. I can hear the bells." <333 there we go "How does he get away with putting bells on his horse?" Halbarad mused. "I would think that would attract every orc within a hundred leagues." Lollll only Halbarad would ask this Aragorn smiled. "If you were as mighty a warrior as Glorfindel, who killed a Balrog, who died and was reborn, and who drove out the Witch-king from Arnor, you could put bells on your horse and sound trumpets everywhere you went and still the orcs would run far, far from you." "Excellent point." LOL yes <333 I forgot he drove out the Witch-king as well Aragorn nodded, his worry edging up another notch. Even from a distance he could see their horses were lathered from long and hard riding. Oh yeah I forgot he has far-seeing Dunadan eyes Aragorn hurried forward, trying to hide his limp, and took the reins from his oldest brother. Elladan slid from his horse, shoving back his snowy hood as he gave Aragorn a brief embrace. "Mae govannen, my brother," Aww okay I forgot what that means but I’ll look it up once I get off this plane Aragorn said, then repeated the greeting and embrace with Elrohir. He ignored the sudden sharp look of concern that Elrohir gave him and turned to Glorfindel. lol you wish you could hide your limp and everything else :) thank you for looking concerned, Elrohir <333 "I fear what small good news we have will not serve to alleviate the sorrow we bring, Estel," said Elladan as he stepped forward. "What has happened? Has Arwen–" LOL I love how he first worries about Arwen <3 "Arwen is well, as is our father," Elrohir hurriedly supplied. "In fact, Lord Elrond is expecting Mithrandir’s arrival any time now, for the old wizard apparently has some sort of news that he hopes will be to the benefit of us all, but like a wizard, his message was half riddle and impossible from which to glean anything in the way of actual facts. Adar wants you home, Estel. As soon as possible." <:(( <333 THANK YOU ADAR ELROND WANTS HIS SON HOME <3 Also MITHRANDIR :) Like a wizard lollll yes that is so Gandalf In one thing you have not changed, my friend. You still speak in riddles. Aragorn glanced at Halbarad. It was impossible to ignore the triumphant gleam in the man’s eyes. You are getting your wish, my stubborn friend. It seems we must go to Rivendell whether I like it or not. He said to Elrohir, "It may be some days before we can set out, but we will come. What other news from Rivendell?" Lolllll <3333 My stubborn friend Halbarad’s like HA He found our strength greater than he anticipated," Halbarad growled. HA :) Elrohir sharpened his study of Aragorn. "You have already fought with him?" HAHA :)) okay this is a cool moment Halbarad’s like MY GUY IS COOL (plus like, he himself who chased it away) And Elrohir’s like YOU FOUGHT HIM Aragorn merely nodded. He felt the ever-rising concern in Elrohir’s thoughts, but he closed his mind to his not-so-subtle probing, earning himself a glare. Lolllll <33 Yes I want Elrohir to learn but he will later and I also love the Aragorn being able to close his mind, and the glare Also I love the elf-power mind-reading?? <3 That Aragorn is apparently in on at least in relation to his brothers But the last thing he needed was for Elladan and Elrohir to unleash a suffocating flood of brotherly concern over him. They would both no doubt torment the truth from him later, but now he needed to know all the news the three had to share. “Torment the truth from him later” lol <333 Yay Hoarwell, that we encountered the Nazgûl and truly saw our foe for the first time. We killed some twenty of his orcs, then drove off what remained, including the wraith, “Drive off the wraith” AN UNDERSTATEMENT OF WHAT HAPPENED INDEED HUGE STORY HOLES “It is no easy thing to drive off a Nazgûl, Estel," Elladan remarked. "Few come away unscathed." YESS Elladan knows about the story holes "Suffice for now to assure you we did just that and lived to tell the tale. Now what further news have you, for I fear you know more than you have told." Suffice for now Hes like Okay I can’t deny that but I need news first Glorfindel’s eyes held all the bleakness of Caradhras. "Windydale was attacked, three days back. We would have ridden here sooner but for the storm." Aragorn closed his eyes. Three days ago. While he lay under the Black Breath, his people were dying, with no one to succor