shirebound · 18 December 2013 · Chapter 47: A Beggar at the Door
He reached help at last, yay! *falls over with relief*
Author's reply
At last. You've been so very patient!
A Long and Weary Way by Canafinwe
Reviews (499)
UTfrog · 18 December 2013 · Chapter 47: A Beggar at the Door
Again, I am shivering in sympathy for poor Aragorn, yet I am drinking hot coffee and sitting in a comfortable chair. Your excellent descriptions really make me feel the cold. Poor man really is in agony as he thaws. Bless the Beorn family for remembering and being so willing to help. Sure hope they can assist for the final leagues to Mirkwood. Thanks
Author's reply
At least by the end Aragorn got himself a comfy chair and a hot drink too... I'm so pleased to know the descriptions of the cold are so evocative. Thawing after that kind of exposure is nothing short of torture, really. But he's in good hands, and as you say he can certainly use some assistance as he embarks on the last stretch of this arduous journey!
shirebound · 17 December 2013 · Chapter 46: The Baker and the Ferryman
I wish I could take Aragorn some food myself! At least they're across the river now.
Author's reply
I'm certain he would appreciate that! Though I'm very relieved they managed to arrange for passage across the river. I didn't have another cold swim left in me, either.
UTfrog · 17 December 2013 · Chapter 46: The Baker and the Ferryman
No food! But they did get limited rest and warm. Bless the ferryman and family. The eastern route dos appear daunting, but they did not have to swim the river. Thanks
Author's reply
Alas, no food. Still, crossing the river dry was the main goal! Thank you as always.
Suzelle · 16 December 2013 · Chapter 22: Down to the River
Trying this again...just wrote a very long review that I think SoA ate! :( But anyway: I am continuing to love every moment of this, and I can only apologize that I haven't been reviewing each chapter. You build up the tension so wonderfully, and I am loving the development (if you can call it that?) of Aragorn and Gollum's relationship. Can't wait to keep reading!
Author's reply
Ooh, I hate it when that happens! Thank you for persisting and leaving feedback anyway! No worries about reviewing as you can: I'm just so glad you're enjoying the story and that the tension has grabbed you. Thank you so much.
UTfrog · 16 December 2013 · Chapter 45: Over the Road and Up to the Town
So glad they found the town and one kind citizen. Now to convince the baker to feed and warm them. Honestly though, if I was running a business, I do not think I would want my customers seeing such ragged beings near the food to be sold. Maybe has has a warm back storeroom? Or could he be a friend of Gandalf? Thanks.
Author's reply
Thank you as always. And yes, really: not exactly the sort of people you'd want to be seen around your wares, are they? I can't comment, of course, so I'll just go ahead and post the next chapter instead. Deal?
Marianel · 16 December 2013 · Chapter 45: Over the Road and Up to the Town
Please give him bread and rest Cana and have Beorn watching Gollum!People of Carrok take pity on them!I would.So close yet so far from it all poor Estel
Author's reply
I'm sure that you would! If only Aragorn had stumbled into your town instead. So close yet so far indeed. Poor man...
Marianel · 15 December 2013 · Chapter 44: Roosting in a Storm
Draw near and be warm Estel says to gollum .In general Im an optimist and I think Gollum would have slept under the blanket with Estel if it wasnt for those dratted Warg lurking nearby.In Sweden we say that you have your heart up in your throat and that is when youre really scared you can feel it in your whole body.Like I did last night when I drove my car in dark countryside after my friends wedding through terrible wind,fog and drivning rain and tiniest visibility ahead.Thats like I felt for Estel in that tree!Wow cant wait till next chapter:)!
Author's reply
I hope you're right about Gollum... unfortunately we'll never know now. I'm so glad to hear the chapter was adequately suspenseful! That drive sounds terrible indeed: I'm glad you came through it safely! Winter travel is always such a challenge, in Real Life and in Middle-earth.
shirebound · 15 December 2013 · Chapter 44: Roosting in a Storm
Dear old Bilbo and his tales. His grip around the trunk of the fir grew stronger and the ache in his legs seemed to abate a little. I love these examples of how Bilbo was an inspiration and helped to lighten even the most dire moments.
Author's reply
Thank you! Aragorn's love and admiration for him are both so apparent during their brief interactions in the book. I'm sure he could not help but carry the memory and spirit of his friend with him, especially on this journey.
