Grey Wonderer
· 19 November 2005
· Chapter 17: 17: Royal Apartments
So Aragron is going to do a bit of redecorating is he? I'm with him on his choice of green. My favorite color. I loved poor Sam's reaction to being known as a Lord throughout all of Middle Earth. Poor Sam makes me think of that saying, Some men are born great and others have greatness thrust upon them. Or make that hobbits instead of men. LOL
Author's reply
I indulge in a great numbers of greens and wine colors myself.
As for greatness being thrust upon them--heh! Love Twelfth Night, also. Very apt for Sam's situation indeed.
So many arrangements to make! Aragorn is certainly making a wonderful first impression on his new staff. I loved Sam trying to decide who was going to win out in the battle of the stubborn!
Author's reply
That first day was so crucial to letting the staff of the Citadel know at least a hint of what they can expect from now on. Aragorn is showing himself already more democratic in viewpoint than feudal, and that's going to have a profound effect on how the staff of the Citadel see themselves and the guests to the place in the future.
Grey Wonderer
· 19 November 2005
· Chapter 15: 15: First Audience
Ah, it is good to be the King! I love the way the hobbits held a small meeting in the middle of the formality of it all. So very hobbity!
Author's reply
Aragorn is showing he's taken the lessons in rule and leadership to heart and has perhaps planned for the moment.
As for Hobbit confabs--seemed right! Thanks for all the reviews--I'll respond as I can, but must leave for work soon.
Grey Wonderer
· 19 November 2005
· Chapter 14: 14: The King's Procession
I loved how Frodo was very nearly insulted by the notion that he might not be able to ride. It was a bit of the fire that the old Frodo had coming through and I do think that both he and Sam enjoyed riding. Looks like Gandalf is realizing what is in store for Frodo if he didn't already know.
Author's reply
Yes, Frodo is indicating he was not but a lettered rustic before he left the Shire, and that he's competent on several levels. And this is one of the days he can display his natural annoyance about the assumptions others tend to make of him.
As for Gandalf, how much he was allowed to consciously know Frodo's fate is uncertain, either here or in Tolkien's original. But I think the suspicions ought to have been making themselves known about now.
Tigger
· 19 November 2005
· Chapter 32: 32: Incarceration
I have a feeling Aragorn will have his head first. Loved the exchange between Aragorn and the Warden of the Prison. For him, first, to realize Aragorn did indeed intend to be a King of justice and wanted a witness w/him during the questioning of the prisoners...That would go a long way to Aragorn's intentions being proved to be true. Not just on their own merits, but also in stark contrast to the way Denethor did things during the last years of his rule.
Second...And another has recogized Thorongil. This was a very bittersweet realization though. For Aragorn to say how Denethor felt about him, the fact Denethor saw him as a rival instead of a friend, that must have hurt Aragorn terribly. Interesting thought that Faramir would have figured it out, but not Boromir. Never thought about that before, but it does make sense when you consider the make up of the two brothers.
Looking forward to the audience in the Hall of Kings. Gondor will not take well at all to what Angrapain has tried to do and the implications on the party of Umbar will not help them either.
I'm finding I'm checking my Inbox awfully often for updates on this Larner. Can't wait for the next one to appear. :o)
Author's reply
The next chapter will be tomorrow, I fear--too much to do today, and needed my nap after a long night at work.
Aragorn never appeared to have confided his identity as Thorongil to Boromir, and I had wondered about it, while Faramir woke up automatically knowing this was the King, and heard some of the arguments between Mithrandir and Denethor and undoubtedly had gained some idea that this coming Ranger who is apparently Isildur's heir was someone with whom his father was already acquainted, which had to lead to the tying of Aragorn to Thorongil. After all, Tolkien indicated that Faramir saw into the hearts of Men and was far more intelligent and quick to draw correct conclusions than his more military brother.
And I do believe Aragorn would wish to keep himself from acting on the temptation to use unacceptable means himself to obtain information.
