A Long and Weary Way by Canafinwe
UTfrog · 9 December 2013 · Chapter 38: Too Clever a Waterman
My heart was hammering in my chest just reading. No wonder Aragorn was hysterically laughing when he made it out. He has not cheated death yet, but he now has a head start. Great read. Thanks
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm glad the tension of the chapter came through. And perhaps she has not cheated death, but he's certainly defied it!
Marianel · 9 December 2013 · Chapter 38: Too Clever a Waterman
Im at home with my my son having fever .I have same time to read your story in between fetching juices,honeyed Tea and oatmeal for my son while he is wearily playing Minecraft.I can see Estel lying there on the ice and I pass him and even Gollum some tea and a pieces of fried chicken from dinner last night 😄This one of my Worst nightmares to break through ice for sure.Oh dear Estel fight and may the guardian angels protect him because it is said they protect the children, the fools, drunkards and those in need.
Author's reply
I'm sorry to hear your son isn't well! Hopefully rest and abundant fluids will put things to rights quickly. Poor boy. I'm sure Aragorn would be much the better for some hot, sweet tea. The chicken would not go amiss, either, but the tea... he's got to warm himself up somehow, and quickly. He certainly is going to have to fight, and he'll need all the protection he can get! Thank you for another lovely review! Cheers.
Marianel · 9 December 2013 · Chapter 37: Who Crosses the Ice
Oh damnation ....npw Estels in deep and when I think about how much harder it is to get out of frozen water .. I would bring rubberboat to you anytime Este-l anytime and haul you ashore and dont you let go !Excellent writing as always and I cant wait what Will happen next!
Author's reply
I'm sure he would love both a rubber boat and a helpful bystander to haul him out! So glad I've got you hooked. Yes, he's definitely in deep.
UTfrog · 8 December 2013 · Chapter 37: Who Crosses the Ice
Why did I just know you (and Gollum) were going to dunk poor Aragorn in the icy river? Poor guy! Good reading, though. Thanks.
Author's reply
Hey, it was 90% Gollum! And, of course, the fact that crossing river ice in late winter is a tremendous risk even at the best of times. Poor Aragorn indeed, though. I'm glad it made for a good read.
shirebound · 8 December 2013 · Chapter 37: Who Crosses the Ice
Oh my goodness, how awful and suspenseful. If Aragorn could survive this terrible journey, he could survive anything.
Author's reply
Thank you! Given how well he functions on the scant snatches of sleep between Amon Hen and the Pelennor, I think you're right...
shirebound · 8 December 2013 · Chapter 36: Birthday, Precious
Thranduil had assured them, many years ago when he and Gandalf had travelled to Mirkwood to make arrangements against the day they found their quarry, that his cells were impenetrable. Aragorn had had his doubts, chiefly springing from the jailbreak that Bilbo and his companions had effected on their way to Erebor. And well he should doubt! Quite a miserable birthday for them both, and no mistake. That was a very interesting moment when Aragorn wondered how/if Gollum knew his birthday.
Author's reply
No kidding! I always sort of wondered about the choice of Thranduil as guardian for this most difficult prisoner, given the record there. I suppose perhaps it's because he's the only Elf-lord with a dungeon? A miserable birthday indeed. Though of course it wasn't REALLY Gollum's: whenever his birthday was, it was warm enough to be swimming at the mouth of Gladden. Thank you as always for the lovely comments!
UTfrog · 8 December 2013 · Chapter 36: Birthday, Precious
Back to utter misery. We are in the middle of a nice storm, not nearly as nasty as most of the country, but bad enough. My dogs have to be pushed off the porch to get them outside long enough to pee. Then they look at me with the most reproachful eyes. I can only barely imagine walking and walking and walking in snow and cold. With a river crossing ahead, it does not appear that Aragorn will be comfortable again anytime soon. Great job. Thanks.
