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At Hope's Edge by Cairistiona	394 Review(s)
Lexilooper	Reviewed Chapter: 21 on 2/10/2026
Oops I accidentally submitted that last comment early XD well, it reminded me I had resolved to not comment as much on this reread, since I've already commented on most things the first time. However, with that last accidentally-skipped chapter I kinda got back in the comment on everything habit lol Gandalf leaned his head back to squint at Aragorn down the considerable length of his nose. "It is unusual, I must say, after all this time. Most men would long have died by now," he mused, seeming to be talking to himself more than Aragorn. He blinked, then fixed Aragorn with a bright gaze. "But your Númenórean blood gives you greater strength than lesser men, and you do know a bit about healing, and there is the fact that your line has a special touch with the athelas. Although I’ve not heard of a healer healing himself of this, I suppose to a certain degree, you managed. Yes, I do believe that’s all this is. Well then." He stood up, shaking himself and arranging his long grey cloak. SKADJFSGHK THAT'S ALL NOT THAT'S ALL, BECAUSE THIS IS NOT A RESIDUAL LINGERING AFTEREFFECT THIS IS A FESTERING INFECTION THAT WAS NOT FULLY BANISHED AND SET IN AND HAS BEEN GROWING IN STRENGTH CONSISTENTLY "That’s all what is? Surely you are not leaving without explaining yourself?" Aragorn asked, his voice a bit sharper than he intended, but his head was starting to throb harder than ever, and he had little patience for the wizard’s enigmatic ways. skadhksghdsjghs his pain disguised in but also betrayed in his impatience and if anyone KNOWS the clues and knows they should be looking...they can see the sharpness and severity of his pain and sickness "Of course not, my dear boy," Gandalf said, a kind smile on his face as he put both hands on Aragorn’s shoulders. He studied Aragorn’s eyes and then shook his head sadly. "Ever do you think you can carry burdens too big for you." KSAHGKDSH <:(((( THANK YOUUUUUUUU EXACTLY EXACTLYYYYYYY "Trust me, Aragorn, you are neither a dullard nor a fool. THANK YOU yes don't let him keep talking so degradingly about himself. It does no good and is clearly a result of his exhaustion and the Black Breath, that he uses such strong words to speak about himself so derisively and discount any of his strength or efforts or successes None of us have figured out the wiles of the enemy or he would have been defeated ages ago. But, since you seem so eager to avoid the topic of your own well being LOLLL <3 again thank you for seeing that clearly and pointing out that even if you are letting him avoid the topic you know full well that he's doing it the twinkle in his eye <33 and Aragorn being again in such pain that he is incredibly grumpy, as hard as he's trying not to show it shaky legs, pulse in arm, but not missing a beat in his restless measuring of the room's distance yesss Gandalf's pointed look and mild annoyance at his pacing :)) He hunched his shoulders, rubbing his arm. It felt like someone was jabbing it with a hot poker. ksadksgdhj yess a hot poker openly hunching his shoulders Gandalf memorize his movements so when he collapses you can tell Elrond how much he was rubbing his arm and to check there XD Aragorn stared at Gandalf without seeing him. Instead he saw burning buildings and the tormented faces of the dead. "Ever have I sought to protect my people," he said, his voice sounding thin and somehow distant, even to his own ears. "But now it seems as though my very existence has hastened their destruction." HIS INTENSE GUILT AND THIN HORRIFIED VOICE AS HE SO QUICKLY CATASTROPHIZES <:( Gandalf shook his head. "No, Aragorn. Do not look at it so. Your service to your people has not been undermined. You have led them better than any other chieftain before you, and none in the long line of Isildur’s heirs have given themselves so selflessly to such a seemingly hopeless task as you have. You have not brought them destruction, but hope, and hope ever will be embodied in who you are and what you will become." thank youuuuu <3 he's like that was not what I intended for you to do with those speculations "It is as the visions... the nightmares... showed, only it will not be by the hand of my friends that I find myself at Sauron’s feet, nor chained and helpless, but by the strength of my sword and Sauron will be the one–" he is so, like, out of his mind with panic and horror. Rushing through sudden drastic decisions, thinking and trying to act in such absolutes, and not even realizing that he's revealing his deepest nightmares but that even his intent was to reveal them, Gandalf has kind of no context or idea what he's talking about or where this is coming from, "Aragorn!" Gandalf’s voice sliced through the room like lightning. YESSSS <3333 Aragorn froze, a boot dropping from his hand. He barely kept himself from cowering in fear at the sight of one of the Istari in full-blown wrath. He started to open his mouth to speak, but shut it with a snap as Gandalf seemed to loom larger than the room itself. YESSSS dropping a boot lol "He cannot possibly have, else you would not be standing before me, even in so bedraggled a condition that you seem barely able to stand. Aragorn, you look like the brush of a butterfly’s wing would knock you down." SKADHFSKFSGHKHFDS YESSSSS SO BEDRAGGLED BARELY ABLE TO STAND :) the brush of a butterfly's wing indeed lol like Halbarad and his gnat's eyelashes XD Aragorn pulled a face. "I am fine." He resumed pacing in front of the fireplace, albeit more slowly than before. SURE ERASE THE WORD FROM YOUR VOCABULARY ALREADY slowerrr hehe "Again, you try to fool a wizard at your peril. And I do wish you would sit down and stop pacing," Gandalf said sharply. He added under his breath, "Is it any wonder you call yourself Strider?" ksahgksh yesss hehe "at your peril" EXACTLY HE IS HURTING EXACTLY HIMSELF BY ALL OF THIS NOR IS HE HELPING ANYONE "I don’t call myself that. Usually." lol true poor guy <3 usually <:( Aragorn stopped his prowling but refused to sit down. hehehe further whump to him if he sits down now he won't be able to rise again "All in time, my dear friend, all in time," Gandalf replied cryptically. "But we must first deal with the matter at hand, for you can only play your part if you are healthy and strong. This broken-down shell of a man standing before me is not capable of dispatching a mosquito, let alone a Nazgûl. You must heal, and then we will talk of strategy, and of the plans I have for you." yessssss not capable of dispatching a mosquito lol hey but if it came down to that mosquito threatening his loved ones, you'd be surprised "What plans?" Aragorn asked warily. He was far too tired for the wizard’s riddles. yessss his exhaustion even in being wary of Gandalf having plans for him Aragorn glanced away. He rubbed his temples, which were pounding with an intensity that threatened to rob him of his sight. "Not yet. He has had his hands full with Halbarad. My own troubles can wait until morning. The dark of night is not the time I would have preferred to speak of it. To anyone," he added pointedly. YESS THREATENED TO ROB HIM OF SIGHT dang yes we know that however CAN IT REALLY WAIT? the dark of the night is probably when it's strongest anyways if anything "Then you should learn to keep your mouth shut while you sleep. I’m surprised your howls were not heard in the Shire." yesss :) poor guy was not trying to Aragorn felt his cheeks burn but he could not really say anything in his own defense. He had woken himself up, after all. And over the past week, Halbarad and the men certainly had let him know in no uncertain terms that their sleep had also suffered because of his nightmares. He pinched the bridge of his nose. "I am sure I was not heard in the Shire," he muttered. he's feeling so guiltily and grumpily defensive <:(( <3 Gandalf again put his hands on Aragorn’s shoulders, his eyes compassionate. "I should not tease, for I know how distressing this is. You have suffered much but rest assured, Aragorn, this affliction is near its end. Elrond knows how to treat the Black Breath and rid your mind fully of this menace, fear not. Shall I find him now?" AWWWW <:((((( I know how distressing this is DISTRESS INDEED ARAGORN IS PEAK EXAMPLE OF THE DEEPEST DISTRESS <333 he reassurance is very sweet <3 "there is hope and all will be well" (he has no idea how close he is actually to lying) "No. He worked long and hard today; there is no need to disturb him." mmm "If you are sure?" um Aragorn nodded, wincing a little as the motion sent a wave of pain rocking through his head. "I just need to sleep." ummmm buddy you can't even nod "I do not know whether to trust your judgment in this, but seeing as it appears you have gotten yourself this far, I will agree. And you are right in that Elrond worked long and hard on Halbarad and needs rest before dealing with you. Very well. Get some rest of your own, in the meantime. And have you