Reviews (499)

shirebound · 22 September 2015 · Chapter 75: Gentle Wisdom

lay by your shame. Bend your unswerving will upon that, instead of upon the battles of tomorrow. This truly reaches the heart of the matter, and the source of darkness in Aragorn's spirit. Beautifully written.

Cimarron's Girl · 21 September 2015 · Chapter 74: At Journey's End

Another marvelous chapter! Loved the interactions between Aragorn and Elrond, as well as Aragorn and Arwen. But for shame, Aragorn! Trying to deceive Arwen on the matter of his hands? Tsk, tsk. I hope there will still be a few more chapters to wind down this story and tie up any loose ends! I'm curious about how Aragorn will summarize his travails to Elrond, and I hope that he will soon recover fully, now that he has reached Rivendell. As always, beautifully written.

Kate · 21 September 2015 · Chapter 74: At Journey's End

I do not review as often as I should, but believe me I am hanging on your every word! I can't help but feel sad that the story is drawing to a close but what a journey you've taken us on. I especially enjoyed how Elrond could seemingly barely wait for Aragorn to dismount before drawing him into a much needed embrace. And that unspoken understanding between them is so just beautiful. You write Arwen exceptionally well, they are both so attentive to what the other is thinking and so respectful of it. I think an earlier reviewer said something like to win the heart of a man like Aragorn you must be pretty amazing yourself, and I definitely see a glimpse of that in Arwen here. You capture so well the joyous peace of being home after a long (and weary!) journey, it's so comforting to read. Thank you for all of the hard work you put into this story. I'm very much looking forward to the rest (and the next!) Kate

Robnrun · 21 September 2015 · Chapter 74: At Journey's End

Truly an elegant balance of poise and emotion! Thank you

someone · 21 September 2015 · Chapter 74: At Journey's End

A lovely chapter. I really liked the small glimpse at Rivendell beyond the House, when Aragorn and Gandalf passed sheep, shepherds, grain-fields and orchards. And of course they had to walk past the merry wood-elves. The meeting between Aragorn and Elrond was heart-warming, it was so easy to see how much they love each other. (And, in a very different way, the deep, simple love between Aragorn and Arwen, when they met the following morning; more about that later.) Elrond either didn't notice how bad the scars looked like or decided that sleep was more useful than anything else at that time. I'd guess that Aragorn won't have such luck for long and will eventually have to tell all the details. And again, elven cooks tried to drown Aragorn in food. Arwen's concern at Aragorn's scars seemed real. She knew the most likely explanation for scars around a wrist and thought at once that he had been taken captive. I seriously doubt that Aragorn will tell her that she was actually right and he had been taken at one point. What I liked was how she accepted the short explanations and didn't press for details - yet. Let the poor man rest for a while... Except for the attack on the hair. Apparently, she doesn't think that the hair of an elven lord is suitable for a lord of men.

Sneha · 21 September 2015 · Chapter 74: At Journey's End

I love this story! It is beautifully crafted, and through this story Aragorn is so real to me. Tired, bitter at times, persevering, somber, all the traits Tolkien contributed to him having. I hope you have a couple of chapters planned, I want to see Glorfindel and everyone's (Elrond and Arwen mostly) reactions to his tale. I also want to read about Arwen cutting his hair! You write them both beautifully! Thank you for this wonderful story! It made my day

Celeth · 20 September 2015 · Chapter 74: At Journey's End

That was so beautifully written, both his meeting with Elrond and with Arwen. The one with all the loving tenderness of the prodigal's father welcoming his beloved son home (NOT that Aragorn is a prodigal!) and the other with the such restraint, but no less love, knowing how much that love will hurt Elrond. I love that line about not being the one who waits. There's a world of anxiety and love and hope and despair mixed in equal parts in that statement. Throughout this story when Aragorn desperately needed a healer, I kept thinking of his foster father with his stock of medicines and his healing expertise gained over thousands of years. And now finally he is home, and everything is literally all right with the world. I can't wait for his meeting with Glorfindel. I confess, I am curious what he will be like in your story. And thank you so much for the promise of more stories to come. I'm so excited!

UTfrog · 20 September 2015 · Chapter 74: At Journey's End

Home at last and so sweet. I do hope you have a few more chapters. I would like to hear the council between Elrond, Aragorn and Gandalf. I also want the story of Arwen cutting Estel's hair. Thank you so much for staying with this story. It is a tremendous work of art.

