Raksha The Demon
· 19 April 2009
· Chapter 24: These Wounds You Now Carry
Finally, that long-overdue father/son talk! I think Aragorn will begin to truly heal now.
What did Elrond's Elvish words mean (and was it Quenya or Sindarin)?
Loved the image of Little Estel playing Trotter the Hobbit Ranger, as per Tolkien's early LOTR plotlines...
Author's reply
Thank you, Raksha... yes, Aragorn's well on the way to full healing, at least as full as it can be, from his ordeal. I think the title of the chapter says it best: he will carry wounds... or at least painful scars... from this, as his reaction to the memory of the Nazgul shows in FOTR. But he is stronger now, thanks to the help of Elrond.
The words are Quenyan... explained by Elrond himself as he speaks (I hate making readers scroll down for translations, so the translation is provided in context). They're also the same words that Aragorn used to calm Mallor's horse back in chapter two: "May your sorrows now be ended. I will carry your sorrows." In my "universe", those words were also spoken by Maglor to Elrond when he was an understandably terrified and sorrowing child.
And yes, couldn't resist a chance to toss in the Trotter reference. :)
Epilogue is next, so we're nearly done. Thank you for the review!
Calenlass Greenleaf
· 19 April 2009
· Chapter 24: These Wounds You Now Carry
*sniffs*
So...many Elrond-and-Estel moments. It's like dessert, only ten times better. :)
I can't tell you how much I love this chapter and the story. So, so much.
Thanks for writing!
~Cal
Author's reply
Thank you, Cal! I'm so glad you enjoyed this story and this chapter; poor Estel really had a lot of heartbreak to work out, didn't he? Good that he has Elrond to help him let it all out. Now for the epilogue and we'll be finished. Thanks for all the reviews! :)
Ainu Laire
· 19 April 2009
· Chapter 24: These Wounds You Now Carry
Pretended he was a hobbit and called himself Trotter! Hah, brilliant! Love little things like that, yes.
This was a lovely- and likely very much needed- conversation between the two. And it really figures that Aragorn would choose that book out of a pile of books. XD
Author's reply
Thanks, Laire, I'm glad you liked the little Trotter bit. *grin* And yes, it's not hard to imagine that that particular tale might be one of Aragorn's favorite and something to reach for, however clumsily, to speed along his convalescence. Now it's left to simply get well physically, and get back out to his people. Epilogue still to come. :)
Thanks for the review!
Thorongirl
· 18 April 2009
· Chapter 1: Foreboding
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. So very, very, very sad. Poor Aragorn (who, to the surprise of no one, I also picture as Viggo - nothing like good old fashioned intellectual eye candy:), what a tragic day this must have been. "Seventeen dead," Halbarad grunted, then added softly, "Sixteen of them orcs." That poor boy. You are already making me weep (although, truth be told I read this chapter the day you posted it -- it can still make me cry). Marvelous, marvelous writing in this story. This might make it into my top ten all-time LOTR fanfics. BTW, I love the way you write Aragorn amongst the Dunedain.
"The Dúnedain chieftain grunted as he was slammed with teeth-rattling force against the bole of one of those golden-shrouded trees." Excellently written. Exciting, captivating and just plain fascinating. I am going to be very sorry when it's over. Meanwhile, I am completely enthralled.
Author's reply
LOL! "Intellectual eye candy", I like that! Thank you, Thorongirl, for a lovely review. I'm glad this first chapter grabbed at your heartstrings, and I do hope as you continue reading, it continues to stir the emotions--but yes, a bit too early to be calling it anywhere near the top 10! LOL But I do hope by the end you feel it hasn't tanked completely. Enjoy reading the rest and let me know now and then how you're finding it! Thanks again for the review!
Lily Baggins
· 17 April 2009
· Chapter 23: On the Road of Returning
I am in utter bliss after reading this chapter! What beautiful moments between Aragorn and Elrond, especially the tears shimmering in Elrond's eyes. Absolutely wonderful. And Elrond was so kind and patient and didn't reprimand Aragorn, but let him know in no uncertain terms that he went too far this time, and that it nearly cost him his life.
And the part with Halbarad was just adorable---Halbarad's just like a little kid, unable to keep from waking him up. Loved their dialogue there, in what started out as humor and then transitioned into such seriousness and loyalty. You've done a perfect job of keeping the story realistic here between men.
