Layne
· 17 October 2011
· Chapter 8: Beating Carpets Was Probably Good For Him
Thanks for that info on the old English custom of cake-baking. I was wondering why Flora made Bowen bake it in the first place. And ahh, Denlad, that was sad, his backstory. Poor man :/
Author's reply
Thanks, Layne... yes, Denlad's got a hard backstory--he really needs lots of hugs! And you're welcome about the cake-baking info. I do try to explain all those barely-touched on details if not in the same chapter then in later chapters. :)
Suzelle
· 16 October 2011
· Chapter 10: Surely It Must Be Bad If Denlad Was Being Nice
Baaaaabbbbbiiiiiieeeeeessssss!
That is all.
Well, no, that's not quite all. Loved the bantering between Aragorn and Halbarad and further insights into Halbarad's family life, LOL! *g* Glad to see everything seemed to go well and without complication, I know I'd be just as frantic as Bowen if I was ever in his position! (though I'd be more likely to be in Flora's position, swearing my head off and wondering what idiot it was that ever got me into this situation, hahaha).
And loved the further research/history details! *g*
Author's reply
Yay for babies!! So glad you enjoyed this. It was such a fun chapter to put together, not least of which was the swearing and insults on Flora's and Miriel's parts. I do wonder what it was Flora said! *g*
Thanks for the review!
Nath
· 16 October 2011
· Chapter 10: Surely It Must Be Bad If Denlad Was Being Nice
Well, between them Aragorn and Halbarad kept Bowen nicely distracted *g* I loved all the details on the folk beliefs, not to mention Miriel's range of threats against her husband.
Author's reply
Thanks, Nath! Yes, they did a good job being Distractors From Worries of Impending Doom, at least until Halbarad actually pointed out that's what they were doing. Halbarad can be a bit thick sometimes, poor man.
Glad you liked the threats. *g*
Nath
· 16 October 2011
· Chapter 9: It's Always The Brown Eyes I Remember...
Well, Denlad's got the weight off his chest at least a little by speaking up.
And a nice bit of 'Hey, what?!' for the reader, since we don't tend to think of brown eyes as cold or vicious.
Oh, and, *gigglefit* at this:
...Halbarad fiddled for a moment with a frayed string on his cuff, then stopped when he realized how much it irked him when Aragorn did that. Were they so alike, the two of them? Next thing I’ll be fretting over how to get my throne back and marry an Elf lord’s daughter, he thought.
And now the baby's coming...
Author's reply
Thanks, Nath! You know, I had that same thought about how normally you think of warmth and compassion with brown eyes--I've read somewhere, ages back, that it's likely because when you're happy, your pupils dilate a little, darkening the eyes, and that's why we tend to think brown-eyed people have a warmer, kindlier disposition. It was fun to turn that on its head a bit, though I think Denlad could have done without the angst.
Glad you liked that little throwaway line about Halbarad worrying he was becoming like Aragorn. I hoped it'd give someone a chuckle!
Larner
· 16 October 2011
· Chapter 10: Surely It Must Be Bad If Denlad Was Being Nice
Another reason for putting the cat out is that although it won't steal a child's breath, it could STOP it by lying near the infant's face and inadvertently smothering it.
At least the labor wasn't prolonged.
Author's reply
Yes, there is that consideration too... none too healthy to have a cat in the house with a very young baby, unless you really watch it closely. Thanks, Larner!
Larner
· 16 October 2011
· Chapter 9: It's Always The Brown Eyes I Remember...
A terrible memory to hold all this time. At least we know now what is bothering him, and hopefully this kind Breelander will help counter those terrible memories.
Author's reply
Thanks, Larner. Yes, now we know some more of Denlad's dark past... and we know that he's overcoming those terrible memories, both by his own strength and the help of good friends like Halbarad and Aragorn, and hopefully even Bowen, given time.
Lily Baggins
· 16 October 2011
· Chapter 10: Surely It Must Be Bad If Denlad Was Being Nice
Oh, I just loved this! The rangers all keeping Bowen calm was just adorable... Halbarad's tales and Strider's winks and the bantering... enjoyed every minute of it.
And Denlad---is this his first baby, one wonders, that he's delivered?
