shirebound
· 5 January 2014
· Chapter 56: Safety and Slumber
Whew, Aragorn and your readers all needed these chapters of healing, gentle tending, and much-needed sleep.
‘Whatever my birth I am naught but a soldier,’ said Aragorn. ‘To rest in peace, sheltered from the cold, is all that I ask.’
What a humble man; truly a worthy king-to-be.
Author's reply
Yes, you've waited so patiently for the comfort to come at last! I hope it's all that you could wish for in these next few chapters. I'm very glad to know that line struck you, too. Thank you.
Aromene
· 5 January 2014
· Chapter 56: Safety and Slumber
*claps* What a lovely chapter with the elves being so tender and anticipating Aragorn's needs. Very well done!
Author's reply
Thank you so much! It's about time he had some rest; he didn't get enough at either of his waystations.
Sweetpea Deepdelver
· 2 January 2014
· Chapter 55: The Last Mile
Hello again and Happy New Year!
I am very happy to see more of this story up. Keep up the good work! :)
Author's reply
Thank you and Happy New Year! I'm so glad you're enjoying it. More to come soon, I promise.
Marianel
· 2 January 2014
· Chapter 55: The Last Mile
Awwh finally some rest!And hos sweet it was to read the sentence where Estel felt so FREE! I like how Estel wants to see Gollum all the way to prison.Its not like Gollum dies in Thranduils prison.I love Thranduil and dont think him so awful as many likes to think he is and your Thranduil certainly proves me right.But I must quote one of my favourite songwriters Bob Dylan here from his song Men of war
"And I will watch while you're lowered
Down to your deathbed
And I'll stand over your grave
'Til I know you're dead"
Tolkien , Dylan and you Canafinwe have a lot in common,the fact that you all write good stories worth telling that covers most subjects of a persons thoughts about life and Its struggles and joys.Low bows to you Cana and look forward to hopefully some little piece of heaven for Estel .
Author's reply
Rest at last! I'm so glad you liked the line where he realized that he was finally free, and that he was so determined to see Gollum right to his cell. After such a long struggle I think that would be only natural. Thank you for the wonderful feedback: I'm honoured you think so highly of my work. And yes, Aragorn is due for a little blessed rest now.
Phyloxena
· 2 January 2014
· Chapter 55: The Last Mile
Thank you for delivering Aragorn to rest and safety. And thank you for caring Thranduil! I needed it after the Malfoy the Moose rendition from Desolation of the Smaug.
Author's reply
*dies laughing* Malfoy the Moose... I see what you did there!
Earnestly, though, thank you! I'm glad you like my portrayal of Thranduil. Despite his love of pomp, he is a good person: he comes at once to the aid of the people of Laketown after all.
Noruinivel
· 2 January 2014
· Chapter 55: The Last Mile
Hi Canafinwe! Just wanted to tell you that this latest chapter is so skillfully done that I enjoyed it just as much rereading it today as I did the first time around only a couple days ago!
P.S. I second Aikwen on ff.net
Author's reply
Thank you so much: that's fantastic to hear! It means a lot to know you enjoyed the chapter. I hope you like what is yet to come.
demeter d
· 31 December 2013
· Chapter 55: The Last Mile
As always, you write AMAZING descriptions. We see and hear and feel what Aragorn and even Gollum do. It is just like Aragorn to insist on testing the Elves's cell's security himself before he would agree to put Gollum in it. Yes, we know that Gollum will not be in that cell much longer than Gandalf's interrogation of him. But in the end, it seemed to be meant to be that he would be needed to guide Frodo and Sam, and assure that his "Precious" went into the fire. The image of Gollum cowering against Aragorn for defense against the brightness that was the Wood Elves is almost funny. And now, just imagine the conversation that he and Bilbo will have on his return to Rivendell before the Quest!
Author's reply
Thank you so much! I'm glad the descriptions come across well. Alas, yes: Gollum will not bide long with the wood-elves -- but as you say this is in the end for the best.
I've spent a GREAT deal of time imagining the conversation between Aragorn and Bilbo about this journey. ;-)
Tathrien
· 31 December 2013
· Chapter 55: The Last Mile
All I can say is FINALLY! Thank goodness for those wood elves. I'm so glad Aragorn can finally let down his burden and heal!
