grumpy
· 10 August 2005
· Chapter 16: Sparring Practice
Wow after that sparring practice, I too would like a second breakfast, very good idea of hobbits. Love how you wrote this chapter, and who you had sparring with whom. good thing Aragorn had his little red bag handy.
Author's reply
Glad you enjoyed it. It was fun to think who would spar with whom. And I think they would have a healer on site during practice, and Eowyn and Aragorn would be the choice on this trip. Of course one would have their first aid kit along.
harrowcat
· 10 August 2005
· Chapter 16: Sparring Practice
Well, I'm Back!
An enjoyable week at a music Summer School, a horrible couple of days at my parents' house which ended with taking our dog to the vets to be put to sleep. I just wish her cancer had been treatable but it came back just two weeks after her operation. She was only five.
Any way - a long evening of reading was just what I needed and a really healing treat too! I did promise you a bumper review but I don't know where to start! All my favourite characters in one place. Lots of fascinating detail and history served up in bite-sized chunks. Healer Aragorn at work and people reeling when they recognise him!
My most favoutite bit (of many) had to be in the temple with all the omens and foretellings. Brothers of the heart again, and Aragorn giving up his star! (I do remember asking when he had stopped wearing it. I do, I do, I do!) I love the way you weave and complete details across your stories. Each story you write seems to fill out the others and also leave more threads dangling to catch up later. Brilliant as usual Larner!
Author's reply
I'm glad to see you back, Harrowcat. The chapter on the Valley of the Sun has struck a chord in many, I find, and was one of my favorites while writing it.
And it's fun to find stories to finish here and there. I am so glad you appreciate what's been written while you were gone.
I grieve with you over your dog, for as you know I lost one of mine a few weeks ago, and almost lost a second. It's not a good summer for our pets, I fear.
Dreamflower
· 10 August 2005
· Chapter 16: Sparring Practice
This was fun! I really enjoyed the reactions of the Haradrim, but I also enjoyed the accounts of the matches as well. I am not surprised that Pippin and Eowyn were so well matched, but it would have tickled me to see Pip spar with one of the Haradrim. I hope the heat's not going to give the hobbits too much trouble.
Author's reply
They are from the furthest north with the least amount of time to acclimate to the capitol, so I think they'd have the hardest time of it in Harad.
Perhaps in further matches Pippin will match himself against a Haradri, but I suspect in the initial round, not recognizing size is not a sign of ability the Haradrim would be likely to feel insulted by the idea they match against a Hobbit.
Kitty
· 10 August 2005
· Chapter 15: Understanding Differences
Standing near the King and Queen was the small figure of the Hobbit guard. How could someone so small serve to protect his lord and lady? It must be a position of honor alone.
*Now* I can't wait until Nefiramonrani is witnessing Pippin sparring with Aragorn or Faramir or another of the men! And I would like to see her face when she finds out how badly she has underestimated the littlest Captain of the Guard of the Citadel! *eg*
Ruvemir had guessed quite fast what Nefiramonrani wanted to know with her question and gave her a thoroughly answer. She seems quite surprised about his knowledge. But then, she doesn't know *anything* about other races than her own, so she should be quite impressed how much he knows.
She looked at King and Queen with their small guard behind them, and shook her head, wondering if she’d ever take it all in. She is not the only one to wonder ... I fear she has still a lot to learn. But it is quite interesting to see our beloved characters through the eyes of someone so different from them!
Author's reply
Yes, learning about new peoples can be bewildering, and it's fun to see people learning about our favorites from a newcomer's point of view.. And she will be able to see Pippin sparring in today's chapter. I think it's likely to be more interesting to many than yesterday's.
lindahoyland
· 9 August 2005
· Chapter 15: Understanding Differences
Another interesting chapter.Is there anywhere that Tolkien says how long those in the South of Numenorian lineage live?I wonder if Faramir at 120 reached a good age for his people ?
The Harad must find their visitors very strange.
Your editions sound fasinating,you have told me a few things I did not know.I try hard too to suit the language to the characters which is hard at times.
I am still debating whether or not I could post Shadow and Thought and Burden of Guilt here as I have no wish to break any rules.I like this site better than fanfic.net as you can talk to your reviewers..
Author's reply
I agree, as I like being able to answer comments. As they have accepted The King's Commission here with the discussion of what happened to Vorondil's apprentices, I think you would have no difficulties with your stories as well, as they do not picture gratuitous slash relationships.
