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| The Counsels of Men by Thundera Tiger | 14 Review(s) |
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| Raksha The Demon | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/12/2010 |
| A thoughtful interpretation of canon. Legolas and Gimli are well-characterized, and Aragorn shines in particular. It's interesting that Legolas, despite his decision to leave the fate of Gondor to its Men, will choose to live in the realm and help heal Ithilien. Author Reply: Hey Raksha, It's interesting that Legolas, despite his decision to leave the fate of Gondor to its Men, will choose to live in the realm and help heal Ithilien. Alright, point well taken. :) I have to admit that I was a little unsatisfied as to that issue, too, but my more immediate cues for this story were taken from the conversation Legolas and Gimli had while walking to the Houses of Healing. But I did wrestle with how to portray a Legolas and Gimli that understood that their people weren't going to be a big part of future events yet also somehow get across that they were eager to be a part of whatever time they had left. I think the latter part got lost somewhere in the shuffle. Ah well. For what it's worth, that was the intent. Anyway, I'm glad you liked the characterizations, and I'm especially glad you liked Aragorn. I was nervous in writing him because he refused to commit himself to any one emotion. Which I think is appropriate given the circumstances, but I wasn't sure how it would work in story form. Many thanks for the review! | |
| Dreamflower | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/11/2010 |
| Oh my! What a painful and difficult discussion for all of them, and what a sad realization for Aragorn! And yet it does indeed make perfect sense, and the more I think on it, the more I'm convinced this would have been JRRT's own explanation had he been asked to give one. And yet their friendship remains true and sturdy. And Merry and Pippin will be very glad to see their friends as well. You know, there's also a parallel, story-external, that I would not have thought of without reading this story. After the unexpected victory at Helm's Deep, the Three Hunters are reunited with Merry and Pippin in their picnic among the ruins, and they all find comfort among one another-- and Aragorn attends with them because Rohan is not his land, and Theoden is King. After the unexpected victory on the Pelennor, Legolas and Gimli are reunited with Merry and Pippin in the Houses of Healing. But this time, Aragorn must attend the council, for Gondor *is* his land and he its King! A wonderful and insightful conversation! Thank you for sharing it with us! Author Reply: I have to admit that the canon example you cite didn't even cross my mind. But it makes perfect sense. I may have to take a closer look at this. The closest I came was borrowing some phrasing. I believe Tolkien has the group sitting on the "edge of ruin" when they gather at Isengard, so I figured I could sneak in the phrase "field of ruin" and get a Tolkien-feel. I should have taken a closer look at the situation from which I was borrowing the phrase. Wow. Now you really do have my head spinning. Thank you for your insight! | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/11/2010 |
| What an interesting debate. Gimli and Legolas had so little to do and say in the films, but these are the perceptive representatives of their races that shine in the Professor's tale. And you *know* I loved this: "Do Merry and Pippin need you?" Aragorn challenged. Gimli shrugged. "Perhaps. Perhaps not. But we need them. Hobbits see a hope in the future that both the dwarves and the elves now lack. I would remind myself of that hope, even if I cannot quite believe it." I'm so glad you're still bringing us these thoughtful and interesting stories. Author Reply: Oddly enough, that line you enjoyed was a last minute addition that had me kicking myself for not thinking of it earlier. It would have made for much easier writing. I kept trying to put into words what it was about the hobbits that drew Legolas and Gimli away from the war council, and at the very end, it finally occurred to me that the hobbits offered the opposite of what Aragorn could offer. Which certainly wasn't Aragorn's fault, but it's just how it all worked out. Anyway, I'm glad you enjoyed! Thank you for the review! | |
| utfrog | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/11/2010 |
| So very well written and so very sad. Good job. Author Reply: Thank you so much for the review! I'm glad you enjoyed the story! | |