Aranadhel
· 13 September 2015
· Chapter 71: The High Pass
I can almost feel the cold that they have had to endure going over the High Pass... cute to see the scion of Elros wanting to debate with an Ainur of Valinor. Earendil must be shaking his head whenever he's on Vingilot overlooking them both from above.
Well, mellon... I look forward to Imladris very soon... our dear Ranger misses a certain niece of Elros. Nice touch there, doc. I am sure his foster father is going to have a fit seeing Estel still mending from his injuries (internally) that is.
Wonder if the twins will badger him much?
Author's reply
Thank you! It's good to know the sensory imagery is effective. And actually, I think that Ban-breaking, Valar-defying Ëarendil would be very proud of his long grandchild...
Why, yes! A certain brother of Elros (to continue the motif) is going to be exceedingly distressed...
As for the twins, weeeeeell...
Aromene
· 12 September 2015
· Chapter 70: Anduin Again
He would have made an excellent bard if, you know, the whole king thing hadn't worked out. I was certainly captivated!
I'm so glad we got back to the ferry. It's perfect how you dealt with the earlier episode. And that tunic is certainly coming in handy...
Author's reply
Why, yes, he really would have! So pleased the payoff at the ferry came out well: thanks!
Lindelea
· 11 September 2015
· Chapter 70: Anduin Again
Oh, lovely. I'm glad she'll recover.
I fear I skimmed, so I have no quotes to quote, no specifics to touch upon.
I do love the interaction between Aragorn and the ferrymen. Very just and insightful.
Author's reply
Thanks! I'm glad the scene at the ferry met expectations. Cheers!
Lily Baggins
· 10 September 2015
· Chapter 60: Words for Posterity
You have really managed to capture that despairing feeling one has when one suffers a health setback...it's so easy to feel depressed and like life will never be the same again.
And I love how you're intertwining Aragorn's worry about his physical condition with his worry about the great doom to come---it almost seems too much to cope with, doesn't it? Overwhelming, but that's where one of Aragorn's best qualities---fortitude---comes into play.
Another lovely chapter.
Author's reply
Thank you. Alas, yes: part of beginning to heal is overcoming the hurdle of feeling that today's struggles will last forever. And of course Aragorn has so much broader worries... I'm pleased they all came across well.
NotACat
· 10 September 2015
· Chapter 56: Safety and Slumber
I've only just realised my eyes were skidding over it every time it cropped up but now I've gone back to look: is it way too late to point out that "Daglorad" should actually be "Dagorlad"?
Author's reply
Holy Hannah! That's embarrassing. I must have "Add"ed the typo to my Spell Check dictionary all those years ago, and been "correcting" it since! Thank you SO MUCH for telling me! Gotta fix that...
Lily Baggins
· 9 September 2015
· Chapter 59: The Wizard and the Weakling
I have been remiss in reviewing, although I've been reading avidly and eating this story up like a starving woman. I will catch up with my reviews, I will.
I was so, so excited when I saw you were updating again... I can't tell you how worth the wait this story has been. This chapter was wonderful---how I loved Gandalf's shocked double-take when he saw his friend... this was a most lovely chapter of comfort and concern. And I can imagine that Gandalf feels no little guilt over it, too.
Your detailed descriptions of Aragorn's comforts and pains are beyond the pale---I adore the way you sink your teeth his character and let us know everything he's feeling and thinking. This chapter was vivid and had me glued to me seat, as always.
Robnrun
· 8 September 2015
· Chapter 70: Anduin Again
That is such a lovely chapter, wonderful! The children and then the ferry, so nicely done. What could be heavy handed was not, it was just right.
Author's reply
That's fantastic to know: thank you. I tried to use a light touch: there's always that risk of going too far with these sort of events.
someone
· 8 September 2015
· Chapter 70: Anduin Again
A happy chapter. Aragorn can eat, Freya will survive, Aragorn gets a lapful of little Beornings, the journey goes well and Aragorn was able to give the ferrymen a lesson. And Gandalf started his day by combing his beard. (I had to go back and read it again, to make sure I read it correctly!) Everything is almost too nice.
The cheeky tailor would be quite happy to know what an impression his work made on the ferrymen!
Author's reply
Yes, Aragorn's earned a few happy chapters! In any other circumstance, it would have seemed silly to mention Gandalf's facial haircare routine, but of course he must have one. ;-) You're right: the tailor would be delighted and probably quite smug if he knew.
