I would've done a lot more than slap Gollum for trying to get his hands on that baby. He'd be in traction. That made me so mad! So, well done in your writing! Mission accomplished!

It's good that Aragorn was able to bring himself to trust Grimbeorn and his folk with his tale. He always takes so much upon himself, and sometimes a person just needs to unburden the spirit by leaning on the help and counsel of others.

Thank goodness for the family of Beorn! This is exactly what Aragorn needs right now, and I only hope that he will have the sense to take his time with them. He will need all of his strength for the journey through Mirkwood.

Thank goodness for the Smiths of Imladris and their pretty firesteel! I'm surprised more people of the town weren't more curious/concerned about Gollum's presence. But I guess when your primary enemies are wolves and wargs, then you're not used to worrying about much else.

A Hobbit's idea of "roughing it" is adorable to think about! I hope that once they reach the Anduin again they can find another way across instead of having to swim it again. That seems too much even for Aragorn.

Can't believe I'm halfway through already! I don't want it to end! I'm really enjoying this story!

The sneak had it coming. Aragorn has nothing to be ashamed of here. He was more than fair, and a good deal more merciful than I might have been in his place.

Also, boots in Middle Earth really don't seem to be a whole lot of fun, even in the best of conditions! It's no wonder that Hobbits go barefoot!

Hell, at this point *I'm* starting to get mad at the Wood Elves for losing track of Gollum!

Okay this is getting insane. At this point Aragorn just needs to hogtie Gollum and drag him to Mirkwood, force-feeding him when necessary. It's one thing to be merciful and a good jailor. It's quite enough to let the wretch keep trying to kill him.

I guess I wouldn't make a very good King of Men.

They must be near the place where Smeagol murdered Deagol. Unless it's Gollum's birthday too :p

One really does feel badly for him though. Even though before the Ring's influence there was already darkness living in Smeagol's heart (astute readers will notice that Bilbo's/Frodo's/Sam's first reaction to seeing the Ring *wasn't* to strangle their best friend), that personal darkness was magnified and fed by the Ring. If it had never been found, maybe Smeagol would've had many more years of a normal life on the riverbank to look forward to. I can't help but feel for him, and begin to see why Bilbo, Frodo and Aragorn were so moved by their own pity.

A beautiful tribute to Papa. And such a relief that Aragorn was able to get some small measure of rest and recovery.

After all he's been through (and all yet to come) with Gollum, I can only imagine the internal rage at hearing that Tharanduil's folk had lost him again. Flippin' wood elves :p

I couldn't stop giggling at those kids. Aragorn, son of Arathorn, caught by a four year old! It's priceless!

Holy crap, he swam the Anduin! With a raft tied to his wrist! The man is unstoppable!

Looks like, for the moment at least, Smeagol won out over Gollum. And a good thing too!

Ugh. What a nasty piece of work. Aragorn had best sleep with one eye open if he sleeps at all!