Thanks so much for the compliments, and hope the next chapter is found worthy of the wait.
shirebound
· 19 November 2005
· Chapter 32: 32: Incarceration
Wonderful. There's always something in your chapters I admire, and for this one, it's this:
"I’ll want a responsible guard to stand as witness to what is asked and the responses given.”
Madog looked keenly into the King’s eyes. He’d suspected that the Man would wish to question the prisoners alone as Denethor had done; but this was untrue? His respect for the new King, which had tended to be higher after the respect shown to Halargil and Berilieth, was raised again that he wanted witnesses to what passed between himself and the prisoners.
Author's reply
So glad you approve. Aragorn is, in my view of him, the capable, often devious, and yet in the end just judge, which is why he changed the sentence he gave the Anmarians in The Ties of Family. Aragorn knows the temptations to want to strongarm and perhaps place words in the mouths of his prisoners, and he guards himself from that temptation.
I suspect Angrapain may end up wishing he could remain in Gondor and face the King rather than depart with the rest of his party and face them. Something tells me he is in for a rough time.
So Denethor was going off the rails and using Gondorian justice to his own ends - not a surprise. Glad Madog has recognised the King, and how nice that Aragorn continues to enjoy this little joke.
I am eager to see what happen next.
Author's reply
Oh, Aragorn's going to enjoy his joke for many years, and even sees it in Harad years from now! Part of the upside of being the Dunedan, I think.
And Angrapain isn't going to get to go home--yet. He's still facing a trial in a few hours, and he's not going to like his sentence.
Denethor was reacting to fear by becoming preemptive, which leads to injustice. Many, I think, will appreciate Aragorn's rule after the way Denethor's had begun to deteriorate. But the deterioration first tends to manifest as paranoia, and I think Denethor would have been a prime candidate for it.
Thanks for the comments.
It is a delight to see that the hobbits have their priorities in the right order - mushrooms! Nice to know that they remain so hobbity at heart.
I suppose Aragorn has never really thought of Frodo having to defend himself in the Shire. I like to see Frodo portrayed as strong and determined - he would never have made it to Mordor otherwise but so often in some fan fiction he is written as a totally pathetic creature, incapable of defending himself.
Oddly enough my next story will feature Frodo having to give someone a bit of a smack, and that particular Nuzgul took up residence in the dog basket months ago!
I'm sure a period of time cooling his heels in the prison will do Angrapain the world of good.
Author's reply
Your nuzgul was taking up residence in the dog basket? Wonderful! My latest is rummaging in the jewel box, and have a plot bunny who snitched a diamond and an emerald and is trying to figure out which to wear....
I've always thought Frodo had been able to use a punch--first wrote it into For Eyes to See as Can, after all. But only now is he in a situation where he can properly use it since he began the quest. And am glad others, also, want to see him as capable. Look forward to seeing the story when it comes.
And of course mushrooms are a priority, you know....
French Pony
· 19 November 2005
· Chapter 32: 32: Incarceration
So Denethor was going further off the deep end than we originally thought, hm? Sounds like he'd begun using the justice system to pursue personal vendettas. But Gondor looks like it has a firm grasp of Roman law and the concept of innocent until proven guilty. Certainly, their prisons seem fairly decent places, though they probably don't have much of an overcrowding problem.
The running joke about Thorondor and the King continues to amuse me. Especially the mutated rumor that the King is Thorondor's son.
Author's reply
For those whose experience is probably that those of the more pure Dunedain lines in the South is that they tend to live to be 120 or so, someone who is almost ninety and still is hale is going to be a shock. Aragorn's of even purer stock, after all. The assumption that Aragorn would be Thorongil's son would be a natural one, I think.
And I think that this type of prison system would indeed be the ideal envisioned by Elendil, Isildur, and Anarion, who had such a close relationship with the Eldar and Valar, after all.
So glad you approve!
