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| The Acceptable Sacrifice by Larner | 17 Review(s) |
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| Dreamflower | Reviewed Chapter: 31 on 11/19/2005 |
| I was gone most of the day yesterday, and it was quite late by the time I finally got to read this chapter. I just adore Aragorn's amazement over Frodo's blow. *chuckle* He's realized for a while that Merry, Pippin and even Sam can defend themselves and protect their loved ones, but the fact that Frodo has been the focus of everyone else's protection from the time he has known him, has rather lulled him into the mistake of thinking Frodo would always need to be protected. The corollary, of course, being that Frodo *couldn't* protect himself. Not, I think that he would have *consciously* thought this--he respects Frodo a good deal, and would not mean to be condescending. But he has only ever known him under a completely different set of circumstances, and never really met him as the hobbit who was the bane of bullies in the Shire. Merry and Pippin do remember. And though this would probably not abate their desire to part Angrapain's hair with their swords at the affront to their cousin, they are certainly not surprised. *Loved* Pippin's visceral reaction to the mushrooms. I also loved the way Pippin istantly became all Guardsman when Aragorn gave him an order, but that the instant he returned, he and Sam were at Frodo's side. Clearly, even though Frodo has just proven that he does not *need* to be the focus of everyone's protection any longer, none of them are willing to give over that role, probably ever again. Once Aragorn and his party were finally on their way up the ramp, the four Hobbits looked to one another, and three of them scrambled one more time over the wall to examine Frodo’s find and fetch the bowl, making certain it was full before they turned back to their house. Perfect. Just absolutely perfectly hobbity. A hobbit has to have his priorities straight, after all. Poor Umbarians. Of course they were going to regret have Angrapain in their midst sooner of later. And naturally they knew at once who'd given trouble and why. They may regret getting kicked out of Gondor so summarily, but I don't believe any of them will regret being relieved of that one's presence. He must have been really creepy and unpleasant as a traveling companion. Look forward to seeing his reaction when he wakes up in a cell, and no one to speak to (clever touch, making his guards Rohirrim. Aragorn doesn't miss a trick.) as he realizes exactly what happened to him. And I hope he has a few loose teeth and a major headache. And Aragorn shouldn't waste any healing efforts on him either. Author Reply: It's still a couple chapters away, but Angrapain gets his full desserts, and is grateful--until the first order is carried out, I think. He's NOT going to like that one...HEH! Frodo does surprise folk as now that he is in a situation closer to the life he's known he finds himself using his own skills and all realize he's not totally vulnerable. Being basically a pacifist doesn't mean letting others walk all over you. (There's the story of the Quaker farmer who carries his shotgun down the stairs to confront the burglar ransacking the silver chest. As he points the shotgun he warns, "Thee knows, friend, I would not hurt thee for the world, but thee stands where I intend to shoot....") All still will wish to protect Frodo, although they will immediately follow the King's command and wait till he's out of sight to actually go after those mushrooms. Hobbits are still Hobbits, after all.... Thanks so much for such a detailed review. | |
| Andrea | Reviewed Chapter: 31 on 11/19/2005 |
| Oh Frodo, there's nothing to feel embarrassed about or sorry for, really! I think he made yet another big impression on Aragorn and Co. that day. I'm curious to find out what Aragorn's punishment will be like. Apparently Agrapain is not considered a member of the Umbarians group any longer. And I have to agree with French Pony: Agrapain should not only fear the reaction of Aragorn, but also that of Wasnior. Author Reply: I doubt Aragorn is going to allow Wasnior to demonstrate his own displeasure for some time. The other four from Umbar still have some hidden deeds that are to be revealed. But Frodo is Frodo, and is still rather fragile right now. He still has a good deal of recovery to experience. But you are right, there is even more respect felt for Frodo than previously, I think. | |
| harrowcat | Reviewed Chapter: 31 on 11/19/2005 |
