Reviews (322)

daw the minstrel · 8 October 2006 · Chapter 9999: The Gift

We're so used to news being flashed at us 24 hours a day that it's hard to imagine how little people knew of what happened afar in a culture like this. Poor Dudo. I can see how he'd see events as a betrayal. I particularly liked this line: It is no failure to die fulfilling the duty of one’s heart It was powerful and poetic.

SurgicalSteel · 8 October 2006 · Chapter 9999: The Gift

*sniffles* Properly heart-wrenching. I liked that it came back to Dudo in the end, and can't help but think of poor Eirien...

perelleth · 8 October 2006 · Chapter 9999: The Gift

A fitting ending. It was good to see Dudo again, and to learn that he fought so bravely in defence of The Shire. It is wonderful to see the growth in this character through both stories, a good paralell to the change the Quest brought to Merry and Pippin. The chronology is a great idea! I was thinking about it as I read past chapter. I liked it that Gandalf made clear to them that Rolly and the rest ruffians were working for Saruman. THe brewing of that war was a long road, and the heavy watch over The Shire and the silent struggle between Saruman's spies and the Dunedain had begun long before that April morning when Frodo knew that he kept the One Ring. Very well tied up. I must say that I have enjoyed both tales greatly, Meckinock, thanks to your great skill in story-telling but also to the deep consideration you have clearly devoted to the deeper issues that are prsented here, and that is something that shows. Congratulations.

Bodkin · 8 October 2006 · Chapter 9999: The Gift

I'm glad to see that the story rounds back to Dudo. Who is feeling really let down and resentful of what he sees as his friends' broken promises. It is such a good thing that Gandalf has come to see him and let him know just what happened. Even if I don't want to think of Halbarad lying dead beneath the soil of the Pelennor. (I suppose it's not so bad thinking of Aragorn perched on that silly throne. At least he has wed his heart's desire and stands some chance of building himself a home where he feels he really belongs. Although I don't really see it being that Citadel.) I can't help but think of Eirien in her draughty home in the Angle - with Halbarad's sword and his dirty shirt and a Dunedain life-span to mourn him and all the others she has lost. Let's get back to Dudo. Happier thoughts. I think he should go to Minas Tirith. Aragorn needs a few hobbits at his side - and this is another hobbit to whom he owes his life and consequently all the jollies that go with being king. And Dudo would, I think, want to bid farewell to Halbarad. I'm glad Gandalf brought the blade back to him. Halbarad would have wanted that. I hope you feel inspired to write more about these characters - because I shall miss them. I'm sure they have more stories to tell.

Ainu Laire · 8 October 2006 · Chapter 9999: The Gift

*sniffs* Aww... poor Dudo. Poor Hslbarad. I never did like how Tolkien killed him off. Though I suppose the stone city would have never really suited him. But still, it really sucks :/ You ARE going to still be writing, right? You'll have another story for us? Please? You are one of my favorite authors; I do hope you have another story for us!! Maybe not immediately, but sometime! Don't make me beg ;P But yea. Wow. Totally awesome story. ^^

Grumpy · 7 October 2006 · Chapter 15: None for Myself

Aragorn got the girl! Ok, elf lady, and he only gets to visit with her for awhile. But it will make him happy. He needs that after baring his soul. While standing in his bare feet, wrapped in a blanket, he is outdone by the woman of the village. You got me, I kept thinking it was Arathorn's daddy's love child. I love how the Dunadan woman took in the child and raised him as one of their own. Actually I love all your grannies, almost as much as I love how you write Aragorn and Halbarad. That part about Halbarad digging up the grave with his teeth, was priceless. Shame on Aragorn for trying to duck out, without the going away biscuits Bravo, a wonderful story, and a great ending. Your mother would have loved it. She must have been a great lady

