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The Ranger and the Eagles by Cairistiona	18 Review(s)
layne	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 2/24/2011
I was so worried about Durvain! He was such a valiant eagle and I'm glad that Aragorn had a hand in helping him heal, and in so doing, had some much needed rest himself! Author Reply: Thanks, layne! Although I'm sure Aragorn would rather Durvain not have been injured, at least he go to repay him for all his help!

Ainu Laire	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 1/31/2011
Oh man, I love your characterization of Beorn- what a fantastic character. I can definitely see a friendship building between the Dunedain and the Beornings because of their own friendship. Darn it all, now I want more Aragorn and Beorn fics XD From the last chapter, but man! I laughed so hard when the dog brought Gandalf's staff. Oh, that was hilarious. And speaking of dogs, I always thought that the dogs in Beorn's house walking on two legs rather than four was so odd- then I saw a video about Faith the two-legged dog (Google her and watch a video, it's amazing). And now I know what a dog looks like when it walks on its hind legs... Poor Durvain, getting an infection. I do like this healing and all, it was very cute. The whole singing aspect of it is definitely very Tolkien-esque. So yes, wonderful, as usual, and looking forward to more. Author Reply: Thanks, Laire.... glad you're enjoying the story and the funny parts. I too have really loved writing Beorn and Aragorn together, so much so that I'm trying to figure out a way to get them together again somehow. If only the events of The Hobbit had been twenty years before and not fifty! Dogs walking on their hind legs isn't exactly common... and dogs that light lamps even less so (but if there ever is one that can do that, you can bet that it'll show up on youtube). Thanks for the review!

Linda Hoyland	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 1/30/2011
What a lovely chapter!I especially enjoyed Aragorn healing his eagle friend and his belief that he had to set a good example. Author Reply: Thanks, Linda! Glad you enjoyed this chapter... Aragorn's belief that he has to rise up to his bloodline, and not feel entitled because of it, to me is the essence of his strength.

Raksha The Demon	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 1/29/2011
Great chapter - I love the characterization of Beorn and his conversation with Aragorn. I would dearly love to see more of Aragorn's forays into veterinary medicine! Author Reply: Thank you, Raksha! That conversation with Beorn, as Inzilbeth's review attests, was a challenge to write, so I'm glad you enjoyed it. And yes, I wouldn't mind seeing Aragorn in more "veterinary" roles... I have a one-shot where he helps with a difficult lambing ("On a Spring Morn"), but I've not done anything else toward that end. I might have to revisit that idea. :) Thanks for the review!

Inzilbeth	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 1/28/2011
I've been very remiss in not reviewing every chapter [my fault, not your wonderful story!] but I really felt, with this chapter in particular, I must acknowledge your courage in tackling weighty issues which touch on those grey areas of canon where all of us sometimes fear to tread. As your beta, I know very well the strident efforts you always take to ensure that your story stays not only within the known facts but also, when the facts we need are missing, within a reasonable extrapolation of the information we do have. The conversation with Beorn and Aragorn's view of death alone was, I know, thoroughly researched since we spent about three days discussing it! The question of whether Beorn and Aragorn would know that Gandalf was a Maia has also been raised. Personally I feel you were well within canon to make the assumptions you have. It says in the chapter on the Istari in UT that 'they revealed their true names to few' not to none. Aragorn, being elven-wise was no typical Man of the North, a definition which would undoubtedly include the Men of Bree who certainly had no idea of Gandalf's true purpose but were hardly comparable with Aragorn. And Aragorn was, after all, the only member of the Company unfazed by Gandalf's struggle to open the doors of Moria, because he 'knew him well' and indeed he did, having been his friend for 62 years. I'm also quite sure that all the members of the White Council were familiar with Gandalf's true persona. Certainly Saruman and Radagast knew and, since it was to Galadriel that Gandalf came when he was sent back after his 'death', it stretches credibility that she and Elrond were ignorant of his nature. Beorn is a more interesting case as we know so little about him. But he is, like Gandalf, able to appear in more than one guise. He's no ordinary man either but he is a stauch ally and there's no reason to suggest Gandalf couldn't have confided in him. Your story and the dialogue between the characters is all the richer for having made the decisions you have and I applaud you for creating such an original, entertaining, and well written tale that nonethelees manages to negotiate that sometimes tricky path to remain within the bounds of canon. Author Reply: Thank you so much, Inzilbeth! That really was a rather exhaustive (and exhausting!) spate of emails that flew between us those three days as we hashed out that entire conversation and hammered it into a shape that fit canon as canon can be reasonably and plausibly interpreted. It looks rather simple and terribly obvious when you see it all laid out so succinctly as you've done here, doesn't it. One of the endlessly fascinating things about Tolkien, at least to me, is how much he left unsaid because it simply didn't need to be said. And how carefully he chose to express himself with the things he did say. That he used "few" instead of "none" cannot be assumed to be a sloppy word choice, and so that begs the reader to try to figure out the answer to "Which 'few' knew?" Aragorn and Beorn... yes, those two can be reasonably counted among the 'few', for the very reasons you lay out so well here. Interpreting canon's grey areas is never an exact science... but it's always fun. :) And you needn't worry about leaving reviews... you give me all the feedback I need in the writing process, and go above and beyond in watching that I stay in the tricky bounds of canon! Thanks immensely!

