A Long and Weary Way by Canafinwe
Elentarri · 5 December 2013 · Chapter 31: The Border-Watch
I do not like Aithron. Too bad Gollum didn't bite him....... just a little. ;)
Author's reply
*grin* Well, there's been enough biting already. It sets such a bad example for the children, you know!
UTfrog · 5 December 2013 · Chapter 31: The Border-Watch
Yea! They made it to the Golden Wood and Aragorn can get some rest. He sounded so tired I was shocked he could remember any of his names. Certainly Estel should work with one of the guards clearly from Imladris. Food and rest, what a good thought. I also liked the part about Gandalf's temper.
Author's reply
I'm very happy to know that he really did sound tired enough! He needs a rest desperately. And Gandalf's temper... yes, legendary!
UTfrog · 5 December 2013 · Chapter 30: A Lunatic Quest
Poor Aragorn and bless Galadriel for sending the leaf. Your lines about the ending of this journey just starting another lonely journey nearly made me cry. Great job.
Author's reply
Thank you! It means a lot to know when my writing has an emotional impact. So pleased you liked the chapter.
shirebound · 4 December 2013 · Chapter 30: A Lunatic Quest
Ohhh, the mallorn leaf. What a dear 'messenger' to bring him a moment of joyful memory, a remembrance of something/someone lovely and loving and worth any journey.
Author's reply
What a lovely way to phrase it! And here we have a glimpse of Elrond's motive in placing a condition on the marriage: precisely because his beloved child needed something that was, as you so aptly say, 'worth any journey'.
shirebound · 4 December 2013 · Chapter 29: Limlight
The creature's wiles were immortalized in song and tale from Erebor to Westfarthing. LOL, I wonder what Gollum would think if he knew that!
Author's reply
I'm envisioning self-satisfied preening, fading immediately to sullen resentment as soon as he realized how unflattering they are!
Suzelle · 4 December 2013 · Chapter 9: Spider-Shadows
Okay, so I have had this fic on my "to-read" list since August, am only just now getting around to it, and am filled with such delight! This is an incredible story, and I'm SO excited to keep reading. As someone who relies probably a bit too much on dialogue to drive a plot in her own writing, I'm especially impressed by how excellently you manage to keep the story going just through Aragorn's POV when he's completely isolated in the mountains. You evoke the settings so vividly...I could quite nearly feel Aragorn's own claustrophobia in the tunnels. And I'm pretty sure I've convinced a friend to start reading this simply by virtue of my texting her "ARAGORN HAS A RUN-IN WITH SHELOB OMG :D :D :D" I can't wait to see where this goes next!
Author's reply
Oh, I'm glad you're starting now, because I've picked it up after a long hiatus and the new chapters are coming at last. Thank you so much for your lovely feedback! I'm delighted to know that you're enjoying the story, and that even without much dialogue it's still drawn you in. The bit in the tunnels was interesting to write: that kind of rising panic tempered with his dauntless courage made for an unusual combination. When I first started to plan this project, I was shocked by how very probable the encounter with Shelob came to seem. After all, we know that Gollum befriended her during his time in the Mountains of Shadow. We know that Aragorn tracked Gollum THROUGH the Mountains of Shadow. And when Frodo and Sam come upon Cirith Ungol Tolkien tells us that "Aragorn could perhaps have told them that name and its significance". Thank you again for the wonderful review! It made my day!
UTfrog · 4 December 2013 · Chapter 29: Limlight
I love being thought of as a troublemaker. Thanks! Well, they got across one more river which is good. I absolutely love Gollum catching a fish as they traveled. That was an unexpected and clear picture of some of the issues and dangers. I guess I am fixated on food. Can poor Aragorn catch something else good to eat soon? Thanks as always for the update.
Author's reply
There are SO MANY RIVERS on this route! Two down, three to go (plus another crossing of Anduin). And really, 'fixating on food' is a recurring theme in this story! To few handy resupplying points...
shirebound · 3 December 2013 · Chapter 28: Strange Eyes
All this and more the woods could see How unnerving it would be to be stripped bare like that, in one's innermost thoughts and feelings.
Author's reply
I've always found Fangorn to be both eerie and beautiful. I'm glad that passage struck you. Thanks as always for the lovely feedback!
UTfrog · 3 December 2013 · Chapter 28: Strange Eyes
That was a powerful chapter to read before I finished my first cup of coffee. First thank you so much that poor Aragorn finally got a hot meal! The Fangorn descriptions both benign and dangerous were excellent writing. I wonder of Aragorn ever talked to Treebeard about this earlier visit. Great reading. Thanks.