Author's reply
Yes, winter is upon us all, Aragorn included! I'm very grateful for my solid walls and electric heating. Alas, our Ranger lacks all those luxuries, and must, as you say, walk and walk and walk. No wonder he's out of patience. Thanks as always! And your poor puppies: doubtless wondering what happened to their nice, comfortable garden.
HH · 7 December 2013 · Chapter 36: Birthday, Precious
I was always under impression that Gollum had not escaped from Mordor but was released with some type of involuntary compulsion to find the ring and bring it back to Sauron or at the very least that Sauron knew that Gollum would be drawn to the ring (which was proven true) -- thus I would believe that if there really is something/someone following Aragorn & Gollum is it more likely that they a re actually following Gollum so that he can lead them to the ring vs the strange Tark that speaks the black speech. I think it also supports how Gollum was later assisted escaping from Thranduil's realm -- because unless there was a spy among the Elves, which I find unlikely, the only way they could know that he was a prisoner was if they had followed him there... In regards to Sauron being aware of Aragorn directly as of the heir to the line of Isuldur--- it seems to be treated both ways in the canon -- if I remember correctly Aragorn describes how the enemy has set snares to capture him (when he first meets the four hobbits in Bree) and yet there is a time when he first shows himself to Sauron in the Palantir where he says that Sauron was not aware that he lived and was shaken to find out... Anyway .. once again great story and looking forward to more chapters
Author's reply
Gollum was indeed set free (or rather, allowed to escape unhindered) in the hope that he would lead the servants of Sauron to the Ring, but Aragorn only suspects this at the time of this story -- and his only real ground for suspicion is the tremendous difficulty of escaping from Mordor, since he has no idea what Gollum has told his interrogators. In either case, pursuit would definitely be made: if Gollum had legitimately escaped Sauron would want him back, and if he had been set free then Sauron would not want his errand hindered by an unknown Man who captured him almost as soon as he was loose. It is only prudent to assume that he is being followed, and that whatever the pursuers' attitude to Gollum they would mean Aragorn nothing but ill. I've always understood that Aragorn's comment that "The Enemy has set traps for me before now" referred both to Sauron's general efforts to seek the Heir of Isildur should one still exist and to any specific action against one who has been making trouble for Mordor for almost seventy years (not known to be the Heir of Isildur, but still in many ways a hindrance). Certainly his encounter with the Stone of Orthanc was the first time that Sauron received hard proof that the Heir of Isildur yet lived, and still more alarmingly that he had reforged Narsil and was marching to open war. I love talking Tolkien: thank you so much for the well-thought-out comments!
Aiwendiel · 7 December 2013 · Chapter 36: Birthday, Precious
Wonderfully rich telling of this necessarily long and dreary journey, and timely for me as the weather in my particular locale has turned bitterly cold after days of blasting snow. This chapter in particular is, well, precious... I especially enjoy how you weave together for the reader the haunted memories of the Heir of Isildur and the muttered clues from Gollum. And that neither has any idea what torments the thoughts of his 'traveling companion' is a brilliant detail. Yet the reader knows both back stories and can enjoy it more fully. I love the idea of the Ranger "listening with his heart" as his ear is pressed to the ground and comprehending the slaughter of his ancestors. Fabulous story-telling!
Author's reply
Oh, thank you so much! I'm very glad to know that this chapter came across well. It was an interesting one to write, because of course both characters have such deep history with this haunting place and neither would have any sense of the other's thoughts. The sentience of the land in Tolkien's works has always fascinated me: the ground groaning beneath the hated feet of the Uruk-hai, the stones of Hollin remembering the folk of Eregion, the trees and their memories. It seemed a good place to explore that.
HH · 7 December 2013 · Chapter 34: The Hospitality of Lothlórien
I have been following the story with great interest .. as I do many of the stories here. Thank you for putting this together. I have to wonder why Aragorn would not spend just a little more time and get the supplies he needed to continue on .. surely just a few more days would have not cost him much in comparison to the benefit he would have gotten. And I also wonder why none of the elves were sent to travel with him to bring Gollum to Mirkwood. For such a critical task I would have expect a company of elves being sent with him as a escort. Anyway .. thats for putting the time and effort to write this ...