them. NOOOOOO <:(((( Okay this is rather heartbreaking Ha. “Rather”, I say. It is very. Glorfindel’s eyes bleak LIKE CARADHRAS “With no one to succor them” akssjjdjdj "Aragorn?" Elrohir asked sharply. Skajdjdj hes worried about Aragorn’s mental pain <3 "What happened at Windydale?" Aragorn asked softly. “Softly” <:(( "They partially burned the town, although the people there gave strong defense and turned them away before they could utterly destroy it," Elrohir said. "So there were survivors?" Halbarad asked. "Roughly half the town. Mostly women and children. They survived by fleeing into the hills. Many of the men perished in the fight, though not all. And there are many wounded–men, women and children." Aragorn’s hand ached and he realized he was gripping the hilt of his sword as though he expected the wraith to spring from the earth beneath his feet. He forced himself to relax his fingers. "The Nazgûl was there as well?" Mmmm yes trauma or wanting to avenge the people Or both "Aye," Elladan said. "Aside from those with grievous but nonetheless ordinary wounds, Elrohir and I spent many hours treating those who had fallen under the Black Breath. We helped all we could before we had to leave, to find you." Again, he gave Aragorn a piercing look, which Aragorn ignored. Yessss he knows lol of course he ignored it “Lord Elrond is sending out warriors?" Aragorn asked. Elladan nodded. "He is considering it. He awaits word from outlying patrols, and from us. From you." Yesss you know someone is great indeed when Lord Elrond awaits their counsel "Elrohir speaks hopefully of its being gone, but I fear the wraith still lingers around Windydale," Glorfindel added. "I will try to speak with Gwaihir the Windlord, to see if he has any news. Assurance from him that there is no larger force of orcs anywhere near would be most welcome." Yesss and you know someone is cool indeed when they are on speaking terms with Gwaihir the Windlord Mostly from the Misty Mountains," Glorfindel said. "They heed the Nazgûl’s call. But without his leadership, they likely will retreat back into their caves as the weather deepens toward winter. That is my hope, at any rate. But what I would know, however," he said, as he raked Aragorn from head to toe with a gaze that made Aragorn feel that every secret he tried to keep had been laid bare, "is what exactly he may have discovered in his encounter with you." HA YES I love mind-and-soul-piercing gazes “Raked Aragorn head to toe with a gaze” love love love “He did not discover who I am." Glorfindel nodded, satisfied, but Elrohir frowned and stepped over to grip Aragorn’s arm. "From the first moment, I sensed a shadow upon you, an echo only but evidence still of evil’s touch, but hoped I was wrong. What happened?" YESSS not his left arm, I hope 😅 When Aragorn hesitated, Halbarad stepped forward. "Aragorn was nearly killed by the Nazgûl. That is why we lingered here instead of heading to Windydale," he growled. "But he would never tell you that. No, he would rather stand swaying on his feet, imagining he were fooling you into thinking all was well." SKAJDJFJ THANK YOU HALBARAD I AM INDEBTED straight to the point “Aragorn was nearly killed by the Nazgûl” <3 “Swaying on his feet” yesss "Halbarad, hold your tongue," Aragorn hissed. Elladan snickered, but Elrohir merely intensified his already painful grip on Aragorn’s upper arm. "Is this true?" Hehe Aragorn’s like YOU DARE and Elladan’s like lol he does and Elrohir’s like CONCERN CONCERN CONCERN He glared at Elrohir. "If you would release your death grip on my arm, I might be able to unclench my jaw long enough to explain." Elrohir let go. "Speak, then." Lollllll Hes like okay now you have no excuse "I fought with him, yes, although Halbarad was the one that ultimately drove him off. I am a bit worse for wear, perhaps, but nothing from which I will not recover." HA "‘A bit worse for wear’, you say! You came within an eyelash of dying," Halbarad said bluntly, Yessss trust him to be blunt <333 then turned toward Elrohir. "While the rest of us were engaged with the orcs, your brother here fought long against the Nazgûl, until his blade shattered and he could no longer stand on his feet. And even then, he fought with a branch and for all I know his bare hands before he finally fell to a blow to his chest from the flat of the