Oh my--Halbarad has six children! That's quite a houseful---is he a hobbit in disguise? I do think I really like Miriel, even though she's only made one in-person story appearance that I can recall. "Shriveled wee male prunes" is one way to put it!
And of course, I MOST enjoyed Aragorn's healing skills on display... his comments about Flora, and his reassurances to Bowen, and of course his mystical trick with the athelas. I can't help but wonder why Denlad called him back into the bedroom ... to simply oversee something, or was there a brief complication? Hmmmm. Maybe Denlad was simply not completely certain how to cut the cord or something!
Looking forward to the next chapter---is it Tuesday yet? *looks at clock and counts down the hours*
Author's reply
Thanks, Lily! Glad you enjoyed this chapter... and Aragorn's healing skills, what we see of them! Admittedly, this really isn't a heavily detailed medical story like you enjoy, but hopefully the bits I do toss in will suffice. :) And yes, Halbarad and Miriel are, um, fruitful and enjoy multiplying. *g* I really don't know why I decided they'd have a lot of children--I think in the back of my mind has always been the thought that if the Dunedain are dwindling, why the heck don't they make more of an effort to have more kids. *g* I know there's reasons for it... lack of food, lack of stability, lack of safety... simple lack of togetherness, even. Lack of all those things that make child-rearing a successful venture, in other words, but I like the idea that maybe Halbarad and Miriel figure out a way to do it despite the challenges. And yeah, one of these days I'll finish some of the WIPs I have about Halbarad that include actual appearances by Miriel! She deserves a moment in the spotlight for having to put up with Halbarad. *g*
Silmarien
· 14 October 2011
· Chapter 10: Surely It Must Be Bad If Denlad Was Being Nice
Ooh, ooh, the house burned down at about the same time Denlad was beaten by the man from Bree. Connection?
Author's reply
Thanks for the guess, Silmarien, but alas, no connection there, really. The fire started in the chimney, as fires often do, so nothing nefarious. :)
Estelcontar
· 14 October 2011
· Chapter 10: Surely It Must Be Bad If Denlad Was Being Nice
Yay! Chapter 10 is another favourite in a story full of favourites. Loved the tittle, by the way. LOL This is a a most satisfyingly joyful and funny chapter. I'm most definitely following Bowen's example, and falling head over heals in love with his Flora. The image of her hanging like a limpet from Denlad's neck to force Bowen change the bedsheets was totally captivating, as was Bowen trying to make kingsfoil work and getting found out by Aragorn.
Have I mentioned how much I like the use you've been making of superstitions in this story? Like the folklore buff I've always been I think they add wonderful colour to your background.
I absolutely loved Aragorn and Halbarad's tea making antics, and needless to say slice into slivers his wee bits of shriveled male prunes had me laughing out loud with gusto. LOL A great chapter, and I'm betting you had fun writing it too. *g*
Author's reply
Thank you, Estelcontar! I know how much you enjoyed it when you first beta'd it so I'm glad to see you enjoyed it just as much the second time around. :) I *did* have fun writing it, for those very things you list here. It was nice to explore lighter matters after the heavy Denlad angst... and it was nice to write Denlad back to something closer to his normal self. I much prefer Denlad to be happy than sad but alas, sometimes he gets dark and moody on me!
LisaG
· 14 October 2011
· Chapter 10: Surely It Must Be Bad If Denlad Was Being Nice
LOL! I loved Bowen trying to breathe on the kingsfoil to get the scent out like Aragorn. Also, Aragorn and Halbarad's bickering is always amusing.
Congratulations Bowen and Flora on your little bundle of boy! ;) Wonder what his name will be?
Author's reply
Thank you, LisaG! So glad you enjoyed the chapter. I'll extend your congrats to Bowen and Flora. :)
shirebound
· 14 October 2011
· Chapter 10: Surely It Must Be Bad If Denlad Was Being Nice
Yay, what a relief to everyone (including your readers)! :)
"Peace, Bowen," Denlad said gently. He actually put a hand on Bowen’s shoulder, which made Bowen all the more frantic. Surely it must be bad if Denlad was being nice to him...
LOL!
Author's reply
Very much a "now you can all breathe again" chapter! Thanks, shirebound!
curiouswombat
· 14 October 2011
· Chapter 10: Surely It Must Be Bad If Denlad Was Being Nice
And my congratulations to the new parents.
