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| A Matter of Honor by meckinock | 19 Review(s) |
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| viggomaniac | Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 10/6/2006 |
| That was SO incredibly moving, especially when I read your author's note. Your mother had every right to be proud of you. I always like to say that the good qualities you see in a person are a direct reflection of that which was given them from their parents. If the love, insight, loyalty, humor and joy you exude in your stories is any indication, I imagine your mother to have been a lovely woman, indeed. I was really touched by your dedication. As to the story itself, words can scarcely express how wonderful it is to read your stories. You are gifted in a way that few are and if you aren't a published author, I can't imagine why. The twists and turns this story took at the end were fascinating. To think that the answers were right in front of Aragorn and Halbarad all the time. The old woman saw hope in a way that she can't really fathom and I loved that Aragorn was able to give her that. When Aragorn muses that Halbarad would dig the grave with his teeth if he gave him the word I couldn't help but chuckle. Such impeccable phrasing! And who could not appreciate it when Aragorn says, "I am a servant of the light, not the light itself." Bravo! I almost cried when Aragorn thinks of Arwen and the seeming hopelessness of his situation. Hurin's observations causing Halbarad to say, "I think we need to have another talk about the Ranger code of loyalty" was understated humor at its best. And oh my, the vision of Halbarad stripped to the waist and Aragorn likewise -- well, can I help what I think? Though at looks at this point that Halabarad has the better part of the bargain...Man, that ending was so incredible. I couldn't imagine a better, more clever twist of events than what you wrote. And as always, that tremendous wave of poignancy that washes over me when Aragorn contemplates his life as a stranger wherever he goes...what that does to me. 'Reluctant to speak her name lest Elrond explain he'd meant the cook..." Brilliant, simply brilliant. Honestly, Meckinock, no matter how late the reviews are, your chapters are always among those that I read first and look forward to with an almost unseemly passion. Thanks for sharing this wonderful experience with us. And of course, I look forward to the epilogue to come. Oh, and by the way, any plans for another story? Author Reply: You may have noticed I have trouble writing seriously evil bad guys. I think that's because I have learned that good people aren't good because they lack faults or weaknesses, but because they simply don't allow themselves to be ruled by them. Abraham Lincoln supposedly said that there are no unselfish people, only selfish people who force themselves to do unselfish things. I enjoy giving characters the opportunity to rise above the intrinsic weaknesses that we all have. I think I owe that to my mother. I love every one of your comments about the chapter. Hearing which parts touched a reader lets me relive them all over again through someone else's eyes. It's a real gift and I thank you for it! You pointed out some of the lines I enjoyed the most. Glad you liked the Ranger Code of Loyalty line -I just love doing Halbarad humor and I'll miss it when the story is over. I notice you also noticed Aragorn ended up with Brandol getting his shirt off - definitely not quite the same experience as Halbarad's LOL. Thank you for your constant support and encouragement, Viggomaniac. They are very much appreciated. | |
| Raksha The Demon | Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 10/6/2006 |
| Wonderful conclusion to an excellent story! The answer was under their eyes, the whole time. I love it that the adulterous Dunedain's illegitimate son was adopted by his widow and raised as their own, what a wonderful thing to do, and obviously right, Brandol seemed as much Meneliel's son as if she'd borne him herself. I'm glad that the denigha saw hope in the future; she's had a hard life. And the end is wonderful. The passage with Aragorn's revealing how he feels a visitor to every place he's called home is quietly heart-rending. And then Arwen appears, and they seem to be at home within their love. So sorry to hear that your mother couldn't see the story finished. I'm sure she'd be delighted with the way it's turned out. Bring on the epilogue! Author Reply: Yes, I admit I was cracking myself up at Aragorn's expense. He was so consciencious in protecting the secret until he could check it out; sneaking away from the people who could have told him the answer in five minutes. I must have an evil streak in me. He just assumed the men would have kept that kind of information from the women, and he was right. He just hasn't quite realized the women always find everything out anyway :-) Thanks very much for the review, Raksha. | |
| Ellie | Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 10/6/2006 |
| Bravo! Well done! What a great tale and a wonderful ending! Author Reply: Thank you very much, Ellie. I'm very glad you enjoyed the tale. | |
| insignia | Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 10/6/2006 |
