B2MEM: March 7

[dreamflower]

My story for March 7.

In the woods near Staddle, Aragorn and Halbarad find themselves on a mission of mercy.

Babe in the Woods

Comments

[frodobaggins252.livejournal.com]

very sweet :-D

[grey-wonderer.livejournal.com]

Little Neddy is a darling child and very clever indeed. This was adorable.

[claudia603.livejournal.com]

now that was absolutely darling! :)))

[addie71.livejournal.com]

Oh, I loved that! Big Rangers helping wee Hobbits is a favorite of mine.

[cairistiona7.livejournal.com]

Oh, this was wonderful! I love stories that show folk, Big or Small, realizing that Rangers are not the foul fellows they appear to be.

[dreamflower]

Thank you!

[dreamflower]

I was very fond of little Neddy, and enjoyed writing about him.

[dreamflower]

Thank you! *grin*

[dreamflower]

Mine too! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[dreamflower]

So do I. I think it's likely that over the years there were a few who were able to realize that the usual perception of Rangers was wrong. I like the idea of those they help beginning to understand that.

But I think for the most part the Rangers did not actively try to overcome the prejudice-- it probably made it easier for them to do their work when no one thought they were anyone special. Still, though it was a part of their disguise, I'm sure it had to sting more than a little to put up with it.

[cairistiona7.livejournal.com]

But I think for the most part the Rangers did not actively try to overcome the prejudice-- it probably made it easier for them to do their work when no one thought they were anyone special.

Exactly! I have a WIP, in fact, where I write Aragorn mulling over that very thing:

The Rangers own habits did nothing to help matters. They did not go round trumpeting their victories, but emerged from the shadows to catch peril before it brought harm to Eriador’s people, and returned then to those same shadows, seeking no attention, no recompense, craving secrecy above all. Little wonder, really, that the common folk often considered the tall hooded figures foe rather than friend.

And you say, Still, though it was a part of their disguise, I'm sure it had to sting more than a little to put up with it.

I couldn't agree more. I think Aragorn's words when he was with the Hobbits at the Prancing Pony bear that out. To me, Strider's "queer laugh" must be a bit of a wistful sound when he tells Frodo, "'But I must admit,' he added with a queer laugh, 'that I hoped you would take to me for my own sake. A hunted man sometimes wearies of distrust and longs for friendship. But there, I believe my looks are against me.'" He knows the value of keeping himself mysterious and "rascally", but he doesn't really like it.