The Ranger and the Eagles by Cairistiona
Estelcontar · 8 February 2011 · Chapter 12: Appendix - "Please Try Not to Bite Me Like Last Time."
LOL Poor Daisy. It's no wonder Aragorn chased her off. Can't say I blame her. *g* I love your Grimbeorn, but I most certainly would rather not have him nursing me.
Author's reply
Thanks, Estelcontar! Yes, poor Daisy was none too pleased with the way the conversation was going, was she. LOL And I'm with you... I think I'd have a spontaneous recovery if I saw Grimbeorn approaching my sickbed!
Elflingimp · 7 February 2011 · Chapter 12: Appendix - "Please Try Not to Bite Me Like Last Time."
Bravo,bravo!!! Well done, the icing on the cake! I have enjoyed this story so much! Can't stop laughing about the sheep thingy tho. Hugs The Imp
Author's reply
LOL... Thank you, Imp! So glad you enjoyed this little "extra helping". I admit I giggled a bit when I pictured that poor ewe listening to Aragorn's, um, midwifery plans. *g*
Darkover · 7 February 2011 · Chapter 12: Appendix - "Please Try Not to Bite Me Like Last Time."
Dear Cairistiona: This was very good! It was generous of you to write an appendix like this for all your h/c fans, of whom I am one. Poor Aragorn--when the gentlest person present is Gandalf, then you *are* in trouble! Although in defense of our favorite Wizard, he treated Aragorn with great kindness. You wrote the dialogue particularly well. I particularly liked the line; "Morgoth has a softer touch than you!" I enjoyed reading this very much. Thank you for writing and posting it. Sincerely, Darkover
Author's reply
Thank you, Darkover! So glad you enjoyed this... it was a lot of fun to write, and you make a very good point--you definitely are in trouble if Gandalf's the gentlest one in the room. LOL I'm glad you enjoyed the humor and the comfort in this last little helping of h/c. Thanks again!
Larner · 7 February 2011 · Chapter 12: Appendix - "Please Try Not to Bite Me Like Last Time."
You certainly have me giggling at poor Daisy's expense! Heh! And I do pity Grimbeorn, but appreciate he's doing his very best. Lovely addition to the story!
Author's reply
Thank you, Larner! So glad you liked this little extra snippet. Poor Grimbeorn--he didn't count on having to suddenly play nursemaid, did he!
shirebound · 7 February 2011 · Chapter 12: Appendix - "Please Try Not to Bite Me Like Last Time."
when, after Aragorn announced that he would now put his arm into the birth canal, the ewe that had been patiently bringing them hot cloths let out a terrified bleat and ran from the room LOL! Omigosh, Lily must have been in spasms of joy with this chapter, and the entire story. What a marvelous tale.
Author's reply
Thanks, shirebound... I think it's safe to say Lily did enjoy this, yep. :)
Fantasia · 7 February 2011 · Chapter 12: Appendix - "Please Try Not to Bite Me Like Last Time."
Oh, this is priceless! Despite poor Aragorn illness, I was laughing so bad that my co-workers think now that I'm crazy. Thak you Cairistiona, this was really funny.
Author's reply
Thank you, Fantasia! My apologies for giving you a reputation as a crazy lady among your colleagues, but I'm glad you enjoyed this. *g*
Mirach · 7 February 2011 · Chapter 12: Appendix - "Please Try Not to Bite Me Like Last Time."
I enjoyed reading this chapter/appendix very much! I love those moments when someone is caring for Aragorn, and you write it wonderfully. I think you should make it a part of the story, not just an appendix. It really fits between the two chapters and binds them together.
Author's reply
Thank you, Mirach! Glad you liked this! As for making it a part of the story itself, it would have made that chapter, which is one of the longest as is, far too long. And I had a balance of five chapters from Gandalf's point-of-view and five from Aragorn's, then the epilogue. The story had so much "caring and tending" as it was that I thought going into much detail about those hours at Beorn's would have slowed the pace far too much. It was time to wake Aragorn up and get on with conversations and all the other things that followed. *g* But it was fun to go back and write that scene in detail, I must say, and I'm happy for it to be in the appendix. :) Thanks again!
layne · 7 February 2011 · Chapter 6: Grab Him and Eat Him and Spit Out His Bones...
Awwww ... Strider. To be so traumatized by that childhood event of his *cuddles him* I was rather afraid at first, that there *was* something sinister behind his fear of the gentle eagle. I'm glad that was not so because I really like Durvain, and I love his and his mate's backstory in the chapter before this, that tugged at my heartstrings. Love the part where Gandalf probed into Aragorn's thoughts, and Aragorn being cross at that!!
