Larner
· 24 April 2009
· Chapter 25: Epilogue - The Year That Followed, Part 1
A wonderful way of leaving the story, looking at it all from his point of view as he recovered. Loved the contemplation of his large feet, and the oblique advice from Erestor of the wisdom of allowing love to grow and mature on its own.
A very nice visit with our Aragorn, and a good backstory on how he came to know just how terrible the Nazgul are and his intimate understanding of how the Black Breath works.
Author's reply
Thank you, Larner! I'm glad you liked the journal style of the epilogue, and enjoyed my take on how Aragorn found out first hand about the terrors of the Nazgul. Second part of the epilogue to go, and then the tale is complete. Thank you for the review!
Silivren Tinu
· 24 April 2009
· Chapter 25: Epilogue - The Year That Followed, Part 1
A beautiful ending - just perfect. :)
Poor Aragorn, that was really a long and difficult convalescence! I had to grin about his reaction to the 'Trotter'-story. For his sake, I hope Elrond forgot to tell the twins of it, but I haven't much hope. ;-)
The scene when Elrond walked in and noticed that Aragorn was reading the tale of Beren and Luthien was a sad one. It's so sad that there's still so much standing between them and that there's nothing that can be done about it. No one can be faulted for falling in love or loving his daughter, after all. I really wanted to huggle Aragorn after Elrond was gone. *huggles him*
I'll never tire of hearing how Glorfindel deals with wraith. *g* //Glorfindel chased the wraith east, to the foot of the Misty Mountains north of Rivendell before turning back–he joked that he was wearying of shooing wraiths from these lands and would be pleased if I could try not to let such riffraff in again.// LOL! Aragorn must feel a lot better if he is already able to joke about wraith again!
That Halbarad, Denlad, Galadh and Eledh were there on Mettare was such a sweet surprise! I could not think of a better Mettare-gift for Aragorn. ;-) I was very happy to see Neala and Denlad had become a pair in the meantime, they both really deserve it (and Randir, too)!
Aragorn's sudden sadness over Arwen's absence was all to understandable. I loved that both Erestor and Halbarad noticed it and each offered comfort in their own way.
This was just the heartwarming ending Aragorn deserved. ;-) Thank you for sharing this wonderful story with us, Cairistiona! :) As I said before, I'm really going to miss it.
Almut
Author's reply
Thank you, Almut! But it's not *quite* over yet, dear... this was a "part 1", so you still have a final "part 2" to come on Monday. :) And then the "deleted scene" stuff.
I'm so glad you liked this part of the epilogue--there's so much that Aragorn has to work through, but yes, he's definitely feeling better and able to make a bit of a jest with Glorfindel. I think Aragorn, at least "my" Aragorn, is likely the type of person who sometimes can find strength through humor. It won't always work for him, since we see that he still has a very visceral reaction to the Wraiths even as far down the road as the Prancing Pony, but yes, he's able to make a joke and that's always a good sign.
I'm so glad you've been enjoying the story... I think I'll miss it, too! Ah well. On to the next after this, right? :) Thanks for the review!
Ainu Laire
· 23 April 2009
· Chapter 25: Epilogue - The Year That Followed, Part 1
Weee... nice long epilogue!
... I have nothing of real value to say :/ I mean, I liked it! Elrond should now bring Arwen home. Srsly.
Cheerio.
Author's reply
Thanks, Laire! I'm glad you don't mind a nice long epilogue--I had no way to shorten it. LOL Yes, it would be nice if Arwen could have been there at Mettare, and I did actually write a version where she was the surprise instead of Halbarad et al, but alas, she was still in Lorien and it just didn't fit canon (or logistics) for her to come all the way home for a visit.
Thanks for the review!
