KathyG
· 17 March 2014
· Chapter 9: Dolorous treachery
It would be most interesting to see how help arrived quickly enough to get the wounded back to Minas Tirith in time! As you said, Cuthalion, Sam's wounds were the least serious (although he certainly faced the risk of infection and possibly even of blood poisoning if he didn't get treated soon); Aragorn was in danger of losing his leg, and Artanis was in danger of losing her life. Wagons would have had to be sent to transport them at least part of the way back (when they weren't being transported by boat), and I suspect that Elrond and maybe his sons would have insisted on going along to treat Aragorn and Artanis's injuries, if not Sam's as well. It would also be interesting to know how Sam, Aragorn, and Artanis all fared while they were waiting for help to come, and while they were being taken back.
KathyG
· 9 February 2014
· Chapter 8: A Sword in the Dungeon
What a story this is! I really love it. I also love the sequel you wrote, "Sweet Revenge." How about writing another one in which Gandalf, Gimli, and Legolas return to Minas Tirith and come to visit him in the Houses of Healing? I'd read it if you did! (Speaking of visiting, surely Frodo wasn't the only one to visit Sam every day during his hospitalization. Surely, Merry and Pippin also did, and maybe Arwen, too, at least once!
BTW, I have a question. How did Aragorn manage to get the chain off of Sam's wrist and foot? Surely, poor Sam didn't leave those awful tunnels with that horrid chain still fastened to him!
storyfish
· 15 November 2006
· Chapter 999999: A few remarks...
This is the first story I've read of yours, and I'm very glad that I did--your storytelling ability is magnificent--I especially admire your original characters. Lady Artanis is now my favorite OC of LOTR fanfic--you certainly know how to craft a character with depth and inner conflict. My favorite part of this story was that final confrontation scene in Osgiliath. The way Artanis saw all the hobbits as jewels, the brave actions of every single character (you let each one have his/her moment of glory--from Pippin to Merry to Aragorn, and of course, Artanis)--I was on the edge of my seat.
I'm glad that you've continued writing fanfic even at the expense of your original fiction for selfish reasons (I like reading it), but I do hope that you spend lots of time on your own stories too. This is a problem that I wrestle with as well (I should just give up and realize I will always have a fanfic or two simmering on the side while I'm cooking up my "serious" fiction), but with your talent I certainly hope that you're crafting tons of stories and sending them out to lit mags... Do say you're published somewhere, and if so let me know where so I can read it--and if not, start sending those stories out, silly! ;-)
Author's reply
*salutes*
Yes, ma'am! (though you might have some difficulties to read them, for different to my fanfiction they are written in german...)
Thank you very, very much!
Cúthalion
Grey Wonderer
· 7 November 2006
· Chapter 999999: A few remarks...
I, for one, hope you continue to write. You have a gift for it.
Author's reply
Oh, I will most certainly continue to write - but I would like to earn some money with my skills, and I fear fanfiction doesn't fill the empty cashier of our family household. *weak grin*
Thank you!
Mona
Grey Wonderer
· 7 November 2006
· Chapter 9999: The Lady from the Sea
A lovely end to a wonderful story. So glad to have been able to read this tonight, er, this morning. I adore Artanis. Frodo was right about her and I was pleased to see that she was able to put her past behind her and heal. Great story and you do write Arwen so very well.
Grey Wonderer
· 7 November 2006
· Chapter 10: The Justice of the King
I just adore Arwen and Frodo in this chapter! Both of them are so right and they see so much of what Artanis needs and of how it has been for her. I am glad she was pardoned. I didn't like to think of her dying for her crimes since she was just an innocent victim really. This was a wonderful chapter.
Author's reply
I love writing Arwen! My friend Rabidsamfan would have wished for some more Sam, and as soon as I fond the time I will most certainly add a small tale to the universe where the scene with Ioreth and the herb tea is expanded a little further; but so far I wanted it to be the Queen who finds the right solution for the situation... and the Ringbearer, of course. Thank you, dear!