Nazgûl’s blade and the Black Breath finally overcame him. None of us would have lasted so long." Assorted nods from the other Rangers affirmed his words. Aragorn stood silent, fighting back the urge to clap a hand over Halbarad’s mouth. Halbarad continued, "We managed to use fire to scare the wraith off–" YES YES YES lolllll Silent and trying not to just stick a hand over Halbarad’s mouth Anyways whump is always so much better when the ones who love them most know or are told all the details, thank you <3 “No," Aragorn finally interrupted, unable to hold his tongue any longer. "You used the fire, Halbarad. You were the one that drove off the Nazgûl. So if you feel you must put me on a pedestal like some sort of ridiculous hero, dispense with the false modesty and put yourself up there right alongside me." Yess good point youre both very cool Also I love that Halbarad downplaying his part is the one thing that Aragorn has to protest <3 "Hush, Strider, I’m the one telling this tale," Halbarad muttered into his ear. The men did not hear his words, but the sharp-eared Elves did, and despite the grim nature of the tale, Glorfindel and Elladan eyed Aragorn with undisguised amusement. Aragorn started to protest, but then decided silence was the only safe option. He clamped his lips together and stared down at his boots. Better to stare at the snowy mud than endure their mocking gazes. LOLLLL oh he hates this <333 SKAJDJ Glorfindel and Elladan both amused brothers, I love Glorfindel himself being like hehe Although also, fair, I feel like people of greater power either have a greater like noble grim serious vibe or “I’m not that worried I’ve killed a Balrog anyways we can laugh” so Like, Tom Bombadil sort of valid flippancy And some of Tolkien’s best characters have a great measure of both <3 Halbarad continued. "As I was saying, we were able to scoop up Aragorn and ride to safety. Aragorn was halfway to Mandos’ Hall, but the Valar had mercy and we managed to bring him back with athelas." He put a hand on Aragorn’s shoulder, continuing more softly, all hints of teasing gone. "But he has suffered greatly and has yet to fully recover. It is my contention that he needs the care of Lord Elrond. It is his contention, however, to stubbornly ignore my advice and charge off to Windydale to save the town. Now that we know the town is beyond our help, maybe he will actually acquiesce to common sense." <3333 thank you Halbarad The serious gentle concern "Halbarad exaggerates. Greatly. I am well on the way to recovering. And from the sound of it, Windydale needs our help more than ever, in caring for the wounded and rebuilding what we can." Hmmm good point except the “exaggerates. Greatly.” "What of your arm?" Elladan said, pointing at the bandage visible through the tear in Aragorn’s sleeve that he had yet to repair. "Merely splinter wounds, from Bracken’s Ferry. They are healing." "Why do you limp?" Elrohir demanded. "I turned my ankle, nothing more." To demonstrate, he lifted his right leg and put all his weight on his left ankle. It twinged mightily but he gritted his teeth and hoped the pain did not show. Yesss demanding explanations for the things he has not successfully hidden Hmm yeah I doubt you hid it all Elrohir did not look overly convinced at his act. "I feel the Black Breath is still upon you, in some fashion." Yesss thank you <3 "All you feel is the aftereffects. I am on the mend, and have no need of additional care from you, or from Elladan, or Lord Elrond, or anyone else." Aragorn took a deep breath to control the anger rising in him. "My health is not a hindrance. What is important now is to ride to Windydale to offer what comfort we can. Lord Elrond can wait another day for my arrival." He glared at his brother, at Glorfindel. At Halbarad. Daring them to protest his next words. "We will ride on the morn." Mmm He is powerful indeed Also “the after effects” and “on the mend”…yeah I am worried the mending will last only so long. There is a deeper shadow that will not dispel, and you know it. He felt little satisfaction at their silent nods. Windydale had been taken. He had been too late. He had failed his people. Again. <:( SKAJDJFJDJDJ he’s so saddddd and guilttttt Aragorn please please think for once instead of the people you have helped and saved. Of what would have happened without you.

