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A Long and Weary Way by Canafinwe	8 Review(s)
obsidianj	Reviewed Chapter: 75 on 11/14/2015
And so Aragorn's story is told by the hurts on his body. I love this scene between Elrond and Aragorn. It is healer and patient, but also father and son. I think Aragorn will need to sleep for at least a week before he will be more himself. This journey took more out of him than he will admit. Elrond's reaction to what he finds tells more about the cost to Aragorn than Aragorn would ever admit. Author Reply: I had a wonderful experience writing that scene, and it's such a gift to know that it spoke to you. Thank you!

quodamat	Reviewed Chapter: 75 on 10/25/2015
(I didn't leave any reviews my first time through this story (I read it mostly on my phone with an app that didn't have that functionality), so I'm hoping to leave at least a few comments as I revisit favourite parts.) This is such a brilliant chapter from beginning to end. It’s a definitely favourite of mine, so please forgive my wordiness in response! Right from the beginning, I love the image of little boy Estel being amazed that his ada always knew when he was coming. It’s especially cute when you consider that, as the only human child in a household of mostly adult Elves, he probably didn’t pose much of a challenge to anyone’s detection abilities! I also chucked at adult Aragorn’s continued wonder at the aptness of chair arrangements. Isn’t it just that sort of seemingly prosaic thing that would lend an air of indefinable mystery to a person or place?? On re-reading this, it occurs to me that there’s something just a bit humourous in the thought of Sauron and friends basically doing a grid-search of Middle-earth in hope of finding the Shire. I don’t know if you intended that or if it’s just my bizarre imagination, but it strikes me as great satire-fodder: “No one appreciates how hard it is to be a Dark Lord. The logistics of it all!” ;) Elrond’s mention of Elros … oh! It really brings home the incredible poignancy of this scene of familial love and comfort to be reminded that Elrond has, to put it mildly, an incredibly traumatic family history, and more sorrow yet to come. Elrond’s efforts to reassure Aragorn and sooth his feelings are just so, so very lovely. I especially love the passage beginning, “Estel, you are forgetting all you know of small animals.” Just so perfect. He seems to understand all the fear and doubt Aragorn feels, and the unbearable pressure to be stronger, braver, more enduring, more perfect, just … more … than any human – or, dare I say, any created being – can be expected to be. I really appreciated your comment about Elrond’s respectful approach to the “inherent imbalance of power” at the end of the exam. Would that more real-world healers shared that sensibility! That part of the scene made me think that you can really see Elrond’s influence in the way Aragorn approached his treatment of Freya, being so gentle and reassuring in a very delicate and awkward situation. Finally, I’ll add my voice to the other reviewers who were deeply moved by Elrond’s response to the bruising. It must be so heart wrenching to see something that would normally be more than enough reason to seek a healer all on its own … and Aragorn is so battered, and so used to being battered, that he doesn’t even properly notice it. I hope you don’t mind my very long comments – this chapter really is just tremendously well done! Author Reply: I don't think that any author minds long comments! ;-) It's lovely to get any sort of feedback, and this kind of well-composed comment is an absolute treat! Yes, I think little Estel GREATLY overestimated his stealth. Still, a little mystique is no bad thing even for a battle-hardened Ranger. It actually is sort of funny, thinking of Sauron having to make such a monotonously methodical search. It's always struck me as hugely telling that his knowledge of Middle-earth was so much more limited than that of the Wise. No wonder they were able to sneak up on him as they did! I believe you're the first one to remark upon the mention of Elros. Thank you: I'm so glad that it adds to the scene. Elrond's tragic upbringing and his losses through the Ages are heartbreaking. It was lovely, too, that you saw the parallel between Elrond's methods here and Aragorn's own discretion with Freya. It was nice to have him on the receiving end of such care. I also have to add that your summary of Elrond's reaction to the bruising wrenched my heart, too. Thank you so much for this gem of a review! It was so wonderful to read.

Lily Baggins	Reviewed Chapter: 75 on 9/26/2015
This chapter was AMAZING. I so enjoyed the meeting in Elrond's study---Gandalf's little bit of huffiness over not being told everything, Elrond's gentle consideration as they tell him the news... But the examination was the best thing---to have Elrond see the evidence of Aragorn's suffering with his own eyes was so touching. The whole sequence caught first, Aragorn's mild embarrassment and discomfort, as well as his shame at being so wounded. Loved the part where Aragorn felt rather discomfited to have Elrond holding his foot. :) And the exam caught Elrond's utter care and love... while of course maintaining his professional healer's mien. The part with the bruises from riding was heartbreaking... which made me love it more. Author Reply: I am delighted that you liked this chapter, uncomfortable though it was for Aragorn. I think it was important, both from a medical point of view and for Elrond's understanding. It means a lot to know I captured the unease and embarrassment as well as the care. A bit of huffiness from Gandalf is seldom out of line. Your words on the last bit were very much appreciated, too. I hoped it would come out that way: thank you so much!