Dreamflower
· 19 November 2005
· Chapter 32: 32: Incarceration
And you score again with another lovely OC. I find myself liking Madog immensely--that a Warden of a prison would have such care for his charges is really most unexpected. I like the comparison between Aragorn's ways and Denethor's, and Madog's unexpected realization of who the King was.
Angrapain is in deep s***. Really. He's far better off where he is now than he would be free in the City, once his crime is known...Improper advances to the Ringbearer could easily cause a riot, and perhaps mob justice, if Aragorn doesn't keep the lid on.
Author's reply
I think most of the Dunedain would be pretty decent folk, and so envisioned Madog similar to Paul in The Green Mile, a man who does a decent job and tries to help his charges find some dignity again while they wait to see what will come of their lives.
And Angrapain is going to find he wishes he could keep in that nice, safe prison. He's NOT going to like his sentence.
Bodkin
· 19 November 2005
· Chapter 31: 31: Aftermath
Well - if ever a slimeball deserved the Frodo punch, Agrapain is it! And I think two punches are fair enough to bring him down to size.
The Umbar deputation isn't making many friends. Not unless they are throwing money at some of their spies - and even then their loyalty is going to be debatable. Although Agrapain's blackmailing techniques might have kept some on their side. For the time being.
The other deputations seem a good deal more welcome - not surprising really. I'm looking forward to seeing more of them.
Author's reply
I hope to show some of them. In the appendices it says Erebor and Dale sent deputations to Aragorn's coronation--so I twisted things a bit and had them arrive a bit late. And I think they'd be a far sight more welcome than those from Umbar.
And I think those from Umbar will be glad to escape with their lives--I think they've realized their dignity has been stripped from them now!
Kitty
· 19 November 2005
· Chapter 31: 31: Aftermath
Frodo is much more noble than I ever could be. Honestly, to apologize because he had to hit twice to bring Angrapain down! *shakes head* I’d say Merimac would be very proud of him if he knew of this. The promise to strike only once was meant to be used for punches against hobbits, after all! And then to excuse Angrapain’s bad behaviour with his drunkness, that is something I disagree with Frodo. It’s not as someone had forced Angrapain to drink in the first place, isn’t it?
Pippin was quite brave to remain on duty instead of rushing to gather the mushrooms! And Aragorn noticed it. Good. I hope he is properly impressed. *grin* His use of the mushroom soup to lure the hobbits to dinner was wicked – he knows them all too well!
Nice idea to have some visitors from Erebor, Dale and Mirkwood there, too. That is something Tolkien had overlooked.
Another good idea was to use Rohirric speaking guards for Angrapain and have him isolated this way. Now I truly look forward to this audience for the Umbaris – and I wonder what Wasnior will say when he meets Angrapain again. The Dúnedain guard made it quite clear they will be thrown out of Gondor the following day, didn’t he?
Author's reply
Actually the deputations from Erebor and Dale were described by Tolkien in the depths of the Appendices, so I had to find a way of slipping them in, so I cheated, I suppose, and had them arrive a bit late. Oh, well--he certainly didn't describe them in the story proper, did he?
As for Frodo--again his standards for himself are unrealistic, and at the same time he recognizes that Angrapain was under the influence. Even if he was doing it to himself, still the perverted sot wasn't completely in control. Now, I'd still give him the consequences of his actions fully, but then I've helped too many recover from addiction. But, I'm not Frodo.
I think the primary intent is to remove Frodo from the chance of becoming the target of any more unwanted contact with the Umbarians, but the mushroom soup is indeed a good lure. And I, too, think Mac would have been proud that day of his cousin.
Thanks so much for the comments.
Armariel
· 19 November 2005
· Chapter 31: 31: Aftermath
SORRY???????? Isn't that like apologizing to the Japanese for Pearl Harbor??? Eek!!!!
