Reviews (499)

obsidianj · 2 February 2014 · Chapter 25: A Man in the Hay

Finally, a fun chapter. A bit of respite after the grim journey. Although, I'm not sure Aragorn would see it that way. Getting caught out by a little boy after all his troubles to get himself and Gollum to safety. I hope they can escape the situation safely and maybe get a good night/day's sleep and some food out of it. But that is probably too much to hope for.

obsidianj · 2 February 2014 · Chapter 24: The Thaw

They made it! What a crossing. I'm kind of suspicious about Gollum suddenly being cooperative and not running away. What is he thinking. Or maybe I don't want to know.

obsidianj · 2 February 2014 · Chapter 23: Over, Under and Through

Whew! I know he survives. But you describe the river crossing so vividly. I cheer Aragorn on to drag himself out of the water before it is too late.

obsidianj · 2 February 2014 · Chapter 22: Down to the River

What a weary journey. It is interesting to see how Aragorn adapts more or less to his captives needs. But how Aragorn is able to make this journey is beyond me.

Falco Goodbody · 30 January 2014 · Chapter 1: Wasted Years

Wowzer! Really good job! Gandalf's temper is perfectly embodied. I am excited to read more! -JY

Falco Goodbody · 30 January 2014 · Chapter 1: Wasted Years

Wowzer! Really good job! Gandalf's temper is perfectly embodied. I am excited to read more! -JY

obsidianj · 26 January 2014 · Chapter 21: The Safer Path

Don't be so sure, Aragorn. I don't think Gollum is tamed. With some nourishment he gains new strength and can make the life of the Ranger miserable again.

obsidianj · 26 January 2014 · Chapter 20: Respite from Toil

At last some respite. Not enough for my taste, but at least clean water and some possibility for rest.

obsidianj · 26 January 2014 · Chapter 19: Onward and Upward

This climb hurt. How Aragorn managed it, is beyond me, but I'm no Dunadan ;-).

obsidianj · 25 January 2014 · Chapter 18: Into the Emyn Muil

Ouch! That hurt. Just reading about the treatment makes me shudder. And all of this without anything to dull the pain. But he needs water and soon.

obsidianj · 25 January 2014 · Chapter 17: Of Clemency and Necessity

Oh, boy. Gollum is not as smart as he could be. He should have lured Aragorn to think that he was to be trusted and then make his escape... But it is better so. Gollum has to end up in Thranduil's halls. I don't envy Aragorn this task. How will he be able to accomplish this. He needs to sleep eventually. He is no Elf.

obsidianj · 25 January 2014 · Chapter 16: A Prize Hard-Won

Finally, after giving up he catches Gollum. But no time to celebrate. This is not the place and the thought of the long journey back with this prisoner in tow makes me shudder.

UTfrog · 25 January 2014 · Chapter 58: The Depths of the Earth

Canafinwe, I was in such a hurry to read your latest update that I completely missed your initial comments about having had a rough week. I am sorry for your rough week and I am sorry that I did not express concern in my earlier review. Challenging is too mild a word for the lives so many of us lead. Reading excellent fanfiction is one of my favorite coping mechanisms. I must assume that writing excellent fanfiction helps you cope, even when finding time is difficult. Thank you just does not even begin to cover my gratitude to you for the many hours of reading pleasure I have enjoyed. I am deeply appreciative of your efforts in every story.

Lily Baggins · 20 January 2014 · Chapter 58: The Depths of the Earth

Oh, you do an expert job of showing the lonely, bitter road that Aragorn must travel in life... he is suffering on so many levels, and of course, I adore it! I truly enjoy how you detail his symptoms and his little improvements and the nagging health issues... for example, the rattling sound in his lungs. A goodly part of me is hoping for a little pneumonia to crop up, I admit. I freely admit that. However, I know that sadly this story may be wrapping up (no!) and that may not be a possibility. Still, I enjoy reading about it and wondering, lol. The scene with Thranduil was marvelous... Aragorn reminds me of how self-conscious I feel when I leave the house with my hair in a great unwashed state and run into someone I know. Poor man! And so filled with humility... his character is spot-on here. And the bath---how wonderful to see Aragorn so pampered! I can only imagine what it would feel like after going without bathing for so very long. Lastly... I am truly excited about Aragorn's visitor. I've been hoping he would show up soon---soon enough to see for himself what trials Aragorn has been through. I hope we get to see his concerned, somewhat paternal side... but some part of me also suspects he may be a little angered by the chances that Aragorn has taken, and not a little guilty feeling, too. Wow, I'm waiting on pins and needles for the next part!