TheAnswerIsDawn · 20 September 2015 · Chapter 74: At Journey's End

I haven't reviewed this story much, mainly because until a few weeks ago I didn't realise that you could review without an account >.< However, I really wanted to say that not only is this story one of the best fanfics that I have read, it is also one of the best stories overall! The characterisation is always spot on, particularly the amazing relationship between Aragorn and Gandalf which I always wished there was more of in canon, and the amount of thought and detail put into each chapter is just staggering. Reading (and re-reading) each new chapter is always one of the highlights of my day. I am so glad that poor Aragorn is finally home, and Arwen is an absolute treasure :)

Aromene · 19 September 2015 · Chapter 74: At Journey's End

I don't think this chapter could be any more perfect. I loved their entry into the valley, and Aragorn's welcome by Elrond, and then by Arwen. I'm so happy they're together again! And that he gets a bath. :D

DoggieGirl · 19 September 2015 · Chapter 74: At Journey's End

He is finally home! Oh the relief of that. I find it interesting that Elrond and Aragorn at once came to an understanding about Aragorn's health and let him rest. But I am sure that there will still be plenty of worry for Aragorn continued recovery still. I am sure he will be greatly dismayed at the tale Gandalf will tell of Aragorn's journey if Aragorn is not willing to be very forthcoming about some of the details. Aragorn and Arwen together! I would be greatly worried too if by betrothed came back with such visible wounds. Of course she has yet to even hear the rest of it. I am sure that she could encourage him and take away his self-doubt like no one else could. I always pictured her as being the one who most helped overcome his own self-doubts by putting her tremendous faith in him and letting him know that. I liked it also that she tired to ease his mind by commenting in the end about something that didn't bring up painful memories. I can't wait to see more of them together. She must have been a super special lady to have captured and held Aragorn's heart. Great, heroic, deep minded men like Aragorn almost never fall in love with someone that is not at least their equal. So I look forward to read more of how you picture that. Rivendale at last! Oh the joys of it for all. I loved it all.

shirebound · 19 September 2015 · Chapter 74: At Journey's End

In that perfect instant, Aragorn felt a bliss that he had almost forgotten himself capable of feeling. It was as if the miserable road behind him had never been walked at all. Whew, what a relief. I suspect you're as relieved as your readers (and Aragorn!) to reach this point in the tale.

Marianel · 19 September 2015 · Chapter 73: Choicest Misfortunes

"Left now with nothing to do but listen to the growl of falling stones and the grinding creak of breaking ice high above, Aragorn found himself hard pressed to keep his mind from roaming dangerously towards anger and impatienc" An awsome line that summons the whole way to home and the altitudesickness. Is that anytjing like what divers feel when they go to deep and surface too fast? Its when our dear Aragorn is thinking of the relative nearness to Imladris! It must be maddening and all that blasted rain that comes! It was a blessing when they finally drew near to the treeline and the could also enjoy the sun!😌 Im impressed indeed how quick you post chapters! Have a nice weekend!

Lily Baggins · 18 September 2015 · Chapter 73: Choicest Misfortunes

Well... I'm flabbergasted at the awesomeness of this chapter. You manage to beautifully capture Aragorn's utter misery as he is, to put it frankly, sick as a dog. The pace of this chapter is fantastic... I feel like I'm there on the road with the two travelers, feeling every raindrop, splash of mud, ice crystal, breeze... I'm thoroughly enjoying your descriptions of the terrain and the inhospitality of the mountain. But oh---it all pales in comparison to the loveliness of Gandalf's tender care of Aragorn. Every minute of it---from cushioning Aragorn's head to insisting he sleep. And oh my goodness---the scene just after the hard climb was perfect. How much did I adore it? Gandalf wiping Aragorn's face... reassuring... words cannot express how much I enjoyed. So... they aren't too far from home. I'm so hoping to see Aragorn in Rivendell... I can only imagine Elrond's reaction to all this. And I can't imagine Aragorn will arrive there in any better condition than he is now... maybe worse, as it seems he's almost working on a nice case of pneumonia. Anyway, bravo---LOVED IT!

Lindelea · 17 September 2015 · Chapter 73: Choicest Misfortunes

Whew. It took me a little over 12 hours to get through the whole, what with multiple interruptions, but you will never know how welcome this respite was, when I first started to read this morning. It was wonderful to immerse myself in the imaginings you've spun. Well done. If this was the High Pass, is there also a Low Pass? And if there was a reason for them to take the High Pass, instead, I missed it?

Aromene · 17 September 2015 · Chapter 73: Choicest Misfortunes

I'm glad they've reached the other side, and both alive. I was worried there for a bit...I do hope the descent now means the symptoms of the altitude sickness will ease. I have had mulit-day migraines and man, I wouldn't wish those on my worst enemy! I sympathize with Aragorn at lot. Also, how unpleasant hiking through sleet storms and icy rain can be.

DoggieGirl · 17 September 2015 · Chapter 72: A Last Bitter Blow

Poor Aragorn. So close but so far. You could really feel the anger and frustration coming him. It must be so hard to have the mental toughness, endurance, and the iron will to force yourself to do what you want but to then be betrayed by your own body. I really feel for him. I again applaud you for such realism in your portrayal especially in how the body is effected and how a person like Aragorn would think about the symptoms. Aragorn is certainly not stupid about his health, but he does tend to ignore anything related to his own personal health because he relies on his enduring stamina and his iron will to carry him through. Unfortunately, his stamina is shot and his body has given all that it can. But that does feel like such a betrayal. One thing that all this frustration brings to the forefront is how deeply Aragorn desperately longs to reach Rivendale. It is no longer about getting Golum to Mirkwood, it is not about getting desperately needed food to survive (not that am not still worried on that account), it is not about survival, it is not about even about being alone, it is simply about the longing for the mental and physical peace of Rivendale that only his childhood home, his family, and his beloved can give him. I eagerly look forward to reading the next agonizing chapters. But as I said, these chapters have just set the stage for Rivendale in way that nothing else ever could. I know we must be reaching the end of this fantastic epic, but I can’t help but wish it would never end. I really look forward to chapters in Rivendale though. As you say, it gives you as the writer and us as a reader the opportunity to dig into different aspects of Aragorn’s character in his haven of rest and see how he interacts and relates to his those closest to his heart.