Silivren Tinu	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 1/28/2011
I'm glad Gandalf didn't mind Aragorn's borrowing of his staff too much - I'm quite sure it would have caused lots of problems for Middle-earth if a certain wizard had decided to turn the heir of Isildur into a frog or something. g After the last chapter, I already feared Durvain might be seriously hurt and I was wondering how Aragorn would ever be able to help him without killing himself in the process, considering the state he's in. I have to admit he did a wonderful job, both at helping and at staying alive while doing so. ;-) It's a good thing he has many willing helpers. I loved that Aragorn sang to Durvain to calm him in addition to his healing touch. Now I just wish I could hear him sing, too! It was sweet that Aragorn drifted into a healing sleep right along with Durvain (and I guess it was also sorely needed). The last part of this chapter already makes me wonder if Aragorn and Beorn (or Aragorn and any of the Beornings) will meet again. The Beornings must be wonderful allies and friends and Aragorn and Beorn sure seem to get along great! The title of this chapter made me smile, btw - Durvain really seems to be very much like Aragorn in certain respects! g Author Reply: Thanks, Almut! And to answer your wonderings... yes, Aragorn does meet up with the Beornings again, when they aid him in getting Gollum to Mirkwood: "...he drove Gollum through the north end of the Emyn Muil, and crossed Anduin just above Sarn Gebir. Driftwood was often cast up there on the shoals by the east shore, and binding Gollum to a log he swam across with him, and continued his journey north by tracks as westerly as he could fine, through the skirts of Fangorn, and so over Limlight, then over Nimrodel and Silverlode through the eaves of Lorien, and then on, avoiding Moria and Dimrill Dale, over Gladden until he came near the Carrock. There he crossed Anduin again, with the help of the Beornings..." Unfinished Tales, "The Hunt for the Ring". So yep, he meets them again, and so in this story, I'm exploring how he might have made allies of the Beornings beforehand, although I have a feeling even if he'd never met Beorn or Grimbeorn, they would have recognized him as a friend and helped him. But it's more fun this way. g Glad you enjoyed the chapter, and the chapter title. g

Fantasia	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 1/28/2011
Beautiful chapter! Poor Durvain, but he is recovering and even behaving like Aragorn!. Like it all the details, like Aragorn speechless in front of Menelris. Even with all the injuries and problems, Aragorn has managed to find two powerful allies, the Eagles and the Beornings. Now, I was laughing with Aragorn's concerns about Gandalf's staff and this was priceless: "Care to move here and help me tend my animals?" At least, he knows that if the kingship fails, he can always be a veterinarian. Author Reply: "At least, he knows that if the kingship fails, he can always be a veterinarian." Yes, everyone needs a Plan B, after all! g Thank you so much, Fantasia... glad you enjoyed this chapter!

