shirebound
· 18 November 2005
· Chapter 31: 31: Aftermath
What an absorbing story, Larner! And even in the midst of dire circumstance, hobbits will be hobbits...
Pippin suddenly stopping as he realized why Frodo had entered the yard and looking sideways at Aragorn. Aragorn pretended he didn’t notice that sideways glance. It was always this way when they’d found mushrooms along the way, after all, and old Bilbo had been much the same in Rivendell.
Author's reply
Yes, indeed, Hobbits are indeed Hobbits and will respond in decidedly Hobbity ways to mushrooms! Heh!
Glad you appreciated this!
Baggins Babe
· 18 November 2005
· Chapter 30: 30: Mushrooms and Vengeance
Oh my! That was a moment to savour - Frodo felling the obnoxious Angrapain.
I so enjoyed this chapter but I had to leave for work before I could review. It made my day though - I kept grinning to myself all day when I thought of it.
I hope Frodo does not suffer a bad reaction to this incident, and I hope he managed to nab plenty of mushrooms. :-)) Hope Aragorn turns up and throws this ghastly individual in prison for a while. I can understand why he behaves the way he does, but it doesn't make him any less icky!
I also loved the glimpse of the sword practice, esp. Eowyn with her brother. That must have given the Umbarians pause for thought! They really should learn never to trust a book by its cover.
Author's reply
Yes, Frodo himself felling Angrapain is most appropriate, and I, too, find myself savoring the moment. You will see in today's chapter what Aragorn initially does, and I hope you will appreciate it; and as for the mushrooms, those, too, you will learn about.
And am so glad you appreciated the sparring between Eomer and Eowyn--a wonderful glimpse for the Umbarians that the rest of the world has its own standards.
I rejoice this chapter left you smiling with satisfaction.
Queen Galadriel
· 18 November 2005
· Chapter 0: Foreward
Thank you. this was very helpful and gives me a new and better understanding of *how* you have come up with and built on this network of stories of yours! It's just amazing! I wanted to do that when I first started writing fanfic, but it's obviously not going to happen as I'm already planning a more in-canon look at Frodo's return to the Shire to his departure...and perhaps beyond. Perhaps. Thank you also for the Elvish translations. I don't know as much as I'd like, and so theywere very helpful. Namarie, and God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Believe me, I'm still learning Sindarin myself.
I try to stay within canon as much as possible, but find I have a tendency to hurry births at times, particularly Hobbit births for known Traveller offspring, which are for the most part in the family trees rather than the Tale of Years. Gets frustrating at times, I find.
And am glad this helps you understand more of where I am coming from in writing my own tales based on Tolkien's work.
demeter d
· 18 November 2005
· Chapter 0: Foreward
Most interesting, Larner. I find it fascinating how, for so many of us, these stories can be a way of relating and dealing with things in our own lives.
Thank you for the heads up on Aragorn's many "H" kinsman. I seem to have gotten two of them confused. At any rate, you have written and developed many rich characters. Your story is most enjoyably full and real.I certainly will read Radbook's story now. I have read all of your other ones, already, except that I have not yet gotten all of the way through "Ties of Family". Do Continue!
Author's reply
Yes, real life has a way of working its way into what we write-have heard many say similarly.
And thanks so much for the compliment of reading all my works now.
And Tolkien's habit of naming children all with the same initial and our copying of that tradition does lead to confusion--that I'll readily admit!
Andrea
· 18 November 2005
· Chapter 30: 30: Mushrooms and Vengeance
You have all rights to be proud of Frodo, and I'm proud of him, too.
That was very clever and very effective ;-)
The blow could have hit lower, but this is Frodo and he would never do such a thing. I totally agree with you!
Agrapain is what his environment and the influence of his Uncle and Sauron have made of him. In other times and with other guardians he would have become a completely different person. It's frightening to see how much power the Dark Lord had over the peoples of Middle Earth.
