Aranadhel
· 9 September 2015
· Chapter 3: That Ranger: November, 2995
Doc, Tim has passed into the West already? :( bless that ol' hobbit for his kindness to give Estel something to 'makan' that fateful night.
Walker, Stalker, Prowler and Strider... now mellon... is this a tease that there are 3 other Dunedain going about Bree along with their Chieftain? Love your story!
PS - sorry for going off topic but may I ask from which country you are from?
Author's reply
Alas, yes! Old Tim was indeed old. Very nice use of "makan", by the way: made me grin.
Heh. So the other Rangers Butterbur thinks of weren't enough? You want three MORE? Oh, my, you're insatiable, my dear!
So glad you like the story.
UTfrog
· 9 September 2015
· Chapter 3: That Ranger: November, 2995
Longer stories are always better! Love that Strider never returned until Butterbur owned the Pony. Still, I want Butterbur to hear the end of the Theoden story. I am really enjoying this tale. Thank you.
Author's reply
So pleased you feel that way! I'm sure Strider would have been very curious to see how the young boy he met under such strained circumstances was managing as innkeeper. Thanks as always!
ainisarie
· 7 September 2015
· Chapter 2: A Tale: November, 2980
You do such a wonderful job of taking fragments of the story and fleshing them out into something very real. For example, Barliman said to Frodo "He seldom talks: not but what he can tell a rare tale when he has the mind." And here is one of them. I truly do enjoy your Aragorn. Thank you!
Author's reply
Thank you so much! I love that quote, and fragments of canon are my specialty. So glad you like my interpretation of Aragorn!
shirebound
· 7 September 2015
· Chapter 2: A Tale: November, 2980
This is a truly wonderful story. I'm eagerly anticipating the final chapter.
Author's reply
Thank you so much! I'm thrilled you like it, and I'm honoured you're reading.
someone
· 7 September 2015
· Chapter 2: A Tale: November, 2980
And now I'm curious as to how the story ends! And you are right, I had never spared a thought to Butterbur's nice, clean sheets etc. being destroyed when the nazgul were hunting hobbits. Poor Barliman, that on top of everything else.
Interensting chapter. The ranger didn't apparently hold to the agreement only out of fairness but also of pride. Little Barli had a good reason to be confused, when a strange, cheated man laughs when cleaning the floors. How did Thorongil/Aragorn get so good at household jobs, though? Did Gilraen teach him? I seriously doubt that he learned from Elrond or Ecthelion to use vinegar when scrubbing floors, or the best way to mix soap to dishwater.
Tim is a kind old hobbit to make sure the stranger had something good to eat without breaking the deal of eating only tailings. And apparently, Aragorn really doesn't like dirty sheets, even if he has to sleep on the floor to avoid them.
Author's reply
Yes, that was a rough night for our favourite blustering innkeeper.
Very true: fairness, pride, and just a little of that ironclad stubbornness that he unmasks at the door of the Meduseld...
As for the household jobs... well, his mother taught him how to make a bed. Preparing the soap to wash dishes would be a simple matter of observation at any point he might have spent a night and taken a meal with one of the families of the Dúnedain. And as for scrubbing the floor, doesn't that seem like exactly the sort of a chore that a dutiful grandson might take on while visiting Ivorwen?
I laughed at the idea of Ecthelion ensuring that his great Captain knew how to keep house!
So pleased you liked Tim. And yes: the dirty sheets were to be avoided. It's also an implicit rejection of the innkeepers grudging hospitality. Thank you for the wonderful feedback!
Aranadhel
· 7 September 2015
· Chapter 2: A Tale: November, 2980
Bless Tim the ol' hobbit! Guess that's why Estel makes sure the Shire is diligently watched by his men. Eternal gratitude for the fine food.
You really caught me off guard with your calculations regarding the Dunedain population. Goodness me... never thought of it that way *claps* Yes, the Sarn Ford massacre is a sad story indeed. Sad though if indeed they are down to less than a thousand by the Third Age. Guerilla warfare! Why didn't I think of that before?? That's exactly their type of ambush attacks I reckon... reminds me of the Nargothrond elves who followed the same tactics when eliminating the Enemy.
I still look forward to your introductions to new Dunedain, maybe popping in the Prancing Pony or up in Imladris ala Calmiel and Ancalimon. *grins*
Would we be seeing any elves popping up in Bree anytime soon? From Imladris perhaps? *hint hint lol*
Great post as always. :)
Author's reply
You can always trust a hobbit to keep everybody fed. ;-)
Good to know the numbers make sense. No Elves in this story, I'm afraid. Maybe next time...
