Reviews (322)

Anonymous · 20 July 2005 · Chapter 3: Water

Wow. Great chapter! After that last review, though, I don't know what to say, except to second everything that Bodkin said. Hear, hear! The tension and suspense of the race to Rivendell and Elrond's desperate fight for Aragorn's life fairly gave me an adrenaline rush. I have to admit though, that Elladan's statement that Aragorn was "out of danger" seemed a bit anti-climactic. I know Elrond went to amazing lengths to ensure that Aragorn would last the night, but "out of danger" just seems like too much of a jump from Aragorn's condition earlier in the chapter. The mention of Gandalf needing to gather enough strength just to get to bed was wonderful, though (well, not for him, but you know what I mean). I've only approached that level of weariness once or twice in my life, but you captured the feeling perfectly. Terrific story!! I can't wait for the next chapter!

Bodkin · 20 July 2005 · Chapter 3: Water

The tension! The worry - that bridge crossing was nail-biting. And seeing it from Gandalf's point of view was fascinating. Not so omniscient after all - but chock full of faith (with a nudge from the Other Side). The thought that he not only looks old, but feels it, is rather horrific - although twelve straight hours on a galloping horse is likely to make even an elf feel parts of his body of which he is normally happily unaware. Poor Halbarad. It's a good job that Elrohir fished him out of the water - and that he handed Dudo over to the wizard. He must have known the inevitability of one of them going for a swim - and looking round he must have seen that he was the most likely candidate. The last part of the ride is sheer doggedness - but the parting of the Red Sea - sorry, Bruinen for them must have been amazing. To picture Elrond standing there smoothing Estel's path home is powerful and touching - and he was in no condition to notice. Elrond's love and care for his foster son just shines. Aragorn's feelings of guilt must be shadowing his response for him not to feel it. I loved them all sitting there, wallowing in filth and exhausted, just waiting for Elrond to do his stuff. Comparing his fight for Estel to his desperate attempt to save Celebrian is just right - and at least this time he has temporary success. Immediate success for eventual loss, as opposed to short-term failure with the hope of eventual reunion. Glad to see Halbarad cleaned up and tucked in a nice comfy bed - if ever a ranger deserved a bit of comfort, it's Halbarad. And good to see the delightful Dudo is clinging close - possibly for his comfort as much as the ranger's, but never mind. A nice clean sweet-smelling hobbit will be much more endearing to all and sundry. So Glorfindel ordered everyone off to bed. Fair enough. At least now it looks as if there will be an Aragorn to wake in the morning - and Elrond snoozing in the next bed to initiate a fond reunion. Do them both good. Although it seems rather too easy, especially considering the title! Can't wait to see it. Brilliant. What a roller coaster ride to get them to Rivendell - I hope the outcomes are positive!

laerien · 19 July 2005 · Chapter 2: Race to the River

(Bear with my English!) Wow, at last! A sequel! I simply loved 'In the Hands of the Enemy'! It was so different than other fanfics, had a certain Tolkien athmosphere, yet reamined light and very enjoyable with an amazing storyline! I have been waiting for this for soo long! I love your characters, every one of them is shaped (?), and really themselves. The conversations are real and fantastic. You know, this is one of the few fanfics ( along with In the Hands of the enemy) that the Professor would be proud of, I think and that's the greatest compliment I can give to a Tolkien fan. Now, about the story... I was just sitting in the chair, gaping, not breathing... For a moment, I forgot that they just CAN'T cut off Aragorn's leg. Then the arrow came along with my sigh. I would rather have them fighting with a horde of orcs... #sigh# I have to calm down... In the first chapter, the incident with the farmer was simply magnificent! The noble rangers running for their lifes #chuckle# I can't resist to write something about the characters. Dudo behaves in a way I would in a situation. His thoughts are of the simple man, who became dragged into some mess. Halbarad... It is pleasure to find a story that mentions Halbarad, but one that has it as a main character! He is my favourite with Aragorn and Faramir (though I love all of them)! His reactions to Gandalf's idea was so much like a REAL friend's! I'm sure you have heard this befor :o) but 'Your' Aragorn is... Aragorn. Like in the books with just a tiny film style. And Gandalf is purely the Gandalf I'm used to and love. This is a bit long now. Just... I am delighted and like Dudo when he knew about elves (excited, shifting in the chair and so on). Please, update as soon as possible!!! P.S. Is this story finished? Or work in Progress?

