TheAnswerIsDawn
· 28 December 2013
· Chapter 54: The Dark Before Dawn
YES! I cheered aloud at that last sentence :) The tension in this chapter was again amazing, you had me on the edge of my seat the whole way through. Hopefully poor Aragorn will get some rest and medical attention now :)
Thank you for such an amazing chapter, as usual :)
Author's reply
Thank you! It's wonderful to know the tension built as it should, and it was such a relief to write that last line. After such a long journey he's reached his destination at last. Well, almost. Very close, anyway.
Suzelle
· 28 December 2013
· Chapter 25: A Man in the Hay
Aaaaah, this just keeps getting better and better!!!!!!!! I'm so pleased we're finally in Rohan, and I love the snippets we get of this family. And oh, how I laughed..."Blessed was the cynicism of an older sister," so very true! And I adore his reverie into his early days in Edoras, of adjusting to life in a foreign land and reflecting upon the bitter draught of the Eldar...how strange and difficult that must have been for him, should he have encountered any of the men he rode with as Thorongil.
Something that struck me back when he just missed the Rangers of Ithilien but comes back to me again now: I love how much this story is truly a tour of nearly all Middle-Earth, and certainly all the lands of the trilogy. You paint each setting so vividly and uniquely, and it's such a treat to see how Aragorn makes his way through the lands that he will one day pass through again, under very different circumstances. As always, I can't wait to keep reading!
Author's reply
Thank you so very much! Aragorn needed a little human contact, and this family fit the bill. I'm so glad you liked the glimpses of them, and Aragorn's reflection upon his time in Rohan. I've often wondered just what he thought when he saw Théoden again: such a peculiar experience that must have been!
It's true: this story does take us through so many familiar lands! I've enjoyed enormously the opportunity to explore these places, and I'm so happy to know that my rendering of them is appreciated. Thank you.
shirebound
· 27 December 2013
· Chapter 53: Hobbled
That tricksssy Gollum! What a terrible situation. My nails had all grown back nicely, now I'm biting them in suspense again!
Author's reply
Tricksssy indeed! Sorry about your nails! Oops...
Marianel
· 26 December 2013
· Chapter 53: Hobbled
Awwh Gollum I could slay him on the spot and Im sure the thought crossed Estel too! Poor Estel going limpfooted to Thranduil.Only a miracle can save them now and I anticipate the next chapter with great exitement.
Author's reply
He'd certainly deserve it. Ugh. Poor limping Strider...
Suzelle
· 26 December 2013
· Chapter 23: Over, Under and Through
Another fabulous chapter! Crossing the Anduin was never going to be an easy task, and as a former lifeguard I truly appreciate how well you capture both the beauty and danger of waters such as the Anduin and even later the Bruinen. Your writing captures all of this in such a stark way, and I love it so much. Looking forward to reading what happens next!!
Author's reply
Thank you so much! I too have a background in aquatic lifesaving, so I wrote this (and the later river-crossings) with that in mind. Beautiful but deadly, as great rivers are. I'm so delighted to know you're enjoying the story!
UTfrog
· 26 December 2013
· Chapter 53: Hobbled
Given all the "adventures" you arranged for poor Aragorn, I suspect he thinks he is being hunted because he is being hunted by more nasty spiders. I just hope Thranduil's march wardens are hunting the spiders. Nasty Gollum did find a way to try to trap Aragorn. Slap to the head for him.
Great chapter as always! I have the great fortune to be taking a cruise next week, so I will not have Internet access. I will catch up and review once I return. Meanwhile, Happy New Year and many thanks for all the great reading pleasures.
Author's reply
He thinks he's being hunted because he's being hunted... sound reasoning, indeed! Gollum really does deserve that slap to the head. Tiresome wretch.
A cruise? Ooh, I'm a little jealous! Have a wonderful time!!!
Marianel
· 25 December 2013
· Chapter 52: Harried and Hunted
I wonder if Gollum leads Estel astray on purpose from the path.We will see about that in time I guess.Im relieved that the babyinsident at Beorns house turned out well after all.I was petrified for the baby and before my eye I could see Estels leap to save the little one from Gollums grasp.I hope a pair of comfy warm shoes drops down on Estel😄.Amazing writing as always Cana!Merry Christmas and may the Valar be with us all😊
Author's reply
Hmm. You're wise not to underestimate Gollum. I'm very glad that the incident with the baby came across well; poor Aragorn, such a fright! He could certainly use some good warm shoes, alas!
Merry Christmas!
shirebound
· 24 December 2013
· Chapter 52: Harried and Hunted
I think I've finally caught up, and back into peril they go! After this journey, Aragorn's long, watchful walk with the hobbits from Bree to Rivendell must have felt like a vacation... except for Weathertop, of course.
Author's reply
I think it must have been wonderful to travel in such pleasant company and such (relative) plenty, if only it hadn't been for the Ringwraiths and the worry over Frodo's wound. Thank you as always!
Sweetpea Deepdelver
· 24 December 2013
· Chapter 52: Harried and Hunted
I like this story very much. Will more come soon?