The Karenator · 7 October 2006 · Chapter 15: None for Myself

No one paid the PI's drum solo the dignity of one hand clapping. So much for taste. He'd have to barge in using nothing but his wits and a shoulder sorer than Matt Lauer after interviewing Tom Cruise. The door broke open like a pimple on Jessica Simpson's face before doing infomercials. Smoke oozed out, smelling cheaper than a share of Walmart stock, and stinging his eyes. The PI found his boss, heaped up on the dusty plank floors like a pile of wet towels in the locker room after Monday Night Football. Johnny Halbarad, PI, a man who hadn't quit anything since Martin and Lewis broke up, stuffed his aching hands under the zoned-out chieftain and hauled him out of Martha Stewart's Haunted House of Hags and Haggis. That was a good thing. The chieftain, woozier than Ernest T. Bass on a Saturday night, mumbled, "Dark Shadows has been cancelled." "What?" the PI yelped. "Willie Loomis has been canned? Who'll do Angelique's mile-high hair-dos." The private eye shook his head. "Say it ain't so." Aunt Clara tottered over and sunk only slightly slower than the president's approval ratings down beside the boss. "Don't get your stubble in a French twist; that ain't what he's yakking about." The PI rummaged in his pocket for his wide tooth-comb. He scratched it across his cheeks. "Then what?" "The Spirit of Jim Beam is slow to leave him." "Who?" Aragorn shook himself like Lassie after saving Timmy from a raging river. "Johnny Walker's cousin once removed on his mother's side." Aunt Clara patted the chieftain's arm affectionately. "Did you find what you were looking for, Dunwitted?" "Dúnadan," Halbarad corrected her. "Dún..a..DAN." Her eyes brightened. "'Ro's brother?" The PI's stare drilled a hole in his boss. "It's time to split from this pop stand." ******** The rangers arrived back at the Triangle in a purple rain that would have made the artist formerly known as Prince green with envy. They were tired and layered with more dirt and mud than a Monster Truck Show in south Alabama. When they'd left Aunt Clara's, they swung through the old set for Little House on the Prairie to look for any evidence that Nellie had been real. Oleson's Store was nothing but a pile of planks and empty jars of face cream Mrs. Oleson had used by the case. Only one grassy hump nearby looked like a crew member of Six Feet Under had remained to see the last of the cast rooted to the old home place. The PI and his boss weren’t Goonies, grave-robbers or looking to work, so they passed on stirring up the dirt. When the ranger pulled into the Triangle, Mrs. PI called valet service and had their rides parked while she shooed the wet rangers inside to drop The Big Chill they carried like Kevin Costner's body before it landed on the cutting room floor. The boss, determined to play Truth or Consequences, stood up like Jim Bakker needing a new waterslide, and yodeled out a 'stand by'. "Hold it," the PI said. "You look worse than Mel Gibson at the end of 'Leathal Weapon II'. Take a load off. Watch the backside of your lids for the night. And remember: don't go fishing with Police Chief Brody. You might catch Jaws." Aragorn shook his head. "A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do." He took a deep breath. "I'm as fake as a three-dollar bill, as phony as Paris Hilton's hair color, a ruse of a ranger, a counterfeit king, a hoax of an heir, a specious spectacle….” “Nonsense,” Halbarad’s mother said. “If you’re a bunyip, then I’m Queen for a Day.” “It’s true,” the chieftain said looking sadder than Ronald McDonald after quarterly earnings. “My old man was a rooster in a foreign henhouse.” “Nah,” Meneliel said. “That was my stud muffin. Me and the girls fetched the Little Rascal when his mother fizzled out like 8-tracks. “ The PI’s eyes snapped open wider than Steve Tyler’s mouth. “It’s you!” he said to Brandol. “And all this time you were a member of The Brady Bunch and I didn’t know it.” “Yeah,” Brandol said. “But I was never meant to replace Greg. I’m just an ordinary ‘Ramblin’ Man’. Lord, I was born a ramblin’ man. Tryin’ to make a livin’, doin’ the best I can. I’m an All-man, brother.” Aragorn smiled wider than Julia Roberts at the Oscars. “Sweet Home Al a’ Brandol. My brother you Doobie until the end.” Human reviewer: I can’t tell you how much I’ve enjoyed this story. I know it took you far longer to see it through than you ever thought, but you did a masterful job of constructing every word and turn. I really like how in the end you allowed the mothers, the women, to be the ones who came together to see a child loved and cared for. Their strength is core of the Dúnedain community, what holds it together while the men are doing their best to see evil kept from their door. This is a very nice tribute to your mother and what she meant to you. I’m looking forward to the epilogue. The Dog adds that he was privileged to meet the ranger’s mom and she was indeed very proud of the ranger. He was very fond of her too. Adored her, in fact. After all, Ranger Mom did a really good job raising the dog’s favorite ranger until the ranger could master beheading in one fell swoop. Ranger Mom was free with the Milkbones, too, unlike some people—who shall go unnamed—who are a little stingy. Ranger Dad is a pretty cool guy too. Ray’s Dog also thanks the ranger for allowing him to be such a nuisance with his reviews. Thanks for the wonderful story.

