Bodkin
· 18 February 2006
· Chapter 6: For Whom the Silver Trumpet Sounds
Poor Pippin. Although I think he would have been very resentful if this had happened without his knowledge. Being kept in ignorance for his own sake - and not being able to support Bergil - although done with the best of motives, it would have been very difficult to forgive.
And poor Bergil. Yes, he has Gilwyn and Fargil, but he is a child facing the death of his only parent. Good that he has the support of the four most important hobbits in the realm.
Thank goodness Aragorn came up with a solution.
Larner
· 17 February 2006
· Chapter 6: For Whom the Silver Trumpet Sounds
You tease, you! With no word as to how the inspiration hit him? Gaack!
harrowcat
· 17 February 2006
· Chapter 6: For Whom the Silver Trumpet Sounds
Oh this really is a 'wow' of a chapter! What a way for Pippin to find out. How is he going to feel when he works out that the others were trying to protect him? And the family waiting together, reminds me of the relative's room in a hospital.
But I liked this lighter bit too....
'He said that "Sam" was allowed, or if we wished to honour you and risk your wrath at the same time, we might address you as "Master Fullwise" or even "Ring-bearer"…' The guardsman's voice trailed off at the expression on Sam's face, and he clearly decided to stop while he was ahead.
I am not sure that he was ahead at all. *g* Another saying comes to mind. 'When in a hole - stop digging before you bury yourself!!!'
demeter d
· 17 February 2006
· Chapter 6: For Whom the Silver Trumpet Sounds
This chapter has a very Tolkien feel to it.you have Bergil's mother dead, and another widow who might have become his stepmother had those been happier times. And, the action goes on in pieces, part of the characters waiting helplessly as the others play out their part, not knowing what is happening.
Sam grieves because he can not get a chance to further consult Aragorn, but as usual, he does not realize just how much influence he has already had. We know, of course, what the news will be, but I am looking forward to how you will write it.
Pearl Took
· 17 February 2006
· Chapter 6: For Whom the Silver Trumpet Sounds
Oh! This hurts.
'But why?' Pippin cried miserably, and then sagged in his cousins' grip. He knew why. He knew very well.
Such a sad state of affairs.
:(
grumpy
· 17 February 2006
· Chapter 5: If the Shroud Fits...
very good story. Elassar has what he needs to solve the problem. He just does not know he has it. Looking forward to more.
Author's reply
Happens so often in real life, don't you find? You have what you need to solve a problem, but don't know it until you wake up in the middle of the night with the sudden realisation.
Of course, sometimes it's just a dream and not a solution at all. But one can hope.
Bodkin
· 17 February 2006
· Chapter 5: If the Shroud Fits...
I love the recognition of Faramir as the Steward - whereas the King is not known and seen only as a healer. It does sort of back up both the idea that the King needs to be seen as supporting the law - and that the public would be quite receptive to the idea that the saving of the Steward could be regarded as a Special Case.
And Faramir needs someone to watch over him in Ithilien ...
Author's reply
Yup. Elessar is an outsider, come to the throne. I can understand him being cautious and not throwing tradition out the window.
In some other story I have a conversation between him and Faramir about how the people are *expecting* Beregond to be executed, and that, in a terrible way, they'll even be *relieved* by it, by the fact that life will go on as it has (with the exception that, of course, the Dark Lord no longer menaces them) even though there's a new ruler. (The devil you know is better than the devil you don't know...)
Larner
· 16 February 2006
· Chapter 5: If the Shroud Fits...
Come on, my dear, beloved Lord Elessar--the thought is SOMEWHERE there, within you, Sam, or Frodo--probably all three of you--that there is a truly HONORABLE form of banishment from the city, in which Beregond merely changes officially to the Master he has already shown he loves, and becomes captain of the guard ELSEWHERE! Come on Aragorn--you can do it! Heh!
Author's reply
Bet he'd have thought of it sooner if he had got enough sleep.
(Now why can't I take my own advice?)
harrowcat
· 16 February 2006
· Chapter 5: If the Shroud Fits...
I seem to be having trouble with reviewing Lindelea. This should have started with this quote
A part of his mind wondered just what Gondor would do if Steward and King were both wrenched away in the same instant.
but it didn't go up on the review - sorry!
Author's reply
Aha, the pieces fit perfectly.
And never apologise for leaving feedback. It is truly a boon.
Thanks!
harrowcat
· 16 February 2006
· Chapter 5: If the Shroud Fits...
A very good question Lindelea. These two do seem to have a tendency to put themselves in harm's way don't they? *wry grin* Now I understand it in Beregond's desparate state but these two have lots to live for - not to mention lady-loves! But then they are both the hero-types that will always put others first! Don't you just love them?
I loved the bit where it was alright for the 'healer' to risk his life but not the steward!
BTW I try not to quote bits too much as I could often end up quoting the whole chapter or fic!
Author's reply
Ah those Rangers, northern or southern doesn't seem to matter, they're all the same. Adrenalin-junkies, perhaps. Or perhaps it's kinder to say they're the "hands on" type.
