No Good Deed by French Pony
perelleth · 1 October 2005 · Chapter 5: The Wind That Shakes The Barley
Oh my! now this is terrible! Now with Faramir standing duty on Minas tirith that's going to be quite hard for him! Thano , an the other side, I don't think is going to have an easy tie with Eowyn around, though.. he's goging to regret his mistake sorely I fear! (and hope...):-)
Raksha The Demon · 30 September 2005 · Chapter 5: The Wind That Shakes The Barley
Oh no; evil Thano! Enslaving people won't help his own folk; it will just give them more mouths to feed and not teach them what they need to make their own land fruitful. Not to mention the fact that when he figures out where his people have been taken, Faramir will bring the wrath of Ithilien and Gondor down on Thano's head. I imagine Eomer will be pretty wrathful himself, since his sister and niece and nephew were carried off. I'm even more worried about Aragorn as Ghayur's "guest". Though I don't think Ghayur meant for Thano to steal the Princess of Ithilien and her children; he seemed to be provoking Thano to be a nuisance and distraction than a military force capable of seriously threatening Gondor. Poor Eowyn and the other ladies and kids - they are not the sort to be easily broken into slavery! Will Thano realize the trouble he's in by having kidnapped the wife and children of the Steward of Gondor? I just hope that he doesn't take a fancy to Eowyn; he seems to like having attractive women to serve him. Borlas was quite brave, trying to save Elboron, and later riding for Minas Tirith despite his injuries. Faramir will be broken-hearted; and, I suspect, very, very angry in a cold and deep sort of way. Bring on the next chpater!
elliska · 29 September 2005 · Chapter 5: The Wind That Shakes The Barley
Oh did they pick the wrong people to carry off to make into slaves! That was very well written, FP. Very tense. And Eowyn was perfect, I think. But boy did Thano chose poorly. Eowyn is going to be far from an easily breakable slave and if Aragorn goes anywhere near his village, I think the results for Thano will be much less than what he hoped for. Poor, mislead fellow.
Manderly · 29 September 2005 · Chapter 5: The Wind That Shakes The Barley
Wow, that was totally unexpected! A nice little outing of blueberry picking turns into a bloodbath and slave taking! I think Thano might have just taken a bigger bite of trouble than he can handle. Faramir is going to bring the wrath of Gondor on Thano and company when he finds out that his entire family is captured. I wonder how this is going to affect Aragorn's negotiations.
lindahoyland · 29 September 2005 · Chapter 5: The Wind That Shakes The Barley
Poor Eowyn and the children, this is too cruel though I feel Eowyn will somehow protect her offspring. I am totally gripped by this excellent story.
daw the minstrel · 29 September 2005 · Chapter 5: The Wind That Shakes The Barley
Ho-ly Cow. Thano just landed himself in a bucket o' trouble. I knew he was hunting slaves, but when I read about the blueberry party, it never crossed my mind that he would descend on Eowyn and company. Eowyn is tough but she has all those children there. That's going to slow her down. Every one of them is a potential hostage to keep her behaving herself.
RS · 28 September 2005 · Chapter 4: A Beggar On Horseback
Ahaa!! I knew I didn't like Nasir!!! Is Ghayur behind this or is Nasir alone in this evil plot I feel is being conjured up and very imminent? I am starting not to like Thano. Slaves?! I am very intrigued!! I am enjoying this story. Is Arwen going to show up any time soon? Is she going to be involved? If Ghayur has anything to do with this I know Arwen is part of it as he was so smitten with her the last time they met. Oh well, I guess I'm getting ahead of myself. I am just so excited about this fic. Please update soon.
perelleth · 26 September 2005 · Chapter 4: A Beggar On Horseback
Here I am at last... How intersting how things are evolving! So Harad and Nurn are somehow in league, ( apologies for my geography if that's only too antural, I don't hve my books here, and my knowledge of southern gondor geography is blurry at its best...) and a friend in need is a friend indeed for this bereft ad dishonoured people.... so Thano's mental process is only too logical, seen from his pov, and I now wonder that Gondor did not ever cared for such needful neighbours, to let such resentment grow at their doors... It makes you think, doesn't it , that things you care not for may be cared upon by someother, only to grow into weapons against you... I liked Aragorn's comment about Eowyn remaining where she's ordered to be... a bit blunt, if Faramir chose to read it wrongly, yet very accurate. I've wondered many times what would have happened had everybody strictly followed commands in the last months of the war or the ring... Tolkien's approach to military discipline was kind of trojan, of which I'm only too glad.... Late I may be, you see, due to harassing RL, but I'm still here, and totally hooked.