Lily Baggins
· 23 April 2009
· Chapter 25: Epilogue - The Year That Followed, Part 1
This story is like a feast for the Aragorn fan . . . and this chapter was a lovely, lovely dessert. Well, just the first course of dessert. :)
I know a good story is a really good story when it actually makes me adore a favorite character even more than I already do. And this story does that. I got such a kick out of Aragorn's self-deprecation ("I fear I am turning into a right curmudgeon"--lol!), and his wry observations, and especially his impatience to be better. Truly, you've captured the exact personality of every bedridden man I've ever known! They do get upset and impatient to be better. :)
I absolutely ate up (okay, enough with the eating metaphor, right?) the parts in which he fell prey again to illness. Oh my, how I'd kill to see Elrond being "not happy" with him when the fever returned! Or see Aragorn ill with the lung fever. *bliss*
And the holiday---that was a wonderful part. I think so many people feel depressed during the holidays, and I see that Aragorn is no exception here. I enjoyed the little details of his making Arwen a bracelet (and finding it to be too dull for her), and his worry over nicking the new sword Elrond gave him. All the details make this story so rich.
I'm so happy that Aragorn's family did their best to see he had a memorable Mettare, and I was thrilled to see Halbarad and his family and the other men show up. Denlad and Neala are together! That was perfect.
I'm so looking forward to part 2 of this epilogue, and the appendices, as well. I simply can't get enough of this story!
Author's reply
Thank you so, Lily! To hear someone say that they adore Aragorn even more after reading this is *exactly* what I want to hear! :) I love exploring the human side of Aragorn (not that he has any other species in him! LOL... maybe the "ordinary man" side of him is a better term). I think Aragorn was likely to have felt much the same ordinary things as any one of us--delight at being surprised by the unexpected arrival of friends at the holidays, wistful sadness (yes, perhaps even depression) at a loved one who's not there; worry over whether he's given the right gift... all those little things. I also don't see Aragorn as one overly accustomed to being ill or needing a long recovery from injury--at least not as long as this trial ended up. Poor Elrond had his hands full keeping Aragorn in bed! But Aragorn's also a wise person and he doesn't fight it *too* hard. Just hard enough to be, well, Aragorn. :)
I'm glad you liked all this... part 2 coming Monday! Thanks for the review!
Minerva Organa
· 23 April 2009
· Chapter 25: Epilogue - The Year That Followed, Part 1
"Erestor, I know from personal experience, can be easily eluded. You simply wait until he is so engrossed in an old manuscript that an oliphaunt could sit on him without his notice."
*snort* *giggle* That line made me laugh, probably louder than was necessary ;-)
And Denlad!!!! *cheers* I had so hoped that that would happen. I'm sure that they will be very happy together.
And the whole description of Mettare....*happy sigh* wonderful.
All in all, a fantastic fantastic epilogue. The journal style worked really well. Can't wait for Part 2!
Author's reply
Thanks, Minerva! So glad you liked this and got a giggle from that particular line. I kind of think it sums up my image of an at times slightly absent-minded Erestor. Or maybe I should just say "focused". *grin* I do think he probably brings a singleminded purpose to all the things he does, whether it's examining an old manuscript, shooting at orcs (because I do think he's not *just* a dry, dusty bookworm), or cleaning out an arm wound. And yay, Denlad got the girl! I'm not a huge hand at writing romance but that was a fun little subplot. I found myself wishing I could have gone into it a little deeper but this particular story didn't lend itself to that. Ah well. Might have to do a flashback or something and show more of it. :) Glad you liked the journal style--I had fun writing this and part 2 as well. Thanks for the review!
Estelcontar
· 23 April 2009
· Chapter 25: Epilogue - The Year That Followed, Part 1
What a great epilogue. I loved that you wrote it in the form of a diary. I liked to see Aragorn's ironic sense of humour assert himself again ("another adventurous day of doing nothing but lying abed; Nothing to report today. The sun rose; I did not." LOL) These were nice touches. As was the paragraph in which Erestor tells him stories from his childhood that embarrass him. I really enjoyed the idea of Elrond reminiscing about Aragorn's childhood with anyone willing to listen. This paragraph and other similar ones illuminate how at home Aragorn felt in Rivendell, and how cherished and loved he was by everyone there. Besides, after all witnessing all he has gone through it's good to see him being loved and cosseted. LOL
What made me very glad though is that in the midst of all that love, you made him miss Halbarad, his friends, and life with the Dúnedain. Since the Dúnedain were such a such a close knit group, who, according to what Tolkien wrote, seemed to live a very solidary life, I've always pictured Aragorn as missing all his friends, relatives, people and his daily life among them when he's away. That rarely gets shown in fan fiction. So, I'm really, really glad you did show it.
