harrowcat
· 30 October 2006
· Chapter 11: Quarters in Bree
Well I am glad to see that he has taken to the ranging life. And this is a great summation of the laws of the lands. Hailing from Warwick - a great mediaeval market town - I learned a lot about guilds while in Primary School.
Put like this heightens what the four managed to help the Shire to do when they returned. And it just goes to prove how right Gandalf was to ever be interested in them and teach others about them. I makes me wonder how people like Theoden had heard of hobbits. Was it Gandalf's doing that they got into history books at all and that folk-lore grew and spread about them!
The law-abiding Shire and its ways must truly sound idyllic to one who works to clarify and arbitrate. This is a lovely summary of the work and duties of Thain, Master and Mayor. My repect for Tolkien's vision, and you, grows with every word.
It sounds like Holby, as small as he is, is a good guard dog and knows his own worth! Perhaps he can teach Jet a thing or two. Jet is a good guard dog but very boistrous, easily bored and very lively! He stole my mobile phone the other night and chewed it into a million pieces! He doesn't eat the bits, just chews then up!
Do I feel yet another possible romance a-brewing? I thinks I does! *g* And yet another great exchange of information. It sounds like a good set-up. And I am quite envious - I am not allowed pets in my little bed-sit.
Mum is back to square one with her pressure sore breaking down again and another small spot near it too! So we are back to the nurses visiting three times a week and bed-rest as often as we can persaude her into it! And all because of one her 'carers' not replacing the dressing when it came off in the shower!
Author's reply
I love visiting Warwick castle, and Tony was fascinated by it. He was claustrophobic, and he found the dungeon creepy in the extreme, particularly the oubliette, of course. And I loved visiting Richard's tower and learning more of his life there. (I did tell you my roses are white, didn't I?) Went to Bosworth to drop a flower in Richard's memory and to give Henry a well-earned Bronx cheer. The Tudors were so awfully bloody-minded folk, and Henry was so self-centered a bastard in every sense of the word I hate to think of him inflicting himself on England as long as he did.
I thought the guild system a fascinating manner to improve and control distribution of goods and services; and have stood in the Merchant Adventurer's Guild Hall in York imagining how every ruler in British history must have come there, hat in hand, to beg money to support an army for this war or to outfit ships for exploration--and they could afford to invest in all from dealing wool and woolens!
I've been around small dogs all my life, and what they will notice of passing traffic was often fascinating. They can tell when a car is slowing to turn down the driveway before we notice the lights bouncing along the way. Small dogs can be destructive, too, but usually limit themselves to things like phone cords and the like when bigger dogs are crunching up DVDs (one went through my Jeeves and Wooster collection and chewed up my original copies of the EEs for FOTR and TTT--I was so furious!) and things one can't imagine why they'd chew on them to begin with. But your Jet IS still a young dog--hopefully he'll outgrow it. Mine all think they are as big as my daughter's rottweiler or the dalmation, and what's funny is that the bigger dogs are convinced they are!
Perhaps a romance (I suspect I'm getting a bit to predictable)--but it would be a satisfying one.
Sorry to hear about the new outbreak of the pressure sore. Your mom must be getting used to these by now, but it's still so discouraging!
Bodkin
· 30 October 2006
· Chapter 11: Quarters in Bree
Well - Denra Gorse! She seems just the sort of candidate one would look for to become the Bride of Alvric!!
He seems very wise in not wanting to take up permanent residence in the Prancing Pony. It's hardly a home. And Alvric is learning a lot - about life outside the courtroom as well as about the history and customs of Arnor (and the Shire).
Author's reply
I do appear to be becoming a bit predictable, don't I? Although one never knows.
I think of trying to stay long-term in a hotel and it makes me shiver. But it is giving Alvric a chance indeed to broaden his horizons and to think about Life as well as law.
Armariel
· 29 October 2006
· Chapter 11: Quarters in Bree
Oh good gracious...do I smell romance a bloomin'? Or am I imagining too much too soon? heheh
Author's reply
You never know--although bringing a couple decent people together and seeing them come to depend on one another has caused romances to bloom before, of course--and especially in my stories! Heh!
French Pony
· 27 October 2006
· Chapter 10: Lawyer of the Realm
Overall, a very satisfying chapter, though a couple of details seemed a bit off.
I love the image of a Nerd of Gondor. All you ever hear about are the tall, dark, handsome, manly, testosterone-poisoned warrior types. . . but there had to have been some nerds running around as well. Alvric is a lovely character, so full of personality. I love his kitties and his monocle and his eagerness to be off and have an adventure of his own, one that calls for his brains instead of his brawn. And I bet he was secretly thrilled to find out that he could do something that the legendary King couldn't do.