perelleth · 7 October 2006 · Chapter 15: None for Myself

Wonderful ending, with all threads neatly tied together and the circle of Dunedain "denighas" sharing a tale or two with the big boys. Very cleverly done, meckinock, from beginning to end. I was impressed by Meleniel's strength, but also by the anticlimax resolution of it all, with aragorn standing there seriously and proclaiming The Truth while wrapped in a blanket, and the women "oh, yes, well, let me tell you one or two things about that," and Halbarad gaping as a fish out of water... Priceless. And it was good to see Aragorn reach Rivendell and having his short conversation with Elrond and then meeting Arwen. A nomad may feel that he is not truly at home anywhere, but he also knows that he is at home for a while in more than one place, and that, too, is priceless. A great tale. Congratulations. And surely your mum must have liked it too. I think it was a sweet present.

RS · 7 October 2006 · Chapter 15: None for Myself

Wow! Wonderful ending! I never suspected Brandol to be the one until he kept popping up in the paragraphs trying to take the young one's out of the room due to his "infallible ear for trouble" (my thought was, what's he doing there?). While the Dunedain ladies were revealing their story, I had a moment of ..."wait a minute!....just as Aragorn said, "He's you isn't he?" Brilliant! Aragorn's moment at his mother's grave was very moving. And then you come up with "Your mother's biscuits", "She was horrified that you tried to leave them behind.", "You'll tell her it was an oversight?" A tender moment to "a Comedy tonight!" And of course I love the reunion between Aragorn and Arwen! Your author's note really hit home with me. I'm truly sorry about your mother. It is a touching gesture and a beautiful tribute to complete this on her birthday. It just reminded me that I have not called my mom and dad in a while. I don't know what to say but, "Have ya got another story?" I really enjoy your creative mind and hope you keep writing the adventures of my favorite Rangers. Can't wait for the epilogue...Need to go now, I have to make a phone call! PS - I was just wondering which one of those Dunedain ladies is closest to your mother's personality? Can I guess? Halbarad's mom! She was a hoot from the get go and I liked her immediately! Her pesonality and her dice! RS

Linda Hoyland · 6 October 2006 · Chapter 15: None for Myself

I just loved the way you worked things out.This has been a wonderful story and I haveeagerly awaited every chapter. I am so sorry your Mother was not here for the end and hope you can find some comfort in the pleasure your work brought to her.I am sure my Mother were she still in his life,would have been interested in my work too, though I am not sure what she would have made of all my angst epics.

