Freyalyn
· 8 June 2019
· Chapter 18: Enemies and Allies
Poor Halbarad - he works his whole life by Aragorn's side, and doesn't quite get to see it through to the end.
Wonderful description of the whole council meeting here - I love how you keep the atmosphere and dialogue formal, but we can see the approval rippling through, the odd pocket of dissent and disbelief, and overall see the growing of Aragorn.
I'd love to see 'Perchance...' opened up again.
Author's reply
Thanks so, Freyalyn. Aragorn has so much to learn about dealing with the outside world, and particularly with these now his own. And of course there will always be the nay-sayers here and there, always, causing him to refine his own understanding of his role and what needs to be done.
I am (SIGH) shelving "Stirring Rings" and plan to return to "Or Perchance..." once again once the author's notes are up here. I regret the long wait.
Andrea
· 8 June 2019
· Chapter 18: Enemies and Allies
What a dark land that is, in which the inhabitants are held like slaves who only live and work to provide food for the warlords! And if there is no food left they are sent away to steal it?!
I think it was the best decision to leave this land for good. And a wise decision of Aragorn to give them new land in his realm.
The world is changing already...
Author's reply
As it should. Would you expect anything different from a land once ruled by the Witch-king than that its inhabitants are accustomed to prey on one another? Thanks so!
mystarlight
· 7 June 2019
· Chapter 17: Sitting in Judgment
Wonderful story thank you for sharing
Author's reply
Thank you, Mystarlight. Last proper chapter is now up, with an epilogue and author's notes to come. So glad you enjoy it!
Arwen75
· 2 June 2019
· Chapter 17: Sitting in Judgment
So wonderful to see this updated - I have loved this story since you started it. And it is great to see Aragorn as the judge....
Author's reply
I love seeing how a good leader is also a decent judge. Thanks so, Arwen75!
Freyalyn
· 2 June 2019
· Chapter 17: Sitting in Judgment
How wonderful that we have more of this story - thank you so much for letting me know. (I shall have to reread the whole thing again too).
And it's fascinating to see Aragorn slowly allowing more of his character and learning to be shown here, as he takes his place with confidence in his own abilities and knowledge. Beautifully plotted and written, as ever.
Sorry your life has been difficult for a while; so glad it's working out again.
Author's reply
As I get older I find I get more easily distracted, and there are more problems to face as time goes on. So glad you like how Aragorn reveals himself. Hopefully the new chapter I just posted will please as well.
(And, yes, I just MIGHT go back to "Or Perchance" at last!)
shirebound
· 1 June 2019
· Chapter 17: Sitting in Judgment
“And had you chosen not to accept your place as our Chieftain, then what might you have done?”
What a fascinating thing to speculate about. I'm glad you're continuing with this story, so full of the detail and thoughtfulness at which you excel.
Author's reply
Thanks so, Shirebound. How differently the story might have turned out, had Aragorn and the Dunedain not accepted one another.
It's been a difficult time to concentrate on writing, what with the fears I now feel with what goes on in our world, not to mention my own continued aging. Growing old isn't hampering me all that much, but it does affect my concentration, I find.
UTfrog
· 31 May 2019
· Chapter 17: Sitting in Judgment
Thank you so much for continuing this excellent story. Aragorn continues to surprise anyone who doubts his skills.
Author's reply
I suspect that Aragorn had a time of it satisfying everyone that he was prepared to do what was needed to serve as the Chieftain of the Northern Dunedain. And I found I had to finish this story at last. Thanks so, UTfrog!
iboneki
· 31 May 2019
· Chapter 17: Sitting in Judgment
Ecstatic to see this story updated! So much wonderful detail as Aragorn continues his transition. Thank you!
Author's reply
It's been quite a time, hasn't it? But things are not as easy as they once were.
And it's been satisfying to find out how Aragorn has managed to meet the needs of his people and prove himself. Thank you!
Matt
· 17 March 2018
· Chapter 16: Alterations and Recognition
Hoping progress is being made on the next chapter. As you know I think this one of your best works. Thanks again, and as always, for your hard work on it.
Author's reply
Believe it or not, I have been continuing to work on this chapter for quite some time. Actually, when I got it finished I realized it needed to be cut into two separate chapters, so there is another chapter to come, then the epilogue and the author's notes. So, there WILL be more.
