cairistiona Contact Author

Member Since: 12/10/07
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I suppose, now that I'm posting some stories, I should babble on about myself for a bit, although it's something I really don't enjoy. But I suppose if you're reading this, you must be curious about me, so here are the fairly boring details:


I'm 40-ish (emphasis on the "ish"), new to Lord of the Rings fanfiction, although not to writing. I came upon Tolkien after watching the movies on DVD... and re-watching and re-watching... and then reading and re-reading the books. I'm now a devoted Tolkien addict. Although I like all the characters of Middle-earth, Aragorn is the one that captured my heart and my muse, and my stories follow his adventures and misadventures, triumphs and tragedies.


Like my penname suggests, I am a Christian (cairistiona literally means "follower of Christ") and so hopefully my stories will reflect the hope that I have in Christ, although that's not to say I won't occasionally plunge Aragorn into the depths of despair... it's just too fun to test his limits to the uttermost.


So, that's me. Hopefully you'll enjoy my stories, and I'd deeply appreciate if you left a line or two telling me what you think.

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Stories by cairistiona [16] Series by cairistiona [2] Reviews by cairistiona [21] Podfics by cairistiona [0] cairistiona's Favorites [2]
Reviews by cairistiona
A New Beginning by lindahoyland [5 Reviews]
On the day of Aragorn's Coronation, Faramir decides to surrender the white rod,but the King has other ideas.
Category: Third Age - War of the Ring | Series: Series Characters: Aragorn, Faramir, Gandalf | Genres: Angst | Language: English | Rating: K+ | Warnings: None | Chapters: 1 | Published: 06/05/05 | Updated: 06/05/05 | Words: 5404 | Completed: Yes | Read: 3264

Reviewer: cairistiona Signed
Date: 05/05/08 Title: Chapter 1: A King is Crowned

I really enjoyed this story, Linda ... very touching and poignant, and several spots had me laughing out loud, especially this line: "Aragorn was starting to get quite light headed from watching all this bobbing around."   I tend to think Aragorn often chafed at the change in the way people treated him once he became King Elesser.  I also loved that he and Faramire bumped noses.  Very nice lighthearted moments.

A River, Orcs and a Spider by Silivren Tinu [4 Reviews]
Aragorn has some bad luck (not that he is entirely innocent about it) and finds help…
Category: Third Age - Pre LOTR | Series: Series Characters: | Genres: Humour | Language: English | Rating: K+ | Warnings: None | Chapters: 1 | Published: 08/18/05 | Updated: 08/18/05 | Words: 1677 | Completed: Yes | Read: 2996

Reviewer: cairistiona Signed
Date: 04/03/09 Title: Chapter 1: A River, Orcs and a Spider

Ah, I do so enjoy your sense of humor!  The flow of Aragorn's thoughts was very fun here, despite the really rather grim situation... I was fully expecting the spider to spring on him, but I like how you avoided going there with the timely arrival of Legolas and his bow.  Very entertaining fic!

Author's Response:

I'm very glad you like my sense of humour and enjoyed my first attempt at writing LotR fanfiction! *g* This story would have been fun to write if I hadn't been so nervous about trying to write a story in English for the first time. I think Poor Aragorn was quite lucky Legolas arrived at the time he did - the spider would probably have been able to simply squash him, lol.

Thank you so much for reading and reviewing! :)

Enchain by Pentangle [23 Reviews]
We affect others even when we are unaware, and the entire family of the Last Homely House will soon discover how terribly that may be true.
Category: Third Age - Pre LOTR | Series: Series Characters: | Genres: Angst | Language: English | Rating: T | Warnings: None | Chapters: 9 | Published: 01/05/06 | Updated: 02/27/06 | Words: 31469 | Completed: Yes | Read: 45046

Reviewer: cairistiona Signed
Date: 12/10/07 Title: Chapter 9: Valendil

Your stories are always good entertainment and this one proved no different.  Your characters were drawn with your usual deft hand.  The story itself was fascinating--suspenseful, humorous, touching . . . all the elements were there, and Estel's struggles to reach the point where he could have pity on Valendil was a very believable journey.  Laughed out loud at Aragorn's two "speeds" . . . dawdling amble or frenzied gallop.   Finally, I really liked the ending--poor Glorfindel, out like a quenched torch!  You always have such good descriptions.   Thanks for the great read!

