How typical of Aragorn, that he would continue to have Denethor's statue on display and show him respect. He can see past the later deterioration in Denethor's character to the young man he once was, and he appreciates his good points. Wonderful for Faramir to know this - no wonder he serves the King so willingly.
And Aragorn is busy preparing the Royal Apartments - poor man has to do something or he'll go crackers! At least he is cheerful now - we don't want a grumpy monarch, do we? :-))
Author's reply
Aragorn is able to see the whole person, good as well as bad, and does his best to focus on the former when possible, I think. Not only Faramir but all who served under Denethor would be heartened to see Elessar doesn't see Denethor as a rival and respects his good points. He was, all in all, a decent Steward, after all. And ALL in the end who truly came to know him would serve him willingly.
And, yes, he now is busy preparing the nest for his lady love. No time or energy right now for grumpiness. Too excited, I suspect.
Baggins Babe
· 18 December 2005
· Chapter 48: 48: "I Have Found It!"
Poor Frodo - to go through so much without Aragorn being there, especially the humiliation of the experience with the healer.
Oh the tree at last! What a lovely image I have now of the slightly bewildered but happy baby tree being cradled by the King, and the respect shown to the old White Tree - I've always loved the respect shown to trees in the book and you portrayed it perfectly.
Author's reply
Oh, Baggins Babe, am so glad you approve of how this was written. The White Trees and the Mallorns are the last remaining reflections of the Undying Lands in Middle Earth, and I think that Aragorn, realizing how swiftly the last of his wife's people will leave now, would truly treasure them for that reason as well as the ties the White Tree gives his line to the Valar.
Ch. 47 gives much food for thought in terms of guilt and sacrifice. This seems the key concept:
You see, Iorhael, how just the willingness to spend yourself for others was itself a sufficient sacrifice at the time?
Aragorn’s thinking about others sacrificing their lives for him must be necessary for leaders not to go mad with survivors’ guilt.
The flashback in Ch. 48 to Ecthelion and Thorongil at the kings’ hallow is quite thrilling. It’s a pleasure to read an Ecthelion who isn’t a monster, and I like the way he confronts the Thorongil as bastard son rumor.
Wonderful to see Aragorn, Frodo, and Sam welcome the Tree to the family! I loved Aragorn cuddling the Tree, returning through the Silent Street, and the people stroking the Tree and bowing to it! And Legolas translating for the Tree and how it and the stones of the city love the king. Can’t wait to see how the Tree will respond to Arwen!
Wouldn’t it be great to have a set of Aragorn and Arwen’s wedding china in the Two Trees pattern! Aragorn's redecorating is so sweet!
Thorongil’s picture banished! And no matter how dysfunctional Denethor was in the end, he kept the kingdom functioning to the last, and so fulfilled some of his duty as steward.
Finally, word from the guards!
*readies party hat*
Author's reply
Three chapters at once! Love it!
Yes, Frodo needs to realize there is more to sacrifice than just dying. He needs to be able to appreciate the fulfillment which is the other side of the coin.
I, too, hate seeing Ecthelion pictured as a creep. I suspect he was a decent guy, or I doubt Aragorn would have spent so much time under his command. And glad you like the counter to the rumors of illegitimacy.
Gondor is renewed through the presence of the King Returned bearing the Elessar stone for which he is now named, and I think the whole place would be rejoicing, every least bit of sand.
Glad you appreciate Aragorn's honor of the good Denethor was able to bring about, and the memory of the young man he loved and respected while he could.
And glad you like the wedding china. I think Aragorn would want so much to give her the feeling of home.
And, YES, she's COMING!
Glad that the baby tree and Aragorn are in tune with each other. And Strider is busy getting the place ready for his love. Driving the hobbits crazy because no one will tell then what is happening.
It is good that Aragorn still respects the Denathor that was, just as Denathor kept Thorongil picture where he could see it.
Author's reply
I suspect that in many ways Denethor still had a great deal of respect for the one he saw as his rival in the end; and that Aragorn might have had a bit of secret delight doing spectacular things in front of Denethor's statue at times.
And, yes, Aragorn's one busy bird in these last few days as he awaits the coming of the Queen! And the White Tree is happy it's been found and is doing what it was intended to do.
Grumpy
· 18 December 2005
· Chapter 48: 48: "I Have Found It!"
I love the baby tree!! I bet the warden was surprized to see the king and wizard coming the wrong way, with follage sticking out of the kings clothes. Poor Hardon still trying to do his job, and Frodo; one thing setting off his other achs and pains.
Author's reply
Chuckles and sighs side by side, and everyone trying to do what's right, even when it takes them into different directions at the same time. Aragorn probably appreciates the distraction, however.