Life hasn't been as easy as I'd have liked. The political situation has kept me obsessed, wavering between dread and hope. Also, my primary client for five years died, leaving me with a more hectic, less satisfying schedule. Now I have four clients, and see two each day. Now that things are settled down better and my pay is steadier, I feel better settled to write. Hopefully I'll start getting other stories finished as well.
Thanks so for your patience, Matt.
Freyalyn
· 26 February 2017
· Chapter 16: Alterations and Recognition
Is this actually finished now? Or is there another chapter or two, settling everything down...?
(It's still marked as 'In Progress')
Author's reply
It was marked "In Progress" because, no, it wasn't yet finished. Not long after I posted the last chapter things went seriously wonky as my primary client became critically ill, after which my working schedule became very iffy and my paychecks considerably lighter. Now things are working much better and I'm better satisfied with both client load and schedule, and I've found more motivation and pleasure in writing once again.
Next chapter is up now, and I do hope you enjoy it!
PSW
· 25 February 2017
· Chapter 16: Alterations and Recognition
Big moment! :-) I'm glad the patrol was able to find out before the general public...but Orominium is going to find himself in serious trouble one day, if he keeps this kind of thing up. It's good that Aragorn was ready to go with it....
Good chapter, thanks for writing!
Author's reply
I apologize for the delay in responding. The last year has been very difficult, and I only now feel ready to resume writing again. The newest chapter is up--one more chapter, an epilogue, and author's notes to be posted in the next few weeks.
Author Reply: I've been planning the realization of how Orominion accidently revealed Peredhrion's real identity literally for years, and it was such a pleasure to get it posted!
Thank you for your patience.
PSW
· 14 February 2017
· Chapter 15: Butchery
It is a shame... but I think Aragorn will have to (and now has) learned that if you fight, you have to fight. There's a time after battle to treat everyone, and it good to do that -- but as he's seen, it's dangerous to your own side not to do your utmost in battle. It's a horrible thing, but I'm not sure what else he can really do....
Andrea
· 12 February 2017
· Chapter 16: Alterations and Recognition
How wonderful!
Now they all know who Peredhrion really is. And it came faster than I had expected.
“Oh, blessed Creator!” moaned Orominion, who fell to his knees and buried his head in his arms. “What have I done?”
Oh dear! The embarrassement! I really pity Orominion - but only a little ;-)
Author's reply
I've been wanting to write this scene for years, and hinted at it in "The Ties of Family." It was delightful to write it at last.
eliza
· 9 February 2017
· Chapter 16: Alterations and Recognition
Larner, this has been a great story from beginning to end. Lol, I also think the rangers should get an extra "star" for not beating better manners into Orominion. **sighs*** let him stew awhile wondering if Aragorn is going to nail him.
as always I enjoy all your characters
Author's reply
I find there will be at least one more chapter, although I have a challenge story to finish first.
As for Orominion, I agree he needs to stew regarding how their new young Chieftain might just respond to this last offence. He does need to learn some manners, after all.
Aranadhel
· 9 February 2017
· Chapter 16: Alterations and Recognition
"... a party had come from Rivendell, one that included a number of Elves and at least one woman, perhaps two"
when I read this line I was like Yes! Hope you will have names for the other elves besides the sons of Elrond. Can't wait for the reveal of who they are in the next chapter! Hope Boronaur is amongst the Rivendell company.
Thanks Larner.
Author's reply
Chapter eighteen reveals who the other woman was, so you'll have to read it, AFTER you read chapter seventeen, of course! Yes, I'm FINALLY back!
Thanks so for the response, and for the patience while I dealt with life these past how many months.
Freyalyn
· 8 February 2017
· Chapter 16: Alterations and Recognition
How wonderful - happy sigh.
Now, has this fright cured Orominion from 'borrowing' things in the future?
This has been a lovely story, I have enjoyed it so much.
All I want now is 'Little Star'....
Kath
· 8 February 2017
· Chapter 16: Alterations and Recognition
I loved this chapter, especially Aragorn cutting off his elven braids.
Would have liked more on the reaction of both the Rivendell elves and the Dunedain at large.
Thank you.
shirebound
· 8 February 2017
· Chapter 16: Alterations and Recognition
What a moving and inspiring ceremony!
Matt
· 8 February 2017
· Chapter 16: Alterations and Recognition
Really nice job on this. Curious if you will say who the other woman was who came from Riveidell or not. One can, of course, make assumptions. What will happen with Orovinian? Will handling the Sword That Was Broken be an issue for him? Thanks as always for your hard work on this, looking forward to future installments.
