Reviews (322)

fliewatuet · 24 July 2005 · Chapter 3: Water

Phew! So they made it to Rivendell at last with only 'minor' inconveniences, like lost boots, limp horses, broken ribs and a knocked head, and Aragorn is out of immediate danger. I loved your choice of point of view, Gandalf's complaints about the body the Valar had chosen for him, seemingly ill-fitted for the task, and the way he, who usually helps others to fight despair, manages to maintain his own hope. And I liked the similarity of Elrond healing Aragorn and Elrond healing his own wife. Not to mention Elrond's real reason for staying behind after Celebrian left and what Aragorn means for him. Now all Elrond has to do is fix Aragorn's broken bones so that Everyone's Favourite Ranger can head off to face danger once more :-)

Estelcontar · 24 July 2005 · Chapter 3: Water

I was away for a week, and dying to come back so that I could lay my hot little handses on the new chapter. And I survived reading it, which is saying a lot for the sturdiness of my heart. It was a great chapter. I don't know how I handled the stress of the crossing of the Hoarwell. I kept having to restrain myself from racing and skipping ahead to see what was going to happen. I'm so proud I managed to do it. I also loved the way you showed Elrond's love for Aragorn. One of the things I always read between the lines of the books was this love, and how bittersweet it really was, given that even though both wanted to spare the other they were bound to hurt each other, and not only because of Arwen. I'm sure you will make a wonderful and insightful job of portraying the two together. It was also a delight to see that Halbarad can be as stubborn Aragorn, and as foolish too. I always thought he could. I'll be haunting this place waiting for the next chapter. I just hope I don't have to haunt if for long.

lindahoyland · 23 July 2005 · Chapter 2: Race to the River

This was a wonderful chapter just packed with angst and excitement.You did have me bieling that Aragorn was being attacked by a wolf and would lose his leg ! Brilliant writing,you have me very sorry for poor Aragorn.I also liked the way you had Halbarad rage at Gandalf as I feel like that in the books at times and used that in one of my own stories,though he gave cryptic advice to help then !

Enigma · 22 July 2005 · Chapter 3: Water

*too lazy to log in, sorry* Hi, mechinock! :) No, for once this review is NOT for you. It is for your MOM and DAD wishing them a happy belated wedding anniversary. Having been married for 58th years is truly something, a gift of time that was given to you, but also something one can never take for granted. A marriage and a partnership take constant care and work - just like the beautiful gardens of Rivendell. :) So even though we have never met personally let me wish you once again a happy belated anniversary and many years to come. I would also like to tell you that I consider your daughter one of the most gifted writing talents around and you have all the reason to be very proud of her - which I am quite sure you are without having some mid European lady telling you. :) I also thought it was incredibly sweet you reviewed your daughter's story. ;) Meckinock (I cannot let you go without a review after all, lol!), that was a wonderful, dramatic chapter. Once again it is the little moments that complete the story for me, moments such as Glorfindel thanking Gandalf for bringing Estel home. And even though the relationship between Elrond and Aragorn may not be without his problems it becomes so very clear how much Elrond loves and cares about his foster son, how much he is willing to sacrifice for him. I do hope father and son will have the chance to talk once Aragorn is better and talk about a few matters before Aragorn sets out again. I loved the part when Glorfindel recalls Elrond's answer that he was staying in Middle Earth because he was waiting for Estel; that he had been waiting for him for 500 years. Beautiful. As I said in my earlier review I love your style of writing tremendously, the pace, your characterisation... they are just beautiful and you are truly doing justice to Tolkien I feel. Oh and you totally cracked me up with what you said about us joining you as you go through your midlife crisis, lol! Never fear, this rangerlover isn't all that far away from those days, I am 37, so you do the math. :D Looking forward very much to the next chapter and wishing you a wonderful weekend. Again please forgive this non native speaker for any grammatical errors and spelling mistakes. :) Enigma

lindahoyland · 21 July 2005 · Chapter 1: Between a Rock and a Hard Place

This is a truly gripping and well written story.It is refreshing to find one that features Halbarad and I am a great Aragorn fan.I shall read more as soon as I can