LisaG	Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 2/5/2010
Well, I feel better now that Elladan, Elrohir and Glorfindel are with Aragorn and his rangers...Halbarad now has someone to back him up in his vigil watching over his Chieftain! But oh, Aragorn is still wallowing in guilt and fear which is probably heightened by his pain and lingering illness. He really needs to somehow snap out of these perpetual feelings of failure and inadequacy. Oh and neat tie in to future events...Aragorn saying that he'll remember to use fire against the Nazgul...he'll need it at Weathertop! :) Ok...on to more chapters! Author Reply: Thanks, Lisa! I have to say I was a little relieved when those three showed up, too! Somehow it always feels better when Glorfindel's around. He was so handy with Frodo, after all. ;) Enjoy the future chapters! Thanks for the review. :)

Dreamdeer	Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 8/7/2009
First, one quibble. Neither Glorfindel nor anyone else would have mentioned Vilya out in an open space like that. In the books, when Frodo mentioned Galadriel's ring, Aragorn told him that he should never have mentioned it, "even to me." Nor would they have assumed that Sauron calculated Elrond's Ring into his strategies as a known factor--because they kept it so carefully guarded a secret. The verse, after all, misleadingly pointed to three elven Kings--not a loremaster (Tolkien never calls Elrond "Lord" but always "Master") a Lady, and a non-elvish wizard. For that matter, we aren't even certain if Sauron knew Rivendell's exact location until the War of the Ring itself--why else would Elrond make Rivendell so hard to find? Having said that, this chapter did a beautiful job of further tightening the tension of the inevitable coming confrontation, pitting the irresistable force of Aragorn's duties against the immoveable object of his injuries. Even as everyone abandons any pretense of believing him well, they also cannot resist the logic that the crisis in Windydale cannot wait for his recovery. Yet the tension works even more captivatingly on the emotional level, where love and anger, frustration and admiration merge under pressure. Friendship, brotherhood, and the relationships between leaders and subordinates, suffer blows that only forge the links tighter, in a beautiful play of contradictions true to the human (and elven?) spirit. Only the ones you truly love can inspire that special kind of rage that one feels when someone refuses to stay safe for infuriatingly noble reasons (I know--I'm feeling that right now for a certain daring friend in Iran! I want to shake her and tell her to stay home and stop getting beaten up at protests, stop breaking the law to post on the internet, stop defying the government to keep her classes open, etc. but if she comes through this alive I will be so proud of her! And really, I'd like to think I'd do the same in her position.) Again I find the writing beautiful, heart-rending, and true. And all too relevant in the real world. Author Reply: Thank you, Dreamdeer, both for the praise and the quibble. I'll take your thoughts on Glorfindel and do a bit of research but I feel I can't change the story at this point... it's a "complete" story as far as MEFA's are concerned and I wouldn't feel right editing it at this point--I've always sort of taken the "the story must stand or fall as it may" once it's finished. Maybe after MEFAs are over I'll come back to it and see what might need changing. Onto your other points... it is very true that only love can bring about that sort of frustrating, teeth-grinding anger when you see someone you care about rush into doing something noble, heedless of their own danger. That sort of "If you survive this, I'll kill you!!" sort of thing is definitely what all those around Aragorn are feeling right about now. I'm glad you found that rang true. I do hope your friend comes through Iran safely... that's definitely a perilous land to be in these days.