Author's Response:

Thank you so much for your review of "Enchain", Cairistiona! I am *so* pleased you liked this story since it is my favorite of those I've written. I don't think too many others feel the same way, so I really cherish your words. I'm glad you liked the plot as well as the characterizations, since it was my first story built on mainly psychological factors.

 Thank you again,

Pentangle 

Apostate's Ruse by Calenlass Greenleaf [5 Reviews]
Apostates come in every form, and their ruses are often hard to perceive. What happens when one sets his eyes upon Imladris? Much trouble for Estel, who is left baffled by Elrond's strange behavior. Rating is only for violence and angst. No adult themes
Category: Third Age - Pre LOTR | Series: Series Characters: Aragorn, Elrond | Genres: Angst, Drama, Crime | Language: English | Rating: T | Warnings: None | Chapters: 10 | Published: 03/23/07 | Updated: 04/03/09 | Words: 37496 | Completed: No | Read: 44554

Reviewer: cairistiona Signed
Date: 02/06/08 Title: Chapter 1: Peculair Incidents

What a wonderful story you have going!  I raced through all 8 chapters this afternoon, although I kept telling myself, "Slow down, slow down!"  But I couldn't--I had to know if Estel made it to Lorien, and of course, I'm glad he did.  But what of this imposter at Imladris?? How disgustingly evil he is, with his ruse.  Scary version of Elrond, definitely.  I like your version of Estel . . . young, innocent, easily fooled.  I can believe that of him, thanks to the way you've written him as someone who's been very sheltered and as yet untested.   I also liked that you have Haldir doing the "rescue", and loved the orc battle.  Ow.  Poor Estel's having a hard time in your hands, but it's great for us readers.  I hope to see more of interaction between Haldir and Estel in the rest of the story.  Hope you get around to updating it eventually.  I'd hate to think I'll never get to see how it all ends!  



Author's Response:

I didn't realize I never replied to this. My bad...

 

I hope to update it *soon!* I'm still stuck at the battle scene...

 

~Cal 

Hope of men - Hope for one man by Amarok [1 Reviews]
Aragorn has seen Arwen’s death in the palantír and is about to lose hope. Legolas finds him in that state of mind… (based on the extended DVD).
Category: Third Age - War of the Ring | Series: Series Characters: Aragorn, Legolas | Genres: Angst | Language: English | Rating: T | Warnings: None | Chapters: 1 | Published: 01/05/08 | Updated: 01/05/08 | Words: 1950 | Completed: Yes | Read: 2652

Reviewer: cairistiona Signed
Date: 01/07/08 Title: Chapter 1: Hope of men - Hope for one man

Nice story, Amarok!!  You need have no fears about how you handle the English language. :)  I really like how this shows both sides of Aragorn:  the man who occasionally loses sight of hope, and the man who almost supernaturally maintains hope when all others despair.    There's a bit of paradox in Aragorn and through the eyes of Legolas you captured that so well.  I also love the phrase "Biting back another bubble of laughter"--great imagery! ;)



Author's Response: Hiya :-). Thanks for your praise! Yes, the two sides of the 'hope'-thematic for Aragorn... a neverending source for stories... ;-). Glad you like how I did it :-).

Black Mountain by White Wolf [1 Reviews]
No one in the history of Middle-earth has ever returned from the mysterious Black Mountain. Now the mountain, silent for centuries, appears to be waking up, and Aragorn thinks it’s about time that he and Legolas go there and investigate. Elladan and Elrohir join them for the adventure.
Category: Third Age - Pre LOTR | Series: Series Characters: Aragorn, Elladan, Elrohir, Legolas | Genres: Action, Angst | Language: English | Rating: T | Warnings: None | Chapters: 23 | Published: 02/13/08 | Updated: 04/22/08 | Words: 62135 | Completed: Yes | Read: 297456

Reviewer: cairistiona Signed
Date: 04/21/08 Title: Chapter 22: Chapter Twenty Two

White Wolf, this is an excellent story... I really like how, through the physical descriptions, you made the Black Mountain an actual character.  Very vivid, and interesting take on what most writers simply relegate to setting.  The Druedain are new to me... I'm not very well-versed in 1st and 2nd Age history, I guess!  But it's a fascinating set-up for a very suspenseful tale. I hope you keep the updates coming!

