Kitty
· 27 February 2005
· Chapter 61: Ruses of Protection
Sorry for not reviewing earlier. This is a great story, Larner! I am very impressed with Ruvemir and the way he tries to learn more about our dear Hobbits. And it was interesting how you explored them and their personality. I truly love Ruvemir and his ever growing family! It is sad some of them are not longer with him. I will miss Miriel, Ririon and Folco.
As for Varondil, I am glad Aragorn caught the hint about this man and had him observed. Now I am quite content because it seems our dear Varondil is in for some quite nasty surprises from the guild as well as from the King himself. And the same goes for Landrion. I trust poor Celebgil doesn't need to return to Varondil.
I look forward to your next updates and want to thank you for the frequent updating. To be honest, because of the time difference I find them usually in the morning, and it is my favourite way to start my day at work to read the new chapter. Not that my boss knows this - she doesn't need to know ;-)
Author's reply
Ahh--a chapter of Ruvemir and a cup of coffee, I see. I'm glad it brightens your day.
You will see Varondil's comeuppance in the newest chapter. No, I don't think any will need to return to the questionable tutelage of Master Varondil.
Thanks for the feedback.
Dreamflower
· 26 February 2005
· Chapter 61: Ruses of Protection
I love all these details of the intrigue. Aragorn obviously has a very capable intelligence officer in Hardorn; and they seem to have covered all the bases. Aren't the Bad Guys going to be surprised?
Speaking of surprises: Varondil is in for a nasty one--goody goody gumdrop! I can't wait to see his reaction when he is caught with his hand in the cooky jar so to speak.
I'm glad the party made it safely home. But I'm going to miss Miriel, Folco, Ririon and Pando just as much as Ruvemir does. *sigh*
Author's reply
I have a feeling that poor Ruvemir's going to be so busy he'll not have a lot of time to miss anyone, and will be wishing he did.
Hardorn, like Aragorn himself, was trained by the Elves--I suspect the two of them have both learned to take devious thought to great heights.
Personally, it is Landrion I am waiting to see get his.
Tigger
· 26 February 2005
· Chapter 61: Ruses of Protection
This isn't the end, but is it the beginning towards the end I wonder? Won't the Master of the Guild be in for a nasty shock when realizes just what kind of a person Varondil is? Interesting chapter indeed. Poor Ririon...I want to hug him and tell him it's going to be okay in the end. Can't wait for the next part!!
Author's reply
I'm TRYING to get to the end, at least. However, it will go on a bit longer.
SharonB
· 26 February 2005
· Chapter 61: Ruses of Protection
Wow, such a lot of detail. Are you supplying Aragorn with war strategy as well? ;-) Intrigue within intrigue.
Varondil does not yet realize how lucky he is to have aroused the suspicion of the crown. But I do wonder how the instecption of his apprentices will go without his close friend to smooth things over for him? It sounds like his world is about to fall apart on several levels soon.
The same seems to be soon to occur for Landrion, if Aragorn has his way. I wonder if Aragorn will easily be able to connect him to this war situation he now has to deal with.
Well done.
Author's reply
I fear that things will not be pleasant for Master Varondil; and we do have some intrigue going on in Rhun, don't we?
Thanks for the feedback.
Eruviluieth
· 26 February 2005
· Chapter 61: Ruses of Protection
Landrion may think himself an excellent strategist, but Gondor seems to have the true strategy masters! The level of detail here is excellent! I'm glad you included Landrion's perspective, as it really helped me understand just what had happened and what the end result of all the plans was. I'm very eager to hear what happens at this inspection of Varondil's apprentices. Aragorn leaves nothing undone, nothing to chance - a mark of a good King. War stinks - it was sad that Ruvemir had to say such a hurried goodbye to his family. This looks like the intrigue will deepen further before resolving, so I am left more eager than ever to learn what the next steps are! Excellent work!
Author's reply
Intrigue continues, yes, and will continue for a time.