Well, I might have known *some* of us would try to take all the fun out of hating that pervy hobbit-fancier and imagining gruesome fates for him by analyzing the heck out of him and making us feel sorry for him....lol Well, if he just had a thing for Frodo and kept it to himself, or confided it to someone but refrained from making advances on the object of his desires, THEN I would feel sorry for him, but...but......ahh, screw political correctness anyway, haha....
Glad the hobbits got those mushrooms anyway! Can almost smell the soup! I must be hungry or something.......
~~~{~@
Author's reply
Remember, it IS Frodo who's apologizing here. He would do something like that where few others would do so--I certainly wouldn't!
And, drunk or not, abused himself or not in his past, still it is in the here and now that this fool has made his offenses, and he deserves what he gets from Aragorn, I think, although that chapter is still a few away.
And I was just eating mushrooms with my roast left over from the other night. I know what you mean about perhaps being hungry! Heh!
Antane
· 19 November 2005
· Chapter 30: 30: Mushrooms and Vengeance
You go, Frodo! Down and out! Too bad you are too much of a gentlehobbit to aim lower. Where is Lorenna Bobbit or whatever her name was when you need her? It's good all we readers weren't there too because Angrypain (I love how one reviewer called him that, never liked or trusted the guy from the first moment and that name fits him and all militant gays) would have been pulp by the time we were done. And he better hope Sam doesn't find out about the slight to his brother-master's honor or our dear gardener may forget himself and his manners and do the job right with as dull a blade as possible.
Author's reply
I think even Aragorn is considering the gelding knife for this one (he does call for it in The King's Commission, btw). But Aragorn has needed to learn that Frodo IS capable of taking care of himself when circumstances warrant it.
As for Sam--I think he trusts in the King's justice.
As for Lorenna--SHIVVEERRRINNNGGGG!
Dreamflower
· 19 November 2005
· Chapter 31: 31: Aftermath
I was gone most of the day yesterday, and it was quite late by the time I finally got to read this chapter.
I just adore Aragorn's amazement over Frodo's blow. *chuckle* He's realized for a while that Merry, Pippin and even Sam can defend themselves and protect their loved ones, but the fact that Frodo has been the focus of everyone else's protection from the time he has known him, has rather lulled him into the mistake of thinking Frodo would always need to be protected. The corollary, of course, being that Frodo *couldn't* protect himself. Not, I think that he would have *consciously* thought this--he respects Frodo a good deal, and would not mean to be condescending. But he has only ever known him under a completely different set of circumstances, and never really met him as the hobbit who was the bane of bullies in the Shire.
Merry and Pippin do remember. And though this would probably not abate their desire to part Angrapain's hair with their swords at the affront to their cousin, they are certainly not surprised.
*Loved* Pippin's visceral reaction to the mushrooms.
I also loved the way Pippin istantly became all Guardsman when Aragorn gave him an order, but that the instant he returned, he and Sam were at Frodo's side. Clearly, even though Frodo has just proven that he does not *need* to be the focus of everyone's protection any longer, none of them are willing to give over that role, probably ever again.
Once Aragorn and his party were finally on their way up the ramp, the four Hobbits looked to one another, and three of them scrambled one more time over the wall to examine Frodo’s find and fetch the bowl, making certain it was full before they turned back to their house.
Perfect. Just absolutely perfectly hobbity. A hobbit has to have his priorities straight, after all.
Poor Umbarians. Of course they were going to regret have Angrapain in their midst sooner of later. And naturally they knew at once who'd given trouble and why. They may regret getting kicked out of Gondor so summarily, but I don't believe any of them will regret being relieved of that one's presence. He must have been really creepy and unpleasant as a traveling companion.
Look forward to seeing his reaction when he wakes up in a cell, and no one to speak to (clever touch, making his guards Rohirrim. Aragorn doesn't miss a trick.) as he realizes exactly what happened to him. And I hope he has a few loose teeth and a major headache. And Aragorn shouldn't waste any healing efforts on him either.