I love Miriel's threats - they are wonderful!
Author's reply
Thank you! Poor Halbarad... he has no idea how much his people are snickering at him behind his back because of Miriel's choice words!
Fantasia
· 14 October 2011
· Chapter 10: Surely It Must Be Bad If Denlad Was Being Nice
What a great chapter! I loved every sentence. A Son! Maybe he will be named after Denlad, it was him after all, the one that did the whole delivery. It reminds me when I have my daughter, the nurse did the entire job and the Dr. only came to do the catching, as we told him. Of course, he did the placenta, and the stiches and all that, but we were not paying attention to those details.
I laughed with Bowen and the kingsfoil, it was priceless. And Denlad being nice was so worrying!!!
Thanks Cairistiona, wonderful chapter, there is nothing like a newborn baby to bright your day.
Author's reply
Thank you, Fantasia! This was one of those chapters I've been looking forward to posting from the very outset, so I'm very glad you enjoyed it so much. It really was a happy chapter, especially coming after all the not-so-happy revelations about Denlad. And I loved thinking about how a man might react to Aragorn's kingsfoil act. It had to have looked really bizarre to anyone not used to seeing him doing some of his more mystical things.
Glad it brightened your day!
Layne
· 14 October 2011
· Chapter 7: Hanging On So Delicate A Thread
I wonder very, very much what was it that Denlad had against Bowen.
And think a bunch of athelas tied with a piece of red ribbon would look very pretty!!
Author's reply
Thanks, Layne! Athelas tied with red ribbon: this year's hottest Christmas decoration! *g* And keep on reading for more about poor cranky Denlad!
Lily Baggins
· 12 October 2011
· Chapter 9: It's Always The Brown Eyes I Remember...
Wow. With an upbringing like that, exposed to such violence, I'm very happy that Denlad didn't turn into a Middle-earth version of Norman Bates! Poor guy---I can definitely see now why he'd be distrusting of Bowen. The memories are just still too fresh.
And the baby is on its way! I have to admit... I can't really believe that Flora is just going to pop that baby out as easy as you please... maybe so, maybe so... I could be wrong. On the other hand, she might very well need some athelas. :)
Wonderful chapter---Halbarad is quickly turning into one of my favorite sort-of-OC-in-that-he's-barely-in-the-books character here. I just adore him.
Author's reply
"Halbarad is quickly turning into one of my favorite sort-of-OC-in-that-he's-barely-in-the-books character"... Oh, thank you! You have warmed the cockles of my heart, as you always do with your reviews but this especially makes me warm and fuzzy because he's definitely my own favorite all-that-you-said character. I don't know what it is about him but he's definitely crawled into my head and made a very cozy home for himself. :)
And oh my, what a turn that might have been, turning Denlad into a Norman Bates! LOL! Thankfully he wasn't *that* attached to his mother. *shivers* But hmm, wouldn't that be interesting... an LOTR-Psycho crossover!
Lily Baggins
· 12 October 2011
· Chapter 8: Beating Carpets Was Probably Good For Him
If you ever have ANY fear that Denlad isn't acting like a "real" person, REST EASY. Because he acts so much like my youngest brother, it's hilarious! Seriously, I would think you knew my brother, writing him like that.
I thoroughly enjoyed this chapter, with Bowen eyeing Denlad and wondering what's up with him. I've been in that sort of situation and it's very uncomfortable---especially if the other person carries a big sword! So this one had me giggling and feeling very empathetic with Bowen at the same time. And I do love Halbarad's take on the situation.
And Aragorn enjoying his breakfast---that was lovely! Golly, I REALLY need a Flora to come here and clean and cook for me, too! She's a workhorse.
Author's reply
LOL! Thank you, Lily, for that encouraging word. Just don't call your brother Denlad! *g* But how funny is it that Denlad's so like your brother??
I want a Flora here with me, too, because A) from looking around my house, I obviously didn't base Flora on me, at ALL; and B) from looking how I react to a sick kid--"Here's some ibuprofen; now buck up"--yeah, see "A".
LisaG
· 12 October 2011
· Chapter 9: It's Always The Brown Eyes I Remember...
