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A Star in Midwinter  by Cairistiona 14 Review(s)
Linda HoylandReviewed Chapter: 3 on 1/20/2010
A beautiful chapter. I love Dirhael and the way you convey Aragorn's specialness.

Author Reply: Thank you, Linda! I'm very glad you like Dirhael... he has a lot of explaining to do to poor clueless Denlad. Thanks for the review!

Lily BagginsReviewed Chapter: 3 on 12/30/2009
Oh wow---I'm liking Denlad more and more. He's got potential, that boy. And I love your Dirhael, too---wise and yet mirthful. He's the perfect companion when Aragorn is not around to teach him about life as a warrior---though I do feel sorry that Denlad won't be getting his Mettare gift on time, it seems.

What an awesome last few paragraphs---very powerful.

Author Reply: Thank you, Lily! I knew Denlad had to have someone there for him when Aragorn wasn't, simply because so often Aragorn was called away from his people. Dirhael was the perfect one to step in as "Father of the Day", just as he steps in to play Chieftain-for-a-day (or year, or decade) when Aragorn's gone. I'm glad you like how I write him!

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 3 on 12/26/2009
Oh, love the young man and his growing dedication!

Author Reply: Thank you, Larner! I'm so glad you're enjoying this! :)

CanafinweReviewed Chapter: 3 on 12/22/2009
"When he is gone, I am in charge". Oh-ho! So that's how it is, then? I love your Dirhael! Though doubtless Aragorn's right in that Denlad needs a place of his own, he's still awfully young and with a storm coming (bad news for our wolf-hunting Rangers...) he'll be much better off with Dirhael and Ivorwen. Perhaps they can help to bring him out of his shell and to make him feel more at home.

I'm glad Denlad had a chance to cry. I doubt he would have done so in front of Aragorn (and he'd be mortified to know that Aragorn took note of his readened eyes). Dirhael, once again, fits the bill perfectly!

Interestingly enough, Denlad doesn't seem to be aware of Aragorn's relationship to Dirhael. The deference that the Chieftain shows this old man will make more sense once he makes that discovery!

I do love the hints at Aragorn's early encounters with Halbarad! Of course, he would be too well-bred to defy authority, but I'm sure Halbarad's more... rustic methods of instruction came as a shock after the careful tutelage of Glorfindel and the twins. Maybe you should write that story next? *hopeful eyes*

Dirhael handled "History for Practicing Dunedain" very nicely: all the necessary information without too many daunting details. And of course, "Teach me to be a warrior, that I might defend him." makes me love Denlad even more than I already do, if that's possible!

Author Reply: Thank you again (it's such a nice lift waking up this morning to all your reviews!)

Denlad doesn't have people sorted out into relationships quite yet, no... he's still barely grasping the names of everyone. And I do intend someday to write Aragorn's early days with the Dunedain and the growth of his friendship with Halbarad. As I also intend to write Halbarad's days coming to manhood, before Aragorn even arrives.

So glad you're loving Denlad!

MirachReviewed Chapter: 3 on 12/21/2009
I really like Dirhael! He looks like a perfect grandfather to me, I would envy Aragorn if I wouldn't have my own =))) I don't wonder that Denlad is scared of Halbarad after all the stories. I like seeing how he is beginning to become the mighty warrior that Aragorn saw in him. The moment when he learned about Aragorn's heritage had an air of significance for his whole next life. I'm sure the secret will be safe with him - he just should beware curious hobbits! :D

Author Reply: Thank you, Mirach! I think Dirhael would make a lovely grandfather... mine are all long passed now, so I may just adopt him instead. :) And yes, Denlad needs to beware curious hobbits! LOL Thanks for the review!

EstelcontarReviewed Chapter: 3 on 12/20/2009
This was another most delightful chapter. I liked your wise Dírhael, and his understanding of how important it was for Denland to let go of his old life before he could accept and feel at home in his new one.

The glimpses we get of Halbarad and Aragorn former relationship, are also very fascinating and compelling, as is Denlad loyalty to Aragorn.

Well done again.

Author Reply: Thank you, Estelcontar! You've definitely pegged it... Denlad has to let go in order to move forward. I'm glad you're still finding this compelling and interesting and all those good things. :) Thanks for the review!

Silivren TinuReviewed Chapter: 3 on 12/20/2009
//"No. It cannot happen. Aragorn will not fall. Teach me to be a warrior, that I might defend him." //
LOL, I love Denlad! He definitely has his heart in the right place. ;-) I have to admit, being a Dunadan I would probably have liked to keep Aragorn locked up in a room somewhere, too (perhaps someone should try to teach him knitting, though I fear the results wouldn't be too impressive :D). Denlad will make a wonderful Dunadan, but then, I already knew that. I like the way Dirhael is taking care of him - I have a feeling Denlad won't be an outsider for much longer. ;-) Loved it! :)

Author Reply: Thanks, Almut! Yes, Denlad will be inching his way from outsider to beloved insider through this and other stories still to come. :)

And wouldn't you love to see Aragorn trying to knit??? LOL

Thanks for the review!

MarethielReviewed Chapter: 3 on 12/20/2009
Well, I've been waiting until I had time to really devote to reviewing this lovely story. I've been enthralled with your OC of Denlad; he makes such a fabulous counterbalance for Halbarad!

And yours is a unique portrayal of Dirhael! I love it. I would never have expected it, and it works with this story so well! And besides THIS story, I also see how wonderful Dirhael would have been with a very young Aragorn, serving to offer the more gentle support to contrast with Halbarad's training.

I'm completely entranced with this young, introspective Dunadan. I'm loving hearing his story.

Agorel vae, hiril vuin!

~Marethiel

Author Reply: Thanks, Marethiel! I'm glad you're enjoying all the aspects of this... Dirhael, like Halbarad, is definitely an unformed character in many ways so I'm having fun fleshing him out. I do think that he likely doted on Aragorn completely and as you say, gave Aragorn the sympathetic ear that he likely needed that first year. (Although Halbarad is jumping up and down throwing a tantrum at me because he claims he was *never* that hard on Aragorn...)

Thanks again for the lovely review!

VilwarinReviewed Chapter: 3 on 12/20/2009
Ah, now I understand. The interaction between Dírhael and Denlad is beautifully done. He shows nobility and strength in this and I'm glad to know that he managed to become what he wishes to.
And I like the description of Halbarad. Very apt! ;)

Author Reply: Thanks, Vilwarin! It's kind of like cheating, writing this knowing how Denlad turned out and knowing that everyone who's read my stories knows, but it was still fun to write the details, because Dirhael may know, through foresight, and Aragorn and Ivorwen and whoever else, but Denlad himself doesn't. And that's where the tension comes in... we're all but wanting to thump Denlad to let him know that everything.will.be.fine!!! *g* I'm glad you liked the description of Halbarad. Not so sure Halbarad will!

Thanks for the review!

utfrogReviewed Chapter: 3 on 12/19/2009
Thank you for a lovely holiday treat. I really like this story and am eager for each new chapter.

Author Reply: Thank you, utfrog! I'm so glad you're enjoying the story!

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