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A Long and Weary Way  by Canafinwe 5 Review(s)
obsidianjReviewed Chapter: 24 on 2/2/2014
They made it! What a crossing. I'm kind of suspicious about Gollum suddenly being cooperative and not running away. What is he thinking. Or maybe I don't want to know.

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 24 on 11/30/2013
What a shock it must have been to Gollum to discover this very person accompanying "Baggins" south.

Whew, at least they're out of the Black Lands at last. *collapses in relief*

Author Reply: Heh. You know, I've always sort of wanted to write a stream-of-consciousness piece on that very subject - but I'm not sure if my sanity could withstand getting into Gollum's head!

Yes, they're in free lands at last! Not very hospitable, mind you, but free...

AiwendielReviewed Chapter: 24 on 11/30/2013
My goodness, this is a slightly heartening turn in an otherwise chillingly dark tale! Very slightly. I am suspicious but curious that Gollum seems sort of cooperative, even mildly helpful at times... I'm thinking that won't last forever, especially once he figures out that he's headed toward the nasty Elveses with their bright eyes. Your bleak description of the landscapes, the deprivation and the repeated injuries our doughty Ranger suffers give me the shudders. The story continues to have me hooked. What a rich expansion of a few short sentences -- much more than a gap filler! Thanks, and looking forward to more. Aiwendiel

Author Reply: What a lovely review! Thank you; it's always amazing to hear that someone is enjoying the story. Well, given the subject matter perhaps 'enjoying' is not quite the right word, but all the same...

J.R.R. Tolkien left such tantalizing hints about this journey, some of them where you'd least expect them (like the reference in Book Four of Aragorn's particular knowledge about the name of Cirith Ungol). I've so enjoyed unearthing them all and weaving them together into this story.

Thank you again! You made my morning.

MarianelReviewed Chapter: 24 on 11/30/2013
This is definately one of my favourite stories Ever in fanfiction because except being enjoyable to read I can see the pictures you draw with your pen for me in my mind.The rank and horrid places , the smells and the hardship of starvation and wounds.And the hardship of having to bear the presence of Gollum amid all of Estels struggles with himself! Arrgh I imagine myself in Estels stead and Im not sure If I world not rather die or persist haha.It is said a human can endure more than you think if you have to though if you think about people in war and when it comes to saving children and I would fight to death for my son I know it.Perhaps it is that same thing is what gets Estel going when he thinks of all he and so many others will loose if he gives in.Go Estel and low bows to your story!

Author Reply: Thank you so much for the lovely feedback! I'm delighted to know that the sensations of the story come across so well. Poor Estel: I would rather face Shelob, and a horde of orcs, and even the occasional Nazgul or two than have to keep such close and relentless company with Gollum. Yet as you say, we find strength within ourselves that we never imagined we had. In Aragorn's case, he is fighting for the lives and freedom of everyone he loves, of the whole world, in fact, and for his foster-father's very soul! High stakes indeed.

Thank you again! It means so much to know that you are enjoying the story.

UTfrogReviewed Chapter: 24 on 11/30/2013
Yea! They made it across the river. Did the Valar create that beautiful grove just so they had a safe resting place? Maybe some hot food in the next chapter? Thanks again.

Author Reply: It does seem like something Yavanna might do, doesn't it? Or at least something she might have woven into her Song, to make it possible for such places to be shaped as the forests grew.

And they are across the river at last! Well, the first and largest river, anyway. Fingers crossed for hot food.

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