A Star in Midwinter by Cairistiona

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PSW · 3 October 2021 · Chapter 10: Epilogue - Chieftain's Call

I just love Chieftain’s Call. It’s always been one of my favorite pieces of fanfic. :-) Thx as always for sharing!

Author's reply

Thanks for revisiting and for your kind words!

PSW · 11 December 2016 · Chapter 10: Epilogue - Chieftain's Call

I so enjoy this story, and as the year draws to a close I wanted to go back and read it. I especially loved your Chieftain's Call, which is what I remember most from it ... Thanks so much for writing (this story and all of them). :-) I am kicking around writing a Mettare story for the end of the year -- probably involving how the northern Dunedain might celebrate once the King has returned. What new symbolism and traditions might this time of year take on? If I actually find the time to write such a story, would you mind if I reference Chieftain's Call in it? It would be one of those changed traditions, of course, as the King is come (and he's in Gondor) -- but I would love to have it in the mix.... Hope all is going well w you, and you're taking some time to enjoy the season even in the midst of all the busyness! :-)

Author's reply

Thanks so much and of course you may reference Chieftain's Call. I'm honored both that you'd choose to reread this and that you'd like to borrow from it. :) I'm doing well, thank you, and enjoying a somewhat relaxed Christmas season so far, which is new and different but completely welcome. Hope your holidays are merry as well!

Minerva Organa · 22 December 2010 · Chapter 1: On the Outside Looking In

Just wanted to mention that I'm giving this story a well-deserved holiday re-read, and I'm loving it just as much the second time around!!

Author's reply

Awww, thanks for rereading! And for letting me know you're rereading! And for letting my know it's still good as a re-read! *g* Merry Christmas!

Linda Hoyland · 10 May 2010 · Chapter 10: Epilogue - Chieftain's Call

I loved the idea of Aragorn as Santa Claus/ first foot. It was moving how deeply he cares for his people. A most enjoyable story.It is still cold enough as if I were reading it in winter, but I'm glad I've finished before next Christmas!

Author's reply

I'm so glad you finally were able to finish this (and yes, glad that it didn't take until next Christmas!) Unlike the last chapter with the oath-taking, this was probably the easiest chapter to write simply because it was so enjoyable to show Aragorn's love for his people on such a face-to-face, practical level. I'm so glad it moved you. Thanks for the review!

Linda Hoyland · 10 May 2010 · Chapter 9: The Light of Hope

A beautiful chapter. I loved the oathtaking.

Author's reply

I'm so glad you liked that... it was probably the hardest thing to write in the entire tale! Thanks for the review!

Linda Hoyland · 12 March 2010 · Chapter 8: I Would Never Look

I just love the banter between Aragorn and Halbarad. A most enjoyable chapter.

Author's reply

Glad you enjoyed it--thank you!

Linda Hoyland · 1 March 2010 · Chapter 7: How Long Can a Blizzard Last?

It looks as if Denlad had the foresight of the Numenoreans and is seeing visions of what happened. Dirhael is right, Aragorn's greatness has been forged though his hardships.

Author's reply

Yes, Denlad's at least half Numenorean, so it's very conceivable he might have a bit of foresight now and then, although he's 100% worrywart, so it might just be an overactive imagination, too. Hard to say with these type things, isn't it. Thanks for the review. :)

Elentarri · 23 February 2010 · Chapter 10: Epilogue - Chieftain's Call

Hello! I hope real life hasn't been interfering too much, but I am shamelessly begging for another Aragorn, Denlad and Halbarad story....pretty please? :-) Happy writing

Author's reply

LOL... thank you for the request. *g* I am working on things, but it's slow going thanks to, yes, pesky real life. I appreciate your thinking of me, though! Keep your fingers crossed the real life settles down a bit and lets me get on with writing. :)

Linda Hoyland · 12 February 2010 · Chapter 6: Winds of Winter

It made me feel cold just reading this and grateful not to be out.Poor Aragorn and his companions.A very vivid chapter.

