Dreamflower
· 9 March 2005
· Chapter 72: Another Trial of Intrigue
And now this chapter: even more of an amazing revelation--one of the lesser Rings of Power in the possession of one of the plotters! You have come up with some amazing use of some canon ideas that have been very little explored! As in the previous chapter, this is not something that had ever occurred to me: what were the lesser Rings, and what were their disposition?
I have said it before: this story just gets better and better!!!
Author's reply
Am so glad you are enjoying it so. I was just going with the idea that either before or afterward Sauron was likely to have tried more rings on his own, making sure he had it right before approaching Celebrimbor or possibly seeing if he had the touch after his return to Mordor, looking for more slaves. And I'd always wondered about the lesser rings, too, the ones Gandalf almost prayed Bilbo had managed to find. Where had they disappeared to over the years.
Only ones not taken in the end by Sauron were the three Celebrimbor made by himself. And I find myself wanting to find out what happened to the possible fourth. We have Air, Water, and Fire--what about Earth, the fourth element? Am thinking of that for a future work, or a nuzgul for someone else to work on, possibly. Watch out, it might have teeth.
Dreamflower
· 9 March 2005
· Chapter 71: A Tale of War
Wow! The revelations in this chapter are really something! Obviously the broker Mardion had dealings with not only Denethor, but Sauron and Saruman as well. Of course it makes a good deal of sense--but is not something I had ever thought about before. Clearly, not all the intelligence gather over the years could have come from the palantirs, as they have certain limits on their use, but the idea of such an agent had not occurred to me before! Brilliant!
Author's reply
Really? The thought of using human agents as well as the Nazgul seemed very natural to me, and by all parties concerned. Glad you found it a new idea, though.
Raksha The Demon
· 9 March 2005
· Chapter 71: A Tale of War
The plot is thickening nicely - you write political intrigue and pageantry well. And I'm always pleased to see Faramir get a few lines; even if I'm not sure that he would have been that quick to voice an implied threat to the King over Beregond's being a hostage.
Author's reply
I think he knows he is quite safe in Aragorn's hands. And Aragorn knows he loves Beregond as well as Beregond loves him.
Glad you like the intrigue.
Tigger
· 9 March 2005
· Chapter 71: A Tale of War
And the plot unravels. Nice twist that Denethor had asked the whereabouts and doings of Gilrean and Aragorn's uncle, as well as if Aragorn had actually died as was said. I hope Aragorn gets the Lord of the Wainriders back in time. I don't think he could handle both Faramir and Pippin at the same time. ;o) So...Aragorn himself wanted to be the hostage. That is very much his character and how his arm ended up in a sling...Here I thought it was injured during battle, and in a way, it was.
Looking forward to see what the next part of the audience is going to reveal.
Author's reply
Which questions came from Mordor and which from Denethor, as well as how many overlapped, of course, is unclear. Both parties would obviously be interested in finding Aragorn, finding out about him, and finding out about other possible heirs.
Yes, it would be a battle convincing Aragorn to go back to his work at home while Beregond acted as the hostage, but I'm certain Beregond would see the need to keep the King actively working with the likes of the Ghan. Once Aragorn was on his way home he could send for Marcipor and Mordion and Wasnior and make sure they would arrive at the right time. Aragorn just has always struck me as a hands on kind of keng, after all. Glad you are anticipating the next bit. Hope it continues to keep you involved.
Radbooks
· 8 March 2005
· Chapter 71: A Tale of War
This is such an awesome story. I know I haven't reviewed for awhile and I'm sorry! I've felt bad (in some ways) for Ruvemir having to take on all of those apprentices when he just wants to do his commission. But then I think about how wonderful it is for those boys to have a second chance and to be with such a wonderful man and woman - and Lord Gilfleg is there too! So as hard as it is for him, it is better in the long run, because those boys need him desperately. I loved when 'Stider' and 'Bowman' did their interview with Landrion and how they took care of that problem. Also touching to see Aragorn's caring nature when he didn't want Landrion's son to suffer for his sins and so placed him in Ruvemir's care as well. This chapter where he left Beregond behind - yikes! That was absolutely amazing, Faramir's anguish - as well as Aragorn's. You write your characters so well and give them depth and make them realistic, which is difficult to do. Very well done! Thanks for writing and sharing your gift.
