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A Star in Midwinter  by Cairistiona 15 Review(s)
Linda HoylandReviewed Chapter: 5 on 2/11/2010
I just loved the chickens in this chapter!You gave them such vivid personalities.

Author Reply: Thanks, Linda! I've known a few chickens, and they always seem to me to have a lot of character, so I tried to infuse Denlad's chickens with some personality. And of course, one of them had to be ornery. It wouldn't do to have two well-behaved birds--where would the fun be in that! Thanks for the review!

Lily BagginsReviewed Chapter: 5 on 12/30/2009
Oh, what an amusing read this was! Poor Denlad chasing those chickens down! You know, I remember having some chickens as a small child, and darned if they weren't fast little runners indeed.

Again, loved both of Aragorn's grandparents here, especially with their teasing description of Halbarad! Oh, that's wonderful . . . Denlad has much to learn, it seems. He's so very earnest and gullible right now . . . and oh, I laughed so at the encounter with Halbarad's son!

Author Reply: Thanks! "Earnest and gullible" is the perfect description of Denlad at the moment. I'm glad you laughed at little Halbaron... he's a bit of a corker, that kid!

I have never personally chased down a chicken, but I've seen others do it and it looks nearly impossible to me!

Thanks for the review!

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 5 on 12/28/2009
Poor lad! My last rooster was a caution like Copper, and most protective of his coop. And then Dirhael's teasing to put up with! He'll do well, though.

Author Reply: Oh, so you have had roosters! So you can sympathize with poor Denlad and his cranky hen. *g* It definitely wasn't the best day for Denlad, was it!

Thanks, Larner!

Raksha The DemonReviewed Chapter: 5 on 12/22/2009
What happened to your hair?

Heeee! Poor Denlad. He'd probably fight orcs than deal with annoying kids. And no, he can't throw Halbarad's son in the river, much as I can understand why he'd want to do so.

Seriously, the kid is cute but very realistic; smart and also pesky.

Good chapter; though I want more Aragorn/Denlad interaction.

Author Reply: Thanks, Raksha! Hard to have Aragorn/Denlad interaction quite yet, as they're miles apart, but there's more to come when Aragorn finally gets home, fear not.

And yes, I have to agree that there's a part of me as well that would rather deal with orcs than a pesky little boy! LOL

Thanks for the review!

CanafinweReviewed Chapter: 5 on 12/22/2009
Aw, bless Denlad's heart! Poor boy's so worried. He's a thoroughly loveable character, Cairistiona! Simply marvellous. I just love the banter between Ivorwen and Dirhael, and Ivorwen's instant comprehension of Delad's concern for his chickens (awwwwww...).

Ugh. I hate ice. If it weren't for ice, winter would be wonderful. I was getting a headache just reading about Denlad's falls! And that cantankerous chicken! He's much more patient than I am, I think! Or perhaps not... the chickens and the ice escape his wrath, but his annoyance at the boy (and seven-year-old boys, however adorable, are trying even to the saints among us!) hold some of his frustration, I think. I can't help but wonder whether Denlad has lingering memories of other confident boys, in other villages, who tormented him when he was small. Poor Denlad.

I let out a "squee" of delight when I realized the precocious hair-critic belonged to Halbarad. He certainly has the tenacity of his house! To say nothing of the charisma. Your original characters are a joy to read!

My, but Denlad's building Halbarad into something of an ogre, isn't he? I look forward to seeing the two of them together... Denlad will be so nervous! It must be quite an interesting road between this shy young man and the confident Ranger in "At Hope's Edge". Another fabulous chapter! Well done!

Author Reply: Thank you so much! I'm with you 100% about ice. The last several winters we've dealt not with snow but with terrible ice storms and sleet and it's been horrid. Give me a foot of snow any day over ice. Anyway, I digress... I do think you make a very good point that I hadn't really thought about, that Denlad would be a mite more irritated at Halbaron because of his own unhappy childhood, which really wasn't all that far past. Fortunately, his own sense of compassion and innate friendliness (despite being shy) keeps him from becoming truly frustrated (no throwing him in the river, after all!).

Except that Denlad has met Halbarad, both over the years on the visits and a bit more in depth on the 2-day ride to the settlement, he probably does imagine Halbarad is at least part orc and part troll!

EstelcontarReviewed Chapter: 5 on 12/22/2009
LOL and there is that Cooper again. Do you know only now did I notice I had written Cooper instead of Copper. Doofusness, Thy Name is Estelcontar. *g*

Author Reply: I don't know how many times I typed Cooper myself, so I know how easy it is! LOL

EstelcontarReviewed Chapter: 5 on 12/22/2009
That was a most delightfully lighthearted chapter. I just loved to see Denlad opening up to Dírhael and Ivorwen's loving and wise handling. The interlude with Red and Cooper was most enjoyable. Cooper is a real character, and has a mind of her own, doesn't she? LOL

And it goes withouth saying that I just loved Halbaron to bits. He's a most worthy son of Halbarad. *g*

A very enjoyable chapter indeed.

Author Reply: Thanks, Estelcontar! I'm glad you like my silly chickens... Denlad needs something to vex him, as if he's not got it rough enough already. :) Copper really is a character... very much her own hen!

Glad you like Halbaron. I know a little boy very much like him, right down to the missing teeth and endless questions.

Thanks for the review!

Silivren TinuReviewed Chapter: 5 on 12/22/2009
LOL, poor Denlad! He'll probably take to his heels the moment he sees Halbarad the next time and I can't blame him - Dirhael is *not* helping! *g* Between Copper and Halbarad, Denlad really doesn't have an easy life. ;-) I'm glad Halbaron liked his hair, though, even if I'm not sure Denlad was too happy about it. I enjoyed this chapter very much! :D

Author Reply: Thanks, Almut! So glad you liked this more lighthearted chapter... yeah, Denlad's probably in a bit of a snit about all the comments about his hair but at least in the end he got his sticky cookie kiss. There's nothing like getting a cookie kiss from a little kid. *g* And yeah, that Dirhael's got a mean streak, doesn't he? LOL Thanks again for the review!

Minerva OrganaReviewed Chapter: 5 on 12/22/2009
Oh man, suddenly I feel like I'm a counselor back at camp...the real world makes me feel so young that only in the context of small children could nineteen be considered ancient =P. Loved this! And you're building up anticipation of Halbarad's and Denlad's meeting quite nicely...very interested to see how it actually turns out!

Author Reply: LOL... yes, only little kids think 19 is old! Hmm, wonder how Denlad would do as a camp counselor!

Thanks for the review!

VilwarinReviewed Chapter: 5 on 12/22/2009
*snork and giggle* I absolutely loved this chapter - all of it! It's left me with the same question as Denlad, though - who is related with whom in what way and how old are they? :D

Author Reply: Thanks, Vilwarin! I'm glad this chapter gave you a smile. :) I think poor Denlad needs a guidebook to the residents of this little village!

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