Stirring Rings by Larner
curiouswombat · 29 April 2012 · Chapter 13: The Granting of the Shire
I do like this as a beginning for the hobbits' tradition of red signatures and seven witnesses for legal documents.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you do. It was fun to figure out why and how these traditions started. And I did do a short story on the reaction of the Travellers when they realized how this started, beginning the series of tales in "'Neath Anor, Ithil, and Gil." That, too, was fun to write!
harrowcat · 13 March 2012
Hi Larner I am not sure what is happening with stirring rings. Every time I get a chapter alert is opens on an incorrect URL or, this time, an invite to edit the text!
walkerskye · 5 March 2012 · Chapter 6: Arrivals
excellent stories! these origin tales fit just right with the Istari as we come to know them later in the Professor's tales. I do wish someone would dare to tell the stories of the Blue Wizards more, how they opposed Sauron from the East. and I wonder also, since these 5 brother Maia were sent, is it not possible that 5 SISTER maia might also have been sent elsewhere, where their tales were never recorded? To the Dwarves of the far north, and maybe even the Haradrim of the far south? I don't feel up to imagining such, but I'd love to see what you might do with it! just an idea, to play with perhaps. Again, thanks for these tales, I look forward to more like them.
Author's reply
It's been fun imagining the history of the Wizards as they found themselves entering into Middle Earth and becoming part of its history. Don't know that I'll write the history of any sorceresses that might have been sent by the Valar, but one never knows. Thanks for the response!
Linda Hoyland · 27 February 2012 · Chapter 5: Journey Begun
You capture Sauraman'a arrogance well. It is chilling how his prophecy becomes self fulfilling. I'm enjoying this story very much.
Author's reply
Yes, he is a self-centered soul, isn't he? Brilliant but fatally flawed from the beginning.
Freyalyn · 23 February 2012 · Chapter 5: Journey Begun
And how easily his pride leads to his fall, without a trace of self-awareness...
Author's reply
I know. I always suspected that Saruman carried the seeds of his final destruction within him from close to the beginning, and so I keep finding him as he reveals himself within this story.
Linda Hoyland · 16 February 2012 · Chapter 0: Prologue
A Fascinating look at how the wizards came to be. One little typo you might wish to fix "Morgoth was drowned and later he lost his Ring to the shards of Elendil’s swore wielded by Isildur?" I think you mean "Sword"?
Author's reply
Gads--no matter how many times I proofread my work and how many beta it for me, we still manage to miss things like this! Thanks so! And I'm glad you're looking at this as it's being redone!
Raksha The Demon · 28 January 2012 · Chapter 1: Debate in Valinor
The plot thickens! I am very glad to see this story back; and hope that it will be finished. Nice dialogue and Valar interaction. It makes sense that Aule and Ulmo would be able to sense the Ring, but not know exactly where it is. (little Ring, big River!)
Author's reply
Oh, yes, it thickens indeed. And am so glad you like the interaction. And I do hope this time to finish this story. I have a couple chapters to rework, and then to get past the Battle of Fornost. At least now I have an idea of what to work on next!
Tari · 25 January 2012 · Chapter 1: Debate in Valinor
I don't recall Tolkien saying how Gandalf and the other Maiar happend to be sent to Middle-earth. This is an excellent interpretation. "freedom is a careful balance between obedience and free will,could easily be applied to us today.
Author's reply
At one point Tolkien debated with himself as to who Gandalf really was, and considered having him be Manwe himself, or so Christopher indicated in HoME. At last he settled on the Istari or Wizards being Maiar being sent to help fight Sauron, and so I decided to look at the decision as I did. As for that quote--it's true for all times, I believe. Thanks so, Tari!
Tari · 23 January 2012 · Chapter 0: Prologue
I have not read this before, so this is a new adventure for me. You have captured the pain of Maglor quite well. As with mortal's he saw the error of his ways too late and must now lament his poor choices.
Author's reply
The ending of this has actually been written for quite a long time--it's a matter of filling in the gaps between the last major war with Angmar and the end now! Heh! And, since the story ends with Maglor, I felt it should begin there, too. I suspect that after the death of his brother and the burning of his own hands before he threw the Silmaril he'd held briefly into the sea that he'd come to his senses for the most part, and would mostly avoid others, but still do his best to keep up on what was happening. Thanks so, Tari.
