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Aspects of Aragorn  by Inzilbeth 7 Review(s)
Silivren TinuReviewed Chapter: 29 on 12/9/2009
I've always loved gapfillers dealing with what happened when Aragorn looked into the Palantir, and the moments afterwards. What Aragorn told his friends later on really was not enough to satisfy my curiosity. ;-) I very much enjoyed your take on the Palantir-scene! Poor Halbarad - I guess even in his worst nightmares he could not have expected what Aragorn would decide to do and where he would have to follow him. I love that ranger's steadfast loyalty. It's something Aragorn more than deserves and really needs right now, even though he does not ask for it. :)

Author Reply: I too am fascinated by what happened with the Palantir. It was a remarkably brave thing that Aragorn did but he was very fortunate to have Halbarad beside him at the time. I'm so pleased you enjoyed my take on this and thank you so much for your review.

MirachReviewed Chapter: 29 on 9/11/2009
I have always wanted to see this missing scene. Tolkien became almost annoyingly vague about Aragorn since the Dúnedain arrived… But maybe he did so purposefully, to leave place for our imagination – just like yours. Halbarad’s concern and loyalty was very touching.

Author Reply: Thank you! I too desperately wish Tolkien had written this scene, but as you so rightly say, it is fun to try and fill in the gaps ourselves!

EstelcontarReviewed Chapter: 29 on 4/20/2009
What a most wonderful chapter!It does give us a most tantalizing, and emotional depiction of what Aragorn must have felt and suffered when he confronted Sauron, revealed himself, and wrestled the Isengard palantír to his will. It must have been a frightful ordeal, and a tribute to Aragorn's strength of mind that he was successful, and here you've managed to paint a totally lifelike picture of it.

Aragorn and Halbarad's dialogue was wonderfully revealing: it showed Aragorn's strength, Halbarad's loyalty and their mutual love and affection, while Halbarad's dry humour and down to earthness served to lighten the mood of the chapter somewhat. They balance each other most nicely

Author Reply: Thank you so much, Estelcontar. This was a fascinating chapter to write as we are given so little to go on yet the impact of what happened in that tower was enormous. I'm so glad you found the dialogue realistic. Poor Halbarad must have been very overwhelmed by all he was hearing.

CeleritasReviewed Chapter: 29 on 4/2/2009
Oof, this was a lot more overtly violent than I'd imagined (the struggle with the Palantir, I mean). But this is one of my favorite moments in the Aragorn storyline because for the first time he really does take matters into his own hands, going against even Gandalf's counsel! No wonder Halbarad was so worried!

And I liked the added detail of Aragorn making a visit to the Rangers in November and letting Halbarad at least now know of their secret hope. Now we can sit back and watch the hasty stroke go awry!

Author Reply: I'm guessing that if Sauron could physically hurt Pippin, who after all just looked in the Palantir by accident, he would have been far more brutal in his assault on someone who was actively challenging him for control of it. I'm sure it must have been a very unpleasant experience!

I love this part of his story too - it really is Aragorn's moment, isn't it?

Next up, is a quick look at Aragorn from Eowyn's POV, but then the story returns for the Paths of the Dead, followed by the ride to Pelargir and the talking of the Black Ships, something I so wish the Professor had given us in full!

Thank you so much, Celeritas, for your review. I'm glad too that you liked the idea of Aragorn having returned to his men during that two months when the hobbits were in Rivendell. I feel that after the incident at Sarn Ford, he would have been quite desperate to speak with them.

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 29 on 3/31/2009
All too likely! Very well portrayed.

Author Reply: Thank you so much, Larner, I'm glad you think so.

Linda HoylandReviewed Chapter: 29 on 3/31/2009
This is a great chapter and look at a scene I wish Tolkien had told us more about. I just love Halbarad here and Aragorn's resolute courage.

Author Reply: Than you so much, Linda. I too wish Tolkien had given us this scene but I'm so glad you liked this version of it.

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 29 on 3/31/2009
What a compelling picture you paint, not only of this incredible event, but to show us even more completely the selfless and courageous heart of Aragorn... and those who love and honor him.

Author Reply: Thank you so much, Shirebound, for your kind review. I do feel it was very much the measure of the man that he decided on the course he did. How easy it would have been to give in to the doubts of those around him.

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