Bodkin
· 21 September 2005
· Chapter 43: Well Come
They can't even get in the door before they're surrounded by people trying to get their attention!
I'll bet the foreign visitors are rather bemused by it all.
Author's reply
Culture shock can be pretty great at times, but I think they're as prepared as they could have been, seeing what Aragorn was willing to do for their folk.
Thanks so much for following so faithfully, Bodkin. And am looking forward to seeing the plot unfold........
You're right--this is the story that hates to give up, isn't it?
Baggins Babe
· 21 September 2005
· Chapter 43: Well Come
These last chapters have been a joy - seeing Minas Anor through the eyes of the visitors, the love the people have for their King and he for them. Truly a father of his people.
Like the idea of a safari park for all the animals Aragorn is collecting - that is how the original Royal Menagerie began at the Tower of London - they used to take the polar bear out on the frozen River Thames to catch its own fish apparently!
The scene between Aragorn and the man who had been given the chance to reclaim his honour by fighting elsewhere was very touching. I felt so sorry for those who felt unable to face the Black Gate, and I'm glad they regarded their opportunity to be redeemed as a gift. Beautiful.
Author's reply
Yes, there is love between people and King, and with reason; and in the former soldier at the memorial the Haradrim see why, how he respects those who feel overwhelmed, but gives them a task more in keeping with their limitations to do in its stead, and accepts that they will attempt it and do the best they can. The worst loss of honor for the former soldier must have been in his own eyes; and that he was allowed to remedy.
And this new game farm is indeed based in part on the beginnings of the London Zoo, although is also a tribute to Gerald Durrell and the Jersey Trust Zoo in the Channel Islands. One day I intend to make it back there again....
Dreamflower
· 20 September 2005
· Chapter 43: Well Come
What a lovely chapter to end the evening!
Thank you, Larner, for a delightful afternoon and evening.
Author's reply
You are most cordially welcome, Dreamflower, and I'm so glad you are safe and whole after the days and days of making do!
Dreamflower
· 20 September 2005
· Chapter 42: Homeward Bound
Delightful.
You are such a matchmaker, too.
And the camels. So, Aragorn is going to invent a zoo--or rather an animal preserve?
Author's reply
Well, of course it's fun to marry out characters off to appropriate partners, isn't it? And of course Gondor deserves to have the best of animal preserves, don't you think? Glad you appear to approve!
Dreamflower
· 20 September 2005
· Chapter 41: Traveling Companions
Oooh, it's almost over. But at least there will be a visit, and so, hopefully a sequel?
Author's reply
I don't promise sequels per se, but have been known to add expansions into my other stories.
You've almost caught up! Whatcha gonna do when you have to read only a single chapter each day or two, huh? Heh!
Dreamflower
· 20 September 2005
· Chapter 40: Troubled Rest
Poor Aragorn. That's a heavy burden you've given him, Larner, that King's Gift.
I do hope they *finally* get an uninterupted hunt.
Author's reply
Look at how Frodo's version of it was used to try to corrupt him, to make him claim It at the last! Of course it's a blessing--but the bigger the blessing the greater the bane it can be when twisted away from its intent. As for the hunt--you'll see in the morning! Heh!
Dreamflower
· 20 September 2005
· Chapter 39: Rulings
A very interesting punishment--to be sealed into one of the old Temples of the Dark Lord. *shudder*
You put such an original twist on things sometimes. I'd never have anticipated this.
Author's reply
Oh, I am very pleased to know you see it as a unique way of dealing with the situation and the malefactors in question. And am glad you are catching up so quickly.
Dreamflower
· 20 September 2005
· Chapter 38: Returns
Well, I certainly misinterpreted the omens, other than that there would be an ambush. But this chapter is a bit more straightforward.
And I love the end: more athelas, right when he's needing it!
Author's reply
Yes, this one is more straightforward indeed. And, of course the healers from the Houses of Healing would see to it their King, whom they know can utilize athelas, would be kept supplied at judicious intervals!
So glad you are back!
lindahoyland
· 20 September 2005
· Chapter 43: Well Come
I just loved the joy of the people at the return of the King and Queen and the scene at the memorial was very touching with the old soldier.
I also enjoyed the scene with the cat,being the slave of 4 myself !
Author's reply
Am so glad you appreciate it all! And I suspect the folk of Gondor would be thrilled any time the King is away and comes home again!
My five kitties and the dogs send greetings to your four kitties.