Ooooooooooo she's coming!!! So good of Aragorn to put Denethor's statue in the throne room. Love the chapter about the Tree. There's such a "you are there" feel about the whole story.
~~~{~@
Author's reply
Am so glad you so feel that I take you there. And, YES, she's COMING! The King is about to go ballistic.
So, the elves are coming? Good! To be honest, now I’d dearly love to see the faces of certain people at first sight of the „rustic Dúnedain maiden“ *eg* And it’s about time they’re coming, or Merry and Pippin will *burst* with curiosity!
Poor Frodo, I can imagine how uncomfortable, or probably more likely upset, he must have been about the interest of the other healers. He didn’t even show his scars to the others of the Fellowship or even his cousins, and these healers are strangers to him! Even if they mean well, they should know they can achieve nothing if even the King is not able to help Frodo!
Author's reply
I agree--if Aragorn's only able to do so much, the rest aren't likely to do better than he can. Frodo is facing those who SO want to help and find they can't do all that much, and partly because he fights them so quickly.
And the King's bride will be a surprise to many. Hope you enjoy the next chapter.
A long anticipated event. And if it is anything as well described as the coronation then we are in for a treat indeed!
I love the way that you have both tree and city/stone linked to Aragorn and felt by those in tune with these elements. And I had to laugh at the portrait hidden away! Though I am surprised that even more people didn't make the connection if the picture was only moved when Boromir went to Imladris. But then, who truly looks at a picture if it has been there a long time? I would have liked to be a fly on the wall when Aragorn spoke to the healers! (Flies in the houses of healing - surely not!)
Now, are we going to get a meeting of the new King with the eagles as mentioned in the last chapter? And the new white tree isn't really going be able to act as a good conduit for later Aragorn/Frodo encounters without at least one good joint bonding session with it is it? *tongue in cheek wish list presented shyly.* Well it is Yule!
Author's reply
I HOPE they don't have much in the way of flies in the HoH!
You're right--many ignore pictures on the wall, particularly when their attention is focused on the Man at the other end of the table.
As for your wish list--Santa thinks you've been a good girl, by and large; but Christmas isn't for some days yet, if you'll remember. Heh!
Linda Hoyland
· 17 December 2005
· Chapter 49: 49: Hope Approaches
It amazes me how Aragorn can keep it a secret !You really convey his sense of excitement well.
Poor Frodo, I truly sympathise with how he must feel at the contant intrusions into his privacy.
It is nice Aragorn is so thoughtful to Faramir about his father.
Author's reply
I'm glad you're pleased about how I convey the excitement of the King. And I think many commisserate with Frodo about intrusions into his privacy as he desires it.
Thanks so much for your kind reviews.
Larner, you have the courage and conviction to address the hard questions raised by The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien chose not to slow the pace of his narative by exposing the deliberations and psychological scars of his numerous participants in the battle to save Midddle-earth. He raised questions that are complex and painful for the thoughtful reader to identify and more so to confront and contemplate honestly. He provided the food for thought without pressuring his readers to taste every dish or go beyond sampling.
Your understanding extends beyond the deed to the individual intent and personal cost As your characters make moral decisions and cope with the consequences of their choices, I find myself reviewing my own stance on the issues they have dealt with and still struggle to resolve.
Your Frodo and Aragorn have an elevated pressence, both stirring and inspiring.
I begin reading a chapter as I would any fanfic, tale or novel. I finish by adding a new parable to the many which define my conscience.
Author's reply
I have been working on my response to your last message, but have been interrupted by the obsession to work on this story and the needs of work and Christmas coming. Please forgive me.
Yes, Tolkien raised so many questions for us to answer; and I've tried to explore them where they've led my own conscience. Aragorn and Frodo and Sam are the heart of Tolkien's story, always have been and always will be. Their spiritual brotherhood has meant a great deal to me over the years. Almaros is the example of all those who had only a vague idea of what they were getting into who went to fight for the protection of their people and all others. To fight should NEVER be an option lightly considered and followed through upon. As with Frodo, he was unprepared for that which he faced, and he suffered greatly for it. But in the end his scars were far shallower than those of Frodo, and he was able to heal here in the mortal lands; and his grief for Frodo as expressed in "The King's Commission" was the greater for that.
And Frodo is beginning to appreciate that he didn't have to die to sacrifice himself, and is beginning to understand just what being a living sacrifice entails. It isn't always comfortable, but it IS blessed.
Oooo! Yes! The wedding is finally near! I do have a tendency to be a bit romantic at times, so naturally I can't wait!
