shirebound
· 7 October 2016
· Chapter 10: The Battle of Lifewater Farm
I always admire the amount of research you do for your tales, and how you weave the past into the present. It's so important for these young Rangers to remember that they are the descendants of Númenor, no matter how they are thought of or treated by others.
Author's reply
Thanks so very much, Shirebound! I do try to keep the duties inherent in being the descendants of Elendil and his people before my Dunedain. It is quite a legacy for them to live up to.
PSW
· 7 October 2016
· Chapter 10: The Battle of Lifewater Farm
Whew! Glad they got that figured out before things got bad, bit I'm sad that one of them died. Also, I hope that the one they're still waiting on (there are lots of 'B' names, I can't remember it exactly :-P) doesn't run into any trouble. Hopefully they've made some new friends for the Rangers...
Thanks for writing!
Author's reply
Yes, with Baerdion, Bregorn, and Brendor we do have three distinct 'B' names. But then with Tolkien, we have Beor, Barahir, Beren, Boromir, Beregond, and Bergil to just name a few, too. Heh! I suspect that deaths were expected in almost all patrols, considering the vicious nature of many of their opponents.
But I do think they now have indeed made new friends and allies among those who dwell along the Road. We know that there was a lot less orc activity immediately after the Battle of Five Armies, but now we're ten years out from that, and I'd think it would be slowly escalating at this time, and that they might be encouraged to cooperate with villainous Men. It's still a time of relative peace, perhaps, but no time was truly without conflict while Sauron was able to influence creatures of evil will, I suspect.
Thanks for reading and commenting!
PSW
· 3 October 2016
· Chapter 9: An Unexpected Detour
I really like this! :-) Its been quite interesting so far. It would indeed be difficult to not only have to adopt a new people, but a whole new mindset as well. The discussion about not getting each other's jokes several chapters back really illustrates this well, I think. It's not a matter of being intentionally aloof or just choosing to be different--in many cases, it's a matter of truly not understanding. He grew up in a different cave, to pull Plato into the discussion... :-P
Thanks so much for writing!
Author's reply
Oh, yes, definitely Aragorn grew up in a completely different Platonic cave. He must learn to assimilate, although he's making a pretty good beginning, I think, and the others are allowed to learn to respect his skills without having them shoved into their faces, which is helping him to fit in better as well.
Thanks so very much! So many stories have been written in which Aragorn finds himself at his grandparents' sides learning to rule, but I think he'd want to find out just what and whom he'll be ruling first, and how they are accepted as fully functioning adults from the get-go.
Andrea
· 3 October 2016
· Chapter 9: An Unexpected Detour
Great new chapter!
With a little help of Gildor it was expertly proven that the boys had nothing to do with the murder of Gaffer Teasel and the theft of the cup.
Aragorn also learned a lot about the ways of men (and hobbits). And I think he did not like all he saw there in Bree.
The King's Gift, however, is not always a blessing but also a heavy burden. I really don't envy Aragorn for having to deal with it.
Author's reply
No, I don't think that Aragorn fully approves of what he has seen of the ways of the Breelanders when it comes to making judgments. At least the innocence of the boys has been established, and they can go home once more.
Thanks so very much, Andrea!
iboneki
· 1 October 2016
· Chapter 9: An Unexpected Detour
My favorite WIP! So thrilled to see this updated again, and allowed myself a long and leisurely re-read before the new chapter. I loved all the details woven together in this latest chpater; what a great way of demonstrating Aragorn's skills outside of traditional battle, as well as the King's Gift. Also, with the added refresher/context of the re-read, it was so fun to see Berevrion's changing demeanor towards Aragorn once he figures it out.
Author's reply
It was a relief to get the chapter finished at last! There's not a good deal more to come, but at least three more chapters, I think.
Yes, Berevrion at least has realized just who Peredhrion in reality is, and others are probably beginning to realize it, too. Even Orominion is realizing that this young Man who dresses in Elvish style is indeed more observant and intelligent than the rest in the troop are, and is willing to let Peredhrion perhaps shine a bit more by going into Bree. Although he perhaps had hoped that somehow Peredhrion might demonstrate some colossal social gaffe from not being brought up among Men. It's hard to say with Orominion, I fear. And this has granted Aragorn the chance to see how too often justice is dispensed, so as to allow him to better imagine how HE shall dispense it when it is his time.
Glad you are glad to see the story continue. I am finding my life growing even more confusing and busy as I age, I fear, and I don't write anywhere as swiftly or prodigiously as I once did.
Thank you so!
6336
· 29 September 2016
· Chapter 9: An Unexpected Detour
Hm, fat chance of that happening, as far as Arkansas is concerned it is over and done with and be careful you don't trip over the bump in the rug, so much has been swept under it that there is quite a pile there!
Lynda
Author's reply
Ain't that the truth? The Alford plea allows the state to pretend they got the right ones originally, without having to explain why they are all three allowed to leave the state and live and travel where they please, these three guys who as teens supposedly brutally murdered three little boys.