someone	Reviewed Chapter: 75 on 9/23/2015
No matter how close they are, it must be a little embarrassing to go through every inch of skin to assess the wounds. In the end, if one is not so skilled in these matters as Elrond is, those already healed wounds no longer sound as dangerous as they were on the road. It is quite stunning how much trouble that twisted ankle gave, when in better circumstances it would have been just a little problem. But, there seem to be so many lingering hurts that it is hard to believe Aragorn will soon be up to travelling with the fellowship. I really liked the part with Aragorn sitting on the desk. The embarrassment seems so real, I wouldn't like to have a head of state examine my feet, either! It is interesting how there are so many sides to Elrond: a lord and a healer, a wise counsellor and a loving father, a warrior and a lore-master... I have sometimes wondered how he has time for everything. Aragorn may have learned from the best possible source how to run a realm. The sarcastic comment was funny, of course Aragorn should have let the lynx maul him to save the ankle! This chapter may be one of the most complete accounts at Smeagol's past. It is quite a sad story. The part with Gollum thinking of Bilbo as a professional thief after his preciousss is really funny, though. A reasonable idea from his point of view, but funny when compared to the real story. Author Reply: I agree: it is a little embarrassing, particularly for Aragorn. Elrond, being so experienced in such matters (and, after all, the parent...), is less discomfited -- and he would not have had much time to feel it anyhow, being in such a turmoil of dismay and sorrow. It's great to know that the bit on the desk came across so clearly: thank you! And I agree completely: Aragorn could have had no better tutor in the kingly arts than Elrond! Thanks, too, for letting me know the sarcasm really was funny! I find that so hard to gauge with my own work. Cheers!

Celeth	Reviewed Chapter: 75 on 9/22/2015
I must tell you that tears came to my eyes several times over the course of that executive check-up, and most especially at the end, when the evidence of Aragorn's eagerness to reach his home was so painfully shown to Master Elrond. And what touched me even more than Aragorn's sufferings, was the way his foster father was able to read between the lines, often understanding the reasons for his wounds and injuries even when Aragorn cannot or would not speak of it. Once again, thank you so much for sharing your talent with us readers. I keep wondering if you have published stories/novels aside from LOTR, and if so, what do you write. Author Reply: What a gift, to know my writing moved you. Thank you for sharing that with me. Elrond understands Aragorn better than anyone else: Tolkien tells us as much in "The Ring Goes South". I do not doubt that to a man so often maligned and misunderstood, this is a balm and a blessing in itself. Oh, no, I'm not a published author! I'm not ready for that. I dabble in a couple of other fandoms, though.

Aromene	Reviewed Chapter: 75 on 9/22/2015
All I can say is :D ? I'm so glad you've brought this part of the story to the end and we finally get the whole telling all in one from both Gandalf and Aragorn! Elrond's reactions were spot on, and I especially loved Gandalf's reaction to Aragorn telling of Cirith Ungol. Author Reply: Oh, thank you! I'm glad you liked this gathering of tales, and that the characters' reactions rang true.

DoggieGirl	Reviewed Chapter: 75 on 9/22/2015
This chapter was really the beginning of the healing of so many hurts. I love Elrond's understanding and calmness and his deep reassuring voice and actions. I was just waiting for the story of the great spider to come out. It couldn't be hidden forever. Poor Gandolf. Knowing that Aragorn does not speak chiefly about things that are terrible experiences, certainly doesn't ease his heart when Aragorn is reticent to tell all. I am sure Aragron's journey may prey on Gandolf's conscience for some time if not forever just a little. Elrond's thorough medical examination was done to perfection. The cataloging of the individual hurts was something that needed to be done medically, and Aragorn accepted it and most importantly trusted Elrond with his hurts. Elrond's calm demeanor was reassuring to Aragorn and allowed him to tell some of the stories of some these terrible hurts without so much trepidation. But I am sure that inside Elrond heart was breaking with the picture that was developing more and more clearly of all that Aragorn had endured. The last bit about the bruising was so sad. I hadn't even really fully thought through what riding so long when so skinny might do. But the sight of it to Elrond must have been truly striking. Loved it all. Author Reply: Yes, poor Gandalf! I agree: he will carry some of that guilt forever, and we see it clearly in "The Council of Elrond". It is wonderful to know that you felt the examination went as it ought, and that it was valuable to see Aragorn trust his pain to another. Yes, Elrond is heartbroken here: it is never easy to know one's child has suffered. Thank you as always for your lovely remarks!

shirebound	Reviewed Chapter: 75 on 9/22/2015
lay by your shame. Bend your unswerving will upon that, instead of upon the battles of tomorrow. This truly reaches the heart of the matter, and the source of darkness in Aragorn's spirit. Beautifully written. Author Reply: Thank you, as always! As ever, you take away what I hoped to put into the chapter.

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