Oh my, how I adored the first few paragraphs detailing Aragorn's feverish bouts, with various people ministering to him. Last time, you said you were planning a one-shot from Elrond's POV during the healing of the BB. Oh, I'm so excited about that! I would absolutely DIE to see the same during the fever bout, from the POV of Elrond, with Gandalf there, etc. To see Aragorn so vulnerable and ill and needing care and calming. May I grovel and beg for a wee bit of that someday? :)
I worshiped you before--I idolize you now!
Author's reply
Oh, Lily, you always make me smile! I'm so glad you liked all of this... and what an interesting thought, to expand the fever scenes from Elrond's POV. I may have to try that. I have pictured Elrond after finally bringing Aragorn back and then after Aragorn falls asleep, so maybe I will give it a go. Have to see what the muse does.
I'm especially glad you felt that the exchange between Halbarad and Aragorn is realistic between two men. I try very hard not to go overboard with emotions and make the men seem more like women, but sometimes when it *is* an emotionally fraught scene, I worry I may have gone too far. So your assurance is nice to hear! Same with Elrond... I wanted fatherly love and support but nothing too treacly or sentimental. Crossing fingers I don't ever mess that up!
Thanks so much for your review!
Silivren Tinu
· 17 April 2009
· Chapter 23: On the Road of Returning
I think poor Aragorn really needed a nice, sweet, relaxing chapter after all that excitement. Especially since he isn't able to do anything but relaxing at the moment, anyway. ;-)
I liked that he was never left alone during the time of his feverish dreams, and I loved that the first thing he saw when he finally woke up was Elrond. //"My son came home at last and I nearly let him die."// Poor Elrond, finding Aragorn in such a state much have been quite a shock, to say the least. It seems he's feeling quite guilty himself. The two of them definitely need to talk - once Aragorn is able to keep his eyes open for more than a few minutes. *g*
I knew it wouldn't be possible to keep Halbarad in bed once he learned what had happened to Aragorn. And of course Halbarad couldn't wait until Aragorn woke again - I can't blame him for wanting to make sure right away that his chieftain was alright. Aragorn should better keep his oath to him, poor Halbarad really doesn't deserve such a fright. The ending was so sweet. *huggles Halbarad*
Once again, I loved this chapter! :)
Almut
Author's reply
Thank you, Almut! Yes, Halbarad *finally* got his promise from Aragorn and I do think Aragorn will keep it. Hopefully. And Halbarad is very content now... he's over in the corner humming happily to himself, actually. ;)
And yes, Elrond and Aragorn will be having more talks in the final chapter. Still some big things Aragorn needs to work through, with his ada's loving help. :)
Thanks for reviewing!
Linda Hoyland
· 16 April 2009
· Chapter 23: On the Road of Returning
What a beautiful chapter! I just loved this,first the scene with Elrond and then the wonderful scene with Halbarad.Very well written indeed!
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Linda! I'm glad you enjoyed both "halves" of this chapter. Our poor beleaguered Halbarad finally got what he needed most--Aragorn's solemn oath to BEHAVE. *grin* Thanks for the review!
Minerva Organa
· 16 April 2009
· Chapter 23: On the Road of Returning
N'aaawwwww!!!!
I wish I had something more meaningful/constructive/articulate to say. But I'm having trouble wiping this silly grin off my face.
The exchange between Halbarad/Aragorn was particularly lovely.
Author's reply
Hee hee! Silly grins are good. :) Thank you, Minerva! I'm glad you liked this, and especially the Halbarad/Aragorn part... I just love their friendship! Thanks for the review!
Elflingimp
· 16 April 2009
· Chapter 23: On the Road of Returning
Such an emotional chapter, it brought tears to my eyes,(sniff) but at least now Aragorn will be okay once again! Hug The Imp
Author's reply
Yes, Imp, Aragorn's on the way... still a bit to go yet but soooo much better now than he was. Thanks for the review!
Larner
· 16 April 2009
· Chapter 23: On the Road of Returning
Definitely a comfort to each as he begins the returnt to health again.
The Enemy seeks to turn the ally into an enemy, to sow seeds of dissension and distrust, even in dreams. I am glad that Elrond was able to draw both back from the brink.