The Karenator · 21 July 2005 · Chapter 3: Water

Gandalf would have rubbed his tattered tailbone, but he was bouncing faster than a mangy Tigger high on moldy mead and feared smashing the bones in his hand flatter than a supermodel's chest. He had no doubt that once his insides were no longer sloshing around like a Slushy machine at the Seven-Eleven, he was going to nab the first hungry ambulance chaser looking to see his name on the front page of the Valar Variety and get out of a contract he couldn't remember signing. All he knew about this plum deal was that he woke up one morning on a ship to The Other Side with the chorus line from 'Riverdance' stomping behind his baby blues and a tongue that felt like it had been used to mop the decks of the rocking tub he sloshing around in. There was also the matter of the garter belt. He had no idea that they came in his size. Blackmail--pure and simple. Also pinned to the cabin wall like a wanted poster was a wine-stained, ink-smeared job description with his John Henry that looked like Ungoliant had scratched it while dancing a grogged jig. He could make out the 'O'; he didn't need to see the rest to know what it said. The biggest bummer about the whole thing was not being able to decipher a fine print that would make a microscope go blind. Not only was he saddled with a job description blurrier than a window pane at Butterbur's, but the sad sack of bones he had been dumped in creaked like Tom Jones doing the Hula. He was certain when he got back to home base he was going to file for workman's comp and for damages incurred until he drained the cackles right out of the hides of a pack of droll deities who were about as funny as Sonny without Cher. Just as Olorin Gandalf was working his shorts into a wad tighter than a glob of Juicy Fruit stuck in his beard, Halbarad tossed out a string of colorful phrases that would make Eddy Murphy blush. Pulling up on his four-hoof drive, Gandalf took a gander of the landscape and found that he had wandered into 'Waterworld'. The river--aptly named the Hoarwell, as opposed to Hoarbadly--was wider than an old call girl's hips. And this old girl was spread out all over the place and sporting a stone and timber belt that was meant to point them to their destination. When he put on the brakes along side his traveling buddies, the bookend brothers assured Gandalf that the bridge had been sprinkled with pixie dust by their dusty old dad and would hold a herd of trampling oliphants. Not that the bridge mattered much. They were a galaxy far, far away from it and it was going to take a bigger bucket of bolts than The Millennium Falcon to lightspeed them over to it. Just as Gandalf was getting ready to point out that Noah wouldn't attempt to float this flood, one of the brothers beautiful spouted out his plan. For a moment, Gandalf just stared at the perfectly arched brows, the sleek black hair, and the delicately shaped face of this Elven Magellan and decided then and there that he had been ripped off bigger than when he ordered the Ginsu knives from The Dwarven Documentary Channel. When he got back to the Best Western Motel where he had been headquartered before finding himself cruising at forty knots toward the Land of Man, he was going to demand a body like this whelp of elf had gotten. Halbarad interrupted the wizard's wild wanking when he tossed the mimi morsel muncher into the rear seat behind Gandalf. "Here!" the PI said. "Take the dinky doughnut dapperling with you." Gandalf thought the gumshoe's sounded as jaggled as Sandra Bullock when she saw that her intended had more road maps drawn on his body than Rand McNally had in the Deluxe Hardbound Edition of X Marks the Spot. Taking a peek over at the object of this wild race to ruin, Gandalf saw that the ranger-without-hope was looking as washed out his own underwear, which made him wonder what the beautiful bookend brothers' skivvies looked like. A sneer that beat Elvis hands down lifted his lip. Yep, he was getting one of those elf models when he got home. With nothing to add to THE PLAN, Gandalf pushed his ride into high gear and took off after the beautiful brother. He didn't know or care which one he was following; Elves all look alike anyway. Downshifting into low, he hurled his ride into a flow of water so high that he was already planning who to blame when the Weather Channel interviewed him for 'Storm Stories'. Much to his surprise, he made it across to the other side of the river with the squat sausage snatcher wedged onto his back tighter than Brittney Spears' thong after Jazzercise. Just as it looked like they were all going to make it across the waterlogged bridge, a tree bigger than Howard Stern's ego whopped the bridge like the backhand of jilted Brady bride. The PI nearly made it to the rocking wreck of a deck, but in the last minute, his mare jolted, his stallion bolted and he floated...right into the drink. Beautiful-brother-number-two dashed into the water like Flipper looking to rumble with Jaws and just in the nick of time, caught the PI-perch and fished him back out. Now with more wounded than Captain Kirk with a crew of red shirts, Gandalf and the bookend brothers zoomed up to the next causeway to find it flowing faster than beer at a frat party. On the other side a host of dandy dons waited on them. Taking one good look at the goldilocks leading the troop of twinkle toes, Gandalf decided that he would demand a body as good as Buffy the balrog slayer and he would settle for no less. Without warning, Moses dusty dad parted the waters and the emergency team flew faster than Evil Knievil across the river. Once they arrived at the House of the Last Homely Dusty Dad, said dad, turned on the porch light, and guided them into the ER. For hours, Gandalf felt like he needed Twiggy's toothpick legs to prop his eyes open as dusty dad seemed to be taking a nap with his hand plastered to the head of the nearly half-dead, almost gone, might-not-live-to-be-the-future-king-of-a-cement-city ranger. Finally, when dusty dad collapsed like a house of cards, Gandalf toddled off to find a balmy bed, a pulpy pillow and a cooperative coverlet. He sighed and for just one moment was grateful to powers that be that this didn't go on for four chapters. He dreamed of braiding his pretty hair. Rays' dog. I'm ashamed at how far behind this mangy hound has gotten in his reviews. To make amends, let me say that this one was not easy. Such a good chapter. There was so much excitement and such wonderful imagery to go with it. I loved this line: He could see now that Elrond was stretched so far outside himself that his own native light was already diminished to a flicker. There are far too many terrific lines and emotions in this chapter to name one by one, so I'll just say that I thoroughly enjoyed it. Loved it! Karen

