Dreamflower
· 23 February 2005
· Chapter 56: Placing an Apprentice
This was a nice informative chapter. I enjoyed the description Folco gave to the outland ambassadors of Shire society and Shire life. With just a couple of exceptions, it is very much like my own imagining of the way the Shire is run. ( I tend to think that the Gaffer would not have been alone among working class hobbits to make much of the distinctions, and that there would also have been many among the "gentry" who might have gotten above themselves, so to speak.) I love your description, especially, of the "silent partner" concept. It seems such a very hobbity way of doing business.
The framing journey still seems to be going smoothly. I am getting interested in Ifram and especially in Shefti. Now wouldn't it be something if he got apprenticed to a calligrapher/illuminator...I'd take him on in a heartbeat. *grin* Always nice to see someone else who appreciates the letter arts.
SharonB
· 22 February 2005
· Chapter 55: Continuing South
Oh, I've gotten behind again. Once again, good summaries. I did note one error near the end in this sentence .... << Drogo laughed. “Have you ever been to the Council Hole in Michel Delving, Pando?” >> Should that be Folco laughed?
Our hobbits are once again to the rescue. I wonder if Pando will need that stone that Aragorn told him to take for any moe defense later on. Ifram and Shefti were pretty handy with their weapons as well when they came up on the scene. They are leanring the true nature of how the High King of Gondor reigns.
Author's reply
Yes, handy, that stone. And Ifram and Shefti are indeed learning how things are done in Gondor.
Thanks for the correction.
Eruviluieth
· 21 February 2005
· Chapter 55: Continuing South
Hurrah for Folco! It is difficult to be small among the large, but hobbits do not lack courage or capability. And now the folk of southern Gondor are learning this, some the hard way. Wonderful description of the confrontation. It's so sad to see the horrible prejudice Ruvemir has been subjected to. It kind of explains why he has such close friends - with all who won't give him a chance, those who will are even more special. And Pando is learning of Drogo's artistry. They are certainly a talented family, each in their own way. It's sweet and funny - hobbits learning details about their families from outlanders, when hobbits are the ones so interested in geneology! The picture sounds wonderful. Another complex one that I'd like to see. I doubt finding all the toys is an easy job. Wonderful work!
Author's reply
I think that as they reveal details to Ruvemir, the Hobbits have been revealing them to themselves and one another as well. Sometimes the details we most treasure are those we forget others don't as yet share.
I know that I found more acceptance for my size when I was a child when I lived in town than I did when we moved to a rural area. Then I was treated as a much younger child than I was, which was frustrating, embarrassing, and infuriating. I am not a dwarf myself, but certainly can appreciate the crap thrown their way for the size situation. I suspect that the prejudice faced in Minas Anor will be far more circumpspect than what he faced near his own home area, which was rural.
Dreamflower
· 21 February 2005
· Chapter 55: Continuing South
Well, I knew sooner or later that they were going to encounter nasties. I really love the way Folco and Pando handled things. I think it's great the way you are showing that side of hobbit-nature which Gandalf saw and fostered in Bilbo--that stubborn fierceness that comes out only "in a pinch", and is possessed at heart by even the most timid of hobbits.
Author's reply
I suspect Pando and Folco are becoming more self-confident as they have more experience, and thus more personal authority will come out in their communications with others.
Dreamflower
· 21 February 2005
· Chapter 54: To Bavarin
So far, a fairly pleasant journey.
I got a kick out of Narieth. It's a good thing Elise is not the suspicious or jealous type.
“Now,” he said, “I think Pando and Folco would particularly appreciate it if you were to cut the cake.”
Sounds like Ruvemir has come to know hobbit-nature well, LOL!
Author's reply
As well as how to distract folk.
Thanks for the feedback.
Tigger
· 20 February 2005
· Chapter 54: To Bavarin
LOL!!! Poor Ruvemir!! Oh well, taking them to Bavarin should have made him realize what he was letting himself in for. Seems the Easterlings are just as amused. What a lovely and light chapter.