Thorongirl · 12 July 2005 · Chapter 2: Race to the River

What!!!??? What? Gandalf was going to amputate Aragorn's leg? Ah, but then the words that causes us all to breathe again: "Unhand my brother, Gandalf." Whew. *Collective sigh of relief from Aragorn fans everywhere* That's right, Meckinock, we were all ready to hunt you down, but thankfully, you (and J.R.R. himself) had enough sense not to let a terrible thing like that happen. And so begins another wonderfully mature review from Thorongirl! Hey, great chapter. I meant to review earlier but was having some major family/angst problems of my own, which are now (thankfully) resolved. Loved your portrayal of Dudo in this chapter and that truly spot-on expression he made about heroism. That was good, very, very good. And Halbarad's retort when asked what he was afraid. Truly priceless. Droll -- but priceless. Oh, and a rough ride ahead. Poor, poor Aragorn. But he'll probably rest a little easier just knowing that there is a group of demented fanfic readers who love reading this sort of stuff and who, while hoping he makes it to Rivendell in one piece, don't mind at all seeing him in agony until such time as he pulls through. (Go ahead. Repeat that sentence three times in a row without pausing for breath. I dare you). See? I told you this would be a mature review! I did rather like Elladan's comment about how worried Elrond is. You sort of slipped that in without much fanfare, but it was nicely done. BTW, there are a few of your other reviewers (one in particular whose pen name starts with a "K") who had me in stitches reading their reviews. Johnny Halbarad, indeed! Too funny. But I love reading things like that. It was almost as brilliant as your story. Absolutely loved this chapter and of course, am waiting patiently *come, come now -- what's with the look of disbelief!*) for the next.

Caroline · 11 July 2005 · Chapter 2: Race to the River

Hi there! Well, I just found this today, and I am so excited to see another fic from you! I was a huge fan of 'In the Hands of the Enemy'and after being soo eager for a seqel I am ovjoyed to see that this is shaping up so nicely. Aragorn and GAndalf are so wonderfully in character as always, I still say that your Aragorn is one of the best I have read - and I just adore Halbarad! The most exciting thing about this chapter though is the introduction of E2, two of my favourite ever characters and I remeber in 'hands' just loving the flashbacks you put in involving them and I must say that I loved the beautiful and dramatic entrence. I can't wait for the long - awaited reunion, I liked Ellandan's reference to Elrond being worried, I am giddy with anticipation!!! Looking forward to the next.

fliewatuet · 3 July 2005 · Chapter 2: Race to the River

The brothers E2 have made an impressive entrance. Now I'm wondering how impressive their crossing of a flooded river will be. I mean, I do sincerely hope they make that crossing and that this story does not lead to a wicked meckinock-A/U where Strider is not named Strider but Limper and sports a pirate-style wooden leg ... Aragorn seems quite stupid in hindsight. With his training as a healer, he should have been well aware that leaving that leg wound untreated for so long would eventually lead to disaster. But then, he is only human after all ... I cannot really say that I loved the scene where Gandalf is about to chop Aragorn's leg off ('love' would not be appropriate, given the circumstances), but it drove the grimness of the entire situation home for me. And Dudo's observation that none of them was willing to put a name on what they were doing (and that Gandalf was unwilling to use Aragorn's own knife for the task) where so very fitting. Needless to say that I am somewhat impatiently awaiting more :-) fliewatuet

Estelcontar · 3 July 2005 · Chapter 2: Race to the River

Your Halbarad is wonderful! I'm in love with him, which is not surprising as I've been in love with him and with Aragorn for the past 35 years. But I'm also in love with your Dudo, and that is surprising because I was never much in love with hobbits. And you managed a miracle - your Aragorn sounds like Aragorn even when he's nearly unconscious. I can hardly wait to see him in Rivendell because I've been always fascinated by the glimpse the Professor allowed us of Aragorn and Elrond's relationship. So, I've always wished we could have had more of it. I'm sure you will do a great job of portraying the bittersweetness inherent to their love for one another. I can hardly wait for chapter three!