Healers are probably used to putting their lives on the line... actually rabidsamfan had mentioned watching old episodes of "Emergency" and I suppose that Faramir and Elessar would fit right in to that picture.
rabidsamfan
· 16 February 2006
· Chapter 4: All Tied Up and Nowhere to Go
This is still marvelous. I love the way you have Sam and Aragorn banging heads, I truly do. They're both right, of course, but that doesn't mean that either one of them is on sure ground.
Thank you so much for writing it for me!
Author's reply
I am glad you are enjoying it.
I had sketched out an outline that inserted some Sam-angst into the story, after the first draft was complete, but then things hit the fan and I dropped everything. But if I ever write that in-between chapter I'll let you know.
The last chapter ought to post tomorrow, if all goes well.
Glad to hear you're on the mend.
Bodkin
· 16 February 2006
· Chapter 4: All Tied Up and Nowhere to Go
Death in battle is one thing. Execution is another. I'm sure Beregond would happily (well, sort of) had his death disappear in among a thousand other deaths. But the full ceremonial execution - would be so damaging for his poor sons.
Ithilien. And Captain Faramir. The words have been linked.
Do you think that having the Ringbearers come forward and ask for pardon would not have been enough to get past the problem? Their link with Pippin and Beregond would have made it likely that they would have done it - and they would have been hard to refuse.
Still. Aragorn managed to come up with a different solution. Eventually.
Author's reply
well, sort of. Well put.
Oh, I'm sure that the Ring-bearers' request would have been hard to refuse. But Frodo is being too sensitive and practical here--an attitude I worked out from going over Beregond's hearing, to try to wring every scrap of nuance from that short passage. What I came up with, from almost nothing in the way of clues, was that Frodo realises somehow that it is important for Elessar to establish his reign, here in the early days (perhaps there's a precedent in Shire history amongst the Thains of the Tooks). Why, the Coronation was less than a week ago! Perhaps Frodo has talked it over with Gandalf. Gandalf may be waiting for Aragorn to come into his own, to make the right decisions... but with things not going so well, he's given Sam the nod to speak...
I do think that this is a decision the King needed to make himself. Can't explain why, but it is my gut feeling.
And since Beregond was surprised (in the book) by the verdict, it seems to me that the hobbits must have refrained from asking for pardon. Surely Beregond would have known of their intervention, seeing his and Bergil's link with Pippin.
Bodkin
· 16 February 2006
· Chapter 3: A Fate Worse than Death
I can so see Sam arriving in indignation and then finding it hard to know what to say next. And Aragorn feeling that he needed to move forward slowly and show that he was fully intending to uphold the law.
BUT I cannot help but feel that he's being gormless here. Gondor loves Faramir. Showing mercy to one whose misdeeds were committed in order to save Gondor's favourite son is not likely to detract from his position, but reinforce it. Here is Faramir's replacement in ruling Gondor praising the one who saved Faramir's life. Lots of messages here - Faramir is my friend. I do not feel threatened by Faramir's survival. I do not expect mindless obedience to orders that are quite clearly deranged.
And death might be preferable to exile for Beregond - but what about his family? His wife and sons might have a different opinion.
Aragorn needs to think more laterally here. And I'm very glad I already know the outcome!
Larner
· 15 February 2006
· Chapter 4: All Tied Up and Nowhere to Go
Aha--I lied and read all the available chapters--AGAIN! But still the idea hasn't quite coalesced into what it will be. It must have been the most difficult decision Aragorn faced at the time, and yet in the end it was an elegant and proper ending for it. Interested in seeing how you have it play out.
Author's reply
KWYM about that... I have actually skimmed a number of chapters in your latest, with no time to comment. I do want to go back and read them properly and add feedback... but I'm overcommitted at the moment and should not even be at SoA (yes, I came online to look something up for RL, but I ought not to *stay*)
Hope to catch you later.
Larner
· 15 February 2006
· Chapter 3: A Fate Worse than Death
And the idea of the proper USE of exile begins to dawn on both Hobbit and King. Am so glad Sam decided to have this talk with Aragorn.
Larner
· 15 February 2006
· Chapter 2: (Not to) Let Sleeping Kings Lie
Ah, I do bless Samwise Gamgee, who is nowhere as innocent or simple as he likes to believe. And Gandalf is basically letting him know it's up to him.
Larner
· 15 February 2006
· Chapter 0: Introduction and Author's Notes
Interesting explanation as to how this story came to be. I covered the trial briefly in my own current story, but it's wonderful to see others deal with it as well. Will have to check out RSF's story when I have time. Tonight have been finally able to post my own latest chapters and do some needed editing. It's so frustrating how even when I think I have it all right editing proves necessary here and there.
Will read another chapter tonight and hopefully more tomorrow.
GamgeeFest
· 14 February 2006
· Chapter 4: All Tied Up and Nowhere to Go
Interesting arguments on both sides. Aragorn is torn between what his heart tells him and what the law tell him, and Sam is being his stubborn self. This collapse sounds like the distraction Sam was hoping for. I'm greatly interested to hear what Sam's final thoughts were, how it is he thinks he can save Beregond.