Author's reply
Those who give themselves to evil not only tend to evaluate others in light of their own weaknesses and proclivities, but also tend to promote similar behaviors in others. It's frightening to think what Middle Earth would have come to had Sauron regained his Ring. It's a pretty awful thing to consider.
Am glad you agree that Frodo would never have struck below the belt, although Angrapain would have deserved just that.
Radbooks
· 18 November 2005
· Chapter 30: 30: Mushrooms and Vengeance
I enjoyed the scene between Aragorn and Eowyn. In spite of what I am sure is at least a little bit of uncomfortablity on Aragorn's part - well hidden, of course - he is first and foremost a healer and would never let that interfere with his duty to see to her needs. And that acceptance allows Eowyn to relax in what would be a very awkward situation for her and eventually leads to the deep friendship that develops between Aragorn, Faramir, Arwen, and Eowyn. I like how you bring out little things like this in a subtle way... maybe not so little... maybe I just see them because I like stuff like that. :)
Loved how Elrohir wouldn't give back the sword and how Belveramir had saved his clothes for him - he had faith that he would return someday.
So glad that Frodo took care of his own problem with Angrapain. He's so strong, even if he doesn't realize it right now, but he will at some point. I'm hoping Aragorn comes along now and finds Angrapain on the ground and deals with him for good. :)
Nicely done.
Author's reply
Yes, there has to be a redefinition of the relationship between Aragorn and Eowyn, and this was a good place to start, with Eowyn realizing he doesn't intend to avoid her completely out of embarrassment but is truly concerned for her welfare and happiness.
The interchange about returning the sword wrote itself, as such things do. And am glad you appreciate that both Ecthelion and Belveramir hoped for the return of the King/Thorongil.
As for Frodo and Angrapain--those from Umbar need to realize they DON'T know Hobbits at all. Glad you approve!
harrowcat
· 18 November 2005
· Chapter 30: 30: Mushrooms and Vengeance
Yeh! Go, Frodo Go!!! *ggg*
Now what are the rules about clobbering diplomats who don't act diplomatically?
Nasty, slimy man. I feel sorry for what he has been turned into as he is yet another victim of Sauron but I hate him for what he is choosing to do now. And what will punching such a dense block of wood do to those abused stomach muscles? And he didn't spill the mushrooms did he? I want to borrow some to go with my bacon! Loved the sparring scene too.
Author's reply
You have me giggling now! Hee! No, he didn't spill those mushrooms, as you will shortly see.
As for how Frodo himself responds to this encounter--well, that's to come.
And I rejoice you love the sparring scene. Such are fun to write, as you know. I like to think of Eowyn keeping her brother on the run while they spar together.
Kitty
· 18 November 2005
· Chapter 30: 30: Mushrooms and Vengeance
Hah, what a treat to start my day at work with! Wonderful chapter, Larner!
The first blow took the Man in the midriff, and he bent over in the shock of pain he felt. The second caught him on the point of the chin, and he fell like a polled ox.
*widely grinning* Ah YES Frodo! Great! (Although I have to admit, I'd not have complained if Frodo had aimed a bit lower!) But it was fun to see this old punch put to good use! And Angrapain will *never* again underestimate Hobbits! What a despicable guy he is - as bad as Varondil. To believe all others are thinking in the same twisted way as he does and to desire Frodo and Pippin because he believes they have power! *feels sick* He may have been abused in his own childhood, but that doesn't excuse to do everything he wants and to molest others, particularly if he thinks them weaker than himself and helpless.
Although I have to admit, somehow it was a bit funny how offended Angrapain was in the beginning because his first try with Frodo didn't went as he had expected.
Well, I suppose he will find himself in the prison of the Citadel very soon - and then have to face a *very* furious Lord King Elessar Telcontar.
The sparring was throughout enjoyable. How good the Umbarians came in time to watch Éowyn sparr with her brother!
