lindahoyland
· 28 September 2005
· Chapter 47: The King's Audience
An interesting chapter. I enjoyed reading the varied reactions,learning more about the rings and the discovery of the prisoners on the ships,
Many thanks for your kind reviews of my story, I'm sorry you have been having a difficult few days and hope things will be better now.
Author's reply
I like to think of how in those days and in such a world the word on what has happened would be given out, and had to find the missing father, you know.
As for the last few days--a friend has put himself into a horrid situation, and we're waiting to see how he gets himself out of it.
Thanks so much for the feedback. And I'm still hoping Faramir believes Arwen!
Silly Steward--thought bonding don't lie! Heh!
Dreamflower
· 27 September 2005
· Chapter 47: The King's Audience
This is really neat. We start out with the Gondorian equivalent of a press conference (how clever of you!) I'm wondering why the Umbari representative was so very curious about the disposal of Merdirion?
And then the capture of the slavers!! So cool that not only were there some of Benai's people freed, but the lost son-in-law, as well. Perhaps this episode will bring home to the Haradrim and the Umbari just how serious slave traffic is, and the need to put an end to it.
All in all, an excellent chapter!!
Author's reply
Yes, there would be a need in those days to get the news out, and when there is no newspaper it is the patterers, the tale spinners, the bards, minstrels, and artisans who let the common people know what has occured.
As for whether or not Umbar will truly crack down on slavers--I suspect they officially disapprove of it while officially turning blind eyes. As for Harad--that will be a tougher nut to crack, for slavery has become so entrenched in their economy....
Thanks for the feedback!
Bodkin
· 27 September 2005
· Chapter 46: Welcoming Feast
I'm glad to see Aragorn comforting Sa’Harpelamun and reassuring him that his brother sought the light in the end.
Interesting to meet the bard and get his response to the changes in leadership - which are considerably more complex than just ending the old war. Aragorn must be rather a shock to the old guard.
The response to seeing Ma’osiri with the Star or Arnor is interesting. Not altogether approved of, I felt, at first - although Gilfileg seemed to come round quite quickly. And it does bind the future Farozi to the realms of the North (and, I suppose now, the far South), which can only be a good thing.
Author's reply
I do believe Aragorn would indeed seek to reassure Sa'Harpelamun regarding his brother's spiritual fate, which would be a comfort to him, I think. To know one, and particularly a twin brother, who has been so lost would be horrible in the extreme, and the surviving brother would need the reassurance.
Even ten years after the War of the Rings, Aragorn is still the new kid on the block. I know that the entire eighteen years we lived in one small town we were looked down on by certain neighbors because we hadn't lived there all our lives as had they, and they were unhappy when we objected to changes in the town's legal structure that would have not only inconvenienced us mightily, but would have been impossible to properly implement--high-sounding principles with no logical or physical base of carrying them out. Aragorn might be the King returned, but not everyone realizes he was Thorongil even now; and probably some who've heard the tale question it, not wanting to believe there is any so pure in Numenorean blood to have lived so long still looking so young.
Trying to fit someone like Aragorn/Strider/Elessar into ones expectations is not always going to be easy.
And, yes, the Northern Dunedain are going to first question how this Haradri boy is wearing a Ranger's star; and then will probably accept him as an adoptee into the people. And it will offer more stability to the relationships between the lands down the road.
Thanks so much for the thought-provoking comments.
harrowcat
· 27 September 2005
· Chapter 46: Welcoming Feast
Another wonderful chapter Larner. As usual too many bits to compliment them all - Pippin's sensitivity - Aragorn's care for the twins - the feast and above all the minstrel's description of the King. Now are we going to see Arwen and Aragorn accepted into the guild of bards?
Author's reply
I dunno if we'll see them accepted into the Guild; Ruvemir had to find a way to allow Miriel to trick Arwen into the Guild of Seamstresses and Tailors, after all; and as he wasn't sitting nearby he might not be aware of how they might be made members of the Guild of Bards and Minstrels; whether Farolion would consider such means as finding an original poem or song and using that to get the King admitted I'm not certain. He's not the same sort of personality as Ruvemir.
And am glad you appreciate the small details. Am very honored by the appreciation all have given this.