Also, I enjoyed seeing Thranduil wind up for a grand greeting then stop short once he saw Aragorn's state. It was nice seeing the softer side of the king especially when he caught Aragorn before he fell without a thought to soiling his robes.
Author's reply
Finally indeed! I'm very relieved. Aragorn needs time to heal, and this is a good place to do it. So glad you liked my portrayal of Thranduil. Proud and sometimes pompous he may be, but "he was a lord of a good and kindly people"!
Aromene
· 31 December 2013
· Chapter 55: The Last Mile
Finally! I'm so glad he's made it and Gollum is secure (well, for now; we know that doesn't last forever). Determination to go that last mile is very like Aragorn, but I hope he gets a long rest and excellent care now.
Author's reply
Yes, secure for now. I'm glad you found the last gesture of strength and determination fitting. Aragorn does indeed deserve rest and care, and he shall have them both; I promise.
Lily Baggins
· 31 December 2013
· Chapter 50: Making Ready
And so he goes off, well prepared and outfitted (bless those Beornings!), but into the great wild unknown, and I can't think he'll have an easy time of it.
The part with Svala was a horror... but so Gollum, when one remembers Tolkien mentioning how he crept into windows looking for cradles... I wasn't expecting that, and it really shakes the reader back into reality (and Aragorn) and makes us realize that Aragorn just can't stay in such warmth and comfort, even if we wish him to.
Enjoyed thoroughly!
Author's reply
It was indeed an ugly reminder of Aragorn's duty, and of the very real danger Gollum poses to this good family. At least he sets off well-prepared...
Thank you again for the wonderful feedback!
Lily Baggins
· 31 December 2013
· Chapter 49: The Wanderer's Tales
Your characterization of Gollum is delightful, I have to say. Well, HE is not a delight, but reading about him acting in his very Gollum-like ways is... I can certainly see him doing and saying all he is here... "nasty bratses... wicked old women..." Yes, you've so caught his malice and hatred and distrust.
Author's reply
Thank you! Gollum is a challenge to write, so it's lovely to know that I've captured his behaviour and (irritating) mode of speech. Cheers!
Oh, I adored these past chapters! I have been reading LOTR hurt/comfort with an obsession bordering on insanity for years, and I must say that I've rarely seen such superb detail with regard to Aragorn's ills, afflictions, and discomforts. I simply can't get enough detail, and this is what makes this story so special.
What wonderful care he's getting---at least. And his bit of embarrassment over Una's declaration had me grinning... I imagine poor Aragorn hasn't been the object of a young human girl's interest in quite a long time! And yes, I'd take him over a Beorning, too any day...
You've painted such a wonderful, full picture of their family life here.
Author's reply
Thank you so very much! I always hope the details are appreciated, rather than burdensome, and that I don't go too far with it. I'm delighted to know you enjoy them. And I do try to be just as detailed with the care and comfort. So glad you liked Una's teenage impudence. I'm quite sure it has indeed been many years since Aragorn has been in such a position.
hh
· 30 December 2013
· Chapter 55: The Last Mile
I hope we get a few chapters with aragorn recovered and maybe even gandulf coming too.... pretty please. Good job.
Author's reply
Oh, definitely! After all, Aragorn needs to learn just how important his weary labour is!
shirebound
· 30 December 2013
· Chapter 55: The Last Mile
he hobbled to the horse's head and reached to stroke the bridge of her nose.
'I thank you for carrying us, fair one,' he said. 'I know how tiresome the duty was, and I am grateful.'
What a lovely moment.
At last, at last he was relieved of his burden and he was free. He was free.
I'm nearly as relieved as he is. What an incredible journey, brought to us in such exquisite detail by your tale. And I never thought, before, that Aragorn might be imagining Bilbo's long-ago adventure in these very halls.
Author's reply
Thank you so much! I'm glad you liked that moment, and that you too are relieved to see Aragorn's toil ended at last. And thinking of Bilbo -- well, it seemed fitting.
