Estelcontar
· 12 February 2009
· Chapter 10: Respite
'm so glad the rangers, and that dinamic duo Halbarad and Aragorn are having a much needed respite. And I'm soooooooo glad you're giving we readers a breather too while still hinting at bad things to come.
So, Aragorn is on Mallor's mother's farm. I was wondering to whom the place they had taken him to belonged. When Aragorn gets on his high horse Halbarad does know how to bring him down a much needed notch or two doesn't he? Those two are really very complementary of each other, you know. That's why they keep apologising to each other.
I did as usual enjoy very much Halbarad's irony, and dry humour, and I really enjoyed your dry humour too. The image of Aragorn glaring at three Halbarads had me chuckling out loud. That entire dialogue was delightful, and very telling.
I'm really glad they all are going to have a couple of restful days at Mallor's mother's farm, and it's very fitting that they're going to spend it fixing the place for her. That's the Dúnedain of Arnor for you.
"... How many other families have I torn asunder as men leave their homes to follow me...
He shook off the dark thought. Simple logic reminded him that he was not the cause, that they had no choice but to face the battle the enemy laid before them. But tell that to my heart...."
That is Aragorn in a nutshell.
Author's reply
Thank you, Estelcontar! I like that--"Dynamic Duo"! But yes, the men needed rest, badly, and they're finally getting it. I'm glad you enjoyed both the humor and the sorrow in this... I can't seem to write the Dúnedain without a measure of both. Humor seems as intrinsic to Halbarad as black hair and grey eyes, in my vision of him, and he's skilled at using it to manage Aragorn. And Aragorn is keen enough to know he's being managed, I think, but he knows he needs it. It's just a good thing he wed Arwen not too long after Halbarad's death. I figure she had to sort of take up where he left off! Thanks again for the review!
Marethiel
· 12 February 2009
· Chapter 10: Respite
"And when do you actually sleep, Halbarad?"
He grinned. "Had you not noticed? When I’m taking care of you. I’ve done it so often I can do it in my sleep."
LMAO!!! Oh, Lord I love it.
The imagery is very rich in this chapter as well (heck, it's rich in all the chapters, but I do have to come up with something new to fawn over, don't I??
Seriously, I'm loving this. Thank you so much for this new update. Halbarad needs to swat his chieftain, throw him across his saddle like a sack of grain and deliver him to Elrond. :-)
~Marethiel
Author's reply
LOL... thank you Marethiel! I'm so glad you're enjoying this and liking the humor. I think you're right in that Halbarad should just take over and do as you say, but well, Aragorn *is* Chieftain, after all. I'm glad especially you're finding this sort of "interlude" section interesting... it's more about the characters than the action and suspense, although there's a bit of suspense in there. I hope it continues to hold everyone's interest. Thanks again for the review!
Linda Hoyland
· 9 February 2009
· Chapter 9: Putting Together the Pieces
Another outstanding chapter.I just love the way Halbarad and Denlad care for Aragorn.It is rare to see our hero so frail.He does need to go to Rivendell.I love the idea that a situation like this was how Aragorn knew what to do in LOTR.
Author's reply
Thank you, Linda! I'm so glad you liked this chapter, and yes, it is rare to see Aragorn in this light, which is fortunate for Middle-earth. And while I do think that Aragorn had teaching, as young man and child in Rivendell, I imagine a lot of the practical lessons he learned as a grown man and as chieftain and all his errantries as Thorongil probably contributed as much if not more to his becoming Elven-wise. Like the title of this chapter, I'm trying to piece together some of those missing elements in his back story, to see how he might have come up with some of the things Tolkien actually gave us in detail. Thanks again for the review!