Author's reply
It's still a couple chapters away, but Angrapain gets his full desserts, and is grateful--until the first order is carried out, I think. He's NOT going to like that one...HEH!
Frodo does surprise folk as now that he is in a situation closer to the life he's known he finds himself using his own skills and all realize he's not totally vulnerable. Being basically a pacifist doesn't mean letting others walk all over you.
(There's the story of the Quaker farmer who carries his shotgun down the stairs to confront the burglar ransacking the silver chest. As he points the shotgun he warns, "Thee knows, friend, I would not hurt thee for the world, but thee stands where I intend to shoot....")
All still will wish to protect Frodo, although they will immediately follow the King's command and wait till he's out of sight to actually go after those mushrooms. Hobbits are still Hobbits, after all....
Thanks so much for such a detailed review.
Andrea
· 19 November 2005
· Chapter 31: 31: Aftermath
Oh Frodo, there's nothing to feel embarrassed about or sorry for, really!
I think he made yet another big impression on Aragorn and Co. that day.
I'm curious to find out what Aragorn's punishment will be like. Apparently Agrapain is not considered a member of the Umbarians group any longer.
And I have to agree with French Pony: Agrapain should not only fear the reaction of Aragorn, but also that of Wasnior.
Author's reply
I doubt Aragorn is going to allow Wasnior to demonstrate his own displeasure for some time. The other four from Umbar still have some hidden deeds that are to be revealed.
But Frodo is Frodo, and is still rather fragile right now. He still has a good deal of recovery to experience. But you are right, there is even more respect felt for Frodo than previously, I think.
harrowcat
· 19 November 2005
· Chapter 31: 31: Aftermath
It sounds like they might need that mead! I'd wondered why we got two punches and also how Frodo had got tall enough to hit his chin. Glad they got the mushrooms. Clever of Aragorn to leave them some space together - for a number of reasons. But I was proud of Pippin when he managed duty first and food second without a murmer. He has grown indeed!
The forward is a good idea too. It is funny you decided to post this yesterday as I was only reflecting recently that I have learned so much elvish through reading on this site. I wish that I could have learn French in such an enjoyable way!
Author's reply
The first punch to the midriff was to get the man to bend over enough Frodo could administer the one to the chin. That was why he needed two.
So glad you, too, are proud of Pippin for putting duty before mushrooms, although the temptation must have been awful.
I'd been getting so MANY requests to translate the Sindarin I decided the foreward needed to be offered, so I did. I, too, am learning a good deal of both Sindarin and even a smattering of Quenya through Fan Fiction. Never studied French, but have read LOTR in Spanish--LOTR, HP, and the Bible as well as Jonathin Livingston Seagull.
Ha! A satisfying chapter! Thank you very much! I do think one night in prison is too good for this fellow, but I'll let it pass. He's lucky *I'm* not Aragorn, or he would have known a far greater punishment, and there would have been no chance of repentance. But at least no great harm was done...I hope...and maybe, maybe there is hope for this one. Namarie, and God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Oh, the actual trial is still to come--Angrapain is getting MORE than just a night in prison. I think he'll wonder at times if it might have been better if Gimli had parted his hair with his axe!
Aragorn has an idea of what needs to be done to such as this to keep them from easily reoffending.
Grey Wonderer
· 18 November 2005
· Chapter 13: 13: Party of Princes, and a King Made
Powerful. I could see the entire event and the moment when Frodo took the weight of the crown in his hands was stunning. I liked Pippin standing between Aragorn and Faramir and then the smile that Faramir gave me. Sam was wonderful in this chapter too! If I have not mentioned it before, this is a lovely story and I am enjoying it very much!
Author's reply
I am so glad that you are enjoying it, Grey Wonderer.
I've always wanted to see this scene extended, to see what came before and after, to examine how Frodo felt with the weight of what is now Aragorn's Crown in his hands, to see the first look shared between Pippin and Faramir, and to see Sam's reaction to it all--and at last I've had the chance to do so and to share it.