And yay you married Denlad and Neala. I'm so glad you did. They both deserve some happiness. Can't wait for part II.
Author's reply
Thank you, Estelcontar! I'm glad you liked all the "homey" aspects of this. I do think Aragorn was much loved in Rivendell, even after the slightly messy betrothal issue came up, and I think especially Glorfindel and Erestor saw themselves as sort of surrogate uncles to Estel. Loved and cosseted is an excellent way to put it! And yes, I think one of my favorites aspects of Aragorn (to borrow a phrase from Inzilbeth!) is his love for his own people; you're right in that it's not gotten explored much in fanfiction, and one of my aims is to fill that little niche. :) Part 2 coming up Monday. Thanks for the review!
BeeGee
· 23 April 2009
· Chapter 25: Epilogue - The Year That Followed, Part 1
This was a very satisfying wrap up (so far) of this story, and I thought the journal style worked very well. Good thing Aragorn has the Imladris Health Plan :D (My HMO has you back at work in 4 days even if you are still riddled with orc arrows...) I liked Crafty!Aragorn, and I hope he decides to give the bracelet to Arwen because I'm sure she'll treasure it. It seems he's learned that the best part of holidays are family and friends.
Author's reply
Thank you, BeeGee, both for the kind words and for giving me a good laugh--I think I've been covered under those kind of HMOs! LOL I'm glad you're enjoying the first of the 2-part wrap up. I don't know if Aragorn will end up giving Arwen the bracelet or not... I'm sure you're right in that she'd treasure it if he did. Thanks for the review!
Marethiel
· 23 April 2009
· Chapter 25: Epilogue - The Year That Followed, Part 1
Awww!!! Oh, I love it that Denlad "got the girl"... and that Halbarad and his lovely wife are happy. And I do love our blessed Erestor. The twins and Estel and Glorfindel might tease him, but c'mon... look at the wisdom:
He took one of the glasses and sipped from it, eyeing me over its brim. He held up the goblet and let the light shine through it. “This is a good wine,” he said. “It has mellowed with time, and has developed character that can only come through long years of aging.” He said no more, but patted me on the back and walked off.
Sigh!
And, being the Elrond lover I am, I have to admit my heart ached for the Peredhel, too. Loving both of his children and knowing he'll lose for their happiness to come to fruition.
And, naughty girl that I am, Aragorn, there are benefits to big feet... (blush!)
Great job... please say it isn't done??
~Marethiel
Author's reply
"It's not done." There! I said it! *grin* Seriously, there's part 2 of the epilogue still, next Monday (unless I get it done sooner, but most likely Monday), then the tale is indeed finished, except for some "appendices" type things--character studies that I wrote that look at some of the scenes from Elrond's, Denlad's and Halbarad's POV. Just some interesting (I hope) glimpses of how I actually worked out some parts of the story.
I'm glad you liked the first part of the epilogue--I know I took a bit of a risk, making it into a journal format, but I felt what needed to be said from this point on needed to be said by Aragorn directly to us. And with all the loose ends to tidy up, it seemed a more interesting way to do it than to devote several more standard chapters that might have felt more like "filler".
So you like Aragorn's big feet, eh? LOL I figure someone that tall would likely have fairly large feet.
And I'm glad you liked Erestor... he doesn't have a big role in this story but I hoped to make his moments memorable. :) And yes, Denlad got the girl! One of these days I might go back and write up how that all happened, but for now, we'll all just be happy for him that he found his love.
