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The Acceptable Sacrifice by Larner	19 Review(s)
Tigger	Reviewed Chapter: 35 on 11/23/2005
That they did. Aragorn was also far more merciful of Angrapain that I would have been. If that had been me, he would have become intimately knowledgable of the blade of Anduril, but I guess that's what makes Aragorn the merciful King he is. Interesting sentence for Angrapain though. He's not going to like that at all and I'm sure he will also be closely watched by the Rangers of Arnor. Okay...Now that we've got all of this nasty Umbarian business taken care of, could we pretty please be guests at a Royal Wedding Larner m'dear? Hmmm? Pretty, pretty please!?! :oD Looking forward to the next chapter as always. :o) Author Reply: It appears those who wish to see Angrapain on the business end of knife, sword, or axe is pretty great. Sorry--almost--I didn't indulge you. As for the Royal Wedding--it is coming, but is still a bit in the future.

Lotrgirl1415	Reviewed Chapter: 35 on 11/23/2005
Yay! I caught up... Love the story soooo much! Drool faint is magically revived Oh btw... I'm a Thespian. So my competition is my one-act play competition (I’m one of the lead characters) which takes place December 2-3rd. Then in January I have Individual Events competition... where I shall be performing two contrasting monologues. If I get superior at either event I shall go on to state competition! hopesandprays Well love ya lots and keep up the great work! --Katie Author Reply: I did a monologue from Saint Joan and then one from Richard the Third, both of which I did well in back when I was in high school. Good luck. Never got into a drama competition. Glad you are all caught up once again, and that you are enjoying what you are reading. Thanks for letting me know you're there.

Antane	Reviewed Chapter: 35 on 11/23/2005
I was looking forward to the trial, but think Angrypain got off way too easy! I agree with Kitty (I think it was her) that this guy stirs the basest instincts. I got excited when beheading was mentioned then just to follow a midwife around - more of a punishment for her than him I would think, but I understand why you are doing it. And of course I love that he's getting branded. I applaud you for the courage to call homosexuality was it is and those that practice it what they are. More power to you on that! Author Reply: Actually, Antane, it's not homosexuality that bothers me so much as the assumption that because people are emotionally close they must have a sexual relationship on top of it, particularly here in Tolkien's world. To be honest, I have no problems with others who have loving relationships where they are deeply committed to one another, whether they are homosexual or heterosexual in the real world--although personally I would not have a same-sex relationship of that kind. But Tolkien didn't write Middle Earth that way--his characters are, for the most part, too idealized to indulge in homosexuality; and I cannot see either Sam or Aragorn go from a slash relationship with Frodo or Legolas or whoever to a loving marriage to the women they've obviously loved and committed themselves to emotionally since long before the quest. It's why I write Frodo being troubled by the way the Ring wants him to express sexuality--as a predator or as a dominating b******. He doesn't have that personality, and thus refuses to play the game the Ring would set for him--and so in revenge the Ring does its best to shut down Frodo's sexual awareness except for those times he might be vulnerable to twisting the sexual urge, at which time HE shuts it down himself, probably subconsciously. He has high standards for himself and will not compromise them. But what Angrapain indulges in isn't a loving relationship--it is predatory in nature and is probably more closely akin to pedophilia than homosexuality; and it is an attraction not so much to the particular person as to the perceived power the person is believed to be able to wield. If he saw Aragorn as likely to respond to his advances he'd probably being going after him; but Aragorn is too obviously capable. So, he goes after the ones he sees as vulnerable.... The branding is to indicate he is a sexual predator and to let those who may find him wandering around unsupervised know this guy has a potential death sentence hanging over his head if he puts a toe out of line.

harrowcat	Reviewed Chapter: 35 on 11/23/2005
I think this chapter deserves a 'wow' and Dorath neatly sums it up in that last sentence. My heart bleeds for Frodo. Facing your attacker can be theraputic but the attitude and blindness of Angrapain to his effect on others is the reason why the police find it difficult to bring prosocutions for indecent assult and rape. Facing your attacker and reliving the whole event might be more hurtful than healing. Author Reply: You have nailed it properly, Harrowcat. Plus Frodo has the humiliation of letting people know what kind of sexual fantasies the Ring has fed to him for years and is reliving the realization why he hasn't been able to marry and settle down as he'd always hoped. He's consciously facing how the Ring has scoured away part of his chance to fulfill a normal family life for himself. For most of those I've dealt with who lost their families at such a young age, the desire to build a happy family for themselves is often extraordinarily strong.

Andrea	Reviewed Chapter: 35 on 11/23/2005
I think it cost Frodo the last of his strenght to speak to Angrapain about the Ring! Pippin's remark to Aragorn is very fitting: "You cannot begin to understand what it cost him to say what he just did." The King's judgement is wise. Angrapain helping the midwife and Belladon working in the quarries will hopefully make them see things from a different perspective. But the worst part of the punishment is the branding. Their brands will remain forever, regardless of the fact that people may change. I don't know if these two really can change, but the possibility remains. No one knows this better than Frodo. His final pity towards Gollum saved his life - and Middle Earth! I would really like to see Frodo's reaction on this judgement. Author Reply: You will see Frodo's reaction to the judgments, once he knows of them. But they are indeed intended to force the two malefactors to see the world from a different perspective. The brands will indeed last their lifetimes, but serve to mark them as ones to be avoided by normal folk and to be taken as quickly as possible by any Rangers or Guardsmen or men at arms throughout the realm if they are seen anywhere save where they belong so that they can be held while questions are sent as to what is to be done with them. Very harsh, but slightly more than just an object lesson.