Dreamflower · 21 January 2012 · Chapter 0: Prologue
Ooh! A do-over! (I hope you saved your reviews from your first time round!) Looks like a very good beginning, and I will enjoy seeing it take shape again!
Author's reply
Yes, a do-over. And the chapters are hidden, ready to be replaced as each is properly edited. Much will stay the same, but some gross errors will be corrected, I certainly hope, and I will try to get those crucial middle chapters WRITTEN!
Soledad, not logged in · 21 January 2012 · Chapter 0: Prologue
That's a truly heroic enterprise, reworking such a long story. I'll keep my fingers crossed for your success.
Author's reply
I just hope I can go the distance with it this time. It's not been an easy tale to write, historically, or so I found.
Sunny · 20 January 2012 · Chapter 0: Prologue
It is nice to see you are working on your longer stories again! I really did like this one the first time around, and I expect that the new version will be even better. I am certainly looking forward to reading it! And this new intro certainly works well! And I hope the Muse doesn't cop out on you in the middle of the story this time around - because i really want to read _all_ of it!
Author's reply
I just hope I can keep it going this time! I want to WRITE all of it this time!
Sunny · 27 April 2009 · Chapter 26: Angmar Bested
”An army marches on its stomach”. Eärnur is in full agreement with Napoleon here. Good to see that an update on _Stirring Rings_ has managed to sneak past the migraine. That is Not Fun (so sayeth a fellow sufferer). Though right at this moment I am not suffering from anything that enough antihistamines can’t control. Bucca’s strike at the Witch-King certainly foreshadows Merry’s strike on the Pelennor – which opened the way for Eowyn to strike the killing blow (and Bucca’s blade also seems to burn up). And she was certainly no _son_ of man! Well, we tolkien aficionados know this, of course, and, I think, enjoy these little touches. And it is nice to see that Pippin isn’t the only slayer of trolls among the hobbits – though this one wasn’t retrieved from under the thing until it it was too late to heal his injuries. It is a sad homecoming for the two who returned – all the other Hobbits had perished in the war, and it has fallen to them to spread the word to the affected families. Not that the Hobbits who remained in the Shire have been unaffected by the war, and I suppose there were casualties in the Shire as well. I hope the Muse will provide you with more – and soon!
Author's reply
I was hoping this would please you! Again this has proved a chapter that's come by fits and starts, although much longer periods of writing at a time than I'd been able to eke out of the last two. Aragorn told the Hobbits there beneath Weathertop that it was obvious the only damage Frodo had done to the wraith he slashed at was to inflict a cut to his mantle, as any blade that pierced his flesh would wither away. There HAD to have been SOME previous time when someone struck the Witch-king or perhaps one of his fellows that had given people that knowledge, so why could it not have been in this battle? We also are told that it was Glorfindel who originated the prophecy that it was not by the hand of a living Man that the Witch-king would fall, and that he made the prediction at this point in time. It was interesting to imagine the context in which these revelations were shown forth and came to be known by others. And I've often wondered how it was that although Aranarth chose not to style himself the King of Arnor, yet Bucca came home to serve as Thain and to keep alive the tradition that one day the King would return. Now I've been able to explore that scenario, and with a feeling of accomplishment! We aren't certain exactly how many Hobbits followed Bucca from the Shire to fight for Arvedui, but it doesn't appear to have been a particularly large company. We know only Bucca returned, however; so no matter how much I love Hobbits I had to let them go and watch them die within the context of the story. And that Hobbits of the Breelands might also have fought just seemed likely. As I've been following the ancestry of OUR Hobbits from Bilbiolo and Forodor on, I've found myself exploring how the names might have shifted and the natures of particular families might have begun to manifest themselves. Bucca and Holmwise also probably knew their own PTSD symptoms and undoubtedly fought depression at least from time to time. But they are Hobbits, and enduring. They will survive and prosper no matter how much they are toughing things out deep inside; and their legacy of persistence, sheer stubborn determination, and faithfulness will bless the Shire for generations!