Thanks again for the review!
Calenlass
· 23 April 2009
· Chapter 25: Epilogue - The Year That Followed, Part 1
Oh, beautiful.
I must admit my favorite line is this one:
Erestor, I know from personal experience, can be easily eluded. You simply wait until he is so engrossed in an old manuscript that an oliphaunt could sit on him without his notice.
;)
The ending was a surprise, but I'm glad it worked out so well for Aragorn.
Thanks for writing; the epilogue was great.
~Cal
Author's reply
Thanks, Cal! I figured you might like that line. *grin* And the epilogue isn't *quite* done... there's a 2nd part coming up Monday. THEN the story will be finished. Except for the appendices. *grin* Thanks for the review!
Marethiel
· 21 April 2009
· Chapter 24: These Wounds You Now Carry
Oh, Cairistiona... This was so beautiful, so touching. Poor Aragorn, and how blessed to have the fatherly love of Elrond to succor him!!
There was humor:
Elrond entered. “Estel! What are you doing out of bed?”
“I thought I might read for a bit.” He turned a page, acting as nonchalant as he could considering he could not seem to focus his eyes on the words. He prayed Elrond did not see how his hands trembled.
Elrond’s eyes trailed across the room to the now empty shelf, taking in the items on the floor and then to the book in Aragorn’s lap. “The book is upside down.”
And there was pathos:
He tried to turn away from Elrond, to wrest control over himself before all was lost, but Elrond stopped him. He put a hand against Aragorn’s cheek and whispered, “Nai tyeldar sí nyérelyar. Coluvan nyérelyar. Sorrow no more, my son. Sorrow no more. Let me hold your tears and your sorrows, if only for a little while. Coluvan nyérelyar.”
Elrond’s gentle words, the same soothing words from Aragorn’s childhood, were his undoing. The grief that he had kept bottled up for so many long weeks now seemed to pour out of him uncontrollably, and it shamed him to be so weak but he could no more stop the flood of tears than he could have stopped the flow of the Bruinen. Terrible sobs tore through him with such strength that he felt he would fly apart if Elrond’s strong arms did not hold him. As Elrond crushed him to his chest, he reached his own arms around him and clung to him and wept for Mallor, for the people of Bracken’s Ferry and Windydale... each man, each woman...
Each child.
He gave his grief free rein and it flew through him like the violent storms that assail the coasts of Gondor and somewhere in the wildness of it, in the tumult of pain and grief, something tight and cold and hard loosened and warmed and softened, and the tears finally slowed until the storm blew itself out and left only exhausted, empty silence. He started to pull away, but Elrond tightened his hold. “Not yet,” he murmured, and so Aragorn stayed where he was, and somewhere in the barren place that was his soul, peace stole its way back.
Wow... this had it all. Thank you so much for sharing your gifts with us. Beautifully, masterfully done.
~Marethiel
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Marethiel! I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter, and thank you for taking the time to point out what parts of it you really liked. I did try to keep a balance between the pathos and the humor, in order to make each a bit more strong, and to keep it from dissolving into melodrama. I'm glad you felt I hit it right. Thanks again!
Linda Hoyland
· 20 April 2009
· Chapter 24: These Wounds You Now Carry
What a wonderfully moving chapter! I am so relieved that Aragorn is no longer bottling up all his pain and grief and that Elrond is not estranged from him.
Author's reply
Thank you, Linda! I'm so glad it touched you. Yes, I don't see that Elrond and Aragorn ever had a real estrangement... tensions that flared up, yes, but the love was always there and always strong.
Thanks for the review!
Lily Baggins
· 20 April 2009
· Chapter 24: These Wounds You Now Carry
I've now read this chapter again---and again---and again---and I can't seem to stop myself. It's a sickness with me.
I sat with a huge grin on my face at the adorableness of Aragorn trying to make his way to the chair, and Elrond catching him at it. Oh, how I do love it when Aragorn gets restless and tries to escape his sickbed!