Author's reply
You're a troublemaker! Every few reviews you send the plot-coneys hopping with another "well, THAT would be an interesting companion piece" comment. It's wonderful, really: you keep me thinking! I'm very glad to know that the Fangorn descriptions worked well. And, of course, that you appreciated Aragorn's hot meal. It really was long overdue.
UTfrog · 2 December 2013 · Chapter 27: Retribution
Such a sad ending for a rough chapter. Gollum has no idea how lucky he was that it was Aragorn and not another ranger. Still eager for the next chapter, but I would like them both to get something to eat.
Author's reply
Heh. I don't know about another Ranger, but can you imagine if he'd tried that with, for example, Boromir? Request for something to eat duly noted. ;-)
shirebound · 2 December 2013 · Chapter 27: Retribution
This was the road he had chosen, and it was the road that he must walk. The will must be strong, though the flesh might fail. Long years ago, when he was still too young and innocent to fully comprehend the ramifications of his choice, he had set himself upon this path. Whether it ended in triumph or oblivion, his destiny was fixed. It's as if he earned the Kingship on this long, desperate journey.
Author's reply
What a lovely way to phrase it! I really do believe that it was through this and all his other hard and thankless labours that he not only earned his Kingship, but grew into the man who would make a great and just King.
ellon · 2 December 2013 · Chapter 26: Falling Out
Loving the story! You almost had me feeling like Gollum was coming around but nope as always he's just being a tricksy little sneak
Author's reply
Heh. Yes, it never pays to underestimate Gollum. I'm delighted that you're enjoying the story. Thanks for taking the time to let me know!
shirebound · 2 December 2013 · Chapter 26: Falling Out
I was so hoping that our weary Ranger might get a meal and a bit of healing (or at least some less ragged garments, but... ah well! He must present quite a wretched and curious sight to a woman tending her children alone.
Author's reply
That's it precisely. He would have been reluctant to take their food anyhow: although the children are well-fed the mother isn't. Which isn't to say that he isn't the more malnourished of the two at this point, but... Thanks for the lovely feedback, as always!
UTfrog · 2 December 2013 · Chapter 26: Falling Out
So glad Aragorn's beautiful smile helped him get out of a real mess. Also hope that family was safe in the coming war. Sadly, I am not surprised at Gollum's treachery. Looking forward to the next chapter.
Author's reply
Thank you as always! Interesting question: what will befall this little family in two years' time? Hmmm... And yes, Gollum's next stroke was just a matter of time...
Tathrien · 2 December 2013 · Chapter 25: A Man in the Hay
I've been catching up with this story, and have so enjoyed each chapter! I love Aragorn's personality that shines through--grim and determined, but not without gentleness and good humor. This chapter was a fun one. The mighty Ranger caught off guard by a toddler! It was fun to witness his interaction with such a sweet child after so long with cold, grumbling Gollum as his only company. Well done! I look forward to the next chapter!
Author's reply
Thank you very much! I'm so glad that you are enjoying the story, and I very much appreciate that you took the time to tell me so. It's always wonderful to hear when the characterization of Aragorn comes across well. It is very important to me and I put a lot of work into it. I so enjoyed writing this chapter, and for just those reasons. I'm glad it was fun to read, too. I hope you continue to enjoy what I have to offer. Thanks again!
UTfrog · 1 December 2013 · Chapter 25: A Man in the Hay
Finally a fun chapter. I can so see the brave ranger cowering in the hay rick. Your understanding of children leads me to believe you may have been a child yourself. If the father comes to investigate, Thorongil better be recognized. Enjoyed this one as a good rest. Thank you.
Author's reply
Thanks! I'm glad it was enjoyable. It was a lot of fun to write, a welcome rest between stretches of dreary days for our Ranger. Cheers.
shirebound · 30 November 2013 · Chapter 24: The Thaw
What a shock it must have been to Gollum to discover this very person accompanying "Baggins" south. Whew, at least they're out of the Black Lands at last. *collapses in relief*
Author's reply
Heh. You know, I've always sort of wanted to write a stream-of-consciousness piece on that very subject - but I'm not sure if my sanity could withstand getting into Gollum's head! Yes, they're in free lands at last! Not very hospitable, mind you, but free...
