Bodkin
· 8 February 2007
· Chapter 16: Fireworks and Protocol
So Saruman is already getting ideas about uses for black powder, is he?
And what an arrogant creature he is! Everybody should kowtow to him and accept his word and wisdom. It's surprising, really, that Gandalf doesn't see through his shiny exterior to the preening egotist inside.
Author's reply
Gandalf cannot help being what he was made--one to seek whatever good he can in those whom he is expected to work alongside; but I think he is all too aware of the flaws in his companion, and even now is wishing he hadn't reminded Saruman of blasting powders (although he will regret that far more in the distant future).
Saruman hasn't gone bad yet--just isn't particularly much better than he ever was, I fear.
Linda Hoyland
· 7 February 2007
· Chapter 16: Fireworks and Protocol
I enjoyed your account of the invention of fireworks.Sauraman,alas will have quite a different use for gunpowder,
Author's reply
Alas indeed, the uses Saruman will find for gunpowder; but he refuses to accept the limitations Gandalf puts on himself.
Kitty
· 5 February 2007
· Chapter 16: Fireworks and Protocol
Saruman is rather difficult to convince that Sauron is behind this all, considering all the evidence and the fact it is Gandalf telling him this, not a stranger. One could wonder if he unconsciously is already on the wrong path, for it is probably too early for him to have turned bad already. Though he certainly showed that he thinks himself superior to others, and particularly to hobbits. To call them witless ... I’d have some very fitting names for Saruman himself! Well, in the end his arrogance was his downfall.
Hm, it seems it was Gandalf himself who taught Saruman inadvertently enough to make the blasting powder which Saruman’s orcs used in the attack at Helm’s Deep. And I got the impression Saruman is hoping to marry Arwen. The idea itself is enough to make me sick in the stomach.
In this story you manage very well to show how the might of Mordor was built up steadily. Very disturbing to read.
Author's reply
I doubt Saruman ever truly thought much beyond himself, throughout his time in Middle Earth. Not bad yet, but headed that way. As for Hobbits--he'd have been one to respect indications of physical authority more than moral authority, I fear, and so would be unlikely to appreciate the strengths of such beings as Hobbits and Ents. Hobbits aren't warriors or individuals to seek rule; of course he'd think them witless!
Gandalf will undoubtedly regret waking the memories of black powder and explosives in Saruman, but it was inevitable. I'm not certain whom Saruman would see Arwen married to, but it's indeed possible he might think of her for himself. However, never will Arwen's family seek to force her attention to anyone else.
Sauron is gaining strength slowly but steadily, of course; and so unwittingly they let him return to power.
Kitty
· 5 February 2007
· Chapter 15: Call to Council
Do you know what is odd? You mentioned incursions from Harad, and I was at first irritated, because An’Sohrabi would never do that. Had to firmly remind me that this story takes place centuries earlier. I have decicedly difficulties to see Harad as an enemy. Can it be that I have re-read ‚Lesser Ring’ too often? *shakes head*
Am glad these ships bearing the plague to Eriador didn’t reach their destiny – it would have had nasty consequences. I think it is important that mainly the Elves are searching for them and destroying them, as they can’t get ill with this, while the Dúnedain are not immune to the illnesses.
Loved the end! Oh yes, Modoc was only too right – one could wonder if he has some foresight.
Author's reply
You reread "Lesser Ring" so often? I'm so flattered! But, yes, in the days this describes Harad is still a serious problem to Gondor. And indeed it's best Cirdan's folk see to the plague ships.
And Modoc is only too right. He does have some Fallohide blood, after all, and so is likely to have some degree of foresight.
Thanks for the review.
harrowcat
· 4 February 2007
· Chapter 16: Fireworks and Protocol
Time pressures have again kept me from reviewing this for two whole days! *sighs in frustration!* Above all love how the hobbits are slipping out of the collective memory and into myth.
