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The Hands of the King  by Larner 9 Review(s)
aiwendilReviewed Chapter: 1 on 12/6/2022
A charming Fourth Age tale! I enjoyed the snippets of worldbuilding around Umbar and Khand. I particularly liked how you portrayed the uneasy relationship between Inziladûn and the rest of the delegation and Hegaziah's subordinate position, but clear intelligence. The ending, after all of Aragorn's talk about the limitations of his healing, was unexpected but lovely!

KittyReviewed Chapter: 1 on 8/5/2022
Ah yes, I remember Wasnior ... still, Armanthol was the only Umbarian I really liked.

Hegaziah is pretty insistent about this healing thing, isn't he? Well, he got to see what he was so curious about. Poor little kid - a former colleague is allergic to wasps, too, and when she was stung some years ago ended up in the hospital, so bad was it. For such a small child, it has to be worse.

Hm - sounds like Hegaziah has experienced a bit of the kingly healing as well.

harrowcatReviewed Chapter: 1 on 5/1/2022
I enjoyed this very much Larner, especially the healing hands healing a hand. Sorry I've been a less than faithful reviewer. Life has been tough lately but I am still reading. I truly miss the flood tide of stories from so many wonderful authors on this site. However, it does make me appreciate all the more those who still publish here. Rereading has been a lifeline through Covid etc. So, Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

MirkwoodmaidenReviewed Chapter: 1 on 4/29/2022
Larner!

I loved this. I love the interaction between Aragorn and those from the Umbar and further east. You write it so well. I was fascinated. The discussion about Aragorn and his healing ability was so well handled. I really enjoyed this!

Be well!

MM

UTfrogReviewed Chapter: 1 on 4/27/2022
Always a pleasure to read a new story. Thank you.

EllynnReviewed Chapter: 1 on 4/21/2022
Oh, such a wonderful story!

LindeleaReviewed Chapter: 1 on 4/16/2022
Many birthday blessings to you. Oh, such a lovely mathom! So many elements, skillfully woven together.

I love the depth of details and the thought you have given to nations and social customs.
Recounting the various histories was deftly done.
A glimpse of Strider! (they had to run to keep up with his long legs...)
The healing hands of the King... and the ending is perfect.

I'm so glad you finished this one.

Say a prayer for us? The Old Guy was fine yesterday, purred me to sleep as usual last night, snuggled me this morning, but then he began vomiting and can't seem to keep anything down. It continued on and off for the rest of the day. I called his girl home to come and snuggle him, and luckily she was free to come and be with him for a time. He has now sought out a hiding place, tucked away from people and a certain oversized dog, and doesn't want to be bothered. Tomorrow, if he is still with us, we will take him to the vet to see if there's anything to be done. I am stunned and teary-eyed.

Author Reply: I find I do a good deal of exposition at times, and trying not to get into too much detail can be a problem. Am so glad you enjoyed it. Am so glad you like the ending--it added itself, I found.

Well, these visitors needed to understand the surname Aragorn took for himself, or so I thought! Heh! And I have always seen Aragorn as one who would respect the customs of those he had to deal with.

So very sorry to hear of the cat's condition. Having lost two cats last year, I understand the grief. Of course, Lydia was twenty-one, and Simon was fifteen--neither a particularly young kitty. I hope to see him Monday. God bless him and the family. See you then.

SoledadReviewed Chapter: 1 on 4/15/2022
Wonderful story as always! What I like in your stuff very much is the fact that they are all interconnected via your excellent original characters - one enters familiar surroundings, even if reading a particular story for the first time.:)

Author Reply: Oh, thank you so, Soledad! I like to keep my-verse fairly consistent, after all. And I like to think that Aragorn's gift of healing could at times be almost random, while at other times it would be definitely intended and precise.

Hope all is well with you.

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 1 on 4/15/2022
Oh my friend, what a marvelous story. I would say "One of your best!", but I've thought the same thing about so many of your tales. :)

I hope your birthday brought you as much peace and joy as your stories bring to me.

Author Reply: Right now things are a bit chaotic, which isn't precisely the way I'd like them to be. But that's life for everyone at one time or another.

Am so glad you liked this story. I love the thought that Aragorn had this gift.

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