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| Keeper of the Jewels by Cuthalion | 107 Review(s) |
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| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 999999 on 10/24/2006 |
| Good to see you writing again, my lady. It's been a time since I read a story by you, I think. But with Jodancingtree and Ariel on your team you have the most wonderful support you can have. Have enjoyed this thoroughly. Author Reply: But with Jodancingtree and Ariel on your team you have the most wonderful support you can have. So very true. They have taught me more about writing than every writing class could. And again - I'm very glad that you enjoyed this! Cúthalion | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue 2 on 10/24/2006 |
| I have Eldarion as the second child rather than the first, with his older sister giving over her claim gladly, that right having been granted to first daughters who may prefer to marry and bear children not destined to sit upon the throne themselves. He's still over ninety when he becomes King, but he married in his late fifties, early sixties in my version of things, sometime after Midsummer after Sam left Middle Earth to follow his Master to Tol Eressea. Yes, Frodo offered his own version of healing to so many before he left to seek his own; and I, too, have the kingdoms of Gondor and Arnor grieving for his leaving. The pearl as an intended gift to him is wonderful--very wonderful indeed. And that it would in the end come to Elanor would have pleased him greatly. The closest to a child of his own he could know.... Author Reply: You know, I simply love the fact that Tolkien leaves so much for us to imagine and to tell; your concept of Eldarion as a second child is original and believable, but I must confess that the movie scene with Arwen's vision came into my way. I saw the beautiful little boy they had casted to be Aragorn's son, and there he was. I'm very glad that you like this! Cúthalion | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 10/24/2006 |
| Yes, a wise counselor Aragorn has married, and an equally wise and compassionate one in Frodo son of Drogo. I see this is somewhat movie-verse in that you have Frodo in the Houses of Healing, a place he didn't reside within in book-verse; and as you have them leaving Gondor on Midsummers Day, the day on which Aragorn and Arwen were married book-verse. Book-verse, the Hobbits left in July. Yet you have him wearing the Evenstar gem. Interesting mixture here. The final response to Artanis's actions is proper, although I would have liked to see Aragorn himself give it to her, myself. And to know her heart's desire will be granted by the King when it was denied by her father is wonderful. And I do love Frodo as you depict him. Author Reply: Oooops - you are right, the "travel" date was a flaw (and I will change it at once). And I made Artanis and Aragorn meet later - as you have seen meanwhile. I'm very glad that you love my Frodo! *smiles* Cúthalion | |
| meckinock | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 10/22/2006 |
| This was an exciting and satisfying resolution. I loved the hobbits ganging up on Faramir. He obviously didn't yet realize what a formidable force he was trying to hold back. I felt terrible for Artanis, though - still torn between guilt over her actions and the horrific consequences that might still result, and a daughter's guilt over betraying her father. The trip to the far bank and the entry into the tunnels was nicely creepy. I was sad that in the end, Ardhenon was so enslaved by his hatred of Aragorn that it expanded to encompass even his daughter - she froze under the icy blast of his utter condemnation. What a chilling sentence. I was glad the hobbits redeemed themselves well in battle; but of course they are battle-hardened veterans now. I love your portrayal of Frodo as mature, calm, and capable. He was wonderful with Sam here. And it was great when Artanis tried to match each character to a gem. So in character for her, and so satisfying that she could see Frodo and Aragorn as they truly are. I hope that now she can find some peace. Author Reply: Thank you - and I thought it would be a nice idea to show especially Merry and Pippin as trained soldiers; Merry has fought on the Pelennor Fields, Pippin before the Black Gate. They simply must have enough experience to show their value in battle when it's needed. And there will be some more details about Artanis' healing in the last chapter and epilogue. Thank you very much! Cúthalion | |
| cookiefleck | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 10/21/2006 |
| A satisfying chapter and it's interesting how you wove the gem information into what otherwise was an action scene. Glad to see that dear Sam is now safely in the arms of his friends, and I hope to read more of his recovery. Author Reply: There's a little bit more to come (though I think that rest and a proper treatment of his wounded hand will do wonders to make him recover rather fast). The ones who are much more wounded are Aragorn and Artanis now; just wait and see. Thank you so much for your reviews! Cúthalion | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 10/20/2006 |
