Reviews (181)

viggomaniac · 8 February 2006 · Chapter 15: Into the Woods - Part Three -

Definitely one of my favorite chapters. I could just picture Strider and Daevan scaling the cliff, and Daevan's unsteadiness as he tries to get a handhold on such a slippery surface. Lots of nice imagery there. I like the friendship Strider has formed with this young man, and the increasing respect Daevan has for him. The grey rope -- ouch -- sounds incredibly painful. Gollum is such a nasty, though somewhat pitiable, creature. Aw, and now they go from rock climbing to tree climbing. Oh, but I guess that was out of necessity. *Nasty wolves*. Sure would be a great way to spend the night. Cold, miserable, and in a tree. Don't leave them up the tree too long. Okay? I look forward to your next update. (Sorry for not reviewing sooner...things have been hectic lately and I have had no time to myself for life's guilty pleasures). Thanks once again for a marvelous story. Your story alert notices always make me smile.

grumpy · 28 January 2006 · Chapter 15: Into the Woods - Part Three -

Being with Strider is showing Daevan, the horrors of Middle Earth. Now he has wolves, out to eat him, and he gets to spend the night in a tree. But on the plus side they have found Gollum's trail.

Larner · 27 January 2006 · Chapter 15: Into the Woods - Part Three -

Ah--this is our Strider; and it appears that our friend Gollum has allies on his side. Daevon is truly getting an education.

Laerien · 27 January 2006 · Chapter 15: Into the Woods - Part Three -

Hi! I still live and still love your story. Truth to be said, I love it more and more. I am just very lazy to always tell this. But keep writing!

grumpy · 21 January 2006 · Chapter 14: Into the Woods - Part Two -

Loved Daevan reaction to the new that Aragorn was Thorongil. Very ageless, but without beautiful armour, and golden helmet. I myself who does not like fish, agrees with Aragorn about eating more fish, but I guess if it was cooked right. This is what he gets for traveling with a fisherman.

viggomaniac · 19 January 2006 · Chapter 14: Into the Woods - Part Two -

As to your previous review reply, no, your chapters never disappoint me, but I suppose I am exerting a bit of undue pressure on you. Every chapter you write has so many good things. I liked Daevan's observation that 'he had forgotten to cherish the peace he had been allowed to live through.' And now, Strider has revealed to Daeven that HE is Thorongil and the boy is not exactly convinced. After all, your Strider doesn't exactly look kingly. (Though, c'mon, let's face it, in the movies we all prefer him to look like Strider and not Elessar -- in real life we might think differently LOL). Oh, I digress again. This IS supposed to be a review, after all, not a discussion of how gorgeous 'movie Aragorn' is. Anyways, I love those touches of sadness you invoke whenever Aragorn thinks of his home or of Arwen. Poor guy. *Hand me a hankie so I can cry* BTW, just WHY doesn't Strider like fish? Wouldn't have anything to do with Gollum, would it? And now, he's having another nightmare. What you put him through! One last thing -- I actually did post the first chapter of a story the other night. Hopefully, there will be some surprises along the journey and that I can make it interesting throughout. That's something that you do every time. Thanks for a wonderful story and, as always, I look forward to the next chapter.

RS · 17 January 2006 · Chapter 14: Into the Woods - Part Two -

I really like this chapter. So Strider is finally divulging personal information...with a little help from Daevan---AND WHAT A SURPRISE !!! Although this seemed to open up more questions for Daevan. All these great deeds were done by this simple wanderer who is also somewhat a lonely and sad figure. The way he mentioned his beloved broke my heart. I like the fact that Daevan got Strider to relax just a little and enjoy the FISH! The statement made by Strider "What's so bad about leading a simple life? I wish I could" is so poignant. It really summarizes his feelings about his whole ordeal. How ironic for Daevan as he was wanting more than a simple life.

Larner · 17 January 2006 · Chapter 14: Into the Woods - Part Two -

Aha! Doran recognized him, and Strider admits to being Thorongil. And in ways Daevan is disappointed, but increasingly curious--and frustrated by the dour Ranger. A most interesting situation, now that Daevan so wants to understand. And even the mere hint of Arwen's existence....