Radbooks
· 27 September 2005
· Chapter 46: Welcoming Feast
Very interesting feast and discussions and things going on in this chapter. I enjoyed the minstrel part very much and remember Aragorn's comment that he had thought that they might become close. You could see that the minstrel wants that closeness too, but he just can't figure Aragorn out. Not that you always need to figure people out before you befriend them - you start learning about them over time and as you get to know them. And I doubt the minstrel will ever truly be able to totally understand Aragorn anyway, there is too much in his background that the minstrel has no frame of reference for, but that doesn't mean that they can't be good friends based on their shared love of music.
I also enjoyed the part when Gilfileg and the other lords of Arnor discovered that the twin was wearing Aragorn's star - that was touching. Especially Gilfileg's comments about who he has a responsibility not to bring dishonor to it. Nicely done chapter as usual!
By the way, my new chapter has been posted.
Author's reply
Yes, there is still much for the minstrel to work through if he will become very close to the King, I suspect. But you are right--you don't need to know all to begin a friendship. It's working Aragorn's personality into his expectations for rule that I suspect is the holdup here.
And am glad you appreciated Gilfileg's admonition to Ma'osiri to be the type of person who will bring no dishonor upon the Ranger's Star.
And will have to check out the chapter as soon as I am able.
Dreamflower
· 26 September 2005
· Chapter 46: Welcoming Feast
What a wonderful chapter! I've been figuratively chewing my nails for a few days waiting on a update, and am not disappointed.
Of course it goes without saying that I love all the little details you give. And Farolian is the minstrel Elessar mentioned, that he had hoped to befriend. He's very interesting, and I hope to see a good deal more of him.
I liked Aragorn's comment that it would be easier for each group to forgive the *other* ones enemies. Those enmities that are bred in the bone generation after generation are so hard to overcome.
Such an auspicious visit! I hope to see more!
Author's reply
Sorry about the wait--have been fighting some serious problems here, and have need to see them settled quickly--and then the Fair is on, you know. I live for the Fair it sometimes seems.
It's always easier to forgive those who have had less impact on ones history than the ones one fights day by day. And Farolian is one who ought to be a part of the court, and yet has held himself somewhat apart. That he wrote the Lay of Frodo of the Nine Fingers would have meant a good deal to Aragorn, I suspect; if he isn't quite a friend of Aragorn's, then why would that be? So decided to look at what the minstrel would have expected in the King returned but didn't find, and why he has held back from open friendship.
We all need a variety of friends.
lindahoyland
· 26 September 2005
· Chapter 46: Welcoming Feast
I just loved the way that Aragorn comforts the young priest and also the list of all the things he does. Your Aragorn is one of my favourites in fanfiction.
Author's reply
Am so glad you like the way I depict Aragorn, Linda. Have been fighting real life for the last few days, which delayed the posting of this chapter while I've tried to see to what needs doing and all.
Yes, Aragorn would want to comfort Sa'Harpelamun, I think, and would wish him to appreciate that it appears that at the last Setra'amun found his way. That would be as heartening to himself as it is to others, I think.
And Aragorn would not be content to sit idle while others labor around him, I think, and after almost a half-century doing for himself and others would wish to continue to do so.
Now I can see Ruvemir, if he becomes aware of what Farolian said about what would be needed to have King and Queen admitted to the Guild of Bards and Minstrels, lying in wait for a poem or tale to sneak off for consideration for the Guild. Let all see that King and Queen are NOT just rulers, but people with their own skills and gifts that they finally have the leisure to enjoy and develop, and that are worthy of honor.
Tigger
· 26 September 2005
· Chapter 46: Welcoming Feast
I'm back from my trip. Not entirely rested (don't ask), but got to see Viggo's new movie, so it all evens out. :o) Anyway...Wow!! What a great chapter this was. To see the nobles of Harad honoured so by the nobles of The Reunited Kingdom would have done much to cement the relations between the two kingdoms.
The thoughts of the minstrel was interesting to read. The people of Gondor would have a hard time adjusting to Aragorn's style of ruling after Denethor's heavy handedness. Loved how Legolas used his own questions to the minstrel to have him see that they wouldn't want Aragorn acting like Denethor had. There are different ways to rule and guide a kingdom and usually kindness will provide more loyalty than tyranny does.
I also loved Gilfeg seeing Aragorn's Star on Maorsi's sash, then the rest of the Northern Dunedain seeing it and that whooosh of a hush decending on the Feast Hall. That would have quite the shocking effect on Aragorn's kinsmen. Also loved the honour they then paid to the little Haradi Prince. That was a lovely part of this chapter.
