Aromene
· 23 July 2015
· Chapter 60: Words for Posterity
I absolutely loved how you dealt with Gandalf's relaying the information he uncovered in Minas Tirith. It made for a wonderful chapter to read. And his reaction to his first 'interview' with Gollum was priceless. It seems he got the information he needed though, for all the events to come to unfold. I cried a bit when he said that he could wait to visit Bilbo, as there was no rush. If only Gandalf had known what was going to happen in the years to come.
Author's reply
Thank you! It's great to know it was interesting, since it did tread some familiar territory. I admit it was fun to write Gandalf's wrathful frustration after so many, many chapters of Aragorn's desperate endurance of the same irritant. Though Gandalf hasn't even really tapped the depths of what he needs from Gollum: all he's done so far is corroborate a story they were almost certain was true.
That error in judgment -- that there was plenty of time -- had some awful consequences. If not for Aragorn and Glorfindel, the delay might have been disastrous! But no one, not even Gandalf, is infallible. Thanks again for the lovely, detailed feedback!
Lindelea
· 21 July 2015
· Chapter 60: Words for Posterity
No, Gandalf, don't delay!
OTOH, I realise that forewarned is forearmed, and the more information the better, and yet...
Marvellous gapfiller. Simply marvellous. Well done.
Author's reply
And yet indeed! Strider DOES manage to salvage the situation, but not without losses...
So glad you're enjoying the tale. Thank you for your lovely comments!
shirebound
· 21 July 2015
· Chapter 60: Words for Posterity
But I want you to remember that you are the heir of ancient kings, and not one of them yourself. You are not answerable for the errors of your forefathers
That's a very compassionate and important thing about which to remind him.
This is a marvelous conversation about Gandalf's slow, careful conclusions about Bilbo's ring. What a wonderful gap filler this is!
Author's reply
Thank you so much. Aragorn has a tendency to take too much upon himself, and of course Gandalf knows it.
This is such a critical moment in the rise to war. I'm delighted to know you like my take on it. Thanks!
UTfrog
· 21 July 2015
· Chapter 60: Words for Posterity
Chilling chapter! You can see the distress of Aragorn and Gandalf as they begin to understand that the One Ring has been found. I am glad Aragorn will still have some company. Great job.
Author's reply
Thank you. It is such a tipping-point in their lives. But hey! Gollum's obduracy has that one benefit: Gandalf won't be going anywhere for a while.
Elentarri
· 21 July 2015
· Chapter 60: Words for Posterity
Delightful as always. :)
Author's reply
Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it.
Kate
· 20 July 2015
· Chapter 59: The Wizard and the Weakling
I was delighted to see you posted a new chapter! And as always, it was such an enjoyable read. There is just something so real yet so charming about the way you write the characters. Aragorn will always be my favourite and I love your version of him. I also really enjoyed what you did with Gandalf; how he suddenly changed when he really looked at Aragorn and saw the state he's in, and then he is clearly concerned but not overbearing.
Thank you for this, can't wait for the next installment!
Author's reply
Thank you so much for your kind words! It always means a lot when someone who loves Aragorn thinks well of my portrayal. I love his friendship with Gandalf, and it is always a treat to explore it. It's great to know the balance worked well, too.
Elentarri
· 19 July 2015
· Chapter 59: The Wizard and the Weakling
Beautifully written as always. :) Thank you very much for the update.
Author's reply
You're so very welcome, and thank YOU! It's great to be back.
ellon
· 19 July 2015
· Chapter 59: The Wizard and the Weakling
I'm really excited to see you posting again! Love your writing
Author's reply
Thank you: what a lovely thing to say. I'm thrilled to be back at it.
Lindelea
· 19 July 2015
· Chapter 59: The Wizard and the Weakling
Incredible story, masterfully written.
I had not seen this one before, so I am glad you updated and brought it to the front page of listings.
Pressed for time at the moment (I read into the wee hours, and now am preparing in haste to go out the door), but will hope to return and leave a more coherent word or two.
Author's reply
Oh, thank you so much! Is there anything more a writer can ask than to keep a reader up into the night? I know Tolkien was the first who did it for me, and it's been a benchmark ever since.
I'm thrilled you have enjoyed the story so far: thank you for snatching time from your busy day to tell me!
UTfrog
· 18 July 2015
· Chapter 59: The Wizard and the Weakling
Hooray! I had nearly given up hope that you would continue this grand tale. I was thrilled this am to see the update. It is an excellent summary, of sorts, of some of what Aragorn endured. Gandalf would have seen even more of Aragorn's condition had he not enjoyed the recent bath.