Author's reply
We need the light chapters from time to time, I find. Glad you responded. Thanks.
Eruviluieth
· 20 February 2005
· Chapter 54: To Bavarin
Good to see some untouched parts of Gondor, although it's hard to believe they were untouched when even the Shire was touched. Saruman's malice really was the only reason for such a non-strategic place to be injured. It's great to see some of Ruvemir's past life - the innkeeper will puzzle long before he realizes he has served Hobbits. Hopefully that will protect the travellers by making him less likely to remember the Rhun party. Narieth is hilarious. I wonder if she started that after her marriage, once she had "immunity", or if she got her husband that way? Small women are definitely a force to be reckoned with - "She's witty, she's wise, she's a terror for her size." Keep up the excellent work!
Author's reply
Tell you a secret--I'm only four foot eleven myself, so I KNOW what we are like.
Glad you like Narieth. But I've met several like her over the years, and found I had to include her. One used to say the most outrageous things about my husband.
SharonB
· 20 February 2005
· Chapter 53: South and West
Aragorn has done good to help keep Ifram from considerable harm. It seems as though Varondil has definitly made the wrong decision about who his clients are this time. Buying such information can only be interpreted as a threat to tne new ambassador. And this could get him into greater trouble than messing with his indentured students could. It might not be that hard for Ruvemir to get Celebgil's indenture changed over to him after all. It sounds like it will be an arduous path for all of them but that all will work out well in the end.
I love the way the dwarves think of Ririon, it seems so true that those who are true artists have appreciation of what talents each being holds. They are much happier to see him use his talent, be well trained in that talent and even help him along that path.
Many thanks again for this story.
Author's reply
Yes. true artists are more concerned about seeing art come to life and seeing others learn to use their own talents than they are in building themselves up.
Tigger
· 19 February 2005
· Chapter 53: South and West
Ah...And the plot thickens. Varondil might end up w/more than he bargained for by asking after the Rhun embassy and where they have gone. Good!!
Quite the coach load headed out. I'm afraid Ruvemir and Elise are going to find the return journey to the White City too quiet and too lonely. I'll miss their little family as much as they will.
Can't wait for the next chapters!!! :o)
Author's reply
I tend to agree about how lonely they will feel coming home. And Varondil is indeed going to get more than he bargained for.
Thanks for the review.
Dreamflower
· 19 February 2005
· Chapter 53: South and West
Uh-huh.
Why am I not surprised that Varondil is in the pay of the Bad Guys?
Could it be because he is a sleazy opportunist? But he seems to be playing over his head now. Looks like the King's informants are already on to him...
I don't dare imagine that this trip to Lossarnach will be as uneventful as the journey to the Shire...
Author's reply
Oh, it will be a good deal more interesting, I think.
Thanks for the review.
Dreamflower
· 19 February 2005
· Chapter 52: Morning After
This is a lovely chapter--like all yours are--but I really love Merry's gifts. He truly is Magnificent, and following in Scattergold's footsteps.
This journey south is going to be interesting. I am really liking the friendship between Ruvemir and Ifram.
Author's reply
I hadn't expected to like Ifram, but am coming to admire him more and more, I find.
Eruviluieth
· 19 February 2005
· Chapter 53: South and West
The plot thickens! That's why Varondil seemed to expect Celebgil to provide information - but why? Who is this mysterious patron? Why are Ruvemir and Ifram seemingly connected in that Varondil wants information on both? Clearly, you've raised a lot of questions here. This story gets more interesting by the chapter - the more chapters there are, the more eager I am for the next one! Excellent work!
Author's reply
There is indeed more going on. I hope the story continues to please.
SharonB
· 19 February 2005
· Chapter 52: Morning After
I've missed a few more. I started reading last night after we got back (family emergency this week) and could only get one review in on another story before my eyes gave out and I went to bed.
