Well-written and very moving. I like how the stories about their youth contrast with that grim night at the Hornburg.
Author's Response:Thank you-- I'm glad you enjoyed it. I am a staunch Halbarad supporter. I like my heroes doomed. ;)
This is an amazing story. Heartbreaking too though. It is a real pleasure to read such a quality story as this. Thank you so much for sharing it.
Author's Response:Thank you so much for reading it, and for taking the time to leave me such a kind note!
This story was beautiful and utterly heart breaking.
There are so many things about it that deserve praise - the way you portrayed Aragron and pictured him. It was lovely, I could see the hornburg and the two men smoking there so clearly.
But your Halbarad was the one that truly took my breath away. The sensitivity, courage and unswerving devotion all speak of the Halbarad that I came to love in the books. I loved how you brought humour into this story, the tale he said was wonderful to read especially because it connects so well with the story.
'The man's heart had been well and truly given long ago by one who would forsake her own kind to stand at his side; he had nothing to offer that would compare.' - that Halbarad still stuck with Aragorn after all this, says everything we need to know about his character.
I was trying not to cry throughout the story. And then, I read this - "'Now I know what you bear,' you said to me last night as we traveled, though in truth you knew only what I carried in my hands and not what I carry-- what I have always carried..."' and failed entirely.
Well Done. This truly is the best Aragron Halbrard story I have ever read and has the most beautiful portrayal of Halbarad.
Thank you for sharing this story - it really did deserve the MEFA.
Author's Response:Wow, thank you so much for your kind words! I am truly flattered! I have to admit that this one is a personal favorite of mine, and that Halbarad is one of my favorite characters because it's so easy to imagine him as a man who is honest, strong, brave even in the face of his death, and loyal to Aragorn to his last breath. Tolkien created so many heroes-- but some of them really didn't get their due in his work. I'm really glad you enjoyed it, and that you enjoyed my Halbarad, and that you see his heroism as I do.
Best,
K.