Author's reply
Thank you, Layne! My apologies in taking so long to reply... somehow I didn't get an email notice about this review. Glitches happen, I suppose, but I hate it when they do! I'm glad you're enjoying the story--especially Durvain and Menelris and their story. I wasn't sure how well OC eagles would be accepted by everyone but it seems that those two have found places in readers' hearts. :) And no, nothing sinister behind Aragorn's fear... just a silly phobia set in place by a scary childhood incident, similar to what anyone might suffer. Hope you enjoy the rest of the story, and thanks again for the review!
Tigger · 6 February 2011 · Chapter 11: Epilogue - Soaring Wings
Oh!! This was so perfect!! Of all the days for Aragorn to reunite w/Menelris and Durvain, what a gift for it to take place on his Coronation Day. Love, love, love it!! I felt like giving myself a slap upside the head though for not realizing where you got the idea for Menelris' name. ;o) Nicely done there and I adore that another Thorongil was looking over Aragorn and his safety during The Battle of the Black Gate. Wonderful that!! This though... "If it would be permissible, I would gladly fly you over your new city." Aragorn gasped. He had not considered such a thing... his heart leapt at the thought, but would it be proper... I swear the first thing that came into my head on reading that was..."You know you've spent a lot of time around Samwise Gamgee when..." :oD So sorry to see this lovely story come to an end, but what a beyond perfect ending for it. BTW...Their Coronation Gift to Aragorn? That has produced a Plot Bunny that nailed my ankles and is now in the incubation stage of planning. I've got a couple other stories on the go, but in particular I really need to finish one and soon, as I'd like to submit it for this month's Teitho contest. At least I hope I can get it done in time. When I do write the story that will be produced from this plot bunny, if I'm still not able to access LJ, how can I get it to you? I'll be able to post it at the LOTR Message Board/Website I belong to in our Fan Fiction section, so if all else fails, I can put it there and let you know. Anyway, I really would love it to be you to read it for the first time if possible. And on that note...I need to get to bed. Going to miss this story and I hope this isn't the last we see of Menelris and Durvain helping out their Friend among Men. :o) Thanks for the wonderful story!! ((((HUGS))))
Author's reply
Thank you, Tigger! I'm so glad you liked the ending to this. And full disclosure on my part? I didn't really make the connection between my creating Menelris' name and Meneldor until I actually wrote the epilogue. LOL Seriously, I was just going through the Sindarin name-generator (I love Darth Fingon's handy tool) and created a name that approximated "Queen of the Skies". So I actually had a bit of a slap-upside-the-head moment myself. LOL I think sometimes my brain subconsciously "knows" things that I don't realize and pulls them from the soup that is my knowledge of Tolkien without any conscious direction. Weird how that works. And how neat that this inspired a plot bunny! I do like it when my stories stir the creativity of other writers--leads to more good tales. :) As for contacting me, if you have access to email, you could email me the story or email me when it's posted. My email should be listed in my bio/profile thingy here at SoA but if not, it's cefox1@aol.com. Thanks again, and good luck with the plot bunny. :)
Thorongirl · 5 February 2011 · Chapter 11: Epilogue - Soaring Wings
What a marvelous story! I get very emotional sometimes when I read a great story, and your epilogue was very stirring. The whole scene at the beginning where Aragorn tries to identify what he is feeling was so well constructed. And yes, joyous. I felt a lump rising in my throat throughout and I couldn't suppress a smile when Aragorn wondered if perhaps the guard might have heard him. That was so realistic. Oh, and thank you so much for the touching (and sometimes humorous) reunion. This story made my heart soar. Your knowledge of your characters and canon shines through with every word you write.
Author's reply
Thank you, Thorongirl! I'm so glad you read this story and enjoyed it... I'm always so grateful when I hear that something I've written has stirred a reader's emotions like this did yours. The idea of the night after all the festivities, where Aragorn's finally alone to process everything, has always been near and dear to my heart and it was such a thrill to finally find a story where I could explore the whole gamut of emotions he must have felt. And you know me, there has to be some humor in even the heaviest moments. :) Thanks for the review!