any athelas?" hmmmmm good point though they probably should have been like, treating him with it each night in the meantime. I don't know whether Aragorn would've allowed it, but Halbarad's no fool, he knows Aragorn still suffers from the Black Breath. And he's no joke to argue with either, he might have even won. "I can find some, yes." SURE YOU CAN MR. I-CAN'T-STOP-PACING-UNLESS-A-BUTTERFLY-BRUSHES-ME-THEN-I'M-DEAD "Good, good. Use the athelas... I think perhaps in the rush of fighting off wraiths and hauling wounded friends to Imladris that you have neglected yourself too much." PERHAPS I think he has neglected himself beyond the barest minimum of looking to see if his wound is infected. Barest. Minimum. BECAUSE USUALLY WHEN YOU CHECK SOMETHING LIKE THAT AND THE ANSWER IS YES THEN YOU TAKE FURTHER ACTION BUT HE'S TOO DEPRESSED TO CARE <:(((( Then I will see you in the morning and take you straightaway to your father." this makes me so happy <333 he's like I will be your personal escort and make sure you are cared for as you desperately need <3 his advocate wait his his advocate with the Father Gandalf as a Christ-figure again :) Somehow now it all looked very inviting. It would be good to come back to it and finally sleep. Smiling, he opened the door and stepped into the hallway, THIS PART WHERE SUDDENLY NOW HE ACTUALLY WANTS THE BED HE COULDN'T EVEN LAY ON AND IT LOOKS INVITING AND HE SMILES AND IS GOING TO TAKE CARE OF HIMSELF BECAUSE GANDALF HAS GIVEN HIM SOME MEASURE OF HOPE FOR LIGHT BUT IT'S TOO LATE :) but stopped short as a knife of pain suddenly stabbed through his skull. He gasped as he grabbed his head with one hand and slapped a hand against the wall to steady himself with the other. :))) He stood that way for a long time, praying for the pain to ease but it did not, and shadows gathered in a filmy haze before his eyes. He took another step but his knee buckled and he slid down the wall, knocking into a potted fern on an iron stand. He tried to grab it but pain from his head and his arm made him clumsy, and he only succeeded in knocking it completely over. I LOVE HOW his head is not exactly one of the things injured but it is the pain there that finally brings him down, because that's where the real fight is (and also, because terrible fever and pushing your body past its physical limits will indeed bring a crippling headache :)) It crashed to the floor with the clamor of shattered pottery and clanging metal and he landed on top of it, its wrought iron edge digging excruciatingly into his wounded arm. Aragorn cried out and then felt more than saw a door open and footsteps rapidly approaching. yessss ouchhh "My dear boy!" Gandalf’s alarmed voice in his ear. "My dear boy. Let me help you." <333 AWW Strong arms slipped beneath Aragorn’s and he felt himself being pulled to his feet. "Gandalf..." "Shh, do not try to speak." skajhsgk <3 Aragorn tried to walk but his legs seemed incapable of supporting him. He sagged dizzily against Gandalf and started to fall again. He felt an arm sweep behind his knees and he knew he was being carried and hated it. YESSS and started to fall again and hated it :) "I am a fool of a wizard for believing you! :)))) a fool of a wizard It is as I feared. Worse even; you are burning up with fever. We cannot wait for morning. Elrond!" Gandalf bellowed and then hurried into Aragorn’s room. He laid Aragorn on his bed and Aragorn grabbed at the coverlet, hoping against hope that he might ride out the crazy spinning of a world gone wildly out of control. SAKDJHSK just grabbing on, trying to ground himself from the crazy spinning somehow is all he cares about or has the strength for He felt a hand on his forehead. "Yes, you are indeed ill beyond the remnants of Black Breath, young man," Gandalf said testily. "And no doubt have been all evening and yet all you could tell me is ‘fine’. Stubbornness, your name is Estel Elrondion!" yessssss THANK YOU :) His footsteps moved away and again Aragorn heard a bellow. "Elrond!" THE BELLOWS <333 Aragorn tried to sit up. yess "No, no. Lay down. Be still." yesssss But he had to get up. Had to keep moving. "No... have to move... the shadow..." SKASKHJSHFKJ he's really falling into half-memory-nightmare now, even if he doesn't quite realize "Shhh. Easy, my child." Against the footsteps faded and again a bellowing shout into the hall. "Elrond, cease your slumber and come immediately!" yesss <33 my child <:((( Aragorn looked toward the doorway, but the room seemed dim, full of shadow and flame. He groaned. It was getting hard to breathe. He dropped his head back to his pillow with a low cry. Fire-wreathed darkness enveloped him, and then it felt as though he fell into black waters. They closed over his head and he knew no more. THE SUDDEN QUICK SHADOWS AND FLAME DESCENDING UPON HIM AND WASTING NO TIME IN THICKENING THE AIR BEYOND BREATH groaning the room dim to him, dark, fire-wreathed darkness

Lexilooper	Reviewed Chapter: 21 on 2/5/2026
"‘Fine,’ he says!" Gandalf glared at him from under those massive grey eyebrows of his, which were drawing toward each other like two warships bent on destroying each other. "Aragorn, did Lord Elrond not teach you that it is exceedingly unwise to prevaricate to a wizard?" SKAJDG YESSS THIS PART :D "Gandalf, truly... there is nothing you can do for me." hmmm let him be the judge of that "Do? That tells me that there must indeed be something you need, from me or from someone." His gaze softened. "Come. Tell me, old friend." YESSS <:((( well spotted Aragorn’s shoulders slumped. Maybe.... <:((( please Yes. He would tell him. Carrying the burden of hopelessness was too tiring, maintaining a facade that all was well too exhausting. Still, his words were faltering and slow. "Somehow... I feel I have lost the path. Or perhaps the path that I once saw so clearly in my youth is no longer open to me. I feel as though I stand at hope’s edge, and any step from here will only lead me farther away from all that I once thought possible." He looked far into an empty distance. "I-I feel like my destiny is so far out of reach that it is nothing more than the hopeless dream of a... of a fool." YAYYY GOOD HE WILL TELL HIM <3 the struggle of the words still <:( "Is that what your heart tells you?" Gandalf asked gently. Long minutes passed as he searched for an answer in the dancing flames. He finally turned to Gandalf. "My heart sees only shadow." yesssssss To his surprise, Gandalf smiled, gently and a touch sadly. "And you think that yours is the only heart blinded in these dark days?" <:( indeed although Aragorn's is no mere reflection of Sauron's darkness in the East "But I am to be the king! I cannot afford to be so blind!" Aragorn said angrily, turning from Gandalf’s infuriating calm to pace the distance to the window. He stared out but saw nothing of moonlit beauty of Rivendell. His voice fell to a whisper. "What good is it to Middle-earth if the heir to the throne of Gondor is so easily defeated?" mmmmmm "Defeated? I think you use too strong a word. YESSS now please continue to probe about why. For it is not like Aragorn to use such strong language unwarranted, to catastrophize so The inability to see the path before one’s feet does not always amount to defeat, else we would all fail before we left our doors, whether we be merchants or farmers, wizards or, yes, even kings. We are all feeling our way through an impenetrable fog, Aragorn, moving forward only one uncertain step at a time. But moving forward nonetheless. " Aragorn heard robes rustle, then a hand gently squeezed his shoulder. "Tell me, Aragorn, my friend. It is not like you to have such despair in your eyes. What is it that so haunts your dreams that you cry out in the night?" SKAJGSHKH <333 that he cries out yes the last chapter didn't really mention his scream askdkhsgkj yess not like him to have such despair in his eyes <:( Aragorn folded his arms around his chest and tried to hide his shiver with a shrug. "I have no dreams of late. Only nightmares. " YESSSS THIS LINE he won't even count them to be dreams, for they are too terrible to deserve such a word "We all have nightmares, but I must say I have never known you to suffer unduly from them, no matter how bleak the night." mmmmm yes no mattere how bleak but now Aragorn's soul is what holds the bleakness Aragorn gave no answer. That after all this time, the effects of the Black Breath would still be plaguing him only brought a wave of shame that he should be so weak. To speak it aloud... no, he could not bring himself to do it. To have admitted his despair had been hard enough. sadjhssgjhdjkfsh BUT THEY ARE SO CONNECTED also it's been like. A week and a half since that first fight, I think??? the shame <:((( misplaced but so strong, and he cannot see how misplaced it is Gandalf sat down on the bed and leaned his ever-present staff beside him. He folded his hands over his knee and studied Aragorn so intently that Aragorn felt as though he were being judged before Ilúvatar himself. "Gandalf," he