However, I was under the impression that said legendary King did not give his edict banning Men from the Shire until about eight or nine years after the War, after Frodo was long gone. And the name Jongleur is very French, and seems weird for a Rohirric horse, especially since they speak Old English.
But in the main, I loved reading this chapter. You have such a nice touch with your original characters, but the canon characters have marvelous voices as well.
Author's reply
Unfortunately I don't know the Old English term for a traveling entertainer other than a bard, so I settled for Jongleur as the best equivalent. I hope it doesn't bother you too much.
The official ban on Men in the Shire was written seven years after the war was over IIRC, but I found that both Dreamflower and I have postulated he gave a preliminary ban first once he learned what had happened during the Time of Troubles, and it was made finally official and permanent some years later.
And I felt that the nerds of Gondor do need representation as well. I mean, I've had Gondorians who are human dwarves, ones who were blind and maimed and crippled--why NOT one who's a nerd? After all, that's what I have been most of my life.
And that you feel I do well with the voices of my canon characters is very flattering. I do try to keep them true to their characters, after all. Thank you so much!
French Pony
· 27 October 2006
· Chapter 9: Words of Warning
Grad school must be getting to me. I know I read this chapter when you first posted it, and for the life of me I can't remember why I didn't review it. Anyway, here I am. Frodo is just as calm, sober, and logical as one would expect of him. On to the next chapter!
Author's reply
Having been in grad school myself, I know what you mean
Yes, poor Frodo is all to sober, I fear; but at the moment the Shire needs that sobriety and the clearness of his logic.
Glad you could take time to write.
Armariel
· 25 October 2006
· Chapter 10: Lawyer of the Realm
Gracious, animals are such a distraction...at least for me! But in a good way...I just love that kitty on Aragorn's lap--lucky cat! And the others peeking aroudn to see what's going on...I thought I heard one of them looking at Faramir and thinking, "He's mine!";);) =^,,^= And then the horses. Sometimes I don't know which I like better, cats or horses...and Eomer hugging them *melt* Alvric seems quite nice...and come to think of it I like his doggie too..........:D
Author's reply
Yes, animals always are a nice distraction, I find! And to be allowed to sit on the king's lap--oops, first, I'm not a cat, and second, I think Arwen could complain......
You can have Faramir, much as I love him, too; I'll always envy the cat who claims Aragorn.
Alvric does seem a nice sort, doesn't he? And the idea of Eomer separated from his horses just doesn't seem quite right, does it? Heh!
Kitty
· 25 October 2006
· Chapter 10: Lawyer of the Realm
With Alvric you have introduced another character I could come to like. I am glad he has volunteered to go north, in spite of being quite the homebody, out of the desire to help the hobbits and the King. Maybe he has even a hidden adventurous streak, who knows? Somehow it reminds me a bit of Bilbo, back when he went with the dwarves.
Anyway, it was fascinating that Aragorn could tell from a look around the room that Alvric preferred his comfort so much and told him so honest what he had to expect.
Do I need to tell you how much I have enjoyed their stay in Rohan, as I love horses so much? Wonderful image of the horses to acknowledge Éomer as King and now surrounding him in this way. King of the horselords, indeed!
Author's reply
Now in his latter eighties, Aragorn has, I'm certain, come to be a good judge of a person by his surroundings. And he'll be honest even as he accepts the person's service. Alvric, meanwhile, will be surprising himself a bit, I think.
As for Eomer and the horses--indeed, he is the LORD of the horselords! So glad this is appreciated by so many.
Linda Hoyland
· 25 October 2006
· Chapter 10: Lawyer of the Realm
A delightful chapter ! I loved seeing Aragorn and Faramir with the cats and Eomer and the horses was a very sprecial moment.
I hope to have my new chapter up soon now.I was waiting for the alerts to be back to normal.
Author's reply
So glad you enjoyed it so. I have always seen Aragorn as a cat person, as I think you know by now. As for Eomer and the horses--that goes without saying, doesn't it? The lord of the horse lords, after all, must have a deft hand with horses.
And looking forward to the next chapter.
Baggins Babe
· 24 October 2006
· Chapter 10: Lawyer of the Realm
Another great OC, Larner! I really like Alvric already - anyone who keeps cats and dogs is fine with me. How sweet that Aragorn is happy to have Marble on his lap - and that she is happy to be there. Nice man!
The description of Eomer surrounded by the horse herds was so vivid that I felt I was there. I had never thought that the horses might have to approve the new King but it would make sense.