elliska · 23 September 2005 · Chapter 4: A Beggar On Horseback
Oh this is sad. Poor Thano. He is going the way of so many people that come into power. It is so sad to see the former slave wishing for slaves and to see him further ensnared with stolen horses. I loved the meeting between Faramir and Bergil and all the character you gave to the young soldier in such a short conversation--I found that really impressive. And I liked Aragorn in Poros, especially I will begin this meeting on equal terms with him. He is such a good King. Pity I doubt it will pay off for him in this instance. I dread to see what comes next.
Manderly · 22 September 2005 · Chapter 4: A Beggar On Horseback
It's interesting seeing the change in Thano - a former slave now wanting slaves himself. Funny how he had been quite content with life until Nasir filled his head with needs that he never realized he needed before. He's pure putty in Nasir's hands. And now we see the link between Nasir and Ghayur. Aragorn will need all his wits about him now, and more!
daw the minstrel · 22 September 2005 · Chapter 4: A Beggar On Horseback
Oh. Nasty Nasir is with these guys. I was afraid it was something like that. Is it wrong of me to feel sorry for Thano? He's not thinking right and he's getting himself in very deep trouble, but I think he wants what's good for his people. Faramir is such a loyal Steward. Aragorn is lucky to have him.
RS · 22 September 2005 · Chapter 3: Distant Thunder
Uh oh! What is Nasir trying to do to Thano. I feel that Thano really is a decent man who wants a better life for his people. But somehow I think Nasir is trying to make Thano his puppet for some evil deed to benefit his own. I feel that a "brainwash" is happening. I love the domestic scene with Faramir and his family. Simply wonderful. Please continue.
elliska · 18 September 2005 · Chapter 3: Distant Thunder
Thano continues to be a really interesting character in this--wanting to serve his people and rather awed by all he is seeing and acquiring. And I love the scenes in Gondor. Ioreth and Doronrîn are great together. I especially like the descriptions of Ioreth. And little Olwyn playing with her father was wonderful. I always thought Faramir would make a great father and he seemed to be one here. I am anxious to see where all these little plot points you are weaving into the story are going to lead.
perelleth · 17 September 2005 · Chapter 3: Distant Thunder
Here at last... I'm deeply interested in Thano, you see. While Aragorn and Faramir and Ioreth's daily life are entertaining to read about, it is this interesting issue of the`people of NUrn that hooked me, I guess because of my own personal reasons. I like how you're depicting Thano's "education" by his foreign visitors. His careful approach, his puzzlement at some things, his common sense approach before otheres, and the many folds to every issue that his sophisticated "helpers" are slowly showing to him.. Enslaved, deprived, brutalized people trying to earn their freedom without the tratition, the cultural and even racial ( uderstood as social-cultural group features, not "race" as physical traits...) background, buried deep down years or generations of mistreatment and lured into new, apparent measures of freedom and wealth is a sure recipe for disaster. I've seen it happen so many times (I've even caused it once or twice, out of the best intentions..) that I am very very curious as to learn how and why you came across this particular, interesting character of Thano and his own and his people's circumstances. Good, good job, FP! thanks!
Raksha The Demon · 16 September 2005 · Chapter 3: Distant Thunder
Aragorn isn't the only one who has a "daddy's girl" - the scene with Faramir and his musically inclined little girl is absolutely lovely. Two many fanfic writers forget that Faramir was a music lover, and in a society such as Third Age Gondor, he was likely to have learned an instrument. Why do I have the feeling that Nasir and Haytham are secretly snickering at the moth-eaten decorations and general shabbiness of Thano's "hall"? I feel sorry for Thano, but feel he is going to cause a lot of trouble if he continues to listen to them, which he probably will.
lindahoyland · 15 September 2005 · Chapter 3: Distant Thunder
What a delightful scene for Faramir and his daughter !I hope you can give Aragorn and Faramir some time together as they are my favourites.