Ainu Laire · 5 February 2011 · Chapter 11: Epilogue - Soaring Wings
Bwaahhhh! Oh what a fantastic ending! I love the sheer joy you describe Aragorn having... I cannot imagine anything else, now! It made me grin, I'll admit. Hah! He got his eagle down! Very cute. And the whole scene with the four guards at the tree sworn to secrecy, Menelris preferring the name Thorongil and naming an eaglet after him- and said eaglet protecting him in the battle at the Black Gate! How fantastic! If you ever do any post-War fics that have to do with battle, I can see Thorongil the eagle protecting him even then. I want an eagle protector. And the ride, hah, the ride was a great ending. I want to ride an eagle too. I noticed you had this whole little almost mini-series with titles going on, here... first Hobbit, now Eagles... what's next? Ranger and the Ents? Ranger and the Dwarves? Ranger and the Orcs? *said Ranger glares at her* Just kidding, just kidding! *tugs at collar* Man can't take a joke... *whispers* Ranger and the Spiders... Ranger and the Trolls... Ranger and the Balrog... *feels evil glare on back* Right! Ranger and the Unicorns it is! I best get out of here before my sleep deprivation kills me. I look forward to whatever is coming from you next, whether it's another Ranger title or something else!
Author's reply
Thanks, Laire! Glad you enjoyed the ending of this wild and crazy ride. :) Wouldn't it be awesome to have your very own Eagle bodyguard? And the titles... it's not really an intentional mini-series idea where I have sixteen more such stories lined out, but it might be a nice accidental series, who knows! If it does, maybe I should go back and rename "At Hope's Edge" to "The Ranger and the Wraith". Naaah. LOL But it would simplify trying to come up with titles. Thanks for the review, and hopefully I can come up with something a little sooner than next winter!
Elflingimp · 4 February 2011 · Chapter 11: Epilogue - Soaring Wings
Thank you so much for this wonderful story! It is by far one of the best ones I have read in a long while and brings so many emotions to me as I read it.Sniff. Hugs The Imp
Author's reply
Thank you, Imp! I'm so glad you liked this tale, and very flattered that you think it one of the best ones you've read in a while. That makes a writer feel very encouraged. :) There's one more little gapfiller "appendix" to go, and then I'll start working on something new... so the stories will hopefully continue, although probably without Eagles next time. Thanks again!
Silivren Tinu · 4 February 2011 · Chapter 11: Epilogue - Soaring Wings
Oh, that was beautiful! I had so hoped that Aragorn would get to ride on Durvain at alst, though I hadn't expected that he would have to wait until after his coronation! *g* In a way, that made it only better, though. What a perfect way to celebrate his coronation and victory! I love the idea that one of Durvain and Menelris' children was watching over Aragorn during the battle at the Black Gate! Hehe, I can't blame Menelris for liking the name "Thorongil" more than "Elessar". I guess Aragorn will always be Thorongil to the Eagles. ;-) Of course I also loved the gift they had for Aragorn! This was a wonderful ending to your story, Cairistiona! Though it makes me sad that this story has to end at all, I couldn't think of a better way for it to end. Loved it! :)
Author's reply
Thank you, Almut! I figured that moving the "flying Eagle ride" so far into the future would surprise everyone, because it certainly surprised me! Stories have a way of doing that sometimes. And you know, one of my own favorite lines in this epilogue is Menelris' very quiet, "Thorongil." hee hee. She's a stubborn bird, Menelris, and will never come around to any name that refers to rocks or walking. Hmm, I wonder if she and Durvain had a big argument about whether to name their little one Thorongil or Strider! *g* Thank you so much for reading this and for all the reviews you've given... each one is greatly appreciated!