Thanks so much for the appreciation shown.
Grey Wonderer
· 18 November 2005
· Chapter 12: 12: Camp on the Pelennor
Lord Aragron was very kingly indeed in this chapter. I loved how he took charge and made his orders known. I enjoyed seeing Frodo's pride in him also. You could just feel it and also in Aragorn's foster brothers. I am sure it takes a great deal to make the first born proud.
Author's reply
At least Aragorn has done his best to be worthy of the care, training, education, and love given to him for so long; and he seeks to be worthy of that which he hopes one day to hold to himself. Yes, he's coming at last fully into his own, and now comes the time for the First Born to give all over to him and his line. May they always remain worthy of the great investment made in them!
TithenFeredir
· 18 November 2005
· Chapter 31: 31: Aftermath
Well good, that sleazeball is out of commissin and his buddies will be sent packing soon. I thought it was neat that none of the hobbits were at all surprised about Frodo's little victory, and Frodo is embarassed by his action. They may be unassuning, but they get the job done when the need arises. ~TF
Author's reply
Yes, Hobbits have a number of surprises up their sleeves for the world of Men; and they've been taking care of their own needs within their land for quite some time. About time Aragorn realizes Gandalf's comments of "There's more to this Hobbit than meets the eye" remains and will remain true.
But Angrapain isn't going to get off easily--oh, NO! Wait and see.
Grey Wonderer
· 18 November 2005
· Chapter 11: 11: Before the Wind
Lovely chapter. I am enjoying Aragorn's talks with Frodo and I loved here some of his former relationship with Denethor. IF only Frodo had been fully comforted and healed by the things that others told him.
Author's reply
Aragorn is finally feeling free enough to begin revealing his history to those of the Fellowship, beginning, of course, with Frodo. I suspect he must have been terribly frustrated trying to work alongside Denethor at times.
Frodo is getting some healing out of this, but when the scars are as deep as they must have been for him, how could anything this side of the Sea truly cleanse it all away?
(“I wonder if he knew the Lord Captain Thorongil, then?” ) I love all of the inside jokes and references to the Captain in this. Frodo even seems to take pleasure in it even though he can't enjoy many things. Faralion is very good for Frodo I believe. He also has a way of getting people and hobbits to confide in him. I like looking at the hobbits through his eyes as he learns more about them.
Author's reply
I'm glad you do. He's definitely accepting the Hobbits as he finds them, for which I'm grateful.
grumpy
· 18 November 2005
· Chapter 30: 30: Mushrooms and Vengeance
Well done Frodo, that was well done indeed. A hobbit may be small by men's standards, but can bring one down.
Author's reply
Yes, Frodo has shown the world of Men that even one unarmed can be effective in defense when it's needed. So glad you appreciated it!
French Pony
· 18 November 2005
· Chapter 31: 31: Aftermath
Ooooooo, Angrapain's in trouble! Ooooooooo!
It's hard to tell whether he's in more trouble with Aragorn or with Wasnior. I suspect that much of their audience will be spent shooting for who gets first crack at him. I especially like Aragorn's little detail of surrounding Angrapain with guards who no speaka da language.
Frodo did excellently. I think even Merimac would agree.
And I'm glad that Gimli and Legolas get to see some family members. That must make both of them so happy, to get all the news from home.
Author's reply
Glad you like the first part of the King's Justice. Aragorn will make certain that Angrapain is out of the way long enough to sober up, and on his morrow there will be both an audience and a trial. Don't think Angrapain will like what's coming, and those who go home to Umbar will feel as if they're just escaping horrible things themselves.
In the appendices Tolkien wrote that representatives from Erebor and Dale were sent to the coronation, but as they weren't mentioned as attending I decided to have them arrive just a few days late so as to not interrupt the company we are already aware of so far, and had a few from the Elves accompany them. Another day of worries for poor Galador. Heh!
And I agree--Mac would be deeply proud of his pupil!