As for 'almost too nice', be careful what you wish for...
shirebound
· 8 September 2015
· Chapter 70: Anduin Again
‘You gave me your pity when most I had need, and spared me a swim that no man should make. I shall always be grateful. Please, take the coin – in earnest of the fare of the next passenger who cannot pay, if nothing else.’
I love that so much. What a wonderful encounter between Aragorn, Gandalf, and the ferryman... and his sons. And oh, the pleasure of knowing that Aragorn has at last rested, eaten well, and the worst of this journey is behind him.
Author's reply
Thank you for your kind words. I'm so pleased that you liked the interaction, and it's particularly lovely to know that line stood out. I'm equally thrilled to have Aragorn enjoying a few creature comforts while he can.
UTfrog
· 8 September 2015
· Chapter 70: Anduin Again
Great lesson for the ferryman' son. Thank you.
Author's reply
Thank you as always! Human nature makes it unlikely that Aragorn's earlier show of stern command actually taught Makan the most important thing about this encounter.
Aranadhel
· 8 September 2015
· Chapter 70: Anduin Again
Love how you are going full circle now. By the way what does 'lar' means?
And just something that might interest you. In our national language of Malaysia 'makan' translates to 'eat' in English. *grins* Do you perhaps have a Malay dictionary with you, doc? Lol.
Can't wait for the next chapter. To Imladris! Hopefully both Mithrandir and Estel gets to speak to the border guards once they cross over the Bruinen. *hint hint* (:
Author's reply
'Lar' is Quenya for 'pause' or 'gap'. I also post over at another site that doesn't allow the use of asterisks as gap-markers.
That's absolutely fascinating! I had no idea at all, but thank you for sharing it with me! It's kind of ironic, actually, considering what Aragorn was yearning to do on the morning of that first crossing...
Ooh, you're relentless! ;-) I'll try to post very soon and relieve the suspense.
DoggieGirl
· 7 September 2015
· Chapter 70: Anduin Again
I loved seeing Aragorn with the children. He is such a natural at it. I am sure that he longed for some darling little children of his own someday. And I am sure he was fantastic with his own when he finally had them. That story of the spider was very understated to say the least but what could we expect from Aragorn let alone Aragorn telling something to innocent little children.
The reunion with the mean tempered ferry man's son was well put. I wonder if Gandalf heard about Aragorn being stuck? I am sure that would have been one of those insignificant little details that Aragorn would neglect to mention on his retelling of events. Anyway, another awesome chapter. Can't wait for more of their journey and Rivendale and all the stimulating characters to interact with there.
Author's reply
Oh, I have no doubt at all that he longed for children. Even just following "But Strider shall be the name of my house" with "if that be ever established" shows how very late in the game he still hardly dared to let himself hope. As for understatement in his tale... yes, that's Aragorn's specialty! Doubly so with the young children. He would at least have expounded upon Gollum's part in the attack if he had been telling the men alone.
So glad that you liked the encounter with Makan! As for what Gandalf may or may not have overheard... nooo spoilers!
Thank you for the lovely remarks! I too am eager for the return to Rivendell!
Lindelea
· 6 September 2015
· Chapter 69: Repayment in Kind
Sounds promising. I will hope for the best.
I liked Aragorn and Una sending each other off to bed.
Whew.
someone
· 5 September 2015
· Chapter 69: Repayment in Kind
A mile from Aragorn's room to the audience chamber? That is one large cave system. If Gollum had escaped there, I wouldn't want to be the one to look for him. As for that, I'm already feeling sorry for Losfaron as we all know what will happen... He will survive the attack at Gollum's escape, won't he? So that his horse will not have to come home to find him dead or gone?
That tub of river water was a clever way to make Gollum bathe! And Moroch is a sweet horse, especially in her concern for Aragorn.
Grimbeorn was funny, shaking Aragorn to see if he's frozen again! One time with Eira upset at him was apparently enough to make him check guests for frostbite.
The Beornings are lovely as ever, with Aragorn's army of admirers and Baldbeorn's way of cleaning the table. It seems to have been a good idea to have left Mirkwood as soon as possible, as I doubt that Freya could have survived long without help. The treatments sound really uncomfortable, though. And I can just imagine Aragorn browsing his mental store of herb-lore.
(I browsed some of your other reviews and saw that you liked to know where in the world your stories are read. Well, you have at least one reader in Finland.)
Author's reply
Finland! Wonderful: thank you for sharing!