Baggins Babe	Reviewed Chapter: 35 on 11/23/2005
I've been so busy this week I've been diving in and out, reading and rushing off, but now I can review. The last three chapters have been so detailed and fascinating to read, but I feel so sorry for poor Frodo, trying to hide his symptoms and resenting his own weakness. I love all the detail when Aragorn hears these cases, and how he always manages to divine the truth and force the prisoners to condemn themselves. His judgements are so apt too - and I was tickled by the threat to ask Frodo to behead Angrapain! I reckon Sam might be willing to oblige on Frodo's behalf - and Gimli would be delighted! Author Reply: Oh, I think Gimli would have no problem at all in beheading Angrapain--he might even pay for the privilege! So glad you appreciate how Aragorn gets these folk to display exactly how self-centered they are. That is the true mark of the criminal mind, that they are usually totally self-obsessed. And thanks for the three-in-one review!

Kitty	Reviewed Chapter: 35 on 11/23/2005
Well, Angrapain certainly made the right impression! First he’s not willing to tidy himself and then he complains because he wasn’t allowed to let the King wait because he wasn’t washed and combed! shakes head Poor Frodo! No wonder he had to leave after hearing what Angrapain said and how he tried to twist his own deeds! It must have been very painful for Frodo to repeat and hear all this. Oh, and it was so thoughtful of Éomer and Aragorn to give Merry and Pippin leave at once, even if they did not go. Uh ... before Angrapain is send to Arnor, maybe you could lend him to your readers for some time? I’d love to give him a sound thrashing for being so rude to Frodo, and doubt I am the only one! I am sure when we are finished with him he will be very sorry to ever have laid eyes on Frodo! Honestly, this man stirs my basest instincts! Well, I suppose the Umbarians have learned it will not do their own land any good to challenge King Aragorn Elessar Telcontar! I’d like to watch Wasnior and the remaining Lords of Umbar to give the treaty to Lord Marcipor eg And Dorath was right in the end – they were lucky to get away after all. After reading this, I’m quite amazed Wasnior acted as ambassador in „Lesser ring“! I doubt I would’ve had been brave enough to return to Gondor after that! Author Reply: Oh, Wasnior came the second time with the embassy from Umbar in "The King's Commission" as well, so he's not exactly an unknown. Thought I'd give him his introduction to the new regime here, though. You can do what you please with Angrapain--I doubt the midwife will complain, after all. And facing Angrapain here and seeing him fully revealed as the degenerate he is, and admitting how the Ring sought to make him much the same must have been a terrible admission for Frodo to make. I, too, am proud of the two Kings, and also of Merry and Pippin for recognizing Frodo would not wish them by him right then. Some things you don't want your younger cousins by you when dealing with the mixed emotions tied to them, I think. Thanks so much for the comments.

French Pony	Reviewed Chapter: 35 on 11/23/2005
Wow. Aragorn basically made Angrapain put himself on trial. Clever, clever. Tried and convicted, and pretty much by his own hand. That's just diabolical. The branding must be something left over from Gondor's justice system under the Stewards, I guess. But the thing with assisting the midwife is intriguing. I can't imagine that the midwife will be massively thrilled to have old Angrapain traipsing along after her, unskilled and male as he is. But it will be equally unpleasant for Angrapain. Author Reply: Yes, when possible Aragorn likes to have those who come before them pronounce their own dooms. But then he's lived among Elves and has learned deviousness and to convince folk to reveal their deepest selves from his mentors. Glad you approve. Am not certain how much branding would be only a holdover from the Stewards. I have visited Lancaster Castle and the prison and courtroom there, one which has been used for hundreds of years. In the dock on one side is a staple on the back wall of the open box that forms it. The hand of one convicted of theft was place through that staple, and he was then branded on it or the forearm to display ever after that he'd been convicted of theft; and there were specific brands for other crimes as well. It was why in England one hand was laid on the Bible and the other raised, to show this person had no criminal history to hide. It is possible such penalties would be common in Gondor as well; and the branding on the forehead would mark the one so branded easily as one whose life is forfeit if he leaves his assignment. And, no, a midwife wouldn't be particularly pleased to have such as Angrapain; but who better to show him the consequences of both licit and illicit sex?

Dreamflower	Reviewed Chapter: 35 on 11/23/2005
Five years assisting a midwife? If that doesn't open his eyes, there is nothing else in the world that will. And a slaver to spend five years in hard labor? Also very fitting. I applaud you and your Aragorn, for wise justice handed down promptly and perfectly. Poor Frodo. sigh Author Reply: So glad you approve. I do think Aragorn would be the first to wish for the punishment to fit the crime. Now Angrapain will see births, the effects of rapes and botched abortions, joy and delight as a result of proper sexual unions, grief and pain when the child is lost, the ambivilance that accompanies the unwanted child, and probably the effects of sexually transmitted diseases as well. It will be enlightening to one who has always loved or forced and then forgotten. And for the slaver to work much as a slave would be most fitting and enlightening as well. Again, am pleased you approve of the King's justice. And for Frodo to admit what he has in a public forum such as this must be highly embarrassing.

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