Reviews (202)

Tigger · 2 February 2011 · Chapter 10: Only A Farewell For a Season

Sigh...I knew the Eagles had to leave, but like Aragorn, am very sad to see them go. I hope we see them all meet each other again at some point. Love that image of Aragorm w/a puppy tucked into his tunic. Happy sigh... :o) This though... Aragorn started to chuckle and soon he was laughing as hard as Beorn. It was several minutes before either of them regained control. "I thank you, Beorn. I was hoping to see you transform into a bear, although I must say I did not anticipate such a close view." "You didn’t soil yourself, I hope." Had me ROTFLOL!! Still..Considering how close a look Aragorn got at those teeth, it's not that unreasonable a question. :oD Really enjoying this, but I have a feeling we're getting close to the end. BTW..I re read A Star In Midwinter on the weekend and I'm wondering if we're going to see more of Denlad in the future. Would love to know more about him and if he has indeed turned into a Mighty Warrior. I'm just saying... :oD

Matt · 2 February 2011 · Chapter 10: Only A Farewell For a Season

What a great story. Nice character development and an excellent aattle in the air. You've got just enough action to make things work and, I suspect, potential for quite the long tale if you choose to go in that direction. Thanks for an excellent effort. Matt

Raksha The Demon · 1 February 2011 · Chapter 10: Only A Farewell For a Season

Awwwwwwww! Aragorn's caring for a tiny puppy - how cute is that! I hope someone else is feeding the pup when Aragorn is sleeping at night, because at that age the pup is going to need feeding about every two hours. At least Aragorn didn't drop the puppy when Beorn went all Bear on him (heee!). Wonder what kind of dogs Beorn raises. Aragorn will recover all the faster when the puppy is old enough to steal his boots... Great chapter!

Silivren Tinu · 1 February 2011 · Chapter 10: Only A Farewell For a Season

Oh, Beorn has a wicked sense of humour! :D I had hoped Aragorn would get so see him change into a bear, but just like Aragorn I didn't expect him to be quite so... frightening. *g* It must be a great feeling to have that guy as your ally, though! I hope he won't manage to scare poor recuperating Aragorn to death during the winter months, lol. I was really sorry to see Menelris and Durvain leave, too. I hope their reunion with Aragorn and Aragorn's flight on Durvain will be part of this story! *puppy eyes* As always, I loved the Aragorn-Gandalf friendship scenes in this chapter. I can already tell I won't like having to say farewell to this story. ;-)

Mirach · 1 February 2011 · Chapter 10: Only A Farewell For a Season

Aww, Aragorn caring for a puppy! ********SYSTEM ERROR******** ****OVERLOAD OF CUTENESS**** ******REBOOTING SYSTEM****** Now, I hope I will be more coherent. I loved this chapter, and the light and warm feeling of it despite the ever-present doubts and worries. Beorn apparently enjoyed himself, too, in granting Aragorn his secret wish. I must wonder what did Durvain think about human customs when Aragorn came to greet him in a soiled shirt. What was that about vultures? ;) The leaving of the eagles was bittersweet. It will be a long winter, I think, waiting for spring when they will come again, and for the promised flight. I'm looking forward to it as much as Aragorn! But it will be a winter spent comfortably for once. And with puppies! ********SYSTEM ERROR******** ****OVERLOAD OF CUTENESS**** ******REBOOTING SYSTEM****** Ahem.

Lily Baggins · 1 February 2011 · Chapter 10: Only A Farewell For a Season

Oh, this was a wonderfully heartwarming almost-end to this tale! Oh, I do love the thought of virile, sturdy Aragorn hobbling about like an old man---that image gave me a big smile. And I can only imagine the unpleasant sensations such a back injury would leave you prone to for a time. It would be easy to lapse into depression. Thankfully, Aragorn has puppy therapy! That was darling. And seeing Beorn change into a bear at last was delightful, and a true show of his affection for Aragorn (especially what with losing a perfectly good woollen tunic, lol). I can imagine it would frighten anybody to some degree! I loved Aragorn and the Eagles' final farewells, though it was sad to say goodbye to Durvain and Menelris. I have a feeling Aragorn will definitely be seeing them again, though, come spring! And will likely get another flying lesson, to boot. I think it's wonderful to see how happy and somewhat relieved Aragorn was to stay at Beorn's through the winter. I have a feeling you could post "Aragorn's Adventures During the Winter At Beorn's Hall" and we'd all eat it up! There's just no telling what he could get himself into... I'm going to be very sad and depressed to see this story end! You can't imagine how I've enjoyed looking forward to chapters and how awesome it has been to read such detailed and serious h/c. But I'm sad in a bittersweet way, as the story has been so wonderful, and now that it's nearly complete, I'll always have it to enjoy again and again. so we will weather it by the fire and tell tales and eat until we burst or fall asleep, whichever comes first!" Well, we have a storm coming here, too--I just heard some rain, actually---and I'd like NOTHING better than to hurry off into Beorn's Hall with Aragorn and Gandalf and partake of all of those things!