Suzelle
· 30 December 2013
· Chapter 27: Retribution
Read this on my train ride home and attracted several stares when I laughed aloud at "you should have used the knife"...not a funny line in the slightest but OH so perfect, Aragorn you have to deal with so many horrible things I'm so sorry ;_;. HOPING HE GETS A RESPITE SOON though not holding my breath...which is actually a terribly inappropriate metaphor to use here ummmm forget I said that???
Author's reply
Not funny, but certainly suitably sarcastic. I'm glad you liked that line. Aragorn can be awfully scathing when he wants to be. So much to deal with, indeed. And respite... well, not "soon", precisely, but not... well, I shouldn't say much.
Heh. 'Not holding my breath'... yeah, a bit insensitive in the circumstances! Cheers!
Suzelle
· 30 December 2013
· Chapter 26: Falling Out
I fear I'm becoming a broken record here, but I loved every moment of this! Your description of the contrast between the women of Gondor and the women of Rohan is so striking, and rings very true. I can well imagine how Aragorn might have identified the women of Rohan to his own kin...and that one mention of Ivorwen, oh, touchstone of her people indeed. LOVED little Annis, too! So fierce!
And I'm reviewing this a day later than I read it, so now I know how things resolve, but OH that cliffhanger!!!!
Author's reply
Oh, you're so sweet! Thank you again. The regard Aragorn has for the women of Rohan shines through in his dealings with Eowyn: it was good to have the chance to reflect upon in here. The bold ladies of the Mark are very much akin to the ladies of the North, I think, in their courage and their strength. And Ivorwen... I do not doubt that Aragorn must have had tremendous love and respect for his extraordinary grandmother.
And Annis? Another shieldmaiden in the making.
Sorry 'bout the cliffie. ;-)
Aromene
· 30 December 2013
· Chapter 54: The Dark Before Dawn
Normally, I am an exceedingly good reviewer. I am one of those people that reviews every chapter of a fic I love. And I must first apologise for being a bad reviewer to you because I have not done so. It's been a crazy couple of months and stopping by Stories of Arda to read the next chapter of this fic has been one of the new really high points of each day. But that is hardly an excuse for not reviewing up until now!
I absolutely adore this fic. For a variety of reasons, but short of spouting a long list at you, the main ones are that:
I think you write Aragorn brilliantly. You are writing a very complex character and yet you are able to make him even more complex and fleshed out than Tolkien did, while still remaining true to the Professor's works. And that's talent I wish I had!
Secondly, you detail in your story telling is second to none. I am in awe at your ability to weave this little tiny things into the story and have them be so important (ex in this chapter, the lynx). It's absolutely a joy to read and beautiful to see unfold!
I have been so surprised each chapter by what comes next and loved each minute of it. I can't wait to go back and read the whole thing from the beginning (which I will, as soon as I get a holiday in which to do so)!
The 'relationship', if I can use that word, between Aragorn and Gollum has been so deeply explored and fascinating to watch. I can't imagine how you've done it, but you have a great success here on really getting to grips with a journey we only hear of in reference in the books and a captor/captive relationship that really is very different from any I've read.
Your writing is beautiful to read and I just wanted to actually take the proper time to tell you that. Hopefully I'll be able to review some of the chapters when I have a chance to go back and read it all, but until then, I hope this brings a smile to your face! You deserve it!
Author's reply
Oh my goodness, how I did smile! What a lovely review: so heartfelt and detailed. Thank you so much for your kind words. I'm delighted to know you like the story. It's especially wonderful to hear that the characterization of Aragorn comes across well. He is such a deliciously complex character; Tolkien put such depth and richness into his creation and his gradual evolution into who he ultimately became. I have striven to do him justice in this story, and it's so marvellous to have that affirmed. Thank you.
I'm glad the details are enjoyable rather than cumbersome. I love detailed writing (hence my love of Tolkien's work!) but I know many people do not. And it's always so great to know when I can surprise my readers! As to the relationship between Aragorn and Gollum... I must thank you again! They're both such unique individuals, and the dynamics between them so strange, that it makes for a fascinating interaction. I do love that Tolkien gave us comments on this journey from both sides: it made writing this so much easier!