Oh I hate to think the Bowen's father was that nasty man that hurt Denlad and his mother. I would think not, since Aragorn knew Bowen's father and seemed to like him and our dear ranger is a good judge of character.
Loved the bickering between Denlad and Halbarad. :)
Author's reply
Thanks, LisaG! This was definitely a tricky chapter for me to get right--I wanted readers to know what kind of childhood had but still keep it apparent that he's not crippled emotionally by it but just occasionally still has to deal with often unexpected fallout when memories get stirred up. I think it's a good thing that he has Aragorn and Halbarad's good judgment to rely on here! And yes, Denlad and Halbarad... I can't stop them fussing at each other even during a serious conversation! *g*
Layne
· 12 October 2011
· Chapter 6: This One Was A Hawk And No Mistake
A wonderful first meeting :)
And I love the way Bowen is learning all those new things about the Rangers. Yup, never thought that Strider could read :DDDD
Author's reply
Hee hee! Thanks, Layne! I thought it might be kind of funny for Bowen to think Rangers were illiterate. I don't think it's entirely an unreasonable assumption, since I doubt any of the Breelanders ever saw a Ranger sitting under a tree with his nose in a book. *g* Little do they know!!
Suzelle
· 11 October 2011
· Chapter 9: It's Always The Brown Eyes I Remember...
Ye gods, Cair, you just about killed me with this. I'm now really glad that I waited until I was home to read this, and did not read it on one of the libraries computers as I was tempted to do. Because I got so visibly upset reading this I probably would have disturbed the other people at the library.
A tiny part of my mind is doing a bit of an "I was right" dance because my theory about why Denlad was so upset was partially correct, but god, I didn't think it would be for that horrible of a reason. I am so upset for him right now, those are such awful memories to have. I just want to dive into Middle-Earth and give him the biggest hug ever.
But! Hopefully you will be glad that I had that reaction, because it means that you have a) created such a wonderful character that I feel so upset when he has to recall such painful memories and b) written painful/emotional scenes in a really wonderful, beautiful way.
This line in particular:
"Even so, we were all we had, each other, and I loved her dearly. And maybe that love and our isolation made me more attuned to her moods, even so young. Hard to say."
So telling of Denlad, and so sweet and beautiful. Killed me stone dead.
Also, Halbarad was great, and I love the humor at the end, and the numerous comparisons between him and Aragorn *g*. And now a baby is on the way!
Author's reply
Hee! And awww, *hugs*. And, um, *warms up defibrillator paddles*
Sorry about the near death experience! But now you know why I was so cagey about answering all your questions about Denlad's mother. *g* I hope you find her a sympathetic character because despite her faults and her situation, I do see her as having been a good mother. I think, although to be honest this is the first time the thought has popped into my head about her, that she considered, rightly, that Denlad was the one good and pure thing in her life and so she worked hard, even within the limitations of her lifestyle, to protect him. (Amazing how you get insights into your own characters by simply replying to reviews! But that's why I do really appreciate when readers let me know specifically what moved them about a chapter. But, as usual, I digress...)
And how much do I love that you got so upset on Denlad's behalf! Yes, I'm cruel that way... I want my readers in tears, I tell you, tears! *g* But only because they're moved by the plight of the character in question. Go ahead and book a flight to M-e so you can give Denlad a hug. He doesn't get a lot of those, not nearly as many as he needs!
And yep, humor to offset the angst. That's how I roll. *g* Glad you liked that part, too.
Thanks for the review!
Darkover
· 11 October 2011
· Chapter 9: It's Always The Brown Eyes I Remember...
