Radbooks
· 17 November 2005
· Chapter 29: 29: Assumption and Innuendo
I think Aragorn should just take Angrapain out and hang him now and save himself the trouble of having to do it later. But then of course he would have to feel the consequences of that so I suppose he couldn't do that. He just makes my skin crawl and makes me shudder and I don't want him anywhere around the hobbits - or anybody else either. But still I suppose Aragorn learned a lot about him in what he heard and will be watching him even more closely. And Frodo found mushrooms! :)
Very well written creepy man and a well written chapter. I loved the ending of the chapter where Hardorn laughed, he doesn't do that often.
Author's reply
We all find we hate Angrapain, I think. He'll get his comeuppance soon, and in a way he'd never expect.
Now we know where it is they have always found mushrooms here in the sixth circle, and it will be a popular place any time Hobbits visit Minas Tirith from now on.
And I, too, enjoy seeing Hardorn laugh from time to time. Altogether too serious, Aragorn's cousin!
Radbooks
· 17 November 2005
· Chapter 28: 28: On Lordship and Lands
I need to review before I get too far behind! :) It was good to see Aragorn looking after Pippin like he did and for Frodo to see him and his damaged, but healing body. I loved Aragorn's comments to Frodo that his wounds were the price of his heroism. Who knows how many others might have been killed by that troll if Pippin hadn't killed it then and there? Loved Sam taking charge and making Aragorn rest... a king needs people like that in his life. :)
Then Aragorn using the hobbits to shake up the lords of Gondor! I'm sure he did want to bless Frodo and Sam and allow them to provide the schools for the Shire, etc. He would not want their status as lords to be an empty one. But if he could also use it for a dual purpose, then why not? :) Actually, he got three things out of it because he made Frodo and Sam laugh! Which is always a good thing right now.
Nicely done.
Author's reply
Yes, three blessings from the decision to make Frodo and Sam lords indeed. And am so very glad you enjoyed the thought that went into this chapter. Frodo still doesn't recognize that his own wounds are the price he has paid for his own heroism. That will come in time, of course.
Thank you so much for such a thoughtful review.
grumpy
· 16 November 2005
· Chapter 29: 29: Assumption and Innuendo
Well Angrapain is one slimey character. One track mind if nothing else, must be how he deals with things.
Mushrooms, and morels too, I used to live in northern Michigan, where if you knew where a patch of morels were at, you kept it as your secret stash. I myself do not like fungi, must not have any hobbit blood in me.
Author's reply
I love mushrooms, properly prepared, of course. And I'll admit this was the only variety I could think of that had a name that MIGHT be mistaken for that of a woman.
Angrapain is indeed the slimiest of the slimy, and deserves what eventually happens to him.
Grumpy
· 16 November 2005
· Chapter 28: 28: On Lordship and Lands
What a wonderful chapter. There is a huge hobbit huddle and hug, then Sam gets to boss Aragorn arround. Aragorn is making dragons out of hobbits.
Maybe Gandalf should invite the dead back to spend some time with the lords of Pelargir.
Author's reply
Yes, the realm of Gondor is getting a makeover, and Hobbit love gets to be at the center of it.
And the idea of Gandalf inviting the dead back to Pelargir has me giggling myself!
Armariel
· 16 November 2005
· Chapter 29: 29: Assumption and Innuendo
Ewwwwww Angrapain...ick, what a bag of slime! I'm surprised Frodo didn't turn and scoot at the sight of him--*I* would have! Eek!!! But he stood his ground beautifully...Morel, hah!
~~~{~@
Author's reply
Glad folks have loved the mushroom incident! And we have another individual we love to hate. Poor Angrapain--he has no idea what's in store for him.
Queen Galadriel
· 16 November 2005
· Chapter 29: 29: Assumption and Innuendo
Larner, I haven't left a review for a while (because more often than not I'm left speechless), so I thought I would drop a line to say I'm enjoying this. I especially liked the bit of humour at the end of Chapter 28. Frodo really needed that! I don't think it would be the least bit unwise for Aragorn (and all others) to distrust these Umbarians. I tried to be open-minded about them, but after what I've just read I think they ought to be banished at once, and that vile Angrepain ought to be hanged! Oh, how I would dearly love to wring his filthy, immoral neck!!!! To make such assumptions about Frodo, the Ring-bearer...! Forgive me. Keep up the good work! God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
So glad you appreciated the last chapter, Queen Galadriel, both the pathos and the humor. It's what we love so about the originals, after all.