DoggieGirl
· 7 September 2015
· Chapter 2: A Tale: November, 2980
I was so pleasantly surprised to see that you had already updated. I love the whole feel of this story. I feel so sorry for Aragorn eating the left overs. I was amazed and awed that Aragorn would forego anymore food because it seemed to upset Old Tim and Barli. A true gentlemen among men. Someone that is true to their own word to his own hurt. There is a serious lack of men like that today. Wish there were more. Old Tim and Barli are loveable characters. I also am sucked into the story telling. But it almost broke my heart when Aragorn was sent to wash the fllor. You could practically feel the resigned weariness rolling off of him in waves. How the mighty have fallen alright from Denethor to an innkeeper. I am sure knowing what he used to be in all his lives before did make his new status even more hurtful. Can’t wait to read more. This story is so vividly told. I love it.
Author's reply
Thank you! I really hadn't planned to update this quickly, but it worked out wonderfully. It's so lovely to know that you like the tone, and that you feel so deeply for Aragorn's predicament. That is a truly sacrificial moment, when he puts the ease of others above his own need: it's lovely to know you appreciated it. Also, so pleased you like Barli and Tim!
UTfrog
· 7 September 2015
· Chapter 2: A Tale: November, 2980
Fantastic hope you post the last chapter soon! I agree with Barli. We need the end of the story.
I hate autocorrect! I typed "I reread" not "I retread" your earlier story in my last review.
Author's reply
No worries: I knew what you meant! Autocorrect makes me crazy.
I'll try not to keep you waiting too long for the last instalment!
NotACat
· 7 September 2015
· Chapter 2: A Tale: November, 2980
Now you have me wondering what's going to happen next: you made such a point of Barli's Da mentioning the money box and where he was hiding the extra money, and now Barli is shaking out that mat. I cannot help thinking something interesting is about to occur!
Author's reply
I love to keep my readers wondering! Thanks so much!
Aromene
· 6 September 2015
· Chapter 1: The Stranger: November, 2980
Love, love, LOVE.
Author's reply
Thank, thank, thank!
DoggieGirl
· 6 September 2015
· Chapter 1: The Stranger: November, 2980
This is such a good story. I was drawn in immediately by the details that you put in that painted the picture of the inn around me. It was almost like I was there. I really like stories from other character's perspectives about Aragorn. It tells things about Aragorn that we would never discover just from his perspective. I love Barli's character. Very well formed and fleshed out. I am very eagerly awaiting more.
Author's reply
Thanks! I'm delighted that I was able to bring The Pony to life, even under a different proprietor. I agree completely about other characters' perceptions being telling. One of these days I really must write a piece from Gandalf's point of view...
Celeth
· 6 September 2015
· Chapter 1: The Stranger: November, 2980
What a beautiful story! I love the way you portray Strider's life pre-LOTR and thru the eyes of a young Barliman. It's so very sad and I almost can't bear all the humiliation he and his fellow Rangers had to endure at the hands of the very people they had to guard so faithfully and so valiantly. I keep thinking of the wonderful almost-paradise where he grew up, as foster son to the last remaining scion of the High King of the Noldor, not to mention his own status as King of Gondor and Arnor. Ah well but that last he still has to work for, and this sojourn in Bree is part of that rough road toward that throne...
Based on your other stories, I suspect Aragorn is in for some unpleasant times in the chapters ahead. I will cringe and empathize almost to the point of crying, but I will have no choice but to read each and every chapter, and look forward to each one, because it will still be a lovely and masterfully written story. Even if poor Aragorn will often be the "victim"....Please handle with care hahaha!!!
Author's reply
Thank you so much! I too must cringe at the Rangers' treatment in Bree, especially because it extends to good citizens and not merely scum like Bill Ferny. What is beautiful about the persecution is that we are able to see Aragorn (and presumably many of the others) bear it with grace and dignity undiminished by ignominious treatment.
Especially in this piece, the contrast between the Ranger-stranger's current situation and his past life is enormous. His idyllic childhood in Rivendell, his security in Rohan, his honoured place in Gondor, and (most recently of all) his season as a great lord in Lóthlorien. Not to mention, as you say, his birthright.
I can't promise un-unpleasant times, that's for sure. But I am so glad to know that I can rouse such empathy. Thank you: more than I can say!
UTfrog
· 6 September 2015
· Chapter 1: The Stranger: November, 2980
I had to check to be sure. I am right that you wrote Beneath the Surface which is a story I have retread many times. Thank you.
Author's reply
Yup, that's me! First Tolkien story I was ever brave enough to post online. I"m so glad to know it calls to be reread: that's high praise.
UTfrog
· 6 September 2015
· Chapter 1: The Stranger: November, 2980
This is a delightful beginning to what I am sure will be a great story. I don't think I have ever read a young Barliman story before. Thanks
Author's reply
Thanks! Young Barliman was just crying out to be written: who could resist that diminutive?
quodamat
· 6 September 2015
· Chapter 1: The Stranger: November, 2980
Hi, Canafinwe! I've been reading several of your stories lately, and am just amazed at the quality of your writing. (I'm hoping to do more reviews in the future--I only made an account on this site a few days ago.) It is remarkably vivid and gripping, and deeply emotional without being in the least melodramatic. You truly excel in the art of "show, don't tell"!