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm very glad that you're following the story, and your question is a very valid one -- as well as something I considered carefully when making the decision. The narrative of the northward journey in The Unfinished Tales supplied most of my canonical support. For one, Tolkien makes much of Aragorn's fear of pursuit by Gollum's former captors: hence his desire not to linger anywhere too long. Second, with the distance they travel and the time in which they travel it ("with weariness"), a loss of more than two and a half days in Lorien has consequences on their average pace. I calculate two days in to the heart of the realm, and then two days out (as opposed to about a little more than a day if he skirts the marches). With this we would have to add the day he spent sleeping before Celeborn arrived, and at least two days for quantities of travel food to be prepared for him. Even then, he would not have been able to get much by way of winter clothing, since the Galadhrim don't have need of it themselves and therefore would not have such garments on hand. This loss of a week would require that for the rest of the journey Aragorn averages MORE than twenty miles a day. While this is certainly within his ordinary powers, it is not realistic for Gollum, who is walking also: on the road to Rivendell the hobbits manage only one twenty-mile day, and it leaves them utterly drained even though three of them are young, healthy and sturdy, and the fourth is mounted. Also, though Aragorn is not consciously aware of it, he has a sense that the extra days (and food, but little warm clothing) will not bring much extra benefit at all... which as you'll see in a couple of chapters is in fact the case.
Harsil · 7 December 2013 · Chapter 35: Silent Sedition
A story in short chapters, so removed from my life in time, history, culture...and yet I can't wait for your updates. This is the true art of story-telling, bless you. You make favorite characters come alive and expand an already rich canvas seamlessly, as if this were part of the original telling. I suppose this means we can actually have faith in a brighter future, with more stories, higher art, and characters living on in ever-expanding fiction... With your talent, it would be a shame if you didn't write about other characters as you explore Aragorn
Author's reply
Thank you so much! I'm delighted to know that you're enjoying the story, and that it is coming across with the spirit of the original work. It means a lot to hear that. The nature of this journey gives so little opportunity to explore other characters, doesn't it? I have other projects in the works that offer more of that. Cheers!
UTfrog · 6 December 2013 · Chapter 35: Silent Sedition
And you are back to making me feel how cold and miserable Aragorn must be. The wonderful respite of Lothlorien may be what helps him keep going. Good chapter. Thanks.
Author's reply
Oh, it definitely helps him to keep going! To say nothing of the provisions; thank goodness he has some real food to carry with him at last. You're ever so welcome for the chapter: thank you for the feedback!
Suzelle · 6 December 2013 · Chapter 14: The Fruits of Failure
Gaaah, this is SO GOOD!! I am loving every step! Aragorn's recognition of his failure is prudent but no less painful for that, and I adored the near miss with the Rangers (and I'm assuming the Captain is one son of Denethor...???). Anyway, SO MANY EMOTIONS and can't wait to read more!
Author's reply
Thank you so much! It's great to know the emotions come across well. That encounter with the Rangers... yes, it was the Captain of Ithilien himself, second son of the Steward, who made the judgement and left the provisions. So happy you liked it: it was great fun to write.
shirebound · 6 December 2013 · Chapter 34: The Hospitality of Lothlórien
I enjoyed this chapter more than I can say. Celeborn is such an interesting, yet little-known character; I enjoyed writing about him in my story "Mind to Mind". The details of Aragorn getting so blissfully clean after so long reminded me of one of my favorite (very old stories) by Ariel, "The Gift of Illuvatar", in which Frodo is gently but thoroughly cleansed after being rescued with Sam from The Mountain. What a pleasure to know that Aragorn has received such a respite.