Aiwendiel · 30 November 2013 · Chapter 24: The Thaw
My goodness, this is a slightly heartening turn in an otherwise chillingly dark tale! Very slightly. I am suspicious but curious that Gollum seems sort of cooperative, even mildly helpful at times... I'm thinking that won't last forever, especially once he figures out that he's headed toward the nasty Elveses with their bright eyes. Your bleak description of the landscapes, the deprivation and the repeated injuries our doughty Ranger suffers give me the shudders. The story continues to have me hooked. What a rich expansion of a few short sentences -- much more than a gap filler! Thanks, and looking forward to more. Aiwendiel
Author's reply
What a lovely review! Thank you; it's always amazing to hear that someone is enjoying the story. Well, given the subject matter perhaps 'enjoying' is not quite the right word, but all the same... J.R.R. Tolkien left such tantalizing hints about this journey, some of them where you'd least expect them (like the reference in Book Four of Aragorn's particular knowledge about the name of Cirith Ungol). I've so enjoyed unearthing them all and weaving them together into this story. Thank you again! You made my morning.
Marianel · 30 November 2013 · Chapter 24: The Thaw
This is definately one of my favourite stories Ever in fanfiction because except being enjoyable to read I can see the pictures you draw with your pen for me in my mind.The rank and horrid places , the smells and the hardship of starvation and wounds.And the hardship of having to bear the presence of Gollum amid all of Estels struggles with himself! Arrgh I imagine myself in Estels stead and Im not sure If I world not rather die or persist haha.It is said a human can endure more than you think if you have to though if you think about people in war and when it comes to saving children and I would fight to death for my son I know it.Perhaps it is that same thing is what gets Estel going when he thinks of all he and so many others will loose if he gives in.Go Estel and low bows to your story!
Author's reply
Thank you so much for the lovely feedback! I'm delighted to know that the sensations of the story come across so well. Poor Estel: I would rather face Shelob, and a horde of orcs, and even the occasional Nazgul or two than have to keep such close and relentless company with Gollum. Yet as you say, we find strength within ourselves that we never imagined we had. In Aragorn's case, he is fighting for the lives and freedom of everyone he loves, of the whole world, in fact, and for his foster-father's very soul! High stakes indeed. Thank you again! It means so much to know that you are enjoying the story.
UTfrog · 30 November 2013 · Chapter 24: The Thaw
Yea! They made it across the river. Did the Valar create that beautiful grove just so they had a safe resting place? Maybe some hot food in the next chapter? Thanks again.
Author's reply
It does seem like something Yavanna might do, doesn't it? Or at least something she might have woven into her Song, to make it possible for such places to be shaped as the forests grew. And they are across the river at last! Well, the first and largest river, anyway. Fingers crossed for hot food.
UTfrog · 30 November 2013 · Chapter 23: Over, Under and Through
I was drinking hot coffee as I read this and I still shivered with cold! What an awful swim. Good job telling about it though. Thanks
Author's reply
Oh, dear! Well, I'm glad it came across so well. Thank you.
shirebound · 29 November 2013 · Chapter 23: Over, Under and Through
Brrrrr, I've been in water nearly that cold, but only for about 30 seconds. Somebody better wrap Aragorn in warm blankies soon and feed him and wash him and let him sleep. We begses, preciousss!
Author's reply
Ugh. My sympathies. Not at all pleasant, is it? What a lovely thought! I take it the memory of the care he received after his swim at the age of thirteen wasn't enough?
shirebound · 28 November 2013 · Chapter 22: Down to the River
After enduring such an incredible journey, the news Legolas brought to the Council of Gollum's escape from the Elves must have been incredibly disheartening. Happy Thanksgiving!
Author's reply
Yes, incredibly! Tolkien only uses the words "cried Aragorn" (or "Aragorn cried", or at Weathertop, "cried Strider") in moments of highest battle-strain or majesty... and at the Council, when Legolas makes his little confession. Very telling, I've always thought...
UTfrog · 28 November 2013 · Chapter 22: Down to the River
Cliffhanging us again I see! Your descriptions of the terrain are so vivid. Thanks as always. Looking forward to the next chapter.
Author's reply
Thank you! The wilds of Middle-earth are always so wonderful to explore. Sorry 'bout the cliffie!
shirebound · 28 November 2013 · Chapter 21: The Safer Path
A Thanksgiving 'feast' for Gollum, and a bit of hope for Aragorn. What a compelling story this is.
Author's reply
Thank you so much! I'm glad to know it's compelling. Yes: they each got a bit of a respite in this chapter. About time, too. Happy Thanksgiving!