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A Long and Weary Way  by Canafinwe 7 Review(s)
obsidianjReviewed Chapter: 78 on 11/18/2015
That is some kind of nightmare. Brrr. I love it that Elrond is the one to wake Aragorn from this dream. The scene between the two is very touching.

Author Reply: Thank you! I felt that it was most fitting to have Elrond come to him. I'm glad you concur!

demeter dReviewed Chapter: 78 on 10/12/2015
Those last two paragraphs gave me chills! Good ones, not scary ones. Even here in peaceful Imladris, the Battle against the dark is foremost on everyone's minds. I like the way that you show that Elrond still deeply loves Aragorn. Yes, his and Arwen's relationship has come between them, but Elrond even so only wishes for his beloved children's happiness.

Author Reply: Oh, thank you! It's great to know when my writing is so evocative. I agree completely about Elrond (clearly!). I've always interpreted the "shadow" between Elrond and Aragorn as meaning "something of which they could not speak", rather than a dimming of their relationship -- quite painful enough, between two people who have heretofore been able to talk about everything. Elrond's love for Aragorn is plain in everything he says or does, perhaps *especially* in the condition he lays upon marriage to Arwen!

someoneReviewed Chapter: 78 on 10/3/2015
"Such diversions always seem more onerous beforehand than they prove to be in the end." So very true!

It seems that Aragorn is unable to escape Gollum even in Imladris. It must be frustating to see his former prisoner dreams, free and hunting for him this time. And leading the nazgul to him. Good that Elrond was there to wake him, it would have been horrible to have to watch that dream for the rest of the night. A "breathless, plaintive command that rang with the music of Elder Days" must be one of the best sounds to hear at that moment.

I feel really sorry for the rangers. I've never before understood that they might have known the Nine would come, and most likely wouldn't be able to stop them.

Author Reply: Yup, classic introvert problem: getting out the door!

Oh, yes, it would have been dreadful to be left with such a dream! I'm glad it came through so well, including the discouragement of being haunted even here.

I'm certain Aragorn must have foreseen that outcome, though he most likely expected the Nazgul would try for the bridge (via the Road, which he was watching). Such a weight upon his shoulders, even *without* everything else.

MarianelReviewed Chapter: 78 on 10/2/2015
These last chapters feels like an easing of even my own troubles with Estel talking to the old wise hobbit and his loving foster father. Your Elrond even soothes my own aches and worries for a little moment while I read your story and I feel happy afterwards. I have to gather several people in my real life to collect all of the healing and calming effects Elrond provides solely on his own to Estel!That says a good deal of Elronds enormous kindness, power and patience.Even Estel has lots of that.It must be fantastic to have such a person in your life if that is possible.I have old teachers, my mom and Grandma, my son, my hubby and a few others who could or can give me something close to that feeling. But theyre not 5000 years old alas !!Neither are they elflords but wise in their own little ways.Im fortunate to have them in my life to give me some unique treats.Thank you for fantastic chapters and please go on and restore Estel to his old handsome self.

Author Reply: Oh, that's lovely to know! It is always wonderful for an author to hear that their writing had such an effect. I agree: we could all use an Elrond in our lives! (By my calculations, at this point in the saga he's 6515 or 6516 years old, depending on the time of year he was born!) I'm glad you have such support in your life! A cumulative Elrond is just as special.

AromeneReviewed Chapter: 78 on 10/1/2015
I admit, I read through quite quickly, to see who would come to Aragorn to awake him from his nightmares! I'm glad it was Elrond, though for a little bit there, I thought Arwen might be the one. So many things aired in the darkness of the night, but it was wonderful for him to finally voice his deepest thoughts. I hope that means no more nightmares!

Author Reply: Ooh... no, I felt Elrond was more fitting than Arwen. And, of course, only Elrond could have had this conversation with Aragorn. Wise and intelligent though she is, Arwen does not know what it is to send subordinates to their deaths...

Thank you for your lovely feedback, as always! I'm quite spoilt.

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 78 on 10/1/2015
The healing of a heart required rigours no less exhausting and painful than the healing of a twisted limb

So true, and what a wonderful conversation. And poor Gandalf, constantly wrestling with so many levels of past, present, and future.

‘I know not what should be done, Aragorn,’ he said. ‘Neither with our knowledge nor with the Ring itself. It was for this purpose that we were sent, my fellows and I: to labour for the downfall of Sauron. Yet how to proceed from this juncture I dare not guess.’

Oh my. And, as he says, these are just the 'early days'.

Author Reply: Gandalf's burdens are staggering. Watching him bear up under them is so magical. Thank you as always for your thoughtful remarks! It was lovely to have you comment on the first part of the chapter. Thank you!

CelethReviewed Chapter: 78 on 10/1/2015
What a horrible dream!!! And so well-written too. I keep repeating this, but you are really the best!

And I love the interaction between Elrond and Aragorn. In my mind I see the scenes you paint with words; the irony of the seemingly youthful immortal tucking the middle-aged man who looks old enough to be his father into bed, just like he used to do when Estel was two years old. Elrond is probably one of the very, very few people in Middle Earth with whom Aragorn can entirely let his guard down and trust implicitly. (Incidentally, I was captivated by the scenes of Estel's childhood as narrated in your story, The Valley is Jolly.) For Estel, Elrond and Imladris are bastions of strength and peace amidst the evil and turmoil that he must face every time he leaves the valley. As for Elrond...I guess every parent can imagine how he feels every time he has to let a beloved child go, knowing all the horrors and dangers that he must face in his journeys. Oh, but I just love the way you tell this story!





Author Reply: Oh, you're so sweet! Thank you. It's wonderful to know my words were so evocative. It *is* an ironic image, isn't it? You're very right about Elrond, too: there are so few people Aragorn can trust so completely, but he is foremost among them. Imladris and its Master indeed support him through his labours.

I'm so pleased you liked The Valley is Jolly, too! Cheers!

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