Minerva Organa	Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 3/28/2009
Stubborn Aragorn...shakes head. At some point they're going to have to simply carry out Halbarad's threat of throwing him on the horse and dragging him to Rivendell. I really enjoyed this chapter! Especially the exchange between Aragorn and Denlad. I really love how you portray devotion of Aragorn's men in such different, though no less touching ways. =) Author Reply: Thank you, Minerva! I'm glad you liked this chapter... I do think the men that served closest to Aragorn had the same sense of love that the members of the Fellowship grew to have for Aragorn. Very much what you'd want in a future King of Men. I'm glad you like how I portray that in the different characters. Thanks again for the review!

Linda Hoyland	Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 3/15/2009
Well I'm very glad that the twins have arrived, but wish Aragorn would accept their help and tell them the truth about how he feels. He will snap if he goes not let go soon.His men's devotion is very touching.Another great chapter. Author Reply: Thank you, Linda! I'm glad you enjoyed the interaction between Aragorn and his brothers. Yes, he needs to come clean with everyone... but somehow I doubt he will just yet. Thanks again for the review!

Casso	Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 3/12/2009
And my bells go jingle jangle jingle As I go riding merrily along And they sing oh ain't you glad your single And that song aint so very far from wrong. Dear Cairistonia, Whenever I think of Glorfindel and the bells on his horses bridle I can't help but sing the above chorus of a song I have long forgotten the rest of. I have been tempted to put just one silver bell on my horses bridle in honour of the balrog slayer but have lacked the courage. Judges in the show ring may not be obsessed with Tolkien like I am. Mayhap Aragorn could put bells on his bridle and then he too could lament being unmarried. Great chapter and story, I feel ,like others who have commented, that the black breath is exerting its power over Aragorn still. Beware Nazgul, you now have the mighty Glorfindel and the legendery Sons of Elrond on your case. Thanks again for this story, am of now to read the next chapter. Author Reply: LOL!! Oh my, we may have discovered the true reason behind Glorfindel's bells--like Tex Ritter, he's glad to be single! Thank you for such a fun start to a review. I have to say that this is the first "singing review" I've received. grin I think it would be fun to put one bell on your horse, but yes, best not upset the judges and miss out on the blue ribbon. I'm glad, too, on a more serious note, that you're continuing to enjoy the story. Aragorn is definitely laboring under a slew of problems and yes, not least of which is the black breath. Thanks again for the review!

Silivren Tinu	Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 3/9/2009
Yay! More mother hens have arrived! Aragorn and Nazgul beware. bg It's really good to see the twins and Glorfindel! I enjoyed Halbarad's comment about the bells on Glorfindel's horse and Aragorn's answer. ;-) Poor Halbarad, btw - trying to protect Aragorn is really not an easy job, to say the least. :P At least he seems to have found some reinforcements in Denlad. Now that the twins and Glorfindel have arrived and 'summoned' him to Rivendell I really hoped Aragorn would finally choose to be reasonable, give in, and allow himself to be dragged to Rivendell, or at least allow them to treat him. shakes head While I do understand his need to help the people in Windydale, I'm not convinced he's in a state to help anyone right now. Well, in any case having Glorfindel and the twins around is quite comforting, especially if a certain Nazgul still happens to be on the western side of the Mountains. This was another great chapter, and I enjoyed it very much! :) Almut Author Reply: Thank you, Almut! Yes, there's a regular flock of mother hens surrounding our Aragorn, but I bet, somehow, they'll end up frustrated mother hens. They'll have to form their own support group. ;) And yes, you have to wonder just how much help Aragorn can lend... but Aragorn being the leader he is, he'll have to go there. We'll see how he fares. And yes, he and the Nazgul both better beware now that Glorfindel's arrived. LOL Thanks for the review!

Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 3/7/2009
And he still will not take care for himself, eh? I have a feeling Elrohir and Elladan will be taking exception to that attitude--and soon. Love Halbarad's worry and how it is expressed. Author Reply: Thanks, Larner! Glad you like Halbarad... he has a unique way of putting things, doesn't he? As for the twins... well, I'm sure they want to gang up on him and cart him off to Rivendell despite his protests. Fifty years back, they might have been able to, but now... it'd be a challenge! Thanks for your review!

Elflingimp	Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 3/5/2009
I am getting the idea that Aragorn is not quite himself because of the black breath, I think his brothers and Glorfindel are gonna let him have it and soon for his own good. I love this story! Hugs The Imp Author Reply: Thank you, Elflingimp! I'm glad you're still enjoying the story and yes, it's very evident now that Aragorn's got a lot of issues, not least of which is the Black Breath still exerting its influence. Thanks for the review and for hanging in there with this wild tale!

Estelcontar	Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 3/5/2009
Another fascinating chapter. Aragorn is indeed stubborn, isn't he? One cannot help but admire his courage and hardiness, but I'm sure the effects of the black breath acting on his previous despondent state of mind are clouding his judgement a bit. I'm glad Halbarad, and now Denlad are there to let him have a piece of their minds. LOL I'm sooooooooooooooooo glad Elladan, Elrohir and Glorfindel arrived. Aragorn & Co could do with such reinforcements when they face the Nazgûl again as I'm sure they're going to. Besides, Halbarad could do with some reinforcement too when facing his Chieftain. LOL I just loved to bits Halbarad description of Aragorn's battle with the Nazgûl, and the following final paragraphs. Author Reply: Thank you, Estelcontar! Yes, it's good that the cavalry, in the form of three Elves (or an Elf and two Half-elves) showed up at last. I think they'll need Glorfindel's assistance since Aragorn obviously isn't at his best. And yes, it's a fine line between foolhardy stubbornness and courage and hardiness, and Aragorn's definitely treading that knife edge right now. Of course, Halbarad considers that he's fallen off the edge completely! Glad you're enjoying the story and thanks for the review!

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