Author's reply
Well said, Larner... it really is Sauron's way to twist good to evil to suit his purposes. Nasty bit of business, Sauron! Thanks for the review!
Larner
· 16 April 2009
· Chapter 22: Deliverance
Ah--find myself glad that Gandalf is there as well, and that his fea was found before it was quite lost in the falseness of the dream. Deliverance indeed!
Author's reply
Thank you, Larner... I do think that Elrond no doubt relied heavily on Gandalf and Erestor both during this time, although we don't see that because we're looking at this story strictly through Aragorn's eyes. But yes, a relief that deliverance came! Thanks for the review!
Elentarri
· 16 April 2009
· Chapter 23: On the Road of Returning
Brilliant! Love the Halbarad and Aragorn dialogue. I also love your Elrond. Are there any more Elrond bits?
Thanks!
Author's reply
Thank you, Elentarri, I'm glad you liked Aragorn and Halbarad's exchange, and yes, there's more Elrond to come. :) Thanks for the review!
Fantasia
· 16 April 2009
· Chapter 23: On the Road of Returning
Beautiful chapter, loved it! very touching the friendship of Aragorn and Halbarad. And yes, Elrond is very cryptic with his answers, I always thought him more elf than man.
Thank you and see you Monday...
Author's reply
Thank you, Fantasia! I'm with you as well on Elrond: I do think by this point (and probably even from the point at which he chose the fate of the Firstborn) that he was very much more Elf than Man in his thinking and actions. I think there probably were also bits of Man in him, but by far, he's Elf. I'm glad you liked the chapter and the bits between Aragorn and Halbarad. Thanks for the review!
Inzilbeth
· 16 April 2009
· Chapter 22: Deliverance
I can't quite decide which is my favourite chapter in the whole of this excellent story but this is a hot contender. Quite brilliant!
Author's reply
Thank you, Inzilbeth! It's one of my favorites as well... and like you, I can never decide which is my own favorite. I know which *aren't* my favorites but to try to choose one as *the* favorite... can't seem to do it. I'm just glad you liked this chapter so well. Thanks for the review!
Inzilbeth
· 16 April 2009
· Chapter 23: On the Road of Returning
I love this chapter! I know I've told you many times before and I don't really know what else to add; I just love it!
Author's reply
LOL... no need to elaborate at all, no. I'm glad you still liked it with the bits I added that you hadn't seen. :) Thanks for the review!
Calenlass
· 16 April 2009
· Chapter 23: On the Road of Returning
And...only now did I realize I sent the review anonymously. *facepalm* My bad! I thought I put my information up!
~Cal
Author's reply
LOL... I didn't even notice, since you signed it "Cal". So it wasn't *really* anonymous. *grin*
Anonymous
· 16 April 2009
· Chapter 23: On the Road of Returning
//My son came home at last...
The words cast a warm glow in Aragorn’s heart, but it was overshadowed by dismay. He could not allow his father to take any blame in this fiasco. "No, Ada. Do not blame yourself." He licked his lips. Speaking at length was proving very difficult. "My fault... for hiding it." //
Awww...:)
//"You should purge the word ‘fine’ from your vocabulary. I never want to hear it coming from your mouth again."//
You really ought to, Aragorn. Listen to Ada! *grin*
//"Sleep, my liege. I will watch over you, as I always have." //
Loved this moment.
Great writing!
~Cal
Author's reply
Thanks, Cal! I'm glad you liked this, and especially glad you liked Halbarad's line at the end... that's my favorite one of the whole chapter (I just can't get enough of those moments where Halbarad treats Aragorn like the king he'll be!). And yes, let's hope he listens to Ada from here on! Thanks for the review!
Marethiel
· 16 April 2009
· Chapter 23: On the Road of Returning
Aw, drat... I hate crying this early in the morning...
Just beautiful. Your wonderful Halbarad is real.. He's so freaking real he could stand up and walk from the pages, just as solidly as Viggo Mortensen created Aragorn for a whole generation.
Beautifully done, my dear. Congratulations. Now... NEXT?!!!