Lily Baggins · 1 July 2005 · Chapter 2: Race to the River

As a total Aragorn h/c NUT, and one who also has spent much too much time gleefully watching the grisly surgery scenes in Civil War movies, I ADORED this chapter. Infection, misery, pain . . . all of my favorite things when it comes to Aragorn. I anticipated something happening to distract Gandalf . . . and what a pair of nice distractions, too. Your Dudo is just adorable . . . as someone who reads a lot of hobbit fic, I think you have him down beautifully. I'm eagerly awaiting the next chapter! Will we be treated to more tending/treatments/elvish medicine in future chapters? I'm hoping . . . no, actually, I'm pining for it! :) You write it so very well.

Elentariel · 30 June 2005 · Chapter 2: Race to the River

This story is an emotion rollercoaster. Things are happening quickly and Aragorn's life is in the balance. I hope you aren't planning to take Aragorn's leg off - that would be really sad.

The Karenator · 29 June 2005 · Chapter 2: Race to the River

Johnny Halbarad, PI, felt like he'd been stuck in the long rows for a month. His back ached like his granny's blackest tooth, and his tail bone felt like it was permanently curved and pounded into regions that he was far too fond of to see mangled by the bucket seat of his one-horse-powered ride. When the kid yelped like a cat with his tail caught in the dream door, Halbarad threw his hands up in the air with the exasperation of Snidely Whiplash being foiled again. This kid had more nightmares than Elm street, the PI thought as heartburn as sour as a warg's breath burned a pothole in his chest. Crawling over to where the pint-sized pea snapper was wadded up in his blankets tighter than a hornet's nest stuck in a tree-elf's armpit, he grabbed the miniature mincemeat maker and shook him like a crumb infested dishrag. When his hand had touched the scrawny shoulder of the wee, wheezing wash-boy, the kid shot up faster than a greyhound at the starting gate. After listening to the parrot chatter of a kid plagued by the sandman's twisted idea of a fun night, he tried to give the kid as much reassurance as a man fresh out of everything, including toothpaste, could offer. But he had to give it to the Lilliputian lunch lackey; the urchin from the underbelly of Bree had come through in a pinch. Once. That was more than Halbarad could say for most of the creeps that hung around the leaky roof district in a town that was more worn out than the toe of his left sock. The marmalade-making moppet had hung in there on a trip that had turned out worse than The Brady Bunch Variety Show. That was until a storm that the only thing perfect about it was that it was a perfect pain in the...sore tailbone, dropped enough water on them to float the Titanic back to the surface. The bantam broom brandisher bowled his bulb of a brainpan into his ribs with such a jolt that Halbarad had to push the frightened fry-boy out from the other side. All the while that the PI was working overtime to keep the teeny-tater scrapper from hanging off him like a sugar-high toddler swinging from the monkey bars, his friend and boss was fading like a hooker's lipstick. The ranger's jammed up knee, which was oozing faster than a busted silicone implant, had gone AWOL from Camp Arrow, and the guy had turned clammier than Katie Holmes's hands when she found out that Paris was a publicity plug. Suddenly, Olorin Gandalf, the science guy and part-time wizard, starting thinking he'd stayed in a Holiday Inn Express the night before and had gotten his medical degree from watching old episodes of Marcus Welby. Halbarad was sure the old geezer had fallen off his beanpole when Gandalf whipped out a knife duller than 'Alexander' and started humming 'It's a Pirate's Life for Me'. Bile rose into the PI's throat faster than an overflowing Port-a-potty at Ozfest could spew in July. Turning his best friend into a peg leg was more repulsive to Halbarad than slow dancing with Butterbur at a Bree beer bust. But the whacked out wizard was determined to become a hack. Just in the nick of time, an airmail arrived from headquarters. The bookend brothers rode in like the last pony express to stop any slash from spoiling the boss's future as a Gondorian Idol. The two flip-sides of Elrond, dressed out in their finest Armani elf suits, and looking like backup dancers from the twenty-second Cher's Farewell Tour, kept perfect rhythm as they tossed their senseless sister-napper over the broad end of a sleek new modeled ride and tried to beat it to the ER before the heir-to-horrible-luck had run completely out of any luck at all. Johnny Halbarad, PI, Olorin Gandalf, the muddled medic, and Dudo, the diminutive dish dryer, shot off after them like teenage fangirls sighting Orlando Bloom. As the troop of rescue rangers raced over the rain-bogged badlands, Halbarad caught a whiff of hope--slightly unwashed, but still lingering. Now hope was riding hard. He had to believe that his battered buddy would make it as long as they caught all the green lights and...the creek didn't rise. Ray's dog. Meanwhile.... This one was tough. What a wonderful chapter full of vivid description and great dialogue. I love these lines: Being brave, he was slowly realizing, was not so much about being, after all, as doing. Having managed to do one brave thing in his life, he would now be forever haunted by the precedent. That is a pretty scary thought. That's the sort of thing that picks at us all way down in the dark places where we don't like to go. Excellent. Boy, was I glad to see the bookend brothers show up. I knew that Gandalf wouldn't amputate, but still... The scene was very tense. A arrow placed like that is a work of art! I loved it. Not to mention how nice E2 looked. Just thought I'd mention that. No reason. Just thought I would. Well, we're all on pins and needles to find out what happens at the bridge. Aragorn's gone cold and the river's rising. That's got to make for a good time. Wonderful chapter. I'm looking forward to more. Karen, owned by Ray's dog.

