shirebound
· 20 October 2006
· Chapter 9: Dolorous treachery
I absolutely adore how Artanis sees each person's jewel-like light and essence. Especially...
there was no gem she could use to describe Aragorn, son of Arathorn, Elessar, king of Gondor. In a sudden epiphany she understood that what she saw was the essence of the ancient kingdom, burning in his flesh with a fierce, golden flame.
Oh my. That is just magnificent imagery.
Author's reply
Thank you, Janet. That was one of the things that simply slip on your screen and make you wonder where they come from... and certainly one of my better ideas. *smug smile*
Mona
Larner
· 20 October 2006
· Chapter 9: Dolorous treachery
I, too, see them surrounded by light and colors, although mine are a bit different. Lovely moment, her seeing their true natures that way. And I hope she is allowed survival.
Author's reply
I would not let her die, after everything she has gone through - poor girl. And I'm very glad that you like this!
Cúthalion
Dreamflower
· 20 October 2006
· Chapter 9: Dolorous treachery
Oh, and I meant to mention: I think both JRRT *and* PJ were off in hinting that Pippin's indiscretion--whether stone *or* skeleton--was what woke the Balrog. After all--just imagine all the racket that was made when the Watcher destroyed the West Gate! Of course the orcs and the Balrog knew they were there all along! They had probably just been biding their time in getting the intruders deep into the mines first!
Author's reply
True indeed. I agree with you that the evil forces in Moria most certainly knew that the fellowship was there. All I wanted to say was that the noisy clatter of a skull, a helmet and the rest of the rusty armor was much more "awakening" than a single stone... *grins*
Cúthalion
Dreamflower
· 20 October 2006
· Chapter 9: Dolorous treachery
Wow! An amazing and action-filled rescue scene!!
There is so much to love about this--whoosh! The description of the determined rescuers, the nervous banter between the hobbits, Artanis' own struggle with her betrayal of her father! Poor dear, so hard for her to realize that *he* was the betrayer, and that he had betrayed *her* years ago by the way he treated her.
I think I love you for making Pippin the one who finally brings down the true villian. Much better than if it had been Faramir or Aragorn to do so--and he's such a fierce little warrior! (And I loved his line about height in his earlier encounter.)
Poor Artanis, though--I suppose we have to wait until the next chapter to see if she survives, but the healing hands of the King are right there, so it makes me somewhat hopeful...
If she does survive, I hope she can talk with Faramir. He of all people would understand what it would mean to have a father go mad and try to kill one, and how it feels to endure years of disdain and emotional abuse.
Author's reply
I think I love you for making Pippin the one who finally brings down the true villian. Much better than if it had been Faramir or Aragorn to do so--and he's such a fierce little warrior! (And I loved his line about height in his earlier encounter.)
Thank you! I loved the line, too - I wrote it in Michigan, sitting in jodancingtree office while she did her job and I followed the inspiration to write that rescue scene beore much more else was written. And yes, I agree, it simply had to be Pippin... the clumsy little cousin, grown up to strength and courage, a fighter or what he thinks is right. I am so glad that you agree!
And no, she won't talk with Faramir (though the idea definetely has its merits - perhaps there will be the time for a small one-shot later!). But she will find her way nonetheless. No, I won't kill her.
Cúthalion
Andrea
· 20 October 2006
· Chapter 9: Dolorous treachery
She realized that actually there was no gem she could use to describe Aragorn, son of Arathorn, Elessar, king of Gondor. In a sudden epiphany she understood that what she saw was the essence of the ancient kingdom, burning in his flesh with a fierce, golden flame.
Wow! Beautifully written, Cuthalion!
I'm really glad that Sam and Aragorn could be rescued. I had not the slightest doubt that any of the three hobbits would have agreed to remain on safer ground. Not them - and not after the quest!
The Ringbearer narrowed his eyes, crossed his arms and gave him an icy glare of complete refusal.
Ha! The Look! There it is again. While Merry and Pippin have to think up lots of arguments, Frodo only needs one look! Really impressive!
Now, Artanis saved Aragorn's life - and was wounded by her own father. How severe that wound is, I cannot guess. But from the text I'd say she'll live. She never knew for sure later... So, let's hope there will be a "later" for Artanis. What she experienced and did is one of the most difficult situations for a daughter I can imagine!
Author's reply
Severe enough, but even poisoned wounds are able to heal. Thank you so much for your lovely comment!
Cúthalion
SurgicalSteel
· 20 October 2006
· Chapter 9: Dolorous treachery
A lovely treat on a gloomy morning while I wait for my first patient to arrive - I especially liked Artanis' mental imagery, comparing the various persons she meets to gems. Loved that her father met his end on a hobbit's blade, loved the banter between Pippin and Merry.
