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The King's Commission  by Larner 429 Review(s)
BodkinReviewed Chapter: 3 on 12/7/2004
Ruvemir is remarkably talented. It's very interesting seeing this through his eyes - I wonder how long it will take him to cotton on to Strider's identity.

It must be such a relief to find himself in a room suited to someone his size, especially since he is in pain. Maybe Strider will be able to help him a bit - although there's probably not a lot he can do for hips. Still, there's always athelas!



Author Reply: For all his sensitivity, Ruvemir is in one was a bit slow on the uptake, isn't he? Aid will come, but not yet.

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 2 on 12/7/2004
I like this chapter from Ruvemir's POV. I like the way Aragorn is keeping his anonymity here, as well. This way, he knows the sculptor will either take the commission or not based on his own wishes, and not feel that he is being "ordered" by the King. It's also funny to anticipate his reaction when he gets to the White City, and finds out "Strider" is the King!

Author Reply: I, too, felt that he'd prefer the person taking this commission should be doing so from an interest in the subject rather than due to wanting to curry royal favor or make a name for himself. And to be forced to be the King 24/7 must get awfully tiresome at times.

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 1 on 12/7/2004
What an interesting premise! I love this idea.

I always get a kick out of stories where people find out Aragorn was Thorongil, for some reason it tickles me to imagine their reactions, and this one, where Imrahil suddenly realizes...it's hilarious.

And I love your depiction of Aragorn's grief at Frodo's departure. While for Frodo himself the exile was a way to hopefully find healing and peace, for those he left behind, he might as well have been dead--they are never going to see him again, and were left to grieve. I'm sure Aragorn's grief was sharpened by his feelings that he should have somehow been able to find healing for Frodo on this side of the Sea, as well as the burden of gratitude, knowing that he owed his bride and his crown to Frodo.

To memorialize his friend perhaps will help to assuage his grief.

Author Reply: I agree with you about Aragorn and his grief--the grief all must feel for Frodo's absence. Aragorn and Sam must have shared the deepest levels of grief, I've always thought.

As for Aragorn as Thorongil--I bet he got a lot of quiet enjoyment out of that situation over the years.

Thanks for the review.

grumpyReviewed Chapter: 2 on 12/7/2004
Wondrful, I love how you write. And how this chapter is written from Ruvemir's point of view. That Aragorn is wearing both the old and the new, he has his old quiver, but a new sheath for his sword. Ruvemir uses his eyes. Hope he takes up the offer.

Author Reply: The quiver, of course, is movie verse, although I agree with Viggo's reasoning that a Ranger working a lot on his own must have a distance as well as hand-to-hand weapon and be able to hunt; Aragorn would probably have had bow and quiver for many years. The sheath, however, was only little over five years in his possession, having been given to him by the Lady Galadriel, so it would have been still undoubtedly in good condition.

grumpyReviewed Chapter: 1 on 12/6/2004
great start to your story, very well written. Poor Imrahil, to be tricked by the king (or Thorongil). I liked what you said about Frodo bringing out the best in people, that because of him Aragorn put away he habit of disguising himself. looking forward to more

Author Reply: No, not tricked so much as teasingly reminded of what was put out of mind long ago. I'm wondering myself if Aragorn will go back to Casistir to meet with Endeth after all this time, myself.

songspinnerReviewed Chapter: 1 on 12/5/2004
What a sweet beginning! Such a sense of humor - I could just see the twinkle in Aragorn's eye as he completely confuses people...but at the same time, you showed how much he loved and admired Frodo.
And your idea of the sculptor's talent is an intriguing one. I can't wait to see how he gets the image for it completed.

Author Reply: Forensic artistry of the Fourth Age in Middle Earth--a fascinating idea, is it not? Thanks for the review.

annmarwalkReviewed Chapter: 1 on 12/5/2004
I'm awed, as always, by your originality, and incredible attention to detail. I'm so looking forward to reading this!

startlingly beautiful Pherian - Ah, so very true!

Ann

Author Reply: Yes, I agree. A hobbit who continues to look like a young man though he is of low middle age for his race. And I appreciate your response, as always, Ann.

NightskyReviewed Chapter: 1 on 12/5/2004
Fascinating story -- but then I like anything with Thorongil in it. Looking forward to the next chapters.

Author Reply: Glad to oblige.

FantasyFanReviewed Chapter: 1 on 12/5/2004
The premise of this story is intriguing, and the descriptions and dialog are wonderfully done. But the heart of this scene is Aragorn, his compassion and understanding, and his love for Frodo that shines out and really does paint a portrait of this most remarkable hobbit. I am really looking forward to the next chapter.

Author Reply: I have always loved Aragorn, and love to imagine him enjoying a bit of anonymity now and then to break from the tension of always being on display as the King. Glad you like this.

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