Reviews (105)

Lyana · 28 April 2013 · Chapter 11: Be All My Sins Remembered

I haven't commented previously, but I have LOVED this story and awaited each update with eager impatience. :-) It is a wonderful tale with vibrant, realistic characterizations, and I can't wait to hear of Aragorn's Adventures in Umbar! Thank you!

jgmsccc · 28 April 2013 · Chapter 11: Be All My Sins Remembered

I don't know what else to say other than "beautiful." So much emotion in such concise writing. Can't wait for the sequel.

rs · 28 April 2013 · Chapter 10: Desperate Hearts

"I hear the scrape of steel that signals the king slowly drawing sword from sheath." - NAILBITER! " But, then the king breaks my concentration by tossing the weapon to land with a clatter on the flagstones at my feet, ..." - Nice touch! I can hear the sword just echoing in the hushed room. "And meet his gaze." - **heart thumping** "And feel my own eyes widen." - **thump, thump, thump* "His eyes are bright and hard, like polished steel. A few strands of gray streak his hair, and his features seem more chiseled and stern than when I last saw them, but nonetheless, that face is unmistakable." -- *heart really racing.... breathes in paper bag** Dakheel. --- BAM!!! -- AWESOME!!!!!

rs · 28 April 2013 · Chapter 9: The Burning King

"For, the king bears not one sword, but two. A long, Gondorian sword in a simple leather scabbard, somewhat aged and somewhat dried from years in the desert. --My sword. " My heart is thumping like a racehorse already!!! You've managed to bring a cliffhanger in the beginning of a chapter making the reader wanting more before even finishing the chapter!! **arghhh*** ANTICIPATION!!!!

Larner · 28 April 2013 · Chapter 11: Be All My Sins Remembered

Oh, most satisfactory! And that was how the sword came back to Hakim and the ring back into Aragorn's hands! Trust Aragorn to find ways to make things right in the end with this family. Too bad about Azzam's drinking, though. Punishing himself that way was so unnecessary! And love Aragorn's activities elsewhere! Oh, yes!

shirebound · 28 April 2013 · Chapter 11: Be All My Sins Remembered

This is such a glorious story, I just want to highlight two lines I find the most moving: The shuttered light that I’d glimpsed on rare occasions now shines forth, uncovered and undimmed. There will be peace between our peoples someday, Hakim. The days of men are short . . . but not so short that we should give up hope of seeing that peace.

UTfrog · 28 April 2013 · Chapter 11: Be All My Sins Remembered

Great chapter, but you still like your cliffhangers too much. Making us wait, again, for Aragorn to smile at Hakim is too much! Good imagery in this chapter. I like the part about the flowers. I was wondering about the ring and how it would be returned. You handled that extremely well. Thank you so much

Radbooks · 25 April 2013 · Chapter 10: Desperate Hearts

Hi! I don't read too much fan-fiction anymore, just a few of my favorite authors that I've followed for years. But this one sounded so interesting that I thought I'd give it a try and you had me hooked right from the start! I had to stay up late and try and finish it the other night and was so glad this chapter came out a day early. I really like your characters, they are very well done and this is a well written story. Thanks so much for writing and sharing this with us. I will go and check out your other stories now! :)

Larner · 24 April 2013 · Chapter 10: Desperate Hearts

I rejoice they saved his life yet again, and grieve that Azzam must do as he does. But we know in hindsight that Aragorn does escape. And now the elderly Hakim knows the truth, and how totally unlikely it must seem to him! What a way to draw his attention--for the King to drop the sword as he did at the Haradri's feet! But at least he knows that the mercy granted then is going to come back to him once more, I think. He is truly fortunate to have such a friend in high places here within Gondor! Heh! (In one place you wrote "lead" where you meant "led," by the way.)

Celeth · 24 April 2013 · Chapter 10: Desperate Hearts

For a moment there I was holding my breath and wishing, hoping that Dakheel would get away. But then, seeing his plight on the wadi, I’m relieved that Azzam decided to go after him. I wish Azzam’s gratitude extended to simply letting him go away, but then he knows the risks for his family are too great if he does that. Besides, I guess the story wouldn’t be half as interesting if things were always easy for the hero. Poor Aragorn! But I’m already sorry that this story will be ending soon. I really enjoyed it.

