Keeper of the Jewels by Cuthalion
Larner · 22 September 2006 · Chapter 0: The Wish of a King
A sinister enough beginning, I must say. No, I doubt all would be pleased to see Isildur's Heir upon the throne of Gondor.
Author's reply
Indeed - especially those who took all their pride from serving Denethor and the house of the stewards. Many of them may actually have doubted Aragorn's ancestry first. Thank you! Cúthalion
Periantari · 20 September 2006 · Chapter 7: The weapon of truth
All right i'm back. REreading my former review--i just had to giggle because i usually don't write like that...:) "properly reread or read properly" lol I love this chapter for the significance of it being one that is a real turning point to the story. THe significance of the jewels is an interesting thing too and i really enjoy the fact also that Merry and Pippin are involved in this as well. I hope this company will follow Aragorn soon in pursuit of Sam and seeing that Aragorn be safe. As i have said before, I knew it was a matter of time before Artanis will break and reveal what she knows. It'll be interesting on how she will be dealt with after all is done. And i can't wait for more Sam in the next chapter! And rescue too! And i hope ARagorn will be all right... surely he didn't go alone did he? ::frets::
Author's reply
Oh, he did go alone; he was afraid that showing any sign of company might get Sam in danger. But as I said - he still has a special ace in his sleeve. And thank you for reviewing twice - I feel very flattered! *smiles* Cúthalion Author Reply: Ooops! *blushes* The thing I said before was said to Andrea, not to you...
cookiefleck · 17 September 2006 · Chapter 7: The weapon of truth
Ack, I continue to worry about Sam... how is he doing... what terrible danger awaits him... (*Feeds h/c junkie needs with wild imaginings...*)
Author's reply
Oh, there will hopefully be enough h/c in the next chapter to fulfill your needs - and thank you very much! Cúthalion
Andrea · 16 September 2006 · Chapter 7: The weapon of truth
How very clever of Frodo! But it was not only his cleverness, it was also his compassion that made it possible for Artanis to reveal her father's plans. So, Lord Ardhenon did really try to make Faramir change sides? He *is* mad! Didn't he see that Faramir is devoted to his King and regards him as a dear friend? That man is a hopeless case! Now, they really should make haste to come to Aragorn's aid! And if those men are trying to murder Aragorn, what will they do to Sam??? I can imagine Frodo's reaction to Artanis' last words! Please update soon! Perhaps you could dictate it to your husband? He wouldn't mind, would he? ;-)
Author's reply
Don't worry, I'm actually able to write, only much more slowly as usual. And yes, they should indeed make haste, but perhaps this little hint might help: Ardhenon may be clever despite his madness, but he has definetely no idea that Aragorn "from thr North" already spent some time in Gondor, many years ago (although not as "Aragorn"...) Cúthalion
Ainu Laire · 16 September 2006 · Chapter 7: The weapon of truth
This story is really, really awesome! I love stories focusing on Aragorn and the hobbits, and this whole story is creative and with brilliant OCs and characterizations. I really like your Sam, Frodo, and Aragorn; all great characterization. And your OC Artanis is definitely very interesting; I hope that she can be spared from too bad a fate, seeing as she is helping them now. I wonder if they shall try and murder Aragorn on the spot, or if this Prince of Lebennin will make it slow? Well, he needs to make it slow enough so that Faramir and everyone else can get to Osgiliath in time! Update soon!
