Larner · 16 November 2009 · Chapter 9: Safe
Yes, he's been through WAY too much! Now to rest and regain strength.
Author's reply
I think Aragorn would wholeheartedly agree with you on all counts! Thanks for the review!
The Ranger and the Hobbit by Cairistiona
Reviews (222)
Dreamflower · 16 November 2009 · Chapter 9: Safe
Ah! Plenty of comfort for our brave Chieftain! Treasure in the Shire? That worries me...could it be Saruman sent them? It's too soon for Sauron to suspect, I think...
Author's reply
Yes, comfort at last! As for the spies... at this time, just about anyone could be behind them, I think. I think Sauron probably always had an eye out (er, no pun intended) for the existence of the Heir, and of course, there's the Ring. And dragon's treasure. Plenty of reasons for ne'er-do-wells to be poking around in the north, sadly. Thanks for the review!
Dreamflower · 16 November 2009 · Chapter 8: 'Twas You I Heard
Oh thank goodness Aragorn's all right! I do hope that Eledh *does* bring the horses... On to the next chapter!
Author's reply
Ack, sorry... I somehow overlooked replying to this! Thank you for the review and for reading on! :)
Ellynn · 16 November 2009 · Chapter 9: Safe
Hmm... Yes, I know that the Southron shouldn't survive his wound... but now that I'm thinking about everything, I can't be quite calm! I am sure that you are hiding something more, you evil creature. *biting nails* P.s. Excellent chapter, as always. ;)
Author's reply
Hmmm, would I be that evil? Time alone will tell... Thanks for the review!
Elflingimp · 16 November 2009 · Chapter 9: Safe
Oh I wanna go and help take care of Aragorn too! I like the way you left a subtle hint also about Southron still, just maybe, is alive, it kinda gave me the shivers! Hugs The Imp
Author's reply
Thanks, Imp! I like to give my readers shivers now and then. *g* We didn't actually see the Southron die, since Halbarad and Denlad had more vital concerns. So a little uncertainty definitely. Can't have Aragorn feeling *too* safe... they are still out in the Wild, after all. Thanks for the review!
shirebound · 16 November 2009 · Chapter 9: Safe
Poor baby, he's so badly injured! But everyone's together again, and dear Ferdinand has a job to keep him busy. I hope he'll be feeding everyone, too. :)
Author's reply
Thanks, Shirebound... yes, I think Denlad better keep Ferdinand busy or he'll sit around talking everyone's ears off!
Elentarri · 16 November 2009 · Chapter 9: Safe
:D Thank you for the update. This chapter was just made my really awful day much better! Brilliant writing as always. Cheers Elentarri
Author's reply
Aw, sorry you're having an awful day but I'm glad the new chapter helped! Thanks for the review!
Silivren Tinu · 16 November 2009 · Chapter 9: Safe
Hm... was that part about Aragorn telling Denlad that he saved his life part of this chapter before my last review? *g* I have to venture at least one guess! ;-) Poor Aragorn - I have a feeling he'll feel lousy for some time to come, but at least he's in good hands now. Dealing with the memories will probabaly be just as painful as dealing with the wounds. *carefully huggles ranger* I have to admire Denlad for being able to curb a certain hobbit's talkativeness. :D //Worrying was Halbarad’s favorite way to pass the time. // LOL! Somehow I don't think Halbarad would agree! He'd very likely blame Aragorn for *making* him worry all the time (and he wouldn't be entirely wrong about it). I always find that the comfort-part of a h/c story is even more enjoyable than the hurt-part (and Halbarad, Denlad, and Ferdinand are a wonderful flock of mother hens). *happy grin*
Author's reply
You win the prize! *g* Your review comment about Denlad feeling better if he knew his shout helped Aragorn made me realize that I needed to address that. Thanks for the inspiration! :) And yes, I like the mother-henning aspect of the comfort part of h/c, too. I like it balanced between the hurt & the comfort though. Otherwise you end up with either gratuitous torture or, well, somewhat bland and sappy drivel. Hopefully this story will hit the balance by the time it's finished. Thanks for the review!