Author's reply
Oh, I'm glad you enjoyed it! After all the waiting, it was nice to be able to reward your patience with a chapter that was almost ALL comfort. I agree so much about Celeborn: under-appreciated but fascinating! This story gave me a chance to get him separate from Galadriel, which is always great because when they're together she tends to outshine him (understandably). I'm sure Aragorn absolutely loved the chance to wash. Of course, it wasn't a long soak in a tub full of hot water, as he might have had in the city (or in Rivendell, for instance), but after so long enduring filth and grime, it must have felt wonderful.
UTfrog · 6 December 2013 · Chapter 34: The Hospitality of Lothlórien
Wonderful chapter. I cannot even pick out my favorite part. However, I am glad Aragorn got his bath. Thank you.
Author's reply
You're so very welcome! I couldn't have him turning up on Thranduil's doorstep with bits of Shelob's web still in his hair. Too cruel to both parties. So glad you liked the chapter!
Marianel · 6 December 2013 · Chapter 34: The Hospitality of Lothlórien
I must also agree with theanswerofdawns musings of Aragorn and Celeborn because of i thought of the same:)
Author's reply
Thank you! I love their relationship. The first time I read the book, I was struck by Aragorn's many thanks for the gift of boats, which of course was Celeborn's doing. Galadriel gave the mystical and inspirational gifts, but Celeborn gave the practical. That alone tells me a lot about his character!
Marianel · 6 December 2013 · Chapter 34: The Hospitality of Lothlórien
Aaaah finally some rest and food and a bath for Estel the poor wretch!Though I easily think he could have used some more of Lothloriens hospitalities and the idea of more stashed away food.I wholly agree with Celeborn in this matter!But I can also see Estels point of moving on ofcourse with winter soon upon him and all.I must admire your frequency posting chapters to the pleasure of us all!
Author's reply
Yes! Bathtime! I'm sure he would have been better off with the gifts of Caras Galadhon and of Lady Galadriel -- particularly as that almost certainly would have included lembas and a real cloak! But he cannot delay: Tolkien has him on a very fixed schedule, and he only has twenty-six days to make it the rest of the way to Thranduil's halls! I'm glad you're enjoying the quick updates! Soon enough we'll catch up to the last of the already-written chapters and they may slow a little after that, but I'll do my best to keep them coming!
TheAnswerIsDawn · 6 December 2013 · Chapter 34: The Hospitality of Lothlórien
I love the relationship between Celeborn and Aragorn that you portray here, we get so little of it in canon, but this was masterfully done. Also, a great and gentle punishment for Hithfaer, and I can just imagine Celeborn's comical expression when he learns Gollum's name. :)
Author's reply
Thank you so very much! It's true that we get so little of the relationship between Aragorn and his grandfather-in-law, but I find the tidbits we do get very telling. It was so wonderful to have the chance to expound upon them here. So good for Aragorn, too, to spend a little time in the care of someone who loves him. I'm glad you felt Hithfaer's reprimand was fitting; a lesson in courtesy, really. And to Elven ears surely 'Gollum' is one of the ugliest names ever devised! Author Reply: Thank you so very much! It's true that we get so little of the relationship between Aragorn and his grandfather-in-law, but I find the tidbits we do get very telling. It was so wonderful to have the chance to expound upon them here. So good for Aragorn, too, to spend a little time in the care of someone who loves him. I'm glad you felt Hithfaer's reprimand was fitting; a lesson in courtesy, really. And to Elven ears surely 'Gollum' is one of the ugliest names ever devised!
shirebound · 6 December 2013 · Chapter 33: As Needs Must
'Who did you think would be sent to greet you,' he asked; 'who have laboured so long and travelled so far to walk this road at last victorious?' What a kind and healing thing to say.
Author's reply
Thank you! I love Celeborn, and he's so wonderful to write. Wise and sensible and gentle.
UTfrog · 6 December 2013 · Chapter 33: As Needs Must
Wow, you manage to put drama into what was mostly a lovely comfor chapter! Those last lines are telling of the depth of Aragorn's struggle. Glad Celeborn came to aid him, though I thought it likely he would. Loved how he told all of how familiar Estel was to the family. Really enjoyed this since food and water were abundant. Thanks
Author's reply
You're most welcome! It was high time for an abundance of comfort, wasn't it? Though of course the struggle continues. It was wonderful to be able to include Celeborn; he has such a deep relationship with Aragorn, as we see during their brief exchanges in the book.