Linda Hoyland · 24 April 2013 · Chapter 10: Desperate Hearts

Another utterly riveting chapter.I just love this story. How I hoped Aragorn would have managed to escape, but at least he didn't drown. Eagerly waiting to see what happens.Hope all is well with you.

Mysterious Jedi · 24 April 2013 · Chapter 10: Desperate Hearts

I enjoyed this chapter. So the two meet again at last!

UTfrog · 24 April 2013 · Chapter 10: Desperate Hearts

You still managed two more cliffhangers! You have a gift for keeping the tension very high. These are great OC"s. Depending on your epilogue, maybe a sequel? Anyway, thanks so much

UTfrog · 24 April 2013 · Chapter 10: Desperate Hearts

You still managed two more cliffhangers! You have a gift for keeping the tension very high. These are great OC"s. Depending on your epilogue, maybe a sequel? Anyway, thanks so much

Agape4Gondor · 24 April 2013 · Chapter 10: Desperate Hearts

Another excellent chapter. Tense and full of suspense. Much as I don't like what Azzam is planning, I can feel for him. Now - to figure out what is in Aragorn's heart as Hakim stands before him. At least he is not the one wearing chains. Wow! Can't wait for more. Hope the RW leaves you in peace. :-)

shirebound · 24 April 2013 · Chapter 10: Desperate Hearts

I'll be sorry to see this story end, it's truly wonderful. I know all about real life distractions and challenges -- please only post the next chapter when you're ready.

UTfrog · 24 April 2013 · Chapter 10: Desperate Hearts

Have not even started the new chapter, but wanted you to know that I squealed with delight. My daughter and husband just stared at me and shrugged. They are used to strange behavior. Thank you so much for an early posting. Good luck on tests.

Evia · 24 April 2013 · Chapter 9: The Burning King

Greetings from Austria, I just wanted to say that I particularly like the way you thread the two narrative levels together. The unexpected turn of events make for an absolutely delightful read. Keep up the excellent work and bring forth the next chapter ;-) Best, Evia

Agape4Gondor · 23 April 2013 · Chapter 9: The Burning King

All I can say is Oh! Wow!

Larner · 23 April 2013 · Chapter 9: The Burning King

I doubt that Azzam truly wishes to do this, but knows how bad it will be for his family if he does not. But there will be a reason for Aragorn to be allowed to escape, of course. And the King of Gondor recognizes the sword he once bore and left in the custody of Hakim's family. Hakim doesn't yet recognize just how important that will be to his own happiness! I am so glad that Aragorn is who and how he is, and that it is not Denethor to whom Hakim has to apply for his son's release.

Larner · 23 April 2013 · Chapter 8: Risk, Reward, and Ruin

Well, Nadir and Ghazzan are quite the precious pair, aren't they? And poor Azzam is faced with a catch-22 he can't escape easily--betray the one who saved his daughter and whom he respects, or end up a slave himself, very likely. No wonder he feels anxious--he certainly has reason! Now it's time perhaps for Aragorn to find his way out of there as best he can, and in such a manner that Azzam and his family don't end up being charged with harboring spies.

Celeth · 22 April 2013 · Chapter 9: The Burning King

They chained (gasp!) Aragorn?! How awful. But it must have been an awful decision for Azzam and Asima to make. At least I am glad that Hakim was his friend, even if Hakim couldn't help him in his present situation. At least it will only be two days before the next chapter comes. This is so exciting I can't wait for the next one. Thanks again for sharing this beautiful and thrilling story.

Linda Hoyland · 22 April 2013 · Chapter 9: The Burning King

This is so exciting!I just love this story.How can Hakim's family treat Aragorn like this? I wonder if Aragorn will be pleased to see Hakim after all these years. Eagerly awaiting more, I'll be on tenterhooks until Thursday!

Nala · 22 April 2013 · Chapter 9: The Burning King

I have to say, this is probably one of the best OC stories I've ever seen. I love how fully you've developed Hakim and his family - they're each such distinct, independent characters with their own voices and stories... If I'm not careful, I'll start quoting this as canon! Thank you for a wonderful read - truly, it was such a treat to see an update after the day I had - and I'll be looking forward to Thursday! All the best, Nala

iboneki · 22 April 2013 · Chapter 9: The Burning King

I'm dying to know what'll happen now that Aragorn found his sword. Great idea. And excellent twist with the poisoned food. I love reading this friendship develop, and it makes everything that's unfolding in the present even more interesting.