Author's reply
There is perhaps an almost selfish reason for his concern about Landrion's son, although it it closely tied to his nature and his role as the Sacred King who stands for the Land and its People.
As for leaving Beregond behind--I'm rather glad, myself, that Beregond saw the need for the King to return home right then. They will get him back.
I find myself loving these characters and thinking of them as friends much as Tolkien himself expressed about Faramir. I'm glad you feel depth to them, both the canon and the non-canon characters. Thank you so much for expressing your appreciation.
Kit
· 8 March 2005
· Chapter 48: The Prisoners’ Audience
Do you realize chapter 47 is missing?
Author's reply
Don't know how it happened, but somehow it became hidden. Now it's visible again. Sorry about that. Enjoy!
Thanks for letting me know.
Baggins Babe
· 8 March 2005
· Chapter 70: Tutelage in Honor
I have become completely addicted to this story! I love the characters of Ruvemir and his family and his interaction with Aragorn and Arwen. Brilliant characterisation.
Envinyatar
· 8 March 2005
· Chapter 71: A Tale of War
Sorry I haven't reviewed for a while, I have been greedily devouring updates. Once again I want to congratulate you on the breadth and depth of your story. I love the way you present both a sweeping view of the geopolitics of the period and the minutiae of daily life. I really don't want this story to end.
Author's reply
But it has to end some day! Gotta be! Gotta be!
I am so glad that you find it so satisfying. I've tried to cut it shorter, but can't without damaging the integrity of the details I've given already.
However, it ought to smooth out and go more swiftly now that the war is winding down--I hope.
Mysterious Jedi
· 8 March 2005
· Chapter 71: A Tale of War
I do hope there is no more mention of "nasty stuff" with Varondil or however you spell it, except in the context of judgment and healing?
Author's reply
I hope so, too. That is coming soon.
Eruviluieth
· 8 March 2005
· Chapter 71: A Tale of War
Wow! The level of detail here is amazing! The intrigue is so deep! I'm really curious about the other two groups outside the door, and what is next for Ruvemir to witness. Beregond hasn't changed at all - willing to do whatever it takes to protect his lords. And his lords feel the same, bless them! Mordion is an interesting twist, plus another chance to see the previous workings of Strider. How interesting that he kept an eye even on those seeking information about him, and how different things might have turned out if anyone had found out that the Strider following them was the son of Arathorn they sought! Excellent chapter. I'm eager to hear what comes next, both regarding war and the intrigues of home and Varondil's spying and "other activities". I wonder what Armanthol thinks of all this so far?
Author's reply
Aragorn is a thorough one, isn't he? And I suspect intrigue would have been very active at about that time, don't you?
Glad you are finding it still engaging.
Tigger
· 7 March 2005
· Chapter 70: Tutelage in Honor
Once again, a wonderful chapter. It's been facinating to read about the young man from Umbar's lessons in honour and how he's seemingly starting to soften those hard edges we first saw in him. And Aragorn's back, but injured. I hope we find out what happened. This new stranger is most intriguing and Ifram and Shefti's brother is also visiting. Interesting new additions indeed.
One little grumble though..."Our Lord King’s family sent him to Imladris to be fostered from early childhood, hidden under another name, the word given that the son of *Aragorn* and Gilraen had died of a fever."
You meant Arathorn and Gilraen, right? :o)
Once again...Looking forward to the next installment!!
Author's reply
Yes, I meant Arathorn, but missed it in my editing. So glad you caught it.
These need to be here for the King's Judgments, I think, which will be--interesting, I think you will find.
Eruviluieth
· 7 March 2005
· Chapter 70: Tutelage in Honor
I'm amazed at your skill - so many chapters, and I'm not only still interested, but more interested now than at the beginning. I'm glad Ruvemir is getting through to Armanthol, if slowly, and that the damage from Varondil is fading under a new master for the other apprentices. Now things get interesting, now that the King has returned! I'm so eager to find out what happens to Varondil, and to have the apprentices' healing begin.
One side note - "Ririon was welcomed with joy" - I don't know if you intended this to be a double entendre, but I found it quite amusing. I always thought Joy was an interesting name for the dog.
Author's reply
You know, I didn't even catch that possible double meaning. You have me giggling.
The King can't be here long this time, as you will find, but he will be back again shortly.
