Reviews (222)

BeeGee · 28 November 2009 · Chapter 13: Epilogue: Strong Arms and Spilled Blood

I enjoyed this to the end! Even though i felt in my old bones that the Southron would reappear, your twist on it really surprised me. I enjoy your Rangers, and hope to have Ferdinand return in another adventure.

Ellynn · 28 November 2009 · Chapter 13: Epilogue: Strong Arms and Spilled Blood

So, what to say in the end? I love humour, hope and bitter tones in the last chapter, you made a good combination of all that. And for the whole story... more or less, I've already told you everything - I LOVE your writing style, characters and characterization. Your characters - both OC's and canon ones - are much better than so many characters in so many published books. Thank you for this wonderful story. P.s. We want more Ferdinand and especially Denlad. *sweet puppy look*

Radbooks · 28 November 2009 · Chapter 13: Epilogue: Strong Arms and Spilled Blood

A most enjoyable story! Thanks for sharing it!

shirebound · 28 November 2009 · Chapter 13: Epilogue: Strong Arms and Spilled Blood

Two other customers had joined him and stared up at him with suspicion darkening their eyes. He thought then of Ferdinand Took, of his many small kindnesses and encouraging words and selfless bravery What a great story, full of suspense, humor, hope, and lovely h/c. Denlad and Halbarad are wonderful characters in your hands. I suspect that it's the small moments, like meeting Ferdinand, that contribute towards Aragorn holding to his lonely, difficult path.

Larner · 28 November 2009 · Chapter 12: 'Ware a Hobbit Throwing Stones

I would still like to know who it was who sent these Southrons here after Aragorn, and how they knew what signs to seek to know him, for it is obvious he was their primary target. And an excellent introduction to the capabilities of Hobbits meeting Ferdinand had proved. Yes, I do believe it would be very wise for him to get himself back to the Tooklands! Heh! Wonderful story!

Lily Baggins · 27 November 2009 · Chapter 12: 'Ware a Hobbit Throwing Stones

I must admit I was so pleasantly surprised by Ferdinand! Not that I would have expected any less from such a brave little soul. How darling that he assigned himself to the task of being Aragorn's bodyguard. :) Poor Denlad is going to be more haunted by the fact that the Southron could have killed Aragorn than by his own arrow wound, I'm sure. I'm so glad Denlad only suffered an arrow wound and nothing worse---I can't bear to think of him being killed off. What lovely banter between them all at the end! This was a wonderful chapter and I'm very sad to see that the story seems to be wrapping up. I'll miss Ferdinand terribly---and hope hope hope you have more stories on your plate featuring our favorite ranger and his cronies. Looking forward to the epilogue---and a little sad, too, of course, that it will be the last chapter.

Lily Baggins · 27 November 2009 · Chapter 11: Of Mushroom Stew and Wise Counsel

Oh my gosh I adore this chapter! Oh my gosh, oh my gosh---where to start? Well, with Aragorn waking up, I suppose, though the absolute HIGHLIGHT was when he got ill after the mushroom stew. Sagging in Halbarad's arms, no less. :) *nods* I am a little odd, but I YEARN for more stomach ailments and vomiting in fics. Believe me, I'm not being sarcastic---I'm utterly truthful here! :) There's something about it that makes a character so human and utterly vulnerable. Actually, no fic can have too much gritty realism to it, for my taste, when it comes to illness and hurt/comfort--the more detailed, the lovelier it is. And how perfect when Aragorn mentally forgave Halbarad upon realizing what a gentle nurse Halbarad is! And the part with Halbarad instinctively realizing that Aragorn needs a pillow under his head... that was wonderful. This is truly a h/c lover's dream fic. I'm in love with it.

Erulisse · 25 November 2009 · Chapter 12: 'Ware a Hobbit Throwing Stones

This has been a very enjoyable exercise in differing characters under pressure. Ferdinand is a great character - I'm going to miss him when I read more "standard" hobbit stories. I have enjoyed every chapter and I'll be sorry to see this end.