UTfrog · 15 December 2013 · Chapter 44: Roosting in a Storm
I gave an actual shiver of fear and cold while reading this chapter. Dear Bilbo came to the rescue. You are back to sending Aragorn (and us) lurching from crisis to crisis. Great reading. Thanks
Author's reply
Ooh, good to know it was that evocative; thank you! Bilbo is such a wonderful friend to have, isn't he? Such a help in a tight spot, even just through the strength of memory. Thank you as always!
Marianel · 14 December 2013 · Chapter 43: Blessings of Kementári
Some rest again thank god!I hope Kementari keeps gollum from strangling Estel in his sleep!I felt warm when Estel found some small peace and a touch of happy beside the tree😊
Author's reply
Yes! Rest at last. And hopefully no strangling... not sure whether Yavanna has much sway over Gollum, though! I'm delighted to know that you liked the chapter: thank you kindly.
shirebound · 14 December 2013 · Chapter 43: Blessings of Kementári
When the cut patch was bare to the new wood he ran his palm along the wound. He closed his eyes against the darkness of the night forest and put forth thoughts of healing. What a lovely moment.
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm pleased to know it came across well.
UTfrog · 14 December 2013 · Chapter 43: Blessings of Kementári
Yea, some food for his body and his soul! So glad hope has returned and a measure of peace. Thank you.
Author's reply
You're welcome as always! It was time for a (relatively) restful chapter. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Marianel · 13 December 2013 · Chapter 42: A Shift in the Wind
Awwh dear finally some bit to eat and a small fire ! Im not reala religiuos but as far as I know theres a poor guy in the bible named Job and he is tested by God and despite all his misery he knows the meaning of pity against those who s doing him wrong.I cant help but comparing him to Estel in your story!And indeed they are both rewarded richly after their struggles .Estel gets the girl etc.I cant recall what Job wins in the end but tis more than he had even before:)
Author's reply
That's an interesting comparison: I never really thought about it like that, mostly because the story of Job always disturbed me as a child. His quiet faithfulness is wonderful, but young-me was always so upset when his children died! Nevertheless, Aragorn certainly does receive in great measure all the blessings of life, in repayment for all his long labours. Have to love the natural justice! Thanks as always for the lovely review! So glad you like the story.
UTfrog · 13 December 2013 · Chapter 42: A Shift in the Wind
Poor travelers at least got some food, not nearly enough, but some. Hope there are birds over the next hill. Reading this makes me shiver even though I am sitting in a comfy chair, drinking coffee. Your eye for detail is amazing. Thank you.
Author's reply
Thank you so much! The story is really built on details... and yes, some food at last! Sorry to make you shiver, but you're so very welcome as always for the chapter.
shirebound · 12 December 2013 · Chapter 41: No Game
Ohhh, they must both be so incredibly hungry. It breaks my heart to think about it.
Author's reply
Alas, yes! Thank you as always for taking the time to read!
UTfrog · 12 December 2013 · Chapter 41: No Game
The 16th paragraph that talks about Gollum, the great eyes, his malice, and the possibility that something else lurks behind his eyes is fantastic. This is as good a summary of Gollum as can be written. Poor Aragorn for knowing, even now, that those eyes will haunt his nightmares. This chapter was very nearly equal to the last in difficult to read due to empathy with the characters. You are doing a fantastic job. More plot bunnies: I enjoyed your comments on Elwing taking flight and leaving responsibilities behind. I have read a few stories about Elrond's reunion with his parents. Most were positive, though a few indicated rough feelings remained. Fiondil (now) and Bodkin (some time ago) write about Aman with excellently created universes. Your take on the arrival of the war weary Third Age heroes and their affect on Aman would be most interesting. PS: you can tell me to stop sending bunnies. I will stop sending, but not thinking. Again, thank you so much.
Author's reply
Thank you so much! Your continued interest and encouragement is so very much appreciated. I'm quite sure Aragorn must have had more than his share of nightmares about this dreadful journey, which is why your last plot coney was such an insistent one! It was challenging to get that paragraph to come out the way I wanted it to, so it's very lovely to know it struck you - -and indeed that the chapter as a whole inspired empathy. Thank you. Oh, no, don't stop sending the suggestions! As long as you don't mind that some of them may really get written one day! Elwing is a fascinating and problematic case. Tolkien left us something very special with her story. I have often considered writing a couple of pieces focusing on Elrond in Aman. It's wonderful that there is interest out there for such a thing. It would need a very delicate touch, I think. Hmmm...