Cairistiona · 27 April 2009 · Chapter 1: Debate in Valinor
Very interesting start to this story! 1st and 2nd Age are areas that I'm only just now starting to feel like I halfway understand. I've often wondered why the Vala and the Maia didn't just sweep down and take care of Sauron, and the reasons you have them giving here make perfect sense, as does the reasons the Maia came in rather "ordinary" form. Really thought-provoking. I'm looking forward to reading more. :)
Author's reply
I hope you continue to appreciate it as you read. Eventually, probably after I have the rest all written and posted, I'll be adding a prologue as well so that the final chapter (which has been written for a year or better) will come full circle from the beginning. I've hinted at the ending in chapter one, but not made it clear why the story will end focused as it will. Now, to get the rest of the MIDDLE chapters written! Thanks for the feedback, Cairistiona!
Raksha The Demon · 26 April 2009 · Chapter 26: Angmar Bested
Great battle scenes; and I loved it when Aranarth healed Bucca with athelas. Nice touch with Earnur's aide bringing the rhyme back to Gondor that Ioreth will one day remember. Is Holmwise an ancestor of Sam?
Author's reply
Thank you so, Raksha. Here is something those of the line of Kings can do that Gandalf apparently was not granted the authority to do, apparently--call those whose spirits are wandering from their bodies back to the land of the living using the athelas. I'm sure that earlier Kings in Gondor must also have used athelas and made certain it was readily available; but once their healing skills became problematic or were lost when the lineage failed completely the tradition of cultivating it would have begun to fail as well. Whether or not Earnur had the skill or merely had no experience or training in using his healing abilities we don't know; but we know that after his disappearance the use of athelas in healing appears to have been relegated to the realm of nursery rhymes and old wives tales. As for Holmwise being an ancestor of Sam--well, look at Sam's family tree and the surname of Holmwise! Heh! Yes, I suspect he was indeed Sam's ancestor! Again, thank you so!
ecrm · 26 April 2009 · Chapter 26: Angmar Bested
A good chapter, I especially liked the Hobbits and the parts that they had to play. I have to take issue with the presence of Haradrim in the Battle however. In order to reach Eriador they would have had to make a tortuous march north, to the east of Mordor through Wilderland and then bypassing Mirkwood by marching round the north. Many would die from exposure in a land much colder than their own and most of their route of march would be through or near to hostile territory. Better perhaps to use Easterlings? Anyway, nitpicking aside this is a great story, I'm looking forward to the years after with anticipation.
Author's reply
I can understand the nitpicking, but how it was that Haradrim came to fight in this battle will be explained in the next chapter. My main desire was to have the red serpent on the black banner to have the symmetry between this battle and that of the Pelennor. I am sorry this tale is taking so long in the telling, but it is one whose chapters lately have been slowly giving themselves to me, and I find it frustrating. Hopefully things will pick up from here! And thank you so for the feeback!
Dreamflower · 26 April 2009 · Chapter 26: Angmar Bested
What a sad and fascinating chapter! To see play out a preview of what would happen in the years to come...poor hobbits! Your characterization of Earnur was also a sad presage of his eventual fate as well. And I wonder just why Saruman wanted to get Gandalf out of his way...
Author's reply
Yes, almost a preview of what will come--but at least we now know how it came to be known any blade that pierced the undead flesh burned away, don't we? I'd always wondered how this came to be known, myself. I'm certain that Earnur was extraordinarily capable and proud, and we know that the thought of the supposed shame of being borne away by his horse added to his motivation to go to face the Witch-king himself. This was one thing I'd wished to explore. As for Saruman's motivation--I doubt it's all that negative--at least not at this point. I'm just relieved to FINALLY get this posted! It's taken SO long to get written!
shirebound · 26 April 2009 · Chapter 26: Angmar Bested
What a fascinating story you're crafting. I was most impressed by how the 'athelas' rhyme might have emerged, and the first deputy ('theign') amongst the hobbits. Such courage and resilience. A marvelous tale.
Author's reply
Thank you so very much, Shirebound. There had to be a source for the rhyme somewhere, I'd think. And we know Bucca was the first Thain--I've wanted to know for ever so long how that came to be! Again, thanks. I'm just so glad to have the chapter written and posted at last!