Yes, about a mile, but not in a straight line. ;-) The caverns of the Elven-king are described as very large in The Hobbit, and that by someone who wandered there for many, many days!
Ooh, I can't comment on the circumstances of Moroch's return. That'd be spoilery. I'm so pleased to know you think she's sweet! It must have been shocking for her to meet someone in such a state, especially one so gentle and courteous with her.
Hee. Yup: one (off-scene) tongue-lashing from Eira was definitely enough! Grimbeorn is taking no chances now.
Re: Baldbeorn's method of cleaning the table. Men. They have no concept of how delicate an operation clearing up a sewing-circle can be!
You're right: Aragorn's restlessness was not entirely without the hand of fate in it. Freya would not have lasted much longer: a couple of days at the most.
Thank you for the wonderful review! It's so very much appreciated.
Marianel
· 4 September 2015
· Chapter 69: Repayment in Kind
The last chapter with the entire Beorning family was so heartwarming and they were treated to good food and Grimbeorns humorous welcome calling Gandalf a scoundrel😄! And now I have a small crush on Capt Losfaron haha! He so gentle and caring of our dear friends Estel and Gandalf.
Its fantastic to see Estel on the mend and it was lovely he attended the Silvan feast. Luckily Gandalf was with him to help out.The shoescene was rather hilarious.Again Gandalf saved Estel and his weary mind from embarassment by saying the shoemaker had made excellent ridingboots as they should ride which Estel had forgot.😁😖😆You made a very clever and brilliant turn of events there.
I can see the healingscenes before me and Estel is a true healer when he needs to heal himself.
Grimbeorns family is so wonderful and you described each of them so lovingly and especially the children😍.It would have been nice to be there in all that warmth and love. Its indeed touchy scenes with Freyas illnesses and Im sure many of you have felt like that at the docs some time. You doing so tactfully with the characters. Looking forward to next chapter and thank you for writing for us.
Author's reply
Ah, thank you! I'm glad to be back in Grimbeorn's hall. It's fun to see someone brave enough to tease Gandalf, isn't it? I'm so pleased to know that the children are loveable: thank you for your lovely words about the characters.
So pleased you like Losfaron: he really is a very good person. I had fun with the shoemaker: Gandalf to the rescue!
You're so very welcome: it's a delight to be writing again.
UTfrog
· 4 September 2015
· Chapter 69: Repayment in Kind
Lovely! I am so glad Aragorn is helping heal others again.
Author's reply
I really think it's doing more for his emotional wellbeing than all the care he received in Mirkwood, don't you? Thanks for the delightful comment!
Lindelea
· 3 September 2015
· Chapter 68: Westward Away
Argh, I have been trying to read this chapter for *days* but keep getting interrupted. They have just entered Grimbeorn's house, and though I have been interrupted and kept coming back, I must now away, for certain.
So, a quick word, stream of consciousness style as I don't have time to go back and forth between the chapter and this review form. The journey through the forest is beautifully done. Moroch is a dear. "Spacious" saddlebags? Is there such a thing?
One quote, that I captured while reading: an air of untouchable grace
Glorious turn of phrase!
I look forward to returning.
Author's reply
Thank you for taking the time to review! I know how that is when life gets in the way. I'm tickled that you took the time to write!
I'm pleased you liked the (swift!) journey back through Mirkwood, and I'm thrilled to know you're fond of Moroch! It's always lovely to know which phrases stand out, too: thank you.
Such a thing as spacious saddlebags? Heh, probably not. But considering that Aragorn spent a substantial leg of his journey living out of a belt pouch, I'm sure they seem that way. ;-)
Aranadhel
· 3 September 2015
· Chapter 69: Repayment in Kind
Suilaid, mellon. I am glad to finally see Elros' heir up and about again. Apologies if I dont review always... loyal fan from Malaysia here. I promise *wink*
Please tell me their next port of call would be Lorien. Want to read and know more about Calmiel (I am intrigued that you didn't mention she knowing who he was since she is a Noldo of Imladris).
Author's reply
I love to know where my readers are in the world. It's still amazing to me that I can connect with people thousands of miles away, all of them just as passionate about Tolkien's works as I am!
