joyjoyjoy · 27 July 2023 · Chapter 82: Toils to Come
I re-read this story about once a year. Amazingly written. Thank you very much for the effort and time dedicated to this story. Best wishes!
A Long and Weary Way by Canafinwe
Reviews (499)
Kate · 6 January 2021 · Chapter 82: Toils to Come
Canafinwe, I don't know if you'll ever read this, but I just had to take the time to say how much I appreciate your work. For years, this story has been bookmarked in my phone and I quite regularly just dip in to whichever chapter I fancy. It has brought me much solace and distraction especially in the dark times the world is currently experiencing. I think your skill is unmatched in the fanfiction world. I'm in awe of you. And I really appreciate the sheer amount of research and time that you must have put into this. I don't have the incredible way with words that you do, so I just cannot emphasise enough how amazing I think this story is, and what a privilege it is to be able to read it. I live in hope of a new chapter to Eagle on the Ramparts. But if one never comes, for whatever reason, this community will forever be blessed by the wonderful pieces you have already contributed. I hope you are well. K
lisag · 7 August 2017 · Chapter 82: Toils to Come
stupendous story! so finely crafted and detailed...loved every word! :)
Rowanfair · 3 February 2017 · Chapter 82: Toils to Come
As dark as it is in places, this is a mighty tale of honour, compassion and love. It leaves me utterly curious in how you came to that huge amount of much detailed knowledge according to medical and survival issues (pine bark for nourishment!), medieval habits and dress codes as well courtly as rural, horselore and many more. I love the way you always manage to weave in the emotional part, the subtle or frank social interactions, the mirth children bring, the ordinary blessings in life and especially the way you deliver philosophical wisdom avoiding scholarly arrogance. In your version of Aragorn you shape a character most royal and dignified as it befits his noble and highest ancestry without neglecting a lovingly human touch in his doubts, emotions, affections and deepest cravings of heart. He leaves the wish to emulate his values as close as possible in oneself. I must confess your tales coax me into re-reading and savouring as only my most treasured literature manages to do. Tolkien is top of that list, but you are certainly to be found within the uppermost ranks. Always a pleasure, thank you!
Eirinn Leigh · 4 January 2016 · Chapter 70: Anduin Again
This has been a wonderful story but this last chapter has been particularly poignant. Glad thanks for your tale!
UTfrog · 2 December 2015 · Chapter 59: The Wizard and the Weakling
Naturally I went back to reread this chapter after finishing the Faramir story in your wonderful appendices. I love that we learned Minardil has a great grandchild. Thanks again
Author's reply
Ah! So nice that you noticed that... I'm glad to have brought you back to the chapter, too. It was fascinating and fun to write.
JsPFcPegVm5 · 24 November 2015 · Chapter 50: Making Ready
Priyatno bylo vspomnit.Ya szihlul v Itatke v 1967-68 godu v raketnyh voyskah.Byl nachlnikom zheleznoy dorogi kotoraya svyazyvala stansiu s nashim voenym gorodkom.Vsegda skuchau po etim mestam.
boKuYYAO4mk · 24 November 2015 · Chapter 1: Wasted Years
A little rationality lifts the quality of the debate here. Thanks for cogbuitrtinn!
fjHdao3HmZ8 · 24 November 2015 · Chapter 39: Stark Survival
You actually make it seem rellay easy along with your presentation but I find this matter to be actually something which I think I might by no means understand. It sort of feels too complex and extremely huge for me. I'm looking forward on your next put up, I will try to get the cling of it!
l75cBf3ZQS · 24 November 2015 · Chapter 11: The Flowers of Morgul Vale
Hello,Thank you for your comment. I am afriad I do not understand exactly were the problem lies. Coud you please be more explicit? We are about to install the signs with boastings which will complete the directional signage of the trail. In addition, on of the most important of signs has been brutaly removed. Thank you,The kythera hiking team
bUokc7g1 · 24 November 2015 · Chapter 37: Who Crosses the Ice
Why do you guys expect evynrthieg for free? Skype already offers a great service for free, so if they bring in a new feature like this they might as well try to make some money off it.