I was just coming round this morning and a similarity suddenly struck me. I have a work colleague and a friend, who was once much, much closer than she is now, who reminds me so much of your Saruman. While I would hesitate to cast myself as Gandalf *G* there are many similarities in the way she interacts with me. So I can understand why people felt compelled to send out messengers to him about the conference but were, probably, secretly pleased when he didn't show up. And the gunpowder? Of course he is going to take total credit for it later! I can sympathise with Gandalf's feelings too. He is going to be kicking himself at Helm's Deep, or maybe even earlier when he sees how Saruman has corrupted his invention. I could go on... People like Saruman can so easily worm much more out of you than you want or realise! Now I feel a bit disloyal to my friend! Which is illogical but human!
We actually got Mum out of bed and out for a short while in the car to visit a friend on Friday. We managed very well but Mum found it all a bit overwhelming I think and Dad is very frustrated that she didn't seem to enjoy it more! Needless to say that Jet did! I am off up to York for a meeting in March. I might even see if I can't scrounge a couple of days!
Author's reply
Time pressures have kept me from reading a number of stories in the last two days, so understand how you feel. In time Gandalf will be pleased at how Hobbits no longer are a people most consider other than himself and the northern Dunedain, but he has already come to appreciate their unique skills and sensitivities.
Hmm--hope I don't ruin your relationship with your friend! But I've had one supervisor I was wary of, and admit I rather worked his character into Saruman's.
I can appreciate how your mother must have felt overwhelmed, but she'll do well in the end, it appears. Sending good prayers to her and your dad, and the cats all wave their tails and go on cleaning their paws.
Raksha The Demon
· 3 February 2007
· Chapter 16: Fireworks and Protocol
Saruman and potentially explosive powders - decidedly un-mixy. I love Gandalf's developing fireworks to entertain the hobbit kids.
I wonder why Saruman wants Arwen married off, though.
I hope you can cover a bit of Gandalf's relationship to some of the Stewards might be, such as Mardil, or Cirion, and especially Ecthelion. Not to mention his celebrated friendship with the Old Took.
Author's reply
Yes, Saruman and black powder is indeed something we don't wish to see together, although we work from 20-20 hindsight, of course. But once reminded of the potential for such things, Saruman is going to remember it, just when it's least desired.
I think Saruman tends to think in terms of advantages. Elrond is Peredhel rather than full Elf and might find a situation a half-Elf might not survive a full elf ordinarily would, and then, if the twins, as warriors, are at risk, who would take over the running of Imladris? And if an Elven lord of some kind could be brought to look on Saruman as the one who successfully brokered his marriage to the most beautiful Elf princess in all of Middle Earth, what could he milk from the situation.
And when the Stewards come, believe me, the changing situation will be shown.
Thanks so for reviewing.
elanor winterflowers
· 3 February 2007
· Chapter 1: Debate in Valinor
I have just started to read this, having only recently arrived at SoA, but I am really intrigued by this story and by the wonderful characters you have brought into being here. This has a great sound--very compelling--and obviously a wealth of research behind it. It is quite breathtaking to find oneself in the presence of the Valar, and to see the Istari BECOME. I'm looking forward to coming back for more!
Author's reply
Welcome to the board. This is the first story I've written that goes significantly before the days of our heroes, although by the time I'm done it will include them as well, of course. To explore the Valar has been interesting, and I've always wondered why the Balrog they faced in Moria didn't look at resuming its former nature as a Maia. What if, having taken a particular shape, a Maia can begin losing himself in that shape? And, if that is true, could that be a clue as to why Saruman fell? And so this story was begun--and all because in Unfinished Tales I'd been reading of Saruman finding the Elendilmir and the locket in which Isildur kept the Ring....
Hope you find many new friends here on SoA, and read a number of compelling tales.
French Pony
· 3 February 2007
· Chapter 16: Fireworks and Protocol
Gandalf is very kind to give Saruman such a thorough recap of the latest news of the woes afflicting Middle-earth. Saruman seems to have been rather out of it for a while, but he's taking an interest again. Unfortunately for large numbers of future Rohirrim, he seems fascinated by Gandalf's black powder. I wonder where Gandalf learned how to make that.