Fantasia · 16 November 2009 · Chapter 9: Safe
Well, he is finally with friends, safe, for a while I suppose. I like the friendship between the three, funny that Aragorn thinks that Halbarad favorite way to pass the time was to be worry, but very touching that knowing that if he is near, he will be safe. Denlad was great handling Ferdinad, and taking care of Aragorn too. That Aragorn will note Denlad's injures shows what a good leader he really is. But my favorite piece is this: Stabbed, beaten, nearly blinded. A very good summary of all his troubles. Hope that he doesn't get back those horrible nightmares from the Nazgul attack. BTW, I re-read At Hope's Edge last weekend. Thanks.
Author's reply
Thanks, Fantasia! I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter... it's definitely nice to have Aragorn in good hands, and fun to explore the three men's friendship and see how they interact in situations like this. I imagine after all these years, Halbarad's simple presence would bring peace of mind to Aragorn. And you re-read At Hope's Edge! Yay! I'm glad you found it worth a second read. :) Thanks for the review!
Estelcontar · 14 November 2009 · Chapter 8: 'Twas You I Heard
What an intense chapter. I'm soooooooooooooooooooooo glad Halbarad and Denlad finally caught with Aragorn. I was rushing with both of them during the final leg of their race with my heart practically in my mouth. LOL It was great to have both versions of Denlad's wrenching bellow, and bless Halbarad's strenght. '"When he awakens". Halbarad growled, giving him a little shake. "When!" is such a great illustration of it. Typical of Aragorn too to worry about Ferdinand almost as soon as he gained consciousness. I'm so glad Aragorn is not alone anymore.
Author's reply
Thanks, Estelcontar! I had my heart in my throat a few times writing it, just imagining how it must have felt for those two, almost like when you're trying to run in a dream and never can quite go fast enough. I'm glad you liked the way Halbarad showed his strength there. He's not infallible, but he does have a strong vein of hope running through him just as Aragorn does. Thanks for the review!
Ainu Laire · 14 November 2009 · Chapter 8: 'Twas You I Heard
Your previous chapter was exciting- it was good to see Aragorn come out of it, well, more or less intact. Sort of... oh, heck, he's alive and that'll do. I could definitely feel Halbarad's and Denlad's stress and exertion- they were really racing against the clock. I must say, though, that I did laugh out loud at the last few lines- why they forgot the horses is beyond me! To err is human, eh? XD I do hope Ferdinand keeps a cool head about himself, heh! But I do wonder what is going to happen next, now that the Southerns are all dead- I am sort of hoping this story is as long as the other one, but it does not seem to be going that route, unless something else is coming along... Look forward to more soon!
Author's reply
Thanks, Laire! Glad you liked the action in these two, and yes, Aragorn is alive and that has to be good enough for now. LOL As for the horses... it's not really spelled out in the story, but you can make the assumption that Halbarad and Denlad didn't take horses with them because they knew they'd be doing some pretty intense tracking and felt they needed to be on foot. But with the two of them not bothering to hide their own tracks, their own tracks plus Aragorn's could be followed more easily by a man on horseback. And I have a feeling Denlad probably *did* tell Eledh to bring the horses and just can't remember after all this stress he's been under (by now he's probably lucky if he remembers his name is Denlad!). And no, this one isn't nearly as long as At Hope's Edge... not as weighty a subject, but there's still several more chapters to go. Thanks for the review!
Larner · 13 November 2009 · Chapter 8: 'Twas You I Heard
They are all tired at this point, apparently, as well as recovering from shock. Poor guys! Now to do as they planned, and see if someone does show up with horses!
Author's reply
Yes, exhausted but still a ways to go yet. What's the say, no rest for the weary? Except Aragorn, obviously! And yes, will Eledh bring the horses is the next big question (well, aside from seeing that Aragorn recovers, and making sure the Southrons are truly gone, and tending their own minor wounds, and dealing with the guilt, and...) well, let's just say it's probably nice for Denlad and Halbarad to one relatively minor thing to worry about in the long list! Thank you for the review!
Lily Baggins · 13 November 2009 · Chapter 8: 'Twas You I Heard
Well, reading this chapter just made my entire weekend. Yes it did. This is what I'm talking about when I think of superbly done hurt/comfort. I LIVE for chapters and scenes like this... absolutely live for them. Your descriptions of Aragorn's injuries and pain and complete and utter exhaustion are perfect, but what I adore even more is Halbarad's and Denlad's careful treatment of him. Oh my word---Halbarad holding Aragorn up and reassuring him was delicious---and how wonderful to have a bit of levity there, too, during the entire rescue and examination. I'm quite sure that having Denlad and Halbarad ordering Aragorn to open his mouth was my favorite part! Such tender loving care so far---gosh, I don't think I'm going to be able to stand the wait for the next update! And how I loved Aragorn's sudden worry for Ferdinand, too---how he's always thinking of others before himself. Okay, I'll go before I drive you crazy with waxing poetic---I'm just a bit overcome with adoring this!