I kept my Ace edition of ROTK, and sometimes wish I'd kept the entire set. My mom bought me The Hobbit and FOTR first, with FOTR in the original edition and reportedly The Hobbit in the second edition. She got me TTT and ROTK a few months later for my birthday, both in the second edition. Then my husband in 1980 bought me the special Redbook Edition of LOTR with all in a single volume, which had the addition of the word "Envinyatar." I've checked it against my single volume ROTK from 1965--it was definitely added later. Other than the changes to the beginning of the appendices and the deletion of the threat to trade Gimli for an orc I really didn't notice the rest of the differences between the editions, as most of the changes have to do with distances and directions. Oh, in the first edition Aragorn died at age 190--in the later editions he lived to 210. I had never looked that up in anything but my Ace paperback--when I learned it was different last year while posting Light on the Way I was shocked. Tolkien himself loved to fiddle with his own stories so!
When Mom died I inherited the companion volume of The Hobbit to go with the Redbook LOTR--it's also slipcovered and bound in green leather while LOTR is in red leather. There were a lot of changes between it and my original copy of The Hobbit, mostly in phraseology, as I learned when I was reading the book with a former student, each of us with one of the two volumes.
In the last two years I've added the Alan Lee illustrated centenary editions, and I find no differences in text between them and the Redbook or Greenbook editions.
I'd love to have a full first edition set of LOTR, and perhaps one of the copies of FOTR in the 1965 edition to go with the two I have from that set. I've reread those volumes so often they are almost worn out, though. I have hopes of finding a FE set the next time I go to England, if I can ever wangle it.
Author Reply: Forgot to answer one question--no, I haven't found any place where Tolkien told how long the southern Dunedain lived--I admit I arbitrarily chose the age I did, as he indicated that few lived beyond the span of normal men any more. So I indicated for Faramir's folks they lived to 120-130, which would indicate Faramir was pretty good for his own lineage. Tolkien had indicated only that few in Gondor lived much beyond the age of normal men due to increased intermarriage with those not of Numenorean descent, and that the Steward's family and that of Dol Amroth which apparently had some Elven blood in it were purer than most.
Dreamflower
· 9 August 2005
· Chapter 15: Understanding Differences
Ah, yes, Nefiramonrani has a lot to take in, doesn't she. If she can only wrap her brain around believing in the age differences, perhaps she will not have so difficult a time believing in the rest. Ruvemir is very patient in explaining to her--really, he is probably the best one to explain it, as he had to go through all that process himself at one time.
Author's reply
Yes, Ruvemir also had to learn such things firsthand. You are right that he would be best suited to explain to others. Ankhrabi's wife is now well into her education regarding other peoples.
Kitty
· 9 August 2005
· Chapter 14: The Queen's Choice
Our dear Lady Nefiramonrani has now something to think of, doesn't she? Maybe she starts to realize there is more to their guests than she ever dreamt of. You know, I would like to hear something about her visit to Gondor! This would be interesting as well as amusing, I think.
It was lovely how Pippin sang for Arwen - especially as elves are gifted singers themselves. And I loved the talks Nefiramonrani had with Arwen and Ruvemir. It is a pity she can't work as apprentice to Ruvemir to learn something about the history of Middle-earth.
But if I may say it - I fear you have the reckoning confused a bit. The ringbearers departed over sea in T.A. 3021. If this is set eight years later and 10 years after the War of the Ring, which was 3019, it is 3029 and not 3041. So Arwen is 2788 (not that this little difference truly matters for someone nearly three millennia old). I hope you don't mind that I say that!
Author's reply
You are correct--will have to go in and fix that up. I do get off at times, and appreciate the corrections.
And it's fun to explore how different people end up reacting to new information that is totally counter to what they've known for themselves all their lives.
Again, thanks for the heads up.
Dreamflower
· 9 August 2005
· Chapter 14: The Queen's Choice
Well, Nefiramonrani has a good deal to chew on. She is certainly finding a lot of her assumptions being challenged. In a way, she reminds me of those hobbits who remained in the Shire, the ones JRRT described as "rustic"--they go along for years believing that the way things are among their own people and in their own land is the only "proper" way things should be, and challenges to that are met with amazement and sheer disbelief. I like the way you are exploring that same theme of his, but from a completely different perspective.