This is great with the wedding, the presents and Elise and Ruvemir getting to know each other and setting life up. It takes some work getting used to each others habits and wishes. Even just settling in on the breakfast routine of what to eat and drink is hard sometimes with married life.
The presents from Merry were great, both Yule and wedding. Many lovely things they will use and treasure from all of the Shire friends. Three great chapters, thank you.
Author's reply
Yes, the gifts from the Shire were all very appropriate, I think. Glad you could give feedback and hope things settled well.
Bodkin
· 18 February 2005
· Chapter 52: Morning After
Well all is going well so far!
Merry's gift seems amazingly generous - I am sure that he will miss it very badly.
Everywhere Ruvemir goes, he seems to come across someone who can increase his understanding of Frodo Baggins. I'll be interested to see if he meets anyone else on his journey.
Author's reply
Yes, it was very generous indeed. The understanding of Frodo and Aragorn both are part of the focus of the story, I've found. There may be a few more along the way.
Eruviluieth
· 18 February 2005
· Chapter 52: Morning After
I love Merry's presents most of all. He may have gained the name "Magnificent," but there is no doubt he is the son of Scattergold. And such thoughtful gifts! It's kind of amazing he was willing to part with that book of children's tales. Your descriptions of married life are wonderful, even if they're just getting settled. The offhanded way you say they "got distracted for a while" is hilarious and made me laugh out loud. And yet it's perfectly tasteful. The friendship with Ifram is going well. I'm glad Gondor's traditional enemies have such a nice guy as their representative. If only more people of Rhun were more like him... Great chapter, looking for more (as ever).
Author's reply
I try to remain tasteful, at least; and I agree Merry is his father's son, and possibly moreso.
Eruviluieth
· 17 February 2005
· Chapter 51: Wedding Feast
What a wonderful chapter! A wedding feast fit for hobbits - tells me a lot about the amount of food! I can't get enough of these recognition stories, especially as so many end up being treated by the King for their faintness, which must be a little unnerving, to say the least. I loved Ruvmir's preparation for Idril's recognition - nice touch! Ifram's story is remarkable - he sort of knew the King, too. I really hope they can find Staravion, or his family. Could be very interesting who this north-man might have been related to. The wedding night details were perfect, complete but not anywhere near graphic. Ruvemir drawing her picture was precious, as was his not drawing her picture later. He has quite the silver tongue when he chooses. Excellent work! And very much enjoyed.
Author's reply
Well, the only true witnesses should be themselves and the One, I think. :-)
Yes, I think Ruvemir would be quite sweet with his new wife.
Raksha The Demon
· 17 February 2005
· Chapter 51: Wedding Feast
The story is still fresh and intriguing at 51 chapters - good job!
I'm wondering if Staravion will turn out to be another of Aragorn's many names; though Aragorn has all his fingers and (presumably) toes and did not, I don't think, spend so many years in Rhun; at least not at one time. I do hope that Ifram finds Staravion, or at least who the slave really was.
Author's reply
Staravion's story will be told soon enough, I think
Thanks for reviewing.
annmarwalk
· 17 February 2005
· Chapter 51: Wedding Feast
I enjoyed your description of the wedding rituals - very well thought out! and the story told Ifram of Rhun - there's quite a bit of history there. Will you be giving us more of his tales later?
Author's reply
Am not sure what more we'll learn of Ifram, but we will meet Staravion.
annmarwalk
· 16 February 2005
· Chapter 49: Conversations with the King
I enjoyed this introspective view of Aragorn Elessar: his acceptance of painful duties, and his humility in helping in cleanup duties - it's clear he has not forgotten his roots! You've fleshed out his character quite well.
Author's reply
Yes, this would be a very painful duty. It's one thing to kill in a battle, and quite another thing to order a death in cold blood. Yes, he is the type of King I'd love to live under.
annmarwalk
· 16 February 2005
· Chapter 50: A Wedding, a Wedding
A very pretty and touching ceremony!