Author's reply
That's a very good point. I'm not sure what it has to do with the chapter, but thank you for your efforts in the tireless war against Entitlement Syndrome!
obsidianj · 22 November 2015 · Chapter 82: Toils to Come
And so we come to the end of this story. It is a beautiful ending to a very satisfying story and what a wild ride it was. Going with Aragorn to the depth of despair to healing in Imladris and the last parting from Arwen. You paint a vivid picture of all the characters and the landscape. I enjoyed the story very much and I'm glad when I found it by accident. I'm looking forward to read more of you.
Author's reply
Thank you so much for all your lovely reviews, and for following this story so faithfully! I am delighted that the ending was satisfying, too. It's always hard to say goodbye...
obsidianj · 22 November 2015 · Chapter 81: The First Debate
Interesting council. I forgot that they didn't know about Saruman's betrayal at this time in the story.
Author's reply
Yup! Thank goodness Gandalf went to see him *before* they filled him in...
obsidianj · 22 November 2015 · Chapter 80: Revelries in Rivendell
Oh, what a lovely evening. Even with Aragorn's discomfort at being celebrated it is a balm to his spirit. You describe the celebration so well. I love Bilbo reciting that poem.
Author's reply
Bilbo's poem... it and the part of his heart it represents have always been dear to me! I'm so glad you liked the celebration, and I agree: certainly a balm to Aragorn's spirit.
obsidianj · 22 November 2015 · Chapter 79: Children of Lúthien
I love the hair-cutting scene. It was all I wanted from it.
Author's reply
Thanks! I'm so glad it fulfilled expectations.
obsidianj · 18 November 2015 · Chapter 78: Where the Trees are Grey
That is some kind of nightmare. Brrr. I love it that Elrond is the one to wake Aragorn from this dream. The scene between the two is very touching.
Author's reply
Thank you! I felt that it was most fitting to have Elrond come to him. I'm glad you concur!
Rowanfair · 18 November 2015 · Chapter 82: Toils to Come
Whoever you are, having created this beautiful piece of literature, I truly admire your skill and detailed imagination! In terms of style as well as in affectionate shaping of your characters, lively accounts of events and interactions or captivating detailed descriptions you deliver an amazing, most entertaining and inspiring tale. No elf could have fashioned this piece with greater love and detail!
Author's reply
Thank you so much for your kind and beautiful words! I am so glad that you have enjoyed the story and that the details (which obviously I love!) are interesting for you as well. Your praise and your feedback are treasured. Thank you.
obsidianj · 15 November 2015 · Chapter 77: The Questions of Master Baggins
Another beautiful chapter. First the cozy scene with Bilbo and then the encounter with Elrond. Aragorn is lucky that he has friends and loved ones that deeply care about him.
Author's reply
Yes, now the healing can finally begin. I'm so glad you liked this. Bilbo is amazingly lovely to write!
obsidianj · 15 November 2015 · Chapter 76: Glad Company
Such a lovely meeting between Bilbo and Aragorn. Smoking might not be best for Aragorn right now, but it conveys such a peaceful mood. Sitting with a good friend in front of the fire and smoking a pipe will go a long way to help Aragorn feel at home and leave the travails of the journey behind. Bilbo is the right person to make Aragorn feel better about his journey. He will not judge or question any of Aragorn's decisions, he will just listen and prod the telling of the tale along.
Author's reply
Thank you! Happily they're not smoking tobacco: pipeweed's at least a little less noxious. Still, yes... not the best thing for those lungs! On the other hand, it helps him to feel more like himself, and that's so hugely important. Good old Bilbo! I agree: just the right fellow to make you feel you've come home.