protested, but fell silent at Gandalf’s raised hand. skadshskh yessssssssss judged by Iluvatar himself dang and Gandalf not letting him escape the scrutiny "You mentioned fighting off orcs. But what of the Nazgûl? Did you encounter him directly?" YESSSSS After a long moment, Aragorn gave Gandalf a terse nod. he's so reluctant <:( buddy you need not be Gandalf’s eyebrows shot upward. "Ah," he said, as if coming to full understanding. "And how long ago did you fight him?" YESSSSSS THE UNDERSTANDINGGGG <3 "Almost two weeks, then again, briefly, just yesterday." "And in this first encounter... how close were you yourself to him, Aragorn?" YESSSS ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS especially as he said yesterday was "brief", implying the first encounter was not At Aragorn’s continued silence, Gandalf’s fierce scowl returned. "Aragorn, you must tell me everything. Do not leave out even one detail." YESSSS AWWWW HIS FIERCE WORRIED SCOWL <3333 So Aragorn told the entire sad tale, trying to skim over his own defeat by merely saying, "I fought with him, and he fled after Halbarad threatened him with fire. We contended with him again at Windydale, only I did not get quite so near, nor for very long – a matter of minutes only. Glorfindel finally drove him out of the area, as far as we were able to ascertain. Then Halbarad was shot, and I brought him here, for it was only the skill of Lord Elrond that could save him." BUDDY THAT IS NOT THE ENTIRE SAD TALE NOT THE HALF OF YOUR PART IN IT OR THE FRACTION OF YOUR SADNESS "Aragorn," Gandalf said, a warning flashing in his eyes. "Do not try to fool a wizard! Is that truly all that happened? Are you trying to tell me that you did not feel the effects of being so near a Nazgûl not once but twice?" YES THANK YOU HOW NEAR YOU STILL DO NOT KNOW, REALLY I mean "I fought with him" implies closeness, but it could have been a couple of swordstrokes, it certainly doesn't explain how he was heavily bruised to the chest by the Nazgul's blade "Yes... I mean, no. I did, but I am fine. I..." Aragorn started, but then the lie locked in his throat. YESSSSS <333 <:) the lie locking in his throat genuinely made me so happy. Gandalf's pressing is getting through, and he is in his heart an honest man and hurting, and he can't keep lying through his teeth about his wellbeing forever The blackness that seemed more and more to take all his energy to keep at bay surged once more. He forced it back, bleak in the knowledge that the next time it would return stronger than before, like an ever rising tide, and the way he felt at the moment, it would be highly unlikely that he could fight it off again. SKAUHGSKJHSKSFDJ "bleak" being applied to Aragorn always makes me happy cause whump the blackness surging ALMOST CERTAIN IT WILL OVERCOME HIM NEXT TIME well, he is right :) "It... I feel it... him... I don’t know what it is, if it’s simply the memory that still plagues me, or something... something worse. A blackness... like a cold shadow that the sun cannot penetrate... still lingers in my mind. And there is a chill in my bones that no fire seems able to thaw." YESSSS thank you for again confirming that the chill which he has not been mentioning much is indeed still there ALSO THE HALTING STUTTERING STRUGGLE FOR WORDS <3333

Lexilooper	Reviewed Chapter: 20 on 2/3/2026
Aragorn hesitated before the doorway to his room, looking at Erestor. The Elf had found him half asleep, still sitting on the ground beneath the willow, and Aragorn was sure that he had seen the tear tracks on his face. It bothered him, being caught in a moment of weakness. SKAKDJHFGSDGH TEAR TRACKS <:( still there half asleep, I'm not sure if it's from before he fell asleep or if he was crying in his half-dreams of despair In that joyful moment, it did not matter that Aragorn had lost all hope and that his head throbbed and his body ached. It all fell away in a wave of giddy relief. His friend would recover and live to walk and run and fight and love, and that was enough. AWWW <333 <:((( living to do all those thingssssss that are so Halbarad <3 okay wait. Did I. MISS this entire chapter while reading last time???? I think I may have, somehow. Well. I will READ IT NOW <33 And now, standing before his door, a bed and fire waiting within, Aragorn felt that real sleep might actually, after all, be obtainable. He put his hand on the door handle. "Thank you," he said softly. He felt he should say more, but he was so tired he could barely string together those two words. awww YAY Erestor pulled him into an embrace. "Thank your father. I am merely the messenger." He stepped back but continued to hold Aragorn at arm’s length. "Maybe now you will allow yourself some rest?" skadhgskhdshgsdh he knows he has NOT actually found rest yet <3 the huggggg and holding him at arm's length <3 He stood for a long moment, staring at the closed door before him, awash in so many emotions that he felt paralyzed. He ran a hand over the smooth wood, looking at it as if for the very first time, and maybe he was. He ran a finger along the straight, tight grain of the wood, down to the vine-shaped iron latch, then touched the doorframe and the stone wall beside it. For reasons he could not fathom, he was still reluctant to go in. He did not understand why he felt so out of place. SKASDJHSKHGSJ STILL PARALYZED EVEN AFTER BEING PERSONALLY WALKED INSIDE AND TO HIS BEDROOM DOOR HE STILL STRUGGLES SO HARD TO GO IN He took a deep breath and opened the door. The room in which he had spent all but two years of his youth had changed little. Some of his childhood treasures – an eagle feather, a rock with a hole in it, an old journal, several books – still sat on a shelf above the fireplace. And the wooden sword he had fenced with as a young boy eager to learn the ways of fighting still leaned in a corner. He walked over and picked it up, smiling ruefully. It used to feel so large. THE THINGS HE KNOCKS OFF THE SHELF LATER awwww the wooden sword <33 He put it back, and then dropped heavily into a chair. He had to admit that part of the reason he felt out of step with the rest of the world was that he simply felt terrible. Shivery and hot at the same time, with a head that seemed to slosh every time he turned it. His eyes grated in their sockets. All things a good night’s sleep would cure, he thought sourly, if he could but gain one. SURE CAUSE EVERYONE FEELS LIKE THAT WHEN THEY HAVEN'T GOTTEN A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP I am being sarcastic ARAGORN THOSE ARE VERY CLEAR SIGNS OF FEVER AND DEEP-SET SICKNESS AND YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO BE A HEALER ALSO YOU LITERALLY KNOW YOUR WOUND IS INFECTED I will attribute all this to the apathy and hopelessness of the Black Breath <3 <:( in his eyes what is the point of caring about that anyways He struggled out of his boots and let them fall to the floor, cringing as a scattering of dried mud fractured itself from the sole to litter the spotless flagstones. He eyed the ornate bed that sat against the far wall, with its elaborate carvings and fine bedding and soft pillows. There was even a silk nightshirt and breeches laid neatly on top of the linen counterpane. How long had it been since he had returned home to stay any longer than a brief visit to report to Lord Elrond? Fifteen years? No, more like twenty, he realized. Nearly twenty years ago, after he had returned from Lórien. After he and Arwen had broken Elrond’s decree that they not plight their troth. Twenty years now its shadow had quietly fallen on his relationship with Elrond. And in all those years, not once had he slept in his room, wearing silk nightclothes and stretching out between cool sheets or under warm blankets. Instead, he only allowed himself to snatch a few hours of sleep on a couch in the Hall of Fire before leaving as quickly as possible to ride or walk back into the wilds and back to his people. But now he was here, and the room seemed exactly the same as those long-ago days when life was far less complicated. The room was utterly unchanged. <:(((((((( skadhshsjfdhsd no wonder he feels unwelcome and out of place nearly twenty years I love how even though Elrond has allowed the shadow to fall and Aragorn to push himself away, has failed to properly reassure Aragorn he still loves and welcomes him, you can see his continued love in hints of the way this room is still kept dusted and clean and exactly as he left it, waiting for his son to return <:(((( <3 skashskg Aragorn skittishly sleeping a few hours on a COUCH in the HALL before running away as fast as possible <:(( He was the one that had changed. Time and struggle had chipped at him so much that he felt he was all rough edges and – he could not help rubbing his aching arm – splintered fragments that needed smoothing. Where he used to find solace in sleeping under such fine ceilings, on something designed for both beauty and comfort, now he found himself feeling suddenly uncouth and uncultured. Somehow, though he