Hi! I haven't logged onto SoA in the longest time, but every now and then I get the craving to revisit delightful stories such as yours, so I don't think I can ever truly stay away ^_^
I absolutely adore this story, initially because I can never get enough of seeing how the Hobbits of the Shire would view the Travelers in the aftermath of the War and the Troubles. Your depictions of the various cultures of Middle-earth are always so detailed and feel thoroughly researched. Your writing style is very engaging and flows easily, so that something as seemingly dry as the writing of contracts and other law-related business holds my attention through the text. And you have a talent for making believable OCs to whom the readers can create an immediate attachment.
I cannot wait to see how you will handle the development of Bartolo's character and any changes in his viewpoint of Frodo. I also look forward to getting to know Alvric as he becomes acquainted with the ways of Hobbits, as well as Persivo's role in the whole thing (for I feel that his character has a larger significance in the future).
Thank you very much for this enjoyable and engrossing tale. Do update it soon!
A faithful reader,
Etharei
Author's reply
So glad you appear to appreciate this one, Ethaei, and glad you checked back in. I also post at HA, TFF, and FFN as well as WotM, although I have a great deal of updating to do on that site.
I am so honored you find the exposition is nevertheless interesting in my stories, for I know it can be tiring at times. And am SO glad you like my OCs, for I've found several have become long-term friends. And Alvric is bringing to at least part of the Shire an appreciation of the outer world and the part the Travellers played in it. Persivo represents the coming generation, which is likely to be far more appreciative of what the Travellers (and particularly Frodo) accomplished "out there" than his father. As such, I think he will probably play an increasingly larger role in the life and business of the Shire as he matures and comes into his own as a mature Hobbit and lawyer to both the Shire and the outlands.
Thanks so much for letting me know you're enjoying this story.
harrowcat
· 18 January 2007
· Chapter 14: In Bree
Really pleased to see the new chapter Larner although it hasn't appeared on my author alert as yet.
Dashing home if the wind allows and then on to a meeting in Derby.
Loved the interplay between people here, especially Alvric & Dender Cotman & Alvric and the two Bracegirdles who are so different in nature but equal in curiosity. And the final line brought a grin! Typical Lawyer!
Thank you for your best wishes to my folks they do appreciate them although my Dad is a bit bemused by them. Jet sends back a very big and now deep 'woof'!
Life goes on, the pressure sore has healed fairly well but we await a pressure mapping test before Mum can be out of bed for more than an hour at a time. And we await an appointment for that which can take up to twelve weeks *sigh*!
Author's reply
Oh, I wish I could come over for a time and escape the States briefly. I so want to visit Bosworth Field again (although it would be best to come over after April to be able to visit the tourist center there--did I tell you my roses are white?) and York again. I LOVE York, after all. And maybe this time I could take the Cadfael walk in Shrewsbury. I love the Owen Archer books as well, for as often as I've visited York I feel I know just where each action takes place.
Yes, Alvric is getting to know the other players with whom he will interact over the next little while. And am so glad you appreciate his intention to pick away at Bartolo.
Glad things are going well with your mom, and hope the pressure mapping shows she can get up fairly regularly soon.
And my Yogi sends one of his tail wiggles to you and Jet.
Dreamflower
· 17 January 2007
· Chapter 14: In Bree
Oh I was so happy to see an update to this! I was wondering when we would see more of it.
This is a delightful chapter. I see we are set up for a conflict with the Cotman person--I have a distinct feeling the trouble there is not over!
Delphie is a very loyal but clear-eyed wife. As dearly as she loves Bartolo, she's not blind to his faults--I'm glad she has passed that trait down to Persivo.
And I very much enjoyed the meeting between Alvric and Bartolo. Alvric is very clever and articulate, and possesses the advocate's ability to argue on another's behalf without necessarily telling the whole story. Even without giving any precise details, he's managed to convey the enormity of Frodo and Sam's service to the world.
And I think he is very much looking forward to a battle of wits of a sort with Bartolo. *grin* That should be fun.
Author's reply
I'm trying to update as I can, but once more the connection at home is down, so I have to get a new communication cable this time. Hopefully I'll be able to update more regularly now, particularly as I got my belated-Christmas and VERY early birthday gift yesterday from my daughter and son-in-law--a new HP laptop. I am SO relieved--and it has a DVD writer, so am going to try out the EEs on it tonight to see if it can handle them--the Toshiba would overheat with the EEs or the Harry Potter disks--couldn't handle multi-layered DVDs well, I found.
Cotman hasn't given up yet, of course; and Delphie and Persivo are most tolerant of Bartolo's Bracegirdle tendencies. And am so glad you appreciate Alvric's intention to play a bit with Bartolo's dislike of Frodo.
I personally find I like Alvric a good deal myself.
Queen Galadriel
· 31 December 2006
· Chapter 11: Quarters in Bree
Oh, I really do like Alvric; we have a lot in common! :) I see he's now being referred to as the nerd of Gondor, and that's oddly enough a nice change of pace. Of course I like the brave warriors as much as anyone, but I'm an extreme oddball almost everywhere I go (and proud of it!...usually, when it's not getting me into trouble or making it seem impossible to fit in), so I can identify. :)
And I enjoyed the history lesson at the beginning of the chapter. I think almost everything I know about the history of Gondor and also of the Northern lands I've learned from reading your stories! I keep meaning to read all the info in Tolkien's other books, but so far I've been able to find a grand total of one (that wasn't impossible to read due to formatting errors), and even that I haven't devoted enough time to.