Kath · 15 November 2015 · Chapter 82: Toils to Come
I have enjoyed this book SO much! I have learned a lot more of the background to 'The Lord of the Rings' and understood the story more fully. The thing I enjoyed most was your portrayal of Aragorn. He appears as a fully rounded (as opposed to almost starved!) character, so truly noble, brave and wise. You explain his self doubt in wonferful detail. His relationship with the other characters is also well drawn and informative. At times this wasn't an easy read as you really put the hero through the mill! I gasped out loud when Gollum crushed Aragorn's windpipe! Now I need to read more!
Author's reply
Thank you so very, very much! It's one of the loveliest compliments I could imagine to know that you learned from my story. I love to bring together all the beautiful threads the Professor has left us, and to combine them as neatly as I can. As someone who values characterisation almost above anything else, I'm also just so touched by your kind words about my portrayal of Aragorn. Thank you. (Sorry about the windpipe... *shudder*)
obsidianj · 14 November 2015 · Chapter 75: Gentle Wisdom
And so Aragorn's story is told by the hurts on his body. I love this scene between Elrond and Aragorn. It is healer and patient, but also father and son. I think Aragorn will need to sleep for at least a week before he will be more himself. This journey took more out of him than he will admit. Elrond's reaction to what he finds tells more about the cost to Aragorn than Aragorn would ever admit.
Author's reply
I had a wonderful experience writing that scene, and it's such a gift to know that it spoke to you. Thank you!
obsidianj · 14 November 2015 · Chapter 74: At Journey's End
Finally, they reached Rivendell and Aragorn is home. There is nothing like home after a journey as this. I love the welcome Elrond gives his beloved foster son. He knows that sleep is what Aragorn needs most at that moment. Everything else can wait until the next day. The encounter between Aragorn and Arwen the next morning was heartwarming. Aragorn really came home for me when he entered his own rooms at the end and the bath was awaiting him.
Author's reply
It's wonderful to know that sense of 'home at last' came through at the end! I think that's the moment when it became real for Aragorn as well. Dear Elrond: of course he would set aside his own need for answers and let Aragorn sleep...
obsidianj · 14 November 2015 · Chapter 73: Choicest Misfortunes
You had to throw not only high altitude sickness at our hero, but also ice cold rain. I keep shivering with Aragorn. I did hiking in the mountains with pelting rain, but unlike Aragorn I had a nice warm bed at the end of the day and not some miserable night is sodden clothing. I just hope Aragon will not develop pneumonia. He is not in a state to just shrug off this kind of weather. I liked the way Aragorn and Gandalf worked together without having to discuss what to do. It shows their familiarity and experience with each other and this kind of weather. When the sun finally broke through I felt relieved for our friends and I hope Rivendell is not far away now.
Author's reply
It was very interesting to write a journey with Aragorn and Gandalf 'alone together'. After so many shared journeys, I'm sure there were many things they did not even need to discuss. I'm glad you liked that!
obsidianj · 13 November 2015 · Chapter 72: A Last Bitter Blow
I didn't think of mountain sickness when Aragorn coughed. But I had a touch of it the first time I went to the Alps. I was by far not as afflicted as Aragorn, but what used to be a simple walk up a few steps grew nearly impossible because I had trouble breathing. Poor Aragorn, that was the last he expected. It takes a few days to get accustomed to the height. I was in a nice heated mountain hut compared to Aragorn and Gandalf spending the night without real shelter. I don't want to switch places with them.
Author's reply
I've never experienced it myself, but all the accounts I've come across make it plain it's absolutely miserable. The Pass is described as so horribly inhospitable in The Hobbit. I tried to capture that very clearly.
obsidianj · 13 November 2015 · Chapter 71: The High Pass
The High-Pass is really high if Aragorn gets nose-bleeding again and his cough worsens. Your description of the nightly camp in the middle of the path with no place to stretch out sounds very uncomfortable. I have climbed mountains where the wind was relentless, so that even a shallow hollow in the ground was welcome to get out of the wind. Spending a whole night in that wind makes me shudder and Aragorn is still sick. I just hope he will not catch a bad cold.
Author's reply
Yes, mountain winds are incredible! Majestic, yes, but so very draining. Not a pleasant road home; not at all.