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Keeper of the Jewels  by Cuthalion 12 Review(s)
meckinockReviewed Chapter: 7 on 10/14/2006
I loved seeing the full force of Frodo's intellect and cunning brought to bear in his battle of wits with Artanis. Very insightful to realize he has to give information to get it. But the two of them are pretty evenly matched, which makes it that much more interesting. I loved this exchange:

“Why does the Keeper of the Jewels wear no jewels?”

She frowned, staring at him with those unusual, shimmering eyes, but then her narrow, tired face relaxed in an unexpected smile, and for a startling moment he saw a glimpse of beauty and liveliness behind the rigid mask.

“I am not a pirate’s bride, Master Baggins,” she said. “And the Royal Treasury is not a glittering cave with overflowing trunks, guarded by the skeletons of dead brigands. I fear you would find my business rather disappointing if you knew more about it.”


The more I read about Artanis, the more I like her!


Author Reply: Thank you so much again! Yes, I love Artanis, too - her "broken" character is a great challenge, but under all that fear and tension there is indeed beauty, a healthy wit and a good dose of humor, even though you barely see it. And when I wrote that paragraph about the glittering caves and "skeletons of dead brigands", I had just watched Pirates of the Carribean II - surprise, surprise! *grins*

Cúthalion

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 7 on 9/22/2006
Finally am caught up. And it does sound as if her father has indeed lost it. What foulness greed and envy and desire for vengeance tend to create!

I would suggest only you substitute timid or fearful for chickenhearted--the latter sounds out of place in such a context.

Author Reply: And it does sound as if her father has indeed lost it. What foulness greed and envy and desire for vengeance tend to create!

Oh yes. In a way Ardhenon is the stereotype for blind, hateful fanatism... following your ideas and beliefs without looking left or right, trampling down those who stand in your way and destroying everything to reach your goal.

Oh... and I used "chickenhearted" as the equivalent of our german word hasenherzig (which you could translate "bunny-hearted"), a slightly humorous expression with no intention to accuse someone of cowardry. At this stage of the conversation Frodo is still trying to keep a "light" tone, even if he is rapidly reaching the point where things get very serious.

And something else: When I opened my email-account this morning, I found the long row of your reviews, and this really made my day. There is barely anything that could be more flattering for any author. Thank you so much!

Cúthalion

PeriantariReviewed Chapter: 7 on 9/20/2006
All right i'm back.
REreading my former review--i just had to giggle because i usually don't write like that...:) "properly reread or read properly" lol
I love this chapter for the significance of it being one that is a real turning point to the story.
THe significance of the jewels is an interesting thing too and i really enjoy the fact also that Merry and Pippin are involved in this as well. I hope this company will follow Aragorn soon in pursuit of Sam and seeing that Aragorn be safe.
As i have said before, I knew it was a matter of time before Artanis will break and reveal what she knows. It'll be interesting on how she will be dealt with after all is done.
And i can't wait for more Sam in the next chapter! And rescue too! And i hope ARagorn will be all right... surely he didn't go alone did he? ::frets::

Author Reply: Oh, he did go alone; he was afraid that showing any sign of company might get Sam in danger. But as I said - he still has a special ace in his sleeve.

And thank you for reviewing twice - I feel very flattered! *smiles*

Cúthalion

Author Reply: Ooops! *blushes* The thing I said before was said to Andrea, not to you...

cookiefleckReviewed Chapter: 7 on 9/17/2006
Ack, I continue to worry about Sam... how is he doing... what terrible danger awaits him... (*Feeds h/c junkie needs with wild imaginings...*)

Author Reply: Oh, there will hopefully be enough h/c in the next chapter to fulfill your needs - and thank you very much!

Cúthalion

AndreaReviewed Chapter: 7 on 9/16/2006
How very clever of Frodo! But it was not only his cleverness, it was also his compassion that made it possible for Artanis to reveal her father's plans.

So, Lord Ardhenon did really try to make Faramir change sides? He *is* mad! Didn't he see that Faramir is devoted to his King and regards him as a dear friend? That man is a hopeless case!

Now, they really should make haste to come to Aragorn's aid! And if those men are trying to murder Aragorn, what will they do to Sam???

