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At Hope's Edge by Cairistiona	11 Review(s)
Lexilooper	Reviewed Chapter: 18 on 12/26/2025
Two hours had passed to the steady rhythm of hooves and musical bells. Aragorn tightened his hands on the reins. No, it had been more like three hours. Time had slurred into a meaningless passage of night-shadowed steps down an endless road of misery. Aragorn’s back ached with a ferocity he had never before experienced as Halbarad’s weight leaned against him. And the rope! Halbarad’s every move, no matter how small, made it saw into Aragorn’s chest with breath-stealing agony. Not for the first time he cursed his stupidity in failing to see that the rope had not cut across the bruise on his chest when Glorfindel tied it in place. But there was nothing he could do about it now but grit his teeth and endure. Oh well there’s my answer XD YES THE AGONY “and the rope!” “With a ferocity he had never before experienced” yessss But at least Halbarad still lived. He lived, and that was no small comfort. Yessssss <33 a great comfort indeed Halbarad shifted behind him, awake again, or at least partially. Aragorn shifted his death grip on the reins to place his left hand over Halbarad’s where it gripped his belt. Halbarad had not let go of him since they left, not even when he drifted into unconsciousness. It was as if some primal instinct kept his hand locked in place. Aragorn glanced over his shoulder. Yessss I love <3 hold on to Aragorn Halbarad stilled, and, if the deep breathing Aragorn felt against his back was any indication, almost seemed to be peacefully sleeping, his cheek pressed against Aragorn’s shoulder. Aragorn knew better than to believe it was mere sleep, but the pulse in his wrist was strong and at least Halbarad seemed not to be in any sort of agony. Good <333 And from the way he moved his hands and occasionally shifted his legs, Aragorn knew the arrow must not have slipped any closer to his spine. The bindings were working, and Asfaloth’s gait was as smooth as Glorfindel promised: despite his steady gallop, Aragorn could almost imagine that they were barely moving, so little did Asfaloth jar them. The horse somehow was able to evade rough patches and avoid holes and all the while keep up a mile-eating gait that was neither too fast nor too slow. Asfaloth seemed to possess such miraculous wizardry that Aragorn found himself sending endless thoughts of thanks to Ilúvatar, Glorfindel, Elbereth and every other person, Maia, Vala and Elven horse trainer he could think of who might have had a hand in creating this wonderful creature. YESSSSS THANK YOU ASFALOTH AND ALL WHO HELPED CREATE HIM <33 After this, it would be hard to return the horse to Glorfindel, he thought wryly. lol fairrr With slow careful movements, he reached up and tried to ease the rope to a new position. Halbarad sighed and murmured, and he immediately stopped. What, really, did it matter if he was uncomfortable? If a little discomfort on his part ensured Halbarad’s survival, Aragorn would endure far worse. “A little discomfort” LOL what an understatement But Fair about being willing to endure far worse for Halbarad’s survival Valar, help him live! Pleaseeeee <333 Time crept forward. Aragorn stared dully at the dark hills around them, trying to ignore the myriad aches in his body, in his legs and back and arms. The wind in his face carried the scent of heather and moss and fallen leaves and he wondered how much farther they had to go. He had hunted these lands, once or twice as a youth tagging along with Elladan and Elrohir. And he had dwelt here for a time, after learning his true name; long, joyless days trying to bury the pain of losing what had felt all chance at marrying Arwen. AKSJDJD NO IT WAS NOT <:( That’s so sadddddd Learned his true name, the fact that it resulted in such a great loneliness and struggle is so sad He had roamed lost through these rugged hills and thickets for months, seeking for peace to come and settle the storm in his soul. But peace ever eluded him, and at last he turned westward, to join the people of his blood and take his rightful place among them. In all the years since, he had managed to avoid like plague this cheerless land and the dark memories it held. <:(((( And now you’re here And now here he was again, lost not in a fog of heartache but lost all the same. <3 <:( He tried to see a landmark that might clue him in as to their whereabouts, but the darkness and his fatigue conspired to leave him utterly lost. It was not a feeling to which he was accustomed, but he found he was too exhausted to be alarmed. He shifted slightly, trying to ease a cramp in his lower back, but that set off the pain in his chest, and in the last hour or so he had noticed the throbbing around the wound in his left arm had deepened. He reached up and gently massaged the area around it, to no