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Forging for Protection and Defense  by Larner 2 Review(s)
Agape4GondorReviewed Chapter: 6 on 6/10/2012
At last we will see the Smith's craftsmanship. I love what he did with the various hairs, weavimg them into the chain. A brilliant piece of work.

It's funny how sometimes one word or phrase can turn a heart. For me in this chapter, it was the look of Aragorn and especially the 'grimed' hand.

As often as I have read LotR, I did not see that it was the Valar who put the need to come to Rivendell in the hearts of so many. *whispers, manipulatve little twits*

But this truly makes me wonder just WHO from Gondor they expected to heed their call. Perhaps they only cared that *someone* from Gondor come. Not so much who. I'm not going to be able to sleep tonight thinking about this little quandry!

Great chapter.


Author Reply: Just how one would seek to dampen the effects of such a thing as the Ring is one question they must have asked, I'd think, particularly if poor Frodo were going to be stuck wearing it for any length of time. Certainly blood, hair, and even nail parings have always been thought to have the capability to somehow allow access to the individuals involved or their greatest capabilities. Arwen's hair would be likely to be seen as warding the wearer of the chain with her purity, while Glorfindel's skills as guardian and warrior would be invoked by his hair, while Aragorn's could well also add to the idea of guardianship as well as conferring one of his most important attributes--hope.

In the Council of Elrond chapter, Elrond indicates that it's obvious all these people from distant lands were drawn there, although not by him. Yes, it appears that the Powers are working to bring all together who are needed to see the quest accomplished.

As for whether Boromir was the "right" one to come from Gondor--would Frodo have finally gotten underway if he'd not had the assault by Boromir to confirm in his mind the danger of continuing on in the company of the rest? Although had Faramir come in his stead--or even Hurin--I'm certain that something still would have been found to use as the catalyst to get Frodo finally separated from the main party and on his way at last.

And I'm certain that at that point just after the arrival in Imladris Aragorn was really needing rest and a good soak. Those last two weeks must have been grueling for all of them, and particularly for him. I doubt he had more than snatches of sleep at a time during most of the time past Weathertop.

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 6 on 6/9/2012
What an inspiring story. This fits so neatly into the Professor's Tale it could very well have come from there.

Author Reply: And that has to be one of the greatest compliments that could be given one of us! Thank you so, Shirebound!

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