Silivren Tinu
· 8 November 2009
· Chapter 5: All You Need Do is Listen
Every time I expect a nice, happy reunion it turns out a certain *evil* author has other plans. *glares* I really didn't expect any danger at that point, though I did have a bad feeling about those Southrons. I think I was at least as surprised as poor Aragorn was! I'm beginning to think I'll soon have reason to dislike the Southrons even more. Somehow I don't believe Ferdinand is that good at protecting hurt rangers from armed villains. *has a quite entertaining mental image of Ferdinand trying to jump high enough to hit the Southron on the head with his frying pan* I hope Halbarad and Denlad hurry up! *pokes them* Well, I'll just sit here and happily continue fretting (and poking rangers) until the next chapter. *g*
Loved the beginning, btw! Ferdinands antics and his idea of giving information to Aragorn made me laugh so much, lol! It's a wonder Aragorn didn't start pulling his hair out. ;-) //Look at that sword flash! Hair streaming, fire in his eyes even from here...// Oh, I really wish Halbarad could have heard that! :D
//Have to leap to your feet and injure yourself further in the name of satisfying your curiousity when all you had to do was listen to what I told you.//
*chokes* I admire Aragorn's self-control. *chuckles* It's so like Ferdinand to start cooking right away in prepartion for Halbarad and Denlad's arrival. I was looking forward to "seeing" their suprised faces and hearing their comments upon finding Aragorn already patched-up and well-fed in the company of a hobbit... but of course, *someone* had other plans. ;-) I enjoyed this chapter a lot and am looking forward to the next one! :)
Author's reply
Hee hee... yes, it's far too early for a happy, carefree reunion. The lesson of this chapter is don't fall asleep until you're *sure* all the Southrons are accounted for. :) I'm glad you liked the humor in this... keep poking those Rangers because um, well, I can't really say at this point. *g*
Thanks for the review!
Larner
· 8 November 2009
· Chapter 5: All You Need Do is Listen
I agree--you are evil! Heh! So, this is where the fourth Southron went, then? Not good. Now--how do we get out of this one?
Author's reply
Yes, I admit to being evil.. it's just too much fun! LOL Thank you for putting up with all the twists and turns and cliffhangers. :)
Fantasia
· 7 November 2009
· Chapter 5: All You Need Do is Listen
I was laughing so hard with Ferdinand fight description...poor Aragorn, I was sure that he was having a heart attack.
And here I was thinking in a happy reunion and you have another Southron coming unnvited to the camp...Please, update soon!
Author's reply
Thanks, Fantasia... no happy reunion just yet. We're only in the 5th chapter, after all! I'm glad you enjoyed Ferdinand's highly frustrating play-by-play of the fight. I don't think Aragorn was as amused as the rest of us!
utfrog
· 7 November 2009
· Chapter 5: All You Need Do is Listen
Thoroughly enjoying this engaging story - then you throw in some really rough cliff hangers! Good job.
Author's reply
Thanks, utfrog! I'm glad you're enjoying this despite my evil cliffhangers! *g*
Midnight Promise
· 7 November 2009
· Chapter 5: All You Need Do is Listen
GAH! Dude. . ..not cool! Evil little person. . . ;p
Lol, I love Ferdinand! He is hobbity and absolutely perfect! As always, the conversation flows and it was great! Except it ended that way. . .I think you are INTENTIONALLY being EVIL! o-o;;
Lol, glad life is awesome and hope it has continued that way! :3
MP
Author's reply
LOL... thank you (I think!!) Nah, seriously, thank you--I'm glad you're enjoying (in a sense) the story. It's definitely filled with ups and downs and twists and turns (and yes, I'm intentionally evil! *laughs with evil glee*). I'm glad you like Ferdinand... he's been so fun, I may have to use him again in a story if I can think of a good way to do it.
And yes, life is still awesome, thanks! :)
Ainu Laire
· 7 November 2009
· Chapter 5: All You Need Do is Listen
Oh my. Oh my oh my.
To say that Ferdinand is a terrible communicator would be an understatement. :P Hah, he sounds like my mother watching a movie. "Oh, look what he did, oh my God, look out!..."