UTfrog
· 8 February 2017
· Chapter 16: Alterations and Recognition
Hooray! I am so glad Aragorn now has his name returned. Great chapter.
guest
· 8 February 2017
· Chapter 16: Alterations and Recognition
Wonderful! Oh, poor Orominion (not really). So wonderful to see Aragorn get his star and welcomed by his true name. Like Halbarad, I really want to see Duinhir’s reaction. Another chapter?!
Matt
· 7 February 2017
· Chapter 15: Butchery
Which story (I assume its one of your short pieces?) includes the interaction with the Angmarians? I was looking and couldn't find something obvious.
Author's reply
No, it is not one of the shorter pieces. The story is one of the novel-length works, "The Ties of Family." In it Aragorn returns to Arnor to take part in a meeting within Imladris of the Dunedain and their allies from the northern lands regarding trade and travel both east and west of the Misty Mountains, only to be attacked by a force of Angmarians who'd been sent south to the Breelands to assassinate the new King of Gondor and Arnor along the Road. The story also tells of various relatives of Frodo's who'd been left bereft when Frodo abandoned Middle Earth as they came to terms with his legacy. Those Angmarians who'd been taken prisoner where given a judgment to have their sword-hands cut off, but found that as he came to understand better the situation behind the orders for the raid Aragorn changed his mind in a unique way.
Matt
· 5 February 2017
· Chapter 15: Butchery
Not even sure if this will work but don't have a better way to respond to your response. You're right, Tolkien does show mercy but under conditions where a victory is assured and the winning power is the stronger. IN the times this story covers, the Dunadaen are not the strongest power in the North, and I think this makes mercy a far harder thing to offer either tactically or strategically. Killing anyone is never an easy thing, but leaving them alive to come back and stab you in the back on pressure from their friends is just as problematic.
Author's reply
I understand your reasoning. We will have to see to what this act of mercy comes, of course. In another story I've written Aragorn allows captured Angmarians to retain their right hands, but it is a well calculated risk that works out in his favor in the end.
Andrea
· 4 February 2017
· Chapter 15: Butchery
“What kind of madman have you brought us, Malvegern?” demanded Duinhir. “Offering aid to our enemies!”
Well, Duinhir has obviously a different opinion than Malvegern and Aragorn of how to deal with wounded enemies. Maybe he had very bad experiences.
I wonder how long it takes him to realize who Peredhrion really is!
Author's reply
I'm certain that once the fight was over, Aragorn would shift into healer-mode, which does not discern between friends and enemies; and others like Malvegern would see the potential for positive outcomes for this humanitarian care. Duinhir is more caught up in the moment, and as yet I don't know his history.
As for how long it might be before others realize who Peredhrion really is--well that is coming very soon, I suspect! Heh! I think but one more chapter.
Matt
· 1 February 2017
· Chapter 15: Butchery
Interesting chapter. Glad to see you working on this again. I have often questioned the purely fanon tendency to have either Aragorn or the elves save enemy warriors for debts of honor. I don't remember this anywhere in the core canon, and if JRR Tolkien has it in the various unfinished tales, I don't know. For me, this choice was a disappointing one here as it made this chapter feel a little less realistic than many others of your works. Still, a good read and as I said earlier, I'm always glad to see new chapters of this fic.
Author's reply
Tolkien may not have stated that Aragorn or the Elves behaved in an altruistic manner in order to develop debts of honor, but still he indicated that once a fight was over, neither he nor the Dunedain went further to seek to punish the mere cannon fodder. The hillmen and Dunlendings who fought for Saruman at Helm's Deep he stated were amazed to be bade only to lay down their arms and return home, and to never take up weapons against Rohan in the future, for they'd been told they would be subjected to terrible tortures were they to allow themselves to be captured. It was similarly done after the battle at the Black Gates--the enemy's creatures were destroyed utterly, but the Men who'd fought in Sauron's armies were merely asked to realize they'd been duped by the Dark Lord, were made to swear they'd not attack Gondor again, and were dismissed to return to their own lands.
So, as Aragorn acted as a trained healer is supposed to do, he may not have purposely thought about debts of honor, but others would have seen this as a good result of his offering medical aid to what had been seen as their enemies.
If you would like to let me know how you think the two remaining raiders should have been treated, I'd love to discuss it further with you.
Am working on what I believe will be the final chapter of this story, and hope to have it posted soon.
Thanks so, Matt!