Elentarri · 4 February 2011 · Chapter 11: Epilogue - Soaring Wings
This is such a beautifully written story. Thank you. The ending is really cute - especially the eagle down :D Can you please write a story with Aragorn, Denlad and Halbarad set after "A Star in Midwinter", but before the other stories? :D Something where Denlad is still young and trying to fit in or still learning to be a Ranger...? Happy writing! Tanya
Author's reply
Thank you, Tanya! So glad you enjoyed this story. I do have another story started that picks up where "A Star in Midwinter" leaves off... when I'll get it finished is anyone's guess, as it's in the very early draft stage. But I'm definitely working on it and want to get back to "my" Rangers, and especially Denlad. Glad you enjoyed this departure from them. :)
Ellynn · 4 February 2011 · Chapter 11: Epilogue - Soaring Wings
Awww, this is such a wonderful, touching end. *melts* Thank you for another great story. *hugs*
Author's reply
Thank you, Ellynn! So glad you enjoyed it! :)
Lily Baggins · 4 February 2011 · Chapter 11: Epilogue - Soaring Wings
Well, this was an incredibly beautiful and most satisfying ending to the story--- a story I will be VERY sad to see end. I may weep! Thank goodness you have other tales up your sleeve. That comforts me. I was so intrigued to see that you set the Epilogue years after the original story---I love that it takes place just after the coronation! Aragorn's doubts played a major role during parts of the story and it's lovely to see him joyful and unburdened by worries about his future, and thinking about the past and how far he's come. But it's sad, too, to think about Halbarad---oh gosh, I can't even go there without getting too teary-eyed, after getting to "know" your Halbarad so well. And of course, I LOVE the fact that even as king, Aragorn has not lost his playfulness! Poor Aragorn---living for years imagining that something bad had happened to Durvain. Thank goodness the eagles showed up to truly provide a fitting end to his sorrow over that. And brought down! Now that brings the story full circle---how awesome to think of him having it sewn up and sleeping on it every night, after mentioning it all those years ago. And Thorongil as Menelris and Durvain's son? Sheer brilliance. This chapter just gave me the best, best feeling of warmth and happiness all wrapped up in a cozy, neat little package. And so it ends. I have to say I've adored every single minute of this story---down to every last word---and I'm sure I'll make a habit of re-reading it until I have the darned thing practically memorized---along with the lovely gapfiller, of course. Me, obsessed? Yes, I guess I have to say so. And insatiable. However, I'm feeling very well sated and fulfilled right now, thanks to this story. Thank you so, so much for taking that drabble idea and really running a marathon with it. It's been a real spot of joy in my life these past few weeks.
Author's reply
Thank you, Lily! I'm so glad you liked the unexpected turn the ending took! This whole story really was an exercise in taking unexpected turns... who would have thought that your request for an h/c drabble between Aragorn and Gandalf would have turned into such a crazy wild ride! I'm just very, very glad that this was all you expected... I really do wonder who had more fun, me as the writer or you as the reader! Either way, I think we can both safely say it's been a blast. :)
Matt · 3 February 2011 · Chapter 11: Epilogue - Soaring Wings
Well, we got the ride even if the rest of the story is missing....Great job. Thanks for your efforts, i hope that you do more in this universe, though possibly with a touch more moving about in the world and not too much hurt/comfort. I know a lot of people like it but its so close to angst....and we have enough of that in the world as-is. Matt
Author's reply
Thanks, Matt! Yep, finally got the ride (and eagle down to sleep on the rest of this days). The rest of the story isn't exactly "missing", per se... Tolkien told a lot of it, after all. ;) The interesting thing about fanfic is the way fanfic and canon work together to tell a complete tale. I'll get back to the hunt for Gollum eventually, though I can't promise no angst (or hurt/comfort, which I think is actually different than angst, though some fans use them interchangeably. To me, angst is a story where the character deals with the emotional conflict or inner turmoil that comes when he faces a seemingly insurmountable obstacle, which could be grief, heartbreak, impending war, etc. An "angst" story might not have any physical injuries at all. An h/c story, on the other hand, is where Aragorn falls down and goes boom and someone kisses it and makes it better. :) I have found I really can't write a straight h/c story... I always seem to need to throw in angst and humor and action, and more importantly, strength and hope, as well). Tolkien pretty much set up his world to be full of hardships and sorrows, and Aragorn walked that very hard road full of trial (both physical--the "hurt"--and mental, emotional, and spiritual--the "angst") that Elrond and Gilraen both foretold he would. I think the "take away value" in his life, though, is knowing that he walked through all those hardships yet emerged strong and whole in the end, never losing his hope or his joy except for brief moments. Those are the themes I try to touch on in my own stories, because I find them inspiring and helpful in my own life. :) Sorry, that was a long and rambling answer to your very concise review! But if you want to try something I've written that's more lighthearted, you might like "An Unexpected Feast", which details an unusual banquet Thorongil finds himself attending, or "Upon a Spring Morn", where he and Halbarad deal with a tricky lambing. "A Star in Midwinter" also has a bit less angst, though it does have some. I appreciate hearing your thoughts, and hope you continue reading! Thanks again.