Aragorn has had to survive by learning to think several steps ahead of his enemies, of course, as well as by hiding and disguising himself. He has also, apparently, learned the wisdom of not telling others too much and leading them to his own expectations instead of finding out what they themselves are best suited to learn. Aragorn has learned to value Faramir's knowledge of the investigative folk his family has set into place and used over the years, and is letting Faramir do things as he knows best how to do them.
And, yes, war stinks. I don't think Aragorn really likes war, but knows he must fight to protect that which is worth protecting.
Thanks so much for the feedback.
grumpy
· 26 February 2005
· Chapter 60: Night Assault
What a great story, eenjoyed the birth of Aragorn and Arwin's daughter, and the wedding of Ruvemir. Love this part with the reunion of Imfran and Gilfileg. looking forward to more.
Author's reply
Good to see you back.
The wedding was something I'd looked forward to as well, and, of course, the birth of Melian.
And glad you like the reunion as well. I was glad to see the mutual respect between the Rhunim and Gilfileg.
Tigger
· 25 February 2005
· Chapter 60: Night Assault
Ooooh....Nicely done!! Loved how you ended this part of the story. Very nicely done indeed. Being partly raised and now living in a very rural and farming area, I can agree to the wisdom of them putting Rupter in that corner and the cows w/suckling calves guarding the other one. You don't want to cross one, yet alone the other. Very, very smart strategic move.
Can't wait for the next part!! And now...I'm off to watch Hidalgo on The Movie Network up here in Canada. Looking forward to the next installment!!
Author's reply
Hope you enjoyed Hidalgo--bought my DVD but haven't watched it yet, though I did see it, of course, in the theater.
Some things are still up in the air, while others will settle down a bit in the story.
harrowcat
· 25 February 2005
· Chapter 60: Night Assault
I thought this was a great chapter Larner. I love how you have filled in some of Aragorn's background as a Ranger. I am still avidly reading. Sorry I haven't reviewed for a bit but I am still rather a new reviewer. The humour in this chapter is nice and my favourite bit was your description of an upset bull! Thanks
Dreamflower
· 25 February 2005
· Chapter 60: Night Assault
A most satisfactory chapter! Plenty of action, the good guys win, and I got to see the bull in action!
And Yay! Gilifleg *is* Staravion!
Oh boy!
And yes, you can have some cliffies, as long as you don't mind the occasional outraged outburst--but I'd rather see a cliffhanger from you, as you update so quickly, than from others who will leave the gentle reader hanging by the fingernails for months on end.
Author's reply
I do try not to leave things dangling too long.
Yes, I've had Gilfileg in mind for some time--just had to get the proper translation for his name to come out right.
SharonB
· 25 February 2005
· Chapter 60: Night Assault
Great last few lines ... I just had to sniffle some. So they have successfully met Staravion again at last. And his tutleage of them has indeed paid off for the better.
I love the setup that Folco managed with all the animals, use what you know best to help defend yourself. Clever hobbit!! You would have thought that if those men had camped there more than a few hours they'd have been smart enough to look things over first. But then they seemed to think that no one would be on guard at all. They certain thought their job would be an easy one.
Author's reply
Well, the animals were only moved the last couple of days, so they may not have even noticed.
And I'm so glad that everyone likes the introduction of Staravion.
Eruviluieth
· 25 February 2005
· Chapter 60: Night Assault
Wow. The "battle" was great, an excellent use of all available resources. Folco is so impressive and capable, and he seems to know or immediately connect with everyone - an admirable hobbit quality. The meeting with Staravion was sweet in a manly way. Left-handedness can certainly have its benefits. This is really wonderful, and gets better with every chapter. I can't wait to see what happens next!
Author's reply
I thought the use of the animals themselves was good as well, and have seen such used by friends when they had to go out of town for a few days. Tended to discourage trespassers, they found, to have their bull in the field where neighbor's kids were most likely to slip through to steal vegetables from their garden.
I liked having Ruvemir figure out that Rupter could be an asset, myself. He may not be a warrior or good even with flung stones, but he does have some tactical skills, apparently.
Dreamflower
· 25 February 2005
· Chapter 58: The Home of the Carver
Oh boy! I love how prepared everyone is! The Baddies are going to be in for one rude surprise! I hope they are able to catch them and make them talk--and I *really* would love to see them trying to get in through the field with the bull in it.
