Reviews (428)

Celeritas · 14 January 2009 · Chapter 17: Gandalf's Request

The easy (well, less than easy--good for you to recognize how a duty like this would cause all nerves to wear thin!) banter between Halbarad and Aragorn at the beginning showed a nice glimpse into the day-to-day interactions that I love best. But after--I've always thought it was very telling of the loyalty that the Dunedain would consent to Aragorn's request to double the guard on the Shire even without being told the reason. Thank you for illustrating that so capably.

Baggins Babe · 14 January 2009 · Chapter 18: All that is Gold

I agree with Shirebound, this is so perfectly in character for both Bilbo and Aragorn. I love reading tales about their growing friendship and it provided a very plausible explanation of how the poem came to be written. I enjoyed seeing Aragorn being chrished and looked after by Elrond and I'm glad he was able to have a good rest, although it is a shame he had to fall down a mountain first! This is going on my list of favourite stories.

Raksha The Demon · 13 January 2009 · Chapter 18: All that is Gold

A delightful chapter; I loved Bilbo's gradually learning that the scruffy wild man was actually the lost King of the Faithful of Numenor! And the tie-in with Bilbo's verse about Aragorn is wonderful.

jgmsccc · 13 January 2009 · Chapter 18: All that is Gold

This was just beautiful. I loved it. Thank you

Linda Hoyland · 13 January 2009 · Chapter 18: All that is Gold

A lovely warm hearted chapter which beautifully explains why these two became friends.

Estelcontar · 13 January 2009 · Chapter 18: All that is Gold

What a delightful story! I really enjoyed seeing Aragorn being pampered, cared for, and cherished by everyone in Rivendell because that's how I've always imagined things. I've always imagined that whenever he could spare some time away from his responsabilities and cares, he would go to Rivendell to rest and relax. And I loved the way you brought that to life in your story. I was sorry for Aragorn's plight and found Elrond's concern, and loving care really consonant with what Tolkien tells us about his love for Aragorn. I especially enjoyed that part in which Aragorn and Elrond recall Aragorn's disgruntlement at missing the wizard and the hobbit twice when he was ten. It sounded most lifelike. Your Bilbo sounds indeed most Bilboish, and Aragorn going to Rivendell to meet him is very credible indeed. Besides, throughout the story you feel Aragorn and Bilbo's friendship and respect for each other grow gradually so that the ending is very fitting and very moving. Well done

Larner · 13 January 2009 · Chapter 18: All that is Gold

Ah, a worthy meeting between the two of them. And a wonderful explanation as to how the Riddle of Aragorn came to be written.

thughes45 · 13 January 2009 · Chapter 18: All that is Gold

I really enjoyed your last chapter. It makes me look forward each time to when a new chapter has been written and posted.

shirebound · 13 January 2009 · Chapter 18: All that is Gold

Oh, this is lovely! You've caught Bilbo's manner, speech, and personality in a way that does the Professor proud. You've shown beautifully how meeting Bilbo, an unusual hobbit from one of his favorite tales, is as delightful for Aragorn as meeting Aragorn is for Bilbo. Both are much, more more than they appear to be. And it's just brilliant that one of the reasons Aragorn told Bilbo so much about himself was so Bilbo would trust him enough to speak freely about a 'creature' he remembered with loathing. I'm so pleased that anything I wrote was inspiring for you. :)

Marethiel · 13 January 2009 · Chapter 18: All that is Gold

“Is that better?” he asked anxiously as he returned the cup to the table. “How do you feel? Oh dear, you do look very ill you know; quite terrible in fact. Did the water not help at all?” Aragorn wondered briefly if he was supposed to answer all these questions. Instead he managed a trace of a smile for the little gentleman. Oh, this is absolutely delightful! You've caught the nuances of voice and inflection so well, I can hear their voices, see the action (or lack of it in our poor, battered Aragorn's case... poor guy, it's a wonder he was walking upright to Silent Street...LOL) Just lov-er-ly. Thanks for yet another great chapter to this wonderful compilation! ~Marethiel

Cairistiona · 13 January 2009 · Chapter 18: All that is Gold

Oh, applause! applause!! I too absolutely love this chapter ... I don't know now how many times I've read it, what with beta'ing for you, but each time it makes me smile. What's not to like? Injured Aragorn, lots of lovely comfort from Ada and a wonderful companionship with Bilbo. And it ends on my favorite poem. Ahhh. Very, very well done!

RS · 7 January 2009 · Chapter 17: Gandalf's Request

Gandalf should write a book titled "The Fine Art of Gentle Persuasion or Manipulation". Somehow being a wizard, I kind of had the feeling that Gandalf knew that Aragorn would volunteer himself. He's a wizard, after all. He would know these things. Especially when he started the conversation off with Isildur. I love the way this transpired. That is so Gandalf! My favorite part: "Halbarad must have sensed the turmoil within his chieftain for he reached up and pulled his head towards his and for a moment their foreheads touched." What a beautiful scene. It epitomizes love, respect, and loyalty. The telling of Isildur and the death of the 200 Dunedains filled me with sorrow. All these forgotten warriors and protectors. You read stories of how Elessar rebuild Gondor and their people finally living in peace. But whatever happened to Arnor and the Dunedain? How did Elessar help rebuild Arnor and their people? Hopefully you will be able to touch on this (hint, hint) later on. If anybody can do it, you can. You are such a wonderful author and I love your writing. Anyway.. that's how moved I was reading the "Disaster at the Gladden Fields". Can't wait for the next update.