grumpy · 29 June 2005 · Chapter 2: Race to the River

Yeah, chapter two, time for happy dance. Poor Dudo he did have the worst nightmare, things are catching up to him. Good thing the twins came along when they did, or Aragorn would have been a one legged, broken handed ranger, and dead from infection besides. Very hard to be called Strider, if he is lumping along on one leg. Love your writing, and looking forward to more.

Enigma · 29 June 2005 · Chapter 2: Race to the River

FINALLY!!! Oh, you have NO idea how much I have longed to read the next chapter, I checked my bookmark every day. You already had me totally hooked after the first chapter and with me that says a lot! Things have certainly taken a turn for the worse for our poor ranger and I just cannot wait to see them reach Rivendell at last and Aragorn to be handed over into Elrond's care. Since not all seems to be well between the two of them it will be interesting to see how things go there once Aragorn is better and they have some time to talk. While waiting for the new chapter I had some time to look at the old story again and by god I can only repeat myself and tell you what a terrific job you did with that one. And as for the old and the new one let me tell you once again how much I enjoy the fact that you feature both Gandalf and Halbarad so prominently. Not to mention the fact you are doing a WONDERFUL job with Dudo. :) Oh, and PLEASE stop me from writing reviews again at 2am like I did with the first chapter. I meant of course that I was pulling my HAIR out not my HEAR, lol! I hope you figured that out by yourself. The thing is English is not my first language (nor my second or third come to that!) So I sometimes make these kind of silly mistakes when I don't pay attention. Anyway this is another fantastically written story that puts you way above most other LOTR fan fiction authors. Please continue!!! BTW, are there any other stories you have written other then these two? If so, could you please let me know where to find them? I would really love to read more from you. Have a great day and PLEASE - for my sanity's sake and everybody else's - update soon. ;)