Minerva Organa · 25 November 2009 · Chapter 12: 'Ware a Hobbit Throwing Stones

Oh, you put in my favorite poem!! Yay!!! And just when they think they're all safe...they're totally not! I liked that in the end Ferdinand was the one who saved the day...not a sword or an arrow but a well placed stone =). I'm gonna miss that hobbit!

Estelcontar · 25 November 2009 · Chapter 12: 'Ware a Hobbit Throwing Stones

I should have known that this being a story of yours, I should have expected something happening to our poor rangers. I imagine how guilty poor Denlad must have felt when he saw that southron showing up and threatening them so. It was a very tense and suspenseful and vivid scene indeed. I cheered Ferdinand and his stone throwing skills, and was very glad to see Aragorn on his two feet again, and able to take care of himself once more. I loved the beginning. It was very delightful to see Aragorn sandwiched between two such doughty protectors. The pint-sized bodyguard had me chuckling out loud. The ending was great to. I could just picture irrepressible Ferdinand banging a beat on his spider and singing that delicious hobbit song. Just lovely Hopefully nothing untoward is going to happen in the epilogue. Anyway, I'm keeping my fingers crossed to help their chances. *wide grin*

Silivren Tinu · 25 November 2009 · Chapter 12: 'Ware a Hobbit Throwing Stones

"One small hobbit likely cannot save the world, after all." If only he knew! *g* Having that Southron show up again really was mean! I'm glad he's truly and without a doubt dead now, thanks to a certain valiant hobbit. Perhaps it would have been a good idea to let hobbits guard rangers, instead of the other way around. :D Ferdinand definitely seems to be up to the job. Poor Denlad - you just had to let him get shot when no one expected any danger anymore, didn't you? *g* Well, at least it wasn't Aragorn - I don't think poor Halbarad had survived finding his chieftain half-dead for a second time. Those guys really need something like a portable House of Healing. I will really be sad when the time comes to say goodbye to Ferdinand - I guess I'm going to miss him whenever I read the books now. ;-)

Dreamflower · 25 November 2009 · Chapter 12: 'Ware a Hobbit Throwing Stones

*very huge grin* Oh, there are few things I enjoy more than a stone-throwing hobbit saving the day! It just tickles me pink! This story has been so fun to read-- I will keep your Ferdinand in my heart as one of my favorite OCs!

Dreamflower · 25 November 2009 · Chapter 11: Of Mushroom Stew and Wise Counsel

It's nice to see Aragorn making a recovery-- and enjoying Ferdinand's cooking at last. Halbarad is such a good caretaker for his friend-- I love the way you show their friendship.

Fantasia · 25 November 2009 · Chapter 12: 'Ware a Hobbit Throwing Stones

What a great chapter! Good that help arrived; our friends really needed some support. I was so worry for them. Cairistione, you are so good with details, I liked when you explained how they burn the bandages to keep the camp clean, the wild is really a very septic place, my mother in law is a retired nurse and she always said that most of the time what complicates wounds is the septicemia provoked by the lack of cleanness and not too much for the lack of medicine. Love our Ferdinand-David, wonderful. I really, really like Denlad, and now he has foresight, he was so close to the true. Poor Halabarad, he can't leave them alone for one second, they got in trouble as soon he turns his back. Well, hope that they all get well and back to rangering, and of course to more problems. Happy Thanksgiving!

shirebound · 25 November 2009 · Chapter 12: 'Ware a Hobbit Throwing Stones

You have shown us your very high quality, and few have such opportunities in life to stand up and count for something as you have done. Should you do nothing more than return home to farm quietly in your Shire for the rest of your days, what you have done for me, and my men, is no small legacy. What a wonderful thing to say to Ferdinand. I really love the interactions in this story, and your wonderful characters.

