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| Truce by meckinock | 20 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 11/18/2007 | |
| I love seeing the inner workings of Denethor's mind, I really enjoy this story! Author Reply: Thanks. I'm having a great time exploring his mind. It's full of twists and turns. | |
| Grumpy | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 11/17/2007 |
| Well darn it all, you would think I could spell four, why do I never see these things till I post. Author Reply: why do I never see these things till I post. I ask myself the same thing every time I post a chapter :-) | |
| grumpy | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 11/17/2007 |
| No, no, no, oh no, Denethor is putting two and two together, he must be stopped before he comes up with for. Aragorn needs a mind zapping thingy, or a wizard. Not only cann't he ride out of Dodge (Minus Tirith), but he needs to get his ring back. problems problems! Author Reply: Grumpy, it's so great to hear from you. I'm glad you didn't give up on the story. | |
| Redheredh | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 11/17/2007 |
| You've continued! *happy! happy!* Doggone, the tense beginning was both entertaining and disappointing. I guess I was hoping for Denethor to have to do a little fighting. But honestly, I shared his relief at not having to face that too. The guy continues to be such a puzzle himself. And that is such a wonderful thing! You show how and why he gets respect, if not exactly love. Now, whose to say that would not be so if there was no Thorongil to be stood up next to in comparison? Then again perhaps, a good illustration as to why no king has been - or shall be - forthcoming from the line of Hurin. The stewards that would have been good kings were too loyal accept a crown. Those that would be king lacked ability in making their people love them enough to accept them with a crown. That kind of lord would be too daunting of a ruler without the opiate of affection, just as Denethor diagnoses. Plus nowadays, they look for a miracle and are subconsciously cognizant that it does not reside in the stewards they have long known. They have to hope for someone else to come. Even he feels it, but Denethor's well-honed cynicism prevents hope. A fatal flaw later... Personally, I liked his shrewd thoughts on the poppy dose and his brother-in-law. Also, his nobility and condescendance towards those around him. He is indeed like a dose of needed medicine, having the potential for good or bad depending on the application. One has to be objective in dealing with him. It really works to have Turgon standing on the other side of the Captain-General, presenting an even greater contrast to his personality than Thorongil. We now know for sure that Turgon will do whatall Denethor says with little question. His morals appear very self-serving, not just familial. That ring, oh that ring! ;) A sharp, jewelled thorn in this lion's paw. You know, it would be real awkward for him to have to ask his dad or a certain wizard to help him figure out how to extract it. Naw, a librarian would be safer if not as quickly enlightening. But, if his suspicions are eventually confirmed that the foreign captain is indeed a distant descendant of the northern royalty, who can garner enough support, rouse enough fervor, to become king... Well, he just may have to remedy the situation himself... Sorry, just ratcheting up the intrigue a bit for my own fun. :) Great story - and so glad you posted! Author Reply: Hi, Redheredh, Sorry about no sword-swinging. I don't know what got into me - it would have been nice to see Denethor show off his swordsmanship, wouldn't it? :-) Plus nowadays, they look for a miracle and are subconsciously cognizant that it does not reside in the stewards they have long known. They have to hope for someone else to come. Even he feels it, but Denethor's well-honed cynicism prevents hope. A fatal flaw later... Wow, you really hit the nail on the head. They're looking for a miracle and he doesn't believe in them. I'm glad you liked the contrast between Denethor and Turgon, too. For some reason I found the irony of Denethor being so much more like Thorongil, yet finding himself aligned with someone like Turgon irresistable. A sharp, jewelled thorn in this lion's paw. Oh, there's another delicious image! Thank you so much for the insightful review. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. | |
| Ainu Laire | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 11/17/2007 |
