Mirach
· 3 September 2009
· Chapter 5: Chieftain of the Dunedain
Terrified of dancing with strange girls? =) It's a premiere, isn't it? There were no Dúnedain girls in Rivendell to dance with... You know, I secretly hoped that the foal will greet him back in the village, but, ah well… Poor foal.
Author's reply
Lol! Yes, the poor lad has a lot of catching up to do.
I thought about having the foal make an appearance but in the end I decided it was far more likely it had met it's end long before, sadly.
Thank you so much for your review.
Mirach
· 3 September 2009
· Chapter 4: Elrond's Daughter
How nice! Even sweet, I would say… Love on first sight – from both sides, it seems.
Author's reply
Thanks! I'm always assumed that Arwen's more sombre mood, which developed after meeting Aragorn, was a sign that something had stirred in her.
Mirach
· 3 September 2009
· Chapter 3: Son of Arathorn
The dialogue flows very naturally here. I imagine that it’s not as easy to achieve as it is easy to read…
Author's reply
Thank you so much, I'm very glad know that since this chapter was probably the hardest to contruct of all of them.
Mirach
· 2 September 2009
· Chapter 2: Great Deeds
I’m a bit confused now: twenty or seventeen? I smiled at his excitement in the beginning – he seemed even younger then. And it is evident in the chapter how he is becoming a man. I saw versions where Halbarad was older then Aragorn, some where he was younger, but your take of the beginning of their friendship seems the most natural to me.
Author's reply
Ah, sorry, the answer's twenty. I hoped to show a marked difference between the rather child-like youth who left home with the maturing young man that returns. I'm so glad you liked my take on Halbarad. I wish he wasn't quite such a blank sheet and we had more to go on.
Mirach
· 2 September 2009
· Chapter 1: Hope
The harsh contrast of the beginning of the chapter with the next scene in dark colors is really powerful. Very well done: when reading, I had the feeling that this is exactly how it could happen. And… „He could have a dozen different names, but he would still be Aragorn; he would still be her little boy.“ – do I see a pattern?
Author's reply
Lol! I couldn't resist that bit about the names! I'm very pleased that opening scene works for you. For a long time there wasn't a prologue so this was the beginning of the story. I fretted about the tone of it a great deal!
Many thanks for your review.
Mirach
· 2 September 2009
· Chapter 0: Kingly Valour
I was really looking forward to reading this story. I like how you connected the pieces of informations about Aragorn to the complete tale – a tale that I always longed to read. And your telling of it reads effortlessly. I admire the ability to write long passages without action, that are not boring, but contribute to the story by adding vivid detail. And in this chapter, I love the slight irony of “the child would be named Aragorn and thus would he be known ever after.“ If Ivorwen knew how many names her grandson will carry… =)
I didn’t have much of internet access during the summer, but I downloaded to story to my computer before, so I was able to read it. But I didn’t want to shorten you of the reviews, so I’ve written them down after finishing each chapter, as I do normally. Sometimes I had more to say, sometimes just a few words, but I tried to be sincere. But I don’t want to throw a load of review at once on you. So I will post three reviews in a day – if you don’t want to receive them all at once, of course. If you do, just say so =)
Author's reply
Mirach, I'm absolutely delighted and honoured to know that you're reading my story. I'm sure your reviews will be more than welcome any way you care to send them that is easiest for you.
This was very much the story that I wanted to read too and as Tolkien never wrote it, I finally had a stab at doing it myself! I so hope you enjoy it and I'm very pleased to know that at least so far you find it easy to read.
Raksha The Demon
· 6 August 2009
· Chapter 10: The Ring of Barahir
Can't believe that I didn't review this chapter earlier - it's fantastic, a great culmination of the Thorongil/Denethor arc.
Thorongil was by now seriously considering abandoning his efforts to hold down his medicine as his only means of getting rid of Denethor. - LOL, had to giggle at this line. Poor Thorongil, waking up, ill and weak, to have Denethor at his bedside holding the key to Thorongil's identity in his hands.
A most well-written and entertaining chapter, with the tension between these two Numenoreans at its peak, and ending in a very credible stalemate.
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Raksha, I'm delighted you enjoyed this. These two are such fun to write, I feel really want to go back and play with them some more!