So, Ecthelion cherished the practice gear of Captain Thorongil so much he kept it? And Denethor ordered it burned? *shakes head* Oh Denethor! I was very amused how Belveramir saved the gear! And I enjoyed what you told about Faramir sparring with his father. Obviously he discovered the same weakness as Thorongil and his father couldn't bear it. Oh, and the sword teacher of Boromir and Faramir was a pupil of Thorongil? How fitting!
And I love Aragorn and his elven brothers together - their gentle jesting and teasing is always fun!
Well, I should go back to work - I wonder if I'm able to concentrate after *this* ;-)
Author's reply
But how low do you think one such as Frodo might go? A sucker punch he might give, but I don't think Frodo would have gone below the belt, no matter how much Angrapain deserved it. And, yes, he'll soon be in the prison, and he'll be shortly facing a very coldly angered King. A wise man doesn't wish to face a coldly angry Aragorn Elessar, not that Angrapain is a wise man by any stretch of the imagination.
I'm not certain if Ecthelion cherished the gear of Captain Thorongil as much as he was planning for the day when the King might return, for I suspect both he and his son were pretty certain who Thorongil was in reality. I think he hoped the day when Aragorn would come to claim the Winged Crown would be soon, hopefully while he was still alive; but even if he returned as Thorongil he still would have wanted him back, I think.
Thorongil was probably in Gondor when Boromir was born, but not for long afterwards if he was to make his trips to Rhun and Harad afterwards. As I have him making a trip back to Eriador to set up a new chain of command in between the leaving of service to Ecthelion and making his journeys, it's unlikely Boromir would have any memory of the one his father felt to be his rival. But in spite of the envy, Denethor would still know Thorongil was the best swordsman he'd ever seen and wish that knowledge and skill passed to his sons, I think. And I like to think that Aragorn and Faramir have similar abilities to evaluate, and would have recognized the same weaknesses in Denethor, with similar results.
And once he was an adult, I think Aragorn and the twins would have felt more closely as brothers, and they'd find ways of teasing one another which would express their caring for one another. But it must be hard for them, knowing that in an eyeblink of their lives this one, too, will be gone beyond the bounds of Arda. It would be a great grief at the times they might allow themselves to think deeply on it.
So glad I could help you start your day off happily.
Tigger
· 17 November 2005
· Chapter 30: 30: Mushrooms and Vengeance
Serves the creep right. I can actually think of a much more proper punishment, but that would be for the King to deal w/. And I'm guessing we'll be getting to that very soon.
This is a very, very scary person. Drunk or sober. This will not bode well for the rest of the party from Umbar.
Very frightening chapter Larner. I'm so glad Frodo learned how to deal a proper blow and was able to defend himself.
To think he thought Frodo and Aragorn...*shiver*
Looking forward to finding out what this one's punishment will be in the next chapter Larner.
Author's reply
Or Frodo and Pippin--or Sam! He's a perverted wretch--no question!
It was fun to finally bring Frodo's lessons from Merimac from "For Eyes to See as Can" and "The King's Commission" and "The Ties of Family" into this story, too, and let Aragorn realize there is still a great deal about Frodo he has had no idea about.
But the trial is a few chapters away yet--first Frodo needs Aragorn and then Aragorn sees Angrapain and a few others in the prison.
Linda Hoyland
· 17 November 2005
· Chapter 30: 30: Mushrooms and Vengeance
Good for Frodo !You show clearly with Angrapain how one evil can lead to another,what a sick twisted mind to equate protectiveness with lust.
I enjoyed the sparring and references to Thorongil.
Author's reply
Some folks simply can't appreciate others could be different from themselves, particularly when others are better than themselves.