And then I sat with my breath held as Aragorn finally deigned to discuss his worries with Elrond, and as the tension built up in the room. And then I sat with tears in my eyes as Aragorn poured his heart out and let loose his grief. That was absolutely one of the most wonderful, heart wrenching, beautifully written Elrond-Aragorn scenes I've ever seen unfold. I don't know how many writers would have the skill to make Aragorn sobbing like a baby so utterly touching and believable and sad---so very sad---but you accomplished it, in spades.
I'm very sorry to read that there's just one chapter to go. I will certainly miss having more of this story to read and look forward to---miss it like my own right arm.
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Lily! Gosh, I know that feeling of needing to read and re-read certain chapters and to think that I've written a chapter that has you doing that is so encouraging!
I tell you, I had to revise and reshape the whole "sobbing like a baby" bit soooo many times before it felt right, simply because it's such an unusual position for Aragorn to be in, but I couldn't see how he *wouldn't* eventually break down and cry after all the horrors he'd seen. So I'm glad that it was believable to you. I think only with Elrond could Aragorn have reached that place of release, and only then if Elrond managed to pry an opening to allow Aragorn to safely express his grief. It was one of the hardest scenes to write, so I love that you're reading it a lot! LOL
I'm going to miss having this story to fiddle with myself, to be honest. There's always a sadness underlying the feeling of accomplishment. I've lived and breathed this story for well over a year, actually almost 2 now, so it's a bittersweet thing for it to end. But there'll be other stories to come, so we can look forward to those! Thanks for the lovely review!
Estelcontar
· 20 April 2009
· Chapter 24: These Wounds You Now Carry
What a very moving chapter! I see Aragorn may have learned his lesson, but he's still healthily determined, not to say stuborn. I loved the bit in which he said he was trying to read, and Elrodn deadpanned: 'The book is upside down'. LOL It's good to see humour back in both their lives.
I'm also glad Elrond and Aragorn got to talk and get things straightened out. I'm sure their misunderstanding had a lot to do with Aragorn's original weariness and despondency. Now that Aragorn opened his heart to Elrond he's bound to mend much faster.
It's needless to say that I really, really loved the captive Prince of the Woodland realm, and even more the hobbit Trotter bits. Both made my day.
This is another chapter that could have easly slid into the melodramatic, but it didn't. Congratulations.
Author's reply
Thank you, Estelcontar! Oh yes, this could have turned into a treacly mess, couldn't it have? That was my biggest fear, so it's very encouraging to have you say it didn't turn to melodrama. I think the humor probably helped in that regard. I couldn't resist playing around a bit with some childhood memories. *grin* I'm so glad you liked this chapter with it's fairly wild swings of emotions. Thanks for the review, as always! :)
Estelcontar
· 20 April 2009
· Chapter 23: On the Road of Returning
A lovely sweet chapter for a change. It's so good to see that Aragorn has finally arrived home. Trust Elrond to tell Aragorn what he was really suffering under: exhaustion, fever and the Black Breath. I hope Aragorn learned his lesson too.
I liked the way you handled Aragorn and Elrond. I think you've hit exactly the right note. The love is there, as is the restraint that the love of Arwen brought to their relationship.
What would Aragorn do without Halbarad. I'm glad Aragorn finally saw that complete trust and truth is what such a friend as Halbarad deserves. That was well done.
Author's reply
Thank you! Yes, it's been a long time coming, a sweet chapter with no horrible brushes with death! LOL I do think Aragorn has likely learned his lesson. If not, then he's far TOO stubborn--to the point of being addlepated. *grin* And we all know our Ranger King is anything but addlepated. I'm glad you liked the relationship between Elrond and Aragorn here. It definitely is a bit of a balancing act for those two--to show love and be honest and open but always have to skirt the betrothal issue. It can't have been easy and sometimes tensions had to have erupted in one way or another. And yes, poor faithful, beleaguered Halbarad finally received what was only his due--an apology and an oath to never do that again!
Thanks for the review!