Grinning Nazgul
· 14 July 2009
· Chapter 999: 'The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen'
I liked this alot!!!
Author's reply
I'm so glad! Thanks for letting me know.
Linda Hoyland
· 26 June 2009
· Chapter 999: 'The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen'
A fitting conclusion to a truly outstanding story.
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Linda, and thank you too for all your support for this story, it has been very much appreciated.
Estelcontar
· 23 June 2009
· Chapter 999: 'The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen'
This is a very skillful epilogue. I think it rounds up your wonderful character study of Aragorn most pleasingly. I especially liked the way you let us see how similar to Aragorn Eldarion was in really and truly caring about his friends and subjects, and how much Eldarion missed Aragorn.
I also really, really loved the way you managed, in a few beautiful paragraphs, to draw a such a poignantly touching, loving and faithful portrait of our beloved Ranger King. And making it all spring from Eldarion was the perfect solution.
A most perceptive and beautiful ending to most perceptive and beautiful story.
I'm sorry it's over, though, because I'm most certainly going to miss reading it. On the other hand, now, that it's complete, I can look forward to rereading it as a book, and can always hope that you'll gift us with further wonderful gap fillers featuring our beloved Aragorn.
Author's reply
Your reviews have been an absolute joy to receive, Estelcontar. Thank you for all of them. I really wanted to draw this story to an end in a way that summarized the greatness of the man and I'm so thrilled that you think I pulled it off LOL! I'm quite sure Eldarion would have been a wonderful king too and it was interesting to look at him as a mature man rather than as the child we usually portray him as.
There will certainly be more Aragorn to come in the future!
utfrog
· 23 June 2009
· Chapter 999: 'The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen'
I have not reviewed regularly, but I certainly read each chapter as soon as it appeared. This is a great work! Thank you.
Author's reply
I'm so pleased to know you are still reading this story, Utfrog, and your reviews have been very much appreciated. Thank you.
eldawisdom
· 23 June 2009
· Chapter 999: 'The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen'
I found this fic a few months ago and started reading it. I noticed you added chapters pretty quickly toward the end. I am so happy to have read this fic. It was absolutely brilliant. Your attention to detail was astounding. I just finished the story and I'm crying at the death of Aragorn and the fact that there won't be more. You are a great writer and I am hoping you will start more fics. Please tell me you have something you are preparing to post. God, this fic was great!
Take care,
Teri
Author's reply
I'm so pleased to receive your review, Teri, and delighted to know you've enjoyed this tale. I am certainly writing more stories and especially ones about Aragorn. It might take me a little while to finish anything though as I need to recover a bit from writing this one! Thank you so much for your kind words.
Larner
· 23 June 2009
· Chapter 999: 'The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen'
I rejoice that Eldarion commissioned this, and rejoice that we were honored to read it! Wonderful!
Author's reply
I still find it extraordinary that some of the early editions of LOTR didn't contain the Appendices. For me, no Tale of Aragorn and Arwen would almost make it a different book.
Thank you so much for all your reviews, Larner. I've so appreciated your support for this story.
shirebound
· 23 June 2009
· Chapter 999: 'The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen'
He wanted words that would make his father live and breathe again in the minds of those who would read of his deeds
You've truly succeeded. What a magnificent story.
*applauds*
Author's reply
Oh thank you so much, Shirebound. I couldn't ask for a nicer comment than that. You've been a wonderful reviewer and have made my day on many an occasion with your kind words. I'm so thrilled that you have enjoyed it.
Marethiel
· 23 June 2009
· Chapter 999: 'The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen'
Oh, my. What a wonderfully satisfying ending.
This truly was a tour de force, one of which you should be most proud. Beautiful job. Thank you for the many hours of enjoyment in reading your beautiful story.
~Marethiel
Author's reply
Oh I'm so glad your thought so! The Epilogue was either going to be this one or a meeting of Aragron and Arwen beyond the Circles of the World. I think I made the right choice!
Thank you so much for your reviews, Marethiel, and I'm just thrilled that you've enjoyed the story and stuck with it to the end.
Cairistiona
· 23 June 2009
· Chapter 999: 'The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen'
Congratulations on a job well done! I was certainly happy to help all I could--it was entirely my pleasure.