And am so glad you like the sparring and the hints about our beloved King having been Thorongil--I'm just glad he now has some practice garb that fits, even if it is over forty years old.
demeter d
· 17 November 2005
· Chapter 30: 30: Mushrooms and Vengeance
I have about as many years on Queen Galadriel as you do. i too, have seen a varied array of guilt and innocence in my life. People like Agrapain actually make me sad for them. There are people who are able to overcome childhood abuse and mistreatment and become strong adults who protect others from what they once suffered. But, I suspect Agrapain did not have the kind of help he needed to get past that. So he has become a predator himself. Well written. There are too many people just like him in the world.
I also enjoyed the sparring. Interesting to see how much Aragorn learned from his ageless brothers. Nice to see that the Northern and Southern Stewards are equally skilled and capable. I like what you have done in fleshing out Halbarad's family. He is one character in the books that I would have like to have seen more of.
Author's reply
You might check out Radbook's story "In Aragorn's Keeping" on FFN, as it has Halbarad surviving, and he is a heck of a nice guy.
I do think that Aragorn would have chosen good folk to serve as his Stewards, although Hardorn will be staying south with Aragorn while Halladan will return north to take his brother's place and help prepare for the return of the King there as well. I have included Halladan in several stories, although you see him mostly in "The Ties of Family."
And sexual abuse does have such long-lasting effects. Glad you, too, find yourself wishing things had gone otherwise in Angrapain's life.
Raksha The Demon
· 17 November 2005
· Chapter 30: 30: Mushrooms and Vengeance
Yay, Frodo - take that perv out with just two punches! It was great to see Frodo written as a physically strong and self-sufficient person, able to defend himself from a predatory Man. Don't mess with the Ringbearer, perv!
AngryPain isn't a perv because he had a yen for Frodo - he's a perv because he wants to sexually ensnare others for power rather than love, and because he's going after someone he perceives as physically helpless against him.
And it was also a treat to see the sparring contests - I love it when writers remember that Faramir is a skilled and effective warrior even if he's not at Aragorn-level (no Man is). I've always thought that Faramir could outshoot Aragorn with bow and arrow, but that's just me...And I loved Faramir's account of his sparring experience with Denethor - seems that Faramir was as good as Thorongil at seeing Denethor's repetitive tactic, and, as any good swordsman would be, taking advantage of it. And of course Denethor wouldn't spar with his second son again after that - he couldn't stand being beaten; also, I bet that Faramir reminded him, if only briefly, of the hated Thorongil...
Author's reply
Oh, good, you caught that! It was fun to hark back to Thorongil's experience with Denethor and show that he wasn't the only one who noticed that one could use Denethor's tendencies against him. Perhaps another reason he was more withdrawn with Boromir? And that this might bring back memories of the envied Thorongil--I'd not even thought of that. Excellent catch!
And I do think that Faramir would have been a good warrior, and undoubtedly better than Aragorn much of the time. Perhaps it was the lack of weight behind his blows with the sword that convinced his father he wasn't as good. We do know his men honored and respected him, and I think as much for his overall abilities as a warrior and commander as well as the concern he showed for them.
And your description of Angrapain is right on the money. And it's nice to think that Frodo was more capable than he believed to take care of himself.
Author Reply: I caught a typo--I meant perhaps this was another reason Denethor was more withdrawn with Faramir, not Boromir. Gads--the fingers will type what they want sometimes!
French Pony
· 17 November 2005
· Chapter 30: 30: Mushrooms and Vengeance
Oh, man, Frodo just hit him in the midriff? He is more merciful than even I gave him credit for. He's the perfect height to hit rather. . . lower down, which is what Angrapain certainly deserved, and what I would have done. But how satisfying for a 3'6" hobbit to take down a full-grown man with a one-two sucker punch.
Angrapain is going to be serious trouble. I have a feeling that even Wasnior doesn't yet know how much trouble.
Author's reply
I don't know that Frodo would even consider doing such a thing as hitting below the belt, but it's a wonderful thought for what OUGHT to have happened to such as Angrapain, I agree. But Frodo has been trained in self-defense, and figured how to use it to his advantage, of course-until the reaction hits him, of course.
