A Long and Weary Way by Canafinwe
UTfrog · 28 November 2013 · Chapter 21: The Safer Path
Somehow, I think Gollum is just waiting a new time to attack. However, food and rest will do them both good. Happy Thanksgiving if you live in the US. I certainly give thanks for your wonderful stories
Author's reply
Hmm. I can't comment on that... *innocent eyes* Happy Thanksgiving! I'm not in the US, but it's certainly a spirit I can get behind! You're so very sweet, and so very welcome for the stories!
shirebound · 27 November 2013 · Chapter 20: Respite from Toil
The h/cccc writer in me (hurt/comfortcomfortcomfortcomfort) aches for Aragorn to find help and rest and food and healing. *sigh* But water at last, whew.
Author's reply
I like that. h/cccc! No, that's definitely not the ratio here, is it? Water and a nap: hardly the comfort of Imladris. Still, enough to keep them both going a little longer.
UTfrog · 27 November 2013 · Chapter 20: Respite from Toil
In a strange way, Aragorn's thoughts that no one would remember or make a song about this journey were correct. The Professor said little. You are writing the song of this great journey and a great song it is. Keep up the good work.
Author's reply
What a lovely thing to say! J.R.R. did indeed say little, but what little he said paints a bleak picture indeed! It's fascinating to try to flesh it out in all its painful detail.
UTfrog · 26 November 2013 · Chapter 19: Onward and Upward
I had to read this twice before I could review. I actually 'hurt' with Aragorn. I cannot imagine the physical and mental strength this climb took. I am plenty stubborn, but I have trouble even considering the effort and dedication involved. Aragorn more than earned any luxury he enjoyed as king. Again, your writing is very powerful. Thank you.
Author's reply
Thank you: it's fantastic to know that it came across so clearly. I agree wholeheartedly: Aragorn certainly deserved his long years of peace and joy after all his tireless labours!
shirebound · 26 November 2013 · Chapter 19: Onward and Upward
I'm enjoying the glimpses of Bilbo, and his plain hobbit sense. In my story "Spellbound" I enjoyed bringing the same memories of Bilbo to Frodo for comfort and wisdom when he lay in the barrow.
Author's reply
I love Bilbo: I can't remember a time before he was a part of my childhood mythos. He's one of those truly marvellous characters who would be every bit as wonderful to know as they are to read about.
Elentarri · 26 November 2013 · Chapter 18: Into the Emyn Muil
Your cliff-hangers are absolutely diabolical. I've been wearing out the "refresh button" in hopes that the next chapter will magically show up. ;) Beautiful writing. I can feel the emotions.
Author's reply
Oh, dear, and it's not even the worst of them! I'm very glad to know that the story has you wanting more, and that the emotions are coming across. Thank you for the lovely comments!
shirebound · 26 November 2013 · Chapter 18: Into the Emyn Muil
What a harsh (but necessary) way to tame Gollum; I can only imagine how difficult it was for Aragorn to treat someone this way. It's possible that all Gollum is really thinking about -- so far -- is his lost preciousssss.
Author's reply
Necessary, yes, but as you say absolutely miserable to implement. As for Gollum... yes, I'm sure what's on his mind most of the time is the Precious!
UTfrog · 25 November 2013 · Chapter 18: Into the Emyn Muil
Poor Aragorn. His arm (and everywhere else) must hurt horribly. Glad he had a little rest, but I want him to find food, water, and safety to recover for the last push. Great job in describing a long trip.
Author's reply
Mmm. Yes, all three of those would be wonderful, wouldn't they? Thank you as always.
UTfrog · 25 November 2013 · Chapter 17: Of Clemency and Necessity
What a terrible beginning to a long journey. I do hope they both get food and rest somewhere.
Author's reply
Uh-huh. "For he bit me, and I was not gentle"; great start to a relationship. They certainly could both use a little respite, couldn't they?
shirebound · 25 November 2013 · Chapter 17: Of Clemency and Necessity
You're filling in the gaps in this journey beautifully. What a terrible ordeal for both of them.
Author's reply
Not exactly an amicable introduction, was it? I'm very glad to know that the story is fleshing out well: thanks!