Dreamflower
· 7 March 2005
· Chapter 70: Tutelage in Honor
Well, you've managed to move things along rather quickly here. It's going to be interesting to watch Amanthol's skepticism slowly be set aside. And I am glad Aragorn's back in the City. Maybe now a proper end can be made of Varondil.
Author's reply
Varondil's final judgment is coming, but first comes the need to tell how the war was begun and ended, and the ends to intrigue.
Kitty
· 7 March 2005
· Chapter 69: Accepting Apprentices
Poor Ruvemir, another apprentice he didn't want! But I think I can understand Aragorn's reasons for this and am quite curious how Armanthol and Ruvemir will deal with this situation. I wonder if Armanthol will come to think otherwise about his father if confronted with the results of Landrions schemes? How will the apprentices whom Landrion kidnapped and sold to Varondil receive Landrion's son? This certainly will be interesting.
Do you have any intention to let poor Gilfileg ever reach Dol Amroth? I wouldn't be surprised if you sends Armanthol with Ruvemir to Eriador and Gilfileg as a guard for them both, too. He certainly will have some words with Aragorn *grins*
Author's reply
Another apprentice indeed, and one who needs a different ecample, knowledge there ia a different way of touching the world.
Remember that Prince Imrahil is with the King right now, so once he returns I think we will find Gilfileg will have his first chance to introduce himself. I don't think Gilfileg will find the wait or the duty as difficult as he'd first thought.
Bodkin
· 7 March 2005
· Chapter 69: Accepting Apprentices
More responsibility for Ruvemir! I wonder how Armanthol will deal with being an apprentice sculptor - and, perhaps, with seeing some of the results of his father's corruption.
The small workshop is intriguing. I look forward to seeing inside it!
Author's reply
Accepting his father was a first rate conniver isn't going to be easy, and I suspect Ruvemir will let the others get to meet Armanthol first before letting them know who his father was.
As for the small workshop, you will see it in today's installment.
Dreamflower
· 6 March 2005
· Chapter 69: Accepting Apprentices
Goodness!! Poor Ruvemir! Absolutely awash in more apprentices than he ever thought he'd have, and now one more, unwilling.
Of course, I understand Aragorn's strategy. Learning of the true nature of the Ringbearer will be very good for a youngster who has so far only had an example of greed, power-lust, ambition and intrigue.
And it looks like Gilifleg will be kept rather busy as well, *chuckle*
Author's reply
Aragorn is good at delegating responsibilty, isn't he? Heh! But for one who has only see the example you described, learning there is another way might just be difficult and yet very important.
Thanks for the continued feedback.
Tigger
· 6 March 2005
· Chapter 69: Accepting Apprentices
“I swear I will avenge myself on Estel for this.”
Poor Aragorn...No sooner will he return to the White City and hoping for at least a little relaxation, he'll have to be on guard for any possible revenge from his dear cousin...LOL!!
I am all caught up now after being away for a few days. Take a bow Larner for your masterful handling of how Landrion's plots were unraveled by our cunning Northern Rangers. Well done!! I can just imagine Aragorn's face when Landrion asked Strider to kill the Lord King Elessar. *snicker* And when he saw just exactly who's Ring the arrow had brought down...I think the expression I'm looking for is, "White as a ghost"? :oD
Interesting development putting Landrion's son in apprentice w/Ruvemir. Very interesting indeed.
As always, looking forward to the next installment.
Author's reply
Yes, revenge can be sweet, I think. And having Hardorn and Aragorn unravel Landrion's intrigues just seemed so very right. Landrion did feel faint, just before he felt the point of a knife in his ribs. At least he was learned enough to realize what that ring meant.
I'd like to see some good come out of the situation, however, some form of redemption offered, which was how Armanthol came into the story.
The trials of the others who took part in the intrigue I think you will find interesting.
grumpy
· 6 March 2005
· Chapter 68: Hiring Assassins
Excellent story, and chapter. I was wondering how Aragorn was going to deal with the Landrion problem. You can up with a wonderful way of doing it. liked how they kidnapped Lord Marcipor, so he could see for himself what was happening..
looking forward to more
Author's reply
Glad you liked it. Yes, seemed like most poetic justice to me, too. Gets rid of a danger and puts another not-so-active enemy in Aragorn's debt.