Merry Christmas! (or Yule! :D)
Author's reply
Merry Christmas! Thank you so much; I'm so glad you like the story. I'll update as quickly as I can, I promise.
TheAnswerIsDawn
· 24 December 2013
· Chapter 52: Harried and Hunted
Oh the tension! The atmosphere is really spooky, and I'm on edge waiting for what happens next. Poor Aragorn!
As always a great chapter. I wish you Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays, and I hope Aragorn can have some rest soon :)
Author's reply
Merry Christmas! I'm glad to know it's spooky, and I'll try not to keep you waiting long; Aragorn deserves his rest, and I would love to get him to it soon.
UTfrog
· 24 December 2013
· Chapter 52: Harried and Hunted
I was planning to start this review with profuse thanks for the fast update. However, given the terrible, awful, scary, and totally unpleasant predicament that you left Aragorn in, I remain thankful, but very anxious! You really do make Mirkwood come alive. There are more dangers than the spiders for sure. I know Aragorn is a long way from safety, but surely Thranduil has been informed of a trespasser to his lands. Anyway great chapter. Thank you.
May you and all those you love have a Merry Christmas and/or all the great holidays of this season.
Author's reply
Merry Christmas! I'm sorry it was such a cheerless update, given the season. Aragorn still has a way to go and dangers to face before he can rest at last. Thanks as always for the lovely feedback.
UTfrog
· 23 December 2013
· Chapter 51: The Eaves of Mirkwood
You created quite a terrifying forest description. Horrible place to stop and horrible place to continue for poor Aragorn. I have no sympathy left for Gollum. Thanks for the quick update.
Author's reply
Horrible indeed. The descriptions of Mirkwood in 'The Hobbit' have haunted me since early childhood. Such a fey and frightening place.
No sympathy left for Gollum? Fair enough!
Author Reply: Horrible indeed. The descriptions of Mirkwood in 'The Hobbit' have haunted me since early childhood. Such a fey and frightening place.
No sympathy left for Gollum? Fair enough!
EverleighBain
· 23 December 2013
· Chapter 51: The Eaves of Mirkwood
This is such an ominous chapter!! Gollum likely plotting who-knows-what kind of nastiness, the general foreboding of Mirkwood, the sense that our hero is about to pay dearly for the warmth and abundance he experienced at the hands of the Beornings.... I'm both eager for and dreading the next chapters and the peril they will undoubtedly bring! Keep on, dear author, keep on!
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm very glad the atmosphere of brooding calamity came across. I shall try not to keep everyone in suspense for longer than I must. Poor Aragorn: I'm afraid he won't have an entirely peaceful passage through the forest.
Tathrien
· 23 December 2013
· Chapter 44: Roosting in a Storm
"He shifted the rope just a little to be sure that Gollum was still at the end of it. An irritated tug was his answer..."
Most of the time, Gollum's stubborn mischief makes me want to throw up my hands in frustration, but snarky moments like this sure make me laugh!
I'm glad Aragorn has finally been able to catch a break, but as much as I might hope, I have a feeling it's not going to last too much longer.
As always, well done! I enjoy all the little details you include that make the story seem so real and are evidence of the time and research you put into your work!
Merry Christmas!
Author's reply
Merry Christmas!
Snarky: the very word! I'm glad to make you laugh now and then; there isn't much humour in this story, but what there is is chiefly of the wry and sarcastic variety like this. I'm thrilled to know you love the details. And no, Aragorn's luck can't last forever, now can it?
Thank you for the lovely review!
UTfrog
· 22 December 2013
· Chapter 50: Making Ready
Food, clothes, cloak,a hat and mittens - the Beornings were wonderful to Aragorn. He certainly deserved some good luck, but you created a charming and kind family. I am positive he thought of them after he became king. Now we will see what horrors, besides spiders, you have in mind for the final push of his journey. Aragorn certainly feels better prepared with food and some rest.
Sorry for the delayed review. I did read this yesterday, but with the extended family Christmas celebration at my house, I was busy and then exhausted.
I cannot say I will wait patiently for your next chapter, but I am in such awe of what you writers create for us. Thank you is never enough.
Author's reply
Thank you so much! Your reviews are such a lovely treat, but you mustn't feel the need to apologize: it's such a busy season, and I'm honoured that you find the time to read at all.
Horrors? Doesn't sound like me...
EverleighBain
· 21 December 2013
· Chapter 50: Making Ready
I'm warm clear through after reading this chapter, and so glad to know you continue to write. Please keep up the wonderful work, I'm enjoying it so much!
Author's reply
Oh, I'm glad! You're so very welcome, and I appreciate the feedback enormously.
Phyloxena
· 20 December 2013
· Chapter 49: The Wanderer's Tales
I don't like Gollum's expression at all. Let's hope he will do no more than strangle a chicken at Beor's place upon his escape from Mirkwood.
Author's reply
AAAH! I didn't even think of what he might do when he escapes! Oh, dear: now you have me worried.
shirebound
· 20 December 2013
· Chapter 49: The Wanderer's Tales
Only five days more... uneventful ones, I hope! It's amazing how far Aragorn came, through such perils and near death, to be so close to his goal at last. Songs should have been sung about this journey of his, were it not so furtive and dangerous.