UTfrog · 25 November 2013 · Chapter 16: A Prize Hard-Won
"After fifteen years of searching," - even for the long lived, that is a significant amount of time for a near hopeless quest. Then no time to celebrate because Aragorn was then in a battle for his life. At least they are now moving in the swamp even though there is another long journey. I hope you keep this story going all the way to the Council of Elrond. You are doing a fabulous job filling in an important background. Powerful writing! For years I was a dedicated lurker in several fandoms and never felt I had anything to say worth taking up the author's valuable time. A meeting with a published mystery author changed that attitude with her obvious delight in discussing the craft of writing. My reviews tend to be short, but they are heartfelt. You keep writing I will keep reviewing. Many thanks.
Author's reply
Oh, there is definitely no time to celebrate! And Aragorn is about to embark on what he later calls "the worst part of all my journey, the road back". Which, considering where he was hunting, is saying a great deal. Thank you: feedback never wastes an author's time! Even when people aren't sure what to say, even a note that reads "I liked this" makes my day. Otherwise there's no way for a writer to even tell whether a chapter was worth reading through to the end. Engaging with my readers is my favourite part of posting, and SoA has such a wonderful supportive community.
shirebound · 24 November 2013 · Chapter 16: A Prize Hard-Won
Just when he gave up the quest as lost, success! But what a long way Aragorn still has to travel, to get Gollum up north with him. Your description of Gollum's hands make me truly pity him for what he, too, has endured on his own long and weary journeys.
Author's reply
Yes, Gollum has had a hard road of his own. *shudder* And neither of them are in for a pleasant journey to Mirkwood, I'm afraid! Thank you as always for the lovely review! It really does mean more than I can say to get such thoughtful and faithful feedback.
shirebound · 24 November 2013 · Chapter 15: The Dead Marshes
Oh my goodness, this dedication is positively superhuman.
Author's reply
Luck at last! No wonder he's hurrying on...
ellon · 24 November 2013 · Chapter 7: Beneath the Ephel Dûath
That inner room with the locked door that seems to be at the very heart of the Shelob's lair, where did you come up with that idea? What did you think that room was originally meant for?
Author's reply
Excellent question! The earlier drafts of Book 4 place greater emphasis on the mingled nature of her tunnels: some natural, some ground out by the agelong motion of her massive body, and still others of undisclosed but very deliberate manufacture with tools. Someone, at some point, tunnelled actively in the Ephel Duath; whether men or orcs or something else, Tolkien merely hints. That door in particular would have been access to the room that Aragorn fell into out of the narrow shaft, originally intended as either a storeroom or a cell: no way to tell after so many millennia! Since it opens inward, however, a cell seems a safe bet, doesn't it?
ellon · 24 November 2013 · Chapter 14: The Fruits of Failure
I absolutely love this story! This is such a unique perspective on the trials that Aragorn lived through prior to the main storyline. I find it fascinating how you explained his progress through the caves and the experience with Shelob. I also appreciate how you make evident his experience as a healer and are able to make me cringe with the explanation of each additional injury. GREAT
Author's reply
Thank you so much! I'm thrilled to know that you think so highly of the story, and I hope you continue to enjoy it. The encounter with Shelob was very interesting to write, both because of Gollum's established friendship with her (meaning that of course his trail would have led thither eventually) and because Tolkien's remark that Aragorn had some special knowledge about the origin and true meaning of the name "Cirith Ungol" suggest very strongly that our hero must have wandered that way! And as for the wounds... I'm glad you appreciate that, because it only keeps on.
UTfrog · 24 November 2013 · Chapter 15: The Dead Marshes
Hooray, love the last line. Poor Aragorn is so tired, mentally and physically, but the sight of those tracks returns his hope. Your writing continues to be very powerful. Great job.
Author's reply
Restores his hope and beats back weariness "no Ranger should [feel] with a clear trail to follow" ("The Riders of Rohan"). After all, he's sought for so long that such fresh signs must seem almost miraculous! Thank you as always for your faithful feedback! It's such a treat.
shirebound · 24 November 2013 · Chapter 14: The Fruits of Failure
Stricken with awe that brought unshed tears to his weary eyes, Aragorn bowed his head. There was yet hope in the world while good men dwelt in Gondor. What a lovely moment in the midst of such disaster.