| I absolutely adore how Artanis sees each person's jewel-like light and essence. Especially... there was no gem she could use to describe Aragorn, son of Arathorn, Elessar, king of Gondor. In a sudden epiphany she understood that what she saw was the essence of the ancient kingdom, burning in his flesh with a fierce, golden flame. Oh my. That is just magnificent imagery. Author Reply: Thank you, Janet. That was one of the things that simply slip on your screen and make you wonder where they come from... and certainly one of my better ideas. *smug smile* Mona | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 10/20/2006 |
| I, too, see them surrounded by light and colors, although mine are a bit different. Lovely moment, her seeing their true natures that way. And I hope she is allowed survival. Author Reply: I would not let her die, after everything she has gone through - poor girl. And I'm very glad that you like this! Cúthalion | |
| Dreamflower | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 10/20/2006 |
| Oh, and I meant to mention: I think both JRRT *and* PJ were off in hinting that Pippin's indiscretion--whether stone *or* skeleton--was what woke the Balrog. After all--just imagine all the racket that was made when the Watcher destroyed the West Gate! Of course the orcs and the Balrog knew they were there all along! They had probably just been biding their time in getting the intruders deep into the mines first! Author Reply: True indeed. I agree with you that the evil forces in Moria most certainly knew that the fellowship was there. All I wanted to say was that the noisy clatter of a skull, a helmet and the rest of the rusty armor was much more "awakening" than a single stone... *grins* Cúthalion | |
| Dreamflower | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 10/20/2006 |
| Wow! An amazing and action-filled rescue scene!! There is so much to love about this--whoosh! The description of the determined rescuers, the nervous banter between the hobbits, Artanis' own struggle with her betrayal of her father! Poor dear, so hard for her to realize that *he* was the betrayer, and that he had betrayed *her* years ago by the way he treated her. I think I love you for making Pippin the one who finally brings down the true villian. Much better than if it had been Faramir or Aragorn to do so--and he's such a fierce little warrior! (And I loved his line about height in his earlier encounter.) Poor Artanis, though--I suppose we have to wait until the next chapter to see if she survives, but the healing hands of the King are right there, so it makes me somewhat hopeful... If she does survive, I hope she can talk with Faramir. He of all people would understand what it would mean to have a father go mad and try to kill one, and how it feels to endure years of disdain and emotional abuse. Author Reply: I think I love you for making Pippin the one who finally brings down the true villian. Much better than if it had been Faramir or Aragorn to do so--and he's such a fierce little warrior! (And I loved his line about height in his earlier encounter.) Thank you! I loved the line, too - I wrote it in Michigan, sitting in jodancingtree office while she did her job and I followed the inspiration to write that rescue scene beore much more else was written. And yes, I agree, it simply had to be Pippin... the clumsy little cousin, grown up to strength and courage, a fighter or what he thinks is right. I am so glad that you agree! And no, she won't talk with Faramir (though the idea definetely has its merits - perhaps there will be the time for a small one-shot later!). But she will find her way nonetheless. No, I won't kill her. Cúthalion | |
| Andrea | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 10/20/2006 |
| She realized that actually there was no gem she could use to describe Aragorn, son of Arathorn, Elessar, king of Gondor. In a sudden epiphany she understood that what she saw was the essence of the ancient kingdom, burning in his flesh with a fierce, golden flame. Wow! Beautifully written, Cuthalion! I'm really glad that Sam and Aragorn could be rescued. I had not the slightest doubt that any of the three hobbits would have agreed to remain on safer ground. Not them - and not after the quest! The Ringbearer narrowed his eyes, crossed his arms and gave him an icy glare of complete refusal. Ha! The Look! There it is again. While Merry and Pippin have to think up lots of arguments, Frodo only needs one look! Really impressive! Now, Artanis saved Aragorn's life - and was wounded by her own father. How severe that wound is, I cannot guess. But from the text I'd say she'll live. She never knew for sure later... So, let's hope there will be a "later" for Artanis. What she experienced and did is one of the most difficult situations for a daughter I can imagine! Author Reply: Severe enough, but even poisoned wounds are able to heal. Thank you so much for your lovely comment! Cúthalion | |