As always, looking forward to the next chapter. :o)
Author's reply
I can't afford to see the film yet, and hope to do better in the coming month and perhaps see it.
In the previous chapter Ankhrabi sees the rulers of the kingdoms; now he is seeing more of the movers and shakers, is getting a feel for how the upper crust of society see their King, who even after ten years is still seen as a bit of an oddity, who rides and patrols with his troops on horseback or on foot, who is able to communicate with those who need comforting and strengthening as they enter into duty for the realm, who weeds his garden and serves the people practically as well as in the role of King, whose skills are many sided.
And that Ma'osiri now wears the Star of a Ranger of Arnor would be important, and in so bestowing it, Aragorn is in ways adopting the boy into the family. The folk of Arnor particularly will do their best to see that when he comes to the throne of Harad all goes well with him, and that he is protected properly.
Thanks for the feedback!
grumpy
· 25 September 2005
· Chapter 45: Following the King's Schedule
Great couple of chapters, the one on, inside the temple of Seti, was something else, glad that he found the light.
I liked how Aragorn in this chapter, told the story to the ones who were too terrified to go to the black gate.
Also of the travels of the portrait of Captain Thorongil.
Author's reply
Yes, I suspect that Denethor would have been unhappy to see Thorongil's portrait posted alongside his own, and would have seen it as the symbol of the one whose coming he both desired and feared, not wanting to be seen as second best to the stranger from the north.
And glad you liked the previous chapter as well, and are glad Setra'amun found the Light at the last. Thanks so much for the feedback.
Kitty
· 25 September 2005
· Chapter 45: Following the King's Schedule
It was probably wise to introduce the guests from Harad to the staff of the citadel, althoug it is somehow a bit sad it is necessary at all.
The council meeting was well descripted. I loved it that Aragorn and Faramir worked so cunningly together. It is so good they get along so well – Aragorn surely needs this friend and ally, and I suppose Faramir needs this even more after the way his own father treated him! And it is good to know Pippin and his opinion is honoured there as well.
As for the tour through the citadel – never thought before about so many old places having means to spy on the people! The story about Denethor was amusing – serves him right to have an uncomfortable night and nothing found out :P
And it was nice to see the Hall of Memorial again and all the little reminders.
Author's reply
Yes, Aragorn and his Steward would need to make a cooperative team to help the lords of the land to accept the new reality for Gondor, and I suspect in ten years they'd have managed to get the "good cop-bad cop" routine down well.
Suspicious times lead to suspicious folk, which leads to secret passages and spy holes of various types, and glad you appreciated that Denethor would have had a mot uncomfortable night spying on the one he thought of as his rival.
And I find myself loving the idea of the Hall of Memorial, myself.
So glad you appreciated the chapter.
Radbooks
· 24 September 2005
· Chapter 45: Following the King's Schedule
I just realized I hadn't reviewed this lovely chapter yet. I especially enjoyed the time in the council chamber and how Aragorn and Faramir worked together on the other lords and advisors to bring them around to their way of thinking. Ankhrabi was right, they could have torn Gondor apart if they were not close friends. I also liked the parts referring back to Thorongil and the times with Denethor - hiding in the niche and later with the painting. Just little tidbits that show Aragorn's long history in Gondor. Arwen's color choice for Benai and the Southern Dunedain is nice - blue and silver. :) She'll be sewing away for awhile for him. I'm anxious to see what they end up doing about sending him home. I'm not surprised that the men from Gondor weren't exactly thrilled with the idea of helping him, but that the Northern Lords were very excited. It just seemed to fit! Nicely done
Author's reply
I wanted to explore Denethor's suspicions a bit. I know he believed his father honored the advice of Thorongil more than his own, but I wonder if that is actually true. And if he honored both equally, yet Denethor felt himself considered second-best yet again....
And that Arnor might be more receptive to kinsmen from afar than those of Gondor--well, those of Gondor for the most part have less Numenorean blood, are more of mixed heritage, while those of Arnor are more likely all kin to Aragorn to one degree or another, have been forced to dwell apart by the heritage they bear, and would be more interested in those who, like them, have lived mostly besieged by outside forces.
And I think the relationship between Aragorn and Faramir would have developed fairly quickly.
Thanks so much for the feedback.
Bodkin
· 23 September 2005
· Chapter 45: Following the King's Schedule
Tough moment for Sa'Harpelamun.