Author's Response:

Thank you so much.  I'm very pleased that you 'e liking it.  It's funny, I didn't want the mountain to be just a setting in the background, yet I never really thoguht about it in terms of being an actual character.  Wow.  I realize that's exactly w hat I meant for it to be. 

I'm not as up on earlier times in Middle-earth as I should be either.  I could be considered dangerous in that I know a little about a lot in Tolkien, but at least, it gives me something to research.  And I do a lot of research, because I have a fear of readers calling me up on things I've gotten wrong.

I love suspense, so I put a lot of it in many of my stoires.  Also my plot bunny loves cliffies. :o)

I appreciate the very nice review.  Thank you.

 

My brother. My captain. My king. by Amarok [4 Reviews]

A few insights into Boromir’s thoughts, fears, and hopes during the journey of the Fellowship – movie-verse, with some added ‘missing scenes’. Inspired by and written for the Teitho-challenge ‘Friend or Foe’.

Category: Third Age - War of the Ring | Series: Series Characters: Aragorn, Boromir | Genres: Angst, Drama | Language: English | Rating: T | Warnings: Character Death | Chapters: 1 | Published: 06/16/08 | Updated: 06/16/08 | Words: 2631 | Completed: Yes | Read: 2658

Reviewer: cairistiona Signed
Date: 06/16/08 Title: Chapter 1: My Brother. My Captain. My King.

Love this one, Amarok!  You've handled Boromir's thoughts on the long journey with the Fellowship very skillfully.  I can "hear" Boromir's voice very easily, and it's fascinating to see the Fellowship through his eyes.  Nicely done!

Author's Response: Wow..., thanks :-). This one was quite difficult for me, partly because of the topic of course, but partly because I indeed tried to give him a 'special' voice, different than my usual style at least. Glad it came over well :-).

For All Eternity by Silivren Tinu [1 Reviews]
At a time when all his dreams have finally come true, Aragorn nonetheless seems to be troubled and Legolas wants to find out why. Post RotK, set shortly after Aragorn’s coronation and wedding. Written for Prompt #21 “Home” in the Owners of Aragorn Angst yahoo group..
Category: Fourth Age - Post LOTR | Series: Series Characters: Aragorn, Legolas | Genres: Drama | Language: English | Rating: K+ | Warnings: None | Chapters: 1 | Published: 03/09/09 | Updated: 03/09/09 | Words: 1318 | Completed: Yes | Read: 2371

Reviewer: cairistiona Signed
Date: 04/03/09 Title: Chapter 1: For All Eternity

Ah, this was lovely... I imagine the question of separation haunts any friendship between the Firstborn and Secondborn.  Legolas and Aragorn, Aragorn and Elrond, Elrond and Arwen... maybe even Elrohir and Elladan if they make separate choices as did Elrond and Elros.  They all must have that question foremost in their minds:  will I see you again?  Can I hope?  Dare I hope?  

Very thoughtful treatment of this topic... and I liked the bit of humor at the end: “No one else would survive through a simple conversation with you.”

How true! 



Author's Response:

I'm very glad you enjoyed this story, Cairistiona! It's really sad that any  friendship between the Firstborn and the Secondborn inevitably has to end with separation and tragedy, but I guess it's als what makes such a friendship so rare and special. The topic really is quite fascinating. For my part, I would like to believe that Firstborn and Secondborn can meet again sometime, somewhere - anything else would be almost unbearably sad.

Hehe, somehow I always need my stories to have a bit of humour in them (even if it is only a tiny little bit *g*). LOL, I could imagine your Halbarad saying exactly the same thing about Aragorn.

Thank you so much for your review! :)

The Grace Given to Me by Mirach [2 Reviews]

How do you know that today is the day to die? How do you spend your last day? The thoughts of Aragorn.

Category: Fourth Age - Post LOTR | Series: Series Characters: Aragorn, Arwen, Eldarion | Genres: Drama | Language: English | Rating: K+ | Warnings: Character Death | Chapters: 1 | Published: 03/20/09 | Updated: 03/20/09 | Words: 1975 | Completed: Yes | Read: 2635

Reviewer: cairistiona Signed
Date: 04/03/09 Title: Chapter 1: The grace given to me

Ohhhhhh.... this was heartrendingly beautiful.  You have me crying my eyes out.  And it doesn't help that it just happened that I was listening to The Journey to the Grey Havens just as I read this. 