Author's reply
I wonder if they shall try and murder Aragorn on the spot, or if this Prince of Lebennin will make it slow? Well, he needs to make it slow enough so that Faramir and everyone else can get to Osgiliath in time. Well. the usual villian enetertains his victims-to-be with an epic speech about his plans, the duration of his hate and the exact way how he will kill them. *grins* Ardhenon won't waste much time with such a silly behavior, so they should better hurry. Thank you very much! Cúthalion
Periantari · 15 September 2006 · Chapter 7: The weapon of truth
omg such a powerful chapter...i have so many things i want to say about it but only this quote stands in my mind a the moment: “Which he obviously did,” Faramir said. “He showed them to me before he left. They were truly remarkable… though by no means equivalent to the life of a faithful, amazing creature like Samwise Gamgee The next chapter must be just as exciting as well!!!! and i *kmnew* Artanis will tell about his father's consipiracy!!!!!! if i have any typos that means ihad a bit too much tonight ;) ;) ;) So glad to see you update! and more later when i've reread proper and read properly.... ;) THANK YOU FOR UPDATEING! SO EXCITING!!!!
Author's reply
And thank you, Peri, for your ongoing enthusiasm! The next chapter will contain the showdown everyone is waiting for. And yes - it will be exciting. :-) Cúthalion
Grey Wonderer · 15 September 2006 · Chapter 7: The weapon of truth
I am so glad that Artanis decided to confess and to help with Sam's rescue. I do believe that she could see the goodness in Frodo and that helped her to make her decision. He seemed to know exactly what to say and exactly what she needed to hear. I do love this story for some many reasons and one of the biggest ones is the way you write Frodo. He is so strong in this story and so much a part of the efforts to rescue Sam. Hope your elbow is better soon and whenever you feel up to posting more of this I plan to be here!
Author's reply
It is funny that this was mainly meant to be a story about Sam, and that it should be his turn to get in danger and to be rescued. And now I find myself giving Frodo the chance finally not to be at the receiving end of help and care as usual. He may not be the one to wield a sword at the end, but it gives me enormous joy to show all his other heroic qualities. :-) Thank you - I'll continue this as fast as I can. Cúthalion
Linda Hoyland · 15 September 2006 · Chapter 7: The weapon of truth
I'm so glad that Artanis has decided to do the right thing and hope they are in time. This is a truly gripping and very enjoyable story. I hope your elbow is soon better.
Author's reply
Oh, I hope so, too! But the painkillers work very well, and right now I'm slowly making my way through the first half of the next chapter. I'm very glad that you enjoy this so much! Cúthalion
shirebound · 15 September 2006 · Chapter 7: The weapon of truth
I just love the title of this chapter, and its whole premise. That Frodo should be so intuitive feels so "right", and he perfectly built a bridge of understanding and trust between himself and Artanis. This just continues to be a nail-biter, and I can't wait for more!
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Janet! I had the distinct feeling that Frodo's insight has grown to an extend that makes him "feel" the undercurrent of Artanis' pain and makes him able to change her mind by sheer patience and a wisdom as sharp as a knife. I'm very glad that this works for you! *hugs* Cúthalion
Dreamflower · 15 September 2006 · Chapter 7: The weapon of truth
First of all, take care of yourself--the doctor must know what he's talking about! But I hope your "tennis elbow" will feel better soon! Frodo was brilliant here--all the wisdom and insight he has gained over the years, and most especially over the course of the Quest have come into play here. I am very glad that Artanis has made her decision. Now it is not only Sam who is in danger! But Faramir and four hobbits will be more than a match for a mad Prince, I'm sure! I look forward to more--as soon as your arm is better!
Author's reply
Don't worry, I'll be as careful and reasonable as possible... and as I told surgicalsteel, the biggest part of the next chapter is already written. I hope my arm will cooperate soon - and thank you very much! Cúthalion
Dreamflower · 15 September 2006 · Chapter 6: The cleverness of cousins
Wow! Somehow I had missed this particular chapter! It's wonderful! I love the way you have portrayed Merry and Pippin in this--absolutely in character, and each of them contributing something very important to the task at hand. I was so touched by the exchange between Merry and Frodo--yes, that would be exactly what Merry *would* fear--a fear that, sadly *will* be realized. It must have been so hard for Frodo to realize how much pain he was causing this dearest of cousins! And Pippin was lovely--his openness and curiousity an absolute asset in this case. No one would think anything at all of him asking questions--since that's what he habitually does anyway, LOL! And Frodo's determination is perfect. I love a strong Frodo!