Estelcontar
· 20 April 2009
· Chapter 22: Deliverance
What a relief! I'm so glad Elrond managed to deliver Aragorn. This was another chapter that had me gripping the edge of my chair. Your description of the dream sequence was engrossing, and yours "No", Aragorn growled, staggering to his feet. I will not let you take me." was just about perfect, and made me very happy because it highlights the strenght of Aragorn's will, and his determination.
Elrond and Aragorn's scenes were very emotional, but just at the right pitch. All the wistifulness, poingnancy and love ingrained in their relationshiship is there for us to see. I'm glad they have both found each other.
Author's reply
Thank you, Estelcontar... this chapter was a bit of a chair-gripper, wasn't it? Yes, I had to write Aragorn as fighting to the very last shred of strength. Even when he's down and it all looks hopeless, he still resists Elrond, trying to hide his true identity as long as he can. This was a bit of a gut-wrencher to write, actually, because I found myself wanting Aragorn to immediately accept Elrond and get on with the healing! But of course, he wouldn't, because there really was nothing trustworthy in that wretched place and he'd already been horribly fooled by "Halbarad". Anyway, I'm glad you liked it and thanks for the review!
Estelcontar
· 20 April 2009
· Chapter 21: At Hope's Edge
Poor Aragorn, this time he indeed did manage to make a mess of things, didn't he?
As I must have mentioned a thousand times, he should have taken Halbarad's wise adviced, and let Elrond know what's was going on with him. How did he expect weary and heavy-hearted as he was before meeting the Nazgûl to cope both with the effects of the black breath and of an infected wound?
I'm glad wise Gandalf was there to see what was going on. If I were him I would have clouted Aragorn on the head and taken him to Elrond immediately. LOL But it is a testament to Aragorn's strenght that he managed to fool even Gandalf about his real state of mind, and to resist so long against the combined effects of his own state of mind, the black breath and that infected wound.
liked the idea that Sauron had heard rumours about the Heir of Elendil and sent one of his Nazgûls to investigate. And it does even make more sense that Aragorn in his state of mind would feel guilty and responsible for the destruction and death this lead to.
See, I liked this one also, though I'm on tenterhooks to know what you're going to come up with in the next chapter.
Author's reply
Thank you, Estelcontar! Gosh, you're flying through these chapters, aren't you? I'm so glad you're getting caught up. *grin* And glad that you're leaving me all these lovely reviews. I do think Aragorn likely would have been able to pull off quite a charade, and did, but eventually his deteriorating state told the truth of the tale. You can't be that sick, for that long, and continue hiding it, and that finally happened with Aragorn. And I'm glad you liked the motivation for the Nazgul being in the region... that was the one thing that gave me the most issues in writing this, coming up with a reason for a wraith to be up there. Searching for the existence of the Heir seemed the most likely.
Thanks for the review!
Estelcontar
· 20 April 2009
· Chapter 20: Splintered Fragments
Again, you did a great job of describing Aragorn's inner struggle against his mounting despair. He should know better though, and seek Elrond's help. But no, he has even to try to deceive Gandalf. No a very wise move is it? I'm sure Gandalf will see through it though.
"I'm fine" - that is the understatement of the millenium.
Author's reply
Thank you, Estelcontar! I'm glad you liked how he dealt with all that despair piling up within him. He really has reached the near-breaking point, and now is not the time to try to fool anyone into thinking he's all right, is it! Thanks for the review!
Estelcontar
· 20 April 2009
· Chapter 19: No Answers
I fear Aragorn is very much still under the effects of the black breath. The stubborn ranger should let Erestor know how he felt, but no, he won't. He should listen more to Halbarad.
I liked your Erestor. I like his wistfulness for the vitality he felt in Bilfen, and I like his perceptiveness about Aragorn's despondency, and the fact that he took Aragorn to Aragorn's special spot in Rivendell, which he had made more comfortable. These little details tell a lot about his kindness, as does too the little bit about 'Erestor The Endless Elocutionist', which was also a most welcome touch of humour in a dark chapter.