Dreamflower
· 20 September 2005
· Chapter 37: Questions Asked
I've known some like your Setra'amun. Not of course, to that extreme, but young people, usually young men, who can never accept anything they are told, and who will often ask questions just for the sake of asking, and for provoking. Add to that the mind of the religious fanatic, the kind of mentality that creates a suicide bomber, for example, and you have a lethal combination.
Author's reply
I've known them, too--obviously. Setra'amun was inspired by a combination of about four folk I've known over the years; and they just don't seem to get it when you question the sense of their questions.
However, there may yet be redemption for the young man--not saving, perhaps, but redemption.
Dreamflower
· 20 September 2005
· Chapter 36: Healings and Betrayals
Oh dear! I was right to fear such treachery. I'm so glad the little boy lived. It would really have been hard to have a child die.
I loved again the strategy worked out in advance, Legolas scouting ahead, and the way they all knew more or less what to expect. You are so good atthat.
Author's reply
Am so glad that the planning is seen both as appropriate and, apparently, well presented and believable.
And I, too, am glad Ma'osiri lived.
Thanks for the feedback.
Dreamflower
· 20 September 2005
· Chapter 35: Omens and Dreams
What a very interesting chapter.
I think I can puzzle out a bit of the omens, but a lot of it is so far lost on me. I hope that when the events being foreshadowed unfold, I'll be able to say, "Ah, so *that* was it!" or even "Aha! I was right after all!"
I loved the tone of this one, very quiet and subdued, sort of silent in spite of the dialogue, yet tense as well.
That's not very coherent is it? I hope you understand what I mean.
Author's reply
Yes, I understand what you mean, and understand it as well. Thanks so much for the feedback!
(Hope you'll let me know if the omens mean what you thought they did!)
Dreamflower
· 20 September 2005
· Chapter 34: Questions of Succession
Oh, dear, why am I worrying about that fanatic now?
And I love that you had Gimli win the wrestling match.
Boy, I've missed this story *so* much!!
Author's reply
You're worrying about him because he's a worrisome element, and glad you enjoyed Gimli wrestling. I rather enjoyed the squabble between him and Aragorn about Aragorn NOT wrestling, myself (even if I DID write it! Heh!
We've missed your additions to the site. Glad you are back.
Dreamflower
· 20 September 2005
· Chapter 33: The Council of Amon
Poor Pippin, what an ordeal for him. Yet he knows his duty to his King, and he wants to be sure that Frodo is properly honored in this far land, so he continues to go through it over and over. I wonder did he have any idea when he decided to accompany the King what he would be called on to do so often. It must have been a dreadful strain at times.
Author's reply
I doubt Pippin expected to have to repeat the story so many times, but he knows now first that Frodo is being more honored, and second that the truth of what happened is finally being made known. Yes, it must have been very difficult for him, but he did fine.
Stefania
· 20 September 2005
· Chapter 2: The Wanderer
Hi Larner. I'm new to your stories and just wanted to leave a note to tell you how thrilled I am to read your meld of Tolkien's legendarium with that of the ancient Middle East. Like you, I have had a big interest in Egypt for decades. I really like how you have incorporated the ancient Egyptian deities and the topology of Egypt into the landscape of the Haradrim.
I've often wondered what the lands of the Haradrim and their peoples could be like. Like Sam in the books and Faramir in the movies, I can't believe that they are all evil. So I'm eager to keep going with your story.
Oh, and hurray for Thorongil (Aragorn). This is the first story I've read which tackles Aragorn's travels in his youth. Your portrayal seems to ring true so far. Keep it up.
- Steff
Dreamflower
· 20 September 2005
· Chapter 32: Desert Ride
I love the way that Eomer, and Elfwine and Eowyn and the Rohirrim shine in this one. And the sparring from horseback was wonderful! I could just see it in my mind's eye!
And I love Pippin's explanation of hobbits and their cooking specialties--what a masterful touch that was!
Author's reply
Here was the first good chance for the folk of Harad to see what Eomer and the Rohirrim are truly about. Elfwine and his pony; Eomer rejoicing to be out of the city and into the open on a horse and enjoying it with his friend, the mounted warrior; Eowyn finding a horse to care for almost immediately.
And then to find out that even in a culture with servants to cook, the Master of Brandy Hall and the Thain of the Shire will take over the kitchen, and everyone EXPECTS it of them--what a contrast to those places where servants do everything for people, even applying their cosmetics!