That is strange, all of these Southrons- and the other chapter infering that they want Rangers alive. Of course, what the heck Southrons are doing so far north... I suspect foul play. And I remember what Gandalf said in TTT EE: "Rumor has reached [Sauron]; the heir of Numenor lives." Good ol' spies... (that totally stand out in the crowd considering their dress, manners, accents... nice going Sauron).
Wow, I thought that Aragorn was going to be able to get a spot of rest with his Rangers for a couple chapters, at the least! Poor guy :P I wonder who will be the hero: the hobbit or the Rangers? This will be an interesting time for all...
Author's reply
Thanks, Laire...
Tolkien definitely left lots of hints that Southrons ventured north as spies, yep. They make handy villains that way. *g* And no rest yet for poor Aragorn, no.
Interesting is a good word for it, although I think Aragorn might prefer words like "harrowing", "awful", "stupid fanfic writers... why can't they let me get a nap?!" ;) Thanks again for the review!
Estelcontar
· 7 November 2009
· Chapter 5: All You Need Do is Listen
Another great chapter. Having Ferdinand describe the ambush, and it's outcome worked perfectly. It was at the same time a humorous scene, and an exciting one even though we already knew its outcome. Poor Aragorn didn't though, and we sympathize with him.
And then when I thought everything was going to turn out all right that Southron emerges from the bushes. You're evil. Now I can't wait to read chapter 6. *g*
Author's reply
Hee hee... yes, I've been called evil several times now. I may have to start looking for a Dark Lord mask...
I'm glad you liked the humor in this. Nothing like being tormented by a Took! And will these Southrons never cease popping out of bushes???
I'm glad you're enjoying this, and thanks for the review!
Rhyselle
· 7 November 2009
· Chapter 5: All You Need Do is Listen
Ahhh! You can't leave us here on a cliff hanger like that!
This was a terrific chapter, and I loved how frustrated Aragorn was getting with Ferdinand's inability to tell him what was going on in detail. *chuckle*
I love the personalities and characterization.
And I'm going to love finding out what happens next too! I hope the next update won't take too long!
Well done!
Author's reply
Thank you, Rhyselle... and um, yeah... those cliffhangers are starting to pile up, aren't they? *evil grin*
I'm glad you enjoyed the interplay between Aragorn and Ferdinand. Poor Aragorn, as if sore ribs and a knife wound weren't bad enough, now comes Tookish torment!
Next update will likely be Monday. :) Thanks for the review!
curiouswombat
· 7 November 2009
· Chapter 5: All You Need Do is Listen
Meep! Just when you were lulling us into the same drowse as Aragorn - well done!
Author's reply
Thank you, curiouswombat! Yes, now is *not* the time for a nap!
shirebound
· 7 November 2009
· Chapter 5: All You Need Do is Listen
"Well, your friends will no doubt soon be here. They will surely be hungry after such a fight."
A most hobbity conclusion! :)
Author's reply
Very much so, yes! :)
Larner
· 7 November 2009
· Chapter 4: Grim Deeds
Certainly the question of why these four were there is an important one. Now, to deal with the Took and Aragorn!
Author's reply
Yes, still many loose threads to weave together! Thanks for the review, Larner!
rafagast el pardo
· 6 November 2009
· Chapter 1: A Strange Encounter
Es la primera NARRACION que veo de este tipo. Y como fan de Tolkien, expreso mi total admiracion y gratitud por el autor al logrado este relato.No se que decir, salvo que el argumento es curioso y perfectamente pausible. (Aunque mi traductor no funciono bien) me gusto mucho.
La verdad es que estaria muy bien que las buenas acciones (de los Rangers) se vean recompensadas tambien Aunque Sea una sola vez, y que vean (Aragorn) que al final Dieron su fruto.
Gracias. sigan asi y un cordial saludo.
Author's reply
Muchas, muchas gracias!
Lo siento, mi espanol no es perfecto. La trama es inusual, sí. Me alegro de que lo encontró plausible. :)
Me alegra que haya disfrutado de este, y gracias por tomarse el tiempo para decirme! Tener un hermoso día!