| About time! You are just as bad as I am (well, no, I'm actually worse) with delays ;P Well, what to say, what to say! I cannot stand Turgon, but he is a very well-written character, and I can see his point of view, even if I do not agree with him whatsoever. I cannot stand his type of mindset- elitist theories has never settled well with me. Definitely the pure-blooded American calling out right there. Doubt thoughts of "all men are equal" would settle all that well with this fellow, though, so comfortable in his rank. Denethor... I love how you write him. Gruff, but likeable. Certainly worthy of respect. I was at first surprised that he did not recognize the Ring, but then I realized that, unlike the elves, his memory is not perfect and even if he did ever see a description or illustration of the Ring of Barahir, it was probably years and years ago in learning history and he has most likely forgotten about it now. I can imagine that he will do some sleuthing, though, if he gets the chance. He's much too curious- and honestly, I would be too. I imagine that he will discover what the Ring represents- I am awfully curious as to how he is going to approach Thorongil on the topic. If he'll just never let him know, hint at it subtly, or be out-right blunt. Depends on how irked he is, I suppose, or how fearful he is of Thorongil coming to claim the throne. Hmm... I cannot see him telling Turgon- I don't think he looks *that* highly upon him. Even if he did tell Turgon, there is not much he could do about it, is there? How many more chapters would you guess this story is going to be? I imagine that it will end in a chapter or two, yes? I am really enjoying this, do update a little sooner, though, if you can! Perhaps by my 18th b-day ;) Don't be like me! ;) Cheers, Laire Author Reply: Hey, Laire, That would be kind of poetic if I finished the story for your 18th birthday, wouldn't it? When I posted the story I forgot to mention it was going to cover two birthdays, I guess. It'll be probably two more chapters. It's one big long ramble at the moment, so even though I haven't figured out where the chapter break should go it will definitely need one. You're on the mark with Denethor :-) As far as Turgon goes, well, he's a turd, isn't he? Unfortunately, Turgons seem to be a common feature of modern bureaucracies, American or otherwise. Most of them are just not quite as honest about it as he is :-) Thanks for reviewing and good luck with your college admissions. I'm cheering for you. | |
| Dot | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 11/16/2007 |
| YAAAAAYY!! Author Reply: Rumors of my death were ever so slightly exaggerated... | |
| Gandalfs apprentice | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 11/16/2007 |
| What a treat to come back from a grueling trip to find this chapter waiting! I was beginning to despair of a continuation, but shame on me, I should know better. Your Denethor is just perfect. Canny, perceptive, and calculating. The dialogue is witty and compelling. And I can't wait to get more Thorongil! G.A. Author Reply: Thanks so much, G.A. I wasn't sure I was ever going to get this thing back on track. I'm glad you think it was worth the wait. | |
| daw the minstrel | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 11/16/2007 |
| Your Denethor is an intriguing guy. In many ways, he's a strong, admirable figure, one well suited to govern a realm in danger. He lives up to his duty, and shows a subtle understanding of court behavior. His analysis of powerful Gondorians' desire for a steward rather than a king is masterful. He's also capable of admitting Thorongil's strengths, not that he'd glad of them, but he sees them, which a lot of people can't do in a rival. And in his loneliness, he's touching. He knows he leads through respect rather than love and he sees that his father reacts to Thorongil the same way everyone else does. And there's Thorongil's ring, pressing into Denethor's palm like a literal thorn to match the figurative one Thorongil represents. This Denethor is just a wonderfully rendered character. Also, you do such nice things to convey the picture you're creating for us. Things like "a pale midday sun reflected off the river by the time they arrived at Poros Crossing" or "warrior’s hands working nimbly as a tailor’s" look simple but are devilish to do. I figure unowho is elbowing everyone around her and pointing out what a good chapter this is. Author Reply: I feel a lot of sympathy for Denethor. Thanks, daw. It feels good to get a chapter up finally! | |
| Linda Hoyland | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 11/16/2007 |
| Another gripping and enjoyable chapter.I'm delighted you have updated,thank you. I especially enjoyed the discussion on leadership and where a king might come from. Author Reply: Thank you very much, Linda. I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed the chapter. | |
| fliewatuet | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 11/16/2007 |
| Your latest chapter goes very well with a late breakfast, I must say :-) Again, your choice of language was very evocative. I particularly liked this part: The knot in is belly hardened into a rock as fragments of ancient tales, long-dismissed and half-forgotten, rushed like startled pigeons to flutter against the walls of his mind. And of course, I am more curious than ever what Denethor know has in mind, and what part Turgon will play in Denethor's plans (not that I like Turgon, not in the least). Author Reply: I'm happy to hear your breakfast was enjoyable, fliewatuet :-) Denethor evidently didn't get his first pick for chief sidekick, but Turgon is someone he can manipulate, at least. | |