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| Beyond Imladris by PSW | 38 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: 19 on 4/4/2025 |
| This chapter is marvellous! If I weren't bumping up against midnight, I would have read slowly, savoring every nuance. But I gulped it down and will have to come back later and re-read because I don't want to have missed anything. But I can say that this, especially, stood out: I have not battled Morgoth himself, watched my King and yours fall in the Alliance against Sauron, and protected the last of my brother's line over the course of centuries to be defeated at the end by pettiness and willful misunderstanding. (If I had been there, I probably would have annoyed everyone with a standing ovation.) G'night. Until tomorrow, if all goes well, or not too long after, I hope. Author Reply: I’m glad you liked it! It was fun to try to picture and write this scene - everyone trying to get their opinions in all at once… More important information for Elrond and Co to get their hands on - indeed, though the reason was not good, they definitely found out some things they needed to know. Thx so much for commenting! | |
| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: 18 on 4/1/2025 |
| He wouldn't fall. Yup. But come away from the edge, anyhow. Good for Estel in deciding to tell the truth. And good for Dorhaur in choosing to withdraw from the scene. He might as well be comfortable while flinging himself onto the chopping block. Ah, the drama of being young... And good for Elrond's persistence and insight. He needed this information. (I can remember my mom telling my brothers to stop shrugging... permanently.) Somewhere, there was a trap in those words. Estel just wasn't sure where. Poor kid. Aha. Elrond is going to have Words with a certain Dúnedan. And he wants to be unconstrained by Estel's presence. Dorhaur's assessment of Baradhald is interesting, considering the fact that Baradhald later rode South and died in battle defending Estel years later. Unless I'm remembering wrong. Is there a story there? The Ranger hierarchy applied to patrol scheduling and placement of men, battle plans, and general decision-making within the confines of the Rangers' every day duties. This, however, did not fall in any of those categories. In this matter, Dorhaur of the Dúnedain, unknown among the greater part of his people though he may be, had every right to demand a response from the cousin of their former Chieftain. Very interesting. I continue to be impressed by Dorhaur's integrity and wisdom. ...as such, these might be his truest allies... Ah. It seems that Dorhaur, however, will have the privilege of witnessing what Elrond has to say to Baradhald! (I can hope, anyhow.) Author Reply: Right?? Kids are so dramatic ... :-D Yes, Elrond needed this information - even more than he knew, on a number of levels. And I think Estel probably really wanted to tell him anyway, just felt like he was following his mother's lead (when it was, as Elrond pointed out, a different situation). He will indeed be having some words with Baradhald, and Dorhaur will indeed be around to witness it! I have always suspected that Baradhald has a bit of a redemption arc somewhere in the unwritten spaces of his life. I don't think he necessarily becomes an easily likeable person, but I think he eventually comes to regret this approach - or at least see that loyalty to the Dunedain demands his loyalty to what is, not what he may wish it was. In the end, as I was writing the most recent story, it seemed only right that he too would ride in his old age to give his life for his chieftain. Thanks again for your encouraging reviews! :-) | |
| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 4/1/2025 |
| It's interesting to follow Dorhaur's thought process as he works through what he has just learned from Estel, and what he knows of Elrond. His head argued fiercely, but his heart refused to be completely convinced. Nicely stated, and very real-feeling. Hmmm. Is Elrond hesitant to begin this particular conversation for some reason? (I have my ideas.) I do love that they have in common the blessings and problems of "two sons riding together". I am really enjoying the description of the Dúnedain community and lifestyle. Elrond's description of the parallels and differences between Rivendell and Mirkwood Elves is also fascinating. "It never stops, then?" Has there ever been a parent who didn't ask this question? Well, I suppose one solution to the problem would be for the Elves to foster multiple children of the Dúnedain! (That would certainly liven up Rivendell, LOL.) But somehow, I don't think that's what they're talking about. There is also such a thing as isolation and overprotection, which would be far from ideal for someone with Estel's potential future role and responsibilities. Aha. So