Ah-hah. And would one of Gilifleg's youthful names have been Staravion?
I'm on pins and needles to see what happens next.
Cliffies...no fair!
Author's reply
Oh, can't I do just one little cliffhanger, then?
Tigger
· 25 February 2005
· Chapter 58: The Home of the Carver
I had a feeling it wouldn't be long until they were found, but I didn't think it would be *this* soon. It's going to be next to impossible to get to sleep now, you do know that right? ;o) I like this new addition to the guard. I suspected our newest Ranger to be an agent of the Enemy, but now I suspect him to be someone else entirely. Unless I've missed a couple of clues you've left in the chapter, I have a feeling I know who our new Ranger is. I hope I'm right too.
Now, hurry up and post the next chapter!!! Need to know what happens next!!! Soon, please? :o)
Author's reply
I doubt you are too wrong with your predictions. I'll try to get the next chapter posted by tomorrow--don't have it copied to the desktop yet, though.
Breon Briarwood
· 24 February 2005
· Chapter 58: The Home of the Carver
*nervously chews on fingernails*
Author's reply
I have none left on which to chew myself.
Eruviluieth
· 24 February 2005
· Chapter 58: The Home of the Carver
They are certainly well-trained - an unfortunate left-over from war, but useful as it seems the war is still lingering. I'm very interested in this Gilfileg. A young Dunadan with a disfigured hand? Maybe missing a few fingers? I wonder how far he traveled in his youth? Perhaps as far as Rhun? Excellent strategizing on all parts, especially the bull. I'm very eager to find out the outcome of this assault. Excellent work, as usual!
Author's reply
It is said in the appendices that Eomer's cavalry followed the King Elessar into many strange climes as he enforced the peace and protected Gondor and its allies. So, yes, the war was still on.
As for Gilfileg--you may indeed be right. :->
Mum's the Word
· 24 February 2005
· Chapter 58: The Home of the Carver
Aha! I spy! With my little eye, I spy Staravion!
Larner, this story is just so good. Your detailed descriptions are a joy to read, treating us to visions of life in Middle-Earth.
Blessings,
Mum
Author's reply
Yes, you spy correctly. It ought to be interesting to see this descendant of the Line of Kings and of the line of Princes of Dol Amroth in Minas Anor eventually.
Glad you like the details.
SharonB
· 24 February 2005
· Chapter 58: The Home of the Carver
Well, good. Folco has plenty of help. And he is doing a good job of assuming responsibility of managing safety for the farm already. Hmm, has he actually contacted the rangers, elf and dwarf watcing over them or just going by his and the Rhunim instincts?
It was good to see Folco and the farm laborers evaluating each other. It looks like they get along well. I hope no one on the farm gets hurt in the upcoming enoucnters.
Author's reply
Yes, there is help from outside.
Meldewen Ilce
· 24 February 2005
· Chapter 50: A Wedding, a Wedding
Oh what a lovely chapter and wedding - I continue to be enthralled by this wonderful story and even more so by the wonderful characters you have created!
Author's reply
Oh, I am so glad you enjoyed this wedding. It is one I wish I could have attended it myself instead of just describing it.
Glad you like the story.
Eruviluieth
· 24 February 2005
· Chapter 57: Intrigue from Umbar
So now we get into the political intrigue! This is a wonderful and detailed description of Middle Earth's political situation. All of a sudden, so much makes sense! Varondil is evil, worthy of service to Sauron himself. With all the palantir showed Denethor, it's almost a wonder he didn't get rid of the spy in his city. No wonder Celebgil was eager to be away! The next chapters should be very interesting. I wonder how long we'll have to wait to see the action start? Keep up the excellent work!
Author's reply
I doubt Sauron would have shown the spies in the midst of the city, if he paid attention to them himself. Varondil is a nasty piece of work, no question, and an opportunist of the first water. Yes, if I were Celebgil I'd try to get away, too.
The action starts soon.