Author's reply
I've always been a critter person, and now have four chickens, a mustached parakeet, four dogs and three cats of my own plus the three big dogs and two cats of my daughter's family plus two boarded cats--yes, lots of critters around here at the moment. And I just simply keep imagining Aragorn as one with an affinity for cats.
As for Eomer and the horses--so glad you find yourself feeling that having the approval of the horses makes sense for you, too!
Queen Galadriel
· 24 October 2006
· Chapter 10: Lawyer of the Realm
Wow, there's so much in this chapter!
I can see why treachery and perversion would grieve Frodo more than devastation. Ruin can be repared, but evil can't always be undone in hearts.
I like Alvric; he's a bit like a Hobbit himself. I don't know exactly why, but I see him and Bilbo getting along well. :) And as always, love his surprise at Aragorn's--the King Elessar's--natural ways: taking a stool instead of the place of honour, letting the cat make herself comfortable on his lap. Isn't it wonderful that animals have no regard for rank or anything we humans make such fuss about?
And the horses are wonderful! I love the bonding between Alvric and Jongleur.
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Treachery and perversion are so very hard to live with, and are so much more subtly destruction in the end than open enmity and attacks, I think. And you are certainly right about how evil can't always be undone.
Alvric will find perhaps it is easier for him to develop relationships with Hobbits than some of the Dunedain because he is from their own mindset--comfort and orderliness of thought first, along with a strong appreciation for traditions.
Aragorn has spent most of his adult life camping out, fighting enemies, directing defenses, and sitting much ignored in inns where he's seen as sinister. I can't see him encouraging others to defer to him in their own homes if he can help it; and when you're well over six feet it can be uncomfortable to sit in a chair intended for someone much shorter, just as I find it uncomfortable trying to sit on furniture intended for those much taller than I am (I'm not quite five feet, after all). That Aragorn would prefer a taller stool just seemed logical; I've always seen him as a lover of cats, as you know; and the cat doesn't care for rank when choosing the proper one for the scratching and comfort it demands.
And am so glad you like the horses in Rohan. Rohan IS horses, after all. Am not certain why I like writing of them so, as I am not personally given to horses or riding myself; but Eomer and his horses are so much a part of Middle Earth.
Radbooks
· 24 October 2006
· Chapter 10: Lawyer of the Realm
Ah, a lawyer heading for the north. At least he appears to be an honorable one. :) I loved his 3 cats and Aragorn holding the one. I think you know that I have three cats and have been pondering the idea of getting a dog. I'm not sure that Abby would really like that idea, but Strider and Tucker could handle it! Anyway, I like this Alvric and his willingness to leave his home and comfort behind to go north to teach and to ensure that things are done correctly. I also enjoyed the scene with Eomer and the horses.
Author's reply
Yes, an honorable one, or I think that Faramir wouldn't have recommended him or Aragorn agreed to send him.
I, too, love cats. Have Bookie, Lydia, and Zubran, now that Merry and Pippin have apparently been lost to the surrounding coyotes. Also have the daughter's two and two boarders for a time, at least. And my dogs would go with me everywhere if they could.
Am so glad you like Alvric; and what would Middle Earth be without Rohan and its horses and Eomer surrounded by the Mearas?
harrowcat
· 24 October 2006
· Chapter 10: Lawyer of the Realm
This just keeps getting better Larner. It is great to see something of the letters that Frodo writes to the King and, as I have succumbed to a nasty cold, reminds me to stock up on those orange fruits myself!
Your newest OC has found his place in our hearts already. Each one has his gift to offer and Alvric is prepared to go far for Frodo despite not liking to ride. I like the way the cat responds to the King.
The vision and Aragorn admitting that he was selfish in denying Frodo the first boon he asked really changes the mood. No wonder he is detirmined to give Frodo anything else he asks for. And it will benefit the whole realm as well.
Times run out Larner. Got to run, (hanky in hand for the sniffles,) will try to come back to this later......
Author's reply
Frodo is also a ruler now of sorts, if only for a short time; he at least has someone to commisserate with him as well as one he feels duty-bound to report to anyway.
So glad folks like Alvric--he's going to have an almost unrecognized impact on the relationships the Shirefolk develop with the outside world from now on. And I'm certain cats would recognize Aragorn as a cat person and respond accordingly.
Aragorn I suspect felt torn about coaxing Frodo to live after the rescue from Mordor, although I suspect all in the end are glad Frodo agreed to return, including Frodo himself. But his love and respect for Frodo and the Shirefolk in general would lead Aragorn to give as much to the Shire as he could, and particularly for Frodo's sake.
Hope the sniffles leave you soon. My sinuses are killing me, too.