Lily Baggins	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 1/28/2011
This chapter was so sweet and peaceful! I muchly, muchly enjoyed it. It was so true to Aragorn's character, sacrificing his own comfort to see to Durvain. Ah, poor Durvain! I hope he recovers well, poor thing! I did love Gandalf's efficiency in getting everyone together to tend Durvain, so that Aragorn didn't have to! I must admit, I would trade places with Durvain in a New York second. Who wouldn't want Aragorn sitting and sleeping next to you and singing to you practically all night? Bliss. On the other hand, I'd also trade places with Aragorn, because sleeping with a giant eagle sheltering you would have to be a great new experience. I was sitting and thinking, "Aragorn is going to sleep OUTSIDE? Is he crazy, given his health?" And then I remembered! He IS a ranger and to sleep outside is his modus operandi---I'm sure he was NEVER that comfortable most other times he's slept outside! I enjoyed every bit of Beorn and Aragorn's conversation... oh yes, everything good is in Aragorn, all right. And this story so illustrates that... I just love it to death. I really, really hope that maybe Beorn makes an appearance in other stories of yours! Author Reply: Thank you, Lily! So glad you enjoyed this quieter chapter and seeing Aragorn in healer mode. You're so right that he would be quite comfy outside, snuggled up against a big, warm eagle! Well, I guess they're warm... I've never really snuggled up against one to know. LOL But in my world, they're warm. g Beorn may show up again... I'm not sure how it would work, though, as it'll be a little tough getting Aragorn back over to Beorn's before Beorn passes from the Circles of Arda (or at least, as I see it--I kind of doubt Beorn lived long enough to still be around by the time Aragorn hauled Gollum through there). But then again... Aragorn will see him again beyond the Dark Sea. Hmm... will he still change into a bear, I wonder! :) Thanks for the review!

Tigger	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 1/27/2011
Thank Goodness!! I really hope that's the worst of it for poor Durvain, but thankfully Aragorn had mended enough to be able to not only tell everyone else what to do for the wound, but to be able to use his other healing gift : The gift of song. I'm also glad the both of them were able to go into healing sleep. It was badly needed on both sides. I'm very much enjoying this and love how now Aragorn's put his fear of the Eagles where it belongs. In his childhood. I also hope that he gets a chance to experience a flight w/his new friends once our obstinate Ranger and Eagle heal. uses pleading puppy dog eyes Please!?! :oD I am really enjoying this and hate that it has to end. Author Reply: Thank you, Tigger! So glad you're enjoying the story so much--I'm going to be sorry when it comes to an end, too, because I've enjoyed creating this adventure probably as much or more than everyone's enjoyed reading it! I always feel a bit let down when a story is finished... fortunately the next plot bunny usually hops along and cheers me back up. :) As for when Aragorn might get that flight with Durvain... I suppose it will depend on how fast both of them heal. Like Aragorn said, neither of them are ready for flights of fancy just yet. I suppose time will tell!

Estelcontar	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 1/27/2011
So, Gandalf didn't roast Aragorn. I'm glad he didn't. It would have been such a waste. g That was a most gratifying chapter, and a very endearing one too. I enjoyed imagining Aragorn singing a song of healing and then using his healer's touch and singing every song he could think of of to comfort and help Durvain till he sent them both into a healing sleep. And comparing Aragorn's healing ability to Beorn's skin-changing was a nice touch. Like Beorn, I believe I like Aragorn very much indeed. Author Reply: Thank you, Estelcontar! I'm glad it held up to a second reading. g And yes, it really would have been a waste had Gandalf roasted him over that whole staff incident. Good thing Gandalf is both wise and slow to anger (although perhaps not slow to get irritated and grumpy).

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