Ellynn · 25 November 2009 · Chapter 12: 'Ware a Hobbit Throwing Stones

So, the Southron did return! I thought this might happen. A little bit of tension and action again - well done. :) Btw, here's a small astronomical tip: when seen in the dawn, Venus is always above eastern horizon; when seen in the evening, Venus is always above western horizon. It can not be any other way, which means that you can't see it in the west in the morning. ;) (this is an astronomer speaking ;) )

utfrog · 25 November 2009 · Chapter 12: 'Ware a Hobbit Throwing Stones

A fine story, well told. Happy Thanksgiving!

Inzilbeth · 24 November 2009 · Chapter 11: Of Mushroom Stew and Wise Counsel

I did so enjoy seeing Aragorn receiving some much needed care and attention. Very well done, as always. A note on the anonymous reviewer. As your beta who has also considering the canon implications of every line of both this story and ‘At Hope’s Edge’, I feel it might be appropriate for me to add to the comments of those who have already come to the defence of your most excellent story. We know very little about the religious beliefs of the Dúnedain. Estelcontar in an earlier review has already quoted from the most informative of the available passages. We do know that Aragorn is destined to become a Priest-king who will re-establish the traditions of the Númenoreans of giving thanks to Eru. We also know that he is uniquely educated among his men because of his Elvish upbringing and, whether because of this or because of events which happen later in his life, ultimately he has the Hope and the faith to relinquish his life willingly in a manner that, as far as we know, no one has done since the destruction of Númenor. He is also the leader of a failing people. It seems to me to be entirely consistent that he would, on occasion and in his capacity as chieftain, need to offer words of encouragement or comfort, which might well include mention of Eru and the hope of a better life beyond the bleak one of their present existence. As to the Nazgûl question, Raksha has already outlined the additional information on their whereabouts which we are given in UT. We do know that either two or three of the Nazgûl remained at Dol Guldor after Sauron returned to Mordor. We know that when Gandalf entered Dol Guldor in 1850 seeking Thrain, he discovered the Sauron was seeking Isildur’s heir. We also know that the Witch-king himself never returned to Eriador after his defeat at the Battle of Fornost but we no not know that none of those who remained in Dol guldor didn’t. And given that they are actively seeking Isildur’s heir, it does seem sensible that they should, at least occasionally, seek him in Isildur’s former kingdom. They were not to know that the intrepid ranger has spent most of his adult life travelling the length and breadth of Middle-earth. I’m not suggesting that the absence of a definite denial on Tolkien’s part should automatically be taken as a green light for any interpretation. The degrees of probability have to be measured, but in this case, I feel Cairstiona has made a good call, and, furthermore, by taking the initiative to label this story as AU she ought to have forestalled any criticism along those lines.

Larner · 24 November 2009 · Chapter 11: Of Mushroom Stew and Wise Counsel

Ah, if only he could be fully candid. Young Ferdibrand perhaps knows a bit more than he realizes! Hidden kings and rings that help hide.... Lovely!

Calenlass Greenleaf · 23 November 2009 · Chapter 11: Of Mushroom Stew and Wise Counsel

Loved the banter between Aragorn and Halbarad. You balance the atmospheres of the chapters--going from tense to angst to humourous in such a nice way. :) I really enjoyed this chapter! ~Cal