Nilmandra · 6 October 2006 · Chapter 15: None for Myself

There is so much about this chapter to like. The high points for me: The old deningha's hope - her recognition that the Dunedain are different and that perhaps the fate of her people is going to change soon. The Dunedain women: this is to me exactly how strong women behave when in a culture where the men are off doing the ranger thing. They band together, work it out, eek out a living, take care of each other and keep their secrets. Meneliel is my hero. She loved her husband enough to forgive, but also to care about what was a part of him. Raising Brandol as a son of the Dunedain shows the absolute class of these people. Aragorn's honor: there is a deep irony and humor here that he could have asked any of these women who are agemates of his father and learned the answer. I won't be surprised at all if the twins, Elrond and even Arwen all know too, LOL. But I love that he cared enough for the Truth to seek it out. And on that last note, he might not see the significance now of his trip south, but we know it. Aragorn now has relationship with the Dunlendings to make peace with them. He has set the stage for when he is Elessar, King of the Reunited Realms. I like your note, too. That is what parents should be. I am glad you had such parents, and I swear there is an ip address hit from heaven on your chapter.

SurgicalSteel · 6 October 2006 · Chapter 15: None for Myself

Just lovely. I very much enjoyed this story, and I look forward to the epilogue.

viggomaniac · 6 October 2006 · Chapter 15: None for Myself

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?

viggomaniac · 6 October 2006 · Chapter 14: Bega's Son

One more chapter? Just one? *Cries* And then the end of another masterpiece *reviewer peers at author to see if flattery will effect her willingness to write another 'little' tale of the oh so hot Ranger and his valiant sidekick* -- hmmm, can't tell. Hey, meckinock, you are simply one of the very best LOTR fanfic writers to ever come down the pike. (I really do have to look that expression up to see from whence it came). Thanks to you I have fallen in love with yet another Lord of the Rings character -- Halbarad. It's great when an author can induce that type of feeling from her readers. But your Halbarad is so REAL. And that part where he thinks of his wife holding back one of his shirts from the laundry every time he left -- that was really beautiful and something any woman can relate to. So romantic *sigh* (and I refuse to make any jokes about that scene; it's just too sweet). Anyways, I am enthralled with your boy Hal. The bad guys are a rather bumbling lot, eh? *Chuckle* We tend to forget that bad guys are people too. (Hey, wouldn't that make a nifty slogan -- Bad Guys Are People Too -- though we must admit we are ONLY talking about your 'run of the mill I'd just as soon be anywhere in the world but here' bad guys). Great rescue/action sequence. Just enough info to make it interesting without losing me in the detail. OMG, the description of Aragornin Lorien -- be still, my heart! Poor baby. 'Only later did he realize that in his whole life, only that single seasin in Lorien would ever seem perfect and whole...' Sublimely beautiful. Our poor Aragorn. Ah, the weight of responsibility. I love that Aragorn firmly believes in the triumph of good over evil as a motivating force. And now, the denigha's revelation is about to be revealed...reader's eyes are glued to the screen *ouch*. Hey, see you at the next chapter oh most gifted of authoresses!

Raksha The Demon · 6 October 2006 · Chapter 15: None for Myself

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!

Ellie · 6 October 2006 · Chapter 15: None for Myself

Bravo! Well done! What a great tale and a wonderful ending!

insignia · 6 October 2006 · Chapter 15: None for Myself

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.

Calenlass Greenleaf · 6 October 2006 · Chapter 15: None for Myself

A perfect ending. Simply perfect. I say well done.

Elflingimp · 6 October 2006 · Chapter 15: None for Myself

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.

daw the minstrel · 6 October 2006 · Chapter 15: None for Myself

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.

Ainu Laire · 6 October 2006 · Chapter 15: None for Myself

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.

Bodkin · 6 October 2006 · Chapter 15: None for Myself

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!

