PSW · 2 October 2021 · Chapter 10: Lonely Journey South
Ooo, spooky. Tolkien’s world is so good for spooky … Enjoyed these!
Author's reply
Answering in one fell swoop: THANK YOU!!! I'm glad you enjoyed these little snippets. :)
Sons of Forgotten Kings by Cairistiona
Reviews (76)
PSW · 2 October 2021 · Chapter 7: Forty-Eleven
So, it’s Glorfindel’s fault that Estel wanted forty-eleven peppermint sticks as his ransom. Hmm …
PSW · 2 October 2021 · Chapter 6: Trust
❤️❤️❤️
Elentarri · 3 May 2012 · Chapter 10: Lonely Journey South
Hello Just checking if you are still alive? Looking forward to your next story, when you have it ready. Elentarri
Author's reply
LOL! Hi, elentarri, yes I'm still alive! I've just been working on original fiction that has a deadline attached to it, plus real life has been an absolute bear of late. But I'll be getting back to posting eventually. I wrote a lot of short pieces for Back-to-Middle-earth Month that I'll be putting together in a collection, and then I'll be back at work on the next Bowen Rushlight story. Thanks for checking on me! :)
Nefhiriel · 6 January 2012 · Chapter 10: Lonely Journey South
*shivers* Really vivid imagery! Very suited to the season for which it was written.
Author's reply
Thank you! I kind of had a creative wild hair with this one, writing something that's not quite my usual straightforward style. But when that snapshot of Aragorn walking through a dark, windy night toward even greater darkness to the south, sustained only by his own hope, popped into my head, I knew I had to try to capture the feel of it.
Nefhiriel · 6 January 2012 · Chapter 9: A Great Leader, Yes; A Great Chef... Not So Much
Poor Denlad. XD Love the camaraderie you always show so well between the rangers (even while they're making each other sick with their cooking).
Author's reply
Hee hee... thank you! Poor Denlad... he didn't deserve that, but I was inspired by RS' lovely drawing and he wasn't in it, so I had to figure out why. I imagine after that, he never ate Aragorn's cooking again. *g*
Nefhiriel · 6 January 2012 · Chapter 8: Rest, My Friend
Ah, Halbarad, always looking out for him. That is one of the many, many reasons I love you. Such a sweet little piece of friendship and h/c.
Author's reply
Thank you! I gotta be honest and say this is actually one of my favorite drabbles. I just love h/c and friendship and it was a lot of fun bringing this scene to life. I freely admit, Halbarad tending his King makes me all melty. *g*
Nefhiriel · 6 January 2012 · Chapter 7: Forty-Eleven
"'Now let’s go get yours so you can have a tummy ache just like I did!'" LOL. Doting!Glorfindel is officially as adorable as icke!Estel. And the two of them together? *dies* So cute.
Author's reply
Thank you! (I'm assuming you meant "ickle!Estel since I'm sure you don't find Estel icky in any way! *giggle*) I just love the idea of Glorfindel being a doting uncle. It's a side of him that I think fits with the "joyful" aspect Tolkien gave him. I like to think he and Estel had a very close bond and it's fun to explore that. Hopefully I'll come up with more... I'd love to do an entire series of Glorfindel & Estel stories. Someday!!
Nefhiriel · 6 January 2012 · Chapter 6: Trust
"'Eru is nice.' 'How do you know?' He shrugged. 'I just know.' He jumped lightly down and skipped away." D'aww. I wanna squish ickle!Aragorn, and is profound and adorable statements. Love the way you carry this kind of scene off, making it sweet but not goofy.
Author's reply
Thank you! I try not to let my little Estel stories bog down in treacle, so I appreciate your words immensely. :) And yes, I was definitely going for "profound" with this, working out in a drabble a trait of Aragorn's that's intrinsic to him alone, and present from the beginning, that of his 'estel'. Somehow he did "just know" and held onto that knowing through his entire life. No mean feat, that!
Nefhiriel · 6 January 2012 · Chapter 5: Rumors and Dreams
"'Suppose that’s why they’ve been skulking about all these years. Protecting us.' 'Guess I might have thought of ‘em a bit higher.'" Yay for rangers getting a little appreciation. I always feel a bit huffy in their defense against the Breelanders suspicions (even if I do get a kick out of Aragorn being so SCARY to hobbits, when in fanfiction I've come to think of him by default as Estel of Rivendell, still coming of age in many ways). Nope, that wouldn't just be my not-so-inner fangirl showing, at all. XD But the rangers really do deserve to be acknowledged for all their sacrifices. *nods*
Author's reply
Thanks! This was my first attempt at Bree-landers and I suppose could be considered the genesis for the entire Bowen Rushlight stuff that I've been working on these days. I'm with you... I get very huffy when I think of the prejudice shown against my Rangers!
