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| A Long and Weary Way by Canafinwe | 13 Review(s) |
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| obsidianj | Reviewed Chapter: 74 on 11/14/2015 |
| Finally, they reached Rivendell and Aragorn is home. There is nothing like home after a journey as this. I love the welcome Elrond gives his beloved foster son. He knows that sleep is what Aragorn needs most at that moment. Everything else can wait until the next day. The encounter between Aragorn and Arwen the next morning was heartwarming. Aragorn really came home for me when he entered his own rooms at the end and the bath was awaiting him. Author Reply: It's wonderful to know that sense of 'home at last' came through at the end! I think that's the moment when it became real for Aragorn as well. Dear Elrond: of course he would set aside his own need for answers and let Aragorn sleep... | |
| Lily Baggins | Reviewed Chapter: 74 on 9/23/2015 |
| Wow. This chapter was perfect in every way. The slow build-up as they neared Rivendell and the sentries greeting Aragorn... and the continued concern about his health... Gandalf's worry... And of course, I was there with Aragorn in spirit and could feel his disbelief when the the house came into sight. His utter exhaustion and first meeting with Elrond was wonderful---you so captured the love there. And how appropriate that Arwen watches on with love in her eyes, taking it all in. And oh my goodness... all the concern and worry and care... and then at the last, the meeting with Arwen was wonderfully done. I love Aragorn's worry that he'll be laughed at in his wood-elf outfit, lol! Wonder what he's going to do with those boots? Put them in the back of an armoire? Give them to Lindir? I can't think of a thing I didn't adore about this chapter...and well, this story as a whole. There are just too few stories in which Aragorn struggles over a long period with his health and recovery... so many authors want to wrap the story up too soon. I'm so enjoying how this story is taking its time and unfolding like real life. Author Reply: Thank you so much! It is always simply lovely to hear that a reader feels what the character is experiencing. I am delighted that you liked Aragorn's arrival, and all that came after. I laughed aloud at the idea of giving the boots to Lindir! He'd wear such things delightedly, I'm sure! The Professor was a master of falling action, and that's a rare thing to see. I feel we've all earned a gradual resolution, after such time and detail being given to the suffering. So glad you agree! | |
| Cimarron's Girl | Reviewed Chapter: 74 on 9/21/2015 |
| Another marvelous chapter! Loved the interactions between Aragorn and Elrond, as well as Aragorn and Arwen. But for shame, Aragorn! Trying to deceive Arwen on the matter of his hands? Tsk, tsk. I hope there will still be a few more chapters to wind down this story and tie up any loose ends! I'm curious about how Aragorn will summarize his travails to Elrond, and I hope that he will soon recover fully, now that he has reached Rivendell. As always, beautifully written. Author Reply: Heh. Yup: dissembling with the daughter of Elrond is never wise. Thank you for your lovely review! Yes, there are a few chapters left: as you say, the loose ends have not all been tied off, and a consummate seamstress like Arwen would never stand for that! Besides, Aragorn's suffering was all rendered in such painful detail: it's only fair to do the same with these days of healing. Thanks again! You spoil me! | |
| Kate | Reviewed Chapter: 74 on 9/21/2015 |
| I do not review as often as I should, but believe me I am hanging on your every word! I can't help but feel sad that the story is drawing to a close but what a journey you've taken us on. I especially enjoyed how Elrond could seemingly barely wait for Aragorn to dismount before drawing him into a much needed embrace. And that unspoken understanding between them is so just beautiful. You write Arwen exceptionally well, they are both so attentive to what the other is thinking and so respectful of it. I think an earlier reviewer said something like to win the heart of a man like Aragorn you must be pretty amazing yourself, and I definitely see a glimpse of that in Arwen here. You capture so well the joyous peace of being home after a long (and weary!) journey, it's so comforting to read. Thank you for all of the hard work you put into this story. I'm very much looking forward to the rest (and the next!) Kate Author Reply: Wow! Your lovely words are such encouragement. I'm delighted that you've been reading and enjoying! It's wonderful that you interpreted Elrond's haste so clearly, and that you like the moment of accord between him and Aragorn. It means a lot to know that you like the way I write Arwen. Her role in Aragorn's life and the glimpses we have of her in canon are both so alluring, and it's been a wonderful challenge to unwrap just a little of that hidden treasure. Thank you for your feedback. It's always great to know when my writing is evocative, and I'm so happy that you're reaching. Cheers! | |
| Robnrun | Reviewed Chapter: 74 on 9/21/2015 |
| Truly an elegant balance of poise and emotion! Thank you Author Reply: Oh, thank you! I was striving for that very balance: your words are so much appreciated! | |
| someone | Reviewed Chapter: 74 on 9/21/2015 |
