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A Star in Midwinter  by Cairistiona 13 Review(s)
Linda HoylandReviewed Chapter: 4 on 2/11/2010
A very atmospheric chapter .I could feel the cold and the tension. Poor Aragorn!

Author Reply: Thank you, Linda! I definitely wanted the setting to be a major player in this story, so your words are very welcome!

Lily BagginsReviewed Chapter: 4 on 12/30/2009
I like nothing better than a lightheaded and close-to-fainting wounded Aragorn. No, I can think of few things I love more, few things. I am so glad---yes I should be ashamed of myself---that he got a wee bit injured.

Halbarad is a dear here, isn't he? All soft-hearted beneath that stern and glaring exterior. I love it his complete and utter devotion to being Aragorn's mother hen! And his wolf howl---nicely done.

The entire chapter was nicely done---no, more than that. Very thrilling!

Author Reply: Thanks, Lily! I had a sneaking suspicion you'd like this chapter. Can't imagine why... *g* And yes, Halbarad's nothing but mush under that crusty exterior. Glad you enjoyed this chapter!

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 4 on 12/28/2009
All safe and only minor injuries--thanks to the Valar!

Author Reply: Yes, just an aching shoulder for Aragorn this time, which will no doubt be frustrating enough for him! Thanks for the review!

CanafinweReviewed Chapter: 4 on 12/22/2009
Gripping account of the wolf-hunting. I was braced for a far worse outcome than the one you gave us! Aragorn was lucky to escape with a dislocated shoulder (though I say it as shouldn't...)

I love Halbarad's dry wit, the careful characterization of your own Rangers, Aragorn's good humour despite the interruption of the Mettare celebrations, and your perfectly perfect twins!

Gah! Thank goodness there's no sign of "brain fever". That's the last thing they need (especially with Aragron bitten!). Ick.

I simply adore how, even unknown and unappreciated, Aragorn is still the responsible and bountiful lord, sharing the wolf-pelts that his own folk can surely use with the needy of Archet. It's a very in-character decree, and wonderfully in the spirit of Mettare. It's these details that lend such a richness to your work. Bravo!

Author Reply: Thank you, Canafinwe! I always have seen Aragorn as having a charitable and generous spirit, so yes, his first thought would be how to share the bounty of the wolf pelts, especially as it was those people who bore the brunt of the attacks.

And yes, no brain fever (which is my own made-up term for rabies... I figured they'd call it something like that). This story's scope didn't lend itself to having to heal Aragorn from rabies! *shudder*

So glad you liked all of this, and the twins. Thanks!

EstelcontarReviewed Chapter: 4 on 12/21/2009
Another most enjoyable chapter. I really liked your description of the struggle between the rangers and the wolf pack. It was very alive, and vivid. And I see Aragorn and Halbarad are at it again, with Halbarad in his motherly mode. It goes without saying I enjoyed these scenes very much, as I did the humour you again instilled in the Elladan and Elrohir scenes.

I'm glad the fighting is over, and the rangers are ready to go back home, and enjoy their delayed Mettarë feast. That wasn't very bad at all. I just hope you're easy on them this time, and let the poor rangers go home without further mishap to enjoy some quite, joyful and peaceful time with their families. Knowing you though, I shouldn't count much on that.

Author Reply: What, me add to Aragorn's misery? Would I do that? *looks around innocently*

Seriously, thank you for the kind review (and of course, for being my beta reader, as always... I'm not sure I officially mentioned that beyond the note of thanks on the first chapter). I'm glad you liked the hunt... it was fun to research the different ways there are of hunting wolves, and of course, once I came across the tidbit about using wolf howls to call in wolves, I knew Halbarad would gain a legendary skill. *g*

Now to let those poor Rangers go home... peacefully, yeah, that's right... peacefully... *makes note of that*

But first we have to see how Denlad's doing. Thanks again for the review!

MirachReviewed Chapter: 4 on 12/21/2009
It was very interesting to see Aragorn in his role as a chieftain, again, this time leading his men to fight. I'm not sure who taught him strategy (Erestor or Glorfindel, probably), but he has done his job well! But no knowledge of strategy helps if one isn't a natural leader, and Aragorn is one with every ounce. Except when Halbarad is in charge of keeping him in one piece =)

Where did Halbarad learn to howl? Wow, I want to know it too! =) But I pity the wolves, they were probably hungry. But they were a danger, and there was no other possibility =( And I loved Elladan's and Elrohir's little exchange.

Oh! Aragorn is injured! I can imagine Halbarad doesn't like it in the least. But I must admit that I like a bit of Aragorn angst as a Mettare present =) And now they can go hope and celebrate! (If nothing crosses their way, that is... I dare to guess that there are yet 4 chapters left? =))

Author Reply: Thanks, Mirach! Yes, you know me .... I can't resist tossing in some owies for Aragorn, much to his dismay. And I don't know where Halbarad learned to howl... maybe his father taught him. :)

Unfortunately, sometimes wildlife gets a wee bit too wild, and these beasts had crossed that line and become far too great a threat.

And um... *counting on fingers and toes* ... 5 chapters left, and an epilogue. :)

EllynnReviewed Chapter: 4 on 12/21/2009
Good chapter, with good description of nature, night and fight, but my favourite part was neither of those I mentioned, but the following sentence: "He had tried to teach Aragorn, but Aragorn’s howl sounded more like the mewling of a sick pup than the ferocious ululation of a full grown beast."
*dies laughing* :)))

Author Reply: Thanks, Ellynn! I'm glad that line gave you a good laugh... I just figure Aragorn can't be good at *everything* so why not make him unable to do a wolf howl. He can still be the most wonderfully great king Middle-earth has ever seen, despite not being able to howl like Halbarad. *g*

Thanks for the review!

Silivren TinuReviewed Chapter: 4 on 12/21/2009
Halbarad seems to have lots of hidden talents (though this specific talent of his would likely scare me to death, lol!). Poor Aragorn - having to spend Mettare hunting wolves *and* receiving a painful injury is a lot of bad luck. *hugs him* I've just decided that I would make a lousy ranger - the only thing I would be really good at is hiding behind Aragorn, keeping my eyes shut tightly, and screaming whenever I heard a howl or growl. *bg* I loved how you described the wolves and the battle scenes in this chapter, it was creeeepy! ;-)

Author Reply: Thanks, Almut! I have to say, Halbarad's howling would probably raise the hair on my neck, too! And while I probably wouldn't cower behind Aragorn screaming, I definitely have no desire to be a Ranger. *shiver* It'd be hard, wouldn't it?? Glad you liked this... and were creeped out. *g* Thanks again for the review!

VilwarinReviewed Chapter: 4 on 12/21/2009
Pheow, and ouch. A dislocated shoulder is very nasty and long in the healing. I fear that he might have to be confined to home for longer than he wishes.

I loved the bit about Halbarad howling. ;)

Author Reply: Thanks, Vilwarin... yes, Aragorn's going to be stiff and sore for quite a long while. So lots of opportunity to get to know Denlad and sit around eating Ivorwen's good cooking, when he does finally get home.

Glad you liked Halbarad's howls! Thanks for the review!

ElentarriReviewed Chapter: 4 on 12/21/2009
Brilliant.

Author Reply: Thank you! :)

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