Aiwendiel · 11 December 2013 · Chapter 40: Nine Strokes
Dear Canafinwe, no need to worry overmuch about this chapter and implications. Your Aragorn would have been a less believable character if he hadn't done something to mete out a punishment of some sort. Mercy ruled in the end, after all. And Gollum is and will continue to be who and what he is, to the bitter end. BTW re the previous chapter, artfully done, painfully done. Morning temp in my home city was 12 below F with 25 below windchill. Exposed flesh doesn't just get frostbite -- it freezes and turns black before it falls off! I can tell from local collective experience that Aragorn's environs just north of the Gladden must be more in the range of 10 below Celsius, not Farenheit! Water from inside a boot isn't liquid or even slush at my local temp, and survival times outdoors when wet are measured in minutes, single digits. Probably having the blood of Westernesse in you helps prevent frostbite, eh? But, we wonders... how in the heck does Gollum manage? What's he got running through his veins, antifreeze?!? He shouldn't have ears, fingertips, toes or the end of his nose after an experience like that! Makes him seem all the more alien and strange, how he continuously survives incredible deprivation. Brr.. wonderful writing! Can't wait for more... anticipating the crossing of Anduin, presumably without Eagles, more's the pity...
Author's reply
Thank you so much! It was a challenge because I had no clear canon precedent; in the book, Aragorn's judgements are all heavily weighted by mitigating factors, and in this case there really aren't any. I'm glad that it came across well. And the cold... yes, you nailed it! Minus ten Celsius when he falls into the river, falling to minus twelve overnight. This part of Middle-earth would never get quite as cold as what you describe: that's more what you'd find at Forochel! Not that Aragorn knows the numbers, of course. I have a feeling that for a Ranger temperature is measured on the 'Well, it wasn't quite cold enough to kill me before I lit a fire' scale. I'm working on the assumption that the blood of Westernesse DOES make one less susceptible to cold -- and of course, the lingering fire of divinity that he has through the line of Luthien can only help. As for Gollum... yes, his veins flow with antifreeze, malice, and the strange longevity that comes of having his soul inexorably tangled with the fate of the Ring (which is at present cosily tucked up in Bag End in front of a nice bedroom fire). The eeriness of it is very important to the story. Talk about your creepy travelling companion. *shudder* So glad you liked it! And yes, another crossing of Anduin in his future, and the enchanted Forest Stream after that. So. Many. Rivers.
Marianel · 11 December 2013 · Chapter 40: Nine Strokes
yes dorwinion for us all! Agree with utfrog😄
Author's reply
Duly noted. Cheers!
UTfrog · 11 December 2013 · Chapter 40: Nine Strokes
As did the Professor, again and again you have Aragorn show pity. As we all know these tiny mercies add up to a huge difference at the end. Great job. I suspect poor Aragorn has a long, miserable trip ahead. At the end, can we please have Aragorn sitting in a hot tub, eating, and drinking Dorwinion wine?
Author's reply
I cannot even express the warmth that suffused my chest when I saw a review to this most challenging of chapters that began with the words 'As did the Professor'. There is no higher praise I could hope to receive: thank you. Humbly I thank you. It means so much to know that it came across as I hoped. Thank you. Hmm. Drinking in the tub? Sounds like a high-risk activity. *innocent eyes*
Marianel · 11 December 2013 · Chapter 40: Nine Strokes
I dont think you should worry overly much about this chapter because it is as enjoyable as the other ones.I think it was good that Estel choose to not whip Gollums hands because Saurons cruel staff had done that so terribly.That would surely have added even more distrust towards Estel and more haunting ghosts in Gollums mind.Estel himself included.Poor boys,awwh poor boys indeed.I actually fell into nerdery and checked a map of middle earth on Google .It looks to me that from their position by the Gladden river that they have to cross Anduin AGAIN sooner or later.Peewwh!!Poor boys awwh dear!