And it's fun to see how furious we become with Angrapain as he starts messing with OUR Frodo! He'll get his comeuppance, but in a fashion he'd not have anticipated.
And I'll admit that in part this is my own reaction to some of the slash fic out there. I think Tolkien would NOT approve of it at all.
Grey Wonderer
· 16 November 2005
· Chapter 9: 9: The Minstrel of Gondor
Another lovely chapter. I was glad to see Faralion included. He seems to bring out talk by his very nature. I loved his shock at Pippin's remark about getting bit by a spider not being a good activity! I also love the fact that the hobbits wanted Aragorn to sing and Legolas's amusement over the choice of song by Captain Thorongil. I have to take a break here, but I'll be back!
Author's reply
Faralion is being good for Frodo here; but he still has a good deal to learn about Hobbits and their ways and priorities as well as understanding Aragorn isn't going to buy into traditional class distinctions once he's King. Aragorn's going to include a good number of odd folks on his Councils, and will overrule traditional protocol pretty much when he feels it's called for.
Thanks for all the feedback today.
This was a wonderful chapter! I liked the way Sam spoke up with the common sense of it all that the others seemed to be missing. I also like the fact that Frodo, Gimli and others were involved in making a return to normal life possible for the wounded.
Author's reply
Sam was always the one who underestimated his own wisdom most. And I think in the end he would have been the one, next to Frodo, whose wisdom Aragorn respected most.
And I was in part reflecting the reality of the rehabilitation movement in the wake of WWI and WWII, for this is how many of the rehabilitation techniques and prosthetic items began their existence.
Grey Wonderer
· 16 November 2005
· Chapter 7: 7: Rainy Night in Ithilien
They all must have had so very many responsibilities during all of this and Aragron must have felt pulled in all directions what with his friends injured and all of the soldiers that needed his help. It is a wonder that he did not take seriously ill during it all.
Author's reply
True, if anyone deserved some down time, it had to be Aragorn. He has to try to prepare for when he becomes King; he has to oversee the running of this camp and the camp for the enemy wounded as well; he is active with the healers and with the lords of the realm and has to begin getting the folk of Gondor and Arnor cooperating; he has to meet with scouts about what's going on around the kingdoms that might pose a threat; he has to try to communicate with other forces involved in battling the Enemy's forces to try to see how many have survived; and he has his close companions to care for as well.
Very busy, responsible Man, Aragorn son of Arathorn. But he handled it so WELL!
Grey Wonderer
· 16 November 2005
· Chapter 6: 6: The King Comforts
Aragorn is doing such a wonderful job of seeing to the hobbit's needs. It must have been quite a nightmare for Frodo and Sam not to be able to eat as they had before. I can't think of much else that would upset a hobbit more. All of the conversation and quiet moments in this story are so very lovely. I like your Sam very much!
Author's reply
I am so glad you appreciate this. But waking and finding his digestion so compromised must indeed have been terrible for Frodo in many ways, and indeed mostly because he IS a Hobbit. As I have him say in I think The Choice of Healing, he was intended to eat and eat well, not to peck at food like some picky child of Men.
And still am glad you appreciate the moments of humor and gentleness.
Poor Frodo! Everything, even memories of Bag End, hurt him now. I liked the simple way that Sam explained what had been offered to him and his logic about how that might have turned out. Very like Sam to see that the magic would have spoiled the garden!
Author's reply
Even gone, the legacy of the Ring lingers on as Frodo suffers from survivor's guilt as well as guilt-guilt. It has conditioned him to feel responsibility for everything ever done, and letting go of that guilt and responsibility is very difficult.
And so glad you appreciate Sam's logic. For a true gardener, the joy comes in the nurturing; to have it all done by magic would have removed most of the actual pleasure of the process and would have cheapened the resulting garden in the end. What joy is there in simply waving a hand and making it happen when there is no true investment in its outcome?
I, too, appreciate Sam's wisdom, and am glad you appreciate how I try to express it.
Grey Wonderer
· 16 November 2005
· Chapter 4: 4: Who for Ringbearer?