Dot · 29 June 2005 · Chapter 2: Race to the River

Oh, excellent nightmare. On one hand my heart was racing at the building tension but at the same time I felt so sorry for Dudo, especially when Halbarad called him a coward. What a relief that he woke up then and had Halbarad there to try and comfort him. Poor kid, feeling like he’s not really brave for all that he’s shown courage and fearing having to something similar again. Interesting thought about how bravery is about being rather than doing. It seems to me that Dudo is afraid of being afraid. And that can be very paralysing. I do love your Halbarad. I think what I love most is the way you suggest so much depth to him that makes us long to know him a bit better. And boy, no-one can write weather like you can! I had to laugh at Halbarad’s comment about “it took only a half century to undo your sheltered Rivendell upbringing!” It’s amazing the new perspective I’m getting on Rivendell just by seeing it through Halbarad’s eyes. In a way I’m not sure I’m so enchanted by it anymore. I can’t wait until he gets there! And sure, yeah, it’s just the hills that protect it. What a great job you did with Gandalf and Halbarad’s worry and anxiety about Aragorn. There’s a sense of desperation in Halbarad to save his friend that’s so moving. I’d never really thought before what would happen the Dúnedain had Aragorn died. And I knew that of course Aragorn wasn’t about to lose his leg but crikey, you had me really worried there for a moment. Thank the stars for the sons of Elrond. Even if Elladan did frighten the life out of Dudo. I loved the description of them and for some reason I particularly like the resemblance to Aragorn. "It seemed to Dudo that this was Aragorn as he would be if washed clean of all stain, scar, and imperfection." Wow. I love that line. There’s something both powerful and poignant about it. I also love the fact that Elrond knows Aragorn is in trouble, even though he’s away from Rivendell and has been for so long. "If you can keep up, stay with us." Are you going to split them up??? I’m getting a bit worried about all this talk of floods. I really hope they make it to Rivendell soon. All of them. Aragorn isn’t the only one who needs healing. Great stuff, Meckinock. I’d ask for more right now but I’m afraid you might throw something at me :-)

Larner · 29 June 2005 · Chapter 2: Race to the River

I love the means of getting attention. And I love the determination that Elladan and Elrohir both show to get Aragorn to help soonest.

Larner · 29 June 2005 · Chapter 1: Between a Rock and a Hard Place

Ah, an excellently written tale that has me certain these are the Halbarad and Aragorn I've imagined. And a Hobbit with the same name as Frodo's uncle--interesting.

Nilmandra · 29 June 2005 · Chapter 2: Race to the River

I see you found the lightning bolt. I must say I rather like chapter 2, for my part. You had me sincerely hoping that the twins were about to show up and take matters out of Gandalf's hands. Actually, you had me hoping for Elrond himself. That knife was a little too close for comfort and I was beginning to wonder if Aragorn had traipsed all the the way to Mordor with an artificial leg. A blood infection may even give Elrond a work out in Rivendell, but I am confident in my favorite half elf to pull him through. And I think Dudo is right about Halbarad. He will not be far behind Elladan and Elrohir, and custody won't be given up until the Pelennor.

AM · 29 June 2005 · Chapter 2: Race to the River

As I was reading I was thinking that there must have been a search party and where were the twins. And up they pop. There are too many great lines: * Having managed to do one brave thing in his life, he would now be forever haunted by the precedent. * It was obvious that Halbarad would rather cut his own beating heart out with a hoof pick, ... * etc., etc.

daw the minstrel · 29 June 2005 · Chapter 2: Race to the River

In the moonless dark, his face was a featureless blur but for the glint of starlight in his eyes. Oooh, lovely. As I was reading the dream, I wondered who would become chieftain if Aragorn were really dead. And then I thought for the first time about how chancey it was that Aragorn stayed unmarried all those years. The line of the Northern Dunedain was unbroken from father to son for all those years, but Aragorn had no son yet. Having managed to do one brave thing in his life, he would now be forever haunted by the precedent. And that's brilliant! Don't you just know the feeling? You're scaring me with the amputation stuff. I know it's not going to happen and I'm still cringing. Great save by Elladan! I loved Dudo's thought that this was Aragorn as he should be.