Thorongirl
· 8 February 2009
· Chapter 0: Prologue
Oh, I was going to wait until you finished this story but I've been horribly sick all weekend and there's nothing like a *touch* of Aragorn angst to make me feel better. Woman, I am blown away by this story, totally blown away. The prologue was fanastic, and when Aragorn crumples up his letter and throws it away, I wasn't surprised. But honestly, this is fantastic. I don't know if I'll review any more today (my head feels like it's permanently encased in mothballs) but you can bet I will when I can. I had hoped this would be a great story, but in all honesty, so far it's one of the best I've ever read. (I read all the chapters you posted already so I'm not just going by the prologue).
Thanks for making me feel better. *Pats Aragorn*. Wish I could say the same about you, oh studly ranger. So much for waiting til the story was finished...
Author's reply
Oh, I'm so sorry you're not feeling well, but I'm very glad to have provided you with a nice distraction. And you've made my day, believe me! You don't even have to leave more reviews--I think I can live off this one for a long time (although more reviews are always welcome. *grin*) Yes, I'm really giving it to our studly Ranger, poor guy. I hope you feel better, but um, as for Aragorn... well, future chapters will tell that tale. I'm glad you're enjoying this and hope you feel better. Thanks again!
Silivren Tinu
· 7 February 2009
· Chapter 9: Putting Together the Pieces
It seems Aragorn is definitely not out of the woods yet. *eyes ranger worriedly* Bringing him to Imladris sounds like a really good idea to me, though I can understand that poor Aragorn doesn't really feel up to travelling right now.
I loved that you gave Denlad the chance to recount Halbarad's heroic deeds. After all he has done and risked, Halbarad really deserves some limelight (though he's likely still blushing *g*).
//"So it was fire or my bare hands. Fire seemed more of a threat."// For my part, I'm really glad he chose fire! I'm quite sure Halbarad would have attacked that Nazgul even if he had had to do it with his bare hands, and that image makes me more than a little bit nervous. ;-)
Halbarad really is a wonderful mother hen. *g* It seems he really has his work cut out for him, where Aragorn's self-doubts are concerned. Another chapter I thoroughly enjoyed! (And of course I'm already looking forward to the next one ;-)
Almut
Author's reply
Thank you, Almut! I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. Yes, Aragorn is far from out of the woods but he'll get some rest for a while, anyway. And I had the same thought, that Halbarad needed his moment in the sun. :) The idea of him attacking the Nazgul with his bare hands is definitely one that makes the palms sweat, I agree. I hate to think how that would have turned out. Thanks again for the review!
inzilbeth
· 6 February 2009
· Chapter 9: Putting Together the Pieces
I do so enjoy your Halbarad and Aragorn chapters and this one is no exception. The Dunedain must have spent so many years worrying about Aragorn when he was abroad that it must have been very tempting to try and wrap him in cotton wool when he at last returned to them. Halbarad is right to be to concerned though he of course had little knowledge of the BB.
Another great chapter.
Author's reply
Thank you, Inzilbeth! Yes, I'm sure they did have a tendency to want to coddle Aragorn and protect him, since he had no heir as yet, and of course, no chance at it unless he succeeded at becoming king. Talk about operating without a net... I'm sure that weighed heavily on Halbarad's mind. As always, thank you for the review!
Calenlass
· 6 February 2009
· Chapter 9: Putting Together the Pieces
(Leaving a review before I head in for more sleep)
A nice "interlude." So you're going to let Aragorn recover before heaping more on his dish, yes? :)
Too many things that I loved about this chapter, so all I'll say is that this was a wonderful read.
Take care!
~Cal
Author's reply
hee hee... you know me far too well. Yes, a bit of a breather for Aragorn & Co. before ... well, you'll find out in upcoming chapters. But for now, a bit of life on the farm ahead. ;)
Thanks for the review, and get some good sleep!
Larner
· 6 February 2009
· Chapter 9: Putting Together the Pieces
The uncertainty planted by the Nazgul's malice will take time to defeat, evidently.
Nicely done.
Author's reply
Thank you, Larner! I definitely wanted to create a scenario showing that it will take time to overcome the BB, so I'm glad you mentioned that. Glad you liked the chapter and thanks for the kind review.