UTfrog · 5 December 2013 · Chapter 32: Guarded Rest
Yea, he got some nourishing food and some sleep. Somehow I do not believe Galadriel will allow him to leave without rest and provisions. If the fire was Orcs, let the Galadhrim deal with them. Great job in describing the interpersonal reactions. Thanks
Author's reply
He needed both badly. And no, Galadriel certainly wouldn't let him wander off again unprovisioned, would she? It's great to know that you liked the interactions with the Galadhrim. Even in the Elven realms Aragorn doesn't always get the credit that he should...
shirebound · 5 December 2013 · Chapter 32: Guarded Rest
The bread was soft against his palate, faintly sweet and lightly salted. It tasted of summer sunshine captured in a single moment of glory, rich and nourishing and clean. What a lovely description. I'm so happy that Aragorn has water and food (and hopefully soon a long, hot, lathery bath) I can't even express it!
Author's reply
Thank you! You have no idea how much trouble that passage gave me. But after sharing every detail of every tasteless, unpleasant, or downright foul thing he's eaten on this journey I had to do the Lorien-bread justice! I'm so glad to be able to offer him some respite! Three whole chapter of it, all told. I hope you enjoy the other two as well.
TheAnswerIsDawn · 5 December 2013 · Chapter 31: The Border-Watch
Hi, I've been meaning to review this story for a while. I absolutely adore the characterisation and the sheer amount of detail you put into these chapters, it makes it so vivid. Poor Aragorn's having a right hard time of it, isn't he! I hope he gets the rest he needs in Lothlorien. I particularly like the opening paragraph, and also the line: ''Have a care,' Aragorn said in a vacant singsong that seemed almost to come from a will other than his own. 'He bites.'' I can't wait to read more, and I hope Aragorn gets a lot of comforting at the end from Gandalf and Bilbo, the poor dear really deserves it!
Author's reply
Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know that you've been enjoying the story! It is always wonderful to be told that the characterisation comes across well: I put a lot of effort into that. Yes, poor Aragorn really is being put through the wringer in this one. 'I deemed it the worst part of my all my journey, the road back...' he says at the Council of Elrond. And considering where he was hunting... well, it must have been a truly horrid road back indeed! I'm tickled that you liked the 'Have a care' exchange. When you've been without sleep for that long, you might as well be inebriated, so I tried to capture that in several of Aragorn's lines, this one included. Fear not: there shall be comfort aplenty (and fearsome scolding, at least from Gandalf) when he gets to the end of this road! He's earned it.
Marianel · 5 December 2013 · Chapter 31: The Border-Watch
Oh please let the poor wretch sleep a couple of days now Cana😄As usual I can feel Estels troubles myself when I read which is one of the things I love about this story besides that tis absolutely fantastic.The only time I can recall being anywhere near stupid with fatigue like Estel was during my sons birth.I got into Labour several days before his actual birthday .On the forth day I had just slept a few hours all in all because of worries and pain .By then they took him out by ceasarian and the doctors asked me question wheather I felt pain or not .They must have thought me stupid by my funny answers and my endless enqueries if I could sleep some according to my husband hahahaha!.Sleep Estel sleeeep and dream about better days!
Author's reply
D'you know, at this point I'm not sure I could stop him from sleeping for a couple of days even if I wanted to! Poor man: he's got himself into a dreadful state. It's amazing how impairing sleep deprivation is: as you've obviously experienced. Thank you for the lovely comments: such a pleasure to read.
shirebound · 5 December 2013 · Chapter 31: The Border-Watch
Ohhhh, help at last! *collapses in relief*
Author's reply
Aw, don't you and Aragorn look sweet, collapsed in the mallorn-leaves together. Time for a little comfort at last!