Author's reply
Moving right along, though the answer to your question won't become clear until the final chapter (due to post tomorrow, if all goes well.)
Thanks.
grumpy
· 14 February 2006
· Chapter 3: A Fate Worse than Death
I am really enjoying this story. Sam's waking of the king, who seems to have gone up a tower to take a nap. I love Sam's early attempts to say what he wanted to say, and Aragorn did not know what he was on about.
Endaewen
· 14 February 2006
· Chapter 4: All Tied Up and Nowhere to Go
I was enjoying this story and went back to my LJ to find the remaining two parts, only to find that you've deleted your journal. What happened?
Now I have to wait for you to post them here. Please post them soon.
Author's reply
I went through a rough patch, but am functioning again.
Thanks.
Pearl Took
· 14 February 2006
· Chapter 4: All Tied Up and Nowhere to Go
Oh Lin, this is wonderful!!! So sensitive and caring. Man and hobbit both hurting for this soldier of Gondor. Both wishing, straining, for other options. Wonderful!!
( I like Sam not being a "Peeping Pippin', LOL)
I look forward to more.
Author's reply
"Peeping Pippin". Sounds almost as if there's a story there. Hmmm.
Thanks.
harrowcat
· 14 February 2006
· Chapter 4: All Tied Up and Nowhere to Go
I love the title of this chapter Lindelea. And that opening paragraph is just heart-wrenching! You are really making us feel all the ramifications of this decision. How to choose truly when all ways seem ill. Strangly the bit in the book where Strider has to choose to follow Frodo or Merry and Pippin came to mind while reading this. I also liked how Aragorn realised that Frodo had probably not approached him about Beregond in order not to compromise the new King's position and make it harder. Sam IS making it harder but also, his plain hobbit sense is helping Aragorn through to the best solution.
Author's reply
Thanks! I wrestled with the chapter a bit. I wanted to say something about Strider's hands being tied and Sam's tongue being tied and yet couldn't find a short and pithy phrase, for the longest time.
You know, I was thinking about Parth Galen, where all choices seemed ill. I was wondering if this story was plausible, or if it would be an affront to Aragorn-fans, that he should be so fallible and groping for a solution rather than seeing clearly. And then I remembered his bitter speech at Parth Galen, when he stopped himself short and declared that all his choices up to that point had gone amiss.
I figure that Gandalf won't interfere in the new king's reign, but there's nothing wrong with him pointing Sam at Strider and giving him a push...
Want to hear something funny? I wrote a much angstier version of this story than the one posted at LJ. (Sam-angst, that is.) I missed a great opportunity, last week, but I wrote the thing is such a hurry... Don't know if the angst-chapter will see the light of day. We'll see...
Author Reply: I meant, I wrestled with the chapter *title* a bit. Sorry, was carrying on a conversation and writing at the same time.
harrowcat
· 13 February 2006
· Chapter 3: A Fate Worse than Death
Like many others I AM glad that I know Beregond's eventual fate. I really felt for Aragorn in this chapter. To be at odds with Sam, however briefly, must have been awful. But then I don't cope with disagreement wel.
I loved this bit...
'Is there no other way?' the hobbit cried desperately. Surely he was making things worse, rather than better, as if he were tying the rope around the doomed man's neck with his own hands. Or lifting Sting for the stroke... and then, at a flash of expression in the King's eyes, he grasped like a drowning hobbit at the slightest of hopes. 'What is it?' he said. 'There is another way?'
The minute that Sam decided to approach Aragorn he became part of the decision making even though the final resonsibility remains with the King. What an awesome thing to have to live with - just as well its got as good an ending as is possible.
BTW I think I must have expand the timeline in reading the last chapter. I sort of assumed that Sam had time to retreat back towards the door after he stumbled into the room but obviously Sam thinks more quickly than I gave him credit for!! *Chuckle*
Author's reply
I hate disagreement as well. I'd just like for everyone to get along. (However, I have a great capacity for being disagreeable, which I try to keep reined in most of the time anyway).
I love it when people quote bits. I need to do more of that in my own reviewing.
Chuckling with you! Sometimes he does think quicker than he used to... all that training he got along the Quest...
Bodkin
· 12 February 2006
· Chapter 2: (Not to) Let Sleeping Kings Lie
It'll take a long time to take the Ranger out of the new king. Self-preservation is probably a good thing though. I like Gandalf's wordless handing of the torch to Sam - who is probably the best person to wield it!
Author's reply
Yup, it's up to Sam. But his heart can see clearly, even though it takes time for his tongue to catch up with the matter at hand.
Thanks!
GamgeeFest
· 12 February 2006
· Chapter 2: (Not to) Let Sleeping Kings Lie
This is great so far. I love the descriptions of everything and you have really gotten into Sam's head. I'm greatly interested to hear what he's going to say to Strider to convince him to spare Beregond's life. I also liked his stern talking to the guards. I could just see him holding up his hand as if they were a gaggle of hobbit children. He's grown confident of himself during the Quest and it really shows here.
Author's reply
Sam's not even sure what he's going to say; he just knows that it has to be said!
(BTDT, it's an awful feeling.)
Thanks!