Author's reply
I love a strong Frodo, too - and very much. I must shamefully admit that I get increasingly annoyed by the habit of a few ff-writers who tend to portray my favorite hobbit as overly weak, making the audience wonder why on earth Tolkien needed him when he had a strong Sam to do the job. *steps off her soapbox* And I love portraying Merry and Pippin more and more - thank you for your lovely compliments! They really make my day. *smiles* Cúthalion
SurgicalSteel · 15 September 2006 · Chapter 7: The weapon of truth
Wow, another lovely chapter - interesting to see Artanis' change of heart and repentance. I'm of course interested to see more, but don't hurt yourself!
Author's reply
Thank God the next chapter is already halfway written; as soon as my arm agrees, I will add the missing pages. I'm very glad that you enjoy this! Cúthalion
Linda Hoyland · 29 August 2006 · Chapter 6: The cleverness of cousins
This grows more exciting by the chapter! Enjoy your break.I will eagerly await more when you return.
Author's reply
And I will post the next chapter this weeks (after reassuring my wonderful beta that her changes were very helpful - and that she sorts my thoughts better than I sort them myself...*grins*) Cúthalion
Grey Wonderer · 26 August 2006 · Chapter 6: The cleverness of cousins
I'm glad to see that Frodo has figured some things out on this matter. I felt so sorry for Merry when Frodo revealed Merry's own thoughts to him. It must have been like having your mind read aloud. I like Pippin as an under cover agent for Frodo and Merry. Finally a good use for all of the Tookish curiousity! Great chapter and my only regret at being caught up is that now I shall have to wait for more just like everyone else!
Author's reply
You won´t have to wait too long; I´ll be back on September 1O, and the next chapter is already written and has only to be betaed. Thank you for your lovely review! (And I just spent two minutes searching on a hungarian keyboard for an exclamation mark...tz tz tz...) Cúthalion
Grey Wonderer · 26 August 2006 · Chapter 5: Friends and Foes
I like the fact that Sam has names for his guards. That seemed like something Sam would do. He seems to be staying clever about everything by not speaking too much or letting them see his hand. I only hope he is able to continue the deception. I was pleased that Artanis didn't tell her father that they don't have the correct Hobbit. I think in only her short meeting with the new King of Gondor and Frodo Baggins that she is beginning to regret her part in all of this. I wonder if she will come to regret it enough or if she will just remain silent and allow things to proceed as they will. I am still enjoying this very much!
Grey Wonderer · 26 August 2006 · Chapter 4: Falling Pearls
Artanis leads a very complicated life. Much of it seems to be ruled by her father. I found myself feeling a bit sorry for her as I read this chapter even knowing how involved she is in all of this. Now that she knows that they have the wrong Hobbit I wonder if she will tell anyone or if she will let things stay as they are hoping that no one else finds out.
Andrea · 26 August 2006 · Chapter 6: The cleverness of cousins
Once again a wonderful chapter! I loved the conversation between Frodo and Merry, perfectly in-character, both of them. And it turns out that there is at least one good effect of carrying the Ring to Mordor, Frodo's ability to feel the emotions of others. Particularly that scene with Merry was very touching. So, now that Pippin found out about Artanis and her family, what will Frodo do, I wonder? Will he try to convince her to set Sam free? Or is he planning to turn himself over to her in exchange for Sam? He *would* do such a thing, I think. But I hope, I'm wrong :) Have a nice holiday!