Aragorn's inner struggle is very powerful and poignant. And I'm really, really happy that in spite of all you make him struggle on and not give in. I just wish that for once he would ask for help.
Can you tell I liked this chapter?
Author's reply
Hmm, yes, I think I can see that you liked this! LOL Thank you so, Estelcontar. Yes, this is about as low as a strong man like Aragorn can sink, isn't it? And it's not like him to have suicidal thoughts at all, so yes, the BB is still affecting him greatly. And yes, Aragorn would never actually give in, I don't think. He's too strong for that, despite everything. I'm happy you liked my Erestor... I really wanted to show that he's a very kindhearted person, with many of his own strengths but also just a tad bit eccentric. He's very much an empathetic person and can sense mood and mindset perhaps more quickly than others. All those years trying to read Elrond, I suppose!
Glad you enjoyed this and thanks for the review!
Minerva Organa
· 20 April 2009
· Chapter 24: These Wounds You Now Carry
*happy sigh*
What a lovely last chapter. Aragorn has finally allowed himself to grieve, which I'm sure is one of the most important things he can do on the road to recovery. And the exchange between him and Elrond was especially poignant. Even if things aren't 100% worked out between the two of them, at least they both know that their love hasn't diminished.
And those last few lines were *perfect*.
Author's reply
Thank you, Minerva! I'm so glad you liked this, and how it ended. :) Aragorn really did need to finally let go and let out all his grief, and with Elrond, it was safe for him to do that. I think even with Halbarad he might have felt a reserve, a need to be the strong leader. But Elrond is Ada, after all. I'm so glad you enjoyed the story and hope you also enjoy the epilogue, which is almost a story unto itself. Thanks for the review!
Thorongirl
· 20 April 2009
· Chapter 2: I Will Carry Your Sorrows
Oh yeah, he's fine all right. That could be taken more than one way, I suppose, but really, Aragorn? You're fine? Men. They're all alike, I swear it. I absolutely love Halbarad in this story. Writers like you and Meckinock have endeared him to me. But poor Aragorn. That poor man definitely needs a break and since I've already read everything you've written so far, I know he's not going to get one *eg*. 'Not now Halbarad. My heart is too sore.' *Melts* No, I wasn't counting this as one of my all-time favorites just based on the first few chapters, but I probably would have strongly considered it anyway. This is wonderful.
'Galadh nodded. Aragorn felt a faint stirring of wry humor as he watched Galadh dismount. A nod from that man amounted to a lengthy speech.' Very droll.
'He patted him and thought about the ancient Quenya words: May your sorrows now be ended, my friend. I will carry your sorrows. Lord Elrond had often whispered them in his ear when he was a small boy beset by heartaches that in his childishness he felt certain would end life itself.' Ah, I only just noticed this. Very well done. Is it too much to hope that you have even more stories in your vast repertoire of LOTR knowledge? Not that I would beg for another story when this one isn't even over...or would I? I think you know the answer. Fantabulous story.
Author's reply
Thank you, Thorongirl! I'm glad you like my take on Halbarad... Meckinock definitely inspired me to take a closer look at the relationship between Aragorn and Halbarad--I do love her Halbarad and hope I haven't borrowed him too much!
And yes, you're right in that Aragorn isn't going to be catching any breaks for quite a long time, I'm afraid.
"Vast repertoire of LOTR knowledge"??? *looking around to see who you might be talking to* LOL I'm glad my stories come across that way, but I don't really feel I'm any sort of expert at all. But I know people who are and ask a lot of questions. *grin* And I'm reading a lot so that someday I'll have a better handle on all things M-e. But I'm still very much new at all this. It's gratifying, though, to know that my stories don't seem full of mistakes. And yes I do have quite a number of story ideas and WIPs piled up that hopefully will see the light of day eventually.
Thanks for the review!