| A lovely chapter. I really liked the small glimpse at Rivendell beyond the House, when Aragorn and Gandalf passed sheep, shepherds, grain-fields and orchards. And of course they had to walk past the merry wood-elves. The meeting between Aragorn and Elrond was heart-warming, it was so easy to see how much they love each other. (And, in a very different way, the deep, simple love between Aragorn and Arwen, when they met the following morning; more about that later.) Elrond either didn't notice how bad the scars looked like or decided that sleep was more useful than anything else at that time. I'd guess that Aragorn won't have such luck for long and will eventually have to tell all the details. And again, elven cooks tried to drown Aragorn in food. Arwen's concern at Aragorn's scars seemed real. She knew the most likely explanation for scars around a wrist and thought at once that he had been taken captive. I seriously doubt that Aragorn will tell her that she was actually right and he had been taken at one point. What I liked was how she accepted the short explanations and didn't press for details - yet. Let the poor man rest for a while... Except for the attack on the hair. Apparently, she doesn't think that the hair of an elven lord is suitable for a lord of men. Author Reply: Drown people in food: that's what Elven cooks do, isn't it?? It's lovely that you appreciate those glimpses of Rivendell the functioning community! I couldn't resist the wood-elves. Thank you for your wonderful words on these two crucial meetings. Oh, Elrond noticed, all right, but he judged (quite accurately) that what Aragorn needed most in that moment was sleep. Really, he has a MASSIVE sleep debt to work off, considering how little he got between the Dead Marshes and Mirkwood... And it's wonderful that Arwen's concern seemed real, and that you appreciated her acceptance of his brief explanations. As for the hair, say not "inappropriate for a lord of men", but rather "impractical for a Captain of the Rangers". ;-) And, of course, it may be as *long* as the hair of an Elven lord, but it's not in nearly such a healthy condition. More on that later, though! Thank you again: such lovely feedback, as always! | |
| Sneha | Reviewed Chapter: 74 on 9/21/2015 |
| I love this story! It is beautifully crafted, and through this story Aragorn is so real to me. Tired, bitter at times, persevering, somber, all the traits Tolkien contributed to him having. I hope you have a couple of chapters planned, I want to see Glorfindel and everyone's (Elrond and Arwen mostly) reactions to his tale. I also want to read about Arwen cutting his hair! You write them both beautifully! Thank you for this wonderful story! It made my day Author Reply: Thank you so very much! Characterization is so hugely important to me, and it means more than I can say to know that you find Aragorn real, and true to himself. Thank you. And yes, I too want that haircutting scene. ;-) | |
| Celeth | Reviewed Chapter: 74 on 9/20/2015 |
| That was so beautifully written, both his meeting with Elrond and with Arwen. The one with all the loving tenderness of the prodigal's father welcoming his beloved son home (NOT that Aragorn is a prodigal!) and the other with the such restraint, but no less love, knowing how much that love will hurt Elrond. I love that line about not being the one who waits. There's a world of anxiety and love and hope and despair mixed in equal parts in that statement. Throughout this story when Aragorn desperately needed a healer, I kept thinking of his foster father with his stock of medicines and his healing expertise gained over thousands of years. And now finally he is home, and everything is literally all right with the world. I can't wait for his meeting with Glorfindel. I confess, I am curious what he will be like in your story. And thank you so much for the promise of more stories to come. I'm so excited! Author Reply: Oh, how lovely of you to say such kind things! I smiled at the comparison to the tale of the prodigal son, for of course as Aragorn is not in the least prodigal it is rather as if the faithful son had gone off to do his father's work and in the course of it found himself starving and desperate for scraps, only to come home to that loving welcome. ;-) It is so lovely to know that the line about the "one who waits" struck you: thank you! I'm so glad that Aragorn is home at last, and it's wonderful to know that you're eager for upcoming stories. Cheers! | |
| UTfrog | Reviewed Chapter: 74 on 9/20/2015 |
| Home at last and so sweet. I do hope you have a few more chapters. I would like to hear the council between Elrond, Aragorn and Gandalf. I also want the story of Arwen cutting Estel's hair. Thank you so much for staying with this story. It is a tremendous work of art. Author Reply: Thank you! Yes, there are a few more chapters. The tale would not be complete without Elrond's counsel on these dread discoveries, and there are a few other conversations Aragorn must have before the curtain can be drawn. And yup: he needs that haircut! | |
| TheAnswerIsDawn | Reviewed Chapter: 74 on 9/20/2015 |
| I haven't reviewed this story much, mainly because until a few weeks ago I didn't realise that you could review without an account >.< However, I really wanted to say that not only is this story one of the best fanfics that I have read, it is also one of the best stories overall! The characterisation is always spot on, particularly the amazing relationship between Aragorn and Gandalf which I always wished there was more of in canon, and the amount of thought and detail put into each chapter is just staggering. Reading (and re-reading) each new chapter is always one of the highlights of my day. I am so glad that poor Aragorn is finally home, and Arwen is an absolute treasure :) Author Reply: Thank you so much: feedback is always treasured, whenever it might come! Your words of praise and encouragement are hugely appreciated, and it means more than I can say that the characterization is sound. Thank you. I love the friendship between Aragorn and Gandalf: it's one of the most fascinating that Tolkien created. It's also simply lovely to know you like my approach to Arwen! | |