Hehe, I count at least three times Denlad had to force himself out of his own mind to pay attention to the task at hand...which illustrates perfectly why I could never be a Ranger...I'd daydream ten times more often and wouldn't be able to see the dangers in front of me!!! This also illustrates why I loves Denlad, though =D.
And LOLs Halbarad and long hair. *grin*
Author's reply
Thanks, Minerva! Yeah, I'm with you... I could never do this stuff! And Denlad's getting a little exhausted by this point... it's easy to imagine all Rangers with Aragorn's abilities and near perfection, but Aragorn was definitely a stand out in all areas, as befits a king. But Denlad's a little more "ordinary", if you can call any Ranger that. He's not as pure a Numenorean, for one thing. So he has to work a little harder. But I think that makes him a lot more "relate-able" for us mere mortals. :)
Glad you like Halbarad's long hair... and the reason for it. *g*
Thanks for the review!
Elflingimp
· 5 November 2009
· Chapter 4: Grim Deeds
Well what is that!??....I climb all the way up with Halbarad and Denlad thinking I am going to get to the top of the hill and it ends!?....leaving me huffing and puffing, well I guess I'll just sit down and rest until the next chapter.LOL That was good by the way. Hugs The Imp
Author's reply
Hee hee... I thought the three of you needed a breather. *g* Yes, might as well sit and catch your breath and have a bag of M&Ms or something to tide you over until the next chapter! Thanks for the review--glad you liked it!
Ellynn
· 5 November 2009
· Chapter 4: Grim Deeds
"I suppose we did look a sight– "
Oh, yes you did. *dies laughing* You shouldn't have written this, I'll remember this every time I'll hear Halbarad's name again. *still dies laughing*
A little bit of humor is always a good addition to the story. Good work! :)
P.s. Yes, we lovessss long hair. :)
P.p.s. Does Denlad need a little bit of comfort? *laughing*
P.p.p.s. I haven't had a slightest doubt about Halbarad's intentions. I know he would never ever carve anybody's eyes.
Author's reply
Hee hee! Thank you! I'm glad I made you laugh with that... yes, Halbarad's going to have a whole new image to live down, thanks to me. I'm with you in that I love to sneak little bits of humor in, no matter how dark things are. I think humor is a good balance to angst, just as it's a good balance to it in real life (although hopefully none of us will have to be chasing our wounded chieftain and fighting off bandits and/or spies!
I'm glad you were a bit brighter than Denlad in knowing Halbarad would never make good on his threat. But we can probably forgive Denlad... he was a little bit rattled from nearly being choked to death. *g*
Thanks for the review!
Estelcontar
· 5 November 2009
· Chapter 4: Grim Deeds
Wow, another most exciting chapter. I like the way you cross cut between Aragorn/Ferdinand and Halbarad/Denlad. I makes for suspense. From the way chapter 3 ended I feared for Halbarad and Denlad. I should have known better. I should have known that they would be perfectly able to overcome the three waylaying them.
You did a great job of describing the struggle. It was very vivid. My favourite bit though was your ingenious explanation for Halbarad's long hair. It was most amusing, and Aragorn's comparison about 'monkeys in Harad picking fleas from each other' absolutely made my day.
Can't wait to see how Aragorn and Ferdinand are faring.
Author's reply
Thanks, Estelcontar! I still like to picture Aragorn walking past those two, as they picked through poor Halbarad's tangles, and put the quickest end to his men grooming each other! I don't imagine that was an image of the Dunedain he wanted anyone to see--kind of goes against the whole idea of them being mysterious warriors. *g*
I'm glad you liked the fight... those are fun to right, but tricky to get the details down. Halbarad and Denlad can definitely handle themselves, can't they?
Thanks for the review!
Fantasia
· 5 November 2009
· Chapter 4: Grim Deeds
I suppose the Denlad could have been a very compassioned healer, if times were different. Instead, he is a warrior and he has to kill in order to survive, it remind me of Faramir..Faramir speech to Frodo about him beign a warrior for what he loves and defends is one of the best moments of the book, IMHO.
