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The Ranger and the Hobbit  by Cairistiona 20 Review(s)
MirachReviewed Chapter: 3 on 12/12/2009
"And kingsfoil has such deep roots! Frost won’t get them, not by a long chance." I loved the paralelles in this chapter!

"At any rate, I like to sit quietly" seems a bit contradictory, considering I felt my jaw drop a bit every time Ferdinand began a tirade, skipping from one topic to another, and mentioning things with much deeper meaning without realizing it. (I'm such a quiet type myself, speaking only when necessary, so when someone does that, I'm always a bit awed =))

I loved the descriptions of "Halbarad the Elven, Fierce and Fair of Face, and Noble Denlad of the Golden Hair" - I have the feeling that Aragorn can threaten them with revealing these titles to the other rangers it in the future when they will argue with him :D

And see, if this would be the review after the first reading, it would be full of "Oh my..." and "Oh dear!" and "What's going to happen?!?" too...

Author Reply: Thanks, Mirach! I'm so glad you caught that little parallel between kinsfoil and Aragorn. Who knows if kingsfoil would really be that way, but I figure it must be a very hardy and tenacious perennial to have survived on its own in those patches where people planted it years and years and years ago. My own bit of M-e gardening fanon. LOL

And yes, it is kind of hard to imagine Ferdinand sitting quietly, the way he's acting in this tale!

Glad you enjoyed this, and yes, glad you waited so you could give me a more coherent review than "oh dears" and "oh no's"! ;)

Linda HoylandReviewed Chapter: 3 on 11/20/2009
Aragorn should have known better that to eat a lot when feverish! I love Ferdinand,though he would drive me crazy to be with! A great cliffhanger ending!

Author Reply: Thank you, Linda! Yes, uncomfortable lesson in not eating when you're still in a lot of pain (I based that on an unfortunate personal post-surgical experience... 'nuf said). No fever at this point for Aragorn, fortunately, or he would have really been a mess. And I'm with you... Ferdinand's wonderful, but yes, I'm afraid I'd be gritting my teeth after a very short while! LOL

Thanks for the review!

Lily BagginsReviewed Chapter: 3 on 11/4/2009
Now who is more adorable here---the hobbit or the ranger? Not sure.

Oh my goodness---Aragorn did see but he felt too dazed by the onslaught of gardening lore to say so.

I love Ferdinand's constant prattle! And I can only imagine the glazed expression in poor Aragorn's eyes. My best friend in RL is a bit like Ferdinand and it is frustrating!

And Aragorn's bout of homesickness and wishing Elrond were there---gosh, THIS is the reason I read fanfic. To see the vulnerable, piteous side of our usually strong and stoic ranger. To see him suffering from nausea and illness and yes, looking incredibly pitiful, I'm certain. I can very easily picture it. :) He really does need to be in a nice soft bed in Rivendell, doesn't he?

My favorite chapter yet. And oh dear---those bandits seem to be back!

Author Reply: Thank you! And yes, I think everyone has a friend like Ferdinand, who needs a governor put on their tongue. LOL I'm certain Aragorn's eyes had glazed over, just as you say.

And yes, I like showing that softer, more vulnerable side of Aragorn, because there had to have been moments in his life like that. Tolkien gave us hints that he's not impervious to longing and wistfulness and wishing life were a little easier. I like to explore that for its own sake, but also to show that Aragorn's a strong man physically, mentally and spiritually, and because of that, never really stays down for long.

Thanks for the review!

Raksha The DemonReviewed Chapter: 3 on 11/4/2009
I loved Ferdinand's going on and on with Hobbit persistence about gardening, etc.; while he is clearly an uncommon hobbit, he is also a hobbit, and they do love to talk.

Good chapter!

Author Reply: Thanks, Raksha! Yes, Ferdinand is all hobbit when it comes to chatter, much to Aragorn's dismay. I imagine he's wondering if he'll have any ears left by the end of this misadventure. :)

InzilbethReviewed Chapter: 3 on 11/4/2009
Your Ferdinand is such a delight! And I feel you've completely nailed both his hobbitness and his Tookishness! If Aragorn can't have Elrond caring for him, he could be in far less capable hands. I've always admired the way you blend your humour and your angst and this chapter is a perfect example of how well you achieve a perfect balance between the two. Another great read.

Author Reply: Thank you, Inzilbeth! I'm glad you like Ferdinand... I very much tried to write him in the mold of hobbits and he seems to be very hobbity, yes. And perhaps a bit *too* full of Tookishness! But that's what makes him fun. I do think that Aragorn is in good hands indeed. Thanks for leaving a review... since you beta this for me I can't imagine sometimes why you want to read it yet again, but I'm glad you do! :)

Ainu LaireReviewed Chapter: 3 on 11/3/2009
Oh wow, this hobbit is pretty awesome. I have known people like him- they never let you get a word in- and yet they remain charming. Oh wow, I know someone who exactly reminds me of your OC. What a strange notion.

I loved his rambling- it just washed over me. I loved his description of the Rangers, too- gave me a great reminder as to their features. I need to draw Halbarad one of these days.