Larner · 17 January 2006 · Chapter 13: Into the Woods - Part One -

Quite a journey down the river, and well described. Am interested in seeing how much Daevan ends up learning in the end, for it's in dribs and drabs that Strider is letting information slip to his companion.

viggomaniac · 9 January 2006 · Chapter 13: Into the Woods - Part One -

And now for an outstanding feat *drum roll please* the shy and recalcitrant reviewer will attempt to write an entire review without the words 'poor Aragorn'! [That one doesn't count]. Stand back, ladies and gentlemen and give the little lady some room. Well, I swear if you should ever write a chapter that disappoints me, I will keel over in a dead faint. Always so much going on -- the horror of the villagers' demise and its lingering effects on Daevan, Strider's apparent recognition of Daevan's sword, the discussion about Sauron, the painful reminiscences about his own struggle with Gollum and his current situation, and the heart-tugging last paragraph. Po...have to be careful there, I almost slipped. The little jaunt down the river was wonderfully done. Nice evocation of barely controlled chaos. I was thinking that we'll probably not see Nilana again but that's how real life is. You meet people, you get to know them, and then you don't see them again. Of course, sometimes we still want to see them (just like I'd like to see Nilana again). BTW, who is the friend Strider hasn't seen in years? Anyone in particular? Hey, Timmy love your story and just sorry it's been so long since my last review. I'm seriously thinking of writing a story of my own, though it'll certainly be nothing of an epic scale like yours. Maybe just a foray into the realm of short stories and a chance for me to write a 'poor Aragorn' story of my own. All you great authors have gotten me so hooked on fanfics that I'd like to at least give it a go. As always, I look forward with great eagerness to your next chapter.

RS · 6 January 2006 · Chapter 13: Into the Woods - Part One -

I love Daevan's slip of the tongue..."You did quite well for someone, who does not live near the water" and Strider's reaction. PRICELESS!! A wonderful read!

Laerien · 6 January 2006 · Chapter 13: Into the Woods - Part One -

The poor man. He really gets a taste of the real world. This was quite a big step for him. I believe no matter how hard their lives were, how hard they had to work for survival, they still lived a kind of sheltered life in the village. Not only from the evil, but from other places, from news. And now, Daevan suddenly finds himself in the Big World, which is far more dangerous than he had imagined. I like this motive very much, I have played with this myself, and the possibilities of it are endless. And he is very lucky to have Strider there. Even in this chapter, I believe he learned more than in his whole life. And I guess he will learn and understand much more before this is over. "But, aye, it's got a name: Ranaél.” For the blink of an eye Daevan thought Strider's features to darken even more" Hmm. I wonder what this could mean. Strider knows that weapon, that's sure. But how? Maybe he was the one, who gave it? That is quite an extreme supposition, I know. “Such skills can be learned."I would love to see a scene when Strider teaches him some of those skills. I mean sword-fighting. I love this story more and more. If I were a member ofthis site, this story would be among my favourites. (btw, do you not plan to publish it on ff.net?)

grumpy · 1 January 2006 · Chapter 13: Into the Woods - Part One -

Daevan sure is getting a dose of the evil that is outside his world, and now has invaded his world. That was quite a trip they took across the river, now way could they use the boat to go up the river. back to foot power.

Radbooks · 30 December 2005 · Chapter 13: Into the Woods - Part One -

That would have been incredibly hard to have stayed in one of the huts were surrounded by the dead villagers, especially with the carrion birds coming down and starting to pick at them. I keep waiting for Aragorn to take a moment to give Daevan a few basic instructions on how to use a sword. I know they don't have much time, but still... It was heart-pounding when they crossed the Auduin, I seriously thought they were going to capsize there as they have had so many other bad things happen to them so far! :) It is a wonderful story and I'm always excited to see an update in my mailbox.

Ainu Laire · 29 December 2005 · Chapter 13: Into the Woods - Part One -

Ahh, this story is quite exciting! I wonder if Aragorn shall be able to recapture Gollum, or if either of them shall run into any more enemies: orcs, wargs, Nazgul, Mary Sues... XD *blinks* Where are they headed to again, anyways? Or, why is Daevan with Aragorn? Just to 'get out' or something? One thing, though: 'Ilúvathar' is not the correct spelling; it's 'Ilúvatar'. =D I am wondering where this is going! I am honestly very confused as to what's going to happen next; this is very unpredictable *nod* Can't wait for an update!

grumpy · 14 December 2005 · Chapter 12: Through the Wetwang - Part Two -

Poor Daevam, what a thing to see when they come to the village. All his friends gone, either dead or carried off. Then to meet his first warg, or to him very large ugly wolf. Good thing Strider was there to prevent it happening at his own village. Looking forward to them getting out of the mud, and into a boat.

Radbooks · 12 December 2005 · Chapter 12: Through the Wetwang - Part Two -

Wow, the whole village destroyed or taken as slaves and they were people that Daevan knew. So sad. Aragorn needs to stop and teach him a few basics with the sword! ;) There isn't time for much, but just a couple of little things or Daevan is going to be killed very, very quickly. But Aragorn is fortunate to have him along so that he can across the river in the damaged boat, but Gollum is not on the other side so at some point they will have to cross back and I'm thinking that that won't be a good thing. Of course, they haven't crossed it yet! :) Nice job and looking forward to more.