Cúthalion
Very exciting! I loved the way the Hobbits insisted on coming. Artanis vision of each of them and their jewel colors was very interesting. I do like her very much in spite of the part that she played earlier in all of this. Looks like Pippin got to do a bit of defending in all of this. I love the relationship between Frodo and Artanis. They seem to know one another well without the details of long conversation. Oh, and I adored Merry's warning to Pippin about not allowing him to toss any stones for fear of another Balrog. Humor and excitment!
Author's reply
To be honest, I simply didn't think that it might be odd that Faramir took the hobbits with him instead of an army of trained men. It was my beta Ariel who sweetly asked for an explanation how this could happen, and so I hurried to add a paragraph that makes things a little bit clearer. *embarrassed grin* Thank you very much!
Cúthalion
Grey Wonderer
· 7 November 2006
· Chapter 8: A Sword in the Dungeon
Can't believe my luck! My internet came back on tonight and gave me a chance to read this wonderful chapter. I adored Sam's questions for Strider and his surprise that Strider had come to rescue him all alone. Poor Sam has had such a rough time of it and now he is still in danger. I hope my internet connection stays up long enough for me to read more of this! I do so love this story!
Author's reply
Thank you! This chapter was an enormous fun to write - Sam in danger, the King coming to the rescue and turning back to the gruffy ranger (the way I like him most). But (as you know by now) I decided to stay as close to canon as possible. *smiles*
Cúthalion
Linda Hoyland
· 26 October 2006
· Chapter 9999: The Lady from the Sea
Thank you for a lovely story with a most satisfactory ending,one of the best I have read in a long time. I agree Aragorn and Arwen would have children soon, they have waited long enough !
Author's reply
*blushes* Wow, that's a great compliment! Thank you so much for reading!
Cúthalion
Linda Hoyland
· 26 October 2006
· Chapter 10: The Justice of the King
I am so glad Artanis is spared.Aragorn and Arwen are true jewels.
Author's reply
What kind of jewel is Arwen? A diamond? A pearl? *ponders* And thank you very much!
Cúthalion
Linda Hoyland
· 26 October 2006
· Chapter 9: Dolorous treachery
Poor Artanis,this is so tragic. I love the way the characters are compared to jewels,especially Aragorn and Faramir.
Author's reply
I thought it would only logic that Ardhenon in the end even turned against his daughter, completely lost in his hate and madness. And I was very pleased with the comparison either!
Cúthalion
Andrea
· 25 October 2006
· Chapter 9999: The Lady from the Sea
Perhaps a journey to the shore will be the first step in her healing… and a clear sign for her that there is something like kindness, understanding and mercy.
And Frodo was absolutely right with that suggestion. He did not speak only of Artanis but also of himself. Other than Artanis he knows of kindness, understanding and mercy. Why, these are some of his own virtues!
But that special mercy he longed for, no one in Middle Earth could give him. So he sailed to Tol Eressea, and I believe there he finally found peace.
I'm really glad that Artanis was given the chance to begin a new life and that she is truly happy now!
Thank you, Cuthalion, that was a wonderful story :)
Author's reply
And thank you, Andrea - I'm very glad that the idea of mercy and a new beginning (for both, Frodo and Artanis) worked for you!
Cúthalion
meckinock
· 24 October 2006
· Chapter 999999: A few remarks...
I should have left this for the epilogue, but forgot.
But this would mean what it took Aragorn and Arwen more than 30 years to produce an heir, and… sorry, folks, that’s ridiculous.
LOLOLOL. I agree.
Author's reply
Oh YES!
meckinock
· 24 October 2006
· Chapter 9999: The Lady from the Sea
The boy appeared on the doorstep; a mop of dark hair, the sea gray eyes of his mother, “his father’s stubborn chin” (as Arwen used to put it with a very un-elvish grin) and three feet of glowing energy. He came to a slithering halt directly in front of the King’s desk.