Radbooks
· 23 February 2005
· Chapter 57: Intrigue from Umbar
I'm still loving your wonderful story, Larner! I lost my hard drive about a week and 1/2 ago and just got it back this weekend and so I was just able to catch up on all of your chapters. I so missed reading your story but it was fun to sit down and read them all at once. I loved the wedding of Ruvemir and Elise, it was wonderfully portrayed. I liked the blessing that Aragorn gave them, it was beautifully done - I wonder if he is available to do other weddings? ;) This story is just getting more and more intriguing and now I'm scared about this guy from Umbar and what he will be doing once he tracks them down. And of course you always knew that Volondil was just a bad, bad man. I will miss Pando and soon Ririon will be gone as well, but I know they need to get the training. I love how Folco took care of the nasty men on the bridge - go hobbits! :) Thanks for updating so frequently! Radbooks
Author's reply
Folco is coming into his own, isn't he?
Know about hard drives--my personal one had its boot sector glitched by a power surge, followed by a cable meltdown in the server for the network server. Was off the web for weeks, which is why it was so long between updates for a while.
Tigger
· 23 February 2005
· Chapter 57: Intrigue from Umbar
Ah ha....The intrigue is starting to clear a bit. Seems Varondil is going to get what's coming to him and justice, even this kind of justice, to someone to does what he does to little boys...He deserves whatever fate whomever gets to him first gives him. Sorry for being so nasty, but I have no pity on those who prey on others.
Loved the chapter before this. Quite a lot for Ifram and his brother to think about thanks to the ways of the Shire they've been told. Loved meeting Ruvemir's friend and his family. I could see the machine he uses for polishing the stones he uses for his jewelry very easily. I'm lucky to have an agate pendant made in a very similar manner and any jewelry like it is gorgeous.
Can't wait for the next installments!!
Author's reply
I was the youngest member of our city's Agate Club for several years as a child, so grew up with tumblers and seeing other members' rock saws, polishers, cutters, and so on. So here I was writing from experience.
Glad you are finding the story so enjoyable.
Dreamflower
· 23 February 2005
· Chapter 57: Intrigue from Umbar
Goodness! The intrigue heats up. Umbar, hmmm? And Varondil is already out of favor with the Bad Guys! Looks like his best chance of survival is to turn King's Evidence. But somehow I doubt he'll have enough sense for that. And his other activities would not be looked on with approval by the King, either.
Let's hope Ruvemir takes care, and they all keep their eyes open. I wouldn't like anything bad to happen to his little circle of family and friends.
Author's reply
They are keeping watch, and they do have the King's hidden escort as well.
As for Varondil--he's about to be outed.
SharonB
· 23 February 2005
· Chapter 57: Intrigue from Umbar
My, oh my. Things are indeed turning dark for Varondil. I guess for the sake of his life we had better hope that Aragorn has someone watch him fairly closely.
I also hope that too much trouble does not come to Lebennin from Umbar. I'd hate for anything bad to happen ar Mardil's house and shops. Folco will definitley be a stout defender of the family. But I think he might need more help before this story is ended.
Landrion is quite a dark character. The tale grow more intriguing. Thanks.
Author's reply
I am glad you are enjoying the story so far. You will find Aragorn had several irons left in the fire for different folk to deal with while he must go to Rhun. I'll not follow the fight against the Wainriders, but we will find that even the King has some things to do yet to stop the intrigues on several fronts.
SharonB
· 23 February 2005
· Chapter 56: Placing an Apprentice
Poor Pando, comfortable with one set of friends and now he's in a new situation again. Sounds like he'll be a little lonely for a while but was already warming up to his new Mistress.
And who would have though Shefti is an artist at heart. You've found an excellent way to expound to us on your theories of hobbit life. It works wonderfully, and it sounds quite hobbity as well.
You have promised us that we will meet Staravion later on in the story. I can't wait to meet this mysterious person who gave Ifram and Shefti such a different outlook on life in Gonder. His influence has caused shifts in the power of their clan from what you have said so far.
Bodkin
· 23 February 2005
· Chapter 56: Placing an Apprentice
Ruvemir is going to miss all his collection of fellow travellers as they peel off to head in their own directions.