Aiwen · 25 February 2009 · Chapter 13: The Granting of the Shire
This is really excellent. It fills in holes in the early history of the hobbits and the Istari very well. Thank you for writing - it is stories like this that keep me reading fan fiction.
Author's reply
I note that I failed to respond to this comment when you wrote it. I've loved the thought of Middle Earth and how much care Tolkien put into creating it. Now I've begun reworking this story, and I hope to get it posted fully this time. I know I can do it--it's a matter of staying with it this time. I hope you will like the changes I make, although most of the basic tale will stay much the same. Thanks so much for your comments. I'm just sorry I never responded before, and that I let the tale languish so!
Linda Hoyland · 22 December 2008 · Chapter 25: The Battle of the Queen's Tower
A vivid glimpse of a terrible battle.
Author's reply
Oh, but then all battles are terrible, I think. Now, to find what happened next!
Raksha The Demon · 6 December 2008 · Chapter 25: The Battle of the Queen's Tower
Oh, poor Ladro Baggins! Is Holmwise an ancestor of Samwise; his relationship with "the Baggins" is reminiscent of Sam and Frodo. An epic, thrilling chapter.
Author's reply
Ah, yes, I rather suspect Holmwise is Sam's ancestor. And I, too, will miss Ladro. Thank you so, Raksha.
Sunny · 5 December 2008 · Chapter 25: The Battle of the Queen's Tower
You picture the leadership as being _smart_ at waging war. And both smart and creative when it comes to developing new weapons. Which those hornets definitely were! Also, the old adage of "Amateurs talk strategy - Professionals talk logistics" is given its due respect. And Napoleon agreed: "An army marches on its stomach", he once said. Excellent chapter!
Author's reply
When your side is losing out on technology, weapons, and numbers, it must go into guerilla mode if it is to survive, and that is what is being done by Aranarth's people. And such forces use whatever it can to whittle away at enemies and the morale of their opponents. And the hornets were just sitting there and were begging to be included! What can i say. And indeed armies march on their stomachs--without supplies they will fail. Glad you appreciated it!
Dreamflower · 5 December 2008 · Chapter 25: The Battle of the Queen's Tower
Oh Larner! You are getting so skilled at writing these battle scenes! This is very clear, and not hard to follow the action! Poor hobbits!
Author's reply
I am so glad you feel so, Dreamflower. And I so agree--the Hobbits are being lost, one by one, I fear. Bucca must be going out of his mind with grief.
shirebound · 5 December 2008 · Chapter 25: The Battle of the Queen's Tower
*sob* Such courage and devotion. What a frightening, intense time for our northern defenders.
Author's reply
Oh, yes, it must have been very terrifying to them all. And I'm certain that the Hobbits who went to fight for Arvedui proved very devoted. Thanks so, Shirebound.
Kara's Aunty · 27 November 2008 · Chapter 10: The Free Peoples Meet in Council
Hello Larner, Well, I've finally got some time to sink my teeth into this marvellous story - and what a treat it is. This is a fascinating journey through the Ages of Wizards, chock-a-block with histories, details, facts and the speculations of the Wise of Middle Earth and beyond. I loved your detailing of the creation of the remaining four Wizards, especially Radagast (whom I have a soft spot for - you've got to love an underdog) and the fabulousness that is Gandalf. I was very excited at your description of a particularly fertile area of lands he passed when journeying north, because I knew that was the Shire-in-waiting. Saruman is, of course, ever the smug, self-satisfied, narcissitic twat. I'm a bit surprised that the Elves, Wizards and other rulers of lands will treat with him, given their obvious unease over his true motivations. But, I suppose, he is the White Wizard (for now), sent by the Valar to aid the fight against Sauron, so they will want to give him the benefit of the doubt - at least until he reveals his true colours. You've characterised him very well, because I can barely read of him without cursing him to the Crack of Doom and back again! Stellar work!! Maureen ;)
Author's reply
So glad you are enjoying this, Maureen. It's taking way to long to update this, but it's a labor of loe, believe me. I, too, have a soft spotfor Radagast; and I hint at the loss of at least one of the Blue Wizards further in the story. And Saruman is the wizard we LOVE to hate, after all! Sorry to be so late responding--this last week has been a killer!