You paint Artanis quite vividly - the woman who's been chronically emotionally abused by her father, who still has trouble betraying him despite the fact she knows it's the right thing to do, who still hopes desperately for paternal approval.
Just lovely!
Author's reply
Thank you - that is praise from the praiseworthy! And I have grown rather fond of Artanis, though I found her rather difficult to handle at first. She is a strange mixturee of strength and weakness, of humor and despair - not easy to write, but definetely interesting. Thank you!
Cúthalion
Linda Hoyland
· 17 October 2006
· Chapter 8: A Sword in the Dungeon
Aragorn and Sam are both wonderful in this chapter. I love the bond between Hobbit and King. I eagerly await your next update of this gripping story.
Author's reply
I do what I can; right now I'm struggling with the epilogue after chapter 10. This was an enormous fun to write, and it is a little bit hard to "let go". *smiles*
Cúthalion
Gentle Hobbit
· 15 October 2006
· Chapter 8: A Sword in the Dungeon
I've read all the chapters in one go and I'm now all caught up and ready to read the next chapter!
I love Frodo here -- the thinker and planner... and *not* the one in danger for once! He has an intellect and an ability to reason that even Merry (he of conspiracies and practical things) doesn't have. It delights me to see Frodo's strengths shown in this fic. I hope for more!
Author's reply
*laughs with honest delight* Dear, I knew that you would find enough Frodo in this tale to satisfy your taste! And yes, this is perhaps the "strongest" Frodo I've ever written, stronger than in all the Before I go to sleep-tales or even in Breath of Winter... someone with cleverness, insight and wisdom, forced to fight for his best friend. And he will make beautiful appearances in the last two chapters, too. I'm so glad that you love this!
Cúthalion
Periantari
· 15 October 2006
· Chapter 8: A Sword in the Dungeon
Wbat an amazing chapter. Just amazing. WOw. I do not know what to say first that i loved but i loved so many things and can quote the whole bit if i wanted to.
I love Aragorn's rescue (obviously) but certain lines are just so in character and i just want to snuggle Sam and certainly love Aragorn as well for rescuing Sam and the last part--gljkasgj~!!!! awww what a cliff-hanger...!@!!
“And, Sam, don’t try to be heroic now by telling me you’re capable of walking, for I can assure you that this is not the case. As soon as we are out of here, you won’t leave the Houses of Healing for at least a week.”
aww~! yes i am sure that Sam is in no condition to debate any matter--but i love his line at the end when he told the Whistler not to touch ARagorn! thats my brave Sam.
ANd the angst in the beginning made me "aww" so many times. Poor Sam!
With a flicker of weak surprise, he understood that he had lost all hope… here, after the end of the War, after the defeat of the Dark Lord, after a short, fallacious time of healing and newfound joy. Not Mordor, not Mount Doom… this was his darkest hour.
awwww~! :*( tears..yes indeed that did seem to be such a dire situation to be in. Thank goodness Aragorn found Sam quickly enough to avoid more trouble...
Sam’s cheek sank against Aragorn’s chest, and for a few peaceful moments there was nothing else than the quick, regular steps of the man who had come to find him. Sam didn’t waste any further thought for the overwhelming fact that the King of Gondor had left behind wife, realm, subjects and duty to run to his rescue. Shame, embarrassment and sheer disbelief would certainly come later (and the imagination of everything the Gaffer might have to say to the whole matter). Right at that moment, he was simply thankful.
awww~ so glad fro this moment of just relief to be found...and yeah, i love how this is written and how Sam thinks that Aragorn left behind everyone to find him and...yeah Sam is just so very important, isn't he? awww~ =)
And the last part with the big confrontation is written so very well. Indeed all of us readers anticipate a very huge next chapter.
More more please quickl,y!!!!
::in the meantime, REREADING!!! :: ;)
Thank you for this chapter--i enjoyed it immensely. :) <3 Sam
Author's reply
<3 Sam, too! Thank you for your enormous, flattering enthusiasm! And you've quoted some of my most favorite parts of that chapter - the passage about the fact that Sam can be weak and hopeless, too, and about his deep, almost childlike thankfulness and trust in Aragorn when the King runs to the rescue.
And I will try to post the next chapter as soon as possible. Promised.
Cúthalion
meckinock
· 14 October 2006
· Chapter 8: A Sword in the Dungeon
Be still my Ranger-loving heart. I hope you post the next chapter quickly.
“Seems a terrible waste to lose a brand new King because of a silly hobbit.” Awww. Sweet, noble Sam.
And I loved the idea of Aragorn sneaking around the dungeons of Osgiliath looking for him.
Author's reply
Me too, and so much. I always loved Aragorn, long before the movies were made, but Viggo Mortensen did nothing to diminish that ove and adoration - quite to the contrary. And the fact that he once promised to protect the hobbits still has the quality of a vow for him... and it comes even before his duties as new King of Gondor.