Your descriptions are truly awesome. I forgot to mention that from the last chapter, when Arwen saw Artanis lying asleep.
Anyhow, another really heartwarming and emotionally satisfying conclusion. It's so good to see Artanis whole and healed and happy and, well, tanned. And bearing wonderful gifts - jewels of course. How wonderfully appropriate. And how delightful that the single pearl will grace the throat of Sam's young Elanor. I was touched also by Aragorn's sadness at the mention of Frodo. A wonderful conclusion to a lovely story.
Author's reply
It's so good to see Artanis whole and healed and happy and, well, tanned.
Hehe. I wrote her so often pale and thin and sicklish that I thought it might be a nice change to show her changed even in the color of her skin. Thank you so much for your thoughtful words!
Cúthalion
White Gull
· 24 October 2006
· Chapter 9: Dolorous treachery
Wow, that was a great action scene!
Author's reply
Thank you! *beams*
meckinock
· 24 October 2006
· Chapter 10: The Justice of the King
Wow, a lovely and satisfying chapter. Your characters are so fully-fleshed, warm, and sympathetic, with all respecting and appreciating one another's special gifts. I love how Aragorn defers to Arwen's wisdom, and Arwen to Frodo's. The old nurse is wonderful in her fierce loyalty to Artanis, and the importance of forgiveness and mercy pervades the entire chapter. The ending nearly had me in tears, with Artanis realizing she not only was forgiven but was being given a longed-for gift. Beautiful.
Author's reply
And what a lovely and satisfying review! I'm very glad that this worked for you!
Cúthalion
Dreamflower
· 24 October 2006
· Chapter 9999: The Lady from the Sea
What a wonderful ending to this tale. I hope that somehow Frodo was able to know that his wisdom found the healing for Artanis that she needed.
This was marvelous. I'm glad that Middle-earth will not let you go.
Author's reply
*grins* I'm not so glad - right now I'm trying to finish three original short stories, and every time I sit down to get something done, fanfiction comes in between. *shakes head*
But I'm very glad that you enjoyed this!
Cúthalion
Dreamflower
· 24 October 2006
· Chapter 10: The Justice of the King
Ah, Arwen and Frodo together are so wise!
What wonderful way to begin Artanis' healing!
Author's reply
Thank you - I thought it might be a good way to show Frodo's somewhat "elvish" qualities. And I love writing Arwen as a "real" woman with heart and soul.
Cúthalion
shirebound
· 24 October 2006
· Chapter 9999: The Lady from the Sea
Aragorn with his son is just too precious! And all through this chapter I was hoping you'd end it with Elanor wearing the pearl... and you did! *glee* What a beautiful, wonderful story.
(And the next chapter of *my* story will have a similar theme as this one -- that those who deal with "cold gems" can find healing in dealing with living things.)
Author's reply
Thanks so much, sweetie - and now I'll finally have the time to read your tale and to discover the similarities! *hugs you with a certain relief*
Mona
shirebound
· 24 October 2006
· Chapter 10: The Justice of the King
I enjoy seeing Arwen-as counselor. And I *really* enjoy Frodo's delight in Sam having to experience all the bitter medicines he forced on Frodo!
Author's reply
Isn't it? I saw him in front of my inner eye, inwardly grinning while Sam tries to force the tea down the herbmaster has brewed for him. One day I'll dig free a few hours and write a "Houses of Healing" scene with a smiling Frodo, a desperately grimacing Sam and Ioreth and Mardil, bantering like they did in Winter Fire.(I guess Rabidsamfan would be very pleased - she wished or some "more Sam" in chapter 10.)
Thank you so much, Janet!
Larner
· 24 October 2006
· Chapter 999999: A few remarks...
Good to see you writing again, my lady. It's been a time since I read a story by you, I think. But with Jodancingtree and Ariel on your team you have the most wonderful support you can have.
Have enjoyed this thoroughly.
Author's reply
But with Jodancingtree and Ariel on your team you have the most wonderful support you can have.