Alas, no: their road won't bring them to Lórien this time. They're bound back to Rivendell via the High Pass (ironically, where this entire business started way back in 2941 when a band of dwarves took shelter in a poorly-checked cave...). Very good point about Aragorn and Calmiel being strangers to each other. She *does* mention that she thinks he looks familiar to her... ;-)
Elentarri
· 3 September 2015
· Chapter 69: Repayment in Kind
The last two chapters were lovely. I love "Aragorn as healer" bits. :) I'm glad he could help. I don't suppose you can squash an "Aragorn heals Gandalf" story into your busy schedule?
Author's reply
Thanks! I'm delighted that you enjoyed this taste of Aragorn's gentler skill set -- this time with someone other than his own unfortunate self to work on.
An 'Aragorn heals Gandalf' story? Intriguing idea. I take it the headache scene wasn't *quite* enough to satisfy?
Cheers!
DoggieGirl
· 3 September 2015
· Chapter 69: Repayment in Kind
Aragorn can't help himself from helping people in dire need. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. As all your writing, this has a very realistic feel to it. I have always enjoyed stories that show Aragorn's medical training from Elrond. He must have been a skilled healer with that training with a huge base of knowledge to draw from. unfortunately many writers forget this or simply have all his healing come from his special gift. Thanks again for such a great chapter.
Author's reply
Heh. No, he surely cannot help himself. I'm happy to know that you like my approach to his healing skills. I could not agree more that he must have had enormous experience -- after all, he knew at a glance that Éowyn's arm had been properly set, didn't he? That's not something you'd get by grace of lineage alone.
Thank you for the delightful feedback. It's hugely appreciated.
shirebound
· 3 September 2015
· Chapter 69: Repayment in Kind
A debt well paid indeed. It's a treat to experience 'Aragorn the healer' drawing on everything he's learned, and bringing such joy and relief to this lovely household.
Author's reply
Thank you, as always! I felt it was fitting, and I too love to see 'Aragorn the healer'. It's especially refreshing after 'Aragorn the desperate jailor'.
Aromene
· 3 September 2015
· Chapter 69: Repayment in Kind
What a beautiful chapter (okay, I know I've used that word before, but you're the one that keeps writing them). Lovely to see Aragorn be able to repay what he saw as a debt by tending Freya. I have my fingers crossed it worked!
Author's reply
*blushes* Thank you: what a lovely thing to say. I was glad to make sure that Aragorn had the opportunity, whatever the outcome. (No spoilers, right?)
Aromene
· 3 September 2015
· Chapter 68: Westward Away
Oh, I'm so glad they stopped on the way back and might stay a short while! I loved all the little kids clamouring for stories and Aragorn's attention (especially after the last state they saw him in).
Author's reply
Thank you so much! It was fun to write the children's reaction to their guest's return -- so glad you liked it!
That's the magic of a good storyteller! It doesn't matter what he *looks* like: the young ones love him!
Celeth
· 3 September 2015
· Chapter 69: Repayment in Kind
Again I am astounded by the details you provide, and I wonder how you know so much about Eira's kitchens. You really have a wonderful imagination, and the writer's gift to match it.
I was particularly interested in this chapter (and the one before), because I suffered from abnormal uterine bleeding on and off for five years. I underwent partial D & C five times, and it took abdominal hysterectomy to finally put a stop to it. Of course that's different, but still I can relate a little. Now, it would have been just wonderful to have Aragorn (or Lord Elrond wow!!!) as my healer haha. Or just seeing him in the hospital (or anyone from LOTR) would have been a real treat! =D
Freya is really fortunate; I envy her. I do hope Aragorn's treatment is successful and that she will get better. Inga needs a mother; not that she would lack for loving arms as she grows up, come to think of it.
Thank you again for sharing your talent and your stories.
Author's reply
Thank you so much for the lovely review! I'm delighted that you're enjoying the story, though I am sorry to know how close to home Freya's plight strikes. It really would be an incredible thing to have one of the Line of Lúthien to tend you, wouldn't it? Not sure I'd welcome ANYONE from 'The Lord of the Rings', though! If Saruman ever shows up in MY hospital room, I'm climbing out the window. ;-)
It's true that Inga wouldn't want for loving arms... but she still needs her own mother!
Cheers!
shirebound
· 31 August 2015
· Chapter 68: Westward Away
What a lovely chapter. Your details and dialogue are truly a joy.
The mare was rubbing the side of her head lovingly upon Aragorn’s shoulder now, making soft glad noises deep in her throat.
Awwwww. :)
Author's reply
Thank you: what a lovely thing to say!
Couldn't help bringing Moroch back. For one thing, she's sweet. For another, horse names are tricky to coin!