Reviews (344)

Author's reply

Ooh, I hate having to spend time in the ER--and I do my share, usually with family members, friends, and clients, although it has been me a very few times, too. Sorry to hear about that. There is one more chapter, and then the author's notes, so don't think it's all quite over yet. Hope you appreciate it, of course. The next story I'm working on moves back several years, so no Benai or Camaloa right now, I fear. But I agree that Ankhrabi is probably going home to free a good number of slaves, even if he has to hire all new staff. He's now beginning to appreciate the horrors of slavery, and how it has destroyed not only families but entire villages at a time. And do let me know how things go, okay?

Author's reply

Yes, when the guests go home and the Princes of the realm must see to their lands and peoples and the friends are off doing what they have to do, to whom does the King turn for simple companionship or intellectual stimulation? Having raised my share of kittens and puppies, I know about having the marks of babies all over me; and I think Aragorn would have loved having a cat claim him. And I am certain that between them Faralion and Aragorn put on quite a performance! Thanks so much for the feedback!

Author's reply

No, I suspect we will have to imagine our own campaigns against the G'bani, and I suspect about everyone was happy to get home, in spite of thoroughly enjoying and appreciating what they experienced. And I think Faralion is as sneaky in his way as is Ruvemir about getting folk properly inducted into his guild when he feels it is appropriate. As for updates, I need to get working on the next nuzgul, which is covered in bandaids at the moment, looking pitiful. And I have a plot bunny in the pantry, trying to shove my one lonely bottle of wine off the shelf!

Author's reply

Have passed on your sympathy along with my own. In this case, I think it was Faralion who struck, although he might have had some advice from Ruvemir we aren't certain off. But certainly Ruvemir is happy to see the King get the full recognition he deserves for his skills other than leading, fighting, healing, and knowing healing herbs. And it is the homely details that make these people real to us, that add to our appreciation and love for them. And I, too, like to see the guests having a happy homecoming, and seeing the hope for the true Southern Dunedain begin to manifest itself. And thanks to all for the appreciation. It means a lot to me!

Author's reply

I am forwarding Harrowcat's sympathies and my own. My late husband's guide dog just died a week and a half ago, and after losing Rosie at the end of one of my previous stories it hurt a good deal. Laddie, however, was elderly and had been developing congestive heart failure, and is now across the Rainbow Bridge with his master. I've reared litters of kittens and puppies both, and know the mess both seem to cause, particularly when they're first starting to eat from a dish and are certain if they get their paws in it somehow that makes it easier. But thought Aragorn would find his own kitten in the litter and the two of them would bond, particularly as Kitling has no intention of tying herself to any one person. I've found myself wondering what my imaginary twin would have been like if she'd been real instead of imaginary; in the case of someone who learns he was intended to have a fraternal twin but lost it before birth, it must be even worse; and particularly if, as an adult, he still dreams of that twin as an adult as well. And Ruvemir must have had fun trying to bring Gil-galadrion and Anorahil to life without making them just elongated Hobbits. And, yes, now Benai embodies the hope of his own folk, and has managed to bring appropriate aid to assisting them to realize their place in the Gondorian-Arnorian empire as well as ridding their people of pernicious enemies intent on exploiting them as a cash crop. Thanks so much for the feedback, and am praying for you and your family with your loss. Our pets are as much part of our families as our spouses, parents, and children, I find.

Author's reply

Yes, I rather love the idea of Aragorn loving his white cats, ever since that detail suddenly appeared of young Estel being seen by Bilbo singing quietly in the gardens of Imladris with a white cat in his arms. Where that came from I had no idea--just suddenly that detail was there, and I had to explore it. My cats are predominantly Siamese, myself. As for the slave--when that is the only life he has known, and it was less slavery in his former home than family--he must feel totally lost to know his mistress's husband sees him only as chattel and nothing more. And the idea of the Fisherman's Hope leading the hope for the Africanized Dunedain back home to start their battle against the slavers of G'bani seemed to be just right. Thanks so much for the review!

Author's reply

What a wonderful review! Thank you! Yes, Denethor was a bit too hung up on his own position, I'm certain. I'll have to read Protocol and Pipeweed--or perhaps merely review it if I'd read it before. As for inducting Aragorn into the Guild of Bards, Minstrels, and Musicians--well perhaps you now know how this as turned out. Not everyone can get away at once or there would be too much chaos at home to deal with. At least all are now comfortable with one another, and the Haradrim are now certain the current treaties with Gondor work to the good. You already know how I love to tie my stories together, so you'll find characters from one slipping on occasion into others as certain threads are reinforced and ties strengthened. As for the painting, it's been appearing in my dreams for the last week, demanding its place, and I had to figure out what it was and who made it and how it ended up in the King's hands. Understanding one another is so much needed for peace to continue, and it's been a delight to find ways in which this peace might be strengthened between Gondor and its former enemies, now that Sauron is gone and Aragorn rules as the Lord King Elessar over Gondor and Arnor. Thanks so much for you faithful reviews, as they mean a great deal to me.