I'm moving today and won't have internet (or spare time) for a few days at least. I'll check back when I can!
Author's reply
Uneventful? Can't say. Still, we can hope, right? I can only imagine the songs about this journey. Aragorn might be happier to have it go unsung.
I hope the move went well! Such a lot of work. Cheers!
UTfrog
· 20 December 2013
· Chapter 49: The Wanderer's Tales
So glad he had a chance to thank them with his tale of Beren. I hope they can help him with more than food for the final journey. I am sure you have many more perils ahead. The Beorn family is delightful.
Back to the plot bunnies: I think I can speak for your readers that a short epilogue after Aragorn becomes king of how each person who helped in the journey reacts when they learn of the victory would be appreciated. They had a bigger part to play than any could have imagined.
Thank you.
Author's reply
Thank you as always! It means a lot to know you like Beorn's descendants. I can't speak to the perils ahead, of course, except to smile evilly.
Ack! Another wonderful idea! I had always planned to do at least one of them... doing all would be very interesting indeed. Hmm.
Linda Hoyland
· 19 December 2013
· Chapter 1: Wasted Years
A great opening.I love the relationship between Aragorn and Gandalf.
Author's reply
Thank you! I have always loved the canon interactions between these two, and it was very wonderful to write them in a situation where it was just the two of them -- without any hobbits or privileged southern emissaries to be strong for. As two old friends, they are free to share their discouragement and frustrations with one another.
Marianel
· 19 December 2013
· Chapter 48: Kindly Lodgings
How wonderful amd what a lovely and humourus family!I can see them inffront of me as well as their house and rooms.I imagine something like a better Austrian skilodge wirth furs ,a fire, candles and nice comfy furniture and ofcourse loads of hearty homecooking.Your descriptions of places is absolutely awsome without being boring and I mean it.Good for Estel !
Author's reply
Thank you! It means a lot to know the descriptions are vivid and evocative -- and not boring! Aragorn has certainly earned a little rest, hasn't he?
UTfrog
· 19 December 2013
· Chapter 48: Kindly Lodgings
I simply adore Una. Please have more interaction with her embarrassing Aragorn. He needs the comic relief and so do we. Obviously the last two chapters have been a great relief to readers as well as travelers. The family you have created deserve to live on and will in imagination. Again, your gift for description is on full display. I can easily visualize the hall. Thank you so very much.
Author's reply
Thanks! I'm glad you like her; she was fun to write, and we really could use a little humour. It means a lot to know that the family captured your imagination, and that the hall is rendered clearly! Thank you.
shirebound
· 18 December 2013
· Chapter 48: Kindly Lodgings
What a wonderful and delightful family you've created here. I'm so pleased that Aragorn is finally in such wise and gentle hands.
Even in Lothlórien he had not been offered such an abundant variety of wholesome provender, and for a moment he could do nothing more than stare in quiet awe.
I have no doubt about that!
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm so glad you like them. It really is a relief to give Aragorn some real aid and support; it's been such a long time since Lórien.
HH
· 18 December 2013
· Chapter 47: A Beggar at the Door
Just a few points here just in case anyone is stuck in a similar situation ... when Aragorn looks and see's only "oak and birch" --
(1) birch bark is the best of all edible barks...a man will never starve in a forest of pines but he will feast in a forest of birch.
(2) pine bark are also ok but sometimes little bitter -- and there is some concerns that some pine bark can damage humans if eaten for long periods of time (kidneys) -- it is not recommended that you eat pine bark if you are pregnant.
(3) you never cut into the trunk -- it will kill the tree - you break off a branch
(4) and by bark, we don't mean the outside brown hard stuff but rather the lighter material that is closest to the wood core .. so break off a branch, scrap off the outer bark and then rake the inner bark off.
Beorn and his people are areas of the the Tolkien world just looking for expansion in the fan fiction world. I have always been interested in the skin changing part -- are they men or something else -- for one to be able to change shape they would have power greater than the Istari..Sauron can change shape -- or at least could change shape. Radagast is a master of "shapes and hue" but we never really know what that means...
Author's reply
Thanks! I got my info from a toxicology text, and I didn't know that about birch. I'll fix that. As for taking from the trunk, my research indicated that a strip less than one-tenth the circumference isn't harmful to the tree, and as the inner bark is usually thicker on the trunk it seemed the better choice.
That's an interesting question about the nature of Beorn's powers! He is certainly referred to many times as a man - as is Grimbeorn - but clearly it is an exceptional power. I always interpreted it as one of the ancient earthy magics of Middle-earth, akin to Goldberry and the Withywindel. Thought-provoking indeed: thank you!
Elentarri
· 18 December 2013
· Chapter 47: A Beggar at the Door
Beautifully written chapter. I'm surprised Gollum hasn't turned into a frost-hobbit yet though. ;)
Author's reply
Frost-hobbit! What a great image!
Honestly, though, having your fate entangled with that of the Ring has its advantages.