Imrahoil · 29 June 2005 · Chapter 2: Race to the River

Ah, peredhil, so pert and adorable, just the thing I needed to make my day. And a running gag, even if it wasn't running very far, goody. Next chapter, please! (I do apologize for the shortness and inanity of the review, BUT I don't want to run out of something to say too soon, hoping that it's going to be a very long story, nudge nudge)

Rose Sared · 29 June 2005 · Chapter 2: Race to the River

OMG what a wonderful tale. Where did you spring from? I am so impressed. Rangerly rangers, hobbits that sound like hobbits, hurt/comfort/ angst - all my favorite things. And you can write. Lovely descriptions, coo. More, soon! Please Rose

Bodkin · 29 June 2005 · Chapter 2: Race to the River

Well - the twins turned up just in the nick of time there! Never, as Winston Churchill might have enunciated, in the field of Middle Earth heroics, has so much been owed by so many to so few. Gandalf as a barber-surgeon, lopping off limbs - that's a picture you don't see often. a bastard from the backside of Bree - now there's a delightfully alliterative description. But said BBB's dreams seem to augur some more heroics at some stage - I hope. Dudo needs to feel valued and to value himself as rather more than a hobbit in Ranger's clothing. And Halbarad is such a cynic - he's definitely learned that the glass is always half-empty. Get them to Rivendell! That Ranger is on his last legs - and lucky for it. (I liked Dudo's response to the twins - and his recognition of a family resemblance between them and Aragorn. And that Elrond knows enough, even a hundred miles away to be worried sick about his foster son.) I look forward to more.

Ainu Laire · 29 June 2005 · Chapter 2: Race to the River

I figured out how to get alerts, so now I get alerts whenever this is updated! Huzzah! Excellent chapter; I'm so happy Elladan and Elrohir came in the nick of time. We wouldn't want Aragorn loosing his leg, would we? *g*

Estelcontar · 27 June 2005 · Chapter 1: Between a Rock and a Hard Place

I really fell in love with In The Hands of the Enemy. It's such a good read, and so plausible, book wise. Your Aragorn sounds like the character I've learned to love since I first read The Lord of The Rings ages, and ages ago, and with which I've been in love for such a long time. As a bonus, it's so great to read a lot more about Halbarad, one of my favourite secondary characters in LOTR. So, I was really excited when I saw you were posting the sequel! The first chapter made me even more excited because it's shaping so well. So now I'm on tenterhooks waiting for chapter II. Hopefully, I won't have to wait long. Congratulations.

lwarren · 18 June 2005 · Chapter 1: Between a Rock and a Hard Place

I remember! I remember the prequel to this story (and that's saying alot!)! Ohhhh, this is going to be so good! I never reviewed the other story (I know...badbadbad) but I'll try to pop in regularly for this one! The beginning is great and Aragorn sounds a right mess! Halbarad obviously has a few issues about his worth and place in the grand scheme of things, Dudo is a typical hobbit and I felt very sorry for him when he finally lost it, poor lad! And Gandalf is....Gandalf! This is great, meckinock (and if it wasn't 2:45 a.m., I would write a more coherent review! LOL - BTW, the humidity today here in TX made it feel like 110 degrees! Are you sure you don't feel like returning to a snowy setting?) :-/ linda

cagey · 17 June 2005 · Chapter 1: Between a Rock and a Hard Place

Wonderful! I'm sooooo glad you've found time to get writing again. I've been waiting for this since I stumbled across your first story last year and couldn't put it down (sorry I didn't leave any reviews but I promise to do better this time). I do love a writer who can beat up a Ranger properly and make him live with the consequences - none of this, "his leg was broken but he gritted his teeth and carried on walking.." rubbish! Real life ain't like that and good fiction shouldn't be either! Great characters, wonderful descriptions... I'm loving every moment. Please don't patch Aragorn up to quickly (or at least give him some more trouble to trip over if you do) - Halbarad needs someone to worry over to keep his mind off Dudo.