For some reason I had never thought of the ring calling to Legolas. I don't know why but I didn't think about it. In fact, I believe I left both him and Gimli out of the mix on that. I enjoyed Legolas's talk with Frodo, an eye-opener, as Sam might say.
Author's reply
The only ones we truly see the Ring working on are Frodo and Boromir, and then Sam when he carried it. But I would think the Ring would be working on any and all around it; we know that it was working on Saruman from a distance, even, after all. That the others didn't speak out doesn't mean they weren't fighting its call as well, and then be trying to hide it so as to spare Frodo further guilt; this is what I figured it would do.
Grey Wonderer
· 16 November 2005
· Chapter 3: 3: Feast Not Enjoyed
Very interesting look at Frodo's lack of female companions. It makes sense that the ring would change that as well. In a way he must have stayed away from lasses to keep from harming them. I wonder if it was a comfort to know that the violent thoughts were not his or if it alarmed him to have been controled so? I am enjoying this very much.
Author's reply
Personally, I suspect Frodo felt both ways, furious and alarmed to find out how little control he appeared to have over his own life at the time, combined with relief to know that this wasn't HIM thinking these things.
How much of the closing down of sexuality was due to his own unconscious realization he didn't wish to experience such urges and how much was the Ring suppressing his sexual nature as punishment for not following its agenda is questionable. So glad you are enjoying it so far.
I love how Frodo thinks of Sam as the hero for all of his deeds and how he is able to take pride in what Sam has done even if he doubts his own efforts. His thoughts on his sword were very realistic. Natural that he would see it in that way. This is lovely so far.
Author's reply
Eventually this becomes more another of my stories much as I've written before, but it will return to this kind of format as Frodo returns to the Shire, I think.
I have been wanting to start this one for some time now and am only just getting the chance. It is off to a wonderful beginning. I love quiet conversations between Gandalf and Frodo.
Author's reply
Thank you--am glad you have time now and appreciate how it begins. And for Frodo waking up and realizing he wasn't dead after all must have been a shock. This was inspired by one of Tolkien's own letters on the subject.
Dreamflower
· 16 November 2005
· Chapter 29: 29: Assumption and Innuendo
Oh, and I forgot to say--I hope Frodo gets to go back for the mushrooms!! (How could I forget the most important thing of all!! 8-D
Author's reply
The mushrooms will NOT be forgotten, BTW.
Dreamflower
· 16 November 2005
· Chapter 29: 29: Assumption and Innuendo
*snerk*
In spite of wanting to smack Angrapain upside the head, I got a kick out of this chapter. You *do* like turning certain, shall we say, "non-canon conventions" on their heads, don't you? Tweaking noses is fun.
Anyway, that aside, the man may be intelligent enough, but in a lot of ways, he's an idiot. He doesn't know enough about hobbits and hobbit-society to be making the kind of assumptions and insinuations he was making. I like the way Frodo handled him, and if Aragorn and the others had not arrived, I've no doubt he'd had dealt with it on his own, with a Look. I don't think even that slime-ball would have dared touch him, not at this point, anyway. But having Aragorn overhear his proclivities is perfect--and definitely let's the King know just what to look out for.
I hope this pervert hasn't taken a fancy to our hero. But mainly for Frodo's sake, as it would be very distressing. On the other hand, it would be immensely satisfying for any other member of the Fellowship to catch the scuzzbucket making a move on Frodo. Maybe Pip, with Trollsbane handy? Or, Merry's borrowed Sam's sword, hasn't he? As for Sam, he wouldn't even need a sword--just a rock to throw or a handy frying pan. On the other hand, Legolas could probably throw him twenty feet without breaking a sweat or he might try a new look with Gimli's ax parting his hair. Or we might *finally* get to see if Gandalf *really* knows how to turn people into something "unnatural", LOL! Ah, the prospects are endless...
Author's reply
It's so frustrating NOT knowing if the Wizards were able to actually turn folks into something "unnatural"! I've so wondered how they got this reputation if there's no real evidence. Certainly Gandalf has made capital out of it, though!
Believe me, several are going to want to part Angrapain's hair with odd instruments shortly. The man is definitely a pervert of the first order!
I, too, have enjoyed seeing this chapter write itself.
As for interest in slash fic, I've actually read one or two I liked, mostly satirical ones and one by Baylor that was quite nicely done; but mostly I find it a turn off, and I think Tolkien would find it totally objectionable. And, yes, in part this is a protest against much of the worst of it.