Estelcontar · 23 November 2009 · Chapter 11: Of Mushroom Stew and Wise Counsel

Finally, our ranger is safe and though not totally sound, sound enough. LOL That made me very happy because after what he's gone through, he most certainly deserves the respite, and so do Halbarad and Denland. They've been anxious enough. It was good to see both of them relaxed enough to crack jokes about Galadh's cooking, and Halbarad recovered enough to again be able cover his concern for Aragorn in irony. I really enjoyed both these bits. Ferdinand, of course, is a veritable treasure, worth his double weight in gold. A most satisfying chapter indeed. And more thoughts on the anonymous review: Let us not forget that the Númenórean kings were priest-kings. In the peak of the Meneltarma, the great mountain in central Númenor, was the Hallow of Eru, where 'No building, no raised altar, not even a pile of undressed stones ever stood there; and no other likeness of a temple did the Númenóreans possess in all the days of their grace, until the coming of Sauron....and there none might speak any word, save the King only. Thrice only in each year the King spoke, offering prayer for the coming year at the Erukyermë in the first days of spring, praise of Eru Ilúvatar at the Erulaitalë in midsummer, and thanksgiving to him at the Eruhantalë at the end of autumn. At these times the King ascended the mountain on foot followed by a great concourse of the peple, clad in white and garlanded, but silent. (Unfinished Tales, A Description of Númenor, p. 166. Furthermore, ccording to Tolkien, so were the Númenórean kings in Middle-earth until this Númenórean tradition was forgotten, but Aragorn presumably restored it: "...They had (I imagine) no petitionary prayers to God; but preserved the vestige of thanksgiving. (Those under special Elvish influence might call on the angelic powers for help in immediate peril or fear of evil enemies). It later appears that there had been a 'hallow' on Mindolluin, only approachable by the king, where he had anciently offered thanks, and praise on behalf of the people; but it had been forgotten. It was re-entered by Aragorn, and there he found a sapling of the white Tree, and replanted it in the Court of the fountain. It is to be presumed that with the reemergence of the lineal priest kings (of whom Luthien the Blessed Elf-maiden was a foremother) the worship of God would be renewed, and His Name (or title) be again more often heard. But there would be no temple of the True God while Numenorean influence lasted." (The Letters Of J.R.R. Tolkien, letter 156, p. 206. So, Cairistiona, I don't think you were so off canon at all. To my mind Raksha's very wise observation about Canon should be minded by all fanfiction writers and readers.

Fantasia · 23 November 2009 · Chapter 11: Of Mushroom Stew and Wise Counsel

This is fast; I'm at work, working like crazy, because we have (finally!!!) a very short week, which mean that we have to work more to cover the whole week. I feel bad complaining, when poor Aragorn is half dead, I read in some place that people that have lost a significant amount of blood needs a lot of liquid and rest (no IV around, I suppose) I hope that he can recover a little bit before more Southrons appear to make their life miserable....Mushroom, I can have them, as long they have more company, like beef, potatoes, carrots, celery...so you eat the rest and leave the mushrooms, tell Halbarad to do that. Thanks and Happy Thanksgiving, in case that you don't update before Thursday. Back to work....

shirebound · 23 November 2009 · Chapter 11: Of Mushroom Stew and Wise Counsel

"You will make a truly detestable king." That is just too adorable. What a wonderful conversation.

Silivren Tinu · 23 November 2009 · Chapter 11: Of Mushroom Stew and Wise Counsel

LOL! The conversation between Aragorn and Halbarad made me laugh more than once - that was a nice firework of humour you shot off there. *g* You know, I'm beginning to think poor travelling rangers should always have a hobbit with them to feed them. My confidence in the cooking abilities of rangers diminishes more with every story I read from you. ;-) I wish I could borrow Ferdinand to cook me some of that mushroom stew. I loved Halbarad putting that rolled-up cloak under Aragorn's head without having been asked. He's really such a wonderful mother hen! :D How Aragorn managed to not get himself killed while he stayed in Rohan and Gondor for all those years without Halbarad at his side will always remain a mystery to me (and poor Halbarad was probably worrying himself sick in the meantime). *bg*

Minerva Organa · 23 November 2009 · Chapter 11: Of Mushroom Stew and Wise Counsel

"And one who has never been overly troubled by the burden of humility." The grin only widened. Aaahhaha, Halbarad: His greatest strength... his modesty. His greatest weakness...it is possible for him to be a little too awesome. =D This was great!! And now I really want mushroom stew...