noticeable relief. Aksjdj feeling so unfamiliarly lost And to tired to freak out And all his painsssss acting up More unmeasured time passed and his arm continued to throb with each heartbeat. He tucked it against his body and supported it as best as he could with his right, thankful that Asfaloth seemed not to really need him to keep an active hand on the reins. He really should have somehow contrived to grab some medicines from his pack before they left, but it had been impossible. He felt shivery, as if bugs were crawling all over his skin. Fever setting in, he supposed. Yesssss I have a very small fever right now, I fully support Aragorn suffering even more He shut his eyes. How he longed for the moment when he could succumb to sleep, to rest without fear of nightmares and the dark shadows that even now pressed against the edges of his mind. Oh to lose himself in sleep’s warm oblivion, to dream sweet dreams of Arwen! How long had it been since he had enjoyed pure rest? Too long... far too long... aksjdjdjdjdjd WITHOUT FEAR OF NIGHTMARES <:((( hes exhausteddddddd and needs warm oblivion He felt himself sag and jerked his head back up, heart pounding at the near calamity. He must not fall asleep! He dared not risk tumbling from the saddle and pulling Halbarad with him. EEP good point To fall at such speed would be the death of them both. And although Glorfindel had tried to assure him that Asfaloth would not let them fall, Aragorn could not take the chance that even so great a horse as Asfaloth might not be quick enough to counter Aragorn’s own clumsiness. He rubbed his face with his hand and shook his head to clear away the fog. He felt Halbarad’s wrist. A pulse, steady but growing more faint. His own heart lurched. Time was chipping away at Halbarad’s strength. Skajdjfjdj nooooooooo "Hang on, Halbarad," Aragorn rasped, the wind catching at his words and whipping them away into the night. "Please, you must hang on." <:(((( RASPED BEGGING He looked at the sky, at the stars. Looked for Eärendil but could not find him. He frowned. Gil-Estel, the star of his ancestor, should be there, guiding him with the light of the Silmaril and giving him hope. But it was not. He looked everywhere but did not see it and suddenly tears of despair and pain blurred even the thin light of the stars he could see. He dropped his head. "Elbereth, help me," he whispered. His thoughts strayed to his beloved. "Arwen, how I need you right now." AKSJDJDJDJDJD <3333 Thinking of Arwen Needing her comfort ALSO immediate tears when he can’t find his ancestor <3 He raised his eyes again, but it was hopeless. This torment would never end. He would go riding for eternity, never reaching Rivendell, forever chased by shadows of evil, lost in the half light before dawn... He blinked. The half light before dawn. He stared at the horizon, trying to see past the silhouettes of the trees... HA YES DAWNNNN The silhouettes of the trees! Of course he could not find Eärendil! He had finished his nightly voyage, hours ago, and now it was it was dawn. okay wait does Earendil not rise in the morning just before dawn? "Halbarad!" he cried. "It is dawn! We must surely be close!" Halbarad was silent but his arm tightened ever so slightly against Aragorn’s waist. He had heard. AWWWW that silent slight slight tightening was everything <3 New life surged in Aragorn, driving away the despair like so much mist before a strong wind. Even the pain suddenly seemed tolerable. He paid close attention to the trail, trying to determine where they actually were in relationship to Rivendell. As they passed a white rock, and then after a ways another, joy rose in his heart. The trail markers! He now knew exactly where they were, and they were close. Very close. The secret valley of Imladris lay just ahead, and the first sentry should spot them any moment– AWWW "Halt! Who approaches the realm of Imladris?" called a grim voice. YAY <3 Asfaloth stopped at a gentle pull on the reins. He shook his head and pranced as though he had not just raced nearly a hundred miles through the night. This horse <333 how I love him Aragorn longed to lay his head alongside the horse’s proud neck, in exhausted thanks, but he could not pull Halbarad into so painful a position, so he settled for patting Asfaloth’s neck. Aww i love all of this I wanna see but also…he could not pull Halbarad into such a painful position <3 "You have done it, my valiant friend!" he whispered, fighting to keep a giddy smile off his face, to keep from laughing aloud like a lunatic. But despite his best efforts to sound calm, joy filled his voice as he called out, "I am Aragorn, son of Arathorn, Chieftain of the Dúnedain, here to see my father!" AWWWWWW the son has returned <3 Also i love how he names his father and also still calls Elrond his father <33 AND JOY FILLING HIS VOICE you would never know how he’s PHYSICALLY feeling