Dear Cairistiona: This chapter was very sad but very good. At last we have some idea of why Denlad has been so standoffish. I didn't believe the brown-eyed man could have been Bowen--both because of Bowen's age and because of his character--and I doubt if it was his father Owen, either. I imagine it was just a man who strongly resembled him/them. Didn't you mention in the first story that most Breelanders look similiar (same build and coloring) or am I misremembering? Poor Denlad--and poor Halbarad, having to listen to such an account and not having any idea of what to say or do to help. And next chapter, it looks as if Flora will have her baby. This has been a *great* story thus far, even better than the first one! I suppose the next chapter will be the last, but either way, I look forward to it. Sincerely, Darkover
Author's reply
Thanks, Darkover! Glad you enjoyed this chapter and have been enjoying the entire story. It's definitely a deeper, more complex tale than the one-shot first story of the trilogy, and although I have only just started on the third story, I can assure you that it will be even more complex than this one. Hopefully it will be a solid ending to the trilogy. *iz a wee bit nervous*
Anyway, yes, Tolkien does say that the Men of Bree looked similar to one another--shorter and stockier than Rangers, dark eyes and hair, etc. I relied on his description to create how Bowen and his family all look, with a few tweaks of course because obviously the Men of Bree were not all siblings and cousins whose family trees don't fork. :) I don't think that they all looked so much alike as to be easily confused one with another, so there's an element of the situation to keep in mind as you read. And that's all I better say about that!
Thanks again for the review!
Estelcontar
· 11 October 2011
· Chapter 9: It's Always The Brown Eyes I Remember...
Poor Denlad! What sorrowful and solitary life he must have led before he joined the Dúnedain. It's no wonder he treasures Aragorn, Halbarad and all his new friends. His new life is hard but not as tragic and lonely as his previous one was. It's no wonder too that he eyes Bowen askance if Bowen brings back to his mind such horrible memories. That was a hard chapter to read but you've managed to lighten up the pathos with the right amount of to my mind indispensable humour. I love Halbarad in his mother hennish mode.
Author's reply
Thanks, Estelcontar! Yes, there's nothing like having gone so long without to make a man appreciate what he has, whether it's food or friendships, and Denlad definitely loves his new life and all those responsible for blessing him with it. I'm glad the balance felt right between pathos and lightness... I don't like extreme amounts of either in a story. Too much pathos and it's too dark; too much humor and it's just plain silly. I like my stories to be more like real life, with bits of both and all the emotions in between.
Personally, I think between Halbarad, Denlad and Aragorn, there's enough hens to make an entire flock. *g*
Iúliel
· 11 October 2011
· Chapter 9: It's Always The Brown Eyes I Remember...
Like all your other stories, I just love this one as well. You describe your characters, especially Aragorn, Halbarad and Denlad and the way they interact so well, I can almost visualize them as real persons.
Can't wait, how the story concludes.
Author's reply
Thank you, Iúliel! I'm so glad you enjoy my stories. I love hearing a reader say they can "see" the characters come to life and seem real; it's very reassuring and encouraging! Hope you enjoy the rest of the story!
Elflingimp
· 11 October 2011
· Chapter 9: It's Always The Brown Eyes I Remember...
Well don't leave her in labor too long now! LOL! I was wondering what was wrong with Denlad, it's to bad he had to go thru all that when he was a boy and watching his mom get hurt is awful for a child. Hugs The Imp
Author's reply
Thank, Elflingimp! Hopefully Flora won't have too hard or long a time of it. I have a feeling Bowen will be in worse shape by the end, poor man. *g* It really was hard on Denlad, his childhood and what happened, but thank goodness he's in a better place now!
Mirach
· 11 October 2011
· Chapter 9: It's Always The Brown Eyes I Remember...
A hard revelation. No wonder Denlad finds it hard to behave friendly to Bowen. He might rationally understand that he is not the man with brown eyes, but it's a strong and terrible memory that resurfaces with the look at him... The simple statement "Those that were, we buried in the woods beyond our cottage" feels quite creepy to me, I'd prefer to not think about it much... Better hope that Flora's baby will come all right...
Author's reply
Thank you, Mirach! That statement about dealing with the cruel men was intended to do just that: leave the reader with a bit of a shiver, realizing that there are some murky waters beneath Denlad's sunny surface... and perhaps give reason as to how he can be such a mighty warrior despite any lack of childhood training as a warrior. And it's also to show that Denlad's protective streak runs deep and strong, rooted as it is in having to defend his own mother at times. He may have come to Rangerhood by an unusual route, but he's every inch the protector that Aragorn needs. :)
But first to get that baby born!
shirebound
· 11 October 2011
· Chapter 9: It's Always The Brown Eyes I Remember...
Your characters are fully and beautifully written. I hope all goes well with everyone's healing and birthing!
Author's reply
What a nice thing to say, shirebound, thank you! I'm glad you're enjoying this. :)