Reviews (322)

RS · 26 September 2006 · Chapter 14: Bega's Son

Uh Oh! Please tell me that the denigha means Aragorn no harm! I was just starting to like her! Most memorable moment: "Drop your weapons!" "You are surrounded!" Funniest moment: "Oh no, Not Again!" "Make sure you get my boots back" comes in at a close second. Truly hilarious. I love that both Halbarad's sons showed up in the nick of time, just like the cavalry. It seems that Alagos has Halbarad's quick wit! I love it! I read "A Time For Joy" and "For Love of a City" and after reading Halbarad's thoughts on his time of death just killed me. And having Alagos in this story and sounding so much like his Dad....it's breaking my heart. Aragorn's reflection on his lost innocence while an interrogation was going on; his thoughts on how hardened and changed he has become that he is immuned to such savagery--very sad and very realistic. His memory of Lorien--Truly Beautiful. I hope you can squeeze in a reconciliation scene with Arwen and Aragorn; I just want to see him happy! Another wonderful chapter! We are coming to the end. Darn. I hate to see this story end. IT IS SOOOO GOOD!

Linda Hoyland · 26 September 2006 · Chapter 14: Bega's Son

Another gripping and exciting chapter full of surprises. I find the old woman fascinating.

Bodkin · 25 September 2006 · Chapter 14: Bega's Son

Why October 6th? Is it a speshul day? And I wouldn't fancy having Veraric's feet in my supple Rivendell cowhide boots. I loved Halbarad's thoughts about his sword and knife - and his knowledge of Eirien's rituals to prepare herself for the grief of losing him. Especially knowing that she will. Fortunately the ones left guarding him are not the sharpest knives - and the cavalry comes riding over the horizon again. I just love Halbarad's boys. Gorgeous pair. Hurin's arrival (Not again!) is at least supported this time! And Alagos's appearance must have been just as welcome. Poor Aragorn - the passage about the boy he was and the man he became - and how he and Arwen seized their moment in the bubble of perfection that is Lothlorien - is so moving. I think it might be my favourite part of the whole chapter. Although it has some pretty stiff competition. Dugaric seems to have learned a bit - and I'm glad Yenne is declared fit to return to her clan - but I'm a bit concerned about all that fairy dust that Aragorn is busy inhaling. It doesn't seem to be doing him much good. Fingers crossed he passes whatever test the old woman is putting him through - because Halbarad will have apoplexy if the one he trusts to dig the Dunedain out of their mud patch pops his clogs here and now. Excellent stuff.

perelleth · 25 September 2006 · Chapter 14: Bega's Son

This was a great chapter! Many things that I liked here. Halbarad's thoughts about his weapons were very insightful, and, of course, I loved the part about how Eirien managed her grief and fear that he would not be coming back evry time he wnet away. The shirt thing was great, but to know how the sword would give her comfort when he was no there no more...boy, that really moved me. There is something so moving about the tools of a hard trade -or hobby- when the wilder is no more...Really liked that touch. The rest was wonderful as usual. Not again really made me laugh, and once he recovers, Halbarad will be so proud of his children! I must go back and re read parts of this tale, to see if I am getting all the hints correctly, but the denigha was telling much without really telling all...but I have time to educate myself before Oct 6th. ( believe it or not, I went to check my agenda, and Yay! it is right betwen trips! I'm a lucky girl!) Oh. And I definitely like Dugaric. Perfectly fleshed out. Congratulations.

SurgicalSteel · 25 September 2006 · Chapter 14: Bega's Son

Haven't been very good about reviewing, but I have truly been enjoying this! Loved Halbarad's sons coming to the rescue. Just loved it.

grumpy · 25 September 2006 · Chapter 14: Bega's Son

"Drop your weapons, you are surrounded", this must be something they are teaching at ranger school. I have to laugh as both of Halbarads sons are good at saying it. But also had to cry at at the thought of Eirien keeping back one shirt till he returns again. If I were Halbarad, I would want a new pair of boots, somebody else has been using his, ueee! Now both rangers are together and alive, and more or less in one piece. Only Aragorn is testing Halbarad's mind, as he goes in alone to the old woman's hut. With the burning herbs and locked door. And just who was Bega's son?

Elflingimp · 25 September 2006 · Chapter 14: Bega's Son

Awww!!!!! did you have to leave it there? Yes I suppose you did, You are really a master with words,this is so well written, I am really looking forward to the ending,I hope Aragorn is okay, Will be waiting patiently for the conclusion.