right now A movement in the shadows caught his eye and then a tall, dark-haired Elf stepped up to Aragorn. Aragorn recognized the Elf but did not know him well. Dûrion was his name, if he recalled. "Welcome, Lord Aragorn! Such singing shall there be in the Hall of Fire at your return!" Dûrion cried with a merry laugh, all sternness gone. "Forgive me for not recognizing you. I did not know what to make of two dark-haired men astride Lord Glorfindel’s horse, and caution seemed necessary over welcome, given recent events. I trust Lord Glorfindel is well?" AWWW his joyful merry welcome <33 also he clearly does not realize yet why Aragorn’s here <3 Also like. I love how much everyone loves him! You can see it so well here in the way Dûrion and Aragorn don’t know each other well but Dûrion is so merry to see them "Thank you, Dûrion, and yes, Glorfindel is indeed well, or was when I saw him last evening. I am indebted to him beyond what I can repay for the loan of Asfaloth. But I must hurry, for my companion is wounded and in dire need of Lord Elrond’s care." Dûrion stepped closer and let out a small gasp when he saw the arrow. "My pardon, Lord Aragorn. I did not realize! Go, and ride swiftly! I will sound the news so that they will be ready for you." YES thank you <3 Sound the news <33 "Thank you, my friend," he said softly, then touched his heels to Asfaloth’s sides. Even as they moved out, silver trumpets sounded through the trees and beyond the hills. As the liquid notes echoed through the air, Aragorn’s heart lightened and tears formed again, but this time they were tears of relief. AKAKDDKDKDKDK TEARS OF RELIEF FINALLY This man so desperately needed some relief. And like. This is a POWERFUL feeling of relief it made Aragorn CRY Asfaloth took them surely and steadily down the treacherous path that hugged the tall stone-sided cliffs, and then across the bridge over the Bruinen. Aragorn could not stop a quick intake of breath at the sight of the Last Homely House. Awwwww Home. He was home. Whatever awaited upon his meeting with the father, nothing ever took away the warmth that bloomed in his heart whenever he rounded the last bend and the great house of Elrond spread before him, standing watch over the valley even as Aragorn felt it stood watch over his own life. HOW I LOVE THIS <3 his feelings always at rounding that last bend…standing watch over his own life Sanctuary, shelter, peace... such were the offerings of Imladris, and his soul always seemed to settle within him when he arrived. Awwwwwwwwww okay Rivendell is SUCH a beautiful place because of EXACTLY this. These are my very very favorite places (although of course I haven’t been to one quite so wonderful as the Last Homely House), offering security shelter and peace to the souls of all who are in need, and I want to have a home like that someday The sun that brightened the sky beyond the hills would not reach this deep valley for another hour yet, but lights shone warmly in several windows and through the wide open doors. A tall figure paced there, his shadow moving back and forth in agitated crossings. "Lord Elrond," Aragorn murmured, though they were still too far away to call out. His heart thumped oddly at the sight of his father. The house’s welcome he already felt, but what manner welcome would he receive from his father? Ajsjdjfjdkdkdksssssss Also I presume the agitation is because Halbarad is in danger and also he’s been waiting anxiously for Aragorn for some time now…even if he doesn’t know Aragorn’s hurt too. Or maybe he does guess that I don’t know. Anyways I love love agitated pacing dad!Elrond Halbarad stirred. "Rivendell?" he rasped. "We are almost there." "He ... he will be glad to see you," Halbarad whispered. "Is my fear so obvious?" AWWWW even half-conscious Halbarad so well Perceives him, and how I love that about him <3 Aragorn needs to be Perceived by someone Halbarad’s words were barely audible, but even so, there was no mistaking the mocking humor in his voice. "Unless you always ride... with a back stiff as a...a board." XDDD how I love himmmm MOCKING HUMOR XD be nice to my guy lolll Pulling a face that Halbarad could not see, Aragorn tried to relax, without much success. lol <33 They clattered up into the courtyard at last and two Elves ran forward with a litter held between them. "Lord Aragorn! Let us see to Halbarad." Eager hands reached up to catch Halbarad as Aragorn loosened the knots in the ropes that held him. There were no words to describe the sense of relief that washed over him as Halbarad slipped into their strong arms. <3333 oh my gosh the Security. Someone else is here. Someone competent and strong and Safe (and not injured themselves) will take care of Halbarad <33 Then Elrond was standing at his knee. He looked down at his father’s face. "Father," he said, his voice hoarse with fatigue and emotion. "It is good to see