Author's reply
Isolation from other areas will have a similar reaction in the remote areas of the Shire as that seen in distant lands such as Harad when the people there begin actually interacting with others. And it's fun to see how the wife of the future Farozi is so similar in her confusion to Mrs. Tunnely in Pincup or Westhall in her reactions.
Glad you appreciate the exploration.
Raksha The Demon
· 9 August 2005
· Chapter 12: The Farozi’s Hospitality
So I was wrong, having failed to note that the Westerners came to Harad by water and would thus not be vulnerable to sandstorms...But I still think that including the lords of Rohan, Gondor and Ithilien and all their kids in the party was a bit foolhardy. Presumably the visit will be beneficial to everyone and devoid of strife.
Have I mentioned how neat it is to see Faramir in Harad in a diplomatic capacity, even if you have too much else going on in the story to expand on his stay (and this story is about Aragorn!)? Thank you for the image of Faramir and Aragorn singing the future second Prince of Ithilien to sleep, I imagine that Faramir has an excellent singing voice, as of course Elessar does.
Very interesting and sensitively told story.
lindahoyland
· 9 August 2005
· Chapter 14: The Queen's Choice
I was impatient to read this so came here to do so as I am loving seeing how the two cultures interact.You raise some interesting points about elves.
Thanks for your reply.I admit I find Hobbits hard to write,Pippinis the easiest,I think.You do them well.
I have written Aragorn in a rage once or twice.I imagine he would be quite terrifying.It must be hard to have such great power and never misuse it.It must be fascinating to be able to compare diferent editions of LOTR.I've only seen later ones.
Author's reply
I first read LOTR in 63-64, before the release of the second edition, and my first personal copies were the infamous ACE paperback edition which relied on galley proofs of the original printing in the U.S. The second edition was a response to the Ace publication, which had taken advantage of a loophole in the copyright laws at the time to do their paperback publication. Then he did some more little tweaking for an unheralded third edition--the only difference I've found is that in the first and second editions when Aragorn indicates what throne name he will take he says "Elessar Telcontar" in the first and second, with the addition of "Envinyatar" as a middle name in the third.
I try to include all kinds of characters in my stories, so have to watch my language usage for each one to keep him consistent with Tolkien's original at least somewhat, augmented, of course, by the characterizations we've seen in the two film presentations, although of course the Jackson presentation takes precidence over the Bakshi. Glad to see you responding here, as we can give feedback on the feedback here where we can't on that other site.
lindahoyland
· 9 August 2005
· Chapter 1: The Morning of the Hunt
I've just been reading some of your reviews here and am glad this great story is getting the interest it deserves on this Site as you have obviously done a great deal of research and I know from experience these epic stories take hours to write.
I cannot praise your Aragorn highly enough as so many writers demean him and make evade responsibility and lacking in nobility.You write him just as I imagine Tolkien meant him to be radiating both power and goodness combined with humility.My favourite scenes so far have been the visions in the temple and Aragorn singing to his child.
Author's reply
Thank you, Linda. Yes, I have seen Aragorn as the height of the wonderful things Kings are supposed to be, although I've not written in the type of temper he could at times show, such as where in the first edition he asked Gimli if he thought he ought to be traded for a dependable orc.
I've enjoyed writing this story and the others, and I love writing about Aragorn and Frodo particularly, although I also have a big soft spot in my heart for Sam, and another one for Merry, and a good one for Bilbo........
Ah, I should just admit it--I love the whole cast of characters, as well as those who've walked into my stories as Faramir walked into Tolkien's.
Kitty
· 8 August 2005
· Chapter 13: Under the Light of Stars
*sniff* That was a bit sad, although beautiful, how Aragorn sang to the stars. It is truly not only a blessing to be long-lived or immortal if one has to watch his friends die, one by one.
Aragorn's tale about Eärendil and his sons must've been quite a surprise for Sohrabi and Ankhrabi. They took it very well - I wonder sometimes how peoples of our time would react if someone would tell them his or her grandfather is a star. And I must admit, although I'd known Eärendil is Osiri, I hadn't thought so far as to see Arwen as granddaughter to *Osiri*. It is a intriguing thought!
Author's reply
Yes, it is an intriguing thought, realizing Arwen is granddaughter to Osiri in the eyes of the Haradri. And the blessing of the prolonged life would be double edged.