Larner
· 20 April 2009
· Chapter 24: These Wounds You Now Carry
Reassurance and release of grief--two things needed that day for healing to properly proceed! Yes, the right thing needed by both, as well as the poem he now reads that seems to mirror his own situation....
Lovely!
Author's reply
Thank you, Larner, and yes, I've always felt that Aragorn would feel a strong kinship with Beren and all he went through to win Luthien--it really is a parallel story to his own. It seemed a fitting end to the story. :) Thanks for reviewing, and hope you enjoy the epilogue as well.
curiouswombat
· 20 April 2009
· Chapter 24: These Wounds You Now Carry
Such a good last chapter - some degree of understanding between them and such weight lifted. I am looking forward to the epilogue, but with the bitter-sweet knowledge then it will be the end.
Author's reply
Thank you, curiouswombat! I'm so glad you enjoyed the entire story. Yes, it definitely is a bittersweet thing, even for me, coming to the end of it. I'm still wrestling a bit with the epilogue but it will come along later this week. Thank you for reviewing!
Inzilbeth
· 20 April 2009
· Chapter 24: These Wounds You Now Carry
No, this is it, this is definitely it! This one is my favourite chapter. It's been a long, wonderful, terrible, dreadful, painful journey but finally we get to the happy ending. *Breathes blissfully contented sigh*.
What can I say? A fabulous ending to a fabulous story!
Author's reply
Thank you, Inzilbeth! Yes, poor Aragorn really went through the wringer, didn't he, but yes, the happy ending did at last come. Loose ends to wrap up and some more to the story coming up in the Epilogue (which, gosh, could be a one-shot on its own, it's so long) but it does feel nice to be able to sigh with relief! Thanks for the review!
Jay of Lasgalen
· 20 April 2009
· Chapter 24: These Wounds You Now Carry
I love the talk that Aragorn had with Elrond - something that they both needed, I think.
And you have Trotter the Hobbit in here as well! LOLOL!!
Author's reply
Thanks, Jay... glad you liked the Trotter reference. *grin* And yes, Aragorn and Elrond worked a few things out, not least of which was Aragorn's bottled-up grief. And they cleared the air of the latest little bit of tension even if the underlying issue of betrothals is still a non-topic. Epilogue will go up this week--thank you for all your reviews! :)
Silivren Tinu
· 20 April 2009
· Chapter 24: These Wounds You Now Carry
Now that was just heartwarming. *huggles chapter* I loved that Aragorn was finally able to let go of his grief, and that things are finally right again between him and Elrond, or as right as they can be at this point.
It was so like Aragorn to try and fight his way out of bed in the state he was in! *wonders whether to be amused or exasperated* It's probably a good thing Elrond found him and not Halbarad. ;-)
I am glad Aragorn was able (and willing) to talk about what had been weighing on his mind for such a long time at last. I, too, was very happy to 'see' the light back in his eyes. :)
//know that you are no failure.// Trust Elrond to say just the right words at just the right time. I think no one else would have been able to reach Aragorn like that and finally enable him to give up control. *happy sigh*
That story about Estel pretending to be a captured Silvan Elf during his childhood was sweet. *g* And to imagine Estel as a hobbit named "Trotter" made me laugh!
No wonder Aragorn thought he would not be welcome in Rivendell any longer, after the kind of parting they had. Misunderstandings like that can be so painful, and it is kind of sad that it so often takes extreme situations to remember who and what is really important in life.
Well, I thoroughly loved this chapter and it's outcome! :)
Almut
Author's reply
Thank you, Almut! I'm glad you found the chapter heartwarming--that was how the story needed to wrap up, on a healing note. And you've pegged it as far as misunderstandings and the need for sometimes brutal reminders to make things right between people. I think Aragorn and Elrond both had their thinking adjusted with this, didn't they! Aragorn for his paranoia that Elrond doesn't love him, and Elrond for being a bit insensitive to how his handling of the betrothal situation might affect Aragorn in unexpected ways. So they've cleared the air a bit and that can only help.
Epilogue is next, and thanks for the review!