Author's reply
Yes, and thank you, Ann, for your feedback.
Bodkin
· 16 February 2005
· Chapter 50: A Wedding, a Wedding
Melian managed to let them get through the ceremony without crying! Good wedding.
Author's reply
She does seem to be a particularly happy baby, doesn't she?
Thanks for the feedback.
Dreamflower
· 16 February 2005
· Chapter 50: A Wedding, a Wedding
What a lovely wedding! I almost feel as if I were there!
I enjoyed meeting Ruvemir's old friends. It is clear that he has always been able to forge friendships with those he encounters, and they seem to be firm and lasting ones. I have a feeling that he will need those friends as the plot advances.
Very Well Done! as usual!
Author's reply
Good friendships will last, and I'm glad they managed to make the wedding.
I, too, felt as if I were there at the wedding. Most weddings throughout various cultures appear to have similar themes and traditions, so I chose the most common ones and tried to give them a purely Middle Earth twist.
Tigger
· 15 February 2005
· Chapter 49: Conversations with the King
What a wonderful chapter and set up for the events coming up. Loved Gimli w/little Melian. From what I remember of my reading of Tolkien, there aren't many Dwarf children, so any child would be special to a Dwarf, but especially this child. The sentiment seems to be mutual. Adored the imagery of the little one grasping Gimli's beard in her wee hands. Too adorable. Same w/Aragorn's description of her when Ruvemir asked about her. How many times have some of us described newborns and their activities as sleeping, eating and pooping...LOL!!
Glad to see Aragorn picking up on the hints of Ruvemir about Varondil. I hope for the sake of Celebgil and the other apprentices Aragorn does some discreet inquring about it. That man reminds me of a slimy and very dangerous snake just waiting to strike.
I also liked how you had Aragorn talking about the guilt he had over healing Frodo. That's not something many people think doctors and nurses/healers experience, but they do. It tears them to pieces to see someone they have helped, not be able to truly live again. That part of the chapter was very believable to me and I'm glad Aragorn was able to talk to someone about it. I also loved that he was able to do some work on Frodo's stone. It was so right.
I can't help but wonder what the piece from Frodo's stone is going to end up being used as on the journey. Artwork or weapon. I'm sure we'll find out soon enough. I also find the addition of the Ambassador going along intriguing too. I'm sure both he and Ruvemir will learn a lot about each other during the journey and end up w/the both of them having a deep friendship out of it. At least I hope that's the direction you're trying to take this down.
Can't wait for the next chapter and the wedding. :o)
Author's reply
It seemed to me that particularly now, as he deals with his mixed feelings regarding the fate of the Easterlings he's sent back to Rhun, Frodo would be also on his mind. He would have to feel somewhat guilty, and yet grateful at the same time.
I've not had any doctors describe their feelings of guilt to me, but I've certainly dealt with parents who felt guilty over their children, many of whom have had to have the joys the children experience pointed out to them.
Am also looking to see what purpose there is for the stone.
SharonB
· 14 February 2005
· Chapter 49: Conversations with the King
Another chapter already. I do think the singing in Quenya helps the sculping in an Elvish way.
It's good to see the whole family is in synch with Miriel bring home the two oprhans. And it's so nice the way Ririon and Ruvemir feel about each other and let it show.
And it is good how Aragorn picked up on the undercurrent between Celebgil and Varondil from what Ruvemir said. It will be good for him to kep an eye open on the situation.
Author's reply
I am coming to dislike Varondil myself more and more as he makes more appearances in the story.
Dreamflower
· 14 February 2005
· Chapter 49: Conversations with the King
Aha! The plot thickens...
This trip south should be very interesting indeed.
I am glad that Ruvemir has dropped some hints about the situation with Celebgil and Varondil. It's clear that the King picked up the subtext immediately.
Author's reply
Yes, Aragorn would pick up on such hints, I think.
Thanks for the review.