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Aspects of Aragorn by Inzilbeth	10 Review(s)
Silivren Tinu	Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 11/24/2009
This chapter transferred me right back to the time when I read the scene where Gandalf tells Frodo about the Ring for the first time. All the excitement and the fascination I felt back then came back while I 'listened' to Gandalf and Aragorn talk about the Ring, Isildur, and Gollum. It's almost like reading LotR all over again, with the the benefit of getting additional background information. I have to say I always wanted to read more about Aragorn and Gandalf's Gollum-hunting and was quite frustrated Tolkien only gave us that short summary of their experiences. I really like that Halbarad was able to forgive and forget so easily once the situation asked for it - Aragorn leaving with ill feelings still standing between him and his friend is something I really would not have wished for. Loved it. :) Author Reply: Ah, thank you, Almut. I too desperately wish Tolkien hadn't 'lightened the load' as he put it and left out Gandalf and Aragorn's adventures. I'm glad this reminded you of 'The Shadow of the Past' as I too was thinking of that chapter when I wrote it. As to Halbarad and his irritation with Aragorn, yes, I'm sure any pettiness would have been immediately forgotten once something more serious cropped up. Thank you so much for all the lovely reviews you've written today. I'm very glad to know you are still reading and enjoying the story.

Mirach	Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 9/7/2009
…and bigger things began to move. The Rangers have my deep respect. Halbarad too, there are times like this in every friendship, and it only shows its strength at the end. Author Reply: And mine! The uncomfortable blend of tedium and danger that went with the job must have worn all their nerves, but, yes, what bonds were forged by it.

Celeritas	Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 1/14/2009
The easy (well, less than easy--good for you to recognize how a duty like this would cause all nerves to wear thin!) banter between Halbarad and Aragorn at the beginning showed a nice glimpse into the day-to-day interactions that I love best. But after--I've always thought it was very telling of the loyalty that the Dunedain would consent to Aragorn's request to double the guard on the Shire even without being told the reason. Thank you for illustrating that so capably. Author Reply: It's a real pleasure to have you reviewing my story as you do pick up on everything I was trying to show! Thank you for another perceptive review and I'm only too pleased you enjoyed the tale.

RS	Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 1/7/2009
Gandalf should write a book titled "The Fine Art of Gentle Persuasion or Manipulation". Somehow being a wizard, I kind of had the feeling that Gandalf knew that Aragorn would volunteer himself. He's a wizard, after all. He would know these things. Especially when he started the conversation off with Isildur. I love the way this transpired. That is so Gandalf! My favorite part: "Halbarad must have sensed the turmoil within his chieftain for he reached up and pulled his head towards his and for a moment their foreheads touched." What a beautiful scene. It epitomizes love, respect, and loyalty. The telling of Isildur and the death of the 200 Dunedains filled me with sorrow. All these forgotten warriors and protectors. You read stories of how Elessar rebuild Gondor and their people finally living in peace. But whatever happened to Arnor and the Dunedain? How did Elessar help rebuild Arnor and their people? Hopefully you will be able to touch on this (hint, hint) later on. If anybody can do it, you can. You are such a wonderful author and I love your writing. Anyway.. that's how moved I was reading the "Disaster at the Gladden Fields". Can't wait for the next update. Author Reply: Thank you so much, RS, for your review. LOL wouldn't that be some book to read, but you're quite right, I'm sure Gandalf had become extremely good at getting the required result by such roundabout means. 'that's how moved I was reading the "Disaster at the Gladden Fields."' Oh you and me both! I just love that chapter in UT as well. For me, it illustrates wonderfully Tolkien's genius as a writer as those images he created are so powerful and moving yet he used so little description to convey it all. Yes, I do have to include the rebuilding of Arnor, don't I? All I can say is that there's a chapter on my hard drive called 'Annuminas' but I'm far from happy with it. I'll go and glare at it some more! I'm so glad you enjoyed this chapter and thank you again for all your kind words.

Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 1/7/2009
An excellent extrapolation on the quotes from the Council of Elrond. And I hope Halbarad does stay away from the dice! Heh! Author Reply: Thank you so much, Larner; I'm very glad you thought so. Yes, Halbarad could find himself in difficulties without his Chieftain to bale him out!

Marethiel	Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 1/6/2009
This was a wonderful read, compelling from start to finish. Poor old Hal, imagine having to apologize for being good at dice... LOL I loved the interaction between Aragorn and Gandalf; long standing friendship and camaraderie came through, as well as mutual respect. Truly, lovely to read. Thank you for sharing this. ~Marethiel Author Reply: Hi Marethiel, thank you so much for leaving a review and I'm delighted that you enjoyed this story and that interaction in particular. Gandalf's relationship with Aragorn is explored so rarely yet it's the one long term friendship we know for certain that he had.

Linda Hoyland	Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 1/6/2009
I love the way you write Aragorn and Halbarad.Poor Aragorn,he always gets the most difficult and dangerous missions. Author Reply: Thank you so much, Linda for your review. I so wish we knew more about Halbarad. Yes, how wearying must it have been to spend all those years hunting for Gollum. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

shirebound	Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 1/6/2009
Those poor Rangers, almost never trusted or appreciated for all they do. And poor Aragorn, having no one of his own people -- not even his dear Halbarad -- in whom he can confide all his secrets. This is a marvelously-written conversation. Next week is the story of Aragorn’s friendship with Bilbo. I'm really looking forward to that. :) Author Reply: No a Ranger's lot was not a very happy one, was it? Thank you so much for your kind words and I'm really hoping you're going to enjoy the next chapter as it was one of your wonderful stories which inspired the beginning.

Cairistiona	Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 1/6/2009
I absolutely love this chapter. The relationship between Halbarad and Aragorn is there in all its fullness, from the sullen grumpiness full circle to the touching moment as Halbarad pulled Aragorn into an embrace (or at least a variation thereof). That moment of Halbarad sensing Aragorn's turmoil was beautifully poignant. Your Gandalf is a treat as well. Much to enjoy in this chapter! Author Reply: Thank you so much, Cairistiona, for your review, I'm especially pleased that you of all people liked Halbarad. That is such an interesting relationship to explore and Gandalf is such fun to write. I'm so glad you enjoyed this chapter.

Estelcontar	Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 1/6/2009
I liked Gandalf's Request very much indeed. It flows smoothly, all the characters sound true, and I found it a most enjoyable gap filler. I liked Aragorn's conflict with Halbarad. It highlights Aragorn's diplomatic skills and understanding of the, let us say, political environment facing the Rangers; it shows him wisely deflecting a ticklish situation. We also get to see that though he understands the reason why he hurt Halbarad, and though he's profoundly sorry, he does what he thinks is the right thing to do.We see that he is ready to lead his people But what I liked best about Gandalf's Request is how you treated Isildur. Tolkien's Isildur's though he made a mistake and payed dearly for it is still a hero and a good man. Because of the movies, we see him on the the internet, mostly treated as a villain, and that makes me so mad. You've done him justice, and given us the tragic, flawed but still honourable and noble character we see in Tolkien's universe. I was also glad to see Halbarad in the end regreting his words to Aragorn. It was very true to his character, and told us a lot about Halbarad. Well done, once again. Author Reply: Ah, my devious plan worked then! Standing up for Isildur was my main motivation for writing this chapter so I'm delighted that you agree with my take on him. Having said that, it was also fun to sneak a look at a bit of everyday Rangering and some of the less obvious pitfalls of that life. Thank you so much for your lovely review, I'm so glad you enjoyed this chapter.

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