you, my son," Elrond said warmly. He reached up and clasped Aragorn’s hand. "I have missed you." AKSJDJFKDKDKDKD the warmth. The warmth. How it warms my soul. <333 CLASPING HIS HAND Halbarad was right, as usual. Elrond missed him. Elrond is glad to see him. Aragorn tried to smile, but he was so exhausted and his feelings in such a muddle he felt almost numb. "It has been too long," he managed, then slid stiffly down from Asfaloth, trying his best to hide the fact that his feet hitting the ground sent a spike of pain through the top of his head. Skakdjdj Numb yesss great whump Painn you will not be able to hide it long There was time for only the briefest embrace, a matter of clasping both hands, before he turned to Halbarad, who had been placed on his side on the litter. Aragorn knelt down and grasped Halbarad’s hand. "How do you fare, my friend?" <:((( that he can’t take time to embrace his father properly BUT I expect he will late and I love him kneeling to speak to Halbarad before he is taken away "I have had ... better nights," he sighed, then closed his eyes. He pulled his hand away and fumbled in his cloak, then pressed something into Aragorn’s hands. Aragorn looked down and saw it was the mithril necklace Halbarad had bought from a traveling peddler when they were in Bree. Valar, how long ago did that seem! "Give it to Miriel for me, if..." nooooo no no Okay I forgot about buying that gift for Miriel. It HAS been long. "Give it to her yourself," Aragorn said, and tried to tuck it back into Halbarad’s pocket, but Halbarad pushed his hand away. "Then hang onto it for me. Don’t want to... to lose it." "That I can do." Aragorn brushed a hand against Halbarad’s hair. "Rest, my friend," he murmured, then nodded to the Elves that had positioned themselves at either end of the litter. They lifted him, and Aragorn rose stiffly and stepped back. <333 yessss he can hang on to it so Halbarad doesnt lose it Also his turn to brush back Halbarad’s hair <3 But Halbarad opened his eyes again and called out. "Wait." The Elves halted and Aragorn hurried over and bent close. "What is it?" Halbarad smiled faintly and moved his head toward Lord Elrond. "I told you so," he whispered, and winked. SKAJDJD XD love him THE WINK Aragorn stared at him for a moment, then let out a disbelieving laugh. He stood and nodded to the Elves and they again moved out. Aragorn’s smile faded as Halbarad winced. "Valar be with you," Aragorn whispered. He watched as they hurried off to the House of Healing, wondering if perhaps they had just exchanged their last words. NOOO no <:((( No. Halbarad is strong. He will live. He has to. Yes yes yes As the door slammed behind them, Aragorn flinched at the finality of the sound. Like the closing of a tomb.... Skajdjd nope nope I am so grateful to know how this story ends He cut short the morbid thought, looking instead at the chain in his hand. He remembered how long it had taken Halbarad to finally decide to buy it, for the price had been steep, even for such a slender strand, and Halbarad had been sure the peddler was a thief for demanding such a high price. They had left the peddler’s cart and then gone back, and when Halbarad tried again to leave without making the purchase, Aragorn could stand it no more and told him crossly to buy the thing and be done with it; he was getting hungry. And with a relieved grin, Halbarad had pulled out the money and paid for it, and they went to the Prancing Pony to sup. Akskdfk sometimes you just need someone to tell you you can do it That grin did not leave his face the rest of the night, and he kept pulling the necklace out to show everyone and talk of how lovely it would look around Miriel’s neck, how it needed no gem because she was the jewel, AWWWW that is so cute and finally Aragorn could stand no more of the lovesick prattle. He had moved to a booth by himself, where his thoughts strayed toward Arwen and the seeming hopelessness of ever gaining her, and he gave himself over completely to abject self pity. Halbarad seemed not to notice and that only soured Aragorn’s mood still more. He rubbed the necklace absently with one finger. What he would give to be back in that inn right now. He started at a touch on his shoulder. Awwww OKAY how he thought he was so depressed and hopeless then because he was missing Arwen so bad and no one Saw but now he would give anything for a normal night with an unharmed Halbarad "It is a lovely thing," Elrond said, but then he closed Aragorn’s hand around it. "Keep it for him, but find rest for yourself now." He slowly took in Aragorn from head to toe. "It takes no healer to see that you have suffered a long and hard journey. I will tend Halbarad. Go to your room and sleep." <333 find rest for yourself now TAKING ARAGORN IN FROM HEAD TO TOE thank youuuuu Awww yes it is extremely obvious "Father, I ..." But he couldn’t finish. There were so