Cimarron's Girl · 17 September 2015 · Chapter 73: Choicest Misfortunes

Hi there, Canafinwe! I've been following this story for a long time now, but I'm sorry to say that I've never reviewed it before. I finally decided to make an account at SoA because I have read so many wonderful stories here (especially yours!), and I thought the first thing I ought to do is just let you know how impressed I am with your writing. I just can't pick any faults with your stories. In short: your attention to detail and your sense of realism are absolutely incredible. You have obviously performed in-depth research on the subjects relevant to the story, such as Aragorn's variety of health issues and the details of Tolkien's world. That dedication to your writing really impresses me; researching and writing must take up a lot of your time, but your stories are so much better for it. Basically, you adhere to Tolkien's vision of Middle-Earth masterfully, and I absolutely love that. Oh, and you even use a great vocabulary! For example, I enjoyed the phrase 'prolonged perambulation' from the last chapter. Just another one of the details that make your stories intelligently-written and a simple pleasure to read. Oh, as a horse owner/rider, I have also greatly appreciated your portrayal of the horses. Very realistic, as always, and I think Moroch is awesome! I'm very curious about her return to Mirkwood and Losfaron; will we get to hear anything about that? I'm going to miss this story when it finally comes to a close. Reading new updates has been a great joy of mine ever since I discovered this tale. However, I am also very excited to hear about Thorongil's adventures in Gondor! I was thrilled by your teaser, "The Sell-Sword and the Prince." Finally, since I think I read that you appreciate knowing where your readers are from, I'll say that I'm from Washington State in the U.S. of A. Not very exotic, I'm afraid. Cheers!

shirebound · 17 September 2015 · Chapter 73: Choicest Misfortunes

Goodness, Aragorn is lucky to have reached Rivendell alive. I hope Gandalf, too, can rest and recuperate once they arrive.

UTfrog · 17 September 2015 · Chapter 73: Choicest Misfortunes

Don't know how I missed the last chapter, but somehow I did. Reviewing both chapters, I am shivering with our heroes even though my chair is dry and comfy. You totally convey a miserable trip. Such a powerful piece. Thanks

Celeth · 17 September 2015 · Chapter 73: Choicest Misfortunes

(Breathes a sigh of relief) As much as I want this story to go on and on, I pity Aragorn too much to deny him his home indefinitely. He has suffered so much in this quest, even after he had completed his task. So I am just as glad as he is that he is now almost home. But surely he won't get home just yet... I can't wait for Elrond to heal his various aches and pains. The healers of Mirkwood are highly skilled I am sure, but Elrond has had more experience in healing the Dunedain and is therefore more familiar with the illnesses that plague mortals. Also there's nothing that can cure a lot of illnesses like being home and surrounded by your loved ones can. But I do hope Aragorn will have another adventure/quest soon? Or maybe Glorfindel too? He is my favorite elf and I gobble up stories about him like - well, like my favorite food haha! Please please let there be another story after this...

someone · 17 September 2015 · Chapter 73: Choicest Misfortunes

I'm grateful that you settled on just a rain, not a storm. The change in the air made me quite suspicious. This journey over the mountains would make a good movie, it is so easy to see the scenes when reading. Moroch is such an endearing horse! She seems almost to think of Aragorn as a foal in need of her help, but also trusts him completely when she has to. She is so happy about the little things, too, such as a firm road under her hooves. Poor Aragorn. He almost should have thrown the boots away when he wanted to. I couldn't help chuckling when they started to fill with water. But now, the mountains are nearly behind them. Shall we see Imladris in the next chapter?

Aranadhel · 17 September 2015 · Chapter 73: Choicest Misfortunes

Talk about suspense... I'd almost have to skip a few lines as I cringed at Estel's burdened suffering! I can almost hear the elven horn ringing in the distance as the eagled eyed Elves spots our two friends as they approach home. You would make a good suspense thriller horror author! :D

Lindelea · 16 September 2015 · Chapter 71: The High Pass

Fluid in the lungs as a result of starvation? I wonder if this might have impacted people's recovery after the Long Winter...

Lindelea · 16 September 2015 · Chapter 72: A Last Bitter Blow

Ah. I thought I recognised the signs of altitude sickness... especially the part about the blinding headache. I experienced that when hiking in the mountains, after living by the ocean. My body was not able to go above 10,000 feet -- from sea level to 10,000 was my limit -- even though a mere additional 100 feet would have brought us to the top of the height we climbed. My friend had to take my camera and leave me to rest, and take pictures of the surrounding heights from the low mountaintop that had been our destination. Bitter disappointment, but altitude sickness is nothing to fool with, definitely.