:-)
~Marethiel
Author's reply
Thank you, Marethiel! That does my heart so good to hear you say Halbarad could walk out of the pages just like Viggo did with Aragorn. *sigh* If only he had been included in the movies... but then again, if he'd been poorly portrayed, maybe its best to leave him to our imagination. Any rate, I'm so glad you liked this and wow, moved you to tears! I'm glad, which sounds cruel, but you know what I mean. *grin* More healing yet to go... we're nearly done, though. One more chapter and a rather long epilogue. So next week's postings will mark the end of this particular journey in Aragorn's life.
Thanks for the review!
Raksha The Demon
· 14 April 2009
· Chapter 22: Deliverance
Awwww. Every guy needs a father like Elrond to come home to when the going gets really, really tough. Hope things improve for Aragorn now!
Author's reply
Isn't Elrond a great father? :) Thanks for the review, Raksha!
Minerva Organa
· 14 April 2009
· Chapter 22: Deliverance
This is such an incredible story, really. The way you describe Aragorn's struggles/nightmares...such good imagery, it's so easy to imagine being there. The parts with Elrond were also really poignant.
Definitely a big sigh of relief after Elrond brought him back. Slowly but surely, he's getting there...
Author's reply
Thank you, Minerva! Yes, Aragorn's slowly getting his long overdue healing--still a ways to go yet but he's definitely making progress and in the right place for it. I'm glad you're enjoying the story--thanks for the review!
Silivren Tinu
· 14 April 2009
· Chapter 22: Deliverance
Your description of the dark world Aragorn found himself in at the beginning of the chapter was a masterpiece. I guess that's what Middle-earth would have looked like if Sauron had won. *shivers* Poor Aragorn. *huggles him*
I loved your idea of including the eagle and the star and of letting them be the means for Elrond to find Aragorn. Your description of Elrond when he first appeared in that dream world was beautiful (//Shimmering with light and more radiant and powerful than Aragorn had ever seen him//). Judging from what Aragorn read in his face (and in Erestor's later on) it must have been a close call. I loved the conversation between Elrond and Aragorn and how Aragorn step by step began to believe that it was truly his father there, come to rescue him.
The atmosphere in the healing room was such a relief after that dark nightmare! Friendly (if slightly drawn) faces, athelas, water, and a hug - what more can you want? *g* Judging from Aragorn's interpretation of the sorrow he saw in Elrond's eyes, I think the two of them still have a lot of talking to do, though. Fortunately, I think Elrond is quite aware of that, too.
Well, that chapter was a nice rollercoaster ride. *breathes again* It's so nice that Aragorn is finally healed from whatever that Nazgul did to him! Loved it. :)
Almut
Author's reply
Thanks, Almut! Glad you liked this wild chapter... that's a very good point you make. Arda likely would have looked like Aragorn's nightmare if Sauron had won. Doesn't bear thinking about, does it!
And yes, Elrond shimmering with light was an indication of just how near death Aragorn was... he was seeing Elrond sort of like Frodo saw Glorfindel--in his true glory. I figure even a Half-Elf would have that same sort of look, especially as powerful a healer and Lord as Elrond was.
It was quite a battle for Elrond... for all of them, really, but especially for Elrond. Hard enough to call one back from the BB but even more so when it's your own son... all those emotions piled on top. Elrond had a hard time of it but he came through. :)
Now to heal everything else! Thanks for the review!
Lily Baggins
· 13 April 2009
· Chapter 22: Deliverance
Oh my goodness---this was SO worth waiting for!!!!!
What a chapter! Chilling, frightening for Aragorn, and yet so sweet and poignant at the same time. I absolutely loved the Aragorn-Elrond dynamic here, and your descriptions of Aragorn's despairing dreams and nightmares were awesome. Especially him equating his arm pain with chains, when it was actually Erestor cleaning his arm.
I'm quite sure I liked Elrond's little kisses on the brow best, though (maybe it's because the fangirl in me longs to do the same thing and I'm living vicariously?). But in all seriousness, while I adored the LOTR movies I sorely missed the fatherly love between Aragorn and Elrond, and fics such as this one fill that gap so nicely. Your moments here were so incredibly tender---of the sort I'm always looking for but too rarely find in fic---I'm surprised I didn't turn into a goo puddle right here in my chair.
I thought I read you saying that Aragorn has some healing yet to go. Oh, please tell me that perhaps the healing moments are not over? That perhaps there is more tending and TLC to come? Mayhap more pain and discomfort from the infection? I'm absolutely dying for more sick and feverish Aragorn as you write him, especially when Elrond and Gandalf are involved in his caretaking.