Darkover · 31 January 2011 · Chapter 10: Only A Farewell For a Season

Dear Cairistiona: This was wonderful, as usual! Everything was wrapped up beautifully. All the characters made an appearance, everyone was in-character, and Aragorn got to see Beorn change into a bear. If Aragorn was childish, then I am childish, too, as I think seeing someone change into a bear would be pretty neat! The dialogue that you wrote, between Aragorn and Gandalf, was very moving, and completely in-tune with the h/c aspect of this excellent tale. I especially enjoyed that part of this chapter; you wrote that so well. Everyone deserves to know how highly his friends value him, and Aragorn, having had a difficult time of it, deserves that consideration more than most. I was glad to learn that he will be allowed to remain as Beorn's honored guest, and will enjoy the company of his old friend Gandalf, for awhile longer. Aragorn's goodbye to the Eagles was equally well-written. Well done, adapting some of Tolkien's lines from "The Hobbit." It was reassuring to learn that Aragorn would see his new avian friends and allies again in the future. The puppy was an inspired idea. Not only is its presence, and needed care, in keeping with Beorn's tradition of treating his animals as family members, but Aragorn is still weary and recovering from his wounds, at a stage when it is easy to slide back into depression. It is difficult to be depressed when one is cuddling a puppy, so Beorn's "assignment" of the puppy's care to Aragorn might have been as much for the sake of the Ranger as for the sake of the pup. Again, this was just a great story all the way through, and I am only sorry that it has ended. Thank you very much for writing and posting it. Take care! Sincerely, Darkover

Estelcontar · 31 January 2011 · Chapter 10: Only A Farewell For a Season

I absolutely loved this chapter to bits when I first read it, and it is even better now. It's a great ending for a very lovely tale. It's got so many wonderful touches it's hard to decide what one's favourite is: having Beorn make healing Aragorn taking care of the puppy was a great find. Gandalf's conversation with Aragorn is very enlightening, and very much to the purpose. And so is the fact that by the end of the chapter one feels Aragorn's confidence is restored. Aragorn's farewell to Durvain and Menelris is very moving, and I hope we get to see Aragorn and Durvain flying together again. Still, I think the pride of place goes to Beorn's transformation into a bear. It was a very vivid piece of writing. It's great to have Aragorn confess he wanted to see the transformation, and have his wish come true in such a dramatic fashion. LOL The snapping jaws just clinched it. Perfect! I wish I could have seen Aragorn's face. The ending was also delightful and most seasonable. It's good to know that Aragorn and Gandalf are going to be snug, warm, comfortable and happy in the company of friends for a while. They so deserve it.

Larner · 31 January 2011 · Chapter 10: Only A Farewell For a Season

Most satisfying. Having grown up with my mother's kennel, I've fed and cared for little ones, and have had to rub their little tummies to get them to relieve themselves. It was fun watching Aragorn terrified by having his wish granted, and I, too, will miss Durvain and Menelris while they summer in warmer climes. Lovely images to hold in my imagination.

Ellynn · 31 January 2011 · Chapter 10: Only A Farewell For a Season

Awww, Aragorn is a puppy-sitter. :) So sweet. *melts* The final parting with the eagles was so sad. :( *sniff* I do hope they will meet again.

shirebound · 31 January 2011 · Chapter 10: Only A Farewell For a Season

What wonderful friends Aragorn -- and the King -- have made. And of course I'm completely charmed by the puppy! He would merely be relieved you were in one piece, although the rarity of such an unscathed arrival might alone be enough to put him in a swoon. I love your humorous touches.

Fantasia · 31 January 2011 · Chapter 10: Only A Farewell For a Season

Ah! I will miss those Eagles. I hope that Aragorn can fly again soon and enjoy the ride. Love Beorn changing and Aragorn and the puppy reaction. Beorn is the last one? his son is not a skinchanger? I want to see Glorfindel's and Elrond's faces too, that wil be priceless. And i fyou can include Halbarad and the Rangers, they will be terrified!