Larner
· 6 February 2009
· Chapter 8: Flight
He definitely needs the reassurance, and am glad Halbarad is willing to give him what he needs.
Author's reply
Oh goodness, somehow I missed this review you left! My apologies! I'm glad you liked the chapter... yes, Halbarad is there to do what he can, although he's no doubt feeling absolutely helpless in the face of this.
Thanks for the review, and again, my apologies for overlooking this!
MP brennan
· 5 February 2009
· Chapter 9: Putting Together the Pieces
Hey,
I can't even tell you how much I loved this chapter. It was just the interlude we needed to catch our breath, but still held some angst of its own. I particularly loved the moment towards the beginning where Aragorn is fighting to keep from falling under the Black Breath again. I've always seen the BB as symbolizing depression and other illnesses, just externalized and much more dramatic. This piece fits very well with that reading; you show how even after "recovery" he continues to struggle with it. Kudos for bringing a new and deeper dimension to the BB! Great work overall. This is a transition chapter, and those can be hard to write, but you did it seamlessly. I'm left satisfied with what's happened so far and anxious to see what happens next.
So write fast, kay?
cheers,
-Brennan
Author's reply
Thank you, Brennan! I'm glad you're enjoying my take on the BB... I've always thought it could have some lingering effects and that's definitely what I'm exploring here. That, and the lingering effects of the other traumatic things Aragorn's going through. The BB is just one element of a host of issues confronting our poor Ranger. And yes, we've entered a bit of an interlude here. Gotta give the men and Aragorn some time to recover. :) Thanks again for the review! RL (which has gotten quite complicated of late) not interfering, next chapter should go up in a week.
Estelcontar
· 5 February 2009
· Chapter 9: Putting Together the Pieces
What else can I say but repeat what I've said for the last chapter. Halbarad does indeed know Aragorn's mind inside and out, doesn't he? Aragorn is very lucky indeed he has such a loyal kinsman and friend.
And the ending is perfect. They are indeed two peas from the same pod.
Author's reply
Thank you, Estelcontar... those two are very well-matched, which makes for a good friendship, if not a little friction now and then. :) Thanks again for the review and glad you enjoyed this chapter.
Raksha The Demon
· 5 February 2009
· Chapter 9: Putting Together the Pieces
I liked the Denlad/Halbarad interplay here.
Aragorn needs to spend some time at Rivendell I think, along with his men - just to get a break from all this misery and horror.
And they also need to get some pointers from Glorfindel on how to play Whack-A-Wraith with a minimum of Black Breath attacks; though Halbarad is obviously a very quick study!
Author's reply
I think Halbard would agree with all your points, yes! Aragorn especially needs some pointers. *grin*
Thanks for the review!
Linda Hoyland
· 2 February 2009
· Chapter 8: Flight
A wonderful chapter.I loved the way you showed the dreadful Black Breath.I'm another who thought of Faramir.I always thought only the King or Elrond's family could use athelas,but I guess Halbarad would have enough of Luthien's lineage for him to use it too.
I just love Halbarad here and his care and obvious love for his kinsman and how well he has him summed up.A great line about how he blames himself even for bad vegetables!I just love this story.
Author's reply
Thank you, Linda! I'm glad you liked this chapter and Halbarad's care of Aragorn. I don't really think it was Halbarad using the athelas that did the trick--it was that he was simply doing the administering of it and Aragorn's own lineage that makes it work for him (Aragorn). I'm going on the theory think there could be a sort of latent ability in Aragorn himself that makes the athelas somewhat effective, even if he's not at his full capacity as a healer. And I can't say more or I'll spoil upcoming chapters. *grin* But yes, interesting point in perhaps being a cousin, Halbarad might also be able to use it in the way Aragorn does--which makes for interesting possibilities for future stories... hmmm....
Thank you for the thoughtful review. :)
MP brennan
· 1 February 2009
· Chapter 8: Flight
Great chapter!