I like the way Elessar and Faramir play off each other in the council. Good management. And the visitors reactions to the memorials are interesting.
It's almost as if Frodo is still there at times.
Author's reply
Yes, I think that for those who loved him it would often be as if Frodo was still there. I know that I still at times feel my husband's presence as well as those of my mother and mothers-in-law, and they've gone "beyond the bounds of Arda," after all. And it's always interesting to see what is seen as important for one culture through the eyes of another.
And am glad you like the interplay between King and Steward--I suspect the two of them would have become good at between them managing the Council.
Thanks so much for the feedback.
Bodkin
· 23 September 2005
· Chapter 44: Within the Temple of Seti
Poor Setra’amun. A cruel end. But at least he didn't let the darkness take him at the last.
Author's reply
Yes, to find the Light before the end was a blessing, and one I'm also glad he found at the last.
Thanks so much for the feedback.
lindahoyland
· 22 September 2005
· Chapter 45: Following the King's Schedule
I enjoyed all the character moments in this chapter and especially the parts about Aragorn and Faramir.
How nice that you should have cats too !
Author's reply
Cats, dogs, chickens, and bird.
And I also love the idea that Aragorn and Faramir between them would manage the lords of the Council very well.
grumpy
· 22 September 2005
· Chapter 42: Homeward Bound
I love it that Aragorn gained three young camels, to replace the one he could not keep. So Gondor has a start of a zoo.
It is wonderful to see the city through the prince's eyes.
Author's reply
Yes, three for one; and I suspect they will increase to a small herd one day. Yes, a game park for Gondor and the Pelennor.
And I think it must have been awe-inspiring to look up at the city for the first time after living in the valley of the Risen for so long.
Kitty
· 22 September 2005
· Chapter 44: Within the Temple of Seti
As the others said – quite chilling!
Although Setra’amun deserved his punishment, in the end I had pity with him. It was a horrible time for him and probably quite a shock that he had on top of all to kill Gebankhrabi in self-defence after the former priest attacked him.
It was touching Setra’amun was obviously able to feel his brother outside and Aragorn, too. And I was glad that he turned to the light in the end. Maybe it has made it a bit easier for Harpelamun and Aragorn, too. I’m sorry for Aragorn who had to feel this long struggle.
Author's reply
Yes, chilling, but a part of life for some, and needful, perhaps, for him to have had this time to indeed turn to the Light and let go the confusion he's been holding to himself for so long.
As for what brother and King know, that will be revealed yet.
Dreamflower
· 22 September 2005
· Chapter 45: Following the King's Schedule
What a marvelous chapter! I do so love all the details of the pains the King and his household have gone to, to make certain that their guests are both safe and comfortable.
I enjoyed the council meeting, and the way the obstreperous Gondorian councillors were dealt with by all the others. I really get a kick out of it when Pip's allowed to show his intelligence, and is honored as a councillor to the King.
And I am always touched by your description of that museum, and the garments held in honor there.
Beautiful job.
Author's reply
I've tried to be true to the description made in The Ties of Family and yet make it so that this story can also stand alone somewhat. And I suspect more small items end up being placed on both tables in front of the garments from the Quest.
As for Pippin being accepted in the King's Council, I suspect the folk from Gondor are beginning to realize finally that this King seeks wise counsel from all sources. That he would have Elves and Dwarves attending is probably now accepted as it's been going on, I suspect for the last ten years; that he'd include Pippin when he's there and probably Sam as well is more of a surprise. Maybe one attendance as a courtesy; but repeated attendance indicates this one is seen as their peer; and realizing one is no more than a peer to a small being who spends most of his free time pinching mushrooms and eating would be probably be a humbling experience.
Radbooks
· 22 September 2005
· Chapter 44: Within the Temple of Seti
A creepy, good chapter. I am glad to learn that in the end his heart turned and he was saved from the darkness that had consumed his life. What an absolutely horrible way to die and yet it also gave him time to think and reconsider things. I always have hope that many people make decisions like that right at the last. Nicely done, even as it made me shudder.
Author's reply
I remember one of the encounters in Lewis's The Great Divorce in which a ghost meets the spirit of a former friend who'd killed someone else but who had repented before he was executed for the murder; and I tried to incorporate that into this chapter, the realization that it's not too late to turn back.
Thanks for the feedback.