many things to say, so much to tell. The words eluded him. <:(( Elrond pulled him into a fierce embrace. "Say nothing, child," he whispered against Aragorn’s hair. "You need say nothing. Just be, Estel. Here you are safe and can lay down your burdens, if only for a little while." SKAKSJDJDKSKSK <:(((( <3333 oh oh oh this is exactly what I needed. Fierce embrace. Calling him “child”. (And for some reason this time “child” is better than “my child” I think? Like “my child” feels more like “oh you’ll always be my baby no matter how grown you are” but “child” just sounds like…you’re safe here, and you’re not in charge, and you don’t need to know or do everything here or to even be so strong Aragorn put his arms around his father, hesitantly at first, but then something within him seemed to break and he clung to him. He buried his head against Elrond’s shoulder, breathing in the comforting familiarity of him. Tears threatened but he blinked them away and then pulled back. "Thank you," he whispered. <:((( let yourself cry, dear THE HESITANCY AND THEN BREAKING AND CLINGING again EVERYTHING I need BURYING HIS HEAD AGAINST ELROND’S SHOULDERRRR Elrond smiled sadly, cupping Aragorn’s face in his hands. He looked so deeply into his eyes that Aragorn felt as though his father could see into his very soul. Then he ruefully admitted to himself that Elrond most likely could see that far. Concern wreathed Elrond’s brow as he said, "It is as I felt it. There is a shadow on your fëa." <333 He also Perceives him <:( THANK YOUUU yesssss a shadow on his soul. Thank you for not pretending Elrond wouldnt see that. Also yay Quenya word <3 (yes I had to look that up, no I do not know Quenya, sadly) Also yesss confirming that he does in fact see that far CONCERN WREATHED ELROND’S BROW <333 For a moment, Aragorn was sorely tempted to blurt out everything, to let go and allow Elrond to care for him like he did when he was a small boy in need of patching up after a hard fall. <:((( pleaseeee I know Halbarad needs him but please can he after? It is not only small boys who need care after a hard fall (Also picturing tiny Aragorn and Elrond taking care of him is so cute) But those days were long over, and Halbarad needed Elrond far more. He shook his head and, though he did not feel like it, smiled. "I am fine. Just tired. It has been a long journey and a hard one. Worry not, for Halbarad needs you, and you must not be distracted by needless concerns over me." Mmmm really now Elrond searched his eyes for a moment more. "Needless my concerns are not, but we will talk long of this, as soon as I am able. In the meantime, find sustenance and rest, for I feel fever upon you–I will have some willowbark tea sent to you." SKAKDJ THANK YOU <3 needless my concerns are not. You can’t fool Elrond, especially not on this. And you can’t convince him to pretend to be fooled. ALSO THANK YOU “we will talk long of this as soon as I am able” <333 thank youuuu for agreeing that they will talk of it (and long!!) after he cares for Halbarad "Adar, let me help–" "No, my son. You are too full of care and grief, and I fear ill besides. What you need is rest. I will have Erestor with me. Do not worry." <33 yes, Aragorn is not now in the condition to help As if he could stop worrying. But he nodded and, tucking the necklace safely away in a pocket, patted Asfaloth’s neck. "I will care for Asfaloth, then," he said. He knew that Asfaloth normally suffered no one to touch him but Glorfindel, but he hoped the horse would tolerate his hand on the brush. "I will await word." <3 <:( he’s so thoughtful. Also yay that Asfaloth who normally tolerates no one else will be (I assume) okay with Aragorn <3 Elrond touched Aragorn’s arm one more time, then turned to go. Aragorn felt a moment of unaccountable panic as he watched Elrond walk away. "Adar!" Elrond stopped. "Yes?" "I.... Nothing. Never mind," Aragorn said. He could not explain even to himself why, after all these years of dreading to see him, he now could hardly bear for his father to leave his sight. He finished lamely, "May the Valar guide your hands." SKAJDJF the exclamation mark The panic watching him leave HE NEEDS HIS DAD but he can’t stay with him, not yet <:( AGAIN THE PANIC AND IT ACTUALLY BEING TO SUDDEN AND UNCONTROLLABLE THAT HE CALLS HIM BACK BEFORE REALIZING WHAT HE’S DOING but he has nothing to say, not now, with Elrond urgently needed. But obviously Aragorn would not call out (also, calling him Adar <3 or Ada is always my favorite) if his mind was not troubled, and Elrond knows that and I think will address it later <3 But also, “May the Valar guide your hands” indeed <33 Elrond smiled, then hurried away. Aragorn’s shoulders sagged as he pressed his forehead against Asfaloth’s. "Thank you, Asfaloth. You have earned your rest, but I fear I will not rest for a long, long time." Askdkfkfk noooo please at least try?

