Stories of Arda Home Page
About Us News Resources Login Become a member Help Search

The Measure Of A Man  by Virtuella 7 Review(s)
Agape4GondorReviewed Chapter: 2 on 12/5/2008
Will we have blind carpenters and one-armed builders?” said Éomer, but when Léofred was about to reply, he continued quickly: “Very well, very well. You are right; we have a debt to them. I shuddered at this - it seems so very cold for Eomer....

My heart breaks for this lad .... seemingly innocuous talk of shoes just cuts too deep..

I don't know whether to be happy or sad over the cattle-call. Granted, these men desperately need work... but it seemed so humiliating... at least to me.

Good chapter as I sit back - close to tears at the sacrifice of these wounded...

Author Reply: I had some doubts about Eomer's comment myself. What I wanted to show is that he can be a bit rash at times, but without any ill intention. I think most the crippled man would prefer to be assigned a new job rather than just given a handout.

Linda HoylandReviewed Chapter: 2 on 11/12/2008
You convey the bitterness and long term mental effects of battle and serious injury brilliantly here.

SilkleafReviewed Chapter: 2 on 11/8/2008
Glad to see that Deoric has some hope for a future here, as he has lost so much. His mother has also found someone who can use the shoes, that should bring her some peace. Your use of the imagery of birds through this story is very interesting; sort of contrasting all our wounded friends with the birds' freedom, both freedom of flight and freedom of simple lives. I mean to say no one in the story is the same as they were, or untouched by Sauron at any point, and all are struggling to find themselves. Eomer is well characterized, trying to find his way with having the kingship plopped into his lap unexpectedly. Very good story so far!

Author Reply: Oh, I'm pleased you've noticed the birds. Yes, that's exactly what they're there for. (Well, I also have this little idea of trying to accurately describe bird's flight patterns, but that's just a whim.) Indeed, I mean to show that Deoric isn't the only one who has to adjust and change, though it'll take him a while to work that out. ;-) I'm glad you approve of my characterization of Eomer - I was worried I would get him wrong and then people would be miffed!

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 2 on 11/8/2008
Ah--Leofred is indeed a wise counselor, and has done his best to see to it that all manage to both assist in the recovery of the country and to learn each has necessary skills.

Author Reply: Well, a fatherless lad needs some kind of fatherly figure to give him a hand up, I thought. Thanks for your comments.

SoledadReviewed Chapter: 2 on 11/8/2008
Somehow I missed Chapter 2, and I'm sorry for that. This story keeps getting better and better with each new chapter. I love the details you add to their daily lives, and the characterization of Éomer is wonderful.

Would you mind if I linked the story to my recommendation page?

Author Reply: Recommend my story? How dare you! ;-) Just kidding. That would be very kind of you. Thanks for your review, I'm glad you think I got Éomer right, since that was a matter of some doubt with me.

CeleritasReviewed Chapter: 2 on 11/7/2008
Another lovely chapter.

Deoric's dream was chilling, and it was good to see Leofred and the King making provision for those who had been injured in battle. I fear that Deoric's crippledness is the least of his wounds, but at least the hope of being made useful will help.

Author Reply: Indeed, much of the problem is in his head. Thanks for your review.

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 2 on 11/7/2008
Oh, goody! Goody, goody, goody! *grins widely* I won't say more here--I don't want to make spoilers for others who might read this, but I'm so glad to see this part!

Author Reply: Well, yes. I don't think would have liked to keep him miserable much longer without a glimmer of hope! Thanks for your review.

Return to Chapter List