SurgicalSteel
· 23 October 2006
· Chapter 10: Lawyer of the Realm
The King's Lawyer! Love it!
I'm looking forward to seeing him set up a law school for hobbits and men alike.
Author's reply
The laws of the north kingdom will be reviewed, and we will have training offered to all who desire it.
lwarren
· 23 October 2006
· Chapter 10: Lawyer of the Realm
You have some of the neatest OC's, Larner! I think Alvric is going to be a very interesting character - I already love his menagerie and his reaction to the King's appearance in his very comfortable lodgings. I especially love that he would give up that comfort in honor of the Ringbearer! The last part with Eomer and the horses was marvelous! I loved the Mearas' reaction to the King and the gelding accepting Alvric as his rider says a great deal about the character of the little lawyer! I don't get to review much lately (I stayed late at school for a meeting and am using my time wisely, as you can see!), but I am reading and loving all your stories! Wonderful!
Linda
Author's reply
It's so good to see you responding, Linda. I'm not teaching again this year--dealing with DD adults now. One is a former resident of an institution I taught at when I had my first contract, and it's interesting to see how little he's changed in some ways while so much he's changed in others over the intervening thirty-plus years.
As one who has a single tortoiseshell cat and who loves Siamese cats and small dogs, Alvric is someone I find myself identifying with.
And I can't imagine that Eomer would walk out amongst the horse herds of Rohan without them crowding around him. So very glad you appreciated it.
Thanks so for letting me know you're still following my tales.
Bodkin
· 23 October 2006
· Chapter 10: Lawyer of the Realm
Alvric seems a good character - he will be an asset to Frodo's move to regularise the legal systems of the northern kingdom. He and his dog will have an interesting time in the north - and I hope the cats are cared for well in his absence!
Author's reply
So glad you like him, Bodkin! He and Holby ought to have an interesting time indeed, although I'm not certain who's caring for the cats. Perhaps his sister? We'll see what he tells folks as he goes along, I suppose.
White Gull
· 23 October 2006
· Chapter 3: The Deputy Mayor
One of the things I love about fanfic is seeing the many "takes" on beloved characters. Well, character... Frodo. He's wonderful almost any way he's written, but I most love the views are closest to canon. Yours is very good. Thanks.
Author's reply
Thank you, White Gull. Most of my stories have Frodo either as one of the main characters or as one the other characters are still aware of, think about, and describe to others. His impact on the traditions of Gondor and Arnor had to have been pretty strong.
Linda Hoyland
· 20 October 2006
· Chapter 9: Words of Warning
I like the idea of the Shire maybe influecing Aragorn's law making.
Author's reply
I like the idea as well. I'm sure that Arnor has quite a history of law, but that most of the past thousand years has been so involved in working at survival that it hasn't gotten a great deal of activity. That most of Shire law is contract law and not criminal law must seem odd to any Men who pay attention, and I would think would be the envy of Aragorn and probably many of his ancestors as well.
Linda Hoyland
· 20 October 2006
· Chapter 8: Legal Considerations
You always capture the minutae of Hobbit life well.
Author's reply
Thank you, Linda! Got caught up last night with the sequel to Web of Treason and hope to see the last couple chapters soon.
Radbooks
· 19 October 2006
· Chapter 9: Words of Warning
I wish OUR lawyers could sit down and talk together like this! :)
Author's reply
You and me both, Radbooks.
Have to get back on FFN and finish the second Thomas&Rebecca story. It is SO wonderful!
And check out Moments in Time if you have a chance--have written a few you haven't seen yet.
Radbooks
· 19 October 2006
· Chapter 8: Legal Considerations
Bob and family have so much work to do getting that farm up and running... I don't envy them. :) I loved that Frodo caught the error even without being told... that's just like him, of course. I'm glad that Persivo is going to get a good education from good and decent hobbits. And then having his dad teaching him the stuff he needs to know about doing contracts outside the Shire will be very good, too.
Author's reply
Yes, Frodo spots things like that, particularly as this came so soon after the last revision, and when he already has his eye on Lothario.
And I suspect Persivo will like his first visit outside the Shire, which will come soon enough.
Glad you had time to read. Looking forward to the next chapter, of course.
Radbooks
· 19 October 2006
· Chapter 7: Small Revelations
At least I caught up with this story! :) I find myself liking Bartolo quite a bit. A bit of a rascal, perhaps, but a good hobbit all the same. I was glad to see Merry and Pippin, too!
Author's reply
Bartolo is purposely patterned after a friend who now resides in England--hope she doesn't mind. And so glad you like seeing Merry and Pippin here. They are a part of it all, too.