Kitty
· 6 March 2005
· Chapter 68: Hiring Assassins
Great chapter, Larner! I had wondered how they would get to Landrion and how they could get him to admit his misdeeds, but I hadn't thought of the trick to pose as assassins. I was grinning nearly all the time from the first mentioning of Strider and Bowman to the very end. Loved it how the two Rangers demonstrated their skill and then captured the shocked Landrion.
And the Lord of Umbar as a witness to the plan of his own assassination! What a ingenious idea! It was with a great deal of satisfaction that I have read this - Landrion certainly got what he deserved! I am glad he can't do any more harm. And Aragorn doesn't need to worry about what this traitor intended next.
Probably this encounter will strengthen the peace between Gondor and Umbar in the end for the Lord Marcipor has now some reason to be thankful to Aragorn. Although this was certainly not what Landrion had in his mind!
Author's reply
Yes, this was a fun chapter to write, too. As for Marcipor being beholden to Aragorn, I suspect he will not take that lightly nor particularly happily, either--being now in the debt of the leader of his land's traditional enemy, and the epitomy of all that the Black Numenoreans are not.
Thanks for the feedback.
Libby
· 6 March 2005
· Chapter 68: Hiring Assassins
Absolutely loved this chapter. Do not like to think of myself as bloodthirsty, but I do have a strong sense of justice and Landrion most certainly got what he deserved. Also loved your use of Bowman and Strider! I like seeing Strider appear as much as the King.
Thank you for a lovely story.
Author's reply
Strider would definitely be a strong component of Aragorn's character, as he lived that role for so much of his adult life. Letting him out and do his thing in his own way would be necessary from time to time, I think.
You are welcome, and thank you for your feedback.
Dreamflower
· 5 March 2005
· Chapter 68: Hiring Assassins
What a nice treat to come home to, after a long day at work!
This had me grinning. I knew of course, that the "assassins" were Aragorn and his kinsman, and that the third figure had to be the Umbarian leader, but I was caught by surprise at how quickly they revealed themselves and dealt with the situation. I thought that they might drag it out, and pretend to actually take on the commission.
A shame Landrion succumbed so quickly. He deserved everything he got. (Hey, I can be bloodthirsty when it comes to fictional characters!)
Author's reply
In Landrion's case, I doubt even Aragorn has much worry as to what happens to him--although you may be surprised at what they end up carrying away from Umbar.
Thanks for the response.
Dreamflower
· 5 March 2005
· Chapter 67: Letters from the Sixth Circle
Well, you already know how I adore letters. The last one made me all teary. This was a great way, by the way, to recap what's gone on in the last few chapters.
I love Ruvemir's voice in the letters. We can see so much from a first person POV that does not necessarily come out in narration.
And the insight of the King standing for the Valar is lovely. I had not thought of it that way before. But it is definitely in line with JRRT's ideas and theology; the whole "divine right of kings" has much more meaning in it than we can appreciate in these modern, cynical and political times.
Author's reply
Yes, sometimes our politics are too secular; and when they do involve religion or faith it is usually in a more manipulative manner.
Letters can be so much fun to write.
Kitty
· 5 March 2005
· Chapter 67: Letters from the Sixth Circle
Ruvemir writes quite beautiful letters, doesn't he? Of course, even if he knew everything what happens, it is way too much to tell in a letter. When he returns to Eriador and visits the Shire, he will have very much to tell the Hobbits. Maybe h should write a book about it, too ;-)
I am deeply impressed about what you told me about your family. To help so many children with such problems is no little deed, and it is great you don't complain but think it worth it.
Author's reply
Oh, I have complained about it. When the two kids each hit fourteen and a half they both went more than a bit nuts, which drove us nuts. Kept us on an emotional seesaw a good deal of the time. But we stuck with it, which was not always easy to do.
Glad you love the letters. Needed just a bit of respite, as today's chapter is quite a contrast.
annmarwalk
· 4 March 2005
· Chapter 65: Healing through Teaching
Oh, this is wonderful! You've added so many extraordinary elements to your story. I don't recall any other story with such diversity of characters - you are really making Middle-Earth, all of Middle-Earth, come alive for me.
Author's reply
I only hope I haven't added too many, Ann.
Hope all is going well with your own writing. Thanks for the feedback.
Mysterious Jedi
· 3 March 2005
· Chapter 66: Master of the Household
As I haven't reviewed in a while, I thought it best to let you know that I am still reading and enjoying your story.
Author's reply
Im so glad to learn you are doing so. Good to hear from you.