Thank you again for this beautiful and thoughtful review. It's so much appreciated, and I hope you enjoy the remaining installments. Thank you.
Noruinivel
· 29 December 2013
· Chapter 54: The Dark Before Dawn
Wow! How expertly done! It amazes me that your (already fantastic) writing continues to become better and better. The lynx is such a small character and yet her depth reminds me of Tolkien's curious fox.
I usually find myself sad that a story has wound to its close and yet you have captured Aragorn's toil so tuly that I was much more anxious to see him in safe hands and finally free of Gollum! However, I fear he may be a long time in recovering.
Author's reply
Thank you so much! I have always loved the fox, and to hear that my poor lynx has some of the same flavour is a wonderful thing.
Fear not: the story isn't over yet. We left a very important character behind a long time ago, and he's got to come back in to do his part and have his say. There are several chapters left, I promise!
Lily Baggins
· 29 December 2013
· Chapter 46: The Baker and the Ferryman
I certainly hope that Aragorn meets that baker someday in another life, as well as that ferryman's son. Arrrgh! So close-minded and suspicious, they are, though I suppose seeing Gollum would probably make one ... wonder.
I held my breath during this chapter, wondering how Aragorn was going to get across the river. I was hoping he didn't have to swim, but if he did and caught pneumonia, I wouldn't have been too surprised, given his travails so far!
Author's reply
Ooh, wouldn't that be satisfying? Aragorn would have fared much better if not for his unsavoury companion, especially with the baker.
I was so desperate to get them across the river on the ferry! I just didn't have another chilling swim in me. No pneumonia, either: one shade too cruel.
Lily Baggins
· 29 December 2013
· Chapter 44: Roosting in a Storm
I hope that wherever Aragorn ends up next, he gets some new boots, poor man!
I didn't know you could eat pine bark, though I suppose I should since we have tons of pine trees around here and the squirrels feast on them all the time.
This story is wonderfully informative as well as greatly entertaining!
Author's reply
Ah, new boots: much easier said than done, I'm afraid! I'm delighted that the story is proving informative: I had a lot of fun with my assorted research.
Lily Baggins
· 29 December 2013
· Chapter 41: No Game
Aragorn's feelings of despair and discomfort are palpable here... wow, what intense detail of his suffering. Beautifully done.
Author's reply
Poor Ranger: such a hard road, and with such an unpleasant companion. Thank you yet again for a lovely review!
Lily Baggins
· 29 December 2013
· Chapter 39: Stark Survival
I have never felt so cold in my life as I have after reading this chapter---bravo for putting your readers right in the scene. Wow.
Author's reply
*Shudder* I got cold writing this chapter, actually. I'm glad that it came across so strongly.
Lily Baggins
· 29 December 2013
· Chapter 37: Who Crosses the Ice
This is masterful storytelling! The descriptions you give of Aragorn's aches and pains and discomforts is amazing... I am eating it up. I have put off reading this story because I wasn't sure if Aragorn would get any succor, and I do love the comfort so much... but I see that he does, and I'm looking VERY forward to it!
Author's reply
Oh, thank you! I'm so pleased you decided to read! He does get succour, hard though he must labour to reach it, and I'm as dedicated to the details of the comfort as I am to the details of the misery, I promise. Poor Aragorn: the glimpses of this road in canon pain such a harsh and wretched picture.
EverleighBain
· 28 December 2013
· Chapter 54: The Dark Before Dawn
I don't think I took a single breath during this whole chapter....at least not until the cavalry arrived! Beautifully, breathlessly written.
Author's reply
Thank you so much! It's always hard to tell whether a chapter like this will read as sufficiently suspenseful, so I appreciate knowing it does! And yes, the (literal) cavalry has arrived at last! Not a moment too soon, either. Eesh.
shirebound
· 28 December 2013
· Chapter 54: The Dark Before Dawn
Oh gosh, what a relief. How he managed to keep going this long is awe inspiring. What a long, healing, necessary sleep he needs, now more than ever.
Author's reply
Thank you as always! Yes, Aragorn needs a deep healing sleep, and good food, and rest, and bandages, and...