Glad you enjoyed it.
Dreamflower
· 20 September 2005
· Chapter 31: The Temple of Neryet
I enjoyed this chapter, with all the cultural hints about the Haradrim and their temple, and the visit there, but I found myself intrigued by something that appeared to be just a throwaway line:
“I’d thought once I might become close to the minstrel who wrote the Lay of Frodo of the Nine Fingers, but it has not happened--not as yet, in spite of the shared love for song we have. I cannot say why this has failed to come to be. He is as compassionate as is Ruvemir and certainly as gifted; but it is as if he holds himself back from me, afraid to allow himself to come too close.”
Dare I hope that a plot bunny might hatch from this? It would be an interesting thing to know about...*hint*hint*
Author's reply
I've considered it, although it is likely to come after a time. Have so much I'm SUPPOSED to be working on I've not touched, after all.
It's been fun to find ways of exposing and illustrating the culture of Harad, which is so definitely Egyptian in many ways, but differs markedly from it in others.
Thanks for the feedback, as always.
Dreamflower
· 20 September 2005
· Chapter 30: Sharing Memories
This chapter just had me all choked up. All the sweet, sad, memories of Frodo, and the grief his loved ones still feel from missing him, yet their generous hope that by letting go, he will have found peace. You show that particular aspect of things so very well.
Author's reply
Watching someone you love fade away is, I can say from grim experience, very difficult indeed to do. That all now hope that Frodo's present circumstances have allowed him to heal and to know joy again would be very obvious, I think. I'm glad you felt I handled this well. Thanks so much for the feedback, and again I'm so glad to see you back.
harrowcat
· 20 September 2005
· Chapter 43: Well Come
What a lovely, detailed, entrance to Gondor.
My heart went out to the men that could not continue when I first read the books. Thank you for bringing it in in such a wonderful way.
I enjoyed the cats and understand their necessity in the cultures you are exploring but can't you find room for a dog or two as well?
(P.s. we pick up my Dad's new ball of black fluff on Friday and I can't wait!)
Author's reply
I've mentioned the dog Aragorn now has, and had considered having the skittering of claws along the passageway as it hurries to find its master, but decided against it for the moment. However, he'll undoubtedly find his way into the story soon.
And I wanted to show how it was that Aragorn has won the hearts of his people. Councils can be harder to win than popular support; but Aragorn has won the latter not only just by being the King returned but also by his wise leadership and obvious concern for everyday citizens; and I suspect he'll do well enough with the Council itself as well.
Hope the ball of black fluff loves its new home!
Kitty
· 20 September 2005
· Chapter 43: Well Come
A very impressive arrival for the guests from Harad. I loved Pippin's talk with the boy and Aragorn's talk with the man. This and the gratitude of the man was touching. It is quite telling how his subjects interact with him - it is so obvious they love him! And I'm sure the Haradrim take notice of this and see for another time what a worthy person the King is.
While the Hall of Kings is quite formal and impressive, the cat was amusing. An independent one, and it was refreshing how Aragorn talked to and about Kitling and Glorien.
Author's reply
Yes, a good introduction to another way of ruling, and showing the obvious mutual caring between rulers and people, as well as the awareness of the shortcomings of some who nevertheless manage to prevail.
And glad you liked Kitling and Glorien. I love both my kitties and my dogs.
harrowcat
· 19 September 2005
· Chapter 42: Homeward Bound
Sorry Larner I hit post instead of reduce!
The joke about the languages made me think of Bodkin's current story - Discretion whick is keeping me giggling at the moment!
Author's reply
You already know I've been giggling about Discretion for well over a week. Yes, that Benai would know Adunaic would be a bit of a shock, wouldn't it?
harrowcat
· 19 September 2005
· Chapter 42: Homeward Bound
I'm sorry, I ran out of time reading to review this morning Larner. How do I tell my boss that you keep making me late for work? Just got back and it is 11.15pm! So I am just getting this in before tomorrow!
I love the idea of all the exotic animals that Aragorn is being given - often happens to royalty I understand but most especially to Queen Victoria! Which is how London Zoo started I think. But I hope it will be more of a wild life park rather than a zoo. The latter brings up images of small cages and concrete to me! I am sure that Aragorn is much more enlightened than that.