still longed to call Rivendell home and could think of no other place on Arda he would wish to live, the manners and customs that used to be second nature in his youth now felt almost foreign. Maybe I have assumed the mantle of the Ranger a little too comfortably. skahjsgkhsdkjfghsdjk <:( I love how he wants to call this place home more than any other, his heart indeed is here with his elven family. It's not that he wants something else (I don't really want this because I love Rivendell also and want it to be a home to him), it's that he feels HE is too rough, too inadequate, too splintered for such love and beauty and comfort <:(( It is not that Rivendell can no longer be home, it is that he needs healing (Although of course I love his Ranger nature as well, and how well he stepped up to that mantle. I just. Want him to belong in all his homes.) He straightened the boots, storing them beside the hearth, and tried to pick up the chunks of dried river mud. Despite his care, some of them crumbled and left dust behind that would need to be swept up. He sighed and tossed what he could into the fireplace. He stared at the flames for a moment, wondering still why he no longer felt comfortable in his own home. <:((( trying not to make a mess I am probably just tired. Tired and too full of care. Too full of sorrow. Too full of... fear. SKADHKAJ <:( Something within him went very still as the truth sunk in. He was afraid. ASKDNGKDFH THE WAY IT PIERCES HIM WITH ITS TRUTH The horrors of the last three weeks haunted him, robbed him of hope and courage even in what should be the safe confines of Rivendell. He shut his eyes and a dark litany of images stormed across his mind: Mallor’s death, Bracken’s Ferry, Annelia, the dying children in Windydale, Halbarad... <:((((( he desperately needs healing indeed Even here, he is terrified He had not been able to save a single one of them from death or severe harm. One wraith, and a small band of orcs, and still he could not prevent utter ruin from falling on his people. What then could he hope to accomplish against the time when Sauron marched forth from his lands and brought full war upon all of Middle-earth? skadshkgs well of course you didn't save a single one of the people who DID die or get severely hurt from that what of those who were not significantly harmed, or were saved from otherwise certain death? The despair of the afternoon again wormed its cold fingers around his mind. He frowned and tried to turn his thoughts toward more practical matters. Erestor had always chided him for ever trying to eat an oliphaunt before taking the first bite. So perhaps instead of trying to save the entire world, he should simply try to solve this one thing. If he could reason out why the Nazgûl was stalking his lands, he might find some way to grapple with the fear, subdue it and put it behind him as he took this one step forward against his enemy. skahdkfa yes Erestor <3 He took a deep breath, feeling calmer already. awwwwww good jobbbbb <3 He steepled his fingers together, staring at them as he focused his thoughts. What had the Nazgûl really wanted? Was this some sort of first movement of an invasion from Mordor? If so, why had they heard nothing of such plans? Were their own lookouts and spies so ineffective? He would have to speak to Halbarad about that, when his health improved. when BOTH your healths improve, you mean also I suppose it's kind of fair he tried to get up so soon after recovering from his sickness, when for so long he pushed through it, and was walking about on his own right up till the collapse. He's trying to go right back to that pushing himself that he's used to, and his body has finally said no. They would see what could be done to strengthen their watch along the borders. How they would accomplish that, he did not know. They were already stretched too thin in what areas they had to cover most. He dared not pull anyone away from The Shire – aside from Gandalf all but ordering a heavy presence there, Aragorn knew the Shirelings were no warriors, despite their faith in their own Shirriffs and Bounders. A peaceful folk, the Hobbits, keeping to themselves and suspicious of outsiders, especially Rangers, who Aragorn knew firsthand they regarded as little better than brigands. It was hard, sometimes, being accounted a rascal when you were the one protecting the name-caller from dangers they could not begin to imagine. saskdhksfg that weariness of the undeserved mistrust <:((( But he felt no rancor. The Hobbits were... well, he was not quite sure what they were. Or what they would be in the end. He was sure, however, that Gandalf was onto something in his admiration of the small folk. awww yessssssss despite Isengard standing watch on Rohan’s northern border. lol I forget that at this point Isengard's still supposedly an ally There had to be some other reason, then, for the wraith’s presence. He rested his forehead in his hands. "Think," he whispered. "If I were a Nazgûl, what would I be looking for? What errand would I be on for Sauron?" ooooh The One Ring... ooooooh he's got the idea for a moment but it was lost, washed down to the Sea, according to reports he had heard. hmmmm The Wraiths may have once lived to find the One Ring but with it gone, their purpose was... what? hehe well to find it again It was no good. Answers eluded him and all that came to mind were images of dead children and rotting corpses. And such would be the landscape across all of Arda if he should continue this inept leadership. His hands shook as he imagined vast armies pouring forth from Mordor. Burning, killing... imprisoning the free folk of Middle-earth and bringing all that is beautiful and good and right to a horrifying end. He saw flames and darkened skies and smelt the stench of death and no valley, no mountain, no cave would be deep enough or high enough to escape it. skahsgkhsj <:((((( those nightmare images seeing them so real, not just imagining, the Black breath making them something more than they should be hands shakingggggg "this inept leadership" buddy no <:( Unless the Dúnedain prevailed. Unless somehow, he prevailed. <:((( he will But, oh Valar, he could not see it. He could not see it. The path had ended; he had either lost it or it was no more. All of Arda looks to me as though I have the power of the Valar at my disposal to make all things right... yet I cannot see the path beyond this moment. And what I see at this moment is... defeat. skahgksdhsjhsksssssss "No, not defeat," he whispered. He rubbed his scratchy eyes with the heels of his hands. "I am not defeated. Just... exhausted." Exhausted in body and spirit. Exhausted of hope. His mind shied from the thought that exhaustion was merely a kinder word for defeat. skahdgskhshssss seeing more clearly for a moment how it is exhaustion speaking then in despair wondering if that is only the same thing exhausted of hope is right <3 He shook himself. Nothing needed to be decided this night, he supposed. Not when he was so weary he could no longer think straight. good <3 He pulled off his shirt and draped it as neatly as he could manage on the back of the chair, then slipped the nightshirt on over his head, gentling his wounded arm through the sleeve. The smooth linen snagged on his rough fingers. skakgsh gentling his arm through <3 snagging on his fingerss yess and then will come the part where Elrond goes buddy you didn't even take off your leggings and put on your night-breeches XD He looked at his hands. Browned by the sun, scarred and rough and chapped from days of cold and rain and winds, they were the hands of a warrior. Certainly at times their touch had worked healing in the sick and the wounded, but they were the hands of one who wielded a sword more than herbs. They were the hands of a man whose existence seemed defined by harsh conditions and untold dangers and an endless battle against hopeless odds. skahgkahgsghsl llike Denlad he too would just be a gentle healer if he could <:( Would fate allow them ever to become the hands of a king? And will I be up to the task when that day finally comes? ssdhgkhags the hands of a healer <:( one day <333 Aragorn wished he knew a sure answer. He looked again at the bed, with its soft feather mattress and white sheets. He fingered the fine cloth, ran a hand down the elegantly carved post. Then he abruptly grabbed a pillow and threw it on the floor. Drawing his stained leather coat over him, he settled down on the hard flagstones to try to find sleep that was not riddled with nightmares. SKASUDHGKSDHS this feels so much like. A soldier. Unable to allow himself the softness of a real bed, sleeping on the floor instead because he is so used to nights on the ground. The nightmare returned. Twice Aragorn gasped himself awake, crying and trembling with the sure knowledge that all who loved him had turned against him and all hope was beyond his grasp. He sat up, rubbing his face, shivering as cool night air wafted in through the open window. SKAHDKGDSH GASPING