So many of our forebears have considered their great heroes to be descended from the gods or great powers of the world; to find someone who would say, "But that star is my father's father" would be a poser, I'm certain.
grumpy
· 7 August 2005
· Chapter 13: Under the Light of Stars
What a lovely picture, Aragorn singing to his son. It must be hard on him to know he will not see Frodo, Gandalf or Lord Elrond again. Or at least not very soon. He did a wondrful telling of the tale of Earendil.
Question from the last chapter, whatever did they do with the perfumed fat, ok they put it in their hair, but at the table? Is this sort of like finger bowls.
Liked the inviting of the man, who was once the child, Aragorn saved.
Author's reply
The perfumed fat was worn in the hair at parties and formal dinners, and allowed to melt. The scent was to delight the guests and soothe the scalp, I believe, and may have served instead of deoderant, much as in the court of France they took to wearing vast quantities of perfume in lieu of bathing regularly. The Egyptians did bathe, unlike many of the Middle Ages, but they still lived in a very hot climate where it must have become musky at gatherings.
And I'm glad the one Aragorn had helped heal had been invited, also. A tie to the past, a chance for Sohrabi to be certain this was indeed the one he remembered.
And I think Aragorn would have deeply missed those whom he'd come to love, whether by death or sea, and particularly those he'd been through so much with, like Gandalf and Frodo, Elrond and those others he'd known growing up, his mother, and so on. His time waiting for the reunion must have worn on him from time to time.
Thanks for the review.
Tigger
· 7 August 2005
· Chapter 13: Under the Light of Stars
What a lovely chapter Larner. So very poignant and heartfelt. Loved how Aragorn answered the Farozi and his son's questions. It has to be a heavy burden for Aragorn. To be *The* Man of the West and to see those who he loves pass away before he does. In a way, it's just like Arwen's fate as foretold by Elrond when you think of it. Very bittersweet.
I also enjoyed the way Aragorn explained to them the tale of Earëndil and then Elrond and Elros and how Aragorn's lineage is related to the both of them and Earëndil. Very well done indeed.
As always, looking forward to the next chapter.
Author's reply
In the case of Aragorn, however, he's known all his life that in the end he, too, will die and hopefully follow those others who have died before him and have the chance of reunion. However, for Arwen it's been almost three thousand years of watching mortals die and letting them go, then finally making the ultimate connection with one of them and watching him go, too--knowing perhaps consciously she will follow him but on the emotional level having natural grief compounded by twenty-nine hundred years experience of thinking of them as being simply completely gone. Perhaps that is why at the end she was begging Aragorn to remain just a little longer, the fear she would be forced to remain behind forever and not be able to come to him again.
At times it must have been overwhelming for Aragorn, watching so many go before him, having to wait so. However, by the time he was crowned King he had known almost nine decades to learn patience. He still must have been tried sorely at times, though.
Dreamflower
· 7 August 2005
· Chapter 13: Under the Light of Stars
How beautiful!
I loved Aragorn singing to his son, as he missed and mourned for Frodo and the others who had sailed. And his explanation of Earindil was very well done--I can imagine the thoughts the Farozi will have when he tries to go to his own sleep.
Look forward to more...
Author's reply
The relationship of King and Queen to Earendil will become more realized by more shortly. Before she has the chance to travel outside Harad, Nefiramonrani will be learning that things are far different among other peoples.
And I'm certain there were many times Aragorn would have mourned deeply for those who'd left with Frodo.
I've always loved the image from Galadriel's song evoked by "...and in a fading crown have twined the golden elanor..." Had to get that image expressed for others to contemplate.
Baggins Babe
· 7 August 2005
· Chapter 12: The Farozi’s Hospitality
I remember the first time I read about the cones of perfumed fat in Ancient Egypt. Like you I thought it sounded horrible. I'd love to know what Sam's reaction might be when Pip relates that story. Can't see our Sam approving of headrests either! :-))
This is such a fascinating story that I can't wait for the next chapter.
Author's reply
I remember looking at the headrests found in Tutankhamen's tomb and reading the description of them and thinking, Oh, dear! And then the perfumed fat!
I agree, Sam would be likely to look well askance at wooden headrests and the fat, and I can think of Rosie particularly looking at the fat and shuddering.
Am so glad you are enjoying this. Thanks for the feedback.
Kitty
· 7 August 2005
· Chapter 12: The Farozi’s Hospitality
Some more lovely reunions *smile* It was very nice of An'Sohrabi to invite Antipatha, too! He has obviously thought a lot who should be there. I begin to like him. And the way he dealt with his daughter-in-law proves he is a wise man.