Nefhiriel · 6 January 2012 · Chapter 3: Quietsong
"How he loved these moments, for the singing gave him peace, but always at the bittersweet cost of knowing that the cawing of the crebain sounded better than his own singing." Aw, Halbarad. But it's the spirit with which you sing. ^^ Aragorn should give him lessons. But now I need to hear Aragorn and the twins singing like this. NEED, I tell you. It makes me think of the scene where Sam and Frodo watch the elves heading for the west: a scene that never fails to make me tear up.
Author's reply
Thanks! And I know exactly what you mean... after I wrote that I had the most terrible, wistful need to *hear* the three of them sing. *sigh* I guess we'll just have to use our imaginations!
Nefhiriel · 6 January 2012 · Chapter 4: A Hunt Stymied
Hee! Aragorn with allergies. There's something I'd never thought about before. Poor guy. No Kleenex, no antihistamines... Although, maybe Elrond can come up with something. ^^
Author's reply
Hee hee... I was stretching the bounds of canon a bit by giving Aragorn allergies, but I was sneezing my way through spring and needed someone to commiserate with. *g*
Nefhiriel · 6 January 2012 · Chapter 2: First March, 3019
This is such a wonderful scene in the movies--the kind that gives me shivers up my spine. Love Aragorn's stunned-then-overjoyed reaction, and the way you captured it here. <3 One of the happiest moments evar. \o/
Author's reply
Thanks! Yes, the movie did a terrific job with that scene, didn't it. I love the book version all the more because of the nice long and warm conversation the Three Hunters then have with Gandalf. A terrific birthday gift for Aragorn, either version!
Nefhiriel · 6 January 2012 · Chapter 1: Behold Your King
I love how much you can fit into a few words. And I love Halbarad's incredulity over this "skinny, shaggy-haired lad," and how he quickly reconsiders his initial judgment. Not to mention the image of a young, lanky Aragorn is so, SO endearing. And then, of course, there's Halbard's reaction to their First Eye-Contact. *happy sigh* I'm a total sucker for first meeting scenes. (And, why YES, you are the "lucky" first author to be spammed because of my leave-more-reviews intention for the year. I really don't thank my favorite authors nearly enough by saying something. Bad Nef will do better. ^^)
Author's reply
Hee hee! I don't mind a bit being spammed by reviews! We likes review spam, we does, preciousssssss! And yes, do let authors know what you thought... as a writer yourself, you know how amazing that feels, after all. Very good New Year's resolution. *g* And now to reply to all of them and do a little review-reply spamming of my own: Thank you! Soooo glad you liked this. It was one of my earliest attempts at writing Halbarad, so when I do finally get my longer stories of Halbarad's younger days finished, this drabble doesn't really fit what my universe developed into, but hey, that's the fun of writing... ideas evolve! What hasn't changed, though, is Halbarad's at-first-sight evaluation of Aragorn as very special.
AzureSkye · 2 November 2011 · Chapter 10: Lonely Journey South
He may not need it, but now I'm curious: What would she see? Assuming she can actually read someone's fortune and isn't a fraud of course. Lovely as always!
Author's reply
Thank you, AzureSkye! I kind of wonder too what she might see... but given the night and the setting, probably nothing cheery and encouraging! She'd probably be like Morgoth with Hurin, only letting him see the bad stuff. :P
Estelcontar · 2 November 2011 · Chapter 10: Lonely Journey South
Lovely drabble! Eerie but not spooky at all. The ending is just about perfect. Hope Unquenchable, Thy Name is Aragorn.
Author's reply
Thank you, Estelcontar! I didn't think you'd find it too spooky. :) Glad you liked it!
Elentarri · 11 April 2011 · Chapter 9: A Great Leader, Yes; A Great Chef... Not So Much
I like these little bit-sized snippets. :D I love your rangers more though. Can you please write another Denlad, Aragorn + general ranger story please? Assuming one isn't already in the works. :D Your writing is brilliant.
Author's reply
Thank you, Elentarri... so glad you like these little snippets. And I do want to continue on with my "general Ranger" stories but at the moment the muses are, if not exactly hiding, sitting around with their arms folded refusing to cooperate. But I do have some longer stories in the works and some mid-length ones as well. Thanks for continue to read the small stuff in the meantime. :)
Tigger · 9 April 2011 · Chapter 9: A Great Leader, Yes; A Great Chef... Not So Much
Oh no!! I'm not sure who to feel sorrier for here. Denlad or Aragorn. I've been on both sides of that and it's not fun at ALL!! And since I know you'll ask... I made a Pasta Salad for a picnic up at our wood lot close to twenty one years ago now. Little did I know the Miracle Whip sitting out was intended for the Garbage. Mom had put it out so she wouldn't forget, but she forgot to tell me it was bad and... I was just happy it was during Summer Vacation and we didn't have to suffer stopping to puke or that other thing and then get back on the road and then stop again to get back home on a Sunday when the old house that was our Weekend/Holiday Camp was here. As a matter of fact, that picnic was held up there because my Parents were in the process of cutting down the trees and splitting the logs into the lumber used to build the current house on this spot. We know someone w/a portable logging rig, so he brought it up to the lot and in turn...Sure saved Mom and Dad a pile of money doing it that way I'll tell you. I wonder if they realize it's going to be 20 years in mid June the foundation was put in? I should mention that tomorrow and then giggle at the reactions. :oD Thanks for the story and those Poor Guys...Do the Healing Hands of the King extend to food poisioning when he's the one who was at fault for it? Or would some fraction of guilt dull it a bit due to all of that? ;o)
Author's reply
Hi there, Tigger! Good to hear from you! I have to say I've been fortunate not to be on either end of this situation, at least from food poisoning. I've been ill because of viruses but so far in life I've avoided bad mayo on pasta salad! LOL Gosh, what an awful thing to have happened to your pasta salad (and your family and you). I hope you all managed a good laugh out of looking back at it. :) And that's a very good question, does Aragorn's healing prowess weaken a bit when he's wracked with guilt! I can't really say that I know the answer to that one, but I have a feeling guilt might distract him a bit, at least temporarily. But I bet he'd scold himself out of his funk and get the job done. :) Thanks for the review!