Manderly · 15 September 2005 · Chapter 3: Distant Thunder
So glad to see another chapter is this very intersting tale. The way you write of Thano's rise to "lordship" status is so detailed, yet chilling. Nasir and Haytham as the perfect yes men completed the picture. There is something very dark and ominous about this whole setup. From the looks of things, Thano and his people were slaves until recently, and yet the social hierarchy is falling quickly into place. They may be all free men, but they are certainly not all equal. I see conflict ahead. I like the interaction between Doronrin and Ioreth. The agelessness of the elves must be very disconcerting for the humans. Good to see Faramir and Eowyn coming into the scene. Maybe I'm just being paranoid, but somehow I just feel that this is the calm before the storm.
daw the minstrel · 15 September 2005 · Chapter 3: Distant Thunder
Oh dear. I fear we're seeing the corruption of Thano. His first impulses were so good. One of the things you did nice job on was showing how Nasir and Haytham were less than impressed by the Hall that Thano thinks is so wonderful. That's hard to do from Thano's POV. I have recently begun working with two other instructors on a common project. We meet once a week and one of them is an Ioreth. The other one (a guy) and I are just bowled over. We have to interrupt or we'd never get anything done. We meet in my office and he usually coaxs her out when he goes, but this week he couldn't do it. I sat there with my eyes glazing over and suddenly realized she had asked me a question. Fortunately the phone rang. I see Eowyn is still ready to stand up for herself. Good for her.
elliska · 10 September 2005 · Chapter 2: Transient Comforts
I like the scenes with Arwen, her baby and Doronrîn--especially the apple sauce. That made me smile. And I like seeing Ithilien prosperous. But again the contrast between Aragorn's happy household and kingdom and the scenes with the Thano and Nasir were scary. I feel sorry for Thano--he seems like a good guy and I am worried that he has been caught up with someone that is less nice.
Bodkin · 9 September 2005 · Chapter 2: Transient Comforts
Ninniach must have a very loud voice! It's good to see the young (relatively) family - and Doronrîn is a welcome visitor. The horse rustlers are rather more worrying, though. Observed by the elves. And then there's the diplomatic mission. I sense danger! Thano, on the other hand. There is a culture that needs help. Lots of help and not, I suspect, from Nasir. Lots of interesting elements being stirred together over a bunsen burner. I await the reaction.
lindahoyland · 8 September 2005 · Chapter 2: Transient Comforts
I just love the scenes with the baby,she is so sweet.It seems that trouble is brewing in Gondor.This is an excellent tale so far.I did not get an alert from ff.net so decided to read and review here.
Manderly · 8 September 2005 · Chapter 2: Transient Comforts
What a stark contrast of domestic bliss and simmering politics. There's Arwen and Doronrin talking about baby food and its preparation, and then you have horse thieves crashing through borders. As for Thano, I can't help but feel that he's a dictator in the making, with Nasir fanning the flames behind him. This is all a very interesting set up. I am very anxious to see where you will take us from here.
perelleth · 8 September 2005 · Chapter 2: Transient Comforts
NOw! you got me tickled with the wine thing, of course! and you should have seen me going back to first chapter to make sure how long the elves had been in Ithilien that this over confident midwife.. midelleth? dares claim their wine surpasses legendary Dorwinion? Madam Doronrin, in eleven years at your best you did not even have time to get barrels worth of that name!!! :-) These elves... there are some things men succeed in, when the trade passes from father to son! :-) (this was a joke, I was enjoying it thoroughly, as well as the apple thing... my cousins and I once started and apple growing business as investment, and ... it didn't went bad, once you survive the first years.. apple trees are such a capricious things on their first years..:-) But after spoiling so much, we have forgotten how to grow things." He clenched his jaw, unwilling to show his shame in such an admission. Aiii, and this came right to a soft spot.. sigh!! that's oh so damned true, and not only of orcs' former slaves, unless we assume there's much orcish behaviour in humans.. which I'm only too ready to admit.. All in all, I'm truly intersted in this, FP, even if you promise goriness galore, and I can only fear where it is going to come from... but the setting is so intersting! Go on!
daw the minstrel · 8 September 2005 · Chapter 2: Transient Comforts
Thano interests me. He sounds like someone who wants to do well by his people but doesn't know how. In other words, he sounds like someone who's ripe for exploitation. I'm highly suspicious of Nasir. It's a little unlikely that he's just thinking of Thano's good.
Larner · 8 September 2005 · Chapter 2: Transient Comforts
I enjoy seeing how the land of Ithilien is growing and becoming fruitful, and the realization by those from near the Lake that they might be more. And have my suspicions as to who the "emissaries" might be. Well done.