| It sounds like they might need that mead! I'd wondered why we got two punches and also how Frodo had got tall enough to hit his chin. Glad they got the mushrooms. Clever of Aragorn to leave them some space together - for a number of reasons. But I was proud of Pippin when he managed duty first and food second without a murmer. He has grown indeed! The forward is a good idea too. It is funny you decided to post this yesterday as I was only reflecting recently that I have learned so much elvish through reading on this site. I wish that I could have learn French in such an enjoyable way! Author Reply: The first punch to the midriff was to get the man to bend over enough Frodo could administer the one to the chin. That was why he needed two. So glad you, too, are proud of Pippin for putting duty before mushrooms, although the temptation must have been awful. I'd been getting so MANY requests to translate the Sindarin I decided the foreward needed to be offered, so I did. I, too, am learning a good deal of both Sindarin and even a smattering of Quenya through Fan Fiction. Never studied French, but have read LOTR in Spanish--LOTR, HP, and the Bible as well as Jonathin Livingston Seagull. | |
| Queen Galadriel | Reviewed Chapter: 31 on 11/19/2005 |
| Ha! A satisfying chapter! Thank you very much! I do think one night in prison is too good for this fellow, but I'll let it pass. He's lucky *I'm* not Aragorn, or he would have known a far greater punishment, and there would have been no chance of repentance. But at least no great harm was done...I hope...and maybe, maybe there is hope for this one. Namarie, and God bless, Galadriel Author Reply: Oh, the actual trial is still to come--Angrapain is getting MORE than just a night in prison. I think he'll wonder at times if it might have been better if Gimli had parted his hair with his axe! Aragorn has an idea of what needs to be done to such as this to keep them from easily reoffending. | |
| TithenFeredir | Reviewed Chapter: 31 on 11/18/2005 |
| Well good, that sleazeball is out of commissin and his buddies will be sent packing soon. I thought it was neat that none of the hobbits were at all surprised about Frodo's little victory, and Frodo is embarassed by his action. They may be unassuning, but they get the job done when the need arises. ~TF Author Reply: Yes, Hobbits have a number of surprises up their sleeves for the world of Men; and they've been taking care of their own needs within their land for quite some time. About time Aragorn realizes Gandalf's comments of "There's more to this Hobbit than meets the eye" remains and will remain true. But Angrapain isn't going to get off easily--oh, NO! Wait and see. | |
| French Pony | Reviewed Chapter: 31 on 11/18/2005 |
| Ooooooo, Angrapain's in trouble! Ooooooooo! It's hard to tell whether he's in more trouble with Aragorn or with Wasnior. I suspect that much of their audience will be spent shooting for who gets first crack at him. I especially like Aragorn's little detail of surrounding Angrapain with guards who no speaka da language. Frodo did excellently. I think even Merimac would agree. And I'm glad that Gimli and Legolas get to see some family members. That must make both of them so happy, to get all the news from home. Author Reply: Glad you like the first part of the King's Justice. Aragorn will make certain that Angrapain is out of the way long enough to sober up, and on his morrow there will be both an audience and a trial. Don't think Angrapain will like what's coming, and those who go home to Umbar will feel as if they're just escaping horrible things themselves. In the appendices Tolkien wrote that representatives from Erebor and Dale were sent to the coronation, but as they weren't mentioned as attending I decided to have them arrive just a few days late so as to not interrupt the company we are already aware of so far, and had a few from the Elves accompany them. Another day of worries for poor Galador. Heh! And I agree--Mac would be deeply proud of his pupil! | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 31 on 11/18/2005 |
| What an absorbing story, Larner! And even in the midst of dire circumstance, hobbits will be hobbits... Pippin suddenly stopping as he realized why Frodo had entered the yard and looking sideways at Aragorn. Aragorn pretended he didn’t notice that sideways glance. It was always this way when they’d found mushrooms along the way, after all, and old Bilbo had been much the same in Rivendell. Author Reply: Yes, indeed, Hobbits are indeed Hobbits and will respond in decidedly Hobbity ways to mushrooms! Heh! Glad you appreciated this! | |