HIMSELF AWAKE CRYING AND TREMBLING YESSSS <3 I thought perhaps here in Rivendell, under Vilya’s gentle power, the nightmares’ hold would ease. <:((( It would appear he was mistaken. If anything, they seemed worse... far more terrifying, and far harder to shake off. He rested his aching forehead on his knees for a moment, taking several measured breaths. His heart finally calmed its frantic beating. SKADJGSKH THYE'VE ONLY GOTTEN WORSE, NOT ONLY WORSE BUT FAR WORSE, FAR MORE TERRIFYING <333 that terror Halbarad has been watching in his eyes surfacing again his aching foreheaddddd buddy you have a fever remember He crawled forward on his knees to stir the fire. sksjf shaky and just crawling He dropped another log onto the coals and in a few minutes flames once more flickered cheerfully and drove the dank cold back into the far corners of the room. yesss all is still cold and dark to him he needs the fire Then he struggled to his feet and staggered to the window, unsteady still from sleep and a headache that seemed worse now than when he had first laid himself down. skahgk YEAH NO WONDER YOU'VE GOT A GROWING FEVER AND PLUS YOU'RE SLEEPING ON A STONE FLOOR The night was quiet, as it always seemed to be in Rivendell. No night-prowling predators shrieking; no furtive rustlings in the darkness to send a chill down his back. A whippoorwill chanted its song into the night, and an owl sent his query through gently rustling treetops, and above both the gentle breeze sighed among the pine trees. Those small sounds, far from disrupting the peace, only seemed to enhance it. A whippoorwilllll "an owl sent his query" skadjh I love that Far below the house, the Bruinen chuckled and sang as it danced across its stony bed, the roar of the mighty waterfalls along the cliff faces muted by the bulk of the house. Aragorn could see moonlight glinting on the water, and the call of escape he heard from it this afternoon seemed to echo again through his spirit. AKSDHGSKDH the Bruinen chuckling and singing lighthearted as always BUT AGAIN IT CALLS TO HIM TAUNTING HIM WITH AN OFFER OF ESCAPE AND PEACE AND IN ITS INNOCENT CALL HE HEARS AN OFFER MUCH DARKER <:( He pulled the window shut. good job <:((( Aragorn lay back down, pulling the coat he’d kicked off back across his body. Rubbing his aching left arm, he watched the flames until his eyelids drooped, and prayed that this time, his dreams would be peaceful. ksadhksghs except I know what happens :))) also it makes so much sense that I skipped a chapter XD I had been kind of surprised at the time jump. Turns out there wasn't one at all XD The third time the nightmare jolted him from sleep, he kicked off his coat and stood, giving up, once again, on any kind of restful slumber. He ran a hand through his hair and stretched his neck and back until they popped, then dropped back down to his knees and picked up the fireplace tongs. He gave the fire a desultory poke, then winced and dropped the poker with a noisy clang as pain suddenly bit deep into his arm. He peeled back his collar and looked down. He saw more evidence of fresh bleeding, but there was not much of it, and he did not bother to check it further. He cared about it no more than he cared if the room was cold or warm. Truth be told, at this moment he no longer cared about much of anything. He just wanted sleep. OOOOOOOOH THE ANGSTTTTTTT the beautiful angst of apathy that is extremely telling of how he feels that he doesn't even care to check his arm beyond "oh it bled a small bit", doesn't even care the temperature of the room, all he desires is the escape of a restful and dreamless sleep skajsdhgskh <:((( "desultory" is one of my new favorite words it perfectly describes his depressed apathy right now, and the poke at the fire then DROPPING the poker for the sudden pain in his armmm A soft knock on his door startled him. Father. He must have heard me. He snatched up his coat and tossed it on the chair and returned the pillow to the bed. "Come." He turned back to the fire, stirring it with more purpose this time. "I’m sorry if I woke you," he said over his shoulder. skadjskhfsjfg trying to hide the signs of his sleeping on the floor "A wizard’s sleep is not so easily disturbed," a familiar voice chuckled. "I was awake." AWWW YAY <33 Aragorn stood up and spun around so fast his head whirled. But he hid the dizziness and smiled with pure pleasure. "Gandalf! I heard you were coming but did not know you had arrived!" SKAJDGSKHKSDJFDSGDSHJFHDSJG A GENUINE SMILE????? <333333 Gandalf shook Aragorn’s offered hand. "Only just. I arrived a mere hour ago. I am glad to find you here." He stood back and looked Aragorn up and down. Aragorn could only imagine what must be going through the Grey Wizard’s mind. He was sure he looked like something dragged in by an orc. YESSSS And indeed, Gandalf’s blue eyes filled with concern. "I see my friend before me, but he is not the same hale and hearty man I saw only a few months ago. You look ill, if you don’t mind my saying." He tried to lay a hand against Aragorn’s forehead but Aragorn irritably pushed it away. SKAJGHSKJHJAG YESSSSSSSSSSS THANK YOUUUUUUU <33 filled with concern he does NOT look hale and hearty, the last months have changed much trying to feel his forehead for fever yes Aragorn stop pushing everyone away <:( "It is nothing that rest will not fix." mmmmm SURE "I think it is more than mere fatigue. I see fever in your eyes." yessss and there is something much deeper rooted as well He met Gandalf’s gaze for a moment, then he had to break away. SKADHG his inability to hold a gaze is telling. He, Aragorn, master of the quelling look, cannot look Gandalf in the eyes longer than a moment. He walked to the fireplace and held his hands out to its warmth, but it barely touched the chill in his bones. SKADGH YES IT'S STILL THERE His words, when they came, were jerky, as though he could only pull them from himself at great cost, although in truth, he suddenly wanted very badly to pour out his woes in a great torrent. "Perhaps. Mostly what you see is anger. And sorrow. It has been a hard few months. My people have suffered great losses. You no doubt know of the Nazgûl attacks?" aaaasjdsfksgh as if he could only pull them from himself at great cost <:((( BUT HE DOES WANT TO TELL HIM EVERYTHING HE REALLY DOES <:( he really still does not see how great an influence the Black Breath has over everything, over his entire outlook, it seems. He really accounts most of it to grief and his own weakness in handling the losses and woes. "Yes, word reached me over a fortnight past that evil was stirring anew in parts north. That is partly why I came." Aragorn nodded. "The same rumor reached us in Bree." His left arm started to ache fiercely. He grasped his left elbow and tried to support it as unobtrusively as possible. yessssss surreptitiously grabbing his arm "We rode hard for Bracken’s Ferry but were waylaid by the orcs a day’s ride from there. They killed my youngest man." <:((((((( His throat tightened but he went on. "That was the first in what has felt like an unbroken string of foul luck. We rode on to Bracken’s Ferry, but we were too late. We could not manage to save even one small child, the last survivor, trapped in the rubble. At every turn, we have been harassed and stymied and unable to save anything or anyone." He had to stop. Remembering and retelling brought back the anguish in almost nauseating waves. SKAJDGSKH ALMOST NAUSEATING ANGUISH "and unable to save anything or anyone" his view of the events and his own failings has just become. SO black and white. "Take your time, Aragorn," Gandalf said. awwwww he does not need to rush the story Gandalf will listen as long as it takes <3 Aragorn felt his breath hitch and he shuddered. Forgetting his aching left arm, he braced both arms on the mantel and stared into the flames, seeing burning towns and dying children and weeping. So much weeping. And his feeble hands empty of any help or comfort. SKADSJHGJSKFG the tortured memories in the flames and his feeble hands <:( not that anyone else would agree they were empty He pushed himself away and continued, his voice sounding dead even to his own ears. "We made to ride on to Windydale, but again we were attacked. We prevailed, just. Windydale lay hard on my mind, but my men... they were reaching the end of their strength and that attack had been hard, very hard. I felt I had to let them rest, recuperate." He paced across the floor to again stare into the fire. "It is a hard thing, Gandalf, to have to weigh the lives of your men against the lives of your people. I prayed I was making the right decision. Prayed that our fight had bought Windydale time." BUDDY THAT IS AN OUTRIGHT AND BLATANT AND MANY OTHER WORDS LIE DO YOU KNOW WHAT HALBARAD WOULD SAY OR ANY OF YOUR MEN even though the lie is really to keep attention from your injuries that you do not care to be cared for, that is the closest to prideful I have ever heard you sound. To proud to admit what you see as your own weakness. A heavy