And yes, noble Sam. It took me quite some time to find his voice, but menawhile I simply enjoy writing him. There's such a richness and depth beyond that simple face, isn't it? (And again - thank you for your lovely,lovely reviews!)
Cúthalion
meckinock
· 14 October 2006
· Chapter 7: The weapon of truth
I loved seeing the full force of Frodo's intellect and cunning brought to bear in his battle of wits with Artanis. Very insightful to realize he has to give information to get it. But the two of them are pretty evenly matched, which makes it that much more interesting. I loved this exchange:
“Why does the Keeper of the Jewels wear no jewels?”
She frowned, staring at him with those unusual, shimmering eyes, but then her narrow, tired face relaxed in an unexpected smile, and for a startling moment he saw a glimpse of beauty and liveliness behind the rigid mask.
“I am not a pirate’s bride, Master Baggins,” she said. “And the Royal Treasury is not a glittering cave with overflowing trunks, guarded by the skeletons of dead brigands. I fear you would find my business rather disappointing if you knew more about it.”
The more I read about Artanis, the more I like her!
Author's reply
Thank you so much again! Yes, I love Artanis, too - her "broken" character is a great challenge, but under all that fear and tension there is indeed beauty, a healthy wit and a good dose of humor, even though you barely see it. And when I wrote that paragraph about the glittering caves and "skeletons of dead brigands", I had just watched Pirates of the Carribean II - surprise, surprise! *grins*
Cúthalion
meckinock
· 14 October 2006
· Chapter 6: The cleverness of cousins
You have an amazing knack for suspense! I love Frodo playing Sherlock Holmes. And sending Pippin to ferret out the secrets of Gondorian society was brilliant.
Author's reply
*bows* Thank you very much! This was my first real suspense story, and it took me several days (and conversations with my good friend Jo) to set up a plot with enough twists to surprise, enough reality to convince - and enough complications to thrill my readers. But it is an enormous joy to write it!
Cúthalion
meckinock
· 14 October 2006
· Chapter 5: Friends and Foes
Ah, poor Sam! This is such an amazing story. I fell behind reading for a while there, but now that I have more time I'm really enjoying getting caught up. Your descriptions are gorgeous, and Artanis is such a complex and fascinating character. Her relationship to her father and her loyalty to his scheme is wonderfully complex, too. I can just feel her anguish as she's torn in two directions. I love the chess game she plays with Aragorn here, and Frodo too is wonderfully mature, thoughtful, and so protective of Sam.
Author's reply
Thank you very much, meckinock! You see, Artanis was certainly not my first OFC, but in a way she was my most difficult one. Not a beauty, feeling un-loved, un-cared for and downright superfluent, she is a woman who has learned to survive painful circumstances. Funny enough it was jodancingtree who decided that she should not be some man from the court (as I had suggested), but a woman, and together we made her the daughter of the true villain, torn - as you say - in two directions between good and evil, between family and sovereign. I'm very glad that she works so well for you!
Cúthalion
Larner
· 13 October 2006
· Chapter 8: A Sword in the Dungeon
So, not only orcs use poison and drugs on their blades, do they? Grrr! Now I want to do unspeakable things to these three!
Author's reply
Me too. *grins* And some of them are actually done (as you will see as soon as chapter 9 is there). Thank you!
Cúthalion
SurgicalSteel
· 13 October 2006
· Chapter 8: A Sword in the Dungeon
Well, *that* was an evil cliffhanger.
Great chapter, though. On the edge of my seat waiting for more!
Author's reply
And I will deliver the rest as fast as I can. Thank you very much!
Cúthalion
Dreamflower
· 13 October 2006
· Chapter 8: A Sword in the Dungeon
Oh dear! A poisoned blade! Please hurry Faramir and Frodo!
I loved the way Aragorn just batted away all Sam's worries over him. Poor Sam--not used to being the one rescued, or taken care of! It's so wonderful to see the love and gratitude Aragorn has for the hobbits who gained his throne for him.
As for the "Prince"--yep. He's a nutcase all right! Yet worse than Denethor, because he has long plotted this "revenge", whereas Denethor acted out of a spur of the moment despair.
Please hurry up Faramir and Frodo!
Author's reply
Dear one, thank you! This kind of worry and excitement is such a huge compliment... but I can assure you that Keeper of the Jewels may be AU, but the tale continues very canon nonetheless.
And the rescue party is already on the way!
Cúthalion
Andrea
· 13 October 2006
· Chapter 8: A Sword in the Dungeon
Where was Mr. Frodo…?
My god! You had me completely fooled! I though Sam was already safe, and then the men came back. A poisened knife, that is really mean. Nothing I would expect from a prince or his attendant!
But there is still hope! When I look at the end of the previous chapter I have the feeling that in fact Mr. Frodo might be very near - and not alone. I'm counting on him and his companions.