UTfrog
· 29 September 2016
· Chapter 9: An Unexpected Detour
So very happy to see this story continued. Thank you.
Author's reply
This chapter has taken months to finish, I found. The next chapter should come more quickly.
shirebound
· 29 September 2016
· Chapter 9: An Unexpected Detour
What a wonderful, well-rounded education for Aragorn. Every day, every experience and meeting, brings him new understanding of himself, and of those he will live among, lead, and learn from. I'm enjoying your story so much -- especially the dialogue, and how so much experience can be crammed into what might otherwise have been an uneventful patrol! And I'm very happy for Fry and his mum. :)
Author's reply
I am certain that Elrond did all he could to prepare Aragorn for the day he would become the full Chieftain of the northern Dunedain and hopefully High King over Arnor and Gondor both. But now he has to learn about living with mortals who feel far more pressure to fit as much as they can into their relatively short lives, and who don't always think things through well. He certainly saw here one uncomfortable truth--that people prefer to think that evil is the purview of "them" rather than "us," and that they will distort what they see and hear to protect themselves from the fact some of "us" are as bad or worse than "they" are.
And I, too, am glad for Fry and his mother. Poor lady!
Freyalyn
· 29 September 2016
· Chapter 9: An Unexpected Detour
What an excellent explanation of the King's Gift. And this whole new chapter is excellent - you managed to conjure up the confusion of everyone shouting over each other, different stories, Lord Gildor standing and speaking. Just wonderful. Thank you
Author's reply
As Aragorn explains to Frodo in "The Acceptable Sacrifice," the King's Gift is a form of the land sense many Elves exhibit, and appears to be intended to make the King think carefully before acting so as to make things good for everyone, not just for himself and his family.
And I have seen such informal tribunals come out with very distorted results solely because they do tend to turn out very chaotic. And it was fun to find a way to work Gildor into this story.
Thank you so, Freyalyn!
6336
· 28 September 2016
· Chapter 9: An Unexpected Detour
So now he begins to learn what it means to have the Kings Gift, a gift that will be most unpleasant at times and a joy at others.
He is also learning how frustrating it can be to see injustice done and not be able to prevent it, mob rule is an ugly thing and all to prevalent in some places these days.
I have just been rereading Murder Most Foul and he was at least able to see justice done in that case.
It's hot as Mount Doom and I can't sleep so have been getting up and reading till it cools off in the morning and I can sleep a little!
Lynda
Author's reply
Now that he has come into the world of Men, I think it would be time for the King's Gift to begin manifesting itself.
And I do think that this experience would help him realize that this ain't the way to have a trial, particularly one in which the defendants may be executed. I think this would help him make the decision he would not allow such procedures to occur when he's definitely in charge.
Thanks so! And I do wish we could get the Attorney General in Arkansas to agree to reopen the investigation in the WM3 case!
Theresa Greenfalcon
· 28 September 2016
· Chapter 9: An Unexpected Detour
I like this story of Aragorn's early days as a Ranger - like the rest of your stories you fill in spaces the reader does not realize need filling till you do!
Thanks, as always!
TG/TC!
Author's reply
Why, thank you, Tracey! How Aragorn returned to his people has been explored many times, but I wanted to try a different approach from most people. I love thinking he'd want to learn about his age-mates before approaching those who have been acting in his stead while he was a child.
Guest
· 2 June 2016
· Chapter 8: The Emergence of Leadership
This is a great story! Please continue it; it would be a shame for it to stop here.
Author's reply
I am only sorry that I let it sit for so long. I hope you have found it has been continued at last.
Aranadhel
· 4 October 2015
· Chapter 1: Building on the Ruins
Greetings, friend. Yes, now that you have explained it thoroughly I'd understand clearer now.
Sorry if you misread me as wanting to correct your errors etc. Just wanted to clear out the confusion regarding Elrohir having seen the Tower whilst it still stood tall in the early 3rd Age.
It got destroyed for sure during the Battle o Arvedui Last King of Arthedain against the Realm of the Witch King of Angmar.
Aranadhel
· 1 October 2015
· Chapter 1: Building on the Ruins
Greetings... long time reader but first ever comment, friend.
Totally love all your stories... just a question though on this chapter... how could Elrohir talk about being there when Amon Sul was built in the Second Age when he was born in the Third Age? Unless you meant for Glorfindel to say that....
Author's reply
Aargh! Dunnit again, I have! I'll rework it. Forgot that the tower was built in the second rather than the third age!
Thanks again!
Author Reply: Actually, if you read it carefully it doesn't say Elrohir was there when the tower was built, but that he remembered when it stood as tall as it had originally been built by Elendil. As it wasn't destroyed until well into the third age, Elrohir had plenty of time to see it in its original form, as he was born very early in the third age, and the tower was erected by Elendil very late in the second age.
I am relieved that I didn't have to edit it again! Thanks for catching what could have been embarrassing, though, and I'm glad you wanted it to be accurate to canon!
