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No Better Name  by Cairistiona 17 Review(s)
SuzelleReviewed Chapter: 5 on 9/27/2011
So, today I was at my lifeguarding job, and it was really boring because no one came to the pool. So I was lifeguarding invisible people. And I knew that you had a new chapter out, and I really wanted to read it. And I was super-tempted to read it on my smartphone at work, but I thought "No!! Story-reading cannot be relegated to a mere phone!" Aaaand...then I got impatient. And read it on my phone anyway :P.

BUT, leaving a short review with my phone just wasn't going to do!! I quite enjoy the twists we've taken in this chapter...it was definitely not what I was expecting! Silly Bowen, forgetting to mention that your wife is pregnant :P. But I love the character of Flora, and also the small details that really add to Bowen's character. The part where he's worrying about what Strider is going to think of his farm...perfection :).

And I really, really, really love the discussion between Bowen and Flora about Strider's background. It's so telling, and illuminates in a great way both the way Rangers are seen and that these are awesome people who aren't going to let that get in the way.

I'm anticipating the party to get rather crazy once Halbarad and Denlad finally show up! *g*

Author Reply: Oh dear, I hope no invisible people drowned because of my story!! *g* But thank you... I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter! It's so fascinating to me, the dynamics of the relationship between Rangers and the people around Bree. I think back to the quote of Aragorn's at the Council of Elrond when he says, "little thanks have we"--he didn't say "NO thanks have we", so you know there had to be at least a few people who appreciated the Rangers, or, like in Bowen's case, grew to appreciate them once he finally got to know one of them. And hee! Glad you like the little plot twist. I like to surprise readers that way.

Crazy party coming up Friday. *g*

DarkoverReviewed Chapter: 5 on 9/27/2011
Dear Cairistiona: Yet another delightful chapter! I love Bowen and Flora. They seem like very realistic characters, and you write the dialogue, especially Bowen's lines, beautifully. I especially liked it when he reminded Strider that even an eagle needs help now and again. I don't believe I mentioned it when I was reviewing the previous chapter, but IMHO the imagery and metaphors you use to describe Strider are quite appropriate and compelling. Strider does often give the impression of being some kind of feral animal, or a wounded eagle. I can well imagine Strider not wanting to accept any help from anyone. As a Dunedain Ranger, he is probably so accustomed to being the object of suspicion, scorn, and derision from the very people he and the other Rangers protect that he would never dream of asking for help. Plus, as Bowen observed, men in general dislike asking for help anyway, as they consider it a sign of weakness. Poor Strider has to accept it now, though--he is in bad shape. Flora is such a sweet and kind lady, and she is quick-witted enough to make the connection between the Ranger who acted as a midwife, and the Ranger who is unconscious in her chair, burning up with fever. I loved this chapter too, and I eagerly await the next! Take care. Sincerely, Darkover

Author Reply: Thank you so much, Darkover! I'm so glad you like Bowen and now Flora, too. And the metaphors for Aragorn! Gosh, he just begs to be described metaphorically, doesn't he? It's been kind of fascinating to see what sort of things a man like Bowen would come up with in that regard. And you point it out well--Strider has to be in bad shape for him to have overcome all those barriers to accepting Bowen's help; he pretty much has to be unconscious or nearly there, doesn't he, silly Ranger.

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 5 on 9/27/2011
I just love this happy marriage. Aragorn's been taken in by folks of quality, and that's a fact.

Author Reply: Thank you, shirebound! Bowen and Flora really do have a good marriage, equally matched in temperament and respect for each other and acceptance when one partner does something unexpected, like bringing home a sick Ranger!

EstelcontarReviewed Chapter: 5 on 9/27/2011
Let me rephrase what I said on chapter three: I see that Bowen is more than a match for Aragorn when it comes to stubbornness. I wonder he didn't try to doctor Aragorn with another of his poultices as soon as they were inside. LOL

I like his Flora too. You pitched on a lovely name for her. She's a most motherly, kindly and comfortable person; as comfortable as Rushlight farm seems to be. It's no wonder Bowen is so in love with her.

And in spite of his bluster I think Ruddy is a very discerning hound and as kind as his owners. So, I'm very glad to make his acquaintance.

Author Reply: Thank you, Estelcontar! The name Flora does kind of give off that motherly vibe, doesn't it? And that Ruddy! He barks up a good show but he's all mush inside. :) Glad you enjoyed the chapter!

MirachReviewed Chapter: 5 on 9/27/2011
I thought the ride will be hard for Aragorn... (the scene from Two Towers when he's riding to Helm's Deep barely conscious, comes to mind, and that's one of my favourites =))

Bowen's anxiety about Strider's opinion on his farm was a very nice touch, it makes Bowen very believable character. But yes, Bowen, you didn't tell us that your wife is with a child! I'm sure Aragorn wouldn't want to risk her getting sick, and if he would feel just a little better, he would not stay. That they actually convinced him to stay tells much about his condition.

But Flora's pregnancy can yet make things complicated - and interesting for a story. And Halbarad with Denlad will arrive soon, so I'm curious how she will welcome them! A "ragtag stray" that can barely stand on his feet is one thing, but two dangerously looking rangers another...

Author Reply: Thank you, Mirach! Hee... isn't that just like a man, to forget to mention his wife is pregnant! And he's so worried about his farm; pleasing folks is one of Bowen's strengths, and somehow he knows that Strider is definitely one to try to impress, even though he's sick and bleary and eaten up with fever. Your curiousity will be satisfied come Friday, when Halbarad and Denlad finally track down their elusive Chieftain!

FantasiaReviewed Chapter: 5 on 9/27/2011
What a beatiful couple, Flora and Bowen. And how lucky was Strider to find them or to be found by them. I'm suspicious taht he will return the favor, with the baby's delivery. Will see what they will say when the two other Rangers show uninvited to their door.

The Farm sounds lovely. Bowen's worried about Strider's opinion of him and his Farm was touching. I like Ruddy too, so friendly with Strider.

What does Strider have, tonsillitis? He is noble to a fault, worried about her conditionan and the possibility of infection before his own sickness. What a great leader, Chieftan and King he is and he will.

Thanks. Read you next Friday

Author Reply: Thank you, Fantasia! I'm so glad you like Flora... to me she seems like the perfect motherly sort, ready to take care of anything that comes under her roof, even scary Rangers. :) And Ruddy, oh that dog! Barks at anything that moves but is a chicken at heart, just like my own dog. I'm not sure what really ails Strider--it could be tonsillitis or strept throat, or some other stray virus known only to Middle-earth. In that day and age, without microscopes and knowledge of bacteria and viruses, it could have been any number of things, is how I'm looking at his illness. Eventually we'll hear how he actually got sick, but that's a few chapters on, yet. Onward from here to Halbarad and Denlad's arrival!

Thanks for reading!

ElentarriReviewed Chapter: 5 on 9/27/2011
Absolutely lovely. This chapter and the one before. :) Now I just have to survive until Friday.... :D I can't wait for Halbarad and Denlad to pitch up at Bowen's farm.

You really do need to make your chapters longer so there are more delightful things for your fans to read. :)

Author Reply: Thank you, Elentarri! Glad you enjoyed both chapters... may you survive until Friday! As for chapter length, well, I try to write until the chapter ends, pretty much. *g* But it's very kind of you to say you want more!

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