Estelcontar · 3 February 2011 · Chapter 11: Epilogue - Soaring Wings
I have already told you how much I loved this epilogue, but it bears repeating: I absolutely love it. It's such a glorious, joyful, and wonderful piece of writing. I loved so many parts of it that I don't know where to start. My favourites though are that picture of Aragorn throwing back his head, spinning and raising both hands high in the air in pure and unalloyed joy (It is such a vivid depiction of his most just delight at finally achieving his destiny after such a long and painful struggle against insurmountable odds); Aragorn's vision of Númenor and of Elros leading a silent procession of the Faithful up the Meneltarma and all that it implies; the bit about Durvain finding an entire set of silver spoons (It is such delightful and endearing detail); the fact that Menelris and Durvain named one of their sons Thorongil; and at last, of course, the ending which is just perfect, and absolutely priceless. You couldn't have written a better closure for your story than the powerful image of Aragorn flying over Minas Tirith, beholding its beauty and weeping for sheer joy. This is a most insightful and exquisite ending to a wonderful tale.
Author's reply
Thank you, Estelcontar! And let me take this opportunity again to publicly thank you for your assistance with this story... both your and Inzilbeth's encouragement and patient explanations of some of the more tricky areas of canon were invaluable as I wrote those conversations Aragorn had with both Gandalf and Beorn. I'm so glad you enjoyed the way this story ended... I know you have a soft spot for Elessar tales, which is an area of his life I've yet to really explore, so it was a treat, when I saw the direction the story had to go, to write this knowing that you were really going to enjoy it. *g* Obrigada, meu amiga! (I hope I wrote that right...)
UTfrog · 3 February 2011 · Chapter 11: Epilogue - Soaring Wings
Great story. I certainly should have reviewed before. I love how "human" the eagles are. The last chapter will stay a great favorite. I love stories of Aragorn early in his reign. So many thoughts had to be pushing through his brain. Glad he had a great treat in your universe. Thank you
Author's reply
Thank you, UTfrog! So glad you enjoyed the story and the Eagles. I aimed at keeping them in the same vein as Tolkien's canon Eagles but also giving their personalities more depth. And yes, Aragorn had to have been a regular bundle of crazy emotions that day... I think a lesser man may have ended up catatonic in the corner by the end of the day. Good thing Aragorn's not a lesser man. Thanks again for reading!
shirebound · 3 February 2011 · Chapter 11: Epilogue - Soaring Wings
I'm sure I'm only one of many folks who are very VERY sorry to see this wonderful story come to an end. What a soaring, joyous, lovely finale! I enjoyed every bit of this marvelous tale.
Author's reply
Thank you, shirebound... so very glad you enjoyed it! :)
curiouswombat · 3 February 2011 · Chapter 11: Epilogue - Soaring Wings
A very fitting ending to an excellent story - I shall miss my regular 'fixes'.
Author's reply
Thank you, curiouswombat... so glad you enjoyed the tale. Hopefully I can get another story going before too long so you can get more regular fixes. :)
Mirach · 3 February 2011 · Chapter 11: Epilogue - Soaring Wings
Absolutely wonderful! This chapter was full of strong feelings, so strong that just reading about them was enough to bring tears to my eyes. I tried to imagine what the coronation must have meant to Aragorn after all those long and hard years, and it's something almost undescribable. Yet you managed to descrife his feelings amazingly here. His grief for Halbarad is also present, mixing with all other feelings. I don't wonder he wasn't able to sleep. And I like the mention about renewing the ancient rituals, because the king of Gondor was also its high priest, and it's nice to imagine Aragorn in this role. And since the eagles arrived, every word of the story was just perfect! You added a bit to his worries during the years that peceded this moment by letting him assume that something bad happened to Durvain and Menelris, but I forgive you because you compensated him for it greatly. That they would name their son Thorongil is one of those things that almost made me cry, and then laugh at the references from the previous chapters - that Menelris didn't like the "landbound" name Elessar either, the silver spoons, and that Aragorn corrected Durvain in "talons, not claws". Then I was near tears again when I imagined the joy of the flight, undimmed by worries about uncertain future. That was really worth the waiting, because if the eagles returned sooner and Durvain fulfilled his promise that very spring, it would be just a momentally relief from the worries. But now, it was not just a flight, but something cleansing, leaving the sorrows of the past behind to face the future. Finally, the mention of Eärendil was the final blow to me, and now I don't know if I should laugh, weep, or go out and run to cope with the beauty of the ending of this story.