That said, I *love* the banter in the first part of the chapter, and I find myself wishing I could see some of Frodo's wonderful drawings. :-) Can't wait for more! God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Yes, the wedding comes, and it brings out the romantic in all of us. And Galador is going to be shocked once more.
I, too, wish to see Frodo's drawings. I can picture them in my mind, but they don't always come out as I'd intended when I try to commit them to my sketchpad.
Queen Galadrielq
· 17 December 2005
· Chapter 48: 48: "I Have Found It!"
I enjoyed the brief look into Aragorn's past here, and the care with which he bore and planted the white tree. As to Frodo...*sigh* oh dear. I was afraid the respite wouldn't last long. And Aragorn gone too. On another note, Frodo's and Sam's natures shine so truly in their reactions to the sapling: Frodo's gentleness and love of living things, and Sam's gardener's love and good sense. I'm off to read the next one. God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
The Tree renewed, Frodo knowing more discomfort (I'd written about it before and had to explain it) and relief, and more moments when we see how those three at the heart of the story react to the sign the Kingdom of Gondor and Line of Kings are both renewed. So glad you appreciate it.
Dreamflower
· 17 December 2005
· Chapter 48: 48: "I Have Found It!"
So the sapling of the White Tree is found at last!
I think what I most enjoyed here was the conversation between Ecthelion and Thorongil. Ecthelion was a man of insight and wisdom, who clearly was not proud and overambitious. How sad that Denethor failed of his early promise, giving in to spite and envy, and thus allowing the Enemy a foothold in his spirit. And how very sad that his father knew this had happened, that his son was taking hold of an ambition that he had always eschewed.
Poor Frodo! I certainly hope that Aragorn finds out how that healer acted when he came!! Honestly, such a lack of empathy and bedside manner!
But I am so glad he got the chance to greet the new Tree!
Author's reply
Yes, the sapling is found, and we see a hint of the relationship between Thorongil and his mentor within Gondor. Yes, to see the weaknesses as well as the strengths of his son must have been a burden to Ecthelion; while realizing his father wished the King returned rather than his own accession as ruling Steward must have torn Denethor within his heart.
Aragorn will find out about the healer, of course; and of course Frodo and Sam were among the first to show honor to the White Tree. But I felt those who comprised the Guard deserved first full crack at it--this, after all, is their life and sacred trust!
Oooh, I'm just dying of anticipation for the next chapter! You've crafted this story in such a way that your readers -- as well as the King and all of Gondor -- are all eagerly awaiting the coming of the Fair Folk.
:D
Author's reply
Thank you so very much for the compliment, Shirebound. The next chapter should be posted tomorrow.
Ooooh...We're getting closer to a wedding!! :oD
Sorry I haven't reviewed in awhile. Been busy w/Christmas stuff. Loved your take on the finding of The White Tree in the Hallow of the Kings and the flashback to Ecthelion taking Thorongil there to see if he really was the Heir of Elendil. "I believe your true name begins with the Royal Ar.." That was great!!
Poor Frodo...What he told Faramir about taking of a wife...I can so understand his feelings about that. I often wonder w/all of my medical problems and baggage who will want me. That was very, very believable.
Loved how the Royal Chambers are being transformed. Greens and blues being the predominant colours. Very fitting for two who are the House of Elros and the House of Elrond.
Looking very much forward to the next chapter of this incredable story. :oD
Author's reply
Yes, the wedding cometh! And Aragorn is quietly doing his best to furnish his nest for his bride-to-be, and getting things which he hopes will please her and suit her tastes as well as his own.
I think that if Ecthelion, who was also described as discerning, realized where his son's ambitions would take him and who Thorongil was likely to be in reality, he'd have wanted Aragorn in control rather than his son; but I think Aragorn more correctly foresaw the long-range effects of claiming the Crown too soon.
I never thought I'd find one I could love as I did my husband, for my tastes were quite atypical and I couldn't fathom finding someone who would either share or be willing to bear with my obsessions (Tolkien being one of them). But it did happen.
But Frodo is realizing deep down he isn't likely to fully recover enough to start a family at this point. (Although I still think my Narcissa Boffin would have taken him as he was, if he'd trusted enough to do for her what he'd helped Brendi and Merilinde to do as described in "The Ties of Family.)
French Pony
· 17 December 2005
· Chapter 49: 49: Hope Approaches
I'm sorry I didn't get to leave a review on your last chapter in time -- classes just ended, and I've been too tired to do much of anything except read and enjoy.