This is a very poignant story, and I think it blends perfectly with how Aragorn's character comes across in his first canonical appearance: extremely capable and self-possessed, but with just enough of a melancholy aura about him to suggest deep loneliness and heartache underneath.
I found this story to be a good reminder that most people are far more than what they seem, and that even the most seemingly disreputable individuals have needs, feelings, and stories to tell. It is a gentle but effective call to compassion, and for that--and for sharing your gift of writing--I thank you.
Author's reply
I'm honoured that you think so highly of my writing: thank you very much! I love to read vivid writing, so I do my best to write something I would want to read. As for the characterization of Aragorn (and all these other wondrous people), that is the most important thing in my writing. Thank you for your kind words on the matter.
Your last segment perfectly encapsulates the reason I love to write these pieces that have Aragorn in need of aid from ordinary folk. Because you're right: everyone is more than they seem. I see it all the time among my patients: the richness and kindness and stories beneath a disreputable exterior. Thank you for taking from this tale what I hoped to put into it.
someone
· 6 September 2015
· Chapter 1: The Stranger: November, 2980
This chapter was almost painful to read, I kept cringing when reading about the mysterious ranger eating leftovers from the plates of complete strangers and at the thought of those sheets! Two weeks, with most likely a different customer every night... The ranger must be thinking of the lice in Rohan, and even then there was only one person sharing his sheets instead of nearly fourteen. However, if this is after Gondor, perhaps even dirty sheets and leftovers feel like luxuries compared to his trip to Mordor.
Little Barli will grow up to be a far better innkeeper than his father, if he gives his customers whole pints and clean sheets. And a meal for kitchen helpers without money.
Author's reply
I do have to thank you, for of course it is meant to be painful and uncomfortable. The sad reality of mediaeval hostelry standards added to the utter disdain for vagrants makes a miserable combination.
As you say, these things pale to the privations and miseries of Mordor. But of course this particular Ranger-stranger also cannot help comparing it to years as a favoured Captain and member of the court in Gondor, and to three months in Lóthlorien. Ah, the vicissitudes of a wanderer's life!
Oh, there's no doubt that Barli will be a better innkeeper than his father! No doubt at all...
Just too bad the Nazgûl had to go and shred all those clean sheets.
Aranadhel
· 6 September 2015
· Chapter 1: The Stranger: November, 2980
I think and feel you portray Aragorn the way how it should be (from the books) rather splendidly. Have read a couple of other stories in this forum by the other authors but you my dear Doctor got it spot on! It's as though I'm reading an extension of the late Professor's work.
Now as you know me by now, I have a very very soft spot for the Noldor and also for the Dunedain of the North. However, I would love to see if you could introduce a few new characters of your own in your future stories, instead of the usual suspects of Halbarad, Dirhael and the sons of Elrond. I would imagine that even though 30 were able to be summoned hastily to ride South from the ROTK book the Dunedain would easily be in their hundreds if not at least a few thousands, just thinly spread out throughout Arnor
Very pleased with your works. Need I remind you that always, Doctor? :)
Have a good weekend.
Aranadhel from Malaysia.
Author's reply
Thank you so much for the wonderful comments. To begin, I'm absolutely thrilled to know that you like my portrayal of Aragorn. Staying faithful to these beautiful characters is the most important thing in my writing.
Thanks, too, for the remarks on the Dúnedain! I've been "seeding" the North slowly through my works: both of Halbarad's parents, Beldir from "The Valley is Jolly", and in the following generation Meneldur, remembered by Aragorn to Eldarion. I'll be drawing on these characters when I need them. I agree that there must have been hundreds of Dúnedain at the time of the War of the Ring, but I would draw the line at under a thousand for one simple reason.
The thirty men who rode as the Grey Company depleted the strength of the Rangers to such a degree that they were no longer able to protect Bree and the Shire despite the fact that there were no other major fronts in Eriador. For this to be a significant loss of manpower, I would estimate that the able-bodied adult male population would have been no more than five or six times that number (i.e.: that the loss was at least 20%, as historically in our world a loss even as high as 15% of a guerrilla force has been considered sustainable against foes superior in number and weaponry). We can enlarge this figure a little, because we also have to account for the casualties at Sarn Ford on Sept. 22 of the previous year, but even generous estimates allowing for a baby boom precipitated by optimism at the Chieftain's more frequent presence in the North after Bilbo leaves the Shire, an extrapolated total population is still quite small.
Thank you for the reminder! It's never unappreciated, and often sorely needed.
Cheers!
Canafinwe