And Angrapain is going to see the insides of the Citadel prison at least for the night. It doesn't bode well for the group from Umbar.
TithenFeredir
· 17 November 2005
· Chapter 30: 30: Mushrooms and Vengeance
Ech. Creeped out by the creep again. Unfortunately Frodo won't have the advantage of surprise a second time. I hope Aragorn uses this as an excuse to get rid of the folks from Umbar. ~TF
Author's reply
Angrapain will be shortly where he can't cause a third offense; and Aragorn is planning to see them all in the morning, you'll find.
I just like to think that Frodo had his own strengths and ability to protect himself that he'd use on occasion to good advantage, and this seemed as good a chance as any for it to be manifested before an admiring public.
Armariel
· 17 November 2005
· Chapter 30: 30: Mushrooms and Vengeance
*contemplates which of her 4 swords she should use on Angrapain*
*thinks perhaps all of them might be put to good use on different parts of his anatomy*
*chuckles evilly*
*gives him several good swift kicks and then goes home and scrubs at her foot for half an hour*
*gives Frodo a big cheer and hug*
*wonders how Angrapain is really gonna get his comeuppance in some bizarre, twisted and very painful way*
*drools at the thought of Aragorn sparring*
*ditto at the thought of Faramir ditto*
Author's reply
*drools at the thought of the two of them taking a shower afterwards and spying on them*
Yes, Angrapain deserves a good deal of pain, although the hangover is probably going to be a lulu in and of itself. I never understood those who go through such things again and again, myself.
But Aragorn is now going to put a stop to the situation and see to it Angrapain is not able to do more such things.
shirebound
· 17 November 2005
· Chapter 30: 30: Mushrooms and Vengeance
Excellent, Frodo! Hobbits are small, but far from helpless.
And I do love this description of the Thain: "he may direct but not command". Perfect. And how confusing to the Umbarians!
Author's reply
Yes, you can't mistake them for children due to their size and relative cuteness. Angrapain has JUST learned the hard way not to underestimate Hobbits. And am so glad you appreciate the description of the limitations of the Thain's powers--he has authority, but not rule; never quite the same thing at all.
So glad you appreciated it, Shirebound.
Dreamflower
· 17 November 2005
· Chapter 30: 30: Mushrooms and Vengeance
Oh my! Now *that's* even more satisfying than one of the Fellowship catching him at it. I hadn't dared to hope you'd let Frodo loose his secret punch on that Man! *HA*! That was brilliant!
Of course, it's going to cause no end of repercussions among the Umbarians. I almost feel sorry for them, stuck with a person like Angrapain in their midst. He must be a PITB to have to travel with.
I loved all those reactions from watching the sparring, as well. Too bad they didn't get to see Pippin and Merry putting Boromir's lessons to work.
And I got a kick out of Aragorn assuming Elladan would disarm him, and then Elrohir's sly joke when it was the other way round, LOL!
Now a chapter *this* satisfying is going to be a hard act to follow, but I'm quite sure you're up to the task!
Author's reply
Glad you find it satisfying, Dreamflower. Yes, Frodo can defend himself when the situation is right, and he did it well. Far more satisfying in the end than having someone else rescue him, and quite a revelation to those who don't know what he was like in the Shire.
As for the interaction between Aragorn and his brothers--that just wrote itself. And I find I love the interplay between them--that Elves can be humorous as well as graceful, competent, deadly, and decorative.
And you KNOW I love sparring scenes.
So we will see what comes next.
Lindelea
· 17 November 2005
· Chapter 9: 9: The Minstrel of Gondor
I *like* your minstrel!
I don't have time to comment, but wanted to say before pulled away how fascinating this chapter was.
And Thorongil. *snork*
Author's reply
Am glad you like Faralion--I think he'd have been good for Frodo at that point.
As for Thorongil--Frodo's beginning to figure it all out. *Snork* indeed!