NotACat
· 9 June 2015
· Chapter 8: The Emergence of Leadership
I love it when a thick plottens: I hope you are able to continue this, I am most intrigued ;-)
Author's reply
Am working hard on the next chapter of "Stirring Rings" at the moment, as well as a challenge story I hope to have finished shortly.
Am so glad that this is intriguing you! Hopefully "Stirring Rings" will do so, also. Heh!
Andrea
· 30 May 2015
· Chapter 8: The Emergence of Leadership
Those boys were clearly misled. They were very lucky, though, that they met these rangers and not others, real ruffians for example. They could have all died.
I hope that now, as Aragorn and the others know the boys' story, they will find a good solution for all of them.
Author's reply
I agree--had they run into true villains they most likely would not have lived to tell the tale. And if anyone can think of a way to help these boys, I suspect that one trained by Elrond of Imladris should be able to find a way. Heh! It is what he was trained to do, after all.
iboneki
· 29 May 2015
· Chapter 8: The Emergence of Leadership
Just re-read it all before the latest chapter. This can't be anything but headcanon now. Such wonderful characterization. Can't wait for more.
Author's reply
Tolkien left it up to others to indicate how Aragorn might have returned to his own people. It was interesting to think of a different manner by which he might have done so, as most such stories I've read have indicated he began learning first from his grandparents how to deal with their own people. However, I've always believed this was at least as likely a manner for him to return to the Dunedain, and that he'd want to test the waters thoroughly.
Lindelea
· 18 May 2015
· Chapter 8: The Emergence of Leadership
Emergence of leadership, for certain!
I'm glad they had access to bows. They really came in handy to diffuse a situation that might have gotten nasty. These overgrown boys definitely bit off more than they can chew. They have the capacity to turn into something much worse... but there is also a glimmer of hope for rehabilitation, maybe? Perhaps the young Ranger can stretch his leadership in that direction, somehow?
Author's reply
Hopefully they will now know the proper intervention to turn them back to a more constructive road. And whether or not they were skilled, just having additional bows would give the young Dunedain a distinct advantage. Heh!
Dreamflower
· 17 May 2015
· Chapter 8: The Emergence of Leadership
Oh dear. The impulsiveness of youth! One bad decision after after another, until they've run themselves into a situation they never imagined.
I hope young Peredhrion is able to unravel the problem and that they can find the true threat.
Author's reply
I, too, hope this, Dreamflower! Yes, bad decisions do tend to snowball, don't they? Heh!
But if anyone can sort it out, I suspect that Peredhrion will figure it out. He does, after all, have a destiny!
Linda Hoyland
· 17 May 2015
· Chapter 8: The Emergence of Leadership
This just shows Rangers should never let their guard down. I hope something can be sorted out for the young idiots.
Author's reply
Oh, I'm certain that the young Breelanders will find a solution for their problems, although it won't necessarily be a comfortable one! Heh!
Matt
· 16 May 2015
· Chapter 8: The Emergence of Leadership
Another great chapter in this story. You handle the setting of the trap for the ruffians very nicely. Have you had the chance to look at my website? if you want to discuss that at some point I'll be glad to hear from you at matthew weed speaks at gmail dot com. Thanks loads for your hard work on this as always.
Author's reply
Oh, yes, I've looked at your website. I shall seek to email you directly now that I have your email address.
The poor youths from Bree have a good deal to learn, of course. Heh!
Freyalyn
· 16 May 2015
· Chapter 8: The Emergence of Leadership
Oh how lovely - an update on this one! Thank you so much - I am so enjoying how Aragorn is slowly coming into his own as a young man.
Author's reply
Yes, it is updated, and should soon be updated elsewhere as well, although with my laptop getting a new motherboard I'm not certain when I'll be able to do so. Am borrowing a friend's desktop for the moment.
Oh, yes, Aragorn is beginning to find himself using all of the skills and knowledge given him by his foster father and other instructors, including his beloved naneth.
UTfrog
· 15 May 2015
· Chapter 8: The Emergence of Leadership
Always glad to see an update on this story. Thank you. Aragorn's training and inate abilities show no matter what.
Author's reply
Yes, another chapter begun. Aragorn is indeed beginning to come into his own. Thanks so!
Sunny
· 15 May 2015
· Chapter 8: The Emergence of Leadership
I bet Aragorn will be able to scare the youngsters back onto the straight and narrow without even half trying, and hopefully also able to scare the Breelanders into accepting the silly youngsters back. Though it would help if they manage to find the _real_ bandit(s).
Author's reply
I suspect you are indeed right, Sunny! And who knows--they might just find the REAL bandit(s). Heh!
obsidianj
· 18 March 2015
· Chapter 7: Three Days' Work
Hehe! The secret is not so secret anymore. More and more people are figuring it out. I wonder when the last in his patrol will figure out who he is.
Author's reply
Yes, the truth is beginning to work its way into popular knowledge. The recruits will all know eventually, of course....
Thanks so!