One of the things that I like best about this story (there are so many, aren't there?) is the constant presence of art and creativity in Minas Tirith. Everywhere you look, there are portraits, statues, glassblowers, artists, weavers, craftspersons of all descriptions. The government may have been old and stale and ready for renewal, but the people of the city are so brilliant and alive that you can't help but smile.
I think Frodo, at least, would have guessed that Aragorn's lady was Arwen. I think Bilbo said as much at the feast the night before the Council of Elrond. But lots has happened since then, so it's plausible that it might just have slipped Frodo's mind.
Author's reply
I think this was one of those open secrets which seems to hide right out there in plain sight. I remember reading LOTR for the first time, just over forty-one years ago. Arwen is at the feast in Rivendell. Aragorn in gilded mail stands beside her in the Hall of Fire, his face glowing. Aragorn sits with his head down before they leave Rivendell, heartstricken at this parting. Galadriel presents Aragorn with the Elessar stone brooch which she informs him very formally she gave to Celebrian who gave it to Arwen who returned it to her to present to him. Arwen sends him the Standard of Elendil she has embroidered with gems, and Aragorn knows precisely what it is once he knows who wrought it. Yet STILL when she arrived in Minas Tirith with her father to marry him, I found myself (naive thirteen or fourteen-year-old that I was) wondering, "Who is this chick and WHY does SHE get to marry MY man?" Oh, I was very possessive of Aragorn even then!
I'm so glad you approve of the life of Gondor as I depict it. I would think such a place would have drawn many of artistic temprament. If you read some of my other works you meet more craftspeople of all kinds, including embroiderers, sculptors, potters, engineers, masons, and sword smiths. All these would have been vital in such a city, as far as I'm concerned; and as I love artistic activities of many kinds, I put them into my stories.
Glad the stories suit!
Aiee, she's nearly there!
Will be compulsively refreshing my Stories of Arda window tomorrow at this time, waiting for her arrival!
Quite the payoff with these last 3 chs. Hope to have time to reread and review properly tomorrow.
*loud cheers and bravos for the author*
Author's reply
Ooh--I hope I have that chapter finished by this time tomorrow! Aargh! May be Monday--sorry about that. But she IS coming, definitely coming at last.
Kitty
· 17 December 2005
· Chapter 48: 48: "I Have Found It!"
Interesting view of the Stewards! I feel with Ecthelion, it is obvious he knew who Thorongil truly was and tried to convince him to take the Winged Crown. He must’ve been very disappointed, although he couldn’t dismiss Thorongils opinion lightly. And I see he knew his own son very well – as did Thorongil.
Aragorn will be *so* relieved to have found the sapling as the sign he needed! Now he can wait assured his beloved will come. Maybe it will even cheer up Frodo. Poor guy, to be so sick just when Aragorn is not available!
Author's reply
Glad you find my depiction of Ecthelion to be interesting. And I believe that it was his own realization that Denethor's envy was getting in the way of his common sense that made him more eager for Aragorn to claim the throne himself to spare the nation Denethor's ambition and suspicion, which in the long run as we know became destructive. At least Aragorn can see beyond just Denethor to see how much more destructive a civil war could be, and just at a time when Gondor needs to be gearing up to protect against Sauron's incursions.
And, yes, Aragorn is relieved indeed. Not only does Arwen come, but there is the sign he has needed to show that his kingship is divinely sanctioned and likely to have positive issue.
Amy
· 17 December 2005
· Chapter 48: 48: "I Have Found It!"
Oh, the Tree at last!
*weeps with joy*
Author's reply
Yes, the Tree at last. (Larner passes the box of tissues.) Aragorn is now certain Arwen is indeed coming, and that there is likely to be issue to their marriage.
Bodkin
· 17 December 2005
· Chapter 48: 48: "I Have Found It!"
Yay, the sapling has been found! Aragorn can start to look forward to his beloved's arrival.
Frodo doesn't seem too well, though. He's not got a lot of resilience now - any setback can be serious. Has Sam picked up his healing invocation yet? He is a better person to help than odd healers from the Houses of Healing.
Author's reply
I don't think Sam has fully trusted in his own abilities until they leave Rivendell, although he's definitely trying to find some combination of herbs that might assist Frodo. No, Frodo doesn't have a great deal of resilience, which is a major part of the problem right now.
But Aragorn does have his own hope now fully in place.
harrowcat
· 17 December 2005
· Chapter 48: 48: "I Have Found It!"
Oh! *cough, cough* This was so, *sniff*, solemn and joyful. *sneeze* Would love to hear more of Thorongil and Ecthelion. *rubs eyes so I can read*. And I know how Frodo feels about new healers! Having to explain a complicated medical history to someone new can be sooo boring! *shivers and wants to run back under the covers but has to go to work.*
BTW Glad I gave your fauntling a giggle! Wish her and all your house-ful a happy Yule from me.