| What a terriffic story and what a truly fitting end. I am sorry I have not reviewed sooner but I have enjoyed every single chapter (no and feeble excuse I know). I particularly liked Aragorn's exchanges with Elrond, and the lead up where Gandalf is almost orchestrating a raprochement (?spelling) between the two. The way that you got into Aragorn's, Elrond's and Gandalf's heads was riveting - the reader is shown their emotions through their behaviours, as well as in the actions described. And what a marvellous display of dignity and honour - how could anyone be so honest as to want to do what Aragorn is doing in searching for his "brother". Yet the way you present him, we know that he has no choice because that is who he is! I also liked the feelings in this last chapter that Aragorn was enduring in thinking about how he was always the visitor and longing for a time when there would be some permanence for him, to have a home in the way that Halbarad has. It points out so clearly what the rest of us should have known - that Aragorn was hard-pressed for so many, many long years, struggling on in isolated and unfriendly conditions, with the prospect of never actually gaining what he truly wanted (Arwen) without having to gain two kingdoms and then causing her and her (and his own) family excruciating pain as a result. Poor man! You say that there is to be an epilogue, and I look forward to that, but please tell me that you are going to write further in this fascinating pre-Ring War world of yours? I hope incidentally that Aragorn gets time to have a few happy days with his elven faamily. Author Reply: It's so good to hear from you, Insignia. Reviews are an individual choice - some people find it enjoyable to write them, but I would never want anyone to feel obliged. The story is a gift freely given. But I'm thrilled you let me know you enjoyed the story. I especially enjoyed writing the scene with Gandalf and Elrond. It seems to be a reader favorite as well. It was a bit daunting to write that scene so reassurance that it seemed to work is much appreciated. Tolkien did seem intent on making Aragorn earn his stripes by putting him through every conceivable test, didn't he? (well, leaving aside assorted fanfiction torments that Tolkien never dreamt of.) I will probably write an occasional one-shot, but I think this is my last full-length fanfiction. RL is pressing and I have some other projects I'd like to turn my attention to. But thank you for the encouragement. I figure Aragorn will spend the winter in Rivendell now, and leave with Gandalf in the spring, since Appendix A says he and Gandalf resumed their search for Gollum in 3009. That should give him some quality time with Arwen :-) Although not too much, Elrond says. | |
| Calenlass Greenleaf | Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 10/6/2006 |
| A perfect ending. Simply perfect. I say well done. Author Reply: What a wonderful thing to say! Thank you very much. I'm glad to have been able to bring you enjoyment. | |
| Elflingimp | Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 10/6/2006 |
| Well I have real tears in my eyes at the end of this story,thankyou for writing it, it was wonderful.My mom passed away a few years ago and your ending made me think of her. Author Reply: Thank you, Elflingimp. I'm glad to have been able to surface warm memories for you. This story was definitely influenced by my experiences during the period it was being written, and I'm grateful to have been influenced by those experiences in a good way. | |
| daw the minstrel | Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 10/6/2006 |
| I was more or less anticipating that the grannies knew the truth, although I was surprised Eirien did too, and Brandol's ID was completely unexpected. But Aragorn is so impressive in his determination to live by a code of honor. Yet what touched me the most about him were his musings on whether any place would ever be normal with him there. I also liked this exchange with Elrond: “I am sorry.” Seeing not judgment but worry in Elrond’s eyes, Aragorn shook his head in dismay at his own thoughtlessness. “I didn’t mean any of the things I said. Please forgive me.” “You are forgiven,” Elrond said, “but that is not what matters. What matters is that you are here, and you are well I like the way Elrond doesn't say there was nothing to forgive, but he also makes it clear that his love for Aragorn is more important. Your mother would be thrilled by this story, but I'm sure she didn't need it to be thrilled by you. Author Reply: Eirien figured out a long time ago who to go for for the real scoop. So I surprised you with the True Identity? Woot for surprising Daw. That little passage about no place ever being home just stumbled in as a transition paragraph. As Aragorn and Halbarad parted, it struck me how five minutes after Aragorn's gone, the Angle will be back to normal, and Halbarad will be thinking about all his little daily problems, and Aragorn will be forgotten. Not uncared-for, just out of sight, out of mind. | |
| Ainu Laire | Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 10/6/2006 |
| This will be short and unnaturally serious, mostly from your author's note at the end. I love my mum, but I guess I never really feel how much she really means to me... I haven't been treating her well lately, and I suppose this ending, and that note sort of just put things in perspective for me. And I'm sorry about your mum. I'm not good with condolences, but yea... well, I suppose all I can offer is a virtual hug. Heh. Beautiful ending. It really was... it feels conclusive, but at the same time allowing more to happen. Aw man, but I think I'm going to cry. I'm not sure why, either. But again, a fabulous story, meckonick. I am looking forward to the epilogue and your next story quite a bit. Author Reply: Hi, Laire, It took me a very long time to truly appreciate my mum, too. The challenge makes it all the more rewarding. Hang in there. And thank you for the sentiment. I'm very glad you found enjoyment in the story and It's always a joy to hear from you - serious or not. | |
| Bodkin | Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 10/6/2006 |
| Gorgeous. Just gorgeous. Such a neat tying of bows. And it's a secret de Polichinelle! Displaying real girl power. I can't write now - but just had to applaud. I'll get back to you later! Author Reply: I had to google Polinchinelle, but thank you! | |