Please update soon, for it's not so easy to live on hope alone ;-)
Author's reply
Well, that particular prince doesn't act very prince-like at all, I'd say. And don't lose hope; you are right, they are very near. *smiles*
Cúthalion
Ainu Laire
· 13 October 2006
· Chapter 8: A Sword in the Dungeon
Oh man! What a chapter! I'm glad Aragorn found Sam, but that cliffhanger is a killer! Can't wait to read the next chapter =D
Author's reply
I'm really sorry - this should not have been the end of this chapter, but that stubborn thing grew and grew until I had to cut it in two. I'll try to post the next chapter as fast as possible. Thank you very much!
Cúthalion
Larner
· 22 September 2006
· Chapter 7: The weapon of truth
Finally am caught up. And it does sound as if her father has indeed lost it. What foulness greed and envy and desire for vengeance tend to create!
I would suggest only you substitute timid or fearful for chickenhearted--the latter sounds out of place in such a context.
Author's reply
And it does sound as if her father has indeed lost it. What foulness greed and envy and desire for vengeance tend to create!
Oh yes. In a way Ardhenon is the stereotype for blind, hateful fanatism... following your ideas and beliefs without looking left or right, trampling down those who stand in your way and destroying everything to reach your goal.
Oh... and I used "chickenhearted" as the equivalent of our german word hasenherzig (which you could translate "bunny-hearted"), a slightly humorous expression with no intention to accuse someone of cowardry. At this stage of the conversation Frodo is still trying to keep a "light" tone, even if he is rapidly reaching the point where things get very serious.
And something else: When I opened my email-account this morning, I found the long row of your reviews, and this really made my day. There is barely anything that could be more flattering for any author. Thank you so much!
Cúthalion
Larner
· 22 September 2006
· Chapter 6: The cleverness of cousins
He will find an unusual ally in the lady, I think. A lady already aware she's made a grave mistake in following her father's orders, and whose father's servants have made darker ones, and whose father has made the greatest mistake of all.
Author's reply
You know, the longer I'm writing this, the more I enjoy the development of Artanis' character. She is lost in so many ways, and that Frodo should be the tool to "redeem" her and make her see the right way to go seemed more than appropriate to me. Thank you!
Cúthalion
Larner
· 22 September 2006
· Chapter 5: Friends and Foes
And they have no idea just what kind of King or Man they face, nor the type of aid on which he can call.
And Sam is wisely keeping his mouth shut, although the infection appears to be working on him. Poor Hobbit.
Author's reply
Poor Hobbit indeed. But he will be saved in time. Thank you!
Cúthalion
Larner
· 22 September 2006
· Chapter 4: Falling Pearls
Named for the Lady of Light, yet she has chosen blind obedience to a father she knows has no use for her.
Now, to find out what they've done with Sam!
Loved seeing our Frodo carefully retrieving the pearls.
Author's reply
Named for the Lady of Light, yet she has chosen blind obedience to a father she knows has no use for her.
Sad yet sgnificant characterization in a nutshell. *bows* And I had the picture in front of my inner eye Artanis sees, too - the Ringbearer, bowed to collect the pearls from the floor. It felt "right" somehow.
Cúthalion
Larner
· 22 September 2006
· Chapter 3: Dove Flight
A pigeon stolen and then unwittingly sacrificed. Such a waste! Sam realizes they think he's Frodo, and Frodo realizes they think Sam is himself, and Aragorn realizes....
Now, to unmask the conspiracy and bring the gardener home.
Author's reply
Now, to unmask the conspiracy and bring the gardener home.
Patience, ma'am! It gave me unholy fun to let the "carrot of danger" dangle in front of my reader's nose a few chapters more. *grins* But I'm very glad that you enjoy this!
Cúthalion
Larner
· 22 September 2006
· Chapter 2: Thieves in the Night
I will admit that I'm glad to see someone other than Frodo being kidnapped this time. Poor Frodo! Cut foot and missing Sam. Am very glad for the hammock and hope they find Sam before he has a chance to be badly hurt by these fools.
Author's reply
I will admit that I'm glad to see someone other than Frodo being kidnapped this time.
... which exactly was the premise to this story. *grins* A very good friend of mine complained that it is almst always Frodo and never Sam who gets in danger, is hurt and has to be rescued. So I decided to make up a plot where it is for a turn the other way round, and it is fun to write! Thank you!
Cúthalion
Larner
· 22 September 2006
· Chapter 1: Mishap in the Garden
And plots to writhe in Minas Tirith. Nurse blatters a bit much, I fear.
Well, well written.
Author's reply
Yes, she does, but she doesn't mean any harm. It is not her fault that this harmless confidingness is so terribly misused by those whom she serves. Thank you very much!
Cúthalion