Author's reply
I suspect Gandalf found the information to make fireworks stored in his staff, and is now looking to use it to entertain whoever seems to appreciate them. Saruman has been in Rhun for about a year, and so has managed not to realize what was going on while he was out of circulation, except, of course, what was happening about the borders of Rhun. But as one who is supposed to be inferior to Saruman, Gandalf undoubtedly feels honor-bound to bring Saruman up to speed, although one day he's likely to be sorry he introduced (or perhaps reintroduced) Saruman to black powder.
shirebound
· 2 February 2007
· Chapter 16: Fireworks and Protocol
Nicely done, as always. It's easy to see once of the main differences between these two -- Gandalf's belief, not echoed by Saruman, that just because something can be done, or taught, or learned, doesn't mean it necessarily should be.
Do you know yet how far do you plan to go with this story?
Author's reply
The question of what should be done with scientific knowledge has been an ethical one that has disturbed the counsels of scientists and physicists for the last few centuries. Certainly it was one that concerned chemists and theoretical physicists before and during World War II, some insufficiently to keep them from applying their knowledge to human victims. I think that this question of how could one best keep knowledge from being misused is one that would definitely concern Gandalf, but doubt Saruman gave it much thought at all.
As for how far this story will go--I intend to take at least Gandalf back to Aman.
Dreamflower
· 2 February 2007
· Chapter 16: Fireworks and Protocol
Oh dear! Gandalf looks askance at some of the things that Saruman says, yet still he trusts him. And once more we see Saruman's over-weening pride and hubris rear its ugly head.
And now we know how he came by his knowledge of explosives.
Author's reply
Gandalf's nature is to trust until the other proves he can no longer be trusted, I've always felt. But certainly Saruman's hubris is sufficient to draw unwanted attention to himself, and that will grow more true as time passes.
It's likely that under Aule many Maiar and Eldar learned about explosives; but how much Saruman could remain familiar with once he took a terrestrial shape is problematic.
Linda Hoyland
· 16 January 2007
· Chapter 15: Call to Council
Itis good to see that mortals are not abandoned in their plight.
Author's reply
That was why the Istari were sent, after all; and now all are beginning to work together, or at least in Arnor they are.
Bodkin
· 14 January 2007
· Chapter 15: Call to Council
Nice view of the developing hobbit society in the Shire.
But the thought that lingers is of those plague ships. Horrible.
Author's reply
The thought that once they had a land devoted to themselves Hobbits might finally begin allowing their homes to be plainly recognized, even decorated, has been percolating in my head for some time. And now the ancestors of the Tooks and the Brandybucks are already beginning to establish family ties, ties that will remain for the rest of the life of the Shire.
As for the plague ships--I truly believe that Sauron never worried overmuch as to whether or not his own folk would survive his intention his enemies suffer badly. Yes, Sauron's actions were always horrible toward others, and even his own.
harrowcat
· 13 January 2007
· Chapter 15: Call to Council
Sorry it has taken me a time to review but I was rereading the Acceptable Sacrifice, (again!) I ended up with tears streaming down my face!
Great chapter in this story. I am in awe of the detailed history that you are creating. Loved the way you are setting up the development of names. I find old maps fascinating so I am with Bilbo, Frodo and Merry there! Looking at a series of old maps in our local museum showed that the village I lived in changed it's name at least three times over time.
Sorry to hear about the laptop and concentration woes!
Author's reply
I'm humbled you'd read it again, one story that took hold of me and made it plain it intended it be told.
In spite of being detailed, yet this story still manages to leap gaps of years between and sometimes within chapters.