The Karenator · 25 September 2006 · Chapter 14: Bega's Son

The PI's head hurt, his feet were cold, and his temper was shorter than Mini-Me standing in a pot hole. Johnny Halbarad hadn't felt this bad since the last time he and Aragorn had driven through Butterbur's, and he ate the whole thing. All of it, more than a sane man should ever chance: two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun. Now, he could go for a plop, plop, fizz, fizz. The scum, the ones that had ambushed the PI, had stolen his new Tommy Bahama boots, lifted his heirloom Ginsu Elf-knife, and fingered his favorite sword, engraved and signed by the Highlander himself, and it was now in the hands of some hootenanny that wouldn't know Brylcream from greasy kid stuff. The PI popped a peeper wide enough to put his beady eye on the skunk next to him; a polecat that smelled worse than Pepe La Pew. Melnag, a guy with the brain power of a Big Wheel, announced he had a plan. "Come on lads," the Mattel misfire said to Dumb and Dumber, their guards. "You look like you need a little Wide World of Sports. You too can know the thrill of victory, forget the agony of defeat. Don't let those Klingon wannabees get one up on you. You've got the makings here for a Cheney." Halbarad gave the weasel the evil eye. "What's a Cheney?" Melnag's lip curled higher than Elvis's when he was all shook up. "You know, you invite a guy to go hunting, then you shoot him." While the plan was right out of the little shop of horrors, Melnag hadn't quite worked out that he was still going to be tied up like a butterball. Halbarad was willing to run like the gingerbread man, but he wasn't going without rearranging D2's faces with his number twelve's. The chase turned into a pathetic rerun of Smokey and the Bandit and the PI ran slap out of gas. Just when it looked like the show was going to be cancelled faster than Hot L Baltimore, a blast from the past called out: "Drop your weapons! You're surrounded!" The PI had Excedrin headache # 8. Meanwhile, the chieftain, Aragorn, also known as Thorongil-among other confusing aliases--joined the F Troop in tracking down the Klingon wannabees. The troop, a mean bunch that looked like they came from The Planet of the Apes, staked the turncoat out like the Bridge Over the River Kwai and nailed him. Aragorn, having seen the film more times than Carol Burnett had pulled her ear lobe in eleven seasons, propped up on a tree until the credits rolled. Now that they had the dope, Aragorn and the Monkees were ready to send the PI's kidnappers on the Last Train to Clarksville. Despite feeling as washed out Bobby McGee's jeans, Aragorn breezed through the rumble like a Gillette Speed Shaver. But just as he was ready to squeeze the poop out the head Klingon, Dennis, the Menace showed up with reinforcements and shot an arrow through the only man who could tell Aragorn who had paid the dime on his contract. The lid was closed on that scoop. After running his Dr. Kildare routing on the PI, Aragorn hung out like Issac Newton waiting to see what Aunt Clara had to say about Twiggy, the girl who'd started this Twilight Zone episode. Aunt Clara looked and acted like a bumbling witch, but Aragorn knew she was handier with her wand than any Charmed trio of sisters that changed siblings every couple of seasons. Aunt Clara knew how to check a girl's teeth for the Ipana smile the Dunlendings demanded in their women before they would allow a couple to watch Here Comes the Brides. Their leader, Dugaric, wasn't going to let his Bobby Sherman marry a girl who didn't know how to floss. Aunt Clara gave the green light for Bridezilla and the happy couple rode off like Roy Rogers and Dale Evans into the sunset. But Aragorn had his own teeth to pick. Aunt Clara didn't fool him; she was around back in the Canteen days, back when the off-duty rangers took their leave at Miss Kitty's Saloon. If anyone knew the skinny about who was popping out little Olivers, Aunt Clara knew. The old bat's cave looked like it had been decorated by Uncle Fester. She tossed a few funny weeds in a pot and smoked the place up worse than The Towering Inferno. Aragorn's head swirled like he had been on a tilt-a-whirl. He hadn't taken a trip like this since Airport 1975. Through his purple haze, Aragorn quizzed Aunt Clara with the $64,000 Question. She turned the letters on the Wheel of Fortune and gave him some Price is Right answers, but none of them added up to the Newly Wed Game. With all the smoke and the Bewitched routine, Aragorn felt ditzier than a Partridge Family tune. The last thing he heard was the PI pounding on the door like the drum solo from In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida. Human reviewer: What an exciting chapter. I love how you worked both settings in so that we knew what was going on with Halbarad and Aragorn. It kept the tension tight and the excitement moving. I was most excited to find that Hurin actually had reinforcements this time. And Alagos! Our first glimpse of him! Loved Halbarad's line about getting his boots back. The old woman was great. I'm not quite sure what she had steaming in her pot, but she was certainly an interesting character. I'm looking forward to finding out what, if anything, else she has to say. I'm sure Halbarad will have a few words to add when he gets Aragorn out of the shack. The dog offers his apologies that he's been missing in action. Dang dog is getting lazy. All he wants is to get on the sofa and snore. Bad dog. But we'll both be looking forward to the conclusion. This story has been a great read. Karen

AM · 24 September 2006 · Chapter 14: Bega's Son

Great chapter. My favourite bit was this: "Such impulses he had left behind in the far-off dust of Gondor and Harad ... It had been a dream, and he had wished never to wake from it." Got me all teary eyed.