Dreamdeer	Reviewed Chapter: 18 on 8/10/2009
Grueling, touching, and above all real. Anyone who has pushed on through pain for another will recognize the authenticity of this writing, will feel it and hear it and taste it. Either she taps directly into experience or exercises an uncanny degree of intuition. From the grim beginning to heartwarming end, this chapter rings true. Author Reply: Thank you, Dreamdeer... obviously, I've never had to tie a friend to my back and haul him to Rivendell before he died, but I think all of us have been through similar situations on smaller scales with helping friends through trying times and hopefully everyone has known the relief of getting through the ordeal intact. I merely took those emotions and amplified them a bit to fit the severity of Aragorn and Halbarad's situation. I'm glad it rang true and real. Thanks again!

Linda Hoyland	Reviewed Chapter: 18 on 4/4/2009
What a errible nightmare ride and what courage Aragorn has!Asfaloth is a hero too. I hope both our heros now get some much needed TLC. Author Reply: Thank you, Linda! It was a hard ride, but thank goodness for such a powerful, well-trained horse. Asfaloth definitely is a heroic animal, isn't he? I really enjoyed writing about him. Thanks for the review!

Minerva Organa	Reviewed Chapter: 18 on 4/1/2009
"Home. He was home. Whatever awaited upon his meeting with the father, nothing ever took away the warmth that bloomed in his heart whenever he rounded the last bend and the great house of Elrond spread before him" I loved this!! It's such a wonderful description of what it feels like to come home after a long time, no matter what else is going on =). And great chapter overall!! Thank the Valar they had Asfaloth...the journey sounded painful and difficult enough as it was. And I loved the exchange between Elrond and Aragorn. It was great to see how strong of a bond they clearly have, despite all of Aragorn's worries. =) Author Reply: Thank you, Minerva! I'm so glad you liked this, and especially that particular sentence, which was very literally a last minute addition the day before I posted (I don't think I ever quit "fiddling" with my stories... but finally have to just post them anyway! LOL). I think when you have that strong bond of family love, even when things get tense, there's always at least a remnant of that feeling of safety and love when you return home, no matter what else may be clouding the relationship. And indeed, even though Elrond and Aragorn had that betrothal issue between them, Elrond never stopped loving Aragorn. But Aragorn being the type of man he is, no doubt occasionally fell prey to doubt and probably always looked to himself as the source of blame, leaving him with the worry that one of these days, Elrond might just throw his hands up and be done with him. It's an interesting dynamic to explore, those two! Thanks for the review!