So glad you enjoyed it.
Baggins Babe
· 16 November 2005
· Chapter 29: 29: Assumption and Innuendo
Angrapain is such a slimy individual! Yuk! So glad Frodo was able to laugh at the idea of Pip having power, and loved his description of those folk in the Shire who decide not to do as the Thain tells them! How very hobbity and independent.
I was so relieved that Aragorn appeared and overheard the nosey questions. I hope he keeps those Umbarians under very close observation.
Author's reply
Oh, when Angrapain pushes too far, he gets his comeuppance, and the rest of his party as well, of course. And so glad you appreciated Frodo's description of the Thain's authority! Heh!
Baggins Babe
· 16 November 2005
· Chapter 28: 28: On Lordship and Lands
This was such an absorbing chapter, with lots of incredible detail about Aragorn's care of the hobbits and how he made them wealthy. I've always imagined he did something of the sort but had never sat down to work out the actual details. And I laughed at the idea that hobbits are Aragorn's secret weapon! Even Frodo finds it funny. I also loved the way the King kept using the prospect of Shire schools to lure Frodo into agreement. Sneaky Ranger!
Poor Pippin, those bruises sound awful. I see you tore the ligaments in your ankle - so did I, and I also cracked the bone in my wrist on another occasion, and the colours of the bruises were dazzling - technicolour wasn't in it! That sort of thing can be a shock to anyone who is not prepared.
Sam is so observant, and has a knack of describing people perfectly. No wonder he becomes one of the King's Counsellors.
Author's reply
Oh, then you know, and know how this may be disturbing at the same time it's not all that serious, once you get the healing properly set going by alignment and proper immobilization.
Yes, Sam deserves very much to be one of the King's Counsellors, which is another shock to the traditional counsellors, that the King chooses wisdom and discernment over rank, and is willing to bestow rank to force its acceptance.
And so glad you appreciate Frodo's enjoyment of Aragorn's very practically minded practical joke on the realm.
Dreamflower
· 16 November 2005
· Chapter 28: 28: On Lordship and Lands
Here's hoping I can get this review up before cable goes out again. It's been playing games this morning.
I printed the update for this chapter out to read when I went out to supper on my own last night--glad it was a nice long one!
I love this chapter! Not only do we have a lovely, lovely moment, where Frodo sees Pippin's scars, and a wonderful hobbit group hug that just made me melt, but *then* we had the whole thing of Aragorn explaining just how *rich* Frodo and Sam were! And why! And how! I just howled at the thought--so funny to see Frodo so taken aback, and how Aragorn kept holding out the carrot of his plans to set up schools in the Shire to keep him from protesting too much.
It is interesting to see you deal with the question of Frodo, Sam, and money, in Minas Tirith after the Quest. Most writers never seem to wonder about it, and it certainly seemed that JRRT didn't give it any thought at all. I had a completely different take on it than yours, but I kind of like your solution a bit better than mine, truth to tell. It's more fun, anyway.
I would love to see the reactions of some of the managers of those estates if they ever were to see their in absentia landlords, LOL!
And I came in to post this, and found another update! Off to read it now!
Author's reply
I have as yet to read all your stories and the predecessor to The Road to Edoras, so haven't seen yet how you handled it.
But I love thinking about how this kind of detail might have been handled and figuring out how it was done. And that Aragorn would see this as a means of dealing with many orphaned properties and tweaking some of the traditional lords around and getting them to think more positively and creatively and humanely in the end I felt was within Aragorn's prodigious planning abilities.
And so glad you liked the moments of tenderness as well as the humor.
harrowcat
· 16 November 2005
· Chapter 29: 29: Assumption and Innuendo
Urgh! I went all cold when this slime-ball left the house and felt positively sick when he started this conversation. Even his first question was completely out of order. Good thing that hobbit hearing is sharper than Angrapain's as I wouldn't have wanted Frodo to have had to continue to contend with this alone. Not that he wasn't coping well. The urge to laugh is, possibly, the least expected but most effective reaction to have. Do I guess rightly that this piece of misery is connected with a certain nasty sculptor of our acquaintance?I was beginning to hope that we might see the famous Punch! But even in this Frodo's lowered self-esteem came through. What a way to learn more about the structure of Hobbit Society. My favourite line was;
“The ruler of our land, my lord, is standing behind you.”