He soon was beginning to move through the tents of the healers, first following Aragorn and then by himself, seeing Men who’d lost limbs, who were recovering from stomach wounds, whose broken bones were finally knitting, who’d been partially paralyzed by what they’d experienced. Some were still in terrible pain, but all smiled as they saw him come, even those who’d been worst wounded. He felt drawn to them, although he couldn’t say precisely why; and he would often sit with this one or that, speaking with them, discussing families, wives, children, their homes, their plans for the future. His obvious interest in them would loosen their tongues, and many confided their fears that they wouldn’t be able to contribute to the family or the needs of their people any more once they were returned.
I love this picture of Frodo reaching outside of himself and his pain to help others. Isn't that so often the best way to combat despair and depression?
I wondered if he might have remembered Lalia and her wheeled chair, while this was happening? But the soldiers' need sounds nobler than mere overeating to the point where one's legs won't bear one's weight.
It was interesting that it took a hobbit to tell men how to show forgiveness to their enemies.
Author's reply
I wrote a nice review to this yesterday that got eaten, evidently, but the posting gremlin. AARGH!
Yes, Frodo is reaching out, and it is helping both himself and others, although he doesn't quite recognize how much it is helping either as yet. Whether or not he remembers Lalia's chair I don't know--I suspect it is the Men and Gimli who are actually thinking of ways of circumventing the newfound disabilities, much as such brainstorming led to the rehabilitation movement here in the United States in the wake of WWI and WWII. And definitely nobler needs deserve rehabilitation and effective prosthetics more than self-indulgence to the point of disability.
And, yes, it takes a Hobbit to break through the habits of centuries of seeing those from Rhun and Umbar solely as enemies and not Men in their own right.
Thanks so much for the review, Lindelea.
Lindelea
· 17 November 2005
· Chapter 7: 7: Rainy Night in Ithilien
How absurdly easy it was, he realized, to touch that power, to accept it--so much easier than to bear with the power the Ring had contained.
(what a relief, for the reader as well as the hobbit!)
Lots of Frodo-healing going on here, it seems.
So many tantalising bits...
The voice that argues with Frodo--really looking forward to finding out what/who it is.
The letter Aragorn was reading...
Author's reply
For a time after reaching Minas Tirith he doesn't appear to hear the voice, but then....
So glad you're enjoying it.
Queen Galadriel
· 17 November 2005
· Chapter 30: 30: Mushrooms and Vengeance
Go, Frodo! I didn't think I could be more angry with Angrapain than I was yesterday, but I was mistaken. Oh, how I wish I could jump into the story and get my hands on his low, mean, wretched, disgusting self!!! Ugh! I do hope he gets properly punished, by Lord Aragorn himself, for this assault! Yet, I suppose I must pity him as well. But it is not unmingled with disgust and utter repulsion. How did you do it, Larner? I realise, of course, that at fifteen I have a good deal of innocence yet unmarred, but still...*shudder*
On a lighter note, you have an excellent sense of humour, and I did enjoy the mushroom mistake, though at the time I read it I was too angry to laugh. Now I'm really anxious to see what becomes of this fellow from Umbar. God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Well, my love, I have forty years on you, so am nowhere as innocent as I was at fifteen, and have seen surprising good in some of the sorriest characters I've ever met, and shocking selfishness hiding behind innocent-seeming aspects. I've also read extensively in my lifetime, and have enjoyed some of the villains more than some of the heroes, as they are occasionally more interesting individuals.
Plus I've found some pretty miserable demons residing in my heart at times, and have not always been as good at exorcising them as I ought to have been. And so I can imagine some such as Angrapain and enjoy seeing them find their proper comeuppance, and wish we might see more such open-and-shut cases in this world we live in.
Glad you finally were able to enjoy the humor in the chapter, for it's what makes such chapters enjoyable.