Love the details of Halbarad and his hair, and Denlad helping him...the detail of the fit print and Aragorn pain was amizing, I have never thought about that...well, I have never tracked anyone...
So, to meet the Hobbit and Aragorn, I can't wait to see Halbarad and Ferdinad together....
Thanks and waiting for more...
Author's reply
Thank you, Fantasia! I'm glad you're enjoying the details... writing men tracking another can be a little tedious, so it's those little details that have to provide the movement and excitement. I figure all the Rangers are good trackers, although of course Aragorn's the best. But those under him would have learned a lot from him, I'm sure.
And yes, Denlad really doesn't have much chance to pursue only healing, not in the times he lives. Like so many of them, they have to be sort of "jacks of all trades", and Denlad's definitely needed as a warrior as much as he is a healer.
Thanks for the review!
Inzilbeth
· 5 November 2009
· Chapter 4: Grim Deeds
Oh this was an exciting chapter and a great fight sequence. Halbarad and Denlad are so utterly believable it's hard to remember sometimes that one is OC and the other barely mentioned in canon. And now to find Aragorn and to put the poor guy out of his misery!
Author's reply
Ooh, thank you! I always hope my OCs (and yes, Halbarad too) come across as if they were part of the original. Not that I expect anyone will go digging through LOTR looking for references to Denlad, but that's my aim.
Hmm, 'put the poor guy out of his misery' sounds a bit more final that I think you meant! LOL
Thanks for the review!
I'm really relieved Denlad and Halbarad are unscathed (more or less). I don't think Aragorn would be up to having to patch the both of them up right now. ;-) Besides, I already had a very disconcerting vision of a severely wounded Aragorn trying to crawl to his mens' aid. *g* I'm probably too suspicious, but I'm really wondering what exactly the Southrons were doing there. Well, if they were simply send as spies that's likely enough reason to be concerned. I can't help but feel a little bit sorry for the dying Southron, but then, he can't expect that people he tries to kill or interrogate won't defend themselves.
I'm really wondering what Denlad and Halbarad will think about Ferdinand. :D I'm not surprised they spotted him. I'm very glad poor Ferdinand did not have to try and defend Aragorn against the Southrons, though. If the Southrons had spotted them before stumbling across Halbarad and Denlad, things would have gotten really nasty.
Loved it. :)
Author's reply
Thanks, Almut! Yes, those two managed to scrape with only a few minor bumps and bruises.
Yes, it's a long and hard death for that Southron... but at least Denlad had the compassion to give him something that could ease the way for him (if he'll use it... be just like a Southron to dump it out on the ground or something!)
And ooh, yes, that would have been bad, had the Southrons come upon Aragorn and Ferdinand while Aragorn was completely out of it.
Glad you liked this chapter and thanks for the review!
GAH! *falls over*
Why? You evil little author, why did you have to leave it RIGHT there?! Lol, it says a lot when I continue to put up with your evilness. ;3
I saw you updated and was like "BOO0YEAH!" Now you end it there, and I stayed up late to read it. . .? *sniff* Horrible, absolutely horrible. ;D Lol.
Haha! She has a thing for Elladan, eh? Ohhh, I hope Aragorn finds out. . .if he does not already know. ^_-
Poor Denlad, someone give that poor guy a hug. :( Wheres his wife. ;)
Good job, I like how you developed Denlad's thoughts. Great job!
Hope life continues to be awesome!
MP
Author's reply
LOL... with this tale I may very well earn the crown as Most Evil Author Ever. I couldn't help but cram it full of cliffhangers. So be warned! *g*
Seriously, thank you for the fun review... I'm very glad you're enjoying this despite the mental anguish it's inflicting on you.
Hmm, I wonder what Aragorn would have to say about Halbarad's wife's little crush! *files away plot bunny for later* And yes, Denlad does kind of need a hug, doesn't he? Unfortunately his wife is back home on their farm. Ah well.
Thanks for the review!
I can only imagine the sight that Halbarad must make with that flowing hair. Goodness! I can't say as I blame his wife.
