Oh, my goodness. I have lived abroad in a country where I didn't understand the language. And I wanted to live there, and I chose to do it, but it was incredibly overwhelming. I was strongly remembering those feelings as I read this. The constant feeling of vulnerability and the inability to communicate is exhausting. It is difficult to fight the paranoia that people are talking about you or laughing at you, and I'm impressed at how well you captured all of these feelings.

Long story short: I love the story, and it is very well-written; thank you!

It was neat to see a younger, more easily frustrated Aragorn. It humanizes him to discover that he hasn't always been an expert at everything he tries his hand at! And to think it would be lice that solved his greater problems in Rohan :)

You never really think of the Rohirrim having their own language, since the royal family of Théoden is quite fluent in the common tongue. I guess we don't really hear many common, rank-and-file soldiers speak in the Lord of the Rings.

I loved this. In and of itself it was awesome. But also, I found this story at an interesting time...one in which I can relate to much of what Thorongil's experiencing. When you're thrust into a new situation and constantly feel like you're blundering your way through at best and alienating everyone you come into contact with at worst...it's just as frustrating and lonely, whatever the situation.
Which is to say, I found your story very well written, and the Rohirrim's actions toward Thorongil warmed my heart. Thanks for posting.

Ugh, this whole chapter made me unbelievably itchy. Wonderful work! I love the unique point of view, with "Thorongil" and his unfortunate predicament. The OCs are lovable, too. Question: Is this before or after the battle that Thengel participated in when Theoden was a child? Also, if you ever write a sequel you can be sure I'll be one of the first to read it. This was a pleasure to read.

This was a quiet, understated story that I found beautifully written. It's one of those tales that does not contain a good deal of action or dense plot, and yet was rich in characterization and pathos. And goodness, what a command of vocabulary you have! And how easily you draw the reader into Aragorn's challenging - and very personal - circumstance here. Kudos!

Must admit I've never read a story of Aragorn as Thorongil (his youthful days travelling Middle Earth as referenced in the LotR Appendices et al), and found I enjoyed it immensely.

Thank you for writing such a great - certainly a non-lousy :-) - fic!

Pax :-)

This is an amazing story and i'm glad that I decided to read it again! I find it quite interesting to see how Aragon grew throughout your stories. He was young and a bit timid here, yet I can see how he would become the capable and much-loved soldier in The Eagle on the Ramparts, and even, after much more toil and trials, became the tenacious and wise wanderer in A Long and Weary Way. I also love the language, the details and the pace of the story. And it is only upon the second reading have I recognized many of these kind acts under the intimidating disguise of a foreign country and a foreign language. I've never thought much about the Rohirrim before, but I think I do like them and their simple and cheerful way.

Thank you for your wonderful story!

I love this story. I love how you depict the loneliness and frustration that Thorongil experiences as he struggles in a new culture and a new language. It's so frustrating to not be able to understand and express yourself, particularly when you know you could be doing so much better if only you could! And tackling this situation through the medium of lice, it's just perfect. I love how going through that particular challenge provides common ground and an entry point for Thorongil to really begin to understand and appreciate living in Rohan. Thanks for the great story! (Lice, the great equalizer... ech!)

I love how your stories give such insight into how Atagorn became the man we met and grew to love in LOTR. Your use of language is so in the style of the books. Well done.

awesome! very well-written. you are such a talented writer, I really like your style.

The horror! The horror!

Why do elves dislike cats?

I have always loved the men of Rohan. They are simple, but kind people, and they don't get nearly enough credit for their awesomeness. I also really enjoyed your original characters. Sometimes, original characters can be annoying, but yours reacted realistically to a language barrier. I'm glad the Aragorn is managing to pick up a few new words.

Ah, horror is the genre (ha ha ha) and it is a pretty big horror for poor young Thorongil: Lice! On top of privation, discomfort, mud, cold and rats. Yet seeing how all this brings him closer to his new comrades is lovely to witness. And you write the language barrier and uncertainty of the young man so beautifully. Genius as always! Thank you for this gem.

(Oops. I meant to review ages ago.)

Wow. I really love all the detail you include in this! It's amazing. It's wonderful how you take this awful problem, lice, and make it into something that ties the men together. I think you show the language barrier nicely too.

Wonderful story. Great job!