Ainu Laire · 1 October 2006 · Chapter 14: Bega's Son

*Laire clears her throat and tries to summon some amount of grace and dignity* Dear Meckinock... OMG I LOVE YOUR STORY SO MUCH! *Laire miserably fails* *glares at the invisible narrator* Well, I feel that I owe you a review. I mean, this is just one of the best stories well, ever. Your chapters never disappoint. They are just completely and utterly awesome. Dude. Halbarad deserves a sword. He needs his weapons. How is he supposed to kick butt if he doesn't have his weapons, huh, huh? That's not cool, you know? I mean, Halbarad without weapons is like a Happy Meal without the Ronald McDonald without that stupid grin! Not cool! Oh, and using Halbarad as target practice is not cool, either. But Halbarad is smart and tries to escape ^^ ... even if he does fail... they're always doomed to fail... man, I LOVE Halbarad. He doesn't run for their sport. He totally rules. Aww, poor Halbarad feeling unconsciousness tugging at him... he definitely hates that the most, I think. Hates being completely defenseless in that unconscious world. All the more reason to love him ^^ ... ARAGORN! WHEE! Aww, that little thingy with Aragorn and Lorien and everything was so nice... much nicer than reading about the torture of some dude... I agree with Aragorn, it wouldn't be a nice thing to see. But yea, that whole thing with Lorien was worth reading again. Poor Aragorn, so burdened by the world. I'm so glad he gets Arwen in the end; he does deserve her. Anyways... going on, going on... ooh! Fight! You write fight scenes so very well, and I must admit envy. I wish I could do them half as well as you do; you just seem to do it so perfectly, all fights are just... completely and utterly awesome. I can imagine them perfectly. You know, Aragorn's hair must really be a pain in the arse. I think in every action/adventure or drama/angst story I read, Aragorn is yanked by his hair at least once. I can't remember in what story I read this, but in one of these stories he contemplated of just sheering it all off. That would seem to be the most wise thing to do. Maybe he won't be yanked by it all the time, then xD Good thing the Rangers came when they did. Although I thought they wanted Aragorn alive to sell to someone O.o Eh... well, at least he's alive and well XD But yea, glad that they are all well... laddy daddy dah... moving along, healing, lovely... lalalala.... flowers... happy faces and rainbows... oh, sorry, where was I? Ah, well, let's scroll down.. scrolling scrolly scroll... Ah. Good. Yenna wasn't killed. That would totally suck. I'm glad that she wasn't killed for something that never even happened. Good thing Dugaric finally listened to the old lady. Ah, right, old lady... man, the ending was freaking d;lugjwposziupgtupogtuwao... yea, that was about what my reaction to the ending was. I mean, this Crandic dude, where is he? Why did Aragorn fall all unconscious? Does this old lady not want Aragorn to find his older half-brother? Will he like, completely forget his mission? I mean, if the *finale* is coming in just a few days, then somehting like that must be it, right? I guess she knows of the prophecy of Aragorn saving everyone during the WotR, and she doesn't want Aragorn to change that.. or... something... But I actually didn't expect this story to end so quickly! It was one awesome ride ^^ But now I'm sad, because there's nothing else to look forward to! :( ... unless if you have another story being planned? *pokes insistently* Please say you do! Please! You are one of my favorite authors, and I dearly hope you have another story! If not, I can give you plot bunnies! I have tons!!! Please, let there be another story! ... I'm going to end it here. This review sounds really freaky XD But man, this was one nice chapter... yea... well, can't wait until you update! ... even if it means the end :( Cheers, Laire

