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Shire: Beginnings  by Lindelea 4 Review(s)
DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 27 on 10/1/2004
Oh my, I was right, Gorfindel's *really* mad! Ohboyohboyohboy!!

ShireDwellerReviewed Chapter: 27 on 1/28/2004
Ouch. This conjures images that won't be leaving my mind for a while. What a ghastly ride. Poor Thorn!

Lyta PadfootReviewed Chapter: 27 on 1/24/2004
What a gruesome sight for poor Thorn. Are the people of Rhudaur trying to imitate Mordor or Minas Tirith? If so they seem to be leaning toward Mordor with their decorations and the sulfur and thunder Thorn heard.

Author Reply: Thanks for the review. The city is built in imitation of Minas Tirith, I think (must go back and check when MT was built) or perhaps even an earlier city from lost Numenor. My ancient Tolkien history is a bit sketchy.

Mordor has not yet been rebuilt. Sauron is dwelling in Dol Guldur, I think, as the Necromancer. I'd have to look at my notes to be sure. In any event, they are leaning towards the Shadow. There were men of Numenor who fell under shadow and practiced human sacrifice, so there is precedent for the men of Rhudaur going bad. I do remember clearly that Rhudaur fell under the shadow of Angmar soonest of the three northern kingdoms, so it is logical (to me, in writing this story) that they would have already been inclined to evil.

The thunder and sulfur were Thorn's perception of Glorfindel's building anger.

FantasyFanReviewed Chapter: 27 on 1/22/2004
How positively ghastly! My son Ace reminds me that when the Witchking came north to rule, he came to Rhudaur (I haven't looked it up myself). It doesn't surprise me, with all the evil these people have in their hearts. And I don't believe for a moment that they are just going along with the wishes of their king, and don't see the humanity of the vermin they are exterminating. Good people surround themselves with symbols and reminders of beauty, peace and justice. Evil people fixate on death, pain and anger. You can't be good-and-just-misguided and decorate your fence with skulls.

The other day I thought it would be amusing for Glorfindel and Blackthorn to go to see the king and win him over, but now I'm nervous about it. All those skulls! It has to be ripping Black's heart to shreds to see the evidence of just how the People have suffered. To paraphrase Theoden, what can one do against such reckless hate? And although the idea of having an Elf-Lord revealed in all his wrath is still scary as anything, I begin to doubt the wisdom of their plan.

*Deep breath* I'd like to make a comment about a nicer thing? I am enchanted that the elves seem to find things in the Hobbits to admire and from which they can learn. Your elves are very Tolkien - despite their wisdom and years, they retain an innocent joy in life that does you credit. Glorfindel has never had to examine the passage of time from the point of view of a mortal. He's once again surprised by the little folk, but it's a respectful sort of curiosity, never superior or disdainful - even to the point of trying a pipe. I like him. And Thorn is a good leader for his people. He's eager to absorb all he can from this time with the Elves, from recovering the old skills of weaving to learning to write to preserve the old stories, and longing for a pony of his own. He's going to need to be strong, but he seems up to it. I'm still apprehensive, but I'm also eager to see how he handles the king.

Author Reply: Your son Ace is exactly right. From what I've read, Rhudaur "fell under shadow" instead of being conquered in battle as Cardolan (though I think the plague helped finish Cardolan) and then Athedain were.

I have Glorfindel's speech and Thorn's speech worked out. I'm still not completely sure what moves the king of Rhudaur. I am sure it is not pity, at least, not on his part. But his wife, now... hmmm... there might be something there to work with.

Thank you for the remark about my elves. Elves make me very nervous (that is, writing about them).

Thorn is his father's son. He has been well-taught, and he must have "something" or the Lady wouldn't have bothered talking to him. Although hobbits don't normally go around hearing voices of higher beings, there is precedent -- I am thinking of Frodo hearing Gandalf speaking to him when he puts the Ring on just before the breaking of the Fellowship. (Take it off, you fool!)

But Thorn's speech to the king of Rhudaur will have to wait, for I am off to watch "Pirates of Penzance" now. Have a good weekend!

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