Mom · 21 July 2005 · Chapter 3: Water

Thank you for congrations on our 58th. wedding anniversary You flattered us letting all your friendly crictics know about us Love you, Mom

u no who · 21 July 2005 · Chapter 3: Water

Chapter 3 vergood but too long of a wait. Exellent flow of writing. I can allways feel like I'm right in the mimmde ot. This chapter all I could see was the mighty Missippissi. spell? oh well. As every one else I 'm waiting fo chapter 4 Great Stuff U NO WHO

Jay of Lasgalen · 21 July 2005 · Chapter 3: Water

What a wonderfully tense, exciting chapter. The flight across the ford was wonderfully written - the danger and the urgency was very vivid. I loved your characterisations of everyone - Halbarad and Dudo, Gandalf, and of course the sons of Elrond. E2 were so brave and heroic! (Um ...I think I sound like a fangirl ... ;) Elrond's desperation for Aragorn, and his love for all his sons was also very clear. I'm glad his frantic healing attempt worked! Jay

Laerien · 21 July 2005 · Chapter 3: Water

Sorry! I didn't mean to offend you some way, I just forgot that there is work in the 'real' word (you know, summer holiday), and was a bit too childish and too excited.

grumpy · 20 July 2005 · Chapter 3: Water

Well, I see that Halbarad finally got his dip in the water, that he was wanting a few days back. I think that he could have chosen some better swimming buddies then his horses. Love this chapter, from Gandalf's point of view. His wondering at why his body had to be that of a old man, and his worry for Aragorn. That Elrond waited, five hundred years for Estel, and his love for Estel. Looking forward to the waking of the wounded.

Nilmandra · 20 July 2005 · Chapter 3: Water

Let me start by saying I was nearly late for a meeting this morning with a potential client because I had to speed read the whole thing before I could leave the house. I applaud you for getting into Gandalf's head - that would scare me. Who knows what a Maia would think? But the weight of responsiblity and knowing that he nearly too actions that may have altered Eru's plans must have weighed heavily on him and you showed that well. The flight to the bridge was terrifying to read. Elrohir was very brave! Halbarad's concerns for the horse were great, but I wanted to smack him for nearly losing his own life in the process. That Elrohir recovered everyone was great. This visual of each person (and horse) falling away in exhaustion until Glorfindel finally carried Estel into the house was well done, and then Elrond literally expending his life's force to save Aragorn's life was very tense. One particular thing I really liked was the articulation that Elrond waited for Estel. I tend to put it in more sweeping terms..until Sauron was defeated, until the King returned, until the 'end' was found...but it so much more emotionally wrenching to say 'he waited for Estel'. That really got me. Now I can reread it without the rush.