Thank you so much for continuing the tale. It is outstanding
Author's reply
Thank you so much. Fear not: I mean to finish it, however long it takes. (Not unlike the hunt for Gollum, actually...). And yes, Gandalf would have been all the more horrified the night before!
Aromene
· 18 July 2015
· Chapter 59: The Wizard and the Weakling
Worth the wait! I didn't find this repetitive at all. It was nice to read the other side of the account and have Gandalf arrive with all his good wisdom!
Author's reply
Thank you! I didn't think it so, but I could see how some might. Cheers.
shirebound
· 18 July 2015
· Chapter 59: The Wizard and the Weakling
What a beautifully-crafted summary of this grueling, horrific journey. I can well believe that Aragorn had to keep reminding himself that it was at last over.
what forgiveness is there for one who abandons all hope and despairs of his quest, and leaves his friend to go alone into darkness?
A heavy burden of guilt indeed, and one that perhaps spurred Gandalf to accompany Frodo as far as he could. Perhaps Gandalf was also seeking healing and gentle dreams in the West when he finally sailed.
Author's reply
Oh, thank you. I don't know quite what to say except that yes, I am sure Gandalf had healing to seek for himself in the West. *wistful sigh*
Elentarri
· 17 December 2014
· Chapter 58: The Depths of the Earth
Hello?
Is everything alright? You haven't updated this story in ages. If you have the time, can you please continue this brilliantly written story?
Kind regards and Merry Christmas
Elentarri
Marianel
· 25 November 2014
· Chapter 58: The Depths of the Earth
Update for us pleeeease! Hugs/ Marianel
Marianel
· 7 September 2014
· Chapter 58: The Depths of the Earth
I bet you are just with life but we long for this story to be updated! 😊
Elentarri
· 17 August 2014
· Chapter 58: The Depths of the Earth
Hello. This is a brilliant story and I hope you finish it soon.
Marianel
· 20 May 2014
· Chapter 58: The Depths of the Earth
No I still havent forgot this awsome story and Im looking forward to the conclusion and what gandalf might do. I will reread this story again during summer when Im on vacation.Take care and best wishes from Sweden/ Marianel
ellon
· 5 May 2014
· Chapter 58: The Depths of the Earth
Looking forward to the next chapter!
obsidianj
· 8 April 2014
· Chapter 58: The Depths of the Earth
Such a bath is bliss. Aragorn is on the mend when he starts thinking about cleanliness again. But it will still be a long road to recovery. Gandalf arrived at last, or better when Aragorn can handle him ;-). I don't think Aragorn would have been up to a Gandalf-questioning before now.
obsidianj
· 8 April 2014
· Chapter 57: Hurts Unseen
Poor Aragorn! I don't think being ill was ever a strength of his. He needs a long recovery. You can't just abuse your body as he did and then expect to be fit and well again after a good meal and a night of rest. But it is lonesome and wearying to be ill far from home and people that know you.
Author's reply
I need to thank you for all your wonderful reviews: it's such a treat to have someone go back and review each and every chapter, and your feedback helped to keep the story alive in the back of my mind. Thank you SO MUCH!
obsidianj
· 6 April 2014
· Chapter 56: Safety and Slumber
Safety and slumber, but no end to the torment. It will be a long while until Aragorn is healed. I just hope is willing to give his body time for healing.
obsidianj
· 6 April 2014
· Chapter 55: The Last Mile
At last Aragorn is free. This felt like such a relief. Now he can rest and heal. I loved the description of the horse consenting to carry these filthy strangers.
obsidianj
· 6 April 2014
· Chapter 54: The Dark Before Dawn
Whew! That was close. Let's just hope they recognize Aragorn and don't take him for an enemy. You know. Shoot first ask questions later.
That was some fight. The description had me on the edge of my seat.
obsidianj
· 6 April 2014
· Chapter 53: Hobbled
That Gollum! Aragorn has the patient of a saint. I'm not sure what I would have done with that wretch. I hope help arrives soon. I'm not sure Aragorn can survive long, enchanted elven-path or no.
obsidianj
· 6 April 2014
· Chapter 52: Harried and Hunted
Uh, oh! What was the saying? Never stray from the path? I knew it went too smooth. What now? I just hope Aragorn will find his way back or the wood-elves will find him before calamity strikes.