Author's reply

Thanks, Linda! It's probably a good chapter to read in the midst of a sweltering summer heat wave. LOL As cold and snowy as this winter has turned out, I may have to write more Snow-struck Aragorn stories to get me through to spring. Thanks for the review!

Linda Hoyland · 11 February 2010 · Chapter 5: Of Fell Winters, Chickens and Small Boys

I just loved the chickens in this chapter!You gave them such vivid personalities.

Author's reply

Thanks, Linda! I've known a few chickens, and they always seem to me to have a lot of character, so I tried to infuse Denlad's chickens with some personality. And of course, one of them had to be ornery. It wouldn't do to have two well-behaved birds--where would the fun be in that! Thanks for the review!

Linda Hoyland · 11 February 2010 · Chapter 4: Howls in the Night

A very atmospheric chapter .I could feel the cold and the tension. Poor Aragorn!

Author's reply

Thank you, Linda! I definitely wanted the setting to be a major player in this story, so your words are very welcome!

LisaG · 26 January 2010 · Chapter 10: Epilogue - Chieftain's Call

Terrific yuletide story! I enjoyed reading the comaradarie and teasing between Halbarad and Aragorn...especially when Halbarad was threating to tell his friend where he wanted to put his frostbitten feet! ;) Also the brotherly banter of Elladan, Elrohir and Aragorn was great...loved Elrohir's humor about Elladan having a scratch on his arm that needed Elrond's care! Bwa ha ha ha! The image of Aragorm being set upon by the giggle children looking for mints was adorable...I can imagine him being wonderful with children. Chieftain's Call was a wonderful idea, I loved it! But what did Aragorn get as gifts???

Author's reply

Thank you, Lisa! Glad you enjoyed this story and all the banter and camaraderie. I've always liked to imagine Aragorn was good with children, too. And of course, the bantering between the twins had a higher purpose in providing the men with a much needed release from the tension of the fight. Hmm, as for what Aragorn got for his gifts... that's a very good question! I would imagine Halbarad probably gave him a new tooled leather belt or scabbard and Ivorwen yet more blankets and socks and Maevor may have resupplied him with peppermints. *g* Thanks again for the review!

Lily Baggins · 23 January 2010 · Chapter 10: Epilogue - Chieftain's Call

This story was so good that well, words cannot even convey. And I KNEW that Aragorn was akin to Santa Claus! Carving toys out in the woods? There's a man for you---no wonder his people love him so. Denlad is one of my most favorite OCs ever, so I truly enjoyed seeing him coming into his own and feeling, at last, wanted and needed. I know I talk about caring for my mother, and I do believe that's why I loved Denland from the start---his family came first, then himself. And I won't even try to go into how much I loved Aragorn in this story. Thank yo you so much for giving us this holiday gift!

Author's reply

Thank you, Lily! I'm so glad this story touched you on so many levels--it's always interesting to hear what a reader takes from a story and a character, and it's always very humbling to me when anyone tells me one of my OCs is a favorite. I love Denlad, too, if I can say that, and he'll play a role in a lot more stories. I'm glad no one seems to be tired of him yet. :) And yes, I do think Aragorn must be related to Santa Claus somehow... distant cousin or great-great-however-many great grandfather. *g* Isn't that fun to picture him on some lonely watch, carving a tiny toy top out of scrap of a tree branch? Thanks always for your lovely reviews!

Lily Baggins · 23 January 2010 · Chapter 9: The Light of Hope

Oh, I love Denlad's concern for Aragorn here! And gosh, Aragorn is just like Santa Claus . . . what a nice load of presents! I love how Denlad was so surprised and overwhelmed. I need an Aragorn to cheer me up on a regular basis!

Author's reply

Thanks, Lily! Wouldn't it be great to have Aragorn putting together presents for you like that? He sure caught Denlad by surprise. :) Thanks for the review!

Linda Hoyland · 20 January 2010 · Chapter 3: Teach Me to be a Warrior

A beautiful chapter. I love Dirhael and the way you convey Aragorn's specialness.