silence fell, broken only by the crackling of the fire. The flames found a hidden pocket of moisture and it fizzed and hissed before the wood fell apart in a shower of sparks. Aragorn kicked an ember back toward the fireplace, barely noticing the way the heat burned against his bare foot. "Foul weather moved in," he finally continued. He cleared his throat and tried to work moisture into his mouth, which felt as though he had not drunk in days. He moved to the nightstand and drained the cup of water sitting there. He poured another and swallowed it before finally continuing, "We could not ride in such a blizzard and had to wait another day. When the weather cleared, my brothers and Lord Glorfindel arrived with the news of Windydale. We were too late." skahsjgdfksfg and the sudden thirst he probably is quite dehydrated Gandalf studied him in silence for a moment, then said, "And what of you, Aragorn? I hear much about your men’s sorrows and fatigue, but any telling of your own suffering seems conspicuously absent. And I can see with my eyes that you have indeed suffered." THANK YOUUUUUUUUU you have indeed suffered <3333 Aragorn shook his head, unsure what to say. He could tell more of his clash with the Nazgûl, but what good would that do? It was something that was over and done with, and he was recovering. SKAHSFGK OH REALLY? ARE YOU NOW? AND WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU FELT ANY IMPROVEMENT? Rehashing the event would serve only to stir up the shadows until all was dark and clouded. that is a valid fear <:( if he indeed thinks it will leave if he ignores it But dare he speak of his hopelessness? His despair? skajdghk <:((((( which is VERY connected with the fight against the Nazgul, I will tell you again His first instinct always was to keep such things to himself. To not weigh down anyone else with troubles that were solely his own to work out. But still... to finally unburden himself... to drop, even for a moment, the exhausting encumbrance of his own pride.... skajddgks PLEASE, please drop your pride it does you much damage "Aragorn?" But no. The burden was his to bear. There was no wisdom that would help him. skajdhsgkh noooooooo The only answer was to merely keep putting one foot before the other, even if his spirit had lost all its vigor and his heart all its joy. He would not give in to his weakness and abandon the quest to become king, even if it cost him every last shred of hope and pulled from his grasp everything he held dear. As his mother had done before him, so he would hold no hope for himself but give all to his people, and to all the free peoples of Arda. He looked at Gandalf. "I am fine." LIES LIES FROM THE BLACK BREATH THAT IS NOT THE WAY TO OVERCOME SUCH HOPELESSNESS AND EXHAUSTION OF STRENGTH YOU WOULD NOT SUCCEED IF YOU TRIED TO CONTINUE ALONE. THAT IS NOT WHAT YOUR MOTHER DID.

Lexilooper	Reviewed Chapter: 19 on 1/31/2026
skashgskjh eating hovering in the door like a frightened stray dog skittish Aragorn is my favorite <333 especially in his own house where he is very welcome and once he skittishness is realized there will be many loved ones to reassure him <3 I trust you found some rest," Erestor said with a smile, and Aragorn said nothing to disabuse him of the notion. skasjdhskg this of course he does not "a young elf" lol, like perhaps only 500 years old? Aragorn wondered if his eyes looked as wild as he felt. He lifted his hand, ready to take Erestor by the collar and shake him and only just managed to thrust his hand through his own hair instead. SKADHKJS THIS <33 wild and skittish and impatient and afraid and you need to wait where it is quiet and you can find rest and distraction, for you are quite beside yourself. yesssss he is indeed <3 nearly falling over with concern at the suggestion Halbarad might have lost any limb function without stopping to think it through He had watched baby birds hatch in their nests in its branches, and once he found a small lizard that let him feed it by hand. And in the secret bower beneath its fronds, he found escape from the sometimes merciless aggravations of twin brothers who never seemed to tire of tormenting and teasing their younger brother when they were not out on patrol. After a particularly trying day that had left him in tears, Elrond had come to his rescue, declaring the willow as Estel’s own, and forbidding Elrohir and Elladan entrance into Estel’s leafy domain upon pain of, if not death, then severe application of kitchen duties. THIS IS STILL MY VERY FAVORITE THING <333 his sanctuary within a sanctuary Aragorn shrugged ruefully but said nothing. He was not sure himself why he felt unable to go inside his old home. Perhaps the comforts therein were too sumptuous, too luxurious to indulge in when Halbarad lay suffering and perhaps dying. Or perhaps he did not want to feel caged. both of theseeee <:(( "‘But their sorrow could not be healed,’" Aragorn murmured, finishing the quote about the remnant of Gondolin. He shrugged. "Forgive me. My mood is dark this day." THISS openly quoting about hopeless sorrow "There is nothing to forgive, my child. Rest, and recoup your strength. I would like to see the light of Elendil shine once more in your eyes." So even Erestor sees that there is no light within me. yesss thissss It seems he was quite taken with the murals of Elendil and Isildur battling Sauron and said he wanted to honor the Shards of Narsil, and Isildur for his bravery, and for producing such a fine descendent in, as he put it, ‘that crazy Ranger, Strider.’ While I was a bit surprised he knew your true identity, though I suppose many in the North do know who you are, I must say, it touched me deeply for him to do such a thing for your house, and for you." awwww cuteeeee yess skasdhgsjh wrapping his arms around his chest to try and quell the emptiness and darkness and hollow there <:((( Not that it really mattered. uh...SURE it doesn't matter that something's POISONING you "You said you would keep an eye on it, Halbarad," he whispered, and his throat ached. SKASDHGSKHFSDSSSSS THISSSSSS <:(((( KNEES TO HIS CHIN AND WRAPPING HIS ARMS AROUND THEM <:((( I want a picture of Aragorn sitting like this. It's just such a hurting and trying to find comfort pose, especially for an adult And hope.... He picked up a rock and threw it forcefully into the water. Hope was nothing more than a word bereft of any promise. SKASDHSKHSSSSS THISSSSS the rock accentuating his black and white thoughts He stared, unblinking, unmoving, and the river flowed ever onward. Its swirling eddies seemed to beckon to him, to call to him to dive into its embrace. How easy it would be! He could just walk slowly in... the water first coming to his ankles... then swirling around his knees... then his hips and then his chest and then lifting him as the current carried him away from this hopeless darkness... down to the sea and to the unknown lands beyond where he would find rest at last... THIS <:(((( So why this doubt? This despair? This... this weakness. see, what you do not realize is. It is not a weakness or failing of your own. In your self-deprecation you actually take too much credit to yourself, and ever underestimate the power of the Black Breath. It has a great hold indeed. Why then did he now falter, suddenly seeking escape when none other of his ancestors had suffered such failings. are you sure? You do not know all their thoughts in the dark night watches. All you know is that none ever performed the act. He squeezed his eyes shut. "But how?" he whispered. "How do I find the hope that I once had, that I might give it to others?" skasdhgjdhsjfdh He longed for someone to tell him no, that it was not so, that his blood had not failed, but he knew not who could so reassure him. He dropped his head to his knees and choked back silent tears of despair. SKAAAASJDSSFFHFJSKGHSDJHSSS ELROND WILL TELL HIM UNPROMPTED <333 I really wanna draw this I don't trust myself with the skill or motivation but perhaps if I do find sufficient motivation I will attempt

Lexilooper	Reviewed Chapter: 18 on 1/31/2026