I, too, noted that many places in England have changed names frequently over the years, although we have, for the most part, little idea of what those who lived there before the Roman occupation called their settlements. York is absolutely my favorite place in the world at this time--Ebaracum, Jorvik, York--three of probably many names only it has held. Loved going into the undercroft of the Minster when they were first doing work on redoing the foundations back in 1983--at that time they had an open trench with a wooden bridge across it with an archaeological dig going on under us--a few feet out, and one was over the foundation of the church that predated the current Minster; a few feet more, and foundations of storage rooms for businesses or homes that predated the church; a bit more and storage rooms from the Viking settlement of Jorvik; a bit more, and the command post for the Roman fortress of Ebaracum; and beyond that, postholes for a Bronze Age bothie. Having read Sutcliff's "Warrior Scarlet" so many times, that bothie site meant a good deal to me. Last time I was over, just after my husband died, I visited the undercroft for the first time since our first trip together, and they don't mention the pre-church settlement or the bothie. But for me, back in 1983, knowing I went back in time each five feet I walked on that wooden bridge meant so much to me.
And believe me, I grieve not having the laptop.
Love to the folks and Jet.
Raksha The Demon
· 13 January 2007
· Chapter 15: Call to Council
Gandalf's friendship with the hobbits will indeed bear powerful fruit; and the Halflings, now overlooked, forth will stand. Excellent foreshadowing.
Author's reply
So glad you appreciate it, Raksha; but I do believe that those with any gift of foresight would begin to appreciate that one day these small folk will be more important than even they realize. Thank you!
French Pony
· 12 January 2007
· Chapter 15: Call to Council
They're so clever, so determined, laying out and examining clue after clue, but they never quite make that connection. But I love seeing all of these characters working together, building their lives, and being so thoughtful and observant of the world.
Author's reply
I think even the earliest Hobbits in the Shire would show forth some of the personality traits that one day will lead Pippin, Merry, Sam, and Frodo to greatness. Thanks so much for the review, French Pony.
Dreamflower
· 12 January 2007
· Chapter 15: Call to Council
Oh what noble ancestors you have given our lads!
I really like this look at the beginnings of the Shire, and at the fathers of the Brandybucks and the Tooks (and Bagginses).
Author's reply
So very glad you appreciate this look, Dreamflower. But I doubt the Hobbits would truly change much in nature over the years, and I strongly suspect all four of our lads had far stronger Fallohide strains than any of them suspected.
Thanks!
shirebound
· 12 January 2007
· Chapter 15: Call to Council
This continues to be so fascinating, as you build a sturdy and convincing history. I love little details like "the Mirky Woods", and Modoc's foresight at the end.
Author's reply
Thank you for the swift response. Modoc has already begun building ties to the Tooks, ties that will continue through the next century and a half. And I do believe that changes would occur during the intervening years in how places are named.
Thanks again for the review.
Kitty
· 21 November 2006
· Chapter 14: Journey North
Fascinating to see them discovering how to counter the different illnesses spread by Mordor. And *very* satisfying to know the enemy was more heavily affected by them than the Hobbits, Dúnedain and the others. Not to mention the second wave of insects that was blown to the East :)
And I see the name ending ‚doc’ existed even before Buckland was officially inhabited. No doubt Modoc is an ancestor of Saradoc and his family. Still enjoying these little hints at things to come so many years later.
Author's reply
Yes, the Shire is now established and being seeded by the Creator with those families who will mean the most in the end. And to find ways to counter the Enemy's devices and diseases must have been satisfying, particularly when a West Wind blew a good deal of the ill will back on Sauron's own.
Thank you so much for reviewing.
Bodkin
· 20 November 2006
· Chapter 14: Journey North
The seeds of the Brandybucks! It's good to see the hobbits reaching reasonable safety. Middle-earth is a dangerous place and I'm glad to see that someone has spotted that Gandalf Storm-Crow is constantly mopping up behind the wizard who seems to keep his robes white and shiny.
Although the sight of any wizard is probably an indication of worse to come!