Author's reply
He will certainly do something. Just wait and see! Cúthalion
Ariel · 25 August 2006 · Chapter 6: The cleverness of cousins
As always, delightful, my dear. You know, by this point in the fandom, most folks know what they like to read and know which authors consistently give it to them. I am grateful that I have found your work. You write engaging stories with depth, heart, (good sex!) and interpersonal relationships that I can identify with. That's RARE in this fandom... It may be sort of selfish, but I am glad that you haven't given up entirely on writing fanfic yet. *smooch*
Author's reply
*smooches back* And you´re one of the reasons why I´m still writing fanfic - who could be able to live without such a enthusiastic audience... (and such a friend to boot)? Glad to please you, my dear, as always. Cúthalion
pebbles66 · 25 August 2006 · Chapter 6: The cleverness of cousins
I'm really enjoying this story, and will eagerly look forward to more when you return from your trip. I'm wondering if Frodo is the unnamed ransom? It certainly sounds as if he's gearing himself up for a swap with the kidnappers.
Author's reply
Frodo can´t be the unnamed ransom - the kidnappers still think heœ the hobbit htey´ve got. But he will get intouched with those evil guys, he will indeed. *smiles* Cúthalion
cookiefleck · 24 August 2006 · Chapter 6: The cleverness of cousins
*Worrying about Sam.* Oh, you are keeping me in suspense... ;o)
Author's reply
One more chapter without poor Sam, but there will be a glorious rescue, I promise' Thanks so much for your interest and reviews' Cúthalion
Periantari · 24 August 2006 · Chapter 6: The cleverness of cousins
I think indeed it is time for some hobbit-action and your clever hobbits--esp.love Pippin and Frodo in this, really make me very glad that they feel suspicion on Artanis enough to have Pippin question her and find out more about her. ::worries for Sam with Frodo though:: And I eagerly anticipate more. :) Thank you for such a hobbity chapter! I do want a show-down between Frodo and ARtanis though--it's time for something to be done! =)
Author's reply
There will be a quite satisfying showdown indeed - just wait! And thank you or your lovely review, Peri! Cúthalion
SurgicalSteel · 24 August 2006 · Chapter 6: The cleverness of cousins
I enjoyed this very much - you're filling in some of Artanis' history, which makes her that much more interesting as a character. I look forward to seeing the confrontation between her and Frodo!
Author's reply
I would have posted the rest of the chapter, too - but, as I said, Ariel is a beta who is brilliant enough to be constantly busy. *smiles* And I'm glad that I managed to flesh her out enough to make her believable. Cúthalion
Linda Hoyland · 17 August 2006 · Chapter 5: Friends and Foes
I'm loving this story,it is gripping.If only Artanis,would confess all and throw herself on Aragorn's mercy. Why didn't the King want Arwen to stay? Poor sam, things look very bleak for him now.I eagerly await more.
Author's reply
Thank you, Linda - I'm just writing chapter 6, and there will be an explanation why Aragorn sent his wife away. I'm very glad that you like this, and there are ony three chapters and one epilogue missing now. Cúthalion
SurgicalSteel · 14 August 2006 · Chapter 5: Friends and Foes
Another lovely chapter - Artanis is quite an interesting character, and Oh!the intrigue! And poor Sam!
Author's reply
Oh! the intrigue indeed. Thank God I'm still keeping track with my own, complicated plot! And even if I make Sam suffer, I won't do him more harm than necessary. Thank you! Cúthalion
Andrea · 11 August 2006 · Chapter 5: Friends and Foes
This was exactly the chance she had been waiting for… the information she was seeking, the knowledge she urgently needed to satisfy her father and to help him fulfill his mysterious plans. And yet she doesn't tell him about the mistake! Artanis is a very interesting character. On the one hand she wants to obey her father, but on the other hand she just can't tell him all she knows. I think, especially the Lady Arwen and Frodo deeply impressed her, and the fear that both of them might be able to look directly into her heart. And poor Sam! Not being able to have his wound tended for fear that they might discover that he is the wrong hobbit! Aragorn has received the message now. But it is very vague. Well, I don't know, what "the ransom we wish to receive" is. I hope, he knows ...
Author's reply
He does not, at least yet. I think you will be very surprised to hear what it is Aragorn has to bring... and that's not the end of the tale. Thank you or you review - I'm so glad that you enjoy my tale! Cúthalion