Author's reply
LOL... no, Lily, you aren't not even close to driving me crazy (although many would tell you it would be a short trip). I'm so glad you liked this long-in-coming healing/comfort chapter. There's more ahead, of course, so no fears that this is all of it. I'm glad you liked the humor... I think humor is so helpful in diffusing tense and nervewracking situations that I could easily see Denlad using it to try to set Aragorn... and Halbarad... as much at ease as he could. And it probably felt good at that point to finally find something to smile about. Thanks for the review!
Elflingimp · 13 November 2009 · Chapter 8: 'Twas You I Heard
Ahhh!!! I can't catch my breath all that running! I am so glad Aragorn has survived this, altho his injuries sound really painful, and ugh I wouldn't want someone sticking their fingers in my mouth like that with the lip injury it made me cringe I realized I was missing someone in this chapter, the little hobbit hope he saved some sausages for me. This is the best story! I like the action. Hugs The Imp
Author's reply
Thank you, Imp! I'm glad you're enjoying it... no Ferdinand in this one, no, because he's still up on the hill. But he'll be back, fear not. Thanks for the review!
Midnight Promise · 13 November 2009 · Chapter 8: 'Twas You I Heard
HAHA! The ending was hilarious, I love it! :3 YAY! They are finally together again, even though Aragorn is out of it! Woot! Haha. I absolutely LOVE the bond between the rangers-you describe it amazingly well. :) Awesome job and kudos! May you have chocolate in your awesome life. :3 MP
Author's reply
Thank you, MP! I'm glad you liked that ending. *g* Halbarad and Denlad are fun to write... Halbarad's so cranky and Denlad's always trying so hard to do the right thing. Yes, all three are finally together again and not likely to separate any time soon. Thanks for the review! (And yes, I have a stash of chocolate that I keep hidden from everyone else... bwa ha ha! *g*)
Calenlas Greenleaf · 13 November 2009 · Chapter 8: 'Twas You I Heard
*more nail biting* But at least he's in his friends' hands. I'm loving the h/c in this, of course. :) ~Cal
Author's reply
Thank you, Cal... hopefully you can set aside your nail biting for a little bit now. :)
Elentarri · 13 November 2009 · Chapter 8: 'Twas You I Heard
Lovely! But the chapter is waaaay to short! :-)
Author's reply
LOL... well, fear not, there's plenty more to come. Thanks for the review!
Silivren Tinu · 13 November 2009 · Chapter 8: 'Twas You I Heard
Well, I sure hope they'll get some horses somehow. ;-) I can't really see Aragorn taking a long walk anytime soon. It's a relief to finally know him in good hands! I hope Aragorn will be able to hold those sausages down, or Ferdinand will likely be very disappointed. *g* Poor Halbarad and Denlad - I think if their chieftain ever manages to get that close to dying again, he'll likely give them a heart attack! I wish Denlad knew that his cry saved Aragorn - hopefully, it would make him feel a tiny little bit better. I guess they will all need quite some time to discover from the shock (and, in Aragorn's case, from the injuries). *huggles them*
Author's reply
Thanks, Almut! I think it would be nice if Denlad knew his cry helped distract that spy... he'll have to wait until Aragorn's up for more conversation, though. Hard to talk when your lip is split and your eye is swelling shut and a good part of your blood is no longer in your veins. *g* Denlad will have to muddle his own way to feeling better, I'm afraid. And yes, now the recovery begins in earnest... I think you're right in that it will take a while for all of them! Thanks for the review!
Fantasia · 13 November 2009 · Chapter 8: 'Twas You I Heard
I can feel Denlad pain when he was running to Aragorn and trying to see what was happening at the same time. I feel so bad for him when he was despairing about survive this war and when finally he crash down. I hope that you keep him alive to see Argorn as a King, we all know what happened to Halbarad, but I have hope for Denlad. Love the exminationan, the detail of Halbarda and his open mounth, it happens to me all the time when my daughter goes to the doctor, I follow the instruction that the Dr. give to her, it is very funny. I just want to give a big hug to those three, only a hug, my own Ranger will not want me be more expressive.