Author's reply
Thank you so much for the reassurance! It wasn't pleasant to write, but I think it came out well in the end, and it means a lot to have you confirm it was enjoyable despite the trouble in its crafting. I too am glad that Aragorn realized the flaw in his plan and made the merciful choice. Yes, they must cross Anduin again! They cross five rivers on this trip, for a total of six crossings: Anduin, Limlight, Celebrant, Gladden, Anduin and the Forest Stream in Mirkwood. I still can't quite believe it. One almost has the sense of Tolkien sitting there looking at his own map and thinking 'Hmm... how many rivers can we possible force the poor man to ford?'! Poor boys, verily.
UTfrog · 10 December 2013 · Chapter 39: Stark Survival
By the 7th paragraph, I was hoping for direct intervention by the Valar! Yes, I know they would not do that, but I still hoped they would. Snow was rare where I grew up so we played outside until we were numb anytime there was sufficient show. I remember how awful it felt when feeling returned to toes and fingers. I am sure I cried more than once. I wanted to cry for poor Aragorn. You said I was good at plot bunnies: what about a story in Minas Tirith where he dreams about the miserable trip and wakes up in a soft, warm bed with a willing Arwen to warm him up even more? Great chapter though. You evoked the cold misery very well.
Author's reply
Ah, but it would have been wonderful, wouldn't it? Led off to rest in the hallows of Lórien with Estë to care for him? Instead we have this, and I'm glad to know the cold misery came across. There is nothing quite the equal of that thawing pain; I know just what you're talking about. *shudder* Okay, see? How can I just leave that one alone? Ack! My 'to write' list is starting to get alarmingly long! Thank you as always: such lovely feedback.
shirebound · 10 December 2013 · Chapter 39: Stark Survival
What a close call, whew! Thank goodness for fire, and small comforts. I'm in the midst of end-of-year work craziness, as well as moving to a new apartment, so my apologies if reviews are late and/or sporadic.
Author's reply
Small comforts indeed... but enough to survive on, at least. Thank you, but there's absolutely no need to apologize! Real life has to come first. If it didn't, I would be a much more prolific writer.
Marianel · 10 December 2013 · Chapter 39: Stark Survival
I can see him struggling with the chill in my own Livingroom as if he was here over by the windows where my comfy lounge chair stands with lots of blankett folded on it.Please sit Estel and I will be a miniature Lothlorien.I lay all of them blankets on you, fetch you something good and hot to eat and meanwhile let my son teach you his Playstation 😄Allright Gollum you may sit on the rug by the radiator and I throw you a blanket too but dont you try something or you go without food! Aawh I see the snow that is for sure in my garden for here in Sweden tis usually snow by now.Even the magpies out there pilfering fat seeds from the plentiful birdhouse fares better than Estel.So well written :)
Author's reply
I'm glad you can 'see' him! I'm sure he would be very grateful for a comfortable chair and a heap of blankets -- and I can only imagine what he would make of a Playstation! Come to that, what Gollum would make of a radiator. Delightfully amusing images: thank you! And I'm sure that Aragorn would be very grateful for a plentiful birdfeeder full of fat seeds... Thank you for yet another lovely review! Your feedback is always such a pleasure to read.
Phyloxena · 10 December 2013 · Chapter 39: Stark Survival
I was reading your story for the last couple of days, and really enjoying it. For one thing, you manage to write a lonely traveller eventfully enough. I love how your Aragorn is bent on self control; it is a little juvenile for his age, but compared to his mentors he will always be a child, so his continuos self-improvement is entirely credible and makes perfect sense. I love the contrast between horrible empty stretches of Middle Earth and rare, but unconditional decency and kindness (my special thanks for unnamed and unmistakable overheard Faramir. "Our laws don't hold here, so I am not obliged to kill this person, let's go home". Love the guy) - very true to the book, I think.
Author's reply
Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know you've been enjoying the story! I'm very happy to know that it's interesting despite the lonesome nature of the journey. It's always wonderful to hear when people like my characterization of Aragorn, too! I agree: he's aspiring to an impossible standard because all those he looks up to are millennia older. He also has not yet achieved what he wishes to achieve in life, and must therefore continue to strive for self-improvement as he prepares for his greatest test. I absolutely adore your summary of Faramir's decision! I loved writing that scene, so it delighted me to know end to know how you liked it! Thank you once more for the lovely and thoughtful feedback. It is so very much appreciated.