Poor Aragorn . . . want to hug him and cuddle him and make it all better and if you think I sound like a hopeless fangirl, you're not the only one;-)
Excellent depiction of the Black Breath. This story certainly goes a long way towards explaining the passage you quoted in the prologue.
Halbarad was spot on, as usual. "Save Middle-earth from all evil, bad weather, bad manners, and spoiled vegetables." LOL! He really is a perfect counterpoint to Aragorn.
Looking forward to more!
-Brennan
Author's reply
Thank you, Brennan! I'm really glad you liked the humor in Halbarad's line. I think Aragorn does sometimes suffer from an overly developed sense of responsibility to make EVERYTHING right in Middle-earth and Halbarad sees it as his role to bring Aragorn's thinking into a more realistic balance. And I'm glad you liked my take on the Black Breath. Creepy stuff, the BB. And hey, no shame in being a fangirl! I definitely had a lot of those moments writing this. I definitely wanted to hug this poor guy. Several times. *grin* Thanks again!
MP brennan
· 1 February 2009
· Chapter 7: For the Dead of Bracken's Ferry
Bravo, Cairistiona!
Another gripping chapter! RL has prevented me from keeping up, much to my loss. It was a great treat to come back to this story. I love your characterization of Aragorn--how self-sacrifice is just part of the job to him. I like how despite his difficulties, he doesn't lapse into self-pity. And the fight scene . . . wow. Both the external and internal conflicts are perfectly portrayed and flow seamlessly. Kudos! (tosses roses and chocolates)
-Brennan
Author's reply
Thanks, Brennan! Drat that RL sometimes, but glad you're getting caught up. :) Yeah, my Aragorn does have to fight self-pity, which he despises with a passion. But everyone struggles with it sometimes, even him. I'm glad you liked the fight. I probably enjoy writing fights and battles far more than is healthy. LOL And thank you for the chocolate and roses! *grin* But moreso for the reviews... I do appreciate your taking time to leave them very much.
inzilbeth
· 31 January 2009
· Chapter 8: Flight
This chapter is just brilliant. I really don't know what else to say. I just love everything about it! Hopeless review as always, I know LOL!
Author's reply
Ah, but you help immensely as my beta reader, so no matter about the reviews! I just appreciate you leaving one, and I'm so glad you liked this chapter... and helped me with the last minute "reconstruction" of it! :)
Raksha The Demon
· 31 January 2009
· Chapter 8: Flight
Yikes; poor Aragorn. It's so hard for him to understand that he can't do everything he has set his heart on doing, at least not without casualties along the way. It's not a failure; it's just that he's up against overwhelming odds even for Isildur's Elf-raised Heir; and sometimes there will be failures between victories.
I see that Halbarad scored points in the Whack-A-Wraith game; he made the critter leave its quarry.
Aragorn's ghastly experience with the Black Breath makes me have even more respect for Faramir, who also lingered for two days or more in the grip of that poison - I suspect that Aragorn's experience here will help him when he has to heal others, including Faramir, who are caught in the Black Breath; Aragorn's been through it and lived, and will have a special knowledge of what he's up against as healer and King.
I loved Halbarad's telling off Aragorn about Aragorn's occasional rants that he can't save the world from Sauron and bad vegetables. I imagine that Halbarad helps keep Aragorn sane as well as alive. It is the ultimate tragedy that Halbarad didn't live to see Sauron's Fall and the resulting peace as well as Aragorn's kingship and marriage.
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Raksha! (We've got to figure out a way to build a Wrack-a-Wraith game!)
I'm so glad you mentioned Faramir, because that was in my mind as I wrote this, that this is a "toss him in the deep end" bit of a learning experience for Aragorn that will help him when the time comes to deal with Faramir. It's one thing to have had book-learning under Elrond, or even a bit of a glancing blow if that happened while he was on his errantries; quite another to face the wraith directly in battle and then experience the effects. Looking at Aragorn's reaction in FOTR at the Pony to the wraiths and his power while healing Faramir, I figured there had to be a very personal encounter with a wraith somewhere in his past.