Dot · 20 July 2005 · Chapter 3: Water

I’ve moved you to the top of my need-to-write-a-review-for-this list because I just have to tell you how much I loved this! I’m just addicted to this story! It was so fascinating to be in Gandalf’s head for a while. It was actually quite startling to see him feel so inadequate. There’s a sense of regret there too that just made me feel so bad for him! The tension during the entire river-crossing is just fantastic. In some ways it’s probably good that Gandalf had Dudo to look after because it gave him something to focus on now that Aragorn has been taken off his hands and to draw him out of despair too. That flood is just terrifying, though. I’m almost afraid to ask how you know so much about all this :-) I was so worried about Daisy that I nearly choked when that tree appeared out of nowhere. You really do know how to write gripping stuff! Yay for Elrohir! He deserves a medal for all he’s had to do. I was repeating to myself ‘she can’t kill Halbarad, she can’t kill Halbarad’ but a little part of me was very afraid… Oh, I also wanted to mention how much I loved the little moments of humour. Who knew Gandalf was so funny?! I think my favourite was “They will take it,” Halbarad said, wincing and clutching his side in what Gandalf assessed as a very unconvincing demonstration of his fitness to ride.” I absolutely adored the very canon moment about Elladan’s gift of healing being lessened by his life as a warrior until he now only possesses the knowledge. There’s something so sad about that. I also really liked the thought of Gandalf drawing comfort from beyond Arda. I think I truly felt hope at the line “We need not fear the Bruinen” Very well done! I loved the parting of the waters and Glorfindel is fantastically practical and good at ordering people about. At the same time his worry really comes across and I suppose it underlines the gravity of the situation to see someone so formidable be so uneasy. Great point about Elrond having to stay behind to save his strength. I think it made me anxious about him even before he had to do anything. I couldn’t take my eyes from the screen once the healing began. Gosh, Meckinock, this is amazing. I thought this was very effective too : "The sound of Elvish voices and the short, light footsteps of a hobbit echoed through the empty halls. Gandalf listened for heavier, Mannish footsteps, limping and slow, but there were none. Halbarad was being carried." We don’t even see it and yet we know exactly the scene outside in the hallway and what it means. I was glad to see the twins finally sent to get some rest and I thought it was very touching the way Elladan goes and prepares a tray of bandages and herbs, trying to anticipate his father’s need. I felt such a chill at the memory of Elrond trying to save Celebrían and then his deep grief when he couldn’t restore her love for life. The explanation for why he stayed too really proves how much he needs Aragorn to live now. I think one of my favourite parts of this chapter is Glorfindel catching Elrond and settling him down to sleep. The suggestion of the deep friendship between these two is very moving throughout. I forgot about the hand! Yikes. That definitely needs too be fixed! I like the sense of teamwork, with Elladan now swooping in and doing his part. Aaw, what a lovely image of Dudo and Halbarad both clean and sleeping soundly. And Gandalf can finally rest too. There’s a lovely sense of relief and peace at the end of this chapter. Though more excitement is always welcome ;-) I’m so glad they finally made it. I can’t wait to see what happens now in peaceful Imladris. Oh, and I forgot to say how very impressed I am with your knowledge of the geography! And bravo on such a perfect chapter title! Right, I’ll shut up now :-)

Gandalfs apprentice · 20 July 2005 · Chapter 3: Water

Meckinock Another triumph. Great suspense. I loved especially Halbarad on the bridge, your description of Gandalf's earthly torments, and Elrond's love for Aragorn. All the characters come real, and E&E are true heroes. I only hope that the next chapter of "Sword of Elendil" can only approach how good this is.... Your greatest fan, Gandalfs apprentice PS did you get the long email I sent you early last week? I worried perhaps cyberspace ate it...

Leaward · 20 July 2005 · Chapter 3: Water

The struggle in crossing the river was done so well, I could feel the current and cold water -- and I like how they didn't all get across safely. That made it so much more realistic. But poor Halbarad! He's having a heckuva time, isn't he? I hope you do give him a rest soon. I had to chuckle at this: “Foolish would I be to oppose a Balrog-slayer.” Yes, I can't think it would be wise to try to cross Glorfindel! The last paragraph ... Gandalf's exhaustion really comes through. Well done again, Meckinock. (And congrats to your parents on 58 years!)

Laerien · 20 July 2005 · Chapter 3: Water

TWO WEEKS?!?!?! You can’t be serious?! What am I to do for two weeks!? That’s not fair, that is a VERY long time to wait. Is there no other way? # huge puss in boots eyes staring at you, begging# Anyway thanks for the answer. I was pleased to hear that I’m not so stupid that I thought myself to be.