Ainu Laire · 31 January 2011 · Chapter 9: Two Days Spent with Aragorn and He's Become Just as Obstinate

Oh man, I love your characterization of Beorn- what a fantastic character. I can definitely see a friendship building between the Dunedain and the Beornings because of their own friendship. Darn it all, now I want more Aragorn and Beorn fics XD From the last chapter, but man! I laughed so hard when the dog brought Gandalf's staff. Oh, that was hilarious. And speaking of dogs, I always thought that the dogs in Beorn's house walking on two legs rather than four was so odd- then I saw a video about Faith the two-legged dog (Google her and watch a video, it's amazing). And now I know what a dog looks like when it walks on its hind legs... Poor Durvain, getting an infection. I do like this healing and all, it was very cute. The whole singing aspect of it is definitely very Tolkien-esque. So yes, wonderful, as usual, and looking forward to more.

Linda Hoyland · 30 January 2011 · Chapter 9: Two Days Spent with Aragorn and He's Become Just as Obstinate

What a lovely chapter!I especially enjoyed Aragorn healing his eagle friend and his belief that he had to set a good example.

Raksha The Demon · 29 January 2011 · Chapter 9: Two Days Spent with Aragorn and He's Become Just as Obstinate

Great chapter - I love the characterization of Beorn and his conversation with Aragorn. I would dearly love to see more of Aragorn's forays into veterinary medicine!

Linda Hoyland · 29 January 2011 · Chapter 8: To Beorn's With All Due Speed

I just loved the eagle tucking Aragorn under his wing and Beorn and Aragorn's conversation.

Inzilbeth · 28 January 2011 · Chapter 9: Two Days Spent with Aragorn and He's Become Just as Obstinate

I've been very remiss in not reviewing every chapter [my fault, not your wonderful story!] but I really felt, with this chapter in particular, I must acknowledge your courage in tackling weighty issues which touch on those grey areas of canon where all of us sometimes fear to tread. As your beta, I know very well the strident efforts you always take to ensure that your story stays not only within the known facts but also, when the facts we need are missing, within a reasonable extrapolation of the information we do have. The conversation with Beorn and Aragorn's view of death alone was, I know, thoroughly researched since we spent about three days discussing it! The question of whether Beorn and Aragorn would know that Gandalf was a Maia has also been raised. Personally I feel you were well within canon to make the assumptions you have. It says in the chapter on the Istari in UT that 'they revealed their true names to few' not to none. Aragorn, being elven-wise was no typical Man of the North, a definition which would undoubtedly include the Men of Bree who certainly had no idea of Gandalf's true purpose but were hardly comparable with Aragorn. And Aragorn was, after all, the only member of the Company unfazed by Gandalf's struggle to open the doors of Moria, because he 'knew him well' and indeed he did, having been his friend for 62 years. I'm also quite sure that all the members of the White Council were familiar with Gandalf's true persona. Certainly Saruman and Radagast knew and, since it was to Galadriel that Gandalf came when he was sent back after his 'death', it stretches credibility that she and Elrond were ignorant of his nature. Beorn is a more interesting case as we know so little about him. But he is, like Gandalf, able to appear in more than one guise. He's no ordinary man either but he is a stauch ally and there's no reason to suggest Gandalf couldn't have confided in him. Your story and the dialogue between the characters is all the richer for having made the decisions you have and I applaud you for creating such an original, entertaining, and well written tale that nonethelees manages to negotiate that sometimes tricky path to remain within the bounds of canon.

Silivren Tinu · 28 January 2011 · Chapter 9: Two Days Spent with Aragorn and He's Become Just as Obstinate

I'm glad Gandalf didn't mind Aragorn's borrowing of his staff too much - I'm quite sure it would have caused lots of problems for Middle-earth if a certain wizard had decided to turn the heir of Isildur into a frog or something. *g* After the last chapter, I already feared Durvain might be seriously hurt and I was wondering how Aragorn would ever be able to help him without killing himself in the process, considering the state he's in. I have to admit he did a wonderful job, both at helping and at staying alive while doing so. ;-) It's a good thing he has many willing helpers. I loved that Aragorn sang to Durvain to calm him in addition to his healing touch. Now I just wish I could hear him sing, too! It was sweet that Aragorn drifted into a healing sleep right along with Durvain (and I guess it was also sorely needed). The last part of this chapter already makes me wonder if Aragorn and Beorn (or Aragorn and any of the Beornings) will meet again. The Beornings must be wonderful allies and friends and Aragorn and Beorn sure seem to get along great! The title of this chapter made me smile, btw - Durvain really seems to be very much like Aragorn in certain respects! *g*

Fantasia · 28 January 2011 · Chapter 9: Two Days Spent with Aragorn and He's Become Just as Obstinate

Beautiful chapter! Poor Durvain, but he is recovering and even behaving like Aragorn!. Like it all the details, like Aragorn speechless in front of Menelris. Even with all the injuries and problems, Aragorn has managed to find two powerful allies, the Eagles and the Beornings. Now, I was laughing with Aragorn's concerns about Gandalf's staff and this was priceless: "Care to move here and help me tend my animals?" At least, he knows that if the kingship fails, he can always be a veterinarian.