This epilogue *never* fails to bring a huge lump to my throat. That second part, where Eldarion is reluctant to start reading but finally does... ack, see, there I go even, big lump in my throat again just from skimming it to remind myself of how good it is!
Really a fine ending to a fine set of tales.
Author's reply
Well, thank you, but it would never have got here without you so I'm more grateful than I can possibly say.
The idea of Eldarion commissioning this work as a tribute to his parents was, I felt, a fitting way to end this story. I'm glad it triggered the required response!
LJ
· 18 June 2009
· Chapter 40: The Gift of Men
I really liked how this focused on Aragorn's relationship with Arwen, but from a new angle. It was subtler and more bitter-sweet than a face-to-face goodbye. Very beautiful.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you thought so, LJ. Arwen was the last person to see him alive so I don't think there was any doubt she was still the most important person in his life.
Thank you so much for leaving a review. I hope you've been enjoying the story.
Larner
· 16 June 2009
· Chapter 40: The Gift of Men
One of my favorite images of Aragorn, lying down in that trust. It inspired both my longer tale "Light on the Way" and my shorter one "The King's Time." I love this treatment of it, and am certain these thoughts did indeed go through his mind at this time.
Thank you for this and all within the series!
Author's reply
I'm so thrilled to recieve your review, Larner. Thank you.
Tolkien himself, of course, said 'The Tale of Aragorn and Arwen' was the most important part of the Appendices because of how Aragorn's death was portrayed. I'm so glad you approved of my treatment of it and I'll be sure to check out your versions.
Estelcontar
· 16 June 2009
· Chapter 40: The Gift of Men
This is an extremely touching and poignant piece. The mood is perfect and the way your Aragorn felt, especially about Arwen, felt so right it almost moved me to tears.
It is a beautiful and very moving chapter, and a most fitting end to your wonderful story.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you felt this was the right treatment of this moment since, as you know, balancing Aragorn's natural and very human fear of what he was about to do with his trust and faith in what was to come was something I pondered over quite a bit.
Thank you, as always for your lovely review.
Celeritas
· 16 June 2009
· Chapter 40: The Gift of Men
Simply lyrical.
I approve wholeheartedly of the use of the first person--since you've used it so sparingly in the past it really shines out in this piece.
I will miss this series when it's over.
~Celeritas
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Celeritas. It's been a bit of a marathon but I'm so glad you've stuck with it to the end.
I had planned to keep Aragorn 1st person exclusively for this last chapter but Aragorn's ride through the Paths of the Dead simply demanded I use it there too!
shirebound
· 16 June 2009
· Chapter 40: The Gift of Men
Ohhh, when I saw the chapter title I braced myself, and now there are tears in my eyes. Here is a man noble and true to the end, full of love and gratitude, a king who bridged two Ages and fulfilled all hopes. A triumphant and worthy life, beautifully chronicled by you.
Author's reply
Thank you so much for your review. That's quite a tribute you've written there yourself, Shirebound. I'm so glad I brought tears to your eyes [in a good way of course].
Celeritas
· 10 June 2009
· Chapter 39: The King of Arnor
Another long one, but there was so much that was good in it!
The beginning part with Gilraen's house was heartbreaking, particularly the book and all the cobwebs. You'd think someone would have taken care of the house, though...
Dirhael and Ivorwen still alive to see this! Glory be! (And also rendering their daughter's fate even more tragic, alas.)
Haladan seems to be a credit to his father (and oddly enough this has to be at least the third universe I've come across where each author has independently chosen the same name or something very like it [the difference of a letter] for Halbarad's son!), which is good to see. And at last we learn what Halbarad's final moments were like. I really liked how you held that off until you could put it into the context you did.
Aragorn's daughters remind me of the way I was at that age--very excited to be dressed up!--and Eldarion I can already tell is going to be an awesome king.
The ending to this, though, was exquisite, especially when contrasted with the formal entry into Gondor. I'd have to reread this whole opus to be sure, but that passage ranks as some of your best writing (IMHO). Thank you!