Author's reply
Thank you so much. Disaster indeed: the apt description made me smile.
UTfrog · 24 November 2013 · Chapter 14: The Fruits of Failure
Yea! He made it to the marshes. Blessings on Faramir and his men. I so hope Aragorn later realizes who saved him and he can truly express his thanks. I also think the Valar had no small part in this rescue, perhaps guiding the ranger band toward the Orc campfire. Thank you.
Author's reply
Yes, the Marshes at last! You've been waiting so patiently. I'm sure you're right and the Valar had some part in the business. With two such Faithful men involved, how could they not?
Praveen · 24 November 2013 · Chapter 14: The Fruits of Failure
Such was the mercy shown to a suspect stranger by the Captain of Ithilien. Tears came into my eyes reading these lines, even as they sprung into Aragorns eyes. Your quality will be known to your King ere ever you meet him, Lord Faramir. Very well written. (I am rarely moved to comment, but this is one such occasion).
Author's reply
Thank you so much; it means a lot to me that you felt this chapter was worthy of comment, and that you were so moved. I love Faramir dearly: such a loyal and loving man, almost Elven-wise himself and a worthy right hand to our Elessar. It was wonderful to explore this sort of early double-blind encounter.
shirebound · 23 November 2013 · Chapter 13: An Unwilling Guest
'Surely the Men of the Eye could come up with more creative means to torment a prisoner than dangling him from a tree,' That's so clever. Rangers, yay! I'm so relieved! *whew*
Author's reply
Hee. Glad you thought so! And yes... At least there's someone with less-than-murderous intentions nearby at last! Couldn't pass through Ithilien without running across the Rangers, could we?
UTfrog · 23 November 2013 · Chapter 13: An Unwilling Guest
Saw this was posted last night and waited until this morning to read. You can give me nightmares! How are you getting poor Aragorn out of this one? I do understand his need for secrecy, but he sure could use some rest and food from the rangers. Looking forward to the next update. Thanks.
Author's reply
Nightmares? Moi? (*innocent eyes*) I agree: a few days' rest are just what he needs! It's definitely tempting to have him fall in with the Rangers!
UTfrog · 22 November 2013 · Chapter 12: Fruitless Days
Aargh, I did not mean let Aragorm be captured. I meant let him make his way to the Dead Marshes! Bad enough before and now it is worse. At least you keep updating. I am most grateful. Thank you.
Author's reply
Oops. Must've misunderstood... *sly grin* But really; he needed his Black Gate peril.
shirebound · 21 November 2013 · Chapter 11: The Flowers of Morgul Vale
How wonderful that Bilbo's verse brought him such strength in such a dire circumstance. What he felt was not a genuine failing of hope and courage. It was the incursion upon his mind of an unseen evil: wickedness unclad was wandering Morgul Vale tonight. Beautifully described!
Author's reply
Thank you! It's always a trick to describe the Nazgul with the right degree of horror. Ugh. And dear old Bilbo to the rescue! It's clear in the books how much Aragorn treasures that rhyme.
UTfrog · 21 November 2013 · Chapter 11: The Flowers of Morgul Vale
How proud Bilbo will be when he learns how his verse saved Aragorn. I fear a prayer to the Valar would have been intercepted by the Nazgul and Aragorn captured. Bilbo's verse brought hope without direct threat to evil. Now, please let Aragorn get out of this awful place to the next awful place. Thank you.
Author's reply
Proud indeed, and rightly so! I'm sure you're right about a prayer to the Valar drawing precisely the wrong sort of attention. What appears to be nothing more than a nonsensical nursery rhyme, on the other hand... From awful place to awful place. Have you been reading ahead?
shirebound · 20 November 2013 · Chapter 10: Down the Long Stairway
Oh, I can hardly bear it. I need for Aragorn to find water and rest and healing sooner rather than later!
Author's reply
Alas, yes. He doesn't despair lightly...