THE ROPE CUTTING ACROSS HIS CHEST WITH BREATH-STEALING AGONY OH YEAH He had roamed lost through these rugged hills and thickets for months, seeking for peace to come and settle the storm in his soul. But peace ever eluded him, and at last he turned westward, to join the people of his blood and take his rightful place among them. In all the years since, he had managed to avoid like plague this cheerless land and the dark memories it held. <:(((( those daysss but then Elladan and Elrohir came <33 and Tom Bombadil :) More unmeasured time passed and his arm continued to throb with each heartbeat. He tucked it against his body and supported it as best as he could with his right, thankful that Asfaloth seemed not to really need him to keep an active hand on the reins. He really should have somehow contrived to grab some medicines from his pack before they left, but it had been impossible. He felt shivery, as if bugs were crawling all over his skin. Fever setting in, he supposed. yessssssssssssssssssss :)) "Thank you, my friend," he said softly, then touched his heels to Asfaloth’s sides. Even as they moved out, silver trumpets sounded through the trees and beyond the hills. As the liquid notes echoed through the air, Aragorn’s heart lightened and tears formed again, but this time they were tears of relief. THE HORNS WELCOMING HIM HOME LIKE BOROMIR "He ... he will be glad to see you," Halbarad whispered. "Is my fear so obvious?" Halbarad’s words were barely audible, but even so, there was no mistaking the mocking humor in his voice. "Unless you always ride... with a back stiff as a...a board." skadhskhskjhgskhs I love him even nearly unconscious he can tell even though part of it may also be Aragorn's physical pain "It is good to see you, my son," Elrond said warmly. He reached up and clasped Aragorn’s hand. "I have missed you." AWWWWW <3333 the warmth brings me joy Aragorn tried to smile, but he was so exhausted and his feelings in such a muddle he felt almost numb. "It has been too long," he managed, then slid stiffly down from Asfaloth, trying his best to hide the fact that his feet hitting the ground sent a spike of pain through the top of his head. awwwsjdhskhgsdjkf the way he's too numb and exhausted to even smile just stiff and fighting Halbarad smiled faintly and moved his head toward Lord Elrond. "I told you so," he whispered, and winked. Aragorn stared at him for a moment, then let out a disbelieving laugh. sshkhdskgsdjfhgsjhk <33333 "It is a lovely thing," Elrond said, but then he closed Aragorn’s hand around it. "Keep it for him, but find rest for yourself now." He slowly took in Aragorn from head to toe. "It takes no healer to see that you have suffered a long and hard journey. I will tend Halbarad. Go to your room and sleep." awwwwwww I loveeeeeee <33 a long and hard journey... I mean true... but it's been long and hard weeks, longer and harder even than the long and hard weeks before,,, "Father, I ..." But he couldn’t finish. There were so many things to say, so much to tell. The words eluded him. skadhfkshg <:((( Elrond pulled him into a fierce embrace. "Say nothing, child," he whispered against Aragorn’s hair. "You need say nothing. Just be, Estel. Here you are safe and can lay down your burdens, if only for a little while." AWWWWWWW say nothing, child. Just be. <3333 hmm perhaps he will be able to lay them down...but only with a great deal of help. Aragorn put his arms around his father, hesitantly at first, but then something within him seemed to break and he clung to him. He buried his head against Elrond’s shoulder, breathing in the comforting familiarity of him. Tears threatened but he blinked them away and then pulled back. "Thank you," he whispered. SKAHDSKJGHJKGHSJGH THE EMBRACE <:(((( Thank youuuuuu Elrond smiled sadly, cupping Aragorn’s face in his hands. ssskaskaaaaaaaasjkdghskdjfdsds thissss <3333 cupping his face <:( <3 Needless my concerns are not yessss "Adar, let me help–" "No, my son. You are too full of care and grief, and I fear ill besides. honey. your hands literally have severe tremors. Elrond touched Aragorn’s arm one more time, then turned to go. Aragorn felt a moment of unaccountable panic as he watched Elrond walk away. "Adar!" Elrond stopped. "Yes?" "I.... Nothing. Never mind," Aragorn said. He could not explain even to himself why, after all these years of dreading to see him, he now could hardly bear for his father to leave his sight. He finished lamely, "May the Valar guide your hands." THIS PARTTTTTTT SUDDEN SEPARATION ANXIETY <3333 Elrond smiled, then hurried away. Aragorn’s shoulders sagged as he pressed his forehead against Asfaloth’s. "Thank you, Asfaloth. You have earned your rest, but I fear I will not rest for a long, long time." Asfaloth: understands him. goes and finds an elf to help. :)

Lexilooper	Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 1/31/2026
Aragorn pulled his hands from his ears and looked around him as a man emerging from a horrendous nightmare. skahfsfgsss and it seemed to Aragorn that he could feel Halbarad’s pain in his own body. ooh like Denlad <33 Halbarad, whose pain-filled eyes looked back at his with such unshakeable trust that an empty hollow yawned in Aragorn’s gut. He did not know that he could live up to that trust. SKADHSLFHSJKSGL <:(( <:)) Without waiting for an answer, he let out a low, quavering whistle, calling to his mount. Like Gandalffff in the movie anyways I love Glorfindel <3

Lexilooper	Reviewed Chapter: 16 on 1/31/2026
Glorfindel gave Aragorn’s arm a squeeze that nearly crushed it, then left with the patrol to set up the defense. I love the ongoing "Glorfindel is unaware of his own strength" thing XD "I am no longer suffering from the Black Breath, Halbarad. At least no more than after one has a cold and all that remains is a bit of a sniffle." HA THAT'S A GOOD ONE "A sniffle! That you would compare...." He seemed to lose all power of speech for a moment, but he quickly regained it and the fire in his eye, if possible, grew hotter. "If you no longer suffer the Black Breath, then I have three heads and six arms! Aragorn, do not force me to do battle with you." SAKSDSHKGH THANK YOU HALBARAD FOR AGREEING WITH ME AND NOT FALLING AT LEAST IN PART TO ARAGORN'S REASSURANCES LIKE SO MANY DO "We are here to battle the Nazgûl, not each other. Battling me would be counterproductive... and highly painful." ...yes, for you, Aragorn. Then he smiled slowly. Of course, I will eventually run out of arrows.... BUDDY YOU ARE FAR TOO SNEAKY FOR YOUR OWN WELFARE "You will not fall," well...mostly THE HIE THYSELF AND HIE HIMSELF STILL MAKES ME CACKLE "Halbarad," he gasped. skasdhsk the way between the black breath rising within and pressing without he is nearly suffocated Why is the fear so much stronger this time than the last? BUDDY I THOUGHT YOU WERE SMART the way the battle-song is almost like, addicting, the only thing that gives him a sense of strength or clarity, and so he follows it against anything Halbarad or anyone else may try to do Halbarad pushed him hard against the cottage wall, holding him there with an iron-hard arm across his chest. He winced both from the pressure on his bruised chest and from the rough stones gouging into his back. "Halbarad, let me go!" he growled, trying without success to push Halbarad away. yesss thisssss angry Aragorn trying to struggle against stern and concerned Halbarad His desperate search for Halbarad is so cute <33 while part of it probably comes from genuine concern that he somehow fell in the battle, to me it feels more like a child searching for their parent or big sibling because they were feeling brave and went off on their own and are now realizing they do want their parent with them or whatever <3 his mind inundated by such a cloud of hopeless desolation that surely all that was light and good had in that moment ceased to exist. SKADHSGK <:(((( imagine He fell to one knee, his sword clattering to the stones as pain knifed into his chest. skashshssssss I love how the wound from the Nazgul works effortlessly for it and against Aragorn, far more than a wound only physical would, and more effective the closer the Nazgul is He simply leaned against the wall, trying to draw in air that seemed unable to get past the agony in his chest. Vaguely within that pain he felt another in his left arm. With another wrenching groan, he staggered back the way he came and the pain eased enough to let him draw a breath as he stopped and leaned against a giant tree that grew close to a cottage. sakjdsgh the pain in his chest still there, not able to breath for it until he gets farther awayyy Aragorn shook his head, still clutching his chest. "It... it is nothing. Just the old bruise. Somehow... proximity to the wraith is making it ache." Ache. More like burning with icy fire straight from Forochel. sakjshjsgsh and clutching his chest burning with icy fire He swallowed hard and forced his hand from his chest, struggling to project a facade that all was well when he knew it was far from that. "Where were you?" yesss he full well knows Aragorn still could not seem to catch his breath. He leaned his head against the tree and shut his eyes. His free hand strayed back to his chest. skjaddhsk the way even though others touching it is torture, it hurts so that he can't keep himself from trying to clutch at it

Lexilooper	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 1/31/2026