*waving hands at face to stop tears*

This is by far probably the best Aragorn-gives-back-his-life story I've come across.  His thoughts seem very much in character and the poignancy overlaying his looking back on his life, and the satisfaction he feels despite the hard times of it, is powerful.  Very, very well done! 



Author's Response:

I hope that it's not inappropriate that your review made me smile. I'm just glad that you liked it! And I've had my own share of tears while writing, I can imagine that The jurney to the Grey Havens doesn't help...

Thank you very much for the appreciation, there is a lot of thinking about life and death behind this story, and I thank Tolkien (and Aragorn) for showing me that death is not a reason to fear, but a reson to live a worthy life.  

Of Orcs, Rangers, and Peach Pie by Silivren Tinu [3 Reviews]
A story about three orcs, two rangers, and the motivating qualities of peach pie. Characters: Aragorn, Halbarad, Elladan, Elrohir. Written as a birthday present for Cairistiona.
Category: Third Age - Pre LOTR | Series: Series Characters: Aragorn, Elladan, Elrohir, Halbarad | Genres: Angst | Language: English | Rating: K+ | Warnings: None | Chapters: 1 | Published: 04/23/09 | Updated: 04/23/09 | Words: 2383 | Completed: Yes | Read: 2192

Reviewer: cairistiona Signed
Date: 04/23/09 Title: Chapter 1: Of Orcs, Rangers, and Peach Pie

I absolutely love this little tale--it makes a very nice birthday gift. :)   I like Halbarad's unflagging devotion, and the way you have him hiding his emotions when talking about the peach pie... and how Aragorn sees right through the act.  Very much how I would see those two acting.  And I like that you brought the twins to the rescue.  Halbarad's relief and fatigue as he leaned against Elladan's horse was palpable.  Really a nice tale--you should write more Halbarad and Aragorn! (Yes, that was a hint... *grin*)

Author's Response: I'm really glad you're still enjoying your birthday gift! I probably would have never written this story if I hadn't read your stories before - it made me want to try writing about Halbarad and giving him a main role, for a change (not that he was too happy about it, lol). I think we see the two of them in a very similar way, though I don't know my Halbarad all that well yet. ;-) I just had to have the twins come to the rescue in the end - poor Halbarad really needed a happy ending, or he might have refused to ever appear in one of my stories again. *g* Hm - I have to think about writing more about the two of them then. Perhaps my plot bunnies are willing to cooperate, we'll see. Thank you so much for your review! :)

Past the Dimrill Gate by WendWriter [6 Reviews]

"I too once passed the Dimrill Gate," said Aragorn quietly; "...the memory is very evil. I do not wish to enter Moria a second time." Why not? What's in there? And where is Gollum?

Category: Third Age - Pre LOTR | Series: Series Characters: Aragorn, Gandalf, Gollum | Genres: Angst, Drama, Horror | Language: English | Rating: T | Warnings: None | Chapters: 18 | Published: 12/01/09 | Updated: 12/15/09 | Words: 24623 | Completed: Yes | Read: 82584

Reviewer: cairistiona Signed
Date: 12/01/09 Title: Chapter 1: Incidents and inconveniences

"It should be safe."  Oh, Aragorn, NEVER say that!!

Interesting start!  I like Gandalf's righteous anger and Aragorn's calm resignation... that Aragorn understands Men is very apparent and shown well here. 

I'm looking foward to reading more.



Author's Response:

Thanks, Cairistiona. :D

 

I wanted to reverse the idea that Gandalf knows all and make him more human. 

 

Aragorn will have a few name changes on the way - he can't use his real name for obvious reasons. He will also meet friends and enemies, have a few false starts but eventually discover what is in Moria and help resolve the Esgaroth problem. 