Author's reply

Thank you, Linda! I'm very glad you like Dirhael... he has a lot of explaining to do to poor clueless Denlad. Thanks for the review!

grumpy · 10 January 2010 · Chapter 10: Epilogue - Chieftain's Call

Hi, I just wanted to tell you how much I have enjoyed your story, each and every chapter. It was truly entertaining. I do hope to read more from you. Loved the part about the captain's call.

Author's reply

Thank you, grumpy! I'm so glad you enjoyed it all--wouldn't it be nice to have the Chieftain call at your house? Ah, we can dream, anyway. Thanks again!

Lily Baggins · 4 January 2010 · Chapter 7: How Long Can a Blizzard Last?

Oh, Dirhael is such a good teacher! You know, I've sort of always sided with poor Halbarad and the others in believing that Aragorn takes too many risks (obut of course I want him hurt as much as possible, comfort-lover that I am), but Dirhael's explanation of why those risks are necessary makes perfect sense. I've never really thought of it that way. Lovely chapter!

Author's reply

Thanks, Lily! Yes, the risks Aragorn takes sometimes seem a bit unnecessary but I do think he couldn't *not* take those risks. It's part of that kingly nature of his, to look out for others at whatever cost to himself. I don't think he did things rashly (as long as he's not chasing after a horse when he's half-addled with cold), but he never shirked his duty because of any potential risks. Just what you'd want in a king, as Dirhael says. :)

Lily Baggins · 4 January 2010 · Chapter 6: Winds of Winter

Oh my goodness . . . how I love growling Elrohir and calming Elladan caring for Aragorn here! It is wonderful beyond words---I get so much enjoyment from reading about their brotherly bond. And oh, I remember reading about using hot potatoes to warm your hands in the Little House books! Seems like a good idea to me (isn't a shame they had no foil...) And it's amusing to me that with all his troubles, Aragorn is most worried about Denlad finding his present. Hee! That's what I call consideration and selflessness. Now, I find that the description of the blizzard has me feeling the cold along with Aragorn and I need a nice warm cup of hot chocolate to soothe me . . .

Author's reply

Thanks, Lily! I read about the baked potatoes in those books, too, plus my father told me that was how they kept their hands warm in winter when he was growing up in the 1930s. I thought it likely that the Dunedain might do the same thing. :) I hope the hot chocolate warmed and soothed you... this chapter was definitely on the cold side! Glad you enjoyed it, even if it left you a bit shivery!

Mirach · 1 January 2010 · Chapter 10: Epilogue - Chieftain's Call

That is a sweet image of Aragorn performing this tradition, and spending the evenings in wilderness carving wooden toys. I really like it, and I like also the bittersweet touch of sorrow in this chapter. But now I’m going to await a call at my door I think... if only in my imagination. Thank you for a great Christmas story, and a blessed New Year to you too!

Author's reply

Thank you, Mirach! Isn't that sort of neat, to imagine Aragorn spending those lonely watches keeping his hands busy with carving toys? Of course, many times he likely couldn't because of the dangers he faced, but I imagine there were times when the weather would force him to hole up in a secure, cozy cave for a day or a night, and that's when he'd get out his knife and a piece of wood. And even more fun to imagine the Chieftain showing up at your own door, yes! :) You have a blessed New Year, too, and thank you for the review!

Mirach · 1 January 2010 · Chapter 9: The Light of Hope

"No, you cannot wear the wolf head...“ lol, I think I can guess whose line that was. This chapter was just wonderful, like a night of dance and joy and celebration. For once we got a chance to see not the scathered remnants of the Northern kingdom, but proud people who remember and praise their traditions, and can find joy even in the dark times and hope for a bright future. It was very touching, a mix of good feeling for all the Dúnedain, and for personally for Denlad and Aragorn. It was so nice to see his joy from the gifts together with Aragorn, and in the moment when he received the star of Dúnedain, I was glad for him, and very proud. P.S. Eärendil too watched tonight, and he was touched by the tradition of ligtning the fire, and glad that he still can bring hope to these valiant people.