Antane
· 19 October 2006
· Chapter 9: Words of Warning
I'm glad he's not going to be a lawyer. He'd be marvelous being so conscientious but it doesn't feel right. Poor dear with that headache. I want to give him some aspirin or something, but maybe Sam will follow him and take care of things, huh?
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
If he were to indeed accept election as Mayor for a full seven-year term, Frodo would do well to fully appreciate Shire Law; but as he's already wondering if he'll accept at all, I think he'd not want to invest the study for information he'll not even use.
And I think that Sam will see to that headache, if Mina doesn't, of course. But in our next chapter we'll be going back a few months....
And God bless, Antane.
Antane
· 18 October 2006
· Chapter 8: Legal Considerations
"I doubt I’d have stamina for both the work here and at Berni’s side; and if I don’t--well, I doubt that Sam would allow it."
"Is Sam your keeper now?" Bard asked.
Frodo gave a saddened laugh. "My keeper? Perhaps. You must understand, Isumbard Took--Samwise Gamgee has been as my brother for years, and even more so since we left the Shire. He’s stood by me through trials you can’t begin to appreciate, and has helped me keep grounded when it felt as if my very soul must be torn asunder."
Love it! Sam would always look after his Frodo.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
The two have always sought to look out for one another; but when Sam feels he is the stronger of the pair he WILL do so for Frodo. And so it is now.
Thanks, Antane.
SurgicalSteel
· 18 October 2006
· Chapter 9: Words of Warning
This was another great chapter - interesting how the study of languages made Frodo so attuned to different nuances in legal documents, good to see Frodo representing the king.
I can easily see the ruffians having done everything you depict them as having done - goodness knows worse atrocities than those happen when a country's occupied, and the ruffians essentially were an enemy occupation force.
Author's reply
My major was special ed, but my minor was speech and communication--the very placement of a word as well as all the nuances of facial and body language and tone of voice all give what we say far more meaning than the words alone. And in the written word it can take so little for meaning to be utterly changed. I like to think that Frodo's background did have such an impact on what he was able to understand as deputy Mayor.
As for what the ruffians did--as you said, this was indeed an occupying army. I went a bit more into the examination of their atrocities in "The Acceptable Sacrifice," but in this one as I'm focusing so on the legal aspects I've tried to stay on track.
And the more I read of Serinde the more I like her.
harrowcat
· 18 October 2006
· Chapter 9: Words of Warning
Yes I can just imagine that a hobbit like Bernigard would want to evaluate what he has heard by seeing for himself. Frodo will find it hard to hide much from him I guess. Glad he is there.
That is quite a procession coming into the hall. Loved Sam and the flowers touch. Made me wonder what Sam was wearing for the occasion. Absolutely adored the impressive way that Frodo starts the meeting and presents his credentials as the King's Representative. He certainly knows how to sweeten the pill with the compliments about the governance of the Shire. It makes me wonder how the Thain and the Master are taking this.
I am impressed with the way that Frodo manages to lay out the current situation in the Shire so simply and gets the Lawyers to work together to begin to tackle the issue of wording. I have been part of many an In-service training using this technique and it can be very effective, if rather slow! Definitely need a smaller group but, as is often the way, if you ask for volunteers you get precisely the one person you wanted to leave out of it volunteering for the prestige of it. However, give Lothario enough rope and he might just hang himself!
I am glad, for his own sake, that Frodo gets to lay out clearly his own part in selling Bag End etc.
And in the end the questioning gets too close for comfort so Frodo withdraws yet again.
Great chapter Larner.
Author's reply
One doesn't get to be the senior lawyer in the Shire and the master of the guild without looking for evidence as to what's truly going on, and I think Bernigard would want to see.
Knowing it wouldn't be a fully comfortable meeting for Frodo, I think Sam would want to hearten his friend and Master as he could, and so would bring flowers to reassure him the beauty is still there and that the beauty of his mother still supports him. But as he's no lawyer he sits at the back and watches, and so I didn't think what he might have been wearing. Shall it be the surcoat he wore to the coronation also? That would be most fitting, of course.
I've been through those inservice meetings as well, and thought the brainstorming idea to get all aware of what the true problem is and how they could work together to see it put right just seemed right for this situation. Once the whole group is invested in seeing the process started it becomes easier to get the proper committee going. The one canny with words is on it, but Frodo makes certain one most aware of what Lothario is capable of and whose own basic honesty is beside him to keep him in line and focused on making certain Lothario is now helping put right what he helped damage before.
I suspect it was a combination of the meeting and the questioning that's set the headache in motion, but certainly he is beating a hasty retreat.
Thanks so much for the feedback.