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| Sundry Scrolls III by Raksha The Demon | 11 Review(s) |
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| Soledad | Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 6/23/2009 |
| Halbarad is another one of my favourites, and I agree that he would have a family. As few as the Northern Dúnedains were, they needed to breed, or else they'd have died out a long time ago. Author Reply: Somebody had to help lead the Northern Dunedain and sire future warriors, what with Aragorn a-rangering across Middle-earth for years! I think Halbarad, on his way to the Pelennor, might have been extra glad that he had been a husband and father while Aragorn hadn't had experienced it.. Thanx for reading and reviewing, Soledad! | |
| Estelcontar | Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 6/22/2009 |
| That is a very touching, poignant and moving vignette. It feels so right too. It had me close to tears. I like to think of Halbarad surviving long enough to see victory, and to say goodbye to those he loves. Thanks for writing this. Author Reply: Thanx for reading and reviewing, Estelcontar. I'm glad the piece seemed 'right' to you. Halbarad deserved to see Sauron defeated and Aragorn crowned, but I couldn't give him that; so this was the next best thing, and I thought it could well have happened in this way... | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 6/21/2009 |
| This rings true, and I doubt I can speak any praise greater than that! Oh, yes--this for Halbarad of the Grey Company, kinsman to Aragorn! Author Reply: Thanks, Larner; that is high praise indeed. I did so wish for at least some peace of mind for Halbarad. | |
| grumpy | Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 6/21/2009 |
| Just how come do I have to cry every time I read about Halbarad's death. Your's was a very good acounting, I liked it that he got to see the white city, and talk to his son and friend. Author Reply: Thanx for the review, Grumpy! I thought that Halbarad should see the city he died to save; and have a few moments to prepare himself for death, say some goodbye - he deserved at least that much. | |
| Cairistiona | Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 6/21/2009 |
| Ack, you gave me a huge lump in my throat with this one. You know my soft spot for Halbarad and this one was wrenchingly hard to read but very well done. I like the idea of him wanting to die outside, under the open sky. That he gets a clear view of the White City is so touching, as is Aragorn's tears and the way his voice shakes in a way that only Halbarad can tell. Really a well done vignette of what has to be one of the saddest untold moments in Tolkien. (And I too see Halbarad as knowing his death will be at hand because of foresight. In my "universe", I see Halbarad actually knowing he will die well before that canon moment, and Aragorn as well. When Halbarad says what he does before the Dark Door, it could be taken as a general "we might all fall in battle" but I think it was more than a moment of fatalism. Aragorn would surely have said something if it was simply Halbarad being pessimistic, and he would have said something if he sensed Halbarad had indeed had a flash of foresight. That he did neither, and instead spoke only about the need for the horses to go in with them because they had leagues to go after they emerge seems to point to the fact that they must have already dealt with the vision/foresight of Halbarad's death. Of course, that's just me. Others' mileage will probably vary!) Author Reply: I don't write death scenes too often because it's emotionally somehow more than just an exercise in fanfiction prose. I really appreciate your words, and how it affected you. I saw Halbarad as someone who wouldn't want to die in a tent; he would want to see the open sky and feel the breeze and just not be looking up at tentpoles. I agree that it's likely that Aragorn and Halbarad would have discussed his foresight prior to that remark at the Dimholt; it's too much of a bombshell otherwise. And I'm sure that Halbarad had spent enough time with Aragorn to know his voice very well. Thanx for the review, Cairistiona. | |
| Virtuella | Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 6/21/2009 |
| That made me all tearful... Just enough pathos to convey the feeling, just enough restraint to keep it tasteful. Well done. I don't think, though, that tears can well up *behind* the eyes. That seems a bit odd. Author Reply: Thanx for reviewing, Virtuella. I'm glad you found the ficlet an affecting one. I'll check out that line with the tears later and reconsider. | |
| Dreamflower | Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 6/21/2009 |
| So often the stories of Halbarad's death have him die on the battlefield, with no chance to know of the victory won, and no chance to say farewell to those who loved him. I'm glad that in this one, at least, he got to see the fruit of his sacrifice. Author Reply: Thanx for reading and reviewing, Dreamflower. Halbarad could have died on the field of battle; or taken a fatal wound and lived a few more hours. Tolkien never said. Yes, I wanted him to have a few minutes to really get to look at Minas Tirith and know he had helped to save the city. | |
| Inzilbeth | Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 6/21/2009 |
| Oh *sobs*! I so wish Tolkien had allowed Halbarad to live a little longer! I too am certain he knew his death was coming but his duty and devotion to his chieftain and his men would not allow him to falter. This was most beautifully done, Raksha. Author Reply: I would think that the Northern Dunedain always lived very precariously, knowing they could be killed by the dangers they braved, and would have developed a very thick skin and a certain amount of stoicism. And that being said, it's a shame that Halbarad didn't live to see his kinsman crowned King and enter the city they had saved. Thanx for reviewing, Inzilbeth! | |
| harrowcat | Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 6/21/2009 |
| Ah, *sniffle*. Perfect ending Raksha. Author Reply: Thanx, harrowcat; and sorry about the sniffle. I don't do death scenes often for that reason... | |
| Nesta | Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 6/21/2009 |
| I always felt very sorry for Halbarad. He had a rotten deal and very little recognition. I think his last thoughts might have strayed back northwards, though... Author Reply: We don't know enough about Halbarad, do we. Some things can be inferred from the few words Tolkien spends on him, and some things must be imagined. It's a little surprising that Tolkien doesn't mention any of the other 29 Dunedain who accompanied Halbarad from the North, not even any names; but perhaps he wanted to preserve their mystery. I thought that to most of the Northern Dunedain of the late Third Age, Minas Tirith would have an almost mythical significance and attraction; but I don't think too many of them got to see the place. And the idea that Halbarad saw this fabulous city built by Elendil's sons, only on the day he came to fight and die for it, intrigued me. I think he made his peace with his memories of home before the scene I wrote; because I believe he definitely knew he was not going home. Thanx for reviewing, Nesta! | |