Author's reply

Thank you, Mirach! I'm so glad you enjoyed their celebration... I wondered if anyone would try to match up the snatches of conversation with their speakers. I figured Halbarad's was fairly obvious, yes. *g* Can't you just see little Halbaron hanging on his arm, "Please! Please, can I? Can I? Please, Ada, can I wear it just for for a minute?" *g* Poor Halbarad. And I'm so glad Earendil was touched by this! I imagine he's seen his share of Mettare celebrations, hasn't he? :) Thank you so much for the review!

Lily Baggins · 30 December 2009 · Chapter 5: Of Fell Winters, Chickens and Small Boys

Oh, what an amusing read this was! Poor Denlad chasing those chickens down! You know, I remember having some chickens as a small child, and darned if they weren't fast little runners indeed. Again, loved both of Aragorn's grandparents here, especially with their teasing description of Halbarad! Oh, that's wonderful . . . Denlad has much to learn, it seems. He's so very earnest and gullible right now . . . and oh, I laughed so at the encounter with Halbarad's son!

Author's reply

Thanks! "Earnest and gullible" is the perfect description of Denlad at the moment. I'm glad you laughed at little Halbaron... he's a bit of a corker, that kid! I have never personally chased down a chicken, but I've seen others do it and it looks nearly impossible to me! Thanks for the review!

Lily Baggins · 30 December 2009 · Chapter 4: Howls in the Night

I like nothing better than a lightheaded and close-to-fainting wounded Aragorn. No, I can think of few things I love more, few things. I am so glad---yes I should be ashamed of myself---that he got a wee bit injured. Halbarad is a dear here, isn't he? All soft-hearted beneath that stern and glaring exterior. I love it his complete and utter devotion to being Aragorn's mother hen! And his wolf howl---nicely done. The entire chapter was nicely done---no, more than that. Very thrilling!

Author's reply

Thanks, Lily! I had a sneaking suspicion you'd like this chapter. Can't imagine why... *g* And yes, Halbarad's nothing but mush under that crusty exterior. Glad you enjoyed this chapter!

Lily Baggins · 30 December 2009 · Chapter 3: Teach Me to be a Warrior

Oh wow---I'm liking Denlad more and more. He's got potential, that boy. And I love your Dirhael, too---wise and yet mirthful. He's the perfect companion when Aragorn is not around to teach him about life as a warrior---though I do feel sorry that Denlad won't be getting his Mettare gift on time, it seems. What an awesome last few paragraphs---very powerful.

Author's reply

Thank you, Lily! I knew Denlad had to have someone there for him when Aragorn wasn't, simply because so often Aragorn was called away from his people. Dirhael was the perfect one to step in as "Father of the Day", just as he steps in to play Chieftain-for-a-day (or year, or decade) when Aragorn's gone. I'm glad you like how I write him!

Lily Baggins · 30 December 2009 · Chapter 2: Mettarë Interrupted

"Thank you," Aragorn said. "You’ve always been my favorite brother, Elladan." Oh, how I love seeing the twins and Aragorn's interaction with them! And Ivorwen---I adore your Ivorwen! Swooped, lol! And I can completely and totally see her one day tending to a very ill Aragorn, and wouldn't that be sweet . . . but I digress ... I tend to think of everyone in terms of how well they'd care for him! This is just a wonderful look at Dunedain life. And uh-oh . . . how harsh it can be that even Mettare is interrupted!

Author's reply

Thank you, Lily! I think Ivorwen would take very good care of Aragorn... and has had more experience at it than she really wants! And yeah, Aragorn and his brothers, what can you say... they're brothers! *g* Glad you enjoyed this.

Lily Baggins · 30 December 2009 · Chapter 1: On the Outside Looking In

Oh Denlad, oh Denlad... you are so cute in your befuddlement. And oh---love the conversation about the chickens! Here Denlad is, so in awe of Aragorn, and Aragorn is talking about raising chickens! Ah, how lucky Denlad is to have someone like Aragorn watching out for him. But, I think he knows it well enough!

Author's reply

Thanks, Lily... I imagine it is more than a little disconcerting when your hero suddenly starts talking about very mundane things like chickens! LOL I'm glad you liked this first chapter. :)