And yes, poor Halbarad (I'm glad you loved his rants)! I just hate that one of these days I'll have to write a story revolving around his death, but I know I will... the idea is in my head to do it and I'll have to follow that muse. If there were any AU tale I'd love to write, it would be of Halbarad surviving to harass Aragorn up until the very moment Aragorn gives his life back and then they leave the circles of Arda together. Ah well.
Thanks, as always, for your thoughtful review!
george
· 30 January 2009
· Chapter 8: Flight
Just wanted to pop in and let you know how much I am enjoying your writing!
Especially this aspect: I've read a lot of stories (correction: read the first few chapters of a lot of stories) where I just want to smack the author because the dangerous situations Aragorn gets into make him seem like a suicidal idiot, and his self-doubt makes him seem like a whiny crybaby with low self-esteem. You, on the other hand, do an excellent job of leading the reader through all of Aragorn's worries and fears and responsibilities, so that we can see why he feels they are justified, even if we might not always agree with them (and maybe sympathize with Halbarad's wistful thinking on pity removal techniques). I especially loved both your description of his feelings about standing between his men and danger, and his outburst to Halbarad about his destiny way back in "Unexpected." For someone like Aragorn who cares so much about his people and has been raised as a guardian of so much, the idea of 'sparing' himself for some distant future must be a horrible conflict. Anyway, you've done a great job of characterization for all involved, great job of heaping on the hardships that set the tone for this story, and communicated quite a lot without breaking the flow of your story.
Sorry if I'm babbling, but I figured I'd cram reviews for the last bunch of chapters all into this one. >.>
Can't wait to read what happens next!
Author's reply
Wow. *blinking in happy astonishment* Thank you, george! You have my permission to cram as many chapters into a single review as you like!
I too sometimes am very dismayed when I read fics that pile on the hurt or angst without regard to Aragorn's character or how such hurt/torture/whatever will affect the future canon lays out for him. I very much want to avoid doing that with this tale, but still wanted to explore his strength, his inner conflicts or demons, if you will, although I don't really see Aragorn as riddled with inner fears, and his inner hope. All good leaders who care about their people surely must question their motives, their decisions, and all that, and Tolkien showed us Aragorn does that quite a bit. So this is definitely a tale about how far can I push (and pummel) and still have him be the same Strider we first meet at the Prancing Pony. It's a fine line between turning him into a navel-gazing wimp and drawing him as a compassionate man examining himself ruthlessly to make sure he doesn't do anything to make his people's situation worse. I think I begged my beta's most to make sure they caught me out if I overstepped that line.
Thank you so much for such a thoughtful review; I hope the rest of the story continues to unfold in a satisfactory way for you!
Silivren Tinu
· 30 January 2009
· Chapter 8: Flight
*breathes again* That was tense, to say the least. Did I mention lately how much I love Halbarad? *g* Poor Aragorn. The nightmare was truly dreadful, and being trapped there alone, in the cold and the darkness, must have been terrifying. I loved the moment at the beginning of the chapter, when Halbarad was able to reach Aragorn by taking his hand.
Blessed be those stubborn, faithful rangers for refusing to let go and for somehow managing to find athelas in time. It's just like Aragorn to *not* realize the strength he has shown by holding on for so long, both during his fight with the Nazgul, and afterwards. He is so lucky to have Halbarad there to hammer some sense into him, and I think he knows it. ;-) I loved Halbarad confronting Aragorn about his 'wallowing' in the end, and that Aragorn was not able to 'nod and smile' but had to stop pretending, for once.