I was quite amused about the pillows. How thoughtful of Aragorn to take a whole chest of pillows with him! I must admit, wooden headrests sound not very comfortable, no matter the heat.
Nefiramonrani, on the other hand, has obviously some difficulties to accept that the guests are a bit different from herself. She was told they don't want the headrests, put them there in spite of that, and then to be offended ...*shakes head* Sohrabi is right, she should to to Gondor for some time. And knowing Aragorn I am sure he will make sure she has her beloved uncomfortable headrest there, even if they don't bring them from Harad!
Author's reply
Oh, I'm certain you would be right about Aragorn providing headrests for Haradri guests. And, after his own visit to Harad, he would realize it was probable this would be what they'd be offered, and would try to plan ahead. I've always seen him, once he realized a need was there, trying to find ways of fulfilling it.
But some folks just can't imagine others doing things differently than they do. And even I've been known to complain of some things I've faced in England, much as I love the land and my friends there. We all tend to want and expect what we are accustomed to.
Tigger
· 6 August 2005
· Chapter 12: The Farozi’s Hospitality
Wow!! Well written chapter once again. I think the Farozi's daughter in law is very much in for a rude awakening and this is just the beginning. The suggestion that she and her family be sent to Gondor for a visit might make for a very interesting story somewhere down the line. There, another plotbunny sent in your general direction.
Loved Aragorn's reunion w/the now grown boy whose life he saved during his first visit. Then how that in turn gave him added prestige in the eyes of the Haradri nobles.
Really love this story and interested to see what comes next.
Author's reply
I think perhaps Sohrabi wished to see whether or not the Lord Elessar was truly the one he'd met, and to provide some meat for memories renewed if he was.
Travel can be broadening, and I think that Nefiramonrani would in the end be finding herself with more appreciation for the world if she takes up the Farozi's challenge. We all have to get past preconceptions based on lack of experience with alternate possibilities, if it's for head support when sleeping to the reality that not all countries drive on the same side of the road.
And such occurences as the reaction of the bigwigs at the greeting party does happen--someone "important" pays attention to someone seen as insignificant, and all of a sudden the "nobody" goes from nowhere to celebrity overnight.
I think that Aragorn probably recognized this fact as well, and preferred to give his notice to those who truly deserved it. Might put one more truly decent person in a position of influence at just the right time.
Dreamflower
· 6 August 2005
· Chapter 12: The Farozi’s Hospitality
*chuckle* I can just imagine Pippin's and Isumbard's reactions to the idea of putting perfumed fat on their heads to melt, LOL! Although I would guess that Pip's reaction would have been mild compared to say, Sam's if he'd been there! And I have to say, wooden headrests sound pretty darn uncomfortable to me, heat or no heat.
So, you're going to send the Farozi's son and daughter-in-law to Gondor for a while--now *that* will be interesting, to say the least.
Author's reply
When I first read the description of the practice of offering the fat in one of my books on Egypt, I must have been eleven or so, and thought, "EEEEE-EW!" Yet such was often done, perhaps to hide the smell of sweating bodies in such crowds. The Egyptians did reportedly bathe and figured out the first flushing toilets reportedly; but as I myself cannot abide feeling oily the idea of the melting fat running down my face and hair and back, no matter how sweetly perfumed, I find particularly repugnant.
Don't think I'll actually follow the Farozi's heir and daughter-in-law in this story, but it at least offers a basis for the next one.
Kitty
· 6 August 2005
· Chapter 11: Ankhrabi
Oh, sorry, I had meant, father of Melian and *Eldarion* *blushes* I'm getting old ...
Kitty
· 6 August 2005
· Chapter 11: Ankhrabi
He looked to both boys, who’d managed to maintain their neat appearance for quite some time now. I am impressed. It is always the same, isn't it, no matter in which country you are, it is nearly impossible for little boys to stay clean for any length of time *grins*
That was quite an intriguing parade! Now after Ankhrabi has seen Aragorn he may be able to believe he is father to Melian and Elboron. I must admit, it was one of the parts in the last chapter I was giggling a lot about!
And Sa'Amonri was another one who recognized Aragorn? Poor man, it must've been quite a shock, the more because he had no idea this would come. But I enjoyed Aragorns remark to Ruvemir - I must admit, all these little recognisions of Captain Thorongil in "The Kings Commission" were as much fun for me as they were for Ruvemir!