Author's reply

Am so glad you enjoy it, and hope you enjoy today's offering, and tomorrow's as well. Yes, I think this one is winding down.

Author's reply

Two more, and then the author's notes. Am so glad the painting and the kittens are so well received. Now, will you like what happens in today's chapter? I hope so! Aragorn honored and embarrassed!

Author's reply

I am honored and humbled by such praise, although I find there are many who deserve similar accolades, and so many on here, such as Ariel, Lindelea, Primsong, and so very many others. Ruvemir came out of the hollow space where the drawer is missing in the pedestal of my waterbed, and after telling me his story moved right into Middle Earth, and he keeps making appearances. But for many of those of us who have loved LOTR for years, Aragorn, Frodo, and Samwise are the ones who drew us into love with Arda and keep our attention there to this day. I'm still in love with Aragorn some forty-two years after I first started reading The Fellowship of the Ring for the first time, and it's wonderful to be able to express just why in stories like this. Today's quote on the site is so apropos! Thank you for the honor you've given me today.

Author's reply

No, not a great deal more left to tell. Hope you appreciate the last two (I think it's but two) chapters of this story. And am so glad you enjoyed seeing the hope for the future for Benai and Nera, Ankhsarani and her possibilities. And that Aragorn would appreciate such a painting I thought probable. Now I'm waiting to see where he hangs it! Thanks so much for the feedback. The last chapter has been written for weeks--hope when it is posted you love it.

Author's reply

One who is as responsible as Aragorn is should be allowed to relax from time to time, don't you agree? And I thought I'd tie up some loose ends from other stories. So glad you enjoyed this one, Grumpy.

Author's reply

I don't know if you've ever seen Amistad, but it appears to have been typical of slave trading in the early days of our nation. The descriptions of extra slaves denied food and simply thrown overboard when they found they had more bodies than the food they'd brought could support seems typical; and so I based the behavior of the slavers on the behavior of the crew of the Amistad. Yes, Ankhrabi is indeed getting a new look at the institution on which much of his nation's economy is based, and he is thinking about how to change things. I doubt he will change the thinking of all of his country, but he can begin putting into effect reforms to cut down the number of slaves traded in his realm; and in the new chapter you will see a different view of slavery from one of the former slaves. And, yes, Armanthol has done a great deal of growing up in the past six years. Thanks so much for the feedback.

Author's reply

I like tying up loose ends, I find; so Armanthol found his way back into the series of stories. He's indeed grown up and is ready to begin helping reforms in his own lands, but is willing to wait until the time is right--perhaps the King has also taught him patience and discernment. And indeed the Haradrim are seeing that the King and Queen of Gondor and Arnor are not only rulers but actively involved as they are able in the caring for the physical well-being of their people and those who come under their protection. Sorry for the lateness of today's posting--forgot my laptop at work and had to go fetch it today, which was frustrating. I write my chapters often during the time my charges are in bed--gives me a good deal of time to work on the stories while I must be ready in case of emergencies, of course. Thanks so much for the feedback.

Author's reply

I've always thought that Tolkien saw Aragorn in the role of the Sacred King, and for that devout Roman Catholic I would think that the Serving King would be seen as part of that role as well as standing between God and his people and land. But I wished for those who might not understand why Aragorn and Arwen would do such a thing would feel impelled to act in such a manner. As for Armanthol--he came home wearing a sword on Ruvemir's last visit back to Minas Anor; had to follow it a bit further. And that the folk of Harad would appreciate Ankhrabi's more open and beneficient attitudes seemed logical, and who better to express it than one of the nation's up-and-coming young priests? As for how many will return to Harad or elsewhere--that's yet to be decided. But you may appreciate the decision of one who'd come from Harad. Thanks so much for the feedback.

Author's reply

Hope you appreciate the new gift he's just made his King as well, Kitty. Yes, Armanthol insisted his story be told in this chapter, and where better to appreciate it than over a good steak dinner cooked by the two Hobbits remaining temporarily in the capitol, and in Ruvemir and Elise's home? I'd love to know some of your thoughts on how Denethor would have responded to such an idea as caring for newly freed slaves himself--I, too, can't see him as even entertaining the idea. Am so glad you are enjoying the story. I hope the last two chapters won't be so long delayed as the last few have been. Thanks so much for the feedback throughout.

Author's reply

This, I think, would be Tolkien's ideal as King and Queen, ones secure enough in their own royalty to see the need for cleansing and comfort who would do this personally, doing their best to restore and bestow not only healing but dignity as well. And I could not think of any quotation more proper to begin this chapter. Thanks so much for the appreciation you've shown for the story.