Lily Baggins · 28 January 2011 · Chapter 9: Two Days Spent with Aragorn and He's Become Just as Obstinate

This chapter was so sweet and peaceful! I muchly, muchly enjoyed it. It was so true to Aragorn's character, sacrificing his own comfort to see to Durvain. Ah, poor Durvain! I hope he recovers well, poor thing! I did love Gandalf's efficiency in getting everyone together to tend Durvain, so that Aragorn didn't have to! I must admit, I would trade places with Durvain in a New York second. Who wouldn't want Aragorn sitting and sleeping next to you and singing to you practically all night? Bliss. On the other hand, I'd also trade places with Aragorn, because sleeping with a giant eagle sheltering you would have to be a great new experience. I was sitting and thinking, "Aragorn is going to sleep OUTSIDE? Is he crazy, given his health?" And then I remembered! He IS a ranger and to sleep outside is his modus operandi---I'm sure he was NEVER that comfortable most other times he's slept outside! I enjoyed every bit of Beorn and Aragorn's conversation... oh yes, everything good is in Aragorn, all right. And this story so illustrates that... I just love it to death. I really, really hope that maybe Beorn makes an appearance in other stories of yours!

Tigger · 27 January 2011 · Chapter 9: Two Days Spent with Aragorn and He's Become Just as Obstinate

Thank Goodness!! I really hope that's the worst of it for poor Durvain, but thankfully Aragorn had mended enough to be able to not only tell everyone else what to do for the wound, but to be able to use his other healing gift : The gift of song. I'm also glad the *both* of them were able to go into healing sleep. It was badly needed on both sides. I'm very much enjoying this and love how now Aragorn's put his fear of the Eagles where it belongs. In his childhood. I also hope that he gets a chance to experience a flight w/his new friends once our obstinate Ranger and Eagle heal. *uses pleading puppy dog eyes* Please!?! :oD I am really enjoying this and hate that it has to end.

Estelcontar · 27 January 2011 · Chapter 9: Two Days Spent with Aragorn and He's Become Just as Obstinate

So, Gandalf didn't roast Aragorn. I'm glad he didn't. It would have been such a waste. *g* That was a most gratifying chapter, and a very endearing one too. I enjoyed imagining Aragorn singing a song of healing and then using his healer's touch and singing every song he could think of of to comfort and help Durvain till he sent them both into a healing sleep. And comparing Aragorn's healing ability to Beorn's skin-changing was a nice touch. Like Beorn, I believe I like Aragorn very much indeed.

Darkover · 27 January 2011 · Chapter 9: Two Days Spent with Aragorn and He's Become Just as Obstinate

Dear Cairistiona: As always, you have done your usual excellent job of writing this latest chapter! Starting with the title, I loved it. Every character was portrayed so well--the still-healing but concerned, determined Aragorn, the gruff but concerned Gandalf, the blunt but interested Beorn, and the two Eagles, especially Durvain--all were a delight to read. As I believe I've said before, you have a gift for writing both dialogue and h/c. I'm very glad this story quickly outgrew a drabble, as it is a wonderful treat for any h/c fan. I particularly liked the interaction between Aragorn and Durvain. Your having Aragorn sing to the wounded Eagle was both canonical--"the hands of the king are the hands of a healer"--and deeply touching. I also liked the explanatory conversation our favorite Ranger had with Beorn, and their mutual promises of friendship. The readers were reminded of who Aragorn is, and why he is so important, both as Isildur's Heir, and as a friend. Even if Aragorn were not the last great hope of his people, he is such a good man that his life would be well worth the efforts to preserve it for that reason alone. You made this point beautifully, by doing such a fine job of writing about him. It was all so sweet without being the least bit saccharine. I am delighted that you post so often--and so well! I am looking forward to next time! Take care! Sincerely, Darkover

LisaG · 27 January 2011 · Chapter 9: Two Days Spent with Aragorn and He's Become Just as Obstinate

Oooo! I love Aragorn taking care of our sweet Durvain! Gandalf's like about being as stubborn as Aragorn was too true and very funny! I'm glad our healer King was able to soothe Durvain and allow the eagle and himself a restful, healing sleep. That was a sweet image of Aragorn sleeping against his eagle rescuer. :)

shirebound · 27 January 2011 · Chapter 9: Two Days Spent with Aragorn and He's Become Just as Obstinate

What a lovely, lovely chapter. It made me feel so peaceful. When I touched on the idea of Aragorn being able to put himself into a healing sleep in "Keep Him Secret, Keep Him Safe", I didn't go into any detail... so this chapter makes me very happy. Dear Aragorn is going to need a hot bath soon, I think. :)