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A Long and Weary Way  by Canafinwe 8 Review(s)
obsidianjReviewed Chapter: 54 on 4/6/2014
Whew! That was close. Let's just hope they recognize Aragorn and don't take him for an enemy. You know. Shoot first ask questions later.
That was some fight. The description had me on the edge of my seat.

Lily BagginsReviewed Chapter: 54 on 1/19/2014
Aragorn is so pitiful here, injured and about to fall flat on his face, but refusing to give up and still mindful of Gollum's safety, to boot. I just love how you push him to the absolute brink and show us his incredible tenacity.

His injuries are horrible, and your description of them is amazing, as was your account of the battle with the lynxes. I'm certain that just about any other being in Middle-earth would have been overcome in half the time---but not our Aragorn, of course. He's the very epitome of resilience and fortitude.


UTfrogReviewed Chapter: 54 on 1/7/2014
My heart was in my throat through this chapter. Even though I know Aragorn escapes, it was terrifying to read about this last ordeal. Your powerful writing makes the scenes live. Thank you.

Author Reply: My goodness: that's high praise indeed! I'm glad the suspense came across well, even knowing that Aragorn must survive. Thank you!

AromeneReviewed Chapter: 54 on 12/30/2013
Normally, I am an exceedingly good reviewer. I am one of those people that reviews every chapter of a fic I love. And I must first apologise for being a bad reviewer to you because I have not done so. It's been a crazy couple of months and stopping by Stories of Arda to read the next chapter of this fic has been one of the new really high points of each day. But that is hardly an excuse for not reviewing up until now!

I absolutely adore this fic. For a variety of reasons, but short of spouting a long list at you, the main ones are that:

I think you write Aragorn brilliantly. You are writing a very complex character and yet you are able to make him even more complex and fleshed out than Tolkien did, while still remaining true to the Professor's works. And that's talent I wish I had!

Secondly, you detail in your story telling is second to none. I am in awe at your ability to weave this little tiny things into the story and have them be so important (ex in this chapter, the lynx). It's absolutely a joy to read and beautiful to see unfold!

I have been so surprised each chapter by what comes next and loved each minute of it. I can't wait to go back and read the whole thing from the beginning (which I will, as soon as I get a holiday in which to do so)!

The 'relationship', if I can use that word, between Aragorn and Gollum has been so deeply explored and fascinating to watch. I can't imagine how you've done it, but you have a great success here on really getting to grips with a journey we only hear of in reference in the books and a captor/captive relationship that really is very different from any I've read.

Your writing is beautiful to read and I just wanted to actually take the proper time to tell you that. Hopefully I'll be able to review some of the chapters when I have a chance to go back and read it all, but until then, I hope this brings a smile to your face! You deserve it!

Author Reply: Oh my goodness, how I did smile! What a lovely review: so heartfelt and detailed. Thank you so much for your kind words. I'm delighted to know you like the story. It's especially wonderful to hear that the characterization of Aragorn comes across well. He is such a deliciously complex character; Tolkien put such depth and richness into his creation and his gradual evolution into who he ultimately became. I have striven to do him justice in this story, and it's so marvellous to have that affirmed. Thank you.

I'm glad the details are enjoyable rather than cumbersome. I love detailed writing (hence my love of Tolkien's work!) but I know many people do not. And it's always so great to know when I can surprise my readers! As to the relationship between Aragorn and Gollum... I must thank you again! They're both such unique individuals, and the dynamics between them so strange, that it makes for a fascinating interaction. I do love that Tolkien gave us comments on this journey from both sides: it made writing this so much easier!

Thank you again for this beautiful and thoughtful review. It's so much appreciated, and I hope you enjoy the remaining installments. Thank you.

NoruinivelReviewed Chapter: 54 on 12/29/2013
Wow! How expertly done! It amazes me that your (already fantastic) writing continues to become better and better. The lynx is such a small character and yet her depth reminds me of Tolkien's curious fox.

I usually find myself sad that a story has wound to its close and yet you have captured Aragorn's toil so tuly that I was much more anxious to see him in safe hands and finally free of Gollum! However, I fear he may be a long time in recovering.

Author Reply: Thank you so much! I have always loved the fox, and to hear that my poor lynx has some of the same flavour is a wonderful thing.

Fear not: the story isn't over yet. We left a very important character behind a long time ago, and he's got to come back in to do his part and have his say. There are several chapters left, I promise!

EverleighBainReviewed Chapter: 54 on 12/28/2013
I don't think I took a single breath during this whole chapter....at least not until the cavalry arrived! Beautifully, breathlessly written.

Author Reply: Thank you so much! It's always hard to tell whether a chapter like this will read as sufficiently suspenseful, so I appreciate knowing it does! And yes, the (literal) cavalry has arrived at last! Not a moment too soon, either. Eesh.

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 54 on 12/28/2013
Oh gosh, what a relief. How he managed to keep going this long is awe inspiring. What a long, healing, necessary sleep he needs, now more than ever.

Author Reply: Thank you as always! Yes, Aragorn needs a deep healing sleep, and good food, and rest, and bandages, and...

TheAnswerIsDawnReviewed Chapter: 54 on 12/28/2013
YES! I cheered aloud at that last sentence :) The tension in this chapter was again amazing, you had me on the edge of my seat the whole way through. Hopefully poor Aragorn will get some rest and medical attention now :)

Thank you for such an amazing chapter, as usual :)

Author Reply: Thank you! It's wonderful to know the tension built as it should, and it was such a relief to write that last line. After such a long journey he's reached his destination at last. Well, almost. Very close, anyway.

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