Author's reply

Yes, when little they do have needle teeth, don't they? Hope Jet never takes to chewing up phone cords as my own beastis did when puppies. Got expensive after a while, and was so glad the time Ruffy chewed the vacuum cord it wasn't plugged in! And I'm so glad you appreciate the details, and the honor being appropriately portrayed. I have the feeling that when he goes home Ankhrabi will begin freeing slaves in the palace.

Author's reply

I'll have to consider showing Armanthol's acceptance as a Ranger of Arnor, but have three other plot bunnies and nuzguls insisting on their due first. Aragorn is the King as I suspect Tolkien himself would have envisioned him, willing to be a hands-on king. The King represented the land and people before God and God before the land and its people, and was long thought to have the healing touch, which Tolkien accorded the descendants of Earendil through both Elrond and Elros. That Aragorn and Arwen would themselves help those who'd lost all in whatever way they could seemed logical, leading indeed by example in how those who are in need ought to be treated. And the evening out I just felt they deserved, don't you? Complete with steak dinner!

Author's reply

Yes, Aragorn seeks to be as open as possible, I think, and wishes to make news known as efficiently as possible in a world where the quickest form of mass communication is a beacon fire. Wasnior isn't a pleasant fellow, but then he is from Umbar after all. He's probably hoping there aren't any more of the cursed rings floating about Middle Earth, possibly on fingers of those poised to do damage to Marcipor's own plans, whatever they might be. But I suspect he just has an attitude about him that sets hackles rising even when he himself means nothing sinister. And yes, I think we can be certain that our King isn't going to let this matter drop--he'll find ways to make the punishment fit the crime.

Author's reply

What can one say about the likes of Wasnior? He's from Umbar, is likely the one the Lord Captain Thorongil left with a wound on his behind during the assault on the fleet so long ago, and while he finds himself admiring the rule of the Lord King Aragorn Elessar is also wary of him as well. Being the chief envoy between Umbar and the Court of Gondor would not be an easy position, I suspect. And I, too, am happy to see that Hardorn is also going to be a daddy, with a child almost the same age as the King's son. And I, too, was glad to see the girls' daddy freed from slavery and a few more from Camaloa freed as well. It will add more proof to Benai's tale among the folk of Gondor and Arnor. Thanks for the double review!

Author's reply

Well, you know that my stories tend to be tied together--I was wondering what had happened to the former laborer who defended Ruvemir and Pando and their party at the bridge to Casistir--and that he was encouraged to study to become an engineer is heartening. I'd indicated a similar audience followed the end of the war with the Wainriders also in the King's Commission--and you're right--this would be perhaps the best way to get news disseminated--tell the bards, minstrels and patterers and have those likely to do paintings and sculptures and histories told as well to make certain more people in the future have an idea of what happened back then. Wasnior, I suspect, isn't truly comfortable as Umbar's envoy to Gondor, and he probably has very mixed feelings about the King Elessar. As for Armanthol--he's likely to slip back into the story at any time, you must realize. You might be surprised.

Author's reply

Yes, I suspect Master Farolion has a great deal to work through fitting Aragorn into his expectations. Aragorn is quite different from Denethor, and probably Farolion has no real memory of the rule of Ecthelion to compare to. And am so glad that you like the reaction to the Star now residing with Ma'osiri. I like to think that the Dunedain of Arnor now see Ma'osiri as one of their own.

Author's reply

Wasnior is there in Gondor at Lord Marcipor's appointment, and so his personal loyalties lie to him. Now comes news that an Umbari expatriate had planned to unseat Marcipor--I suspect he's getting ready to be fully grilled next time he finds himself in Marcipor's company. It must be tough for Marcipor--he owes his own continued rule now at least twice to Aragorn Elessar Telcontar, the epitome of the descendants of Elendil; and it must rankle. The dissemination of news in days before mass-communication was quite different than it is now; yes, this would be the equivalent of the press conference, probably with the invitations given to those who have usually shown themselves most accurate and properly biased in reporting what has happened previously. As for Aragorn's acceptance--I suspect most commoners love him dearly; but as he does not come from a known noble family in Gondor and routinely sets his own, even if very honorable, rules for conduct, he's still probably seen among much of the older lords and noble families as still a partly unknown quantity. Faralion is probably indicative of how many who had been part of the status quo under Denethor still feel toward their King, the one who'd been a "Ranger from the North, last of a ragged house long bereft of lordship." Ruvemir had never been in the capitol before and had preferred to take only those commissions that pleased him; Faralion is more likely to have been one who regularly visited the city under Denethor and had come to absorb the expectations of those he'd worked for before. He wants to develop a relationship, I suspect; but is still trying to revamp his frame of reference of rule to fit the King he admires and yet finds willing to do inexplicable things such as sweeping floors after small sculptors....

Author's reply

Yes, our King is a just one, and we love him for it. And indeed the lost has been found, and a few of them ones we hadn't as yet developed an emotional tie to as well. Hope I can continue to keep your attention engaged as we go on.