Author's reply
Aw, thank you, Mirach! Gosh, I don't know where to start! I'm so glad all the elements of this epilogue came together so well for you... yes, even down to Gil-Estel! I've tried several different times, in one-shots, to write a scene describing that first night after the coronation but it never really came together like I wanted--but this one did, thankfully. You make a good point in saying that placing the flight after the coronation, instead of that spring so long ago, makes it almost a cleansing celebration... I wish I could claim I did that deliberately! But alas, placing the flight at the coronation instead of that spring resulted from expediency more than anything else: I had to set up a scenario whereby the Eagles gave him the down as a coronation gift, and as there wasn't room in that last chapter to do the flight, I decided to combine it with the gift-giving. But serendipity is a wonderful thing and I think good things resulted from what was only a "story structure" decision. Thank you so much for sharing what the story has meant to you all along--I so appreciate hearing that from readers! Still one small "one-shot" gapfiller to post as an appendix and then it will be time to move on to new adventures.
Darkover · 3 February 2011 · Chapter 11: Epilogue - Soaring Wings
Dear Cairistiona: This was the cherry on the sundae! Your final chapter was every bit as delightful as the rest of this story. I liked how you portrayed Aragorn's very human satisfaction at having succeeded in his goal at last. I *really* liked the pleasure he felt at having his own servant to wait on him, not the servant employed by any of the people to whom he owed allegiance over the many long years of diligent waiting and struggle. It is just so wonderfully human. And of course, I loved the arrival of the Eagles! Aragorn not only found out how his old friends had been doing, he got to ride an Eagle at last, and got to fly when he was in the condition to enjoy it. Aahh, it is great being King, isn't it? Of course, Aragorn earned everything he now has, from his own chambers in his own city in his own kingdom, to the friendships and alliances he has forged with others. This story was a great pleasure to read, and will always be one of my favorites. Thanks again for writing and posting it. Sincerely, Darkover
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Darkover! I'm so glad you enjoyed this tale in its entirety and very flattered that it's become one of your favorites. I like to explore the "human" side of Aragorn, since Tolkien gives us more of the "epic hero" side of him, and I can't imagine him not having a storm of emotions boiling through him on his coronation day. To have come through so much to finally see one's dreams fulfilled has to stir up overwhelming emotions. And then he gets to fly again, finally! It is great being King, I agree! Thanks so much for this and all the other reviews you've left for this tale--I appreciate every one. There's one last little "gap-filler" chapter to add as a sort of "appendix", but after that, I'll be on to Aragorn or Halbarad's new adventures. I hope you'll enjoy those tales as well.
Fantasia · 3 February 2011 · Chapter 11: Epilogue - Soaring Wings
Cairistiona, this is the perfect ending for a perfect story. You made me laugh and cry, I can feel all his joy and sorrow, and the Eagles! and their gifts, both of them. Boromir and Halbarad, yes, both will be missing and I noticed that you didn't mention the others of the Ranger's gang, hope that they were still alive. Love, love this story and I hope that you have more for us soon. I wish that I can say with more elocuent words how much I liked this story, but I'm not a writer, so I can only said that I loved it and Thank you
Author's reply
Thank you, Fantasia! I'm so glad you enjoyed the ending of this long tale. :) No, I didn't mention "my" Rangers because I still am working at telling their tales, so I don't want to spoil anything. So I treated this one more along strictly "canon" lines, keeping the Eagles as the only original characters. But I'll get back to stories including Denlad and the others soon! Thank you so much for all the reviews you left--reviews are a fanfic writer's "salary" and I feel very well paid thanks to you!
Larner · 3 February 2011 · Chapter 11: Epilogue - Soaring Wings
Oh, yes--recognizing joy at this late date would be particularly difficult, I think, as he's not known unbridled joy for so very long. It would be a holy thing to accept this day, along with the necessity not to give over to humility to the point of abasing himself before his people. And these final gifts from Durvain and Menelris--how perfect that he should know them now, and know that one of the Great Eagles was named for him, and that another child of his friends was one of those who helped in the rescue of Frodo and Sam! I thrilled with him at the description of that long-delayed ride, and rejoice that he has indeed accepted and will renew the role of the Sacred King! I loved every minute of this story, Cairistiona! Thanks so very much!
Author's reply
Thank you, Larner! I'm so glad you enjoyed the story... it was incredibly fun to write and it's always gratifying to hear that readers had as much fun reading it as I did writing it. I agree that after all the sorrows and stress and uncertainties that Aragorn would probably have so many emotions rocketing around inside him that finally figuring out that this strange new feeling is one of joy wouldn't be the easiest thing to do. Joy is a bit hard to define even in the best of times--it's something that goes deeper than mere happiness and, at least to my thinking, doesn't always go hand in hand with happiness but can be found alongside sorrow as well. But I think Aragorn, just like all the good folk of Middle-earth, found it in plenty once Sauron finally fell! Thanks for reviewing all throughout this--each one was greatly appreciated!