RS · 12 December 2005 · Chapter 12: Through the Wetwang - Part Two -

Poor Daevan. To see such horror all at once!!! He led such a sheltered life and to see such atrocities on his first trek. He will definitely come out of this journey as a changed man...and more the wiser. I am sure he will not be the frightened deer again!!

Larner · 9 December 2005 · Chapter 12: Through the Wetwang - Part Two -

At least the youth is good for something, even if he was overcome by terror of the Warg. Excellent descriptions of the hard decisions.

viggomaniac · 1 December 2005 · Chapter 11: Through the Wetwang - Part One -

Hello again! As always, so many things to like about this story, from Strider's observation that "everything in this village was simple. It was not a place of importance with stone walls built to defend valuable goods. But for those people it was a home and dear to them." So, just one little battle amidst all the big ones, but important nonetheless. Sweet Nilana. Sometimes emotional stress just makes it impossible to hold back the tears. And then, little Nelin's 'soft touch' on Strider's face to wake him. Awwwww. That was just SO sweet. I liked that her mother, always considerate, cautioned her not to tell Bradolla that Strider was a very skilled healer. Then, with the honesty of the young: "You're hurt too. Your face looks awful." That made me chuckle. Good thing Daevan went along as scout or our poor Strider would have met his doom. Great scene there, you actually had me worried even though I knew he would rescue Strider. (BTW, wanted to commend you for so thoroughly making us think of Aragorn as merely 'Strider' that calling him Aragorn seems almost strange). Again, Daevan's thoughts that he might have lost the 'son of Thorongil' during the first week of their journey was reflective of what a person actually would think after such an incident. Ah well, now for a delicious meal of fish. Poor Strider. You better give him a better meal at some point *smile*.

viggomaniac · 1 December 2005 · Chapter 10: Orc Attack - Part Three -

Something about the whole 'Strider as healer' part was just SO appealing in this chapter. I guess that along with all his other great qualities, his being able to help the villagers in THAT way, too, just makes us love him even more. I don't know for sure, but I just loved it when he was able to help little Nelin and the really cute way he did it, too (distracting her with talk about his own childhood). Bradolla is quite appealing, too, the way she takes all this in stride (no pun intended) and adapts to Strider's heretofore unrevealed healing skill. Poor Bradolla, running from one man to another, with the terrible realization that there were too many and not knowing where to begin. Daevan's delayed reaction to all that occurred was nicely realistic. Adrenalin can only carry you along so far. Sorry it took me SO long to review, but rest assured that even if I don't review quickly, I'm always thinking about it. Thanks for a great story.

Laerien · 30 November 2005 · Chapter 11: Through the Wetwang - Part One -

I am late I know, but it is still better than nothing. Can't you make these updates more frequent? You leave us with such a long time to wait after every chapter, it is a torture! I agree that the image of Nelin stroking Strider's face was truly lovely. "Your face looks awful." How kind of her to mention. :oD I couldn't help but giggle at the fate of Daevan... Oh, how many times was my mouth faster than my brain?! I couldn't count. But I am so glad he was there when he was needed. “Listen to a guide as long as you got one.” ;o) I wonder what adventures are still waiting for them... :o) And I hope Daevan will get to know the son of Thorongil a bit better! :o)

grumpy · 29 November 2005 · Chapter 11: Through the Wetwang - Part One -

Strider is on the road again, and this time he has company. Well he is not really on the road, more like a mud track, with a sidetrip to see a fen, up close and personal. I share Strider's distaste for fish, hershey bars are much better.

RS · 29 November 2005 · Chapter 11: Through the Wetwang - Part One -

Love the part with Nelin and Strider. "A soft touch on his face woke him". I can just picutre her little hand stroking his stubbled cheek. Cute!! Such a sad parting though. I hope Daevan becomes the person who he wants to be or what he is seeking. I'm starting to really like him. Daevan should not have told Strider that he was slow. He dearly paid for it!!! It's a good thing he decided to stay with Strider. Who else would have saved him from the sinking mud and show him were to replenish their supplies... and fish!!!(BIG SMILE) Waiting for the next update.

Radbooks · 28 November 2005 · Chapter 11: Through the Wetwang - Part One -

Nice chapter, I'm glad that Daevan decided to go with Aragorn. I was afraid that he would end up staying home. Scary scene with what I assume was some kind of quicksand... not a good thing! :) And, yes, Aragorn should follow the guide that he has. Looking forward to the next update.