I am also really enjoying this meeting of cultures and the way that each accomodates to the other. Dangerous to assume that strangers don't understand your language isn't it? Brought to mind
Author's reply
Yes, I think Aragorn would go with a game farm rather than a zoo, or at worst something similar to the Jersey Trust Zoo. And Benai's comprehension of Adunaic and his claim to be Dunedain, too, would be a bit of a shock to those not expecting it.
As for being late for work because you're reading my story--Hee! Some of these stories have done that to me a time or six!
Radbooks
· 19 September 2005
· Chapter 42: Homeward Bound
It's so nice to have them all safely back home again. I do imagine that Ankhrabi would be very overwhelmed by everything going on around him. So many officials were there to greet their king. Aragorn is much beloved and was missed when he was gone, besides the fact that he was returning to his country and the formal rites of returning the rod of stewardship needed to happen. It also wasn't like when the Gondorians went to Harad and Aragorn could prepare the others for what to expect. The sight of Minas Tirith looming above them would just be incredible.
I liked the small boats surrounding the larger one and acting as escorts and carrying messages back and forth, etc. I just liked the image of that in my mind for some reason. Aragorn is collecting quite the collection of exotic animals! :) I like the idea of him having a royal zoo, especially camels and now another child for them to care for too.
My new chapter should be up soon. It usually is about 2 weeks between chapters, but I had some tough times writing certain parts of this one! :)
Author's reply
I can see Asa becoming the Gerald Durrell of Middle Earth right now. Starting to get people to appreciate the beauty of camels might be a bit of a job at first, though.
And glad you like the escorts for the ship--I think that would be necessary, particularly on a return voyage once it's been learned so many important folk have ventured abroad, and as they have to get past Umbar where there's such a long-standing fight between the two sides of the same culture. The inability of Elendil's Dunedain and the Black Numenoreans would in the end be worse than making peace between Harad and Gondor, for there's not the rivalry for which is the rightful leadership of the whole of the Dunedain peoples.
And I like to think there would be a need to have some kind of ceremony marking the return of the Stewardship to Faramir.
Looking forward to your new chapter.
Kitty
· 19 September 2005
· Chapter 42: Homeward Bound
*grins * Camels again! Antipatha is obviously quite determined to provide Gondor with some fine camels. A pity Denethor is not around any more. Well, not really, he was a repulsive person, only for this one purpose ;-) Anyway, it was sweet of Antipatha, who hadn’t that much to do with the Northerners save from the one occasion at the beginning of their visit. Aragorn found the right way to use this gift, I think. And Asa seems to be a nice guy who enjoys this adventure.
I would’ve loved to see the faces of the four sailors when they discovered Benai could understand Adunaic and overheard their words! They will probably be a bit more cautious in the future! Benai himself must have been very comfortable on board of the ship – much more than in the desert, I suppose. And he has Rustovrid’s daughter still with him. Rustovrid is quite the typical overprotecting father here, eyeing every man with distrust who could take his daughter away. But Ghansaret handled it (and him!) well.
Am I mistaken if I suspect you want to marry off Lady Ankhsarani to one of the Northerners? Maybe even CaptainBelerion? She has certainly taken enough baggage to last her for a while!
The part about Nefiramonrani was interesting. So she is realizing now how natural the Gondorians arrange her quarters and eating utensils to her comfort and has the opportunity to compare this to her own reluctance to accept their dislike about headrests. I think the journey to Gondor will turn out quite educating for her.
Author's reply
Yes, this whole dual visit is indeed being educational for both those of Gondor/Arnor and Harad, but especially for those who have never before thought outside their own cultural expectations. One reason for Aragorn to have made the visits he made as a young man was to learn to know his enemies, and I suspect he realized they weren't quite so awfully different from his friends once he got past the prejudices and preconceptions.
Not certain about marrying Ankhsarani off to a Northerner, but she strikes me as one of those who, having no other focus for her life, would think in terms of luggage and clothes and all rather than looking forward to developing relationships. Of course, it's always possible she might develop a relationship, too....
Thanks so much for the feedback!
Bodkin
· 19 September 2005
· Chapter 42: Homeward Bound
A lot of opening eyes to other cultures going on - and links being formed across race and space.
Good to see them home again. It'll be interesting to see Ankhrabi's family in Gondor - a reversal of the situation so far.
Author's reply
Overcoming the idea that the way we do it is the only right way to do it is a difficult one to get across, as you know, I'm certain. This is where the exchange of visits becomes important as more become aware that their way is as good as ours, and sometimes even better.
And I suspect Aragorn is very glad to be home again.