Nilmandra · 24 September 2006 · Chapter 14: Bega's Son

This chapter rocks. Well, it would rock more if you hadn't left us hanging at the end, but we'll allow for author's privilege on that one. I'm embarrassed to post after you. I love Halbarad's thoughts as he is all tied up, thinking of Eirien and regretting the loss of his sword. Knowing about the shirt. Very poignant. Good thing we know he can't die here, or people might have hurt you. I love it when Hurin arrives. That kid just kicks butt! Halbarad can be proud of his boys. I like that Halbarad's other son shows up to save Aragorn's hide in the nick of time too. It seems the Dunlendings might value some of their folk a little more, and I am glad that Yenne might find acceptance and love in her new family. Poor girl has been through a lot. The old deningha is a mystery. I am still not sure what I think about all of that.. or what really happened, but I suppose I can learn patience between now and October 6.

daw the minstrel · 24 September 2006 · Chapter 14: Bega's Son

I love Halbarad's sons. That moment when Hal thinks "Not again" is priceless. I also liked Aragorn's wry thoughts on whether the Dunlendings would be able to use tactics to overcome the odds against them. But the most interesting part of this chapter is, of course, the last part, where you tease us with just enough information to almost, but not quite, enlighten us and then leave Halbarad pounding on the door. Well done. I look forward to October 6.

Elwen · 28 August 2006 · Chapter 13: The Price of a Chieftain

Your are a consumate story teller. I stand in awe and I've thoroughly enjoyed your tale so far.

Elwen · 28 August 2006 · Chapter 4: Homecoming

I like the atmosphere you wove in the scene between Elrond and Gandalf. I could feel the warmth of the room, the quiet, the murmur of their voices. Your characterisation of Gandalf is perfect and Elrond's reasoning was so well done.

Bodkin · 28 August 2006 · Chapter 13: The Price of a Chieftain

Diphtheria, perhaps? And the denigha attempting a tracheotomy? I don't think being a healer of any kind is likely to be a good thing around this bunch of primitives. They'd burn you as a witch as soon as look at you. Although at least Dugaric's son seems determined to prove the innocence of his betrothed - so maybe he, at least, is interested in her as a person rather than just as a female. And I hope the denigha hangs around - because I'm sure she has a lot to tell the Rangers. A lot that might prove very interesting to our Dunadan's future prospects. If, that is, they ever manage to get out of this brouhaha with these contentious Dunlendings.

viggomaniac · 26 August 2006 · Chapter 12: Diplomacy and Double-cross

You never said it would be easy, did you? Marvelous chapter. I love the interaction between Halbarad and Aragorn in your stories. Aragorn's remark that he was 'suddenly wishing he had devoted a bit more attention to the study of their social customs' was wonderfully droll. Ah, but he was rather handily outmaneuvered by Dugaric, wasn't he? Loved Halbarad's reaction to Aragorn's *plan*. Some of your phrases are so perfectly descriptive; for instance when it is said that 'A poor family would marry off a daughter to anyone with a scrawny chicken'. Aw, poor Aragorn is having a bad time of it. Of course there is that added element of 'relatives coming out of the woodwork' when they hear of an inheritance possibility. My favorite sentence in this whole chapter though? When Halbarad learns that the women do not smoke and he says, "How convenient for you. It must make it easier to tell everyone apart." Pricelessly funny. But oops, the ranger is is deep trouble now and will have a whale of a knot on the back of his head when he awakes. For a little while there, it looked like Aragorn's escape plan might work. Oh, to have to feign politeness when he and Dugaric both know what really happened. Reading your stories is like reading something written by Tolkien himself or any of the great masters. Incredible writing!

Raksha The Demon · 23 August 2006 · Chapter 13: The Price of a Chieftain

I hope that the mysterious old lady survives long enough to verify that the poor girl was untouched, and to talk to Aragorn - the old lady seems to hold the key to two problems here. I don't think she murdered Dugaric's child at all, btw, or even was trying to kill her.