Larner · 7 January 2009 · Chapter 17: Gandalf's Request

An excellent extrapolation on the quotes from the Council of Elrond. And I hope Halbarad does stay away from the dice! Heh!

Marethiel · 6 January 2009 · Chapter 17: Gandalf's Request

This was a wonderful read, compelling from start to finish. Poor old Hal, imagine having to apologize for being good at dice... LOL I loved the interaction between Aragorn and Gandalf; long standing friendship and camaraderie came through, as well as mutual respect. Truly, lovely to read. Thank you for sharing this. ~Marethiel

Linda Hoyland · 6 January 2009 · Chapter 17: Gandalf's Request

I love the way you write Aragorn and Halbarad.Poor Aragorn,he always gets the most difficult and dangerous missions.

shirebound · 6 January 2009 · Chapter 17: Gandalf's Request

Those poor Rangers, almost never trusted or appreciated for all they do. And poor Aragorn, having no one of his own people -- not even his dear Halbarad -- in whom he can confide all his secrets. This is a marvelously-written conversation. Next week is the story of Aragorn’s friendship with Bilbo. I'm really looking forward to that. :)

Cairistiona · 6 January 2009 · Chapter 17: Gandalf's Request

I absolutely love this chapter. The relationship between Halbarad and Aragorn is there in all its fullness, from the sullen grumpiness full circle to the touching moment as Halbarad pulled Aragorn into an embrace (or at least a variation thereof). That moment of Halbarad sensing Aragorn's turmoil was beautifully poignant. Your Gandalf is a treat as well. Much to enjoy in this chapter!

Estelcontar · 6 January 2009 · Chapter 17: Gandalf's Request

I liked Gandalf's Request very much indeed. It flows smoothly, all the characters sound true, and I found it a most enjoyable gap filler. I liked Aragorn's conflict with Halbarad. It highlights Aragorn's diplomatic skills and understanding of the, let us say, political environment facing the Rangers; it shows him wisely deflecting a ticklish situation. We also get to see that though he understands the reason why he hurt Halbarad, and though he's profoundly sorry, he does what he thinks is the right thing to do.We see that he is ready to lead his people But what I liked best about Gandalf's Request is how you treated Isildur. Tolkien's Isildur's though he made a mistake and payed dearly for it is still a hero and a good man. Because of the movies, we see him on the the internet, mostly treated as a villain, and that makes me so mad. You've done him justice, and given us the tragic, flawed but still honourable and noble character we see in Tolkien's universe. I was also glad to see Halbarad in the end regreting his words to Aragorn. It was very true to his character, and told us a lot about Halbarad. Well done, once again.

Estelcontar · 25 December 2008 · Chapter 0: Kingly Valour

I really loved this prologue of yours. Having Aragorn's naming day at the start of your story, and letting us have a glimpse of Arathorn was a wonderful idea. To my mind your Ivorwen and her visions of Aragorn's future are just about perfect. I do hope you manage to fit her in one of your future chapters so that we can have the pleasure of witnessing her happiness when her foresight comes true. Furthermore, I loved to see the Rangers and The Dúnedain of Arnor having something joyful to celebrate at the very beginning of your series, and found Aragorn voicing "his disaproval as loudly as his little lungs were able" so very sweet. Thank you for such an enchanting Christmas present.

Ainu Laire · 24 December 2008 · Chapter 0: Kingly Valour

Beautiful, absolutely beautiful. I wonder if Ivorwen lived longer than her daughter to see her visions come to reality?

Elflingimp · 24 December 2008 · Chapter 16: Elf-Friend

Is this the wrong chapter? I believe I read this before but it's still excellent! Merry Christmas Hugs The Imp

shirebound · 24 December 2008 · Chapter 0: Kingly Valour

Oh, how tragic to see only a continued "tragic descent" for this noble people. You bring us Ivorwen's foresight very well; I wonder if she or any of her generation possibly lived long enough to know of Aragorn's crowning as King?

meckinock · 22 December 2008 · Chapter 16: Elf-Friend

Like others have commented, this is an entirely original event, but, I think, an entirely logical one. You've really brought home what a seemingly insurmountable challenge Aragorn would see before him at this point in his life, and how many questions would appear unanswered - first and foremost being; if he dies without fulfilling Elrond's marital precondition, what happens to Arwen? It makes sense that he would crave reassurance that her fate is not tied to Middle-earth if he fails to achieve his presumed destiny. It must have been heart-rending for him to catch a glimpse of the future that could have been hers.

Celeritas · 17 December 2008 · Chapter 16: Elf-Friend

I couldn't help but grin when I saw the initial quote here as I was able to guess what the story would be about. Congratulations; I've never seen a fic done on this specific topic and it makes SO much sense for him to have had previous experience with the Palantir and the motivation you gave him for looking into it fit so well too! Here, have a cookie. *passes*

Larner · 16 December 2008 · Chapter 16: Elf-Friend

I believe he did rightly, testing himself and the control he had with a "safe" palantir. And until the time is ripe all he can do is to work on reinforcing those relationships his people have with the peoples about him and strengthen his own as he can.