Silivren Tinu	Reviewed Chapter: 18 on 3/31/2009
What a terrible ride through the night! I doubt either of them could have made it on any other horse (and it would be really hard for me to return Asfaloth to Glorfindel, too! ;-). I was just as relieved as Aragorn was when they finally reached the first sentry. I loved your description of the Last Homely House and Aragorn's feelings apon seeing it. It is so like Halbarad to reassure Aragorn even if he himself is probably more than half-dead by now! huggles wounded ranger Aragorn's reunion with Elrond was so sweet. :) I wasn't surprised at all about Elrond's warm welcome, but it was still a relief to see that all of Aragorn's fears had been for nothing. I'm really glad Elrond wasn't deceived by Aragorn's words and will hopefully take a close look at his son once he has saved Halbarad. I wish someone would drag Aragorn in a room with a bed, though - once lying down, he might find it easier to rest than he believes right now. ;-) I guess the only good thing that could be said about his condition is that he's still in a better state than Halbarad... for the moment. Loved it! :) Almut Author Reply: Thank you, Almut! Yes, that is about all you can say about Aragorn's condition... that he's a tad better than Halbarad at the moment. I do believe there had to have been times in Aragorn's life that he mistook the reasons for Elrond's grumpy moments or any little cross words as being related to the situation with Arwen. Seems like if there's ever some unsaid "issue" lurking between two people, even the most innocent things can get misinterpreted, and this story definitely plays on that. So Aragorn needs not only to be healed of the Black Breath, but also get the air cleared between them. And get that arm wound taken care of. And.... who knows what else may be wrong with that boy! Elrond has his work cut out for him, methinks. Thanks for the review!

Raksha The Demon	Reviewed Chapter: 18 on 3/31/2009
Home to Papa, praise the Valar! And no close encounters of the Nazgul kind on the last leg of the trip either. Good job detailing Aragorn's fear and utter weariness. Now hopefully he and Halbarad can both get some healing and chicken-or-lembas soup... Author Reply: Thanks, Raksha! Yes, they made it to Imladris unscathed, more or less, if not exhausted and feverish. Glorfindel did a good job scaring off the wraith after all. :) Now to get Halbarad sorted, and Aragorn sorted! And yes, get some chicken soup... or at least some willowbark tea... down Aragorn's stiff-necked throat! Thanks again for the review!

Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 18 on 3/30/2009
At last--in Rivendell and about to be sat upon, I'm guessing! Elrond and the other children will see to that, I am certain! Author Reply: LOL... thank you, Larner. Yes, he's finally in Rivendell. Whether he'll stay still long enough to be sat upon is another matter. Elrond's a bit busy with Halbarad, and the twins of course are still chasing the wraith away. But I imagine somehow they'll finally pin him down. Thanks for the review!

Elflingimp	Reviewed Chapter: 18 on 3/30/2009
Just wanted to say I loved this chapter, the only complaint I have is that it ends and I must wait until next Monday to read another one! LOL! Hugs The Imp Author Reply: LOL, thank you, Imp! That's a complaint I can live with. And you may not have to wait quite until Monday. As I replied to another review, I'd like to try to get back to Thursday updates. So if I can get the next chapter whipped into shape, it may go up sooner than next Monday. Thanks again!

Estelcontar	Reviewed Chapter: 18 on 3/30/2009
What a ride this chapter was. Poor Aragorn and poor Halbarad. It must really have been a nightmare, and you made it very vivid. You made Aragorn's despair very real, and I was really relieved when he recognized the trail markers. I found the necklace scene very moving, and the meeting between Elrond and Aragorn almost brought tears to my eyes. Well done indeed. I think Aragorn should have mentioned his encounter with the Nazgûl and his infected arm to Elrond, though. Stubborn Ranger! Author Reply: Thanks, Estelcontar! Yes, Aragorn probably should have said something, but his overriding concern was for Halbarad... and to Aragorn's somewhat befuddled thinking, that should be Elrond's priority. We'll see where that lands our Aragorn... (I do have an expanded one-shot of the necklace-purchasing trip into Bree that I'll be posting as a sort of "deleted scene" story, once At Hope's Edge is completely finished). Thanks for continuing to read along and for the review!

Fantasia	Reviewed Chapter: 18 on 3/30/2009
"I told you so," ...I have to say the same that Halbarad...Glad that both are now uncer Elrond's care, he will help, the physical and the emotional wounds. The best description of his feelings is when he tells Aragorn that he can be Estel there, at least for a while, that is what parents are for. Love the chapter, waiting for more...next week? Author Reply: Thank you, Fantasia! I'm glad you liked this chapter and the bits of humor and yes, finally, they're both in Elrond's grasp. Or at least almost. Aragorn's still on the loose, since Halbarad's injury puts him first in the triage. And yes, Elrond sensed that Aragorn needed to drop all his burdens and just "be". Elrond's so wise and compassionate... I really enjoy writing him. Next chapter will probably be either late this week (I'd like to get back on track with updating on Thursdays) or, if I don't have time to do the final tweaks, no later than next Monday. Real life permitting, as always. Thanks for the review!

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