"But I will not give up on you, nor will I allow you to give up on yourself. Not as long as I have breath." - I did mention that I love that ranger, right? *bg* Another wonderful chapter, Cairistiona! Loved it! :)
Almut
Author's reply
Thank you, Almut! As I've mentioned before, I absolutely love your reviews--they're so comprehensive. Halbarad really does have a way of cutting to the heart of the matter with Aragorn, doesn't he? And yes, the Rangers are all very stubborn... they all love Aragorn as much as Halbarad and would fight to their last breaths to save him from whatever perils he might find himself in. I always imagine it was very hard on all the Dunedain when Aragorn left them on all his many missions. And yes, I too think Aragorn is likely to not always see his strength because he's always trying so hard to be the best, the strongest, the fastest, the wisest... because he feels he *has* to be those things. And so any perceived imperfections get blown out of proportion. And that leaves poor Halbarad stuck with the task of pounding the proportions back into line. ;)
Glad you liked this, and love Halbarad! And thanks again for the review!
Ainu Laire
· 30 January 2009
· Chapter 8: Flight
Absolutely wonderful. I almost wish that I left this completely until you finished, for I am very anxious to see what happens- but I loved how you pulled this encounter off. I think it's a great and realistic way for Aragorn to have encountered one of the nine.
Eagerly looking forward to more- to see what they can do to save the next town, if the Nazgul manages to find more orcs.
Author's reply
Thank you, Laire... I'm glad you haven't left it until this is completely posted because I have to say reviews like this really help encourage me, and know the story is on the right track. Glad you found my version of Aragorn vs Nazgul believable. I'm making his encounter a little longer and more intense than a lot of fics do, but I do think he can stand up to it. We'll see, anyway. Thanks again for the review and for hanging in there when it might be easier on you to wait for the final chapter to go up!
Marethiel
· 29 January 2009
· Chapter 8: Flight
Love it, love it, love it.
What else needs to be said? Our wonderful Aragorn and the ever delightful breath of fresh air, Halbarad. Wonderful!!
Well done. Can't wait for the next installment!
~Marethiel
Author's reply
Thank you, Marethiel! I'm so glad you're enjoying this, and enjoying Halbarad. He is a nice breath of fresh air, isn't he? He definitely helps blow the gloom from Aragorn... or at least tries his level best to. Thanks again for the review!
Estelcontar
· 29 January 2009
· Chapter 8: Flight
I found Flight much easier to read than For The Dead. I guess because I was not so afraid of what might happen to Aragorn confronting the Nazgûl in such a despodent frame of mind.
Here, I enjoyed the loyalty, love and worry Halbarad and the rangers showed for Aragorn. Your description of Aragorn's reaction to the encounter with the Nazgul felt very real and true. I especially enjoyed seeing Halbarad function as Aragorn's Devil Advocate. He truly knows what's going on Aragorn's mind, doesn't he? The bantering between the two when things got a bit better felt true too.
And the ending is delightful. Deep down Halbarad is not that different from Aragorn, is he?
Author's reply
Thank you, Estelcontar! Yes, this chapter was easier on both Aragorn and the readers, I think. And you're right about Halbarad... I think he has the same sort of strong character and bravery etc that Aragorn has, and should fate have deemed it otherwise, I think he could also have been king. And Halbarad has the distinct advantage of being kin to the future king, so it's a little harder for Aragorn to hand him his walking papers if he ever feels Halbarad oversteps his bounds. Which he does. Often. *grin* Hard not to have a lot of fun with a character like Halbarad. Glad you liked this chapter and thank you so much for the review!
Calenlass Greenleaf
· 29 January 2009
· Chapter 8: Flight
You made me hold my breath for most of the chapter.
Very expressive writing, Cairistiona. I had to reread it again, purely for the prose.
The plot: You have me stunned and breathless. It's a good thing Halbarad was there to help him.
Oddly enough, I didn't get an e-mail notice for this...I thought I put in on my alert. Hn. Well, at least I didn't miss reading this.