Lily Baggins · 20 January 2014 · Chapter 57: Hurts Unseen

OMG, more of this wonderful healing stuff... like balm to a weary soul or water to a person thirsting in the desert, seriously! And you capture Aragorn's thoughts and despair and loneliness so well... my heart breaks for him. It makes perfect sense that someone as hardy and capable and independent as Aragorn is would have a very tough time adjusting to being weak and feeble and so broken down. And the poor thing... of course he wants his family! No matter how old or independent we get, don't we always wish our parents were around to comfort us when we're sick? Guh, I do adore the vomiting scene more than a sane person ought to. I am a SUCKER for embarrassed Aragorn feeling helpless, I tell you---ask poor Cairistiona who has had to put up with my pleading, lol---and wow wow wow, this delivered. Mmmm-hmmmmm... one satisfied reader here.

Lily Baggins · 20 January 2014 · Chapter 56: Safety and Slumber

I bow down to you now... I bow down in utter awe and gratefulness. I have read hundreds of Aragorn h/c stories over the last decade, and I have to say that MOST fics would have started this chapter with, "Two weeks later, Aragorn was finally able to leave his bed..." or some-such and SKIP the lovely, incredibly satisfying comfort pay-off entirely. It just happens all too often. Our hero faces the worst sort of mishaps and I wai patiently for all that good, super-detailed comfort to follow the super-detailed torture or illness or injury and then... it is fast-forwarded through. Such a disappointment when that happens! But this fic doesn't do that... it ponders and discusses and explains every nuance of how Aragorn is feeling, and how he is treated, and that is something I yearn for. You don't forget a single symptom or ailment... and that is so refreshing. A long recovery would certainly be expected, and I for one am so thoroughly entranced by this chapter that I would gladly read another thirty chapters just like it.

obsidianj · 19 January 2014 · Chapter 15: The Dead Marshes

Finally, he stumbled across Gollum's tracks. He is still in no better position than before, but his hope is back and that gives strength.

obsidianj · 19 January 2014 · Chapter 14: The Fruits of Failure

That must have been such a low point for Aragorn. Admitting to himself that he has failed that he will never find Gollum. But when he reached his lowest point, his luck seems to turn. The Ithilien Rangers let him go and even provide him with water ans food. So goes the first encounter between Faramir and his king, both of them unaware who the other is.

obsidianj · 19 January 2014 · Chapter 13: An Unwilling Guest

Being prisoner of the orcs is terrifying. How can Aragorn use the Ithilien rangers for help without having too many questions asked? Otoh, he needs some time to rest and recover his strength. Help from the rangers would come in handy.

Lily Baggins · 19 January 2014 · Chapter 55: The Last Mile

Oh my goodness... finally a chance to rest and sleep, even if I know the pain and agony of his wounds is going to be merciless. Thank the Valar that the Wood Elves recognized him and didn't cast him in the dungeons---I'm sure most of your readers, as well as poor Aragorn, feared that would happen! And I really do like your Thranduil so much---he is so respectful of Aragorn and so willing to help. And love the bit with Aragorn thanking the horse. The swooning scene was just the best ever---I am such a sucker for that, and I'm sure my heart stilled completely when it happened. I absolutely LIVE for h/c stories with lots of comfort, and so far this has certainly not disappointed.

Lily Baggins · 19 January 2014 · Chapter 54: The Dark Before Dawn

Aragorn is so pitiful here, injured and about to fall flat on his face, but refusing to give up and still mindful of Gollum's safety, to boot. I just love how you push him to the absolute brink and show us his incredible tenacity. His injuries are horrible, and your description of them is amazing, as was your account of the battle with the lynxes. I'm certain that just about any other being in Middle-earth would have been overcome in half the time---but not our Aragorn, of course. He's the very epitome of resilience and fortitude.

obsidianj · 18 January 2014 · Chapter 12: Fruitless Days

Oh, no. How will he get out of this one? I'm so grateful that I know it ends well. What a hopeless and desperate journey. You describe the perils, horror and Aragorn's loneliness so well.

obsidianj · 18 January 2014 · Chapter 11: The Flowers of Morgul Vale

What a horrible desolate place. Bilbo's rhyme was such a relief. At least something nice and good in this place, and it saved Aragorn.

Marianel · 18 January 2014 · Chapter 58: The Depths of the Earth

I have also been thinking about the moment when Thranduil heads for the door after his visit in Estels chamber in Thranduils palace.I wonder what hes thinking..maybe about his son injured after battle or himself in his youth or maybe about Oropher.Maybe Thranduil and Estel have a lot more in common than they think.Both have lost family , both are stubborn and either Thranduils son nore Estel nore knew their mothers. Maybe these are thoughts that comes to Thranduil as he sees Estel.

UTfrog · 18 January 2014 · Chapter 58: The Depths of the Earth

Hooray! Finally the long awaited hot bath. No Dorwinion yet, but now that Aragorn knows there is a hot spring, I suspect he will be back. I do not know why he was ashamed that he moaned in pleasure. I am sure he was not the first to do so in that spot. You are also doing a good job in describing the depression that a painful and long recovery brings. Irrational thoughts are so much more real. Thank you for a great job.