I shall quit droning now. I fear I love a great fanfic a little too much!
Author's reply
Thank you, Lily! And please, feel free to drone on as long as you want! I quite like the sound of your droning. *grin*
The movies did sort of short-change us on the healing/comfort end of things, didn't they... especially with Aragorn. We had to be happy with him simply being so strong that he didn't need help, for the most part. And yes, wouldn't it have been wonderful to have seen the tenderness between Elrond and Aragorn. Ah well, that's what makes fanfiction so nice. I'm very glad you like how I render it... it's a little tricky, because I don't want to ever let it fall into sentimentality, because these are two men we're dealing with. So I'm glad it all evoked the right feelings. (And when this story is all finished, I do plan on posting a bit of an "extra scene", of the healing of the BB from Elrond's POV... I had to write that out first, to see what really happened, since Aragorn was unconscious and wouldn't tell me! LOL)
And yes, there's still more to come with this tale. Aragorn's a sick puppy still, even though the BB is now dealt with.
Thanks for the review!
Linda Hoyland
· 13 April 2009
· Chapter 22: Deliverance
Poor Aragorn to see such dreadful visions under the influence of the Shadow.Thank Goodness Elrond could reach him. I just hope he is made to rest and get his strength back now.
Author's reply
Yes, let's hope so! Thank you for the review, Linda!
Marethiel
· 13 April 2009
· Chapter 22: Deliverance
Aragorn nodded and closed his eyes. He was so tired, and still in so much pain. But there was a spaciousness, a weightlessness, within him that had not been there in a long, long time. Gone was any trace of a dark shadow, and as he dared turn his thoughts toward the Nazgûl, he felt only memory, like so many of his other memories of horrific events and bitter tragedies and hard-won and hard-lost battles. Wrenching and sorrow-filled and still so fresh that it almost brought physical pain, but still... it was merely a memory. Nothing more. He sighed softly and looked again at Elrond. His father was watching him with a curious expression – a wistfulness, but with a depth of sorrow that only immortal elves could know.
"Adar?" he said softly, asking with his eyes questions he had no strength to speak.
Elrond blinked, then a ghost of a smile lit his face. He laid a hand against Aragorn’s cheek and the sorrow fled from his eyes. "Worry not," he said. "I am not troubled. Not any more."
Aragorn frowned, not accepting the words. He knew what had put the sorrow in Elrond’s eyes – his betrothal to Arwen, his failure as a leader... so many, many things, but mostly his love for Arwen. But he dared not speak of it, so he simply whispered, brokenly, "I am sorry, Adar."
Elrond’s eyes filled with concern. "Shh. You have nothing to be sorry for, my son. Cease your worries, Estel, for there is truly no need." He pulled the blanket up closer to Aragorn’s chin and smoothed it over his arms. "Now get some sleep. There will be time for talk later."
This is the Elrond I believe in; not the version that snapped "She stays for YOU. She belongs with her people!" from Jackson's films.
Beautiful evoked; well done! I love it. Our poor Aragorn... but now safe in his Ada's care.
~Marethiel
Author's reply
Thank you, Marethiel! I do think most of us prefer the book version of Elrond to the movies... much as I love the movies, I usually have to fast forward during the Elrond bits. Except for the end where he whispers to Arwen to "Go on" with that happy/sorrowful look on his face as he brings her to newly crowned King Elessar. That was perfect.
Anyway, glad you liked this chapter and like my take on Elrond. I see them as having a relationship that is loving, but occasionally has tense moments or misunderstandings because of Arwen. But I would think Elrond would drop everything in a heartbeat when his son is in dire straits of any sort. So to that end, it was really fun making sure he gave Aragorn all the loving care he desperately needs here.
Thanks for the review!
Jay of Lasgalen
· 13 April 2009
· Chapter 22: Deliverance
Oh, I just love Elrond here - his power, his patience, his love. No-one else could have called Aragorn back from the dark place where he'd hidden himself.
Author's reply
Thank you, Jay! I agree... Elrond was the only hope Aragorn had, really, because as strong as he was, there was a limit to how much healing of the BB he could have managed on his own, especially weakened as he was by fever and infection. Aragorn still has much healing to go, but at least the BB is gone. Thanks for reviewing!