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| A Star in Midwinter by Cairistiona | 10 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Linda Hoyland | Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 3/1/2010 |
| It looks as if Denlad had the foresight of the Numenoreans and is seeing visions of what happened. Dirhael is right, Aragorn's greatness has been forged though his hardships. Author Reply: Yes, Denlad's at least half Numenorean, so it's very conceivable he might have a bit of foresight now and then, although he's 100% worrywart, so it might just be an overactive imagination, too. Hard to say with these type things, isn't it. Thanks for the review. :) | |
| Lily Baggins | Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 1/4/2010 |
| Oh, Dirhael is such a good teacher! You know, I've sort of always sided with poor Halbarad and the others in believing that Aragorn takes too many risks (obut of course I want him hurt as much as possible, comfort-lover that I am), but Dirhael's explanation of why those risks are necessary makes perfect sense. I've never really thought of it that way. Lovely chapter! Author Reply: Thanks, Lily! Yes, the risks Aragorn takes sometimes seem a bit unnecessary but I do think he couldn't *not* take those risks. It's part of that kingly nature of his, to look out for others at whatever cost to himself. I don't think he did things rashly (as long as he's not chasing after a horse when he's half-addled with cold), but he never shirked his duty because of any potential risks. Just what you'd want in a king, as Dirhael says. :) | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 12/28/2009 |
| Ah--this quiet would be MOST welcome indeed! Author Reply: A moment where I'm sure everyone took a long deep sigh of relief! Thanks for the review! | |
| Mirach | Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 12/27/2009 |
| The wisdom in this chapter is deep, and through the talk of Denlad and Dirhael gives much insight into Aragorn, also. The life of a king is valuable, but so is every life, and it is worth protecting. That is the wisdom that Aragorn learned, and Dirhael understands. And now Denlad understands also... Author Reply: Thank you, Mirach! Denlad really is in a good place to be learning about this new people he's found (or who have found him) and about the man who will be King someday. Dirhael has much to share, and Denlad's a willing student. :) | |
| Silivren Tinu | Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 12/25/2009 |
| It's really much nicer to read about a blizzard than it is to experience one. ;-) Not that I'm likely to experience one anytime soon. Denlad can't be blamed for his fears and his anger, but it really speaks for him that he was able to let go of them so quickly. Poor Aragorn should better beware - between Denlad and Halbarad, he'll probably be over-protected for a while. *g* I like how Dirhael and Ivorwen treat Denlad, I think it will soon be all but impossible for him to *not* feel at home with the Dunedain. :) Author Reply: Thanks, Almut! I have to agree with you there... experiencing a blizzard would be no fun, to my mind. Far better to read about one in the warmth of a cozy home! And I do think that Aragorn needs a bit of overprotection. *g* Thanks for the review! | |
| Canafinwe | Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 12/24/2009 |
| Aww... Denlad is so eager to be helpful! Ivorwen seems to understand his need for occupation all too well: hence the moving of the spinning wheel, I think. (That, of course, and she surely does need it nearer the fire). Poor boy. He's so sweet to fret over Aragorn's wellbeing, but it's putting him through an agony of worry. I'm glad that Dirhael was able to offer a little perspective, though I'm afraid this will only cause Denlad more distress when Aragorn heads off on his next adventure! You capture perfectly the stalwart, selfish devotion to duty that is the epitome of Aragorn's character. Thank you for expounding so beautifully upon his motives, and for pointing out the most important truth: that it is this quality of self-sacrifice that will make him a worthy and extraordinary monarch. "He must live today as he hopes someday to rule." Perfect. Simply perfect! On a meteorological note, that silence after the blizzard died suddenly away was perfect! Been there... Author Reply: Thank you so much, Canafinwe! I'm glad so much of this hit the mark for you. I do think that it would be very hard to have any respect for a king who did not live his life as such even when "no one was looking", for it is in those unheralded moments that our true quality shows, for good or ill. And yes, Denlad's definitely going to have to learn to find a way to offset the utter panic that seems his bent when Aragorn puts himself at risk! Denlad's far too young for ulcers, after all. :) Sooo glad the meteorological details are accurate... while I've not experienced a true blizzard we have had short storms where when the wind finally did stop, the silence filled the ears almost like cotton wool. It's an odd feeling, that, but always a relief! Thanks so much for the review! | |
| Marethiel | Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 12/24/2009 |
| Oh, I loved this chapter! Denlad's wonderful spirit is being so gently and carefully moulded by Dirhael and Ivorwen; how lovely it would have been for a little Aragorn to have enjoyed his Ada Dirhael and Nana Ivorwen as little Halbaron does! Oh, well, if wishes were horses... Anyway, it's wonderful to see the wind die at last and hope for seeing their men come home. I swear, reading this is like reading a history of my OWN country, my OWN people, and I have to sternly remind mysef that Elros isn't my ancestor, too. Your writing makes their past so personal, so intimate, that I feel like a youngling hanging on Ada Dirhael's words myself! A joyous Yule, Merry Christmas and Happy Whatever to you, dear one. Your talent has brought me much joy this year. ~Marethiel Author Reply: Thank you, Marethiel! I'm very flattered by your kind words, my goodness! I'm glad this is resonating so well with you. I think in many ways what Denlad is experiencing is a universal experience, at least among those who have had the joy of knowing a grandparent or even a wise uncle or family friend--anyone who has imparted the wisdom of their years to us. And yes, now the men will be coming home, hooray! For me, it's Merry Christmas... and I hope that you have the most joyous holiday as well. Thank you for all your encouraging words, which are the perfect gift. :) | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 12/23/2009 |
| Perhaps he need only do the thing that those forces of good required of all men. To be compassionate. Kind. Brave. Loyal. Wisdom seemed beyond his reach, but surely he could do those things. Surely we all can! There's a lot of wisdom in this story. Author Reply: Thank you, shirebound! Sometimes I do think we put too much pressure on ourselves to do Great Things, and I think Denlad had it right... compassion, kindness, bravery and loyalty go a long way. :) | |
| Vilwarin | Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 12/23/2009 |
| I've come to like Dírhael and Denlad's conversations very much. He's a wonderful figure for the young, fatherless man to look up to. And he really lives up to his name. His wisdom, but also his kindness, show in everything he does. I never met my grandfathers but I like to imagine that they were like Dírhael. Author Reply: Thank you, Vilwarin... I think I would have also loved to have a grandfather like Dirhael. Maybe that's what I've done with him--subconsciously turned him into the grandfather I wish I had known! I'm glad you like him so well, and thank you again for the review! | |
| Fantasia | Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 12/23/2009 |
| Poor Denlad, when I was 19 I was only thinking in myself too, my future, my college, my goals, my boyfriend, I was so focus in myself, so selfish...Not everybody can be Aragorn...This people really have to mature very fast, it is another world and conditions, people that live and survive a war are so diferent. But you know, you are righ, Faith will help you a lot, when it seems that Hope is lost. Merry Christmas!!! Author Reply: Thank you, Fantasia! I do think most young adults, and sadly a lot of older adults who should know better, think the same way. I know I did (and still do... writing this was a bit uncomfortable as it made me think about my own motives). Aragorn is nothing if not a good role model for all of us, even if we never can quite attain *that* level of perfection! (If only!!) Thanks for the review! | |