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| Gathering of the Grey Company by Leaward | 8 Review(s) |
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| Inkling | Reviewed Chapter: Prologue on 3/3/2005 |
| Very nice, Leaward! I've always liked Halbarad; he was one of those unsung heroes who quietly did his duty and died in the process...Hama is another like him who comes to mind. So you have me wondering: what happened at the Sarn Ford? Is that from Tolkien, or your imagination? Does this follow from your previous story, since I saw the name of your OC mentioned? Author Reply: Thanks for reading and reviewing, Inkling! Glad to see you found my little story. I've developed a fondness for Halbarad, too, after this story and want to explore him in more depth now once my latest story is done. The Unfinished Tales, Hunt for the Ring, tells about what happened at Sarn Ford. "Night was waning on the twenty-second day of September when drawing together again they [the Black Riders] came to Sarn Ford and the southernmost borders of the Shire. They found them guarded, for the Rangers barred their way. But this was a task beyond the power of the Dunedain; and maybe it would have proved so even if their captain, Aragorn, had been with them. But he was away to the north, under the East Road near Bree, and the hearts even of the Dunedain misgave them. Some fled northward, hoping to bear news to Aragorn, but they were pursued and slain or driven away into the wild. Some still dared to bar the ford, and held it while day lasted, but at night the Lord of Morgul swept them away, and the Black Riders passed into the Shire..." I've always wanted to do the story of Sarn Ford -- it is such an unsung heroes type story -- but wanted to hone my skills before I tackled it because it has been done by Dwimordene on HASA so well, and with the same imagery I saw, that I don't want to make a pale imitation. So it's sitting waiting still. One day I will tackle it. But considering everyone there dies ... I will have to use a different character to tell it. As for following from my previous story, not really, it works with Two of Thirty-One, but stands alone since it is from Halbarad's POV. And I hate making names so I recycled some! Tarkil, Haldon, and Angrim do all end up heading south with the Grey Company in Two of Thirty-One, but that story is told from the POV of the two brothers. | |
| MysteriousWays | Reviewed Chapter: Prologue on 3/1/2005 |
| Hello Leaward! You've made me teary all over again. Seems to be a habit of yours. Ah well, some tears are good. I am sure these are. I am overwhelmed at that thought of only thirty men going off to fight with Aragorn. It seems so impossible but I know that is as it was and that sometimes fewer numbers are more effective than many. But still it seems rather sad and frightening. I am in the mood to read, so I think I will find another of your stories. MysteriousWays- If you tilt your head to the left and squint it still looks like an apple. Author Reply: I'm ecstatic to see you back MW! I'm glad you liked this one -- it is very sad, especially when you realize Halbarad's fate. I don't set out to make you cry -- Tolkien's stories (and their gaps) just seems to lead us down that path. I would like to write more of this from Halbarad's POV but got sidetracked into writing Tarkil's POV. One day soon, I'll tackle the trip south telling Halbarad's story -- writing this really made me want to know more about him. | |
| Beethovens7th | Reviewed Chapter: Prologue on 1/6/2005 |
| Great story! how tense and exciting! Don't forget that if you need another name for a ranger, that my Theron went along as well. Just an offer though. Sorry it took me so long to read this. I'm woefully behind on my reading (and writing especially.) Can't wait to read more! (p.s. sorry about this woefully uninteresting review. I'm spent creatively, but it really was a great addition to your collection! I'll try harder next time!wink) Author Reply: I actually thought about Theron but didn't want to infringe upon you without your permission. I'm glad you enjoyed this story. Don't forget to read Two of Thirty-One which follows my two OC's Tarkil and Haldon as they ride with the Grey Company. Perhaps I'll add Theron into one of those chapters, with your permission of course! I'm always desperate for names ;-) | |
| Soledad | Reviewed Chapter: Prologue on 12/26/2004 |
| Wonderful little tale! It's so good to see Halbarad acting as Aragorn's second-in-command. He's one of the unsung heroes of The Books. I particularly liked it how he reminded Elladan and Elrohir that he's very much capable of doing his duty, without their interference. | |
| Branwyn | Reviewed Chapter: Prologue on 12/13/2004 |
| Leaward-- This story is a wonderful gap-filler which answers two questions that were always in my mind--why did so few of the Dunedain ride to Aragorn's aid, and why were there no elves in the Grey Company other than the twins? Your characterization of the rangers is wonderful--they are proud but also hard-bitten and sensible. The scene where Arwen entrusts the banner to Halbarad was well-done (and, of course, we know the words of her message to Aragorn from the book). I enjoyed this story a great deal! Branwyn Author Reply: Thank you, Branwyn. I wanted to make sure I didn't just repeat Tolkien's words, and so I didn't put the actual message in it rather just the reference to 'Elfstone' -- why re-write perfection? I'm glad you enjoyed it, and thanks for reviewing -- they really make my day! | |
| grumpy | Reviewed Chapter: Prologue on 12/9/2004 |
| Great story. I always did like ranger stories the best. It had to be a hard life for them. Halbarad did a good job getting the ones that he could get. Makes me sad to think that he died. Thanks for the good read Author Reply: Yes, it is so sad that he died, especially when I wrote the line "or I'll die trying." And now I'm thinking of writing more Halbarad stories .. there are so few and yet it should be such a rich area. Thanks for the review, I'm glad you liked the story. | |
| meckinock | Reviewed Chapter: Prologue on 12/9/2004 |
| I can't resist a Halbarad story, and I've given myself migraines trying to work out where the 30 guys came from, so I found it very enjoyable to sit back and watch you do it so well! A very plausible and intriguing gapfiller with believable characterizations. Looking forward to reading more. Author Reply: I have to say I gave myself migraines trying to figure it out too! You're not alone. There is so little Halbarad out there, isn't there? Thanks for reviewing, I'm glad you enjoyed it. | |
| daw the minstrel | Reviewed Chapter: Prologue on 12/8/2004 |
| Nice accounting for an event we know happened but I had never thought much about. How hard it must have been to scrape up even 30 men. And no elves except the twins. That was a sobering thought. It's interesting that they go, though. Elrond seems to be okay with that, but I suppose he knows what's important and has seem them ride off to battle before. Author Reply: I would imagine taking 30 men left them very short! And you're right, no elves, only the two peredhel go with the Rangers, what a shame. (Of course PJ tried to change that in The Two Towers Movie but I hate what they did to poor Haldir. I was so upset when I saw that.) I would imagine Elladan and Elrohir would have insisted on going to Aragorn's defence once they found no others but men would be sent to their 'brother's' side. Aw shoot, now you've spawned a plot bunny with fangs about the conversation between the twins and their father when they announce they want to go.... | |