Love the little insights into Denlad's feelings as a healer---or a healer-in-training. And of course, seeing how they each value Aragorn in different ways and for various reasons.
GREAT little bit of action there toward the end---go Halbarad! Whew! Even I was frightened at what he might do to that bandit. You don't get in the way of him when he's worried about his chieftain, do you?
Wonderful chapter!
Author's reply
Thank you! I rather like the picture in my mind of Halbarad with long flowing hair. *g* (Yes, blatant fangirling, sorry... no, not really sorry! *g*) And I do see Halbarad has having a bit more, um, ruthlessness than Aragorn, since he's not burdened with someday needing to be king and having to be noble at all times and all that. He's a little more free to exercise his nasty side. Not that he's really all that nasty... he is a Dunedain, after all! And he does have to ensure he doesn't do anything to shed a bad light on Aragorn. But still... within those constraints, he can get mean when he needs to. Maybe next time he should warn Denlad, though. *g*
Thanks for the review!
Now who is more adorable here---the hobbit or the ranger? Not sure.
Oh my goodness---Aragorn did see but he felt too dazed by the onslaught of gardening lore to say so.
I love Ferdinand's constant prattle! And I can only imagine the glazed expression in poor Aragorn's eyes. My best friend in RL is a bit like Ferdinand and it is frustrating!
And Aragorn's bout of homesickness and wishing Elrond were there---gosh, THIS is the reason I read fanfic. To see the vulnerable, piteous side of our usually strong and stoic ranger. To see him suffering from nausea and illness and yes, looking incredibly pitiful, I'm certain. I can very easily picture it. :) He really does need to be in a nice soft bed in Rivendell, doesn't he?
My favorite chapter yet. And oh dear---those bandits seem to be back!
Author's reply
Thank you! And yes, I think everyone has a friend like Ferdinand, who needs a governor put on their tongue. LOL I'm certain Aragorn's eyes had glazed over, just as you say.
And yes, I like showing that softer, more vulnerable side of Aragorn, because there had to have been moments in his life like that. Tolkien gave us hints that he's not impervious to longing and wistfulness and wishing life were a little easier. I like to explore that for its own sake, but also to show that Aragorn's a strong man physically, mentally and spiritually, and because of that, never really stays down for long.
Thanks for the review!
Lily Baggins
· 4 November 2009
· Chapter 2: Concern and Consternation
Well, I'm confident that Halbarad and Denlad will find Aragorn, given those expert tracking skills. But I'm still in suspense!
Oh, I so love Denlad. Please don't ever kill the poor guy off. And Halbarad is just as loyal as ever. *sighs happily*
Lily Baggins
· 4 November 2009
· Chapter 1: A Strange Encounter
How do I love this? In so many ways. I can't even count 'em.
For one things, there are absolutely FEW things I adore in life as much as a fainting Aragorn. Chocolate? No. TV? No. Diet Coke? Nope. And that's saying a lot.
Your descriptions of Aragorn's weakness and pain are heart-wrenching. However, I do love the way you inject humor into the situation, too---and give us Aragorn's typical understatement of "It has not been the best of days for me." I absolutely am completely besotted by your writing of injured Aragorn---I'll never tire of it.
And I adore Ferdinand! He's the perfect hobbit---reminds me of Bilbo, but seems a little more adventurous. Gosh, if I were injured and stranded in the woods, I'd also be saying a little prayer of thanks to the Valar that a hobbit was looking out for me! Anyway, I just love him, as he seems the perfect sort to take care of a ranger who's not always the best at taking care of himself.
Author's reply
Thank you, Lily! I was hoping you'd enjoy this... and hoping you enjoy all of it as you get a chance to read. :)
Hmm, fainting Aragorn is better than chocolate, eh? *g* I'm happy to have satisfied your craving then. And I'm very glad you like Ferdinand... he seems to embody all the best traits, and some of the more annoying traits, of hobbits. He's been fun to write. :)
Thanks for the review!
Linda Hoyland
· 4 November 2009
· Chapter 2: Concern and Consternation
Aragorn is very lucky that his friends care for him and will try to find him. I would not like to be in such a creepy place in the dark!