Author's reply
Thank you, Fantasia! I always like hearing what moves readers the most. I hope Denlad survives to see Aragorn king as well... I imagine he probably will but it's a long dangerous road ahead of him, where anything could happen. And yes, I've done that myself, with my own daughter at the dentist--I find myself opening my mouth a little wider when she doesn't! It's a silly human trait, I guess! I'm sure the Rangers appreciate the hugs, and yes, don't want to give them the hugs due only to your own Ranger! :) Thanks for the review!
BeeGee · 13 November 2009 · Chapter 8: 'Twas You I Heard
Whew! I'm almost out of breath from that run down the hill! Still reading, still loving it. Now we have two shirt-less, bare-chested Rangers. Woo hoo! Or that's what I imagined, anyway, LOL.
Author's reply
LOL... yes, I suppose we do have shirtless Rangers! Enjoy the imagery. *g* I'm glad you're still loving the story... thanks for the review!
Ellynn · 13 November 2009 · Chapter 8: 'Twas You I Heard
Yay, everything seems OK for now! :) I must confess that I was scared to the end of the chapter, thinking there were some more Southrons hidden. Excellent chapter, with great descriptions and perfectly portrayed thoughts and emotions of your characters - as always. You keep very high level of writing from the very begining. ;)
Author's reply
Thank you, Ellynn! I'm so glad you enjoy my writing, and yes, a respite for the moment for our beleaguered Rangers (and readers!). Aragorn's finally going to get his much needed TLC. Thanks for the review!
Mirach · 13 November 2009 · Chapter 8: 'Twas You I Heard
Aaaaah, I was so looking forwards to this chapter! I feared you won't post it before I leave for the weekend, but you timing is perfect, I'm leaving in an hour! Thank you!!!
Author's reply
Yay, glad I was able to get it posted in time for you. Thanks for taking the time to read it and leave the review. Have a wonderful weekend! :)
shirebound · 13 November 2009 · Chapter 8: 'Twas You I Heard
"‘I can walk.’ Listen to you," Halbarad said softly, but his gaze was affectionate as he looked at Aragorn’s face A wonderful blend of fear, urgency, love, skill, and gentle teasing. These three are brothers indeed.
Author's reply
I think there's nothing that binds people together more tightly than hardships, and these three have been through many. I'm glad you liked this chapter... it was a long time coming but Aragorn's finally in loving hands! Thanks for the review!
Silivren Tinu · 12 November 2009 · Chapter 7: Not Without A Fight
Oh my, poor Aragorn! *winces in sympathy* Now would be a really good time for Halbarad and Denlad to arrive! Of course I've been thinking that since the beginning of this chapter, lol. Ferdinand was even braver than I thought - if I wasn't already a fan of him, I would be now. I could have done without meeting the Southron, though. He's really evil through and through and there can be no doubt whom he is serving. That Aragorn was able to defeat him is almost a miracle - Aragorn will definitely never cease to impress me, no matter the state he is in. ;-) Now I just hope the poor guy gets some tender loving care real soon! :D
Author's reply
Thanks, Almut... yeah, Denlad and Halbarad need to run. Really really RUN. That Southron is a nasty one, isn't he? Probably the nastiest of the bunch, although we really don't know about the ones that were killed before we could hear them utter a word. Probably just as well, as their words aren't worth hearing, really! Thanks for the review!
Mirach · 12 November 2009 · Chapter 1: A Strange Encounter
I must say that I’m always anxiously looking forwards to the nexz chapter, but I’m a bit behind with reviews, so I’ll try to catch up gradually. The first part of this chapter is just brilliant! The eye-to-eye encounter with an ant and a song about food that Aragorn obviously knew enough to fill the next rhyme (about heroes that mattered – a Shire song through and through!)... no wonder he thought he must be delirious... And I really like Ferdinand – a perfect tookish hobbit!
Author's reply
Yay, you're my 100th Reviewer! *hands you box of chocolate-covered Rangers* Thank you, Mirach... I'm glad you've found time to read this little-ish tale. I've had so much fun with it, exploring hobbits and the Shire and things I've not felt familiar enough with to actually write. I'm glad you like Ferdinand, too! I did try to put into him all that was Tookish, the good to the brave to yes, the slightly annoying. *g* I hope you enjoy the rest of the tale as well. Thanks for the (100th!) review!