~Cal
Author's reply
Thank you, Cal! Wow, you read it twice in a row? Thank you! Glad you like my writing style. This chapter actually gave me multiple fits, so knowing you read it twice is doubly gratifying because I think I read it at least four thousand times and changed it almost as many times. Stunned and breathless, eh? Yay! I like leaving readers stunned and breathless. :)
Hmm, wonder what's up the email alerts?? I got an alert for another story today, so maybe yours just got hung up in email traffic?? I'll probably do the next update Thursday or Friday next week, so if you see the update and still don't get an email, let me know. Not sure I can do anything about it but I can shoot you an email myself to let you know the next chapter is up.
Thanks for the review!
Casso
· 27 January 2009
· Chapter 7: For the Dead of Bracken's Ferry
I have to agree with other readers, that was the best Nazgul encounter I have yet read. Tolkien hints at their evil but this fight brought it all together.
Thanks for the story and looking forward to the rest.
Regards,
Casso
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Casso! What a kind thing to say... I did try to make it as real and as accurate as it could be with what Tolkien gives us about the wraiths. I hope you find the rest of the story engaging, and thank you again for the kind review!
Silivren Tinu
· 25 January 2009
· Chapter 7: For the Dead of Bracken's Ferry
*is speechless*
Wow - I don't even know where to begin reviewing. That was really... tense. I don't think I would have noticed if someone had fired a cannon to get my attention while I was reading this chapter. *g* I LOVED your description of the Nazgul! It was really true to Tolkien - you really captured that mysterious, creepy, fascinating, terrifying evil-ness, and how it's mere presence will threaten to extinguish all hope and warmth there in in this world.
Aragorn deciding to face the Nazgul alone was certainly one of the most courageous things I've ever read about, but also one of the most foolish. In short, just typically Aragorn. ;-) It's obvious Aragorn does not have the means and the knowledge needed to properly defend himself against such a creature yet, and he's undoubtedly about to learn things the hard way.
I'm really glad Bilfen and Kenevir insisted on going to Rivendell alone, btw. As it is, Aragorn really seems to need every man. Aragorn trying to avoid Halbarad at the beginning of the chapter was sweet and I liked how Halbarad managed to get him out of his self-recrimination.
Of course the thing I'd like to know most right now is what happened at the end of the chapter. I once again loved your description of that booming voice, the flashing fire, and the Nazgul's reaction ot it. I have a good idea who (in addition to Halbarad) has come to Aragorn's aid, but I'll wait patiently for the next chapter to see if I'm right. ;-) I'm a *tiny little bit* worried about Aragorn now (I have a feeling horse balm won't be much help this time).
Loved it! :)
Almut
Author's reply
Thank you so much for such a comprehensive review, Almut! I'm glad you liked this. I did do a lot of research into the Nazgul and the effects of the miasma/black breath etc. Took a bit from all the different descriptions of its effects that Tolkien gave and sort of rolled them all into one (poor Aragorn). The cold was definitely something that's consistent in all encounters with the wraith, and I figure it's both a spiritual and a physical thing. And yes, after a lot of discussion with different people and doing some research, it's a fair guess that the Dunedain, and even Aragorn, really wouldn't have had a lot of knowledge about wraiths at that point. I think if I'd had the encounter with the wraith and Aragorn down south in Mirkwood or down near Mordor, yeah, Aragorn would have immediately guessed it was a wraith. But in 3000 TA, there really wasn't a lot of reason to expect a wraith in the north... yet it's not impossible that there might be one straying up there to wreak a bit of havoc.
And hmm, you think someone else comes to Aragorn's aid? I can say without giving anything way that it is just Halbarad waving the torches around here in this chapter.
Finally, yes, Bilfen and Kenevir gave me a bit of a headache, figuring out how and where to send them! I needed them out of the picture (because their survival actually wasn't part of the original plot). Fortunately, they cooperated and left the scene gracefully. Well, as gracefully as Kenevir can. He was definitely a bit miffed Aragorn thought he might need any assistance. *grin*
Thanks again for the review!