As for this chapter--Angrapain is indulging in the thought processes of what I call the "small" man, and is ascribing to others the very thoughts and motivations and responses he himself knows. He cannot imagine any has appetites that are not taintable; he has no idea what drives Frodo, or what his assault will lead to in Frodo's life. He is totally self-centered, which is the primary characteristic of the criminal mind. And so he is fairly easily felled--that one with a child-like aspect is NOT a child and may have been taught to adequately protect himself he never anticipates; and now he'll get to sit in the prison of the Citadel (which is actually not too bad a place in my version of ME) and think on things for a time--if he will, of course.
Thanks for the comments, and again am glad you appreciated the humor in the last chapter.
Breon Briarwood
· 17 November 2005
· Chapter 30: 30: Mushrooms and Vengeance
The first blow took the Man in the midriff, and he bent over in the shock of pain he felt. The second caught him on the point of the chin, and he fell like a polled ox.
Bwahahahahaha! I think that's the last time he'll underestimate a hobbit! Particularly this hobbit!
Author's reply
Yes, it does ill to underestimate the Periannath, sneaky little devils that they are. And Merimac made certain Frodo was well trained to use that punch, and he had several within the Shire to perfect it on....
So glad you appreciate it.
Andrea
· 17 November 2005
· Chapter 29: 29: Assumption and Innuendo
I think, Frodo had the situation completely under control - with or without Aragorn. I'm always fascinated with his politeness!
"... but Frodo found he could no longer feel insulted." That's right. Instead he tries hard not to laugh out loud, because the situation is so ridiculous.
And with so many important witnesses Agrapain will never try to approach him again, I'm sure.
Author's reply
Yes, this time Frodo has it under control. As for no repeat offenses--well, today's chapter will explore that possibility.
And yes, this situation has become totally ridiculous, and it's all Frodo can do to keep from laughing aloud. I'm rather proud of him, actually!
Thanks so much for your comments!
Andrea
· 17 November 2005
· Chapter 28: 28: On Lordship and Lands
I've not reached the latest update yet, but I just have to review this chapter!
“So, having no dragons to hand, instead you’ve decided to plague them with Hobbits?” LOL! That's really a splendid idea! Despite his illness, Frodo has a keen perception, whereas Sam only started to laugh, because everyone else did it ;-)
I appreciate the idea of shoking those great lords of Gondor and Arnor with what must be in their eyes two simple hobbits.
And I loved this simple, but logical statement from Pippin, which speaks of a deep love for his cousin:
"So, since we couldn’t protect you, we each did the best we could to protect someone else."
Author's reply
Thanks so much for the review. Yes, Frodo is able to appreciate Aragorn's intentions, although I think Sam appreciates the thought behind it as much as Frodo, but primarily is indeed laughing in relief to see Frodo laughing.
And Pippin's declaration is indeed from the heart. Am so glad you appreciate the thought behind the chapter.
Queen Galadriel
· 17 November 2005
· Chapter 29: 29: Assumption and Innuendo
I just got the reply to my review, and I had to come and leave another. I should probably have sent it in a private email, but the rash, passionate part of me wants this to be in plain view to everyone. If this is your way of defying slash, then more power to you!!!!! The thought of it just makes me so mad I don't know what to do, and for a while I've been contemplating a good come-back. I'm perhaps cruelly anxious to see what becomes of that wretched Angrepain, but I'll try to restrain myself and wait. :-) I admire your courage and strength of mind and determination to be able to create such a character. I honestly don't think I'd be able to do it, or at least not without flinching and cringing. Keep it up! God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
I do like a very few slash stories I've read, and mostly the satirical ones. Have refused to review a few on HASA because with my preferences against such things I would not be fair to the writers. But I don't think JRRT would have approved of them at all.
And I don't know about courage leading to the creation of nasty characters--such people simply exist, and need to be present often in good stories for others to deal with, or so I've found. I have seen a few creep into my stories--Mertirio, Merdirion, Varondil, Landrion.... And they tend to get their due when the time comes.