Estel is not about to encounter physical danger at the top while his elders are occupied elsewhere. Somehow, that's a relief. Author Reply: Ha - yes, he's gotten into enough trouble in the past few weeks, he doesn't need any more ... And, that is one solution! I'm not sure the Elves could take any more though. :-D I got to wondering about the isolation question only as I was writing this. If he was raised among Elves, who don't have children in times of war and unrest, he really couldn't have known many (if any) other children. At least, I'm not sure how that could have been. And I can't imagine Estel/Aragorn didn't have some misgivings at some point in his young life about leaving all he loved and going to lead a people he barely knows. It's part of what I was trying to convey in 'Like Swords' - I'm certain he loves them and thinks of them as his people, but I don't think he thinks of their lands as his home. He says several times in the books that his heart is in Rivendell - and even though on the nose it probably refers to Arwen, I suspect it's deeper than that... I figured Elrond probably is realizing about this time that he doesn't know as much about children of Men as he thought - not having truly raised one as his own before, but primarily fostering them. It's good he has a Man of character at his disposal. Thx as always for your lovely comments! | |
| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 3/17/2025 |
| I was going to read the next chapter (this one) tonight, but I've hit the wall, and one of the cats just told me in no uncertain terms that I need to turn off the laptop and go to bed. So I'll have to come back (tomorrow? I hope?). I see that the story is marked "Complete", making it easier to put off reading to make it last longer, somehow. But do you have other stories about Estel's life with the Dúnedain, especially with Dorhaur and his family? (I'm too tired to go looking right now.) Cheers. Author Reply: Cats do tend to do that! :-D Dorhaur and Daelin are in one more story, though it's not particularly 'about' Aragorn's life with the Northern Dunedain as much as just a snapshot of why Aragorn seemed to know so much about the effects of the Nazgul when he was first talking to the Hobbits. That story is 'Upon Amon Sul'. (Any of my stories that start with a preposition with have something to do with the Northern Dunedain... ;-) Author Reply: *...with a preposition have something ... | |
| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: 16 on 3/11/2025 |
| I've got to admit, I'll be glad to see the back of Baradhald. Dorhaur, I wouldn't mind so much if he hung around. Would that be the same flat protected hollow where Strider found evidence that Rangers had been there, and left the firewood, some decades hence? (TIL the meaning of Amon Sûl!) And now the tower (before it was ruined) reminds me somehow of a lighthouse, withstanding the storms. No wonder the three kingdoms fought over it, if I'm remembering right. Baradhald had better watch out. I'd walk lightly around Glorfindel if I were him. Do I detect a hint of peas in a pod? ("You could not prevent me.") And "climbed steeper with worse injury..." Ah these Rangers. No wonder I want to read more about them. Estel's thoughts about lessons vs. "the real thing" certainly ring true! I remember exploring ruins as well as reconstructed historic sites, and I can definitely identify with young Estel and his enthusiasm. I wonder what great forces were employed to destroy what must have been a mighty tower. within a week of returning Elrond would likely know every Elf who had made such a statement within the bounds of Imladris, whether Estel had overheard or no. Ah, yes. In my stories, this phenomenon is known as the Talk of the Tooks (whose gossip seems to carry more destructive power than the common gossip of other Shire-folk, perhaps because of the feyness of that family, with the rumors of fairy ancestry). I might also imagine that the irritation of being forced to endure Baradhald's company over the past days has added to Estel's poor opinion of Men. "rejoice in what you are" Words of wisdom. Along with the challenge to be a Man that others would be proud to follow. Be a Man who can draw forth the valor and the love which lies hidden in other Men. I have an inkling as to the topic of the upcoming conversation between Elrond and Dorhael. It will be interesting to see if I've guessed right. Um. He's alone on Weathertop, unless Elrond and Dorhaur are still there. Is he going to overhear part of their conversation? Or is he going to encounter danger? It may even be possible that the hilltop is haunted by restless spirits of the Men who died there. Author Reply: Yeah… Baradhald isn’t worried about whether anyone likes him, that’s for sure. Dorhaur, on the other had, did grow on me very quickly! :-) I can’t imagine it was easy for Estel (even completely canon Estel) to grow up in Imladris and yet make peace with the fact that he was a Man. Everything around him is Elven. Rivendell is his home (which he all but admits in ROTK), Elrond is as a father to him, and he eventually marries an Elf. He is, I suspect, as close to being an Elf as one can be … and yet he’s not. This is something I think he must have had to wrestle with at least a little bit… and I feel like Men of some sort had to have played a part in his acceptance of it. We shall see! Thx so much for reading! | |
| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 3/4/2025 |
| The curiosity of a child is so wonderful! Question after question, trying to fit new sights and insights into their proper place amongst previously acquired knowledge. Ah. It seems only right that Estel would have a sense of homecoming in this land. he suspected the boy was highly unlikely to approve of any familial appeal to seal a promotion for his father's cousin. I suspect he's right. it was an image the Dúnedain cultivated, much as at times they wearied of its effects. I hadn't really thought about it, but of course they do. And Elrond's thoughts about the name "Scowler" are quite amusing. Aha! Clever, perceptive Dorhael! (Estel could do worse in a foster-father if he should return to his people.) "Are we there yet?" Familiar words, indeed. Maybe he would just walk everywhere when he was grown. Foreshadowing, perhaps? By the way, I sympathize. I've been saddle-sore in my time. Weathertop! Author Reply: Foreshadowing indeed, for someone who will be called Strider in future times… :-) I Yes, I can only imagine the excitement (and boredom) of endlessly crossing land that is in many ways utterly different than anything you’ve grown up with. Good thing he’s got patient and affectionate teachers along for the ride! Thx so much for all your lovely comments! | |
| Itarille | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 2/24/2025 |
| How comforting it must be, to be sheltered in a hobbit hole after soem dreadul days! And of course a hobbit will know when something is not right. Author Reply: Yes - I imagine it must have been possibly the most comforting place available at that point - warm and cozy and full of good food. And small - which I kind of imagine would act a bit like a weighted blanket… | |
| Itarille | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 2/24/2025 |
| I liked how you described Estel's bewilderment as he encountered a waitress, and a (seemingly) uncaring innkeeper. He has had a sheltered childhood, and it is believable that many mundane things would be totally new to him. Author Reply: Yes - it really occurred to me more and more as I wrote this story how different and foreign the entire world of Men must have been for him when he finally began to interact with it. I also suspect it may have made his years of wandering and his eventual move to Gondor a bit easier - his attitude toward time couldn’t have been that of a normal Man (even a normal Dunedain), and his home was never with the northern Dunedain to begin with…. Thx for your comments, hope you enjoy the story! | |
| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 2/24/2025 |
| I can imagine how trees might soothe ragged Elvish nerves... LOL, the similarities between children mentioned here are amusing to contemplate, along with the Twins' reactions. It must be so frustrating to know that Estel was there but is somewhere else now. Elrond's anger at the sick man is understandable, but what he hears about Estel's attitude must be humbling. Probably not an emotion he's used to experiencing very often if at all. Lovely! I'm looking forward to reading more. Author Reply: I think it all just caught up to him at once on seeing Ferrier there - he’s been so focused Estel and on finding Estel that he hasn’t really thought much about Ferrier yet. But he has sowed the seeds for Estel’s compassion and now that work comes back to help (and yes, humble) him… | |
| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 2/18/2025 |
| People like Captain Baradhald. Yes, the effective people get things done in spite of such people and often find them quite a barrier. And then people like Captain Baradhald typically take the credit for any success (and none of the blame for the consequences of their errors). At last, we get a glimpse into the reason for Estel's dislike of the Man. I'd had an inkling. Gilraen was infinitely wise in choosing to raise the boy in Imladris, I think. Especially since it's all too clear that Baradhald has ambitions to use Estel as a tool for his own purposes. Author Reply: Ah yes, isn’t that the way ….? Baradhald is ambitious, but also a hothead and none too careful. It’s going to get him into trouble one of these days… Thx so much for reading and leaving comments! | |