It says so much about Frodo's understanding of Shire history and his acceptance of the new order.
I was very surprised that Aragorn would question Frodo about lady loves, especially in so much company. I am almost glad that Frodo is just as able to ignore his, let's face it, rather snoopy question with as much dignity as his did Angrapain's insinuations. We have had hints that Frodo is not pleased that so much of his life has been told to the Bard etc in previous chapters. Now if the question had come from another of the company with the King then I would have been less surprised. But then again, maybe Frodo was also a little out of order telling on Pippin and, particularly, Sam.
As to being glad that you made me laugh as well as cry Larner (last review) I can honestly say that few things I have read have been able to evoke as many emotions in me yours do. I am so glad that Frodo was planning to curtail his walk for another mushroom raid! Just sad that he knew that he couldn't do both - walk and pick mushrooms!
Author's reply
This encounter managed to leave Frodo in fairly good humor. I suspect Aragorn's intent was partly curiosity but more to demonstrate to Angrapain that he was not figuring Frodo's proclivities properly. That Frodo would refuse to answer further I felt was consistent with his nature, and I think Aragorn wouldn't push it further at this time.
I, too, was proud when Frodo indicated the ruler of the Shire was right behind the man, and am glad this gave you a chuckle as well. As for the infamous punch--it hasn't been called for as yet.
Frodo will be back for mushrooms, I suspect. Now we know where the ones taken to Harad came from, don't we?
And am proud you find my work able to give you an emotional workout--we need to be able to exercise all the emotions, and it's a good part of why I've loved the books and movies so much over the years. True spiritual theater at its best.
TithenFeredir
· 16 November 2005
· Chapter 29: 29: Assumption and Innuendo
Yes, a true pervert. And I think no one really likes him any more. And shortly Gimli will be wanting to do unspeakable thing to him....
FantasyFan
· 16 November 2005
· Chapter 29: 29: Assumption and Innuendo
I love it that Frodo recognized the footsteps and turned the conversation around. Angrapain’s got a much bigger audience for this conversation than he had expected! He is a slimy and scary beast the way you've written him, and if his intentions are as obvious as they seem, I hope Frodo gets a 24 hour guard even if he balks at it. Aragorn would be smart enough to hide some guards around, and to alert the house staff to danger, wouldn't he?
“What?” Frodo didn’t understand what the Man meant at first; and then it hit him. He felt as if he must be flushing completely, although all Angrapain could see was that spots of pink were coloring the Perian’s cheeks. “Sam? You would think that Sam and I would---?”
*snigger* Not a slasher, are you?
Author's reply
No, not a slasher. I've read a few, and actually enjoy the ones that are intended to be satiric and a couple of truly gentle ones; but most I find offensive.
And Frodo's humor and hobbit hearing do serve him well in this one.
The whole affair will be finished within a few hours MT time, although it will take a few days OUR time....
French Pony
· 16 November 2005
· Chapter 29: 29: Assumption and Innuendo
It seems that the delegation from Harad will soon become a real Angrapain in the neck for Aragorn. . .
He'd better deal with that nasty lech quickly. Threatening a Hobbit like that -- he should go pick on someone his own size. But Frodo's response was pitch-perfect, especially his thoughts on the possibility of Pippin ever wielding power at his age.
Author's reply
Oh, it's fun watching people respond to this chapter, and especially the puns!
Aragorn will indeed deal with Angrapain and company, but not before they make themselves totally obnoxious, I fear. So glad you like Frodo's reactions once the more absurd statements (for those who know hobbits, at least) begin being made.
Raksha The Demon
· 16 November 2005
· Chapter 29: 29: Assumption and Innuendo
Ick Ack - AngryPain of Umbar has been reading...Hobbitslash! Quick, Frodo, go wash your hands before he breathes on you or something - you don't know where he's been!
The idea of that slimy Umbari making such suggestions.
Mushrooms. Heh-heh-heh. Good for Frodo.
Author's reply
As I think you know, although I have enjoyed a few examples of Hobbit slash, it's not my cup of tea usually. And I also think its popularity would appall Tolkien, particularly between Frodo and Sam.
And isn't it truly funny how offended we are when someone makes such perverse and totally crude suggestions to OUR Frodo?
Glad you enjoyed the humor of this chapter. Be warned there will be a rematch.