Author's reply
Thank you SO much, Celeritas. I'm delighted you enjoyed this chapter. It was a bit long and rambling - lots of loose ends to tie up, and , yes, Halbarad's death deliberately held back to this point. [I've since come across one other Haladan but I wouldn't be at all surprised if there are more - it's an obvious choice.]
Who knows if Dirhael and Ivorwen were still around but as Gilraen was very young when she married, I'm guessing they might have been. Their presence here certainly helped bring the whole story full circle from the scene in the Prologue.
I'm also guessing that the house was taken care of for a while after Gilraen's death but inevitably these things wain over time.
But most of all I'm just thrilled you enjoyed those last paragraghs as they are among my favourites in the whole story [the end of the Epilogue not withstanding!]
Thank you for being such a thoughtful and fun reviewer!
Raksha The Demon
· 10 June 2009
· Chapter 39: The King of Arnor
An exciting chapter, with an emotional culmination. I liked Aragorn's joy and pride in his people, and the mention of the increased number of Dunedain children.
I have a minor quibble with this line:
Even Minas Tirith, rebuilt from the aftermath of war, was but a pale imitation of the glory of Annúminas restored.
I don't think Tolkien ever indicated that the rebuilt Annuminas was so much more splendid than Minas Tirith, and the sentence indicates to me that a deliberate effort went into assuring that Annuminas outshone the Tower of Guard (or the Tower of the Sun, depending on if one believes the name of Minas Anor was resumed).
But it's still a lovely chapter. I liked Ivorwen's watching; and her and Dirhael being still alive to welcome their grandson back to the north.
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Raksha, I'm glad you enjoyed Aragorn's return to his people. It was a wonderful moment to try and capture.
You are quite right, no mention is made anywhere of the appearance of the restored Annuminas. I've made a guess at how splendid the original Annuminas was based on an assumption that Elendil's home, seeing as he was the High King of both Gondor and Arnor, probably outshone any of the palaces of his sons in the South Kingdom. We also know that the main palace of the king in Gondor was originally in Osgiliath where the twin thrones of Isidur and Anion sat side by side. Minas Anor was simply Anarion's home and later just the summer residence of the king. Only when Osgiliath was finally abandoned, was it restored and considered fit to be the main residence of a king. As it backs onto a mountainside, I've never imagined it as being as breathtaking a place as Annuminas with its lovely lake side setting in the Hills of Everdim. I also like to think that the Dunedain of the North did their former Chieftain proud and built him a worthy palace and that the whole emotional tumult of the day would have further added to the feeling of awe and wonder. I also had the problem of having already written Aragorn's first sighting of Minas Tirith in an earlier chapter so I did need to top that rather!
Celeritas
· 10 June 2009
· Chapter 38: Star of the Dunedain
Hooray for more hobbits!
I really liked the subtle things you were able to touch on here with the passage of time--how Aragorn looks peaceful and seems to have "settled" into his kingly role, Elanor's immediately picking up on and being fascinated by the Queen's skills compounded with her making her own dress which suggests something of a seamstress within her. And a good explanation for what the "Star of the Dunedain" was!
Author's reply
I'm so sorry, Celeritas, not to have replied sooner; I'm only just found your review.
As a hobbit lady, I'm very relieved you enjoyed this chapter. It was great fun to write hobbits for a change and, as always, there was so much to squeeze into one chapter when half a dozen might have done better!
Celeritas
· 10 June 2009
· Chapter 37: The King of Gondor
I am a sucker for these domesticky gap-filler type stories. ^_^
I really liked the concept of continuing twins down the line (although these must have been the first whose names didn't start with "el"!).
And you through Aragorn have a really good point about his rangering days--they were often too urgent for reflection, which is rather different from how fandom likes to portray that seemingly free life.
And apparently the hands of the king even work on fractious babies? Must be handy being married to a fellow like that.
This was fun to read (and reread; I'm hoping to finish getting caught up tonight).
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Celeritas. It was great fun to write a normal everyday domestic scene [well as normal as anything in Aragorn's life!]
I very much believe that married life in Minas Tirith was meant to be his reward for all the hard years he toiled in the Wilds so I couldn't really portray his days there as anything but blissful.
And apparently the hands of the king even work on fractious babies?
LOL! Yes, I'm sure he was a great dad!
I'm so glad you enjoyed this and thanks again for your review.