Baggins Babe
· 22 September 2005
· Chapter 44: Within the Temple of Seti
That was absolutely chilling! *shudder* Brilliantly written, and I am so glad that Setra'amun found his way back to the light at the end, thanks to his brother and Aragorn. His fear and horror were so vividly described - to be shut up in a temple dedicated to Morgoth and Sauron, in total darkness, would be most people's idea of horror.
Thank you for tying up that particular loose end. No wonder Aragorn suffers if he feels the terror of others.
Author's reply
Yes, I, too, think that would be almost the worst horror imaginable. But I found Setra'amun demanding his end be told, and turning to the light at last.... And it was a loose end that needed tying up.
Thanks for the feedback.
lindahoyland
· 21 September 2005
· Chapter 44: Within the Temple of Seti
What a chilling chapter !this was a horrible punishment indeed, a quick execution would be far kinder.I understand now what Aragorn felt and am glad Setra’amun finally sought the Light.
Brilliant writing !
Author's reply
Now you know why in Gondor the executions--at least now--need to be clean and swift. And I, too, found myself glad Setra'amun found the light at last.
Thanks so much for the feedback.
Mum's the Word
· 21 September 2005
· Chapter 44: Within the Temple of Seti
This was a gripping, chilling chapter -- yet not as gory as some might have done.
So glad you showed Setra'amun's redemption, as well as Harpelamun's awareness of it (and Aragorn's, I think). That will bring peace to the surviving twin. You're good at tying up loose ends.
Well done again, Larner!
Mum's the Word
Author's reply
Thank you, Mum. And am so glad this was seen as chilling but not so gory as to be repulsive. And I was glad to find that in the end Setra'amun turned back to the Light, too.
Mum's the Word
· 21 September 2005
· Chapter 43: Well Come
What a wonderful chapter, viewing the White City from the Haradrims' point of view. I hope you'll include some of Benai's reactions as well.
Great description of the soldier and his family.
Thanks again for this lovely story, Larner!
Mum's the Word
Author's reply
Thank you for appreciating it, Mum. What Benai feels about Gondor and the White City I've not yet approached, although that will come, I think.
And I wanted the Haradrim to realize that there is reason why Aragorn is as obviously beloved as he is.
Thanks again for the feedback.
harrowcat
· 21 September 2005
· Chapter 44: Within the Temple of Seti
You left me absolutly breathless with this chapter Larner. Masterful writing.
I am sorry that Setra'amun had to kill the priest, even in self-defence. One more thing to regret in the dark. But he had to do it and perhaps removing him and his evil allegiences brought Setra'amun one step closer to the light.
Not wanting to profane a temple - even such a place as this one made my heart wrench. (I have had to clear up such messes in my own church!) But it was at that point that I thought that there really was hope for him. But then he had many people feeling and praying for him too. Heart is still speaking to heart.
Thank you so much for showing us his redemption it was wonderful.
Author's reply
I am so glad this part of the story has gone over so well, apparently. And sometimes a good upbringing manages to save us more than we'd ever have dreamed. And, yes, heart was speaking to heart.
Thank you for the feedback and appreciating what was written--and how.
Dreamflower
· 21 September 2005
· Chapter 44: Within the Temple of Seti
That is absolutely *chilling*. That has got to be one of the creepiest and most compelling chapters of a fic that I have ever read.
*whoosh*
Larner, that was intense.
Author's reply
But at least he found his redemption--against all hope.
Glad you read it. Was wondering if I ought to put a warning on it....
Radbooks
· 21 September 2005
· Chapter 43: Well Come
I really enjoyed this chapter. Seeing the man and Aragorn talking and embracing up at the memorial over the incident during the war was very moving. You just know that Ankhrabi was not used to seeing commoners greeting royalty in such a familiar way and being received in such a way. He is going to see and learn such much on this trip! :) Just seeing how the common people loved the king and everyone as they crossed the Pelennor and entered the city had to be an eye-opening experience for him.
Loved the cat! I'm a cat lover and I remember now them getting the cat from the Shire (I think!). It was fun anyway to see and think about them having pets.
I know there was more, but I really need to go! :)
Author's reply
Yes, Glorien was the cat sent by Elanor to the Lady Melian the first time Ruvemir returned from the North.
And I think that the people of Gondor would have loved Aragorn and accepted him to their hearts, not only as the King returned but as the one who recognized terror and did not condemn it but offered it redemption, who respected the feelings of those who felt it and offered them a different way they could take.
Am so glad you appreciated the thought to this chapter.