Aragorn rode slowly through what was left of Windydale’s gates, Halbarad beside and just behind him. His brothers and Lord Glorfindel, followed by the rest of the Dúnedain, trailed behind Halbarad. I love how they so fully respect him and have their own humility that they automatically follow both Aragorn and his chosen second-in-command <33 Denlad, Elrohir, I would have you come with me to help tend the wounded. I am sure what healer they may have is quite overwhelmed and needs our help." ooh I am now better versed in both of their healing skills and learning <33 particularly Denlad's "Before you ask it, I will tell you: no, I am not fine. Nor am I likely to be fine any time soon, not until I drive that wretched monster from my lands." sksahgksdhgshgsksss "my lands" THIS WAY HE CLAIMS THEM AS HIS OWN IS SO POWERFUL in not a prideful way, but a fiercely protective love. this wretched monster dared to hurt HIS PEOPLE, whom he guards with his life and loves more than. they are indeed his lands and he will lets anyone who dares to harm them know that they are under the protection of Aragorn Elrondion son of Arathorn <3 He heard a chuckle and glanced up in surprise to see it was Glorfindel who laughed. But the amused set to his mouth did not reach his eyes. "I did not expect anything less from you, Estel Elrondion. You are indeed your fathers’ son, after all. Both of them," he added. awww not "father's son", "fathers' son" <33 and I loveeeee "Estel ELrondion" <33 immediately calling him Elrond's son. And I love that the names given him alliterate with each father who gave it :) Elrohir stepped over. He placed a hand on Aragorn’s shoulder and squeezed gently. "We will find the wraith, Estel. This shall not happen again." Awww yayy it's BOTH of them <33 Glorfindel said, his eyes shining warmly at him. sasskghkhfskj this, his eyes shining warmly at Aragorn <333 Aragorn wished he could believe him. But what, really, could five men and three Elves do against such power? The blackness in him surged again, swelling into a wave of hopelessness that threatened to utterly engulf him. Aragorn wished he could believe him. But what, really, could five men and three Elves do against such power? The blackness in him surged again, swelling into a wave of hopelessness that threatened to utterly engulf him. SKAHDKSHF okay but his thoughts here show the hold of the Black Breath upon him. He forgets Glorfindel is the one who defeated the Witch-king of Angmar. And I LOVE the "Estel..." in his mind <333 Elrohir seeing great cause for concern and kindly but sternly going mm... I can picture picture the piercing look with eyebrows slightly raised also "gently" within his own <33 he is using no force here, not trying to pry more than Aragorn will allow (I would say like, but I don't think he's liking any amount of scrutiny at the moment) Aragorn pulled the blanket up around the wounded man’s shoulders and straightened, wincing at the twinge in his lower back. He rubbed the back of a bloodstained hand across his forehead, trying without discernable success to massage away what felt like an iron band squeezing his skull. "He will sleep now," he rasped. He could not remember when he last took a drink of water. The man’s wife nodded her thanks, and Aragorn staggered over to a laver and plunged both hands into the tepid water. He stared vacantly at the swirling brown stains as the blood washed from his hands. skasjdhsgk the terrible headache THE RASP audibly betraying his exhaustion and unwellness, really the only differences between him and those in these beds are that he is standing on his own two feet, he has the hands of a healer, and the blood of Elendil in his veins. But as hard as it was physically, his spirit flagged far more. skaaaaaaskdjkdshgfsjklghsjkhgs FAR more. Like, I didn't even realize you could flag "far more" than he is physically and still be going He felt beaten. Bruised of heart and broken in his soul, and in his darker moments, he really had no idea how or where or when he might find any sort of solace for his wounded spirit. <:((((( his wounded spiritttttt Denlad even now was bent over one of the children, singing a soft lullaby to try to calm the little one’s heart-wrenching cries. SINGING A LULLABY TO THE CHILD <333 <:(( Denlad glanced up at that moment, his face pale, his eyes murky with sorrow and fatigue. He shook his head slightly. SKADHSKGHSJKGS NOOOO <:(((( Nothing would ever do that. And somewhere, buried beneath the crushing sorrow, a spark smoldered. Anger started to fester and burn. "You will pay, Sauron," he whispered. "Somehow, I will make you pay..." A SPARK, EVEN IF IT IS NOT OF HOPE, IS VERY GOOD. FOR IT MEANS MOTIVATION TO KEEP GOING. He balled up the towel in his hands. Tried to banish the mocking voice of his doubts, but again the darkness overshadowed his mind, turning it toward despair, cutting off any ray of hope with its stygian hand... skahfshsjkhskgj how quickly the spark is crushed again, "stygian" A voice from the open doorway ripped him from his troubled thoughts. "Aragorn?" AWWW YAY <33 I love anyone saying his name cause that means it's a friendddd Halbarad. Aragorn turned away and scrubbed his face with the towel, knowing even as he did so he would be unable to hide anything from Halbarad. "Here." <333 good It was a sign of his exhaustion that he did not argue as Halbarad grasped his arm and led him into the evening twilight. yessssss and suffering himself to be led, as well <3 The water felt obscenely comforting. It nearly gagged him, but he choked it down and with it some of the guilt. skadhsk the comfort of such a thing being acutely painful His steps faltered, however, when he was confronted by a knot of scowling men, one of which, a dark-haired man who was nearly as tall as Aragorn but about fifty pounds heavier, stepped forward. "We would speak to you, Lord Aragorn." THESE GUYS I LOVE THEM <33 Not long, he decided, and wondered tiredly if perhaps being beaten into oblivion would not be such a bad thing. skaskjhshshsssss thisssss <:(((( almost, just almost wishing for it "‘Twas a fell thing to have happened, but it is not for any of us to go about placing blame on any save Sauron himself. yessssss exactlyyyy wise <3 You have only to tell us what we might do, for we will follow you, as we have always followed our Chieftain." AWWWW <33 It felt good to be off his feet. A HUGE UNDERSTATEMENT I BET not even wasting a moment in his beeline to sit down, or waiting for the innkeeper to leave or any other thing. giving the cheese a desultory nibble yess :)

Lexilooper	Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 1/29/2026
He ignored the sudden sharp look of concern that Elrohir gave him and turned to Glorfindel. skdahkghsdf this look still makes me irrationally happy :D Indeed I love all the piercing raking looks the elves give him My only regret is that he never actually responds to them. They never exactly torment the truth from him. However it's made okay in that he instead gets the direct care of Lord Elrond <3333 None of us would have lasted so long." Assorted nods from the other Rangers affirmed his words. Aragorn stood silent, fighting back the urge to clap a hand over Halbarad’s mouth. Halbarad continued, "We managed to use fire to scare the wraith off–" THIS PART, HALBARAD TALE <33 and all the Rangers firmly agreeing <333 "No," Aragorn finally interrupted, unable to hold his tongue any longer. "You used the fire, Halbarad. You were the one that drove off the Nazgûl. So if you feel you must put me on a pedestal like some sort of ridiculous hero, dispense with the false modesty and put yourself up there right alongside me." someone is grumpy <3 but I love how it's so opposite of pride. "oh you wanna tell tales about my deeds of strength? how about some of yours, then" "Hush, Strider, I’m the one telling this tale," Halbarad muttered into his ear. The men did not hear his words, but the sharp-eared Elves did, and despite the grim nature of the tale, Glorfindel and Elladan eyed Aragorn with undisguised amusement. Aragorn started to protest, but then decided silence was the only safe option. He clamped his lips together and stared down at his boots. Better to stare at the snowy mud than endure their mocking gazes. SAHGKSDHJKDGHSDF <3333 Glorfindel and Elladan overhearing and thinking it's hilarious XD perfect use of "Strider" Elrohir is fitting to character a bit more composed/serious, although we all know he can tease as well as any if he wants to the "Again" is just. <:(((

Lexilooper	Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 1/27/2026
Like a sacrifice. SKAJDJF THIS LINE Halbarad grasped his arm with his free hand and something inside Aragorn snapped. "No!" He jerked his arm free from Halbarad’s grip and some small voice of sanity screamed at him to not use the knife do not use the knife so he dropped it but at the same time shoved Halbarad away from him, hard. Halbarad let out a startled cry and dropped the chains as he scrambled to keep his balance. He staggered into a chair, knocking it over, then went down on top of it with a loud grunt when his feet tangled in the rungs. AHHHHH hes só far from expecting Aragorn to shove him <3 <:( his genuine surprise makes me happy and is also heartbreaking for how obviously unwell and taken by terror Aragorn is. GALADH TALKING ELEDH AND ARAGORNS LAST BANTER ABOUT THE MOTHER HEN okay I promise I will sleep a couple hours now I just really wanted to get to the chains part <3

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