 

Thanks again for the review. :D

a most unlikely gift by Marethiel [3 Reviews]

Nursing a case of the sniffles, shivering in the wet and cold, Aragorn passes a miserable birthday… until he remembers a gift given him long ago from a very unlikely source! Written for Cairistiona's birthday last month, but timed for Aragorn's birthday…sigh! and I was even late for THAT!! Oh, well,happy belated birthday to them both…

Category: Third Age - Pre LOTR | Series: Series Characters: Aragorn, Erestor, Glorfindel | Genres: Angst | Language: English | Rating: K+ | Warnings: None | Chapters: 1 | Published: 05/04/10 | Updated: 05/11/10 | Words: 1235 | Completed: Yes | Read: 2530

Reviewer: cairistiona Signed
Date: 05/11/10 Title: Chapter 1: Chapter 1

Such a good gift for my birthday this was, even if I did have to beta it! *g*  You captured Aragorn's stoicism well... he may not have much, but he's grateful for what he does have.  And of course, the glimpse into how he might have learned his woodsman skills from Erestor is such a treat.  I enjoyed beta'ing this and I enjoyed reading this again just now.  Thanks for the gift!



Author's Response:

As always, m'dear, you are MOST welcome!

No Rest For the Weary by Marethiel [3 Reviews]

As Pippin told Denethor, "The strongest man can be killed by a single arrow."  And the strongest Dúnadan can find himself brought to his knees by the most unlikely ailments...  Written as a Prompt Fic for OAA.

Category: Third Age - Pre LOTR | Series: Series Characters: Aragorn, Halbarad | Genres: Humour | Language: English | Rating: K+ | Warnings: None | Chapters: 1 | Published: 05/05/10 | Updated: 05/11/10 | Words: 506 | Completed: Yes | Read: 2384

Reviewer: cairistiona Signed
Date: 05/11/10 Title: Chapter 1: Chapter 1

Poor Aragorn!  It's such a non-heroic ailment to be plagued with, but ouch, I bet every reader can relate to his pain and frustration.  And to Halbarad's frustration at being plagued with a cranky friend. :)  



Author's Response:

<giggle> I truly felt for Halbarad in that one.  Stuck between his Chieftain and his fellow members of the Grey Company!  LOL  Glad you enjoyed it.

"Arwen" by neoinean [1 Reviews]

It always amazed her that he could say so much, simply by saying her name.

Category: Fourth Age - Post LOTR | Series: Series Characters: Aragorn, Arwen | Genres: Angst, Romance | Language: English | Rating: M | Warnings: None | Chapters: 1 | Published: 06/04/10 | Updated: 06/04/10 | Words: 5353 | Completed: Yes | Read: 2256

Reviewer: cairistiona Signed
Date: 06/05/10 Title: Chapter 1: Chapter 1

This is so breathtakingly beautiful... you've summed up just about every thought I've ever had about how Arwen and Aragorn might have thought and felt and lived as a married couple.  The nightmares, the need for darkness to share his painful secret--that bit was wrenching to imagine yet still felt very much like Aragorn, for you still have him whole, which is something many fic authors don't manage when they create painful pasts that have scarred him.  And the repeating of him saying her name was a stroke of genius.  I loved how it tied the stream-of-consciousness together.   Really, really a wonderful story.



Author's Response:

Thank you!  I'm glad you enjoyed it. 

Just Details by Marethiel [5 Reviews]

Aragorn and Estel... facets of the same jewel?  Is it not all in the details?  As always, the characters and premise belong to Professor Tolkien.  I merely take them out to play with now and again.

Category: Third Age - Pre LOTR | Series: Series Characters: Aragorn, Elrohir | Genres: Angst, Hurt/Comfort | Language: English | Rating: K+ | Warnings: None | Chapters: 1 | Published: 10/24/10 | Updated: 10/24/10 | Words: 673 | Completed: Yes | Read: 2417

Reviewer: cairistiona Signed
Date: 10/25/10 Title: Chapter 1: Chapter 1

What a lovely story!  Aragorn had to have had every emotion imaginable coursing through him in those hours before he finally sorted it out and came to the "heart was high" walk through to woods and his fateful meeting with Arwen.  I like the idea of Elrohir straightening him out with some "tough love" and wisdom.  Very well done, as all your stories are!



Author's Response:

Aw, shuck, ma'am... LOL

Yeah, I figure our Estel is _human_ after all, and is going to go through these feelings of "WTF???", albeit more 'tidily' than a 21st century adolescent might.  <smile>

And Elrohir, I thought, would have the right mix of fondness, gentleness and 'kick-in-the-pants' needed for this talk.  I toyed with it being Elladan, but Elrohir just pushed his way in and stayed. :-)

Thanks so much for taking the time to review.  WHen are we going to see a new Cairistiona piece??

Fondly,

Marethiel