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| Tailings and Tales by Canafinwe | 41 Review(s) |
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| DoggieGirl | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 9/7/2015 |
| I was so pleasantly surprised to see that you had already updated. I love the whole feel of this story. I feel so sorry for Aragorn eating the left overs. I was amazed and awed that Aragorn would forego anymore food because it seemed to upset Old Tim and Barli. A true gentlemen among men. Someone that is true to their own word to his own hurt. There is a serious lack of men like that today. Wish there were more. Old Tim and Barli are loveable characters. I also am sucked into the story telling. But it almost broke my heart when Aragorn was sent to wash the fllor. You could practically feel the resigned weariness rolling off of him in waves. How the mighty have fallen alright from Denethor to an innkeeper. I am sure knowing what he used to be in all his lives before did make his new status even more hurtful. Can’t wait to read more. This story is so vividly told. I love it. Author Reply: Thank you! I really hadn't planned to update this quickly, but it worked out wonderfully. It's so lovely to know that you like the tone, and that you feel so deeply for Aragorn's predicament. That is a truly sacrificial moment, when he puts the ease of others above his own need: it's lovely to know you appreciated it. Also, so pleased you like Barli and Tim! | |
| UTfrog | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 9/7/2015 |
| Fantastic hope you post the last chapter soon! I agree with Barli. We need the end of the story. I hate autocorrect! I typed "I reread" not "I retread" your earlier story in my last review. Author Reply: No worries: I knew what you meant! Autocorrect makes me crazy. I'll try not to keep you waiting too long for the last instalment! | |
| NotACat | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 9/7/2015 |
| Now you have me wondering what's going to happen next: you made such a point of Barli's Da mentioning the money box and where he was hiding the extra money, and now Barli is shaking out that mat. I cannot help thinking something interesting is about to occur! Author Reply: I love to keep my readers wondering! Thanks so much! | |
| Aromene | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/6/2015 |
| Love, love, LOVE. Author Reply: Thank, thank, thank! | |
| DoggieGirl | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/6/2015 |
| This is such a good story. I was drawn in immediately by the details that you put in that painted the picture of the inn around me. It was almost like I was there. I really like stories from other character's perspectives about Aragorn. It tells things about Aragorn that we would never discover just from his perspective. I love Barli's character. Very well formed and fleshed out. I am very eagerly awaiting more. Author Reply: Thanks! I'm delighted that I was able to bring The Pony to life, even under a different proprietor. I agree completely about other characters' perceptions being telling. One of these days I really must write a piece from Gandalf's point of view... | |
| Celeth | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/6/2015 |
| What a beautiful story! I love the way you portray Strider's life pre-LOTR and thru the eyes of a young Barliman. It's so very sad and I almost can't bear all the humiliation he and his fellow Rangers had to endure at the hands of the very people they had to guard so faithfully and so valiantly. I keep thinking of the wonderful almost-paradise where he grew up, as foster son to the last remaining scion of the High King of the Noldor, not to mention his own status as King of Gondor and Arnor. Ah well but that last he still has to work for, and this sojourn in Bree is part of that rough road toward that throne... Based on your other stories, I suspect Aragorn is in for some unpleasant times in the chapters ahead. I will cringe and empathize almost to the point of crying, but I will have no choice but to read each and every chapter, and look forward to each one, because it will still be a lovely and masterfully written story. Even if poor Aragorn will often be the "victim"....Please handle with care hahaha!!! Author Reply: Thank you so much! I too must cringe at the Rangers' treatment in Bree, especially because it extends to good citizens and not merely scum like Bill Ferny. What is beautiful about the persecution is that we are able to see Aragorn (and presumably many of the others) bear it with grace and dignity undiminished by ignominious treatment. Especially in this piece, the contrast between the Ranger-stranger's current situation and his past life is enormous. His idyllic childhood in Rivendell, his security in Rohan, his honoured place in Gondor, and (most recently of all) his season as a great lord in Lóthlorien. Not to mention, as you say, his birthright. I can't promise un-unpleasant times, that's for sure. But I am so glad to know that I can rouse such empathy. Thank you: more than I can say! | |
| UTfrog | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/6/2015 |
| I had to check to be sure. I am right that you wrote Beneath the Surface which is a story I have retread many times. Thank you. Author Reply: Yup, that's me! First Tolkien story I was ever brave enough to post online. I"m so glad to know it calls to be reread: that's high praise. | |
| UTfrog | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/6/2015 |
| This is a delightful beginning to what I am sure will be a great story. I don't think I have ever read a young Barliman story before. Thanks Author Reply: Thanks! Young Barliman was just crying out to be written: who could resist that diminutive? | |
| quodamat | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/6/2015 |
| Hi, Canafinwe! I've been reading several of your stories lately, and am just amazed at the quality of your writing. (I'm hoping to do more reviews in the future--I only made an account on this site a few days ago.) It is remarkably vivid and gripping, and deeply emotional without being in the least melodramatic. You truly excel in the art of "show, don't tell"! This is a very poignant story, and I think it blends perfectly with how Aragorn's character comes across in his first canonical appearance: extremely capable and self-possessed, but with just enough of a melancholy aura about him to suggest deep loneliness and heartache underneath. I found this story to be a good reminder that most people are far more than what they seem, and that even the most seemingly disreputable individuals have needs, feelings, and stories to tell. It is a gentle but effective call to compassion, and for that--and for sharing your gift of writing--I thank you. Author Reply: I'm honoured that you think so highly of my writing: thank you very much! I love to read vivid writing, so I do my best to write something I would want to read. As for the characterization of Aragorn (and all these other wondrous people), that is the most important thing in my writing. Thank you for your kind words on the matter. Your last segment perfectly encapsulates the reason I love to write these pieces that have Aragorn in need of aid from ordinary folk. Because you're right: everyone is more than they seem. I see it all the time among my patients: the richness and kindness and stories beneath a disreputable exterior. Thank you for taking from this tale what I hoped to put into it. | |
| someone | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/6/2015 |
| This chapter was almost painful to read, I kept cringing when reading about the mysterious ranger eating leftovers from the plates of complete strangers and at the thought of those sheets! Two weeks, with most likely a different customer every night... The ranger must be thinking of the lice in Rohan, and even then there was only one person sharing his sheets instead of nearly fourteen. However, if this is after Gondor, perhaps even dirty sheets and leftovers feel like luxuries compared to his trip to Mordor. Little Barli will grow up to be a far better innkeeper than his father, if he gives his customers whole pints and clean sheets. And a meal for kitchen helpers without money. Author Reply: I do have to thank you, for of course it is meant to be painful and uncomfortable. The sad reality of mediaeval hostelry standards added to the utter disdain for vagrants makes a miserable combination. As you say, these things pale to the privations and miseries of Mordor. But of course this particular Ranger-stranger also cannot help comparing it to years as a favoured Captain and member of the court in Gondor, and to three months in Lóthlorien. Ah, the vicissitudes of a wanderer's life! Oh, there's no doubt that Barli will be a better innkeeper than his father! No doubt at all... Just too bad the Nazgûl had to go and shred all those clean sheets. | |