I can imagine Frodo's reaction to Artanis' last words! Please update soon! Perhaps you could dictate it to your husband? He wouldn't mind, would he? ;-)

Author Reply: Don't worry, I'm actually able to write, only much more slowly as usual. And yes, they should indeed make haste, but perhaps this little hint might help: Ardhenon may be clever despite his madness, but he has definetely no idea that Aragorn "from thr North" already spent some time in Gondor, many years ago (although not as "Aragorn"...)

Cúthalion

Ainu LaireReviewed Chapter: 7 on 9/16/2006
This story is really, really awesome! I love stories focusing on Aragorn and the hobbits, and this whole story is creative and with brilliant OCs and characterizations. I really like your Sam, Frodo, and Aragorn; all great characterization. And your OC Artanis is definitely very interesting; I hope that she can be spared from too bad a fate, seeing as she is helping them now.

I wonder if they shall try and murder Aragorn on the spot, or if this Prince of Lebennin will make it slow? Well, he needs to make it slow enough so that Faramir and everyone else can get to Osgiliath in time!

Update soon!

Author Reply: I wonder if they shall try and murder Aragorn on the spot, or if this Prince of Lebennin will make it slow? Well, he needs to make it slow enough so that Faramir and everyone else can get to Osgiliath in time.

Well. the usual villian enetertains his victims-to-be with an epic speech about his plans, the duration of his hate and the exact way how he will kill them. *grins* Ardhenon won't waste much time with such a silly behavior, so they should better hurry. Thank you very much!

Cúthalion

PeriantariReviewed Chapter: 7 on 9/15/2006
omg such a powerful chapter...i have so many things i want to say about it but only this quote stands in my mind a the moment:

“Which he obviously did,” Faramir said. “He showed them to me before he left. They were truly remarkable… though by no means equivalent to the life of a faithful, amazing creature like Samwise Gamgee

The next chapter must be just as exciting as well!!!!

and i *kmnew* Artanis will tell about his father's consipiracy!!!!!!

if i have any typos that means ihad a bit too much tonight ;) ;) ;)

So glad to see you update! and more later when i've reread proper and read properly.... ;)

THANK YOU FOR UPDATEING! SO EXCITING!!!!

Author Reply: And thank you, Peri, for your ongoing enthusiasm! The next chapter will contain the showdown everyone is waiting for. And yes - it will be exciting. :-)

Cúthalion

Grey WondererReviewed Chapter: 7 on 9/15/2006
I am so glad that Artanis decided to confess and to help with Sam's rescue. I do believe that she could see the goodness in Frodo and that helped her to make her decision. He seemed to know exactly what to say and exactly what she needed to hear. I do love this story for some many reasons and one of the biggest ones is the way you write Frodo. He is so strong in this story and so much a part of the efforts to rescue Sam. Hope your elbow is better soon and whenever you feel up to posting more of this I plan to be here!

Author Reply: It is funny that this was mainly meant to be a story about Sam, and that it should be his turn to get in danger and to be rescued. And now I find myself giving Frodo the chance finally not to be at the receiving end of help and care as usual. He may not be the one to wield a sword at the end, but it gives me enormous joy to show all his other heroic qualities. :-)

Thank you - I'll continue this as fast as I can.

Cúthalion

Linda HoylandReviewed Chapter: 7 on 9/15/2006
I'm so glad that Artanis has decided to do the right thing and hope they are in time. This is a truly gripping and very enjoyable story. I hope your elbow is soon better.

Author Reply: Oh, I hope so, too! But the painkillers work very well, and right now I'm slowly making my way through the first half of the next chapter. I'm very glad that you enjoy this so much!

Cúthalion

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 7 on 9/15/2006
I just love the title of this chapter, and its whole premise. That Frodo should be so intuitive feels so "right", and he perfectly built a bridge of understanding and trust between himself and Artanis. This just continues to be a nail-biter, and I can't wait for more!

Author Reply: Thank you so much, Janet! I had the distinct feeling that Frodo's insight has grown to an extend that makes him "feel" the undercurrent of Artanis' pain and makes him able to change her mind by sheer patience and a wisdom as sharp as a knife. I'm very glad that this works for you! *hugs*

Cúthalion

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