This visit will give the Haradrim something to think. Lords who carry their own baggage, a king who set aside the protocoll to tend to someone who is unwell ... and I think the conversation at the end of the chapter did tell Ankhrabi a lot about the visitors and about Aragorn's care for all these which are dear to him.
Author's reply
I had to giggle at your correction, for I'd gotten three names incorrect in this last chapter and caught them literally at the last moment--was so frustrated!
It's always interesting to think of those who might recognize someone from so long ago, and how they will react. And I think Ruvemir is enjoying it thoroughly, myself
And the upcoming rulers of Harad now will have the chance to learn how things are done elsewhere.
Glad you are enjoying it still.
Tigger
· 5 August 2005
· Chapter 11: Ankhrabi
What chapter so full of the differences between the races of Middle Earth. Also a chance for all to learn more about each other. I loved how the boys were a wee more concerned about prospective playmates from the Northlands than they were about King Elessar. Not that they weren't also curious about our favourite Ranger Healer King, but little boys w/the chance to play w/boys from another culture and learn new games...That would rank a bit higher in their interest of this visit. If I know little boys right that is. :oD
A lovely chapter and, as always, looking forward to the next one. :o)
Author's reply
Well, in this case as the boys from the North are all pretty much under the age of three, I don't think they'll hold a lot of interest for the nine-year-old Haradri twins. Here Owain, who is now about fifteen, and even Melian as well as Rustovrid's two younger daughters are more likely to be seen as interesting. I suspect that even though she's only about five Melian will probably be taller than five-year-olds of their culture, and is probably more mature in many ways partly from being Aragorn and Arwen's daughter, partly from being of Elven ancestry, and partly from just being a girl. It's likely the boys won't recognize just how much younger she is than they are. It's a bit harder, probably, for them to fully appreciate the Hobbits are adults, much as it was for Bergil when he first met Pippin.
But I am always glad to write about our favorite Ranger Healer King, you know.
grumpy
· 5 August 2005
· Chapter 11: Ankhrabi
Ah, Aragorn and his red satchel, must be a for-runner of the dotor's little black bag. Loved how Ankhrabi saw each of the his guests as they got off the ship.
Author's reply
I think the red of the satchel came from Ayla's medicine bag in the Clan of the Cave Bear series. The elaborate knot is actually a fixture from my own story I'm in the process of writing--just seems to have slipped sideways from Lui to Aragorn somehow.
These are all going to look pretty exotic from the point of view of Ankhrabi and his father's court, of course.
Dreamflower
· 5 August 2005
· Chapter 11: Ankhrabi
This is such a great chapter. I love the descriptions of each of them as they disembark, and the way they were introduced, as well as the reactions of those awaiting them on the dock.
The poor priest, to be so affected by suddenly realizing who the King of these foreigners happens to be. I got a chuckle out of Aragorn's little aside to Ruvemir, as if the little sculptor is keeping a collection, LOL!
I do hope Isumbard is not going to be too ill, but I know that if he is, he will recieve plenty of TLC from his cousin and from his King.
I found the melancholy little discussion at the end very touching. Yes, I could see Pippin grieving for Bilbo, and sad for Frodo's being left alone in Aman.
Author's reply
Yes, it would be something to grieve for, knowing Bilbo has gone on and Frodo is now alone among mortals in the Undying Lands.
We know from The King's Commission that Ruvemir has found entertainment in the recognition Aragorn has known from those who knew him before. Yes, I suspect he is collecting the stories somewhat, don't you?
As for Isumbard, you are right--he'll be well cared for.
aragorn_reader
· 5 August 2005
· Chapter 11: Ankhrabi
Yay, I was *panting* for their arrival. It's summer here and in the midst of a blasted heat wave, so the Haradric setting seems v. appropriate. No doubt will be warming to antipodean readers as well.
And another one fainting at the appearance of the king to add to Ruvemir's count!!
Loved that comment in the last ch., wondering if the king could be the actual father of Melian and Eldarion at his advanced age.
Hee, great fun!
Author's reply
The idea that the Dunedain are of a different lineage and have different aging rules applied will be one for those in Harad to absorb, I think. Wait until they realize how old Arwen is!
Summer here, too, and although, we being where we are, the temperatures aren't getting much above 78, it is still hot enough for those of us accustomed to our temperate climate. Don't think I'd like it in Harad, as I have difficulty when I visit Los Vegas or Bakersfield--never mind anywhere humid.