Got home yesterday to discover Mum now has a second pressure sore on the other side so bang goes ANY hope of her being home for Christmas!
Author's reply
Solemn joy is good, I agree. Hope to work on something about Thorongil and Ecthelion in the future, but gotta get the nuzgul out of the jewelry box first, I fear.
As for new healers--I've been horribly needlephobic since early childhood (long story involving LOTS of penecillin shots when I was three and they didn't understand about how to PROPERLY treat allergic reactions--am now allergic to penecillin as well as whatever triggered what appears to have been antiphalactic shock (sp?) when I was three); every time I get a new doctor I have to break them into the fact they AREN'T going to get a blood test from me every time they want one unless they somehow knock me out first. Nurses who work in the labs tend to shudder when they see me come in, white and shaking.
My prayers for you mom--blast! Just what she DOESN'T need right now.
The munchkin is with her daddy this weekend, but will relay your greetings when she returns on Sunday night.
Linda Hoyland
· 17 December 2005
· Chapter 48: 48: "I Have Found It!"
I just loved this chapter,it was full of good things,ARagorn's conversation with Ecthelion and then the findinding of the sapling.I was very eager to see how you wrote this,as I told the story myself and enjoyed your version very much.
Poor Frodo,not only in pain but having to face a strange healer as well,not pleasant at all.
An excellent chapter.
Author's reply
Mine was a bit different from yours, of course; am glad you enjoyed it. I like to think how the reactions of Ecthelion and Denethor to the idea of Thorongil being the heir of Isildur would differ, and the reasons Thorongil might give for not claiming the crown at that time.
And to deal with a strange healer--I hate going to new doctors, as I have to break them into the fact I am TERRIFIED of needles, so they'd best save that as a totally last resort. I would think as private an individual as Frodo would be devastated at one who insisted on doing things in manners that would make him uncomfortable.
demeter d
· 17 December 2005
· Chapter 48: 48: "I Have Found It!"
I had enjoyed the previous chapter where Frodo had had a vision of the White Tree's child, and Arwen's face in the branches of the new tree, as a sign of hope. Now we see the fullfillment of his vision. But due to his illness, he almost missed seeing any of it. I found the exchange with Ecthelion interesting. Tolkein indicates that Denethor suspected who Aragorn really was, and Ecthelion was also a shrewd, wise man. Of course he would have also figured things out. Interesting to wonder if Ecthelion would have accepted an heir of Elendil. Sad to see that Denethor's ambitions were probably growing for a very long time, way before the war. In the books, he is every bit the descendant of Numenor, intelligent, far-sighted, even being called wizard-like. But sadly, also subject to the weaknesses of Isildur and many of his descendants. i enjoyed your look at what Ecthelion might have been like.
Author's reply
I've read Anglachel's "The Hands of a Healer" and found it fascinating, although I personally thought that Ecthelion would be more positive than his son. So I decided to start from scratch: if both father and son recognized that the brilliant and well-beloved Captain Thorongil was very likely the heir to Isildur, what evidence would have convinced them, and how would they have reacted to it? And how did Thorongil talk himself out of it without outright lying, something the true heir to Isildur would be extremely unlikely to do?
We don't know for certain that Frodo saw the White Tree planted or the old one laid to rest; from the description of it being brought to the Rath Dinen, however, it was likely that (assuming Frodo is the source of the material in LOTR) the Hobbits saw that funeral and the unusual thought of laying a tree to rest would have made quite the impression.
In previous stories I'd indicated that the encounter with the raving man took place during a feast which Frodo and Aragorn left. So, the challenge was to figure out what feast that would be, and the farewell feast for those from Rhovanion seemed the most likely. I also indicated that Frodo had a bad night the next night, and that Gandalf had been gone that night. It seemed to make sense that the two incidents, therefore would occur close together. Again, the challenge was to get the two experiences and the finding of the White Tree to mesh together, and this was what came out.
shirebound
· 16 December 2005
· Chapter 48: 48: "I Have Found It!"
What a reverent laying to rest of the old Tree, and such a joyous, loving, honored welcome for the new. And I especially enjoyed Thorongil's conversation with Ecthelion. I always thought that Aragorn learned much about how rulers should act from Ecthelion (and Theoden).
Author's reply
I, too, think Ecthelion and Theoden and probably Thengel as well were among Aragorn's mentors, although I suspect he learned a good deal also from Adrahil. The two of them probably found themselves kindred spirits at times.
And we know that the White Tree was laid to rest in the Rath Dinen--it was fun to explore how.