Reviews (12)

LisaG · 1 March 2010 · Chapter 1: Beating Down the Pain

Haunting and heartbreaking story...very well written.

Elena Tiriel · 26 December 2009 · Chapter 1: Beating Down the Pain

Incredibly powerful writing, Rhyselle! I could feel my emotions pulling at me even just reading about the Rangers releasing their grief. I was reminded of Japanese Taiko drumming -- except that is a joyful noise. Very well done! - Barbara

Mirach · 17 December 2009 · Chapter 1: Beating Down the Pain

This was so sad and so beautiful, I felt the rhythm of the drumbs in my own body, and could feel something very strong and primal, the grief transformed into that rhythm. The loss of the Rangers and Halbarad in the War is as hard as the first loss of life of his friend that Aragorn witnessed, and you convey these emotions through music, not to the mind, but straight into the heart.

Fiondil · 2 May 2009 · Chapter 1: Beating Down the Pain

At last! I can finally review this wonderful story. I'm not into the Men's Movement, myself, although I'm familiar with it and have read up on it, so I found this story rather intriguing, especially the drumming which, as I understand it, is a major component of the Men's Movement. It's great to see these men pouring out their grief for their lost comrade in this manner. While reading this, I was thinking of some of Kitaro's music which employs Japanese drumming. I liked that even Elladan and Elrohir joined in the ritual and I have to wonder who thought of it to begin with, they or the Dúnedain? *grin* To see these men express their grief in a manner that in no way diminishes their maleness and allows them the release needed in a manner consonant with their culture, and yet there is no sense of shame attached to their actions, is very affiriming for me. I liked the ending where we see him decades later and know that he has taken this ritual and its purpose to heart. A great job, Rhyselle!

Raksha The Demon · 23 March 2009 · Chapter 1: Beating Down the Pain

A powerful look at the Dunedain and how they vent their frustration and sorrow. It felt very real.

Estelcontar · 21 March 2009 · Chapter 1: Beating Down the Pain

I really enjoyed your take on how the Dúnedain of Arnor dealt with their pain. A very moving and poignant story indeed.

Celeritas · 20 March 2009 · Chapter 1: Beating Down the Pain

I loved this peek into Ranger culture! The idea of using drums to grieve reminded me of how much they actually lived in the wild--I wonder if the custom was developed after the loss of their king or if this is some older element resurfacing? The very end was quite sad--but I imagine this is how Halbarad would have wanted to be mourned.

Idril Celebrindal · 20 March 2009 · Chapter 1: Beating Down the Pain

Very moving! I am glad I didn't read this yesterday I had to attend a funeral and this would have sent me over the edge. Idril

Linda Hoyland · 19 March 2009 · Chapter 1: Beating Down the Pain

I just loved this.What a powerful and moving story!The idea of the ritual was inspired.

Silmarien · 19 March 2009 · Chapter 1: Beating Down the Pain

Brilliant; I teared up reading this.

Kaylee · 19 March 2009 · Chapter 1: Beating Down the Pain

Aiii, poor Aragorn! Poor Rangers, losing one of their own in such a brutal fashion, and Aragorn's first friend there as well! I can only hope that when Hal...barad...*sheepish look* joined him in the Presence, Halbarad told him all that Aragorn had been up to! The drumming was exquisite...I, too, could almost hear the thudding and the wail of the pipes, helped along of course by the Wicked Tinkers CD I'd had playing! I could feel the Rangers' grief; it was done very well. And I'd have paid to see Aragorn's face when he choked on the spirits in the cup. *wry grin* I'm wondering whatever happened to Hildurin's son... ~Kaylee!

Calenlass Greenleaf · 19 March 2009 · Chapter 1: Beating Down the Pain

Powerfully haunting, beautiful and sad. *sniffs* Simply exquisite writing. ~Cal