Leaward · 20 July 2005 · Chapter 2: Race to the River

I was wondering how you were going to stop them from taking Aragorn's leg! Trust the twins to come in in the nick of time! I like how Halbarad dodges Dudo's question about what he is afraid of, but also how Halbarad admits that he does fear things. And of course we later find out one of his fears when Aragorn gets even more ill. A very nice, subtle touch. "...a little trouble in Bree..." what a masterful understatement, LOL. Well done, Meckinock. On to read the next chapter now ...

daw the minstrel · 20 July 2005 · Chapter 3: Water

Gandalf's self accusations at the start were a nice touch. Do you find it scary to write his POV? The flooding of the river reads like it was written by someone who has lived along the Mississippi. :-) I really enjoy your dry sense of humor, Meckinock. I laughed at the moment when Gandalf thinks that now is not the time to ask Dudo if he can swim. I liked the canonical reminder that using a weapons destroys the gift of healing. This is nice: Fear, deadlier than arrows, was creeping up his spine like frost on a windowpane It's effective and not overdone. That whole passage is effective, actually, with its glimpse of the life of Olorin, rather than Gandalf. I was so relieved about Daisy getting onto the bridge and then being found again. I thought for a moment that she had drowned. What would Halbarad have told his granddaughter who named her? Gandalf's hope that he won't have to ride a galloping horse for hours on end again is not going to work out, I'm afraid.

pipinheart · 20 July 2005 · Chapter 3: Water

This is nice Elrond spent himself to put Estel out of danger. all is worried,and more is to be done for him. You can see the love Elrond holds for Estel...Nice work...Please continue....

pipinheart · 20 July 2005 · Chapter 2: Race to the River

A arrow piecing the tree befor Gandalf was reading to ccut off Aragorns leg. His brothers appear and seem to save him from that fate,but time is of the essence...Great job...

pipinheart · 20 July 2005 · Chapter 1: Between a Rock and a Hard Place

This is very well constucted,and a very intersting story..I like the humor between Aragorn and the Ranger...I wonder why is Aragorn so distant to his Elrond,who raised him. Poor Aragorn,hope he gets to Elrond befor he gets worse...Nice job...

laerien · 20 July 2005 · Chapter 3: Water

Your parents married 58 years ago?! Wow, that’s more than a half century! Congratulate them! I absolutely loved Gandalf’s silent grumbling! After all, it wasn’t a light trip to collect strawberries in the forest… Twelve hours! Wow! The trainers in the riding-school are always saying: galloping is like swinging/rocking and it is the most comfortable pace for both the rider and the horse but I am a bit skeptical. I agree that it is comfortable but I am half dead after two or three circles. I am not very good at Geography, less in English names. Which river is the Hoarwell??? The idea of the flooding and the perilous crossing was amazing. It shows clearly that you can make your readers stuck to the chair, not daring to breath without using the well-known “Oh, I think there are orcs here” statement. Seeing it from Gandalf’s view gave extra tension. I was very worried, all right even scared for Halbarad, though I don’t know why. I knew he had to survive. Then why? “No! You’re hurting him!” So cute and so true… This eldest child of Elrond had inherited the greatest portion of his father’s healing touch, but the choice of the sword had burned it out of him long ago. Fantastic! You are not expecting me to write down every favorite line, are you? Well, at last they arrived and things are much better now. Or at least I hope. Everyone is worrying about Aragorn’s knee, then I will worry about his hands. How many days passed since that scum broke it? At least 4, not? Well, it is really time to take care of it, if he wants to carry a sword again… Elrond’s struggle was heart-wrenching. And to compare it with the one that was for Celebrian was wise. Now, almost everyone sleeps. Right. Tomorrow won’t be an easy day either. Let us clear up some things in my last review. When I said Tolkien would be proud, I didn’t mean the style! No one can write in that style, but it isn’t the style which is important. The characters, the meaning, that’s what matters. And plus you story is very canonical (??? I hope you understand, because I’ve no idea, how to write this word).And if there is a bit from the movie in your Aragorn that’s not scolding. I love both the movie and the book Aragorn, and the best is when you find ‘your’ character, which in this case, I think, was gorgeous. Sooo, when will the next chapter come? Tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, a week, a month, never? P.S: Umm…Probably, the problem is with me, but I have no idea what ‘Holiday Inn Express’ is.

Kylara · 20 July 2005 · Chapter 3: Water

Absolutely Awesome. I've been waiting (hoping frantically, actually) that you would be writing again. "In the Hands of the Enemy" is one of my favorite stories. I'm enjoying this one just as well. Thank you!!!

Rose Sared · 20 July 2005 · Chapter 3: Water

Ahh, what a satisfying chapter, derring do to get the ailing to help and then help of stirling quality. You are a writer, a very writer. Thank you so much for the ride Rose

Ainu Laire · 20 July 2005 · Chapter 3: Water

What a chapter! Most enjoyable! I love the relationships you have between the characters, and how you make everything so canonical; it's definitely very nice. I absolutely love Dudo... he is one awesome hobbit. Your characterization with all the characters is also fabulous... I am just loving your writing. I cannot wait for an update!