Author's reply
Yes, the Shire is being seeded now, and has the beginnings of the various families we know and love, now including the Brandybucks, wonderful mixture between Stoors and Fallohides that they are of course.
And so glad you appreciate how things are falling out between the two wizards. One tends to attract distress, while the other is attracted to it, hoping to be able to ease it.
Raksha The Demon
· 17 November 2006
· Chapter 14: Journey North
Gandalf is certainly a handy fellow to have on your side, isn't he.
Is the herb that he brought from oversea athelas? I thought that athelas came from Numenor.
Is Modoc the ancestor of the Brandybucks?
Will we see more of Radagast?
Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
Yes, I think I'd like to have Gandalf on my side if I were in trouble, too.
The herb he brought wasn't athelas, which indeed came from Numenor. Since the breaking of the world, it is now round; and on a far shore Dunedain traders and explorers learned of quinine.
Yes, I think Modoc is indeed ancestor to the Brandybucks, and I know we will see Radagast and suspect we'll even see the blue wizards at least once more.
Am sorry it's taking longer to get things done--between MEFAs and illness on the part of a client I'm a bit distracted.
Thanks so much for the feedback.
Linda Hoyland
· 17 November 2006
· Chapter 14: Journey North
What terrible suffering,the people had to endure.It could not have been easy for Gandalf to witness either.
Author's reply
To realize he had the ability to aid in some small way must have been reassuring to him, and to see another group of Hobbits enter Eriador and what will be the Shire....
Baggins Babe
· 16 November 2006
· Chapter 14: Journey North
This is an incredibly interesting story, Larner, although I especially love the chapters with the hobbits. Saruman is so arrogant I just want to smack him!
Loved the line from Elrond, that it was somehow right and comforting that the hobbits should settle the Shire. The pieces are falling into place in ways which Saruman can never imagine.
Plague and rabies.........just the sort of diseases the enemy would use!
Author's reply
Yes, Sauron would like the diseases that are vicious and deadly in their nature. But in his own vanity he can't appreciate others are undesirous of power and are as intelligent as he is, and capable of meeting the challenge of the illnesses he sends.
And the one prophecy, that he would be brought down by one who dwelt for a time between the Old Forest and the Baranduin, comes a step closer to being met, by a people he has no knowledge of--or at least no regard for.
harrowcat
· 16 November 2006
· Chapter 14: Journey North
Problems with the lap-top internet! *Grrrrrr*
And so the Brandybucks join the Tooks - wonderful.
Author's reply
At LONG last I can finally get online with the server and get my email! In the months since the server went out in May over nine thousand emails had built up! It's been a trip, let me tell you! I HATE hackers!
And yes, those who will be known as the Oldbucks and then the Brandybucks have at last entered the Shire. Glad you approve.
Agape4Gondor
· 15 November 2006
· Chapter 2: Marching Orders
Excellent - I was beginning to think that Curumo had drawn the proverbial wool over Manwe's eyes... but no!
I really, really like how you are writing this! And I love the Mariner....
Author's reply
No, I doubt Manwe's fooled, any more than Iluvatar was by Morgoth. But he is willing to see what Eru brings out of the situation, and has sent his own special servant to Middle Earth to do what he can--which we already know is a great deal indeed.
Dreamflower
· 15 November 2006
· Chapter 14: Journey North
A great description of the plagues that Sauron sent out to decimate his foes--I like the way you have used RL historical epidemics as a model--bubonic plague, rabies, malaria--very well described! You must have done a lot of research for this!
And now we see the ancestors of the Brandybucks arrive in the Shire...
Author's reply
So glad you approve, Dreamflower. Sauron has become aware of biological warfare, and is pulling out no stops at the moment, learning how he can send diseases into his enemies' lands. Maybe one of them will reach the royal line of Arnor, and he's already been able to wipe out the more direct lineage of Gondor. He'll bide his time until he can find more ways to perhaps relieve him of the lineage of Elendil.
And, yes, the Brandybucks now have ancestors in the Shire. Glad all appreciate that.