Dot · 30 September 2006 · Chapter 14: Bega's Son

This was a thrilling chapter! I love how your write your bad guys. Actually, I particularly like their lack of cohesion – there’s a real sense that they’re just sort of sticking together for now because it suits them but they’re all really just interested in what’s best for themselves. I did cringe at Veraric getting the dagger. I can imagine how that must have hurt Halbarad – not just because of its history but because of the faith and friendship and honour that it symbolises. You brought tears to my eyes as Halbarad thinks about his wife. Even if we didn’t know what the future holds, it’s a heart-rending insight into their courage and practicality and the acceptance of their future that is so much a part of their lives. But they’re just people too and need something to cling too – like that unwashed shirt that had me all teary. And it says much of the great love between them that Halbarad’s thoughts now are not so much of himself but of his wife and the loss she faces. I was watching in fascination as the two guards grumbled and Melnag tried to find his own way out. Melnag seems to recognise what makes young, discontented men tick as much as Halbarad does. He’s not entirely stupid, that Melnag. Though luckily he’s still a little bit dumb if it means that his plan gets Halbarad and not himself untied ;-) Halbarad’s flight was very tense, though I laughed at the wannabe archer. And then them deciding to give it another go. I realise that it shows their inherent cruelty that they’d use him for sport… but it made me chuckle too that they’re so inept. I felt so bad for Halbarad that he just wasn’t up to running any more but at least it ended up working to his advantage that he kept still. “Drop your weapons!” Húrin shouted. “You are surrounded!” *snort* That boy is both brave and hilarious. One of the most poignant parts of this chapter, to me, is how immune Aragorn is to the torture and to Tulric’s screams after all that he has seen and experienced. What a sad reflection of the life he lived once he left the sheltered borders of Rivendell to begin to find his place in the world. I really liked the glimpse of his time in Lothlorien. Galadriel’s gossamer net indeed. I thought you did a good job of portraying the very real worry of a man who has experienced the real world and questions whether he had merely dreamed something that could never be. It’s something that is rarely shown – but surely he must have wondered once he left the besotted boy behind whether he was too old and too… much a man, I guess… to be able to offer Arwen anything, or for her to want him. But I also like that he gets to spend this time sheltered and in perfect joy and peace, after what he has experienced and before all that he must face. A dream it may have felt like, but it’s one that kept him going and perhaps that was actually the gift that Galadriel wanted to give to him. The battle sounds messy and perhaps all the more dangerous because of that. I was worried for Aragorn, considering the poor state he’s in. What a moment when he realises that the blade held against him is Halbarad’s! I could really feel his desperation and fear and determination. “Drop your weapons! You are surrounded!” I nearly fell off my chair at that point. Whoever’s in charge of training the rangers will have to come up with some new lines!! But it was so good to see Alagos. I was hoping he’d make an appearance. He seems like a very competent and kind person. *wipes away tears* Oh, I was so glad Dugaric agreed to give Yenne a chance. I think, though, that Aragorn sees the person Dugaric is beneath appearances and culture. I like the idea of a leader shaping customs for the benefit of his people rather than blindly following them. That was wise of Aragorn – he’ll make a good ruler some day… And what a lovely moment between Aragorn and Halbarad when Halbarad sums up all that he believes in. And to him, it’s just fact. His hope is in Aragorn, and one day, though the journey may be a long one and a hard one, all that they have lived for will come true. I hope Yenne and her husband-to-be will be happy. It sounds like they will. Now. This denigha intrigues me! Even if she is as frustrating as an elf for not answering questions like a normal person. I was glad to see that she got the chance to explain what happened to Dugaric’s child – and it was a relief to me to see that he probably realised this himself, even though his grief is still strong, and that she’s still part of the life of the village, albeit kept on the edge. You know, you do a great job at writing stubborn, crafty old women. Hmm. Her story is fascinating. And don’t her mother and Bega sound just like Halbarad’s mother and Gilraen? I feel like whatever herbs that denigha is using are affecting me and I can’t see clearly – you know that annoying feeling, when you’re sure the answer is right in front of you but you just can’t see it?! Oh, quick question because I’m rubbish at history – was Arador in Tharbad as well as Arathorn before he was killed? Now what’s she doing to him with all these herbs anyway? She seems hugely interested in the future of the Dunedain for someone who only met them when she was very young and considering that Aragorn thought the Dunlendings wouldn’t give a fiddler’s for what happened to Gondor… Roll on October 6th. Though I must say, I’ll be really sorry to see this story end.

Raksha The Demon · 28 September 2006 · Chapter 14: Bega's Son

Only one more chapter? Sniff. But another excellent episode in the story. I really loved Aragorn's flashback to Lorien - Galadriel's gossamer net is a perfect description, and the bit about Arwen saving her smile for thousands of years just for Aragorn is just sooooo lovely and apt. And the idea of Lorien as the one season of perfect happiness in his life - awwwww. I suppose we really don't want to know what was done to Tulric. And what's the denigha up to? Is she inducing some kind of vision in Aragorn?