So very true. They have taught me more about writing than every writing class could. And again - I'm very glad that you enjoyed this!
Cúthalion
Larner
· 24 October 2006
· Chapter 9999: The Lady from the Sea
I have Eldarion as the second child rather than the first, with his older sister giving over her claim gladly, that right having been granted to first daughters who may prefer to marry and bear children not destined to sit upon the throne themselves. He's still over ninety when he becomes King, but he married in his late fifties, early sixties in my version of things, sometime after Midsummer after Sam left Middle Earth to follow his Master to Tol Eressea.
Yes, Frodo offered his own version of healing to so many before he left to seek his own; and I, too, have the kingdoms of Gondor and Arnor grieving for his leaving. The pearl as an intended gift to him is wonderful--very wonderful indeed. And that it would in the end come to Elanor would have pleased him greatly. The closest to a child of his own he could know....
Author's reply
You know, I simply love the fact that Tolkien leaves so much for us to imagine and to tell; your concept of Eldarion as a second child is original and believable, but I must confess that the movie scene with Arwen's vision came into my way. I saw the beautiful little boy they had casted to be Aragorn's son, and there he was.
I'm very glad that you like this!
Cúthalion
Larner
· 24 October 2006
· Chapter 10: The Justice of the King
Yes, a wise counselor Aragorn has married, and an equally wise and compassionate one in Frodo son of Drogo.
I see this is somewhat movie-verse in that you have Frodo in the Houses of Healing, a place he didn't reside within in book-verse; and as you have them leaving Gondor on Midsummers Day, the day on which Aragorn and Arwen were married book-verse. Book-verse, the Hobbits left in July. Yet you have him wearing the Evenstar gem. Interesting mixture here.
The final response to Artanis's actions is proper, although I would have liked to see Aragorn himself give it to her, myself. And to know her heart's desire will be granted by the King when it was denied by her father is wonderful.
And I do love Frodo as you depict him.
Author's reply
Oooops - you are right, the "travel" date was a flaw (and I will change it at once). And I made Artanis and Aragorn meet later - as you have seen meanwhile. I'm very glad that you love my Frodo! *smiles*
Cúthalion
meckinock
· 22 October 2006
· Chapter 9: Dolorous treachery
This was an exciting and satisfying resolution. I loved the hobbits ganging up on Faramir. He obviously didn't yet realize what a formidable force he was trying to hold back. I felt terrible for Artanis, though - still torn between guilt over her actions and the horrific consequences that might still result, and a daughter's guilt over betraying her father. The trip to the far bank and the entry into the tunnels was nicely creepy. I was sad that in the end, Ardhenon was so enslaved by his hatred of Aragorn that it expanded to encompass even his daughter - she froze under the icy blast of his utter condemnation. What a chilling sentence. I was glad the hobbits redeemed themselves well in battle; but of course they are battle-hardened veterans now. I love your portrayal of Frodo as mature, calm, and capable. He was wonderful with Sam here. And it was great when Artanis tried to match each character to a gem. So in character for her, and so satisfying that she could see Frodo and Aragorn as they truly are. I hope that now she can find some peace.
Author's reply
Thank you - and I thought it would be a nice idea to show especially Merry and Pippin as trained soldiers; Merry has fought on the Pelennor Fields, Pippin before the Black Gate. They simply must have enough experience to show their value in battle when it's needed. And there will be some more details about Artanis' healing in the last chapter and epilogue. Thank you very much!
Cúthalion
cookiefleck
· 21 October 2006
· Chapter 9: Dolorous treachery
A satisfying chapter and it's interesting how you wove the gem information into what otherwise was an action scene. Glad to see that dear Sam is now safely in the arms of his friends, and I hope to read more of his recovery.
Author's reply
There's a little bit more to come (though I think that rest and a proper treatment of his wounded hand will do wonders to make him recover rather fast). The ones who are much more wounded are Aragorn and Artanis now; just wait and see. Thank you so much for your reviews!
Cúthalion