Larner · 9 April 2011 · Chapter 9: A Great Leader, Yes; A Great Chef... Not So Much
Ah--MY Aragorn is a passable cook, but I can certainly see this happening. And Halbarad would certainly find himself in league with Sam Gamgee one day, had he survived the Pelennor! Heh! Love this!
Author's reply
Thank you, Larner! Glad you liked my spin on Aragorn's cooking skills... I figure there had to be *something* he wasn't particularly good at, and cooking seemed to be a logical choice. Isn't it fun to explore these unfurnished parts of a character's life!
Ainariel · 9 April 2011 · Chapter 9: A Great Leader, Yes; A Great Chef... Not So Much
I have enjoyed all the stories in this series, but this one made me chuckle...poor fellow can't be amazing at everything!! (Perhaps that is part of the reason he was so gracious to Eowyn in the movies!) Also, maybe in spending time around the Shire and hobbits, he can pick up a few tips/hints... Loved the drawing as well. I have a background in Art, and can do very well with most animals/landscapes, but people have always been a challenge for me. Really nice work - Thank you for sharing the link! Kudos to the artist!
Author's reply
Thank you, Ainariel! I'm so glad you've enjoyed all the chapters. And yes, there had to have been *something* Aragorn wasn't so great at... and a lack of cooking skills can provide for some fun comic moments like this. *g* RS is such an outstanding artist! I was so thrilled to get that drawing and finally "see" my version of the Rangers I use in my stories, Halbarad especially, in the flesh, so to speak. Writing a story for it was a real privilege. :)
Fantasia · 8 April 2011 · Chapter 9: A Great Leader, Yes; A Great Chef... Not So Much
Fortunately for Aragorn, he will have a cook after being King. Poor rangers.... Love the sketch!
Author's reply
Isn't that a lovely sketch?? And yes, poor Rangers, having to put up with Aragorn's cooking. I really think they need to stage a kitchen coup. ;) Thanks for the review!
Darkover · 8 April 2011 · Chapter 9: A Great Leader, Yes; A Great Chef... Not So Much
Dear Cairistiona: Your drabble was nicely-written and amusing to read. You are right, the drawing of Aragorn and his Rangers, upon which it was based, is indeed awesome. My compliments to the artist! Alas, apparently Denlad cannot offer his compliments to the chef! Thanks for writing and posting this, and for offering the link to the excellent artwork. Sincerely, Darkover
Author's reply
Thank you, Darkover! I'm very glad you enjoyed this little glimpse of a quieter moment amongst the Rangers--although not really a relaxing moment, at least for poor Denlad. And didn't RS do a great job on that drawing? She drew it as as a birthday gift for me after we'd discussed what Halbarad might look like, and she did such a wonderful job with him and all the Rangers that I had to come up with some sort of little story to go with it. Thank you so much for the review!
Larner · 24 March 2011 · Chapter 8: Rest, My Friend
Now and then even the king-to-be needs to be overruled, and particularly when going on as he has will in the end do no more good for anyone. Nice!
Author's reply
Thank you! I think it a strong possibility that Aragorn needed that stern reminder now and then to take care of himself as well as all the others he deemed more needy... and that Halbarad took it upon himself to be that stern voice of reason. We all need that mother hen at times!
Larner · 24 March 2011 · Chapter 7: Forty-Eleven
And neither his mother nor his foster father will thank Glorfindel for that tummy ache, I believe! As for Glorfindel's last thought--yes, I do believe it is true! Heh!
Author's reply
I think you're right about the tummy ache, unless Cook is wiser than Glorfindel. And if not, then I bet Glorfindel was assigned the all-night tummy rub duty. :)
Estelcontar · 17 March 2011 · Chapter 8: Rest, My Friend
Aragorn never learns, does he? When it comes to helping others he just forgets all his needs. He's lucky that Halbarad doesn't. I'm so glad you wrote this lovely drabble.
Author's reply
I'm very glad you liked this! And you're absolutely right... at least in my interpretation of him, Aragorn has a real stubborn streak when it comes to taking care of his own needs when he deems others' needs are greater. Thanks for the review!