Linda Hoyland · 22 August 2006 · Chapter 13: The Price of a Chieftain

What a tense chapter.How clever of Aragorn to suspect Tulric.I truly thought he and Halbarad were in equal trouble then.The old woman fascinates me too.Great reading as always.

liz · 22 August 2006 · Chapter 13: The Price of a Chieftain

Another intriguing chapter. I was hoping Aragorn would think of some way to convince him. Looks like it happened just in time! And I'm ashamed to admit that I'm so "into" this story that I sort of forgot about the reasons for Aragorn's fatigue and such from the last tale -- and now these two stories could be connected. I would certainly be paranoid if I were Aragorn, what, with all these Dunlendings suddenly after him. But what a cool, collected Chieftain he is. (Oh, I just let out a little sigh. Don't mind me...) Annnyway. Fantastic job, and as always, I eagerly await the next chapter :)

RS · 21 August 2006 · Chapter 13: The Price of a Chieftain

I've a feeling the mysteriious denigha holds all the answers to Aragorn's questions. The chant she gave was very eerily spellbinding (did you make that up?). Veric is a strong one..there's great defiance there; maybe he can teach his father a thing or two? It's no wonder Aragorn and Dugaric are Chieftans! Aragorn is clever enough to figure the deception and Dugaric was smart enough to listen to Aragorn. Though I do not like Dugaric's ways, there's a part of me that is starting to like him. A magnificent chapter!

perelleth · 21 August 2006 · Chapter 13: The Price of a Chieftain

We could control the roads, the river crossings, the passes, instead of these meddling Northerners. The Forgoil would bow to us; the Breelanders would pay us for protection.” Now, this Veraric is a man with a Big Dream... and a Big Brother in between! What an extraordinary chapter, Meckinock! with more double cross, the local witch and the all that obscure background: northmen recalled in song and a chieftain's daughter murdered in the forest by suspect witch, an old grudge and the poor boy trying to save his bride's life sticking to the old tradition... Boy, the scene came out vividly, quick and clear as if I was there! I really like how you are presenting Dugaric. No wonder he is a chieftain. He is ruthless as it suits his responsiblity, yet has no qualms to admit he was wrong, and is one to listen to others and take counsel from where he thinks it is worthy...except of course in the case of the old witch, but that, I think, is understandable under such circumstaces. A very powerful character. Now that Aragorn has his blade back I just hope these two old rangers may have their comeback at their enemies, they really deserve some retaliation after such mistreatments and bad luck! A most enjoyable chapter, with soothsayer and more mystery!

grumpy · 21 August 2006 · Chapter 13: The Price of a Chieftain

When and if Aragorn gets out of this, I have signed him up for a refresher class on "sneeking away from the bad guys". I think Halbarad might need to go to. So far all they have managed is a lump on the head and a wound to the leg. Just what will the other rangers say. Plus misuse of Daisy, poor thing, not trained at all for this sort of thing. I loved it that Aragorn did not think that Halbarad was the surrendering sort. Great chapter, very interesting about the old woman. Can not wait for more.

Ainu Laire · 21 August 2006 · Chapter 13: The Price of a Chieftain

I am the worst reviewer in the world. I really am, and for that, my most sincere apologies. This is one of my favorite stories pretty much ever; I love it so much. Wow, just wow. So this certain band of Dunlendings... the one that have captured Halbarad and the chief's brother... are certainly up to no good. And they want to sell Aragorn to someone? Ooh, boy, I wonder if that same someone is Saruman, or someone else. Aragorn has many enemies. Poor him. Too bad we like to see him suffer a bit XD Ha! I am glad that Tulric was found out, though it was not cool of Dugaric to do that to Aragorn. But Aragorn's line of thinking was correct; many men would betray others, especially strangers, in order to get their kinsman back safe and sound. Pssh, no honor at all. Disgraceful, really. But that sounds like what would happen in even a few places today. But anyways, I am delighted that you updated so quickly! This is really a great story, and I always read the chapter right after you post it. Anyways, I hope you continue soon with another chapter; school is starting and I need more of this good fan fiction ^^ Cheers, Laire

Nilmandra · 20 August 2006 · Chapter 13: The Price of a Chieftain

Nothing like a little familial double cross, and then an old crone who might just know something about what Aragorn is looking for. And a tie to the earlier story.. even better! Interesting use of honor as a weakness of Aragorn, this assumption that honor means something to others. Keeping his intact while being around those who don't honor their word is difficult, yet also a testimony to what is good and right. I am glad he is at last untied.. and that some in the Dunlending tribe wish to see the girl live. Perhaps there is hope.

Gandalfs apprentice · 20 August 2006 · Chapter 13: The Price of a Chieftain

Good thinking, Aragorn! I love the old woman--great character!

daw the minstrel · 20 August 2006 · Chapter 13: The Price of a Chieftain

Whoa! Aragorn is clever, so he's doing all right although plainly trouble lies ahead. I have to say though that the one I really wanted to see more of was the old woman. I loved the way she recited this impressive verse and then chirps, "There, that's it." LOL. It wasn't until Aragorn started thinking about Rolly that I could see there might be a connection between the two adventures. I didn't even think of that!