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A Long and Weary Way  by Canafinwe 6 Review(s)
obsidianjReviewed Chapter: 63 on 8/16/2015
This feels so real. I can see Aragorn and Gandalf in that cell banging their head against the wall and Gollum just not cooperating. I don't envy them. They get so little out of Gollum for their hours of labor, but every bit counts.

Author Reply: I'm very glad: I try to make my writing as real as I can. This chore... ugh. The frustration, the stakes, the toil; it's amazing they managed to stick with it!

AranadhelReviewed Chapter: 63 on 8/12/2015
Suilaid mellon. Aran here again. I am loving your updates on this favourite story of mine.

I know I am a few chapters late but I just want to say I am intrigued by the character you created called Calmiel, the Noldo elleth from Imladris. I am a sucker for Noldor elves and I just want to say I love your Noldor elves inventions. Another name which you brought up was another female Noldo (starts with F). She appeared in that story when Thorin & co were visiting Imladris. She was coaxing Gilraen or something. Can't wait to see you write more of the Imladris elves!

Author Reply: Thank you so much! I'm delighted to know you're enjoying it. I'm tickled, too, that you like Calmiel! I suppose I haven't really addressed how she came to be a Marchwarden in Lórien, having once ridden in Elrond's guard. She doesn't stay after the assault on Dol Guldur: that's all I can say here! The other Noldorin lady was Faeliel, Calmiel's sister and the healer who had to amputate the leg of Gilraen's cousin because Elladan's arm was incapacitated. It's lovely to know that you're interested in these ladies. I always love to write of Imladris, and I do not doubt I will tarry there again. ;-)

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 63 on 8/12/2015
He and Gandalf might have kept the arts of Mordor from this cell, but they flourished in the prisoner’s mind.

Whatever his motives and actions, you really have to feel sorry for Gollum. Your dialogue for him is absolutely spot-on.

I love the little details in this story, such as "the wholesome cleanness of the cloth..." Such a treat for any Ranger!

Author Reply: Alas, yes: you DO have to feel sorry for Gollum. I'm glad that his speech comes across well. I was beginning to feel a little like I was writing "Green Eggs and Ham", using different combinations of the same fifty words over and over again.

I'm glad you like the details! I gave such minute descriptions of all the hardships along the way: it's only fair to give the same treatment to clean laundry, hot water, and nourishing food. Thank you for yet another lovely, faithful review!

LindeleaReviewed Chapter: 63 on 8/12/2015
Oops, meant to say "intrinsic nobility" there, but got lost in thought.

I might as well add that the title of this chapter is perfect in its irony.

Author Reply: Fear not: I realized what you meant.

Chapter titles are so finicky: sometimes they come out so well, and sometimes they're just clunky.

LindeleaReviewed Chapter: 63 on 8/12/2015
Oh! Incredible! This is just one of many elegant turns of phrase: from the uncooked to the uncouth
(I itch now, to write some parody-ish snippet, perhaps an unwashed, trail-weary, hot and thirsty Aragorn contemplating the sight of a bottle of wine on a table in front of Bill Ferny in the Prancing Pony, possibly beyond the capacity of his wanderer's purse, wound around the theme of "from the uncorked to the uncouth"... That phrase is too good not to parrot.)

I love your portrayal of Aragorn here. His strength of will and intrinsic (yet also schooled by thought and effort, something he has worked to become as well as been born with/to) shine forth in his private thoughts.

Gandalf, too, is masterfully drawn. I love the picture of his unexpected strength, hidden beneath his guise, and the comparison of his anger to Aragorn's. I like the way they play against each other to achieve their aim. Their interaction speaks of a long friendship and mutual regard.

I found myself holding my breath as the interrogation went on. I know what they are trying to discover, and I can see it quivering in the air, unvoiced and as yet unguessed. Ah, but they are getting closer!

Author Reply: So pleased you like it! I must say I love your little plot-coney: do let me know if you write it! I've already written my "unwashed, trail-weary, hot and thirsty Aragorn" in Bree-land piece, but the notion of Bill Ferny twitting him at such a time is a tempting one. Oh, Ferny! Such a well-deserved apple to the face.

I'm delighted the characterization is good: thank you! I always strive for that. It's lovely that you liked the comparison of tempers, too. And of course, that the interrogation is suspenseful even though we know what they're going to get in the end.

Thank you as always for the delightful review!

UTfrogReviewed Chapter: 63 on 8/12/2015
You have a great gift of making this place so real!

Author Reply: Thank you! I strive for that, and it's lovely to know when it works.

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