And wow, that is one of the worst cliffhangers I've seen in quite a long time XD Now here is what I imagine happening...

1. Ferdinand will insist on helping them, and not hearing Aragorn's protests, does his cool Hobbit-thing, sneaks up, and uses his awesome stone-throwing powers to knock at least one of them down.

2. Ferdinand is about to help, but Aragorn catches him in time. Unless these bandits are Not Actually Bandits, I think it's improbable that they would manage to win, unless they had... well, crossbows. But I cannot think of a plausible reason for them to keep the Rangers alive unless, again, they are Not Actually Bandits.

3. Aragorn stupidly tries to help them in his condition and tells Hobbit to stay there. Hobbit doesn't listen. Results may vary.

There would be no reason to take the Rangers alive (unless you're cooking up something), so the only way they'd lose is if they died... and that would be mean... I am guessing the first option, seems most plausible and sounds like something this hobbit would do. 2 would suggest a deeper, more complicated problem for the Rangers... I hope Aragorn remembers he's of no use to anyone though XD

Right. Can't wait to see what happens.

Author Reply: Thank you, Laire! Hmm, interesting speculations you have there... which I find fascinating, always, to hear from a reader. Hobbits are excellent stone throwers, yes. And Ferdinand does seem the type to want to go off and help people, yes. And Aragorn does have a contrary streak when it comes to helping people when he's in no condition to help them...

But alas, I can't speculate on any of those points or there'd be no reason for anyone to keep reading. *g* I'm glad you're enjoying this. And I'd apologize for the cliffhanger, but um, I won't. *g*

Thanks for the entertaining review!

Silivren TinuReviewed Chapter: 3 on 11/3/2009
Now that was a mean ending! *g* Just when I was expecting a happy reunion every moment. ;-) I hope Aragorn doesn't try to charge into battle in the state he's in, but I wouldn't put it beyond him. And I hope Halbarad and Denlad were not completely surprised by the attack. *starts worrying*

I so enjoyed Ferdinand's prattling in this chapter, be it about cucumber and kingsfoil (what a nice combination *g*), the Prancing Pony and Barliman, elves and beards, or striking rangers (I had a great time imagining how Halbarad and Denlad might have reacted if they had been able to hear Ferdinand's description of them, lol)! :D I wish Ferdinand had been part of the books or movies, he's so very entertaining. *g* I can just imagine him prattling on even when meeting a Balrog!

I enjoyed this chapter a lot! :)

Author Reply: LOL... oh my, that would be something, Ferdinand meeting a Balrog! I wonder what he'd have to say. *g* He does go on... and on.. and on... our Ferdinand.
And I'm sure Aragorn's right in thinking that Halbarad and Denlad would be mortified if they heart themselves described the way Ferdinand did. Those two don't strike me as being overly concerned with their good looks. *g*

Yes, it's a consensus: I'm a mean, evil author! *g* But I won't leave everyone hanging too long, fear not. At least not when it comes to finding out Denlad and Halbarad's fate... I make no promises for the rest of the story, however. *evil grin*

Thanks for the review!

Midnight PromiseReviewed Chapter: 3 on 11/2/2009
. . . . That is so vindictive, leaving it there. There is about to be an author/reader smack down, dude. ;3

I like how the hobbit describes why people consider so many things legends, I agree with the sentiments. :)

Lol! Aragorn, poor guy trying so hard to be nice, while not throwing up, and keep the perky hobbit on track, while still trying not to throw up! lol.

GAH! You kick their butts Halbarad and Denlad! If only I could find out what happens SOONER. . . .wink, wink, nudge, nudge. Bribe? ;)

Hope life is awesome,

MP

Author Reply: LOL!! Oh no, not a smack down! I do sympathize, though; I know I left it off at a truly AUUUUUGGGHHH moment and take full responsibility for my evil actions. *g*

I'm so glad you brought up Ferdinand's reasonings about legends... that's one of my favorite things he says, because it does seem that it's easier to assign things to myth than to consider bad things to be true. And with hobbits being the reclusive, peace-loving people they are, it seems they might very well think that way.

I'll get the next chapter up in a couple of days... I know Halbarad and Denlad appreciate your cheering them one! And yes, life is indeed awesome--thanks for the review!

BeeGeeReviewed Chapter: 3 on 11/2/2009
*Gawk*!!! What a cliffie, wasn't expecting that! Good thing Ferdinand didn't wave, LOL. I'm really enjoying this "unusual" pairing, and our hobbit is perfect. Looking forward to more!

Author Reply: Thank you, BeeGee! I'm glad you're enjoying this... and good point! Ferdinand definitely doesn't need to call attention to them up there on the clifftop. I'm glad you're liking Aragorn and a hobbit... and Halbarad and Denlad. I do like mixing up the characters a bit. :) Thanks again for the review!

ElflingimpReviewed Chapter: 3 on 11/2/2009
What a delightful tale you are weaving!, I am enjoying it greatly. Can't wait for the next update. Hugs The Imp

Author Reply: Thank you, Imp! I'm glad you're enjoying this... next chapter up toward the middle to the end of the week. :) Thanks again!

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