Holby is sooo cute! :) He is just like one of my own little dogs, at least in personality (though, luckily for Alvric, he's not obsessive-compulsive like my dog--I'm not kidding, he really is).
Ooo, I wonder if our Sandybankses are related! *grins*
I like Denra already; she seems very sensible and kind. Hmmm, should I add to the votes for romance? *looks innocent*
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
So glad you do enjoy Alvric, and hope you enjoy how he and Bartolo interact.
Sorry its taken so long to get caught up with responses--this one was a few chapters back and I had to find it. Also once again having difficulties with accessing the web. What else is new, right? Heh!
Antane
· 16 December 2006
· Chapter 13: A Trip to Bree
“Then they are heroes, Frodo and Bilbo, and Frodo’s gardener friend?”
The Elf smiled. “As are Peregrin Took and Meriadoc Brandybuck. But the same is true of all who stood against Mordor’s might at the end, for all offered themselves as shield to the rest of Middle Earth. All are to be honored
Exactly! There are so many heroes in that story.
Merry Christmas if I don't talk to you before then! Christ is Born! Glorify Him!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
It was the combination of the efforts of all who stood against the Shadow that brought it down in the end. Frodo and Sam couldn't have done it without the efforts of everyone else.
And the Light ever returns to us at the darkest times.
Kitty
· 16 December 2006
· Chapter 13: A Trip to Bree
Finally enough time to write a proper review ...
Was grinning a lot during the beginning of the chapter. It reminds me so much of some relatives who tend to pack much more clothes than necessary. My aunt once told me *after* the holidays she always knows *half* of the clothes would have been enough. She would be so upset if someone told her "only two very nice dresses for two weeks" *grin* Wonder if it is a female trait? (Though I am not as bad ...) My brother is the opposite - to go on a six week trip he started packing five hours before the beginning of the flight.
Love to see Bartolo with his family - what a contrast to his behaviour with Frodo! His family and the way they're going along with each other are saying a lot about him.
And even if Frodo didn't want Bartolo to know too much about the Quest, I see he will not being able to prevent it, either. Being told by an elf about all that is going to make an impression on Bartolo, I believe, maybe even more so as he seems to have thought the elves don't exist. Not to mention the confirmation that Bilbo's tales aren't made up, but more likely a bit tuned down to not frighten his audience, and that Frodo *is* a Lord of all the Free People of Middle-earth. I have to admit, for me it is very satisfying to see that Bartolo is told more and more about all that and in the end probably forced to come to honour his cousin.
Now I look forward to the meeting of the two lawyers.
Author's reply
Barti is basically a decent fellow--just a bit too much a Bracegirdle and Lobelia's nephew to fully appreciate old Mad Baggins and his unpredictable "nephew," particularly when he had it in mind he might end up eventually with Bag End for his own family. He does love his family, after all. But when you're traveling by coach and have seven family members, SOME limits must be made to keep the lasses from filling the coach and leaving no room for the family.
Barti will be learning more than either he or Frodo had intended he should learn.
Bodkin
· 15 December 2006
· Chapter 13: A Trip to Bree
Rushing the packing! Limiting the number of dresses! Bartolo is a brave hobbit. One with good management skills.
That first sight of an elf must have been rather disconcerting - and his attitude to the Travellers instructive. Bartolo might well end up having to respect Frodo - that'll go against the grain!
Definitely a good thing to avoid those barrows, though.
Author's reply
Well, they are going to have to do things quickly to arrive before the twenty-eighth, so things will have to be rushed. And I think that Bartolo is pretty capable, and has good and positive control over his family--when Delphie isn't managing him, at least. But he's being realistic, and the rest of the family recognizes it.
Yep, their first Elf, and they are beginning to realize that what the Travellers did was considered very important to the outer world, and perhaps beyond what they know was done within the Shire. And in the end there will be good reason for Bartolo to respect Frodo, willy nilly, of course.
Thanks so much for the feedback, Bodkin.
Linda Hoyland
· 13 December 2006
· Chapter 13: A Trip to Bree
So many Hobbits just don't seem to get it what Frodo and Sam did for them.
Author's reply
Well, Tolkien indicated that few in the Shire wanted to know what the Travellers had done "out there," and honored Merry, Pippin, and Sam far more than they did Frodo. It's unlikely many really understood what they really did for all of Middle Earth.
Andrea
· 13 December 2006
· Chapter 13: A Trip to Bree
Wow! Frodo told Bartolo only a little about his journey and let him promise to keep it secret. I don't know how much the lawyer really believed of it then. But now he meets an Elf, not only some Elf, but the son of Gildor. And that Elf tells him about "Lord Frodo"! That must have been a real shock for Bartolo!
However, he's just arrived in Bree. And I think, there will be much more surprises for him.
I'm looking forward to reading more :)
Author's reply
Bartolo is unwilling to think of his wife's cousin as a hero, and has had just enough hints to realize perhaps he doesn't want to know what the four Travellers did outside the Shire. But he's having to learn more.
SurgicalSteel
· 13 December 2006
· Chapter 13: A Trip to Bree
This was nice - good to see Bartolo becoming aware of just how important the actions of Frodo and the others were, interesting trip through the Barrow Downs. And of course Bartolo's more likely to believe the story from an Elf than from a Ranger. Another excellent chapter!
Author's reply
Yes, he's beginning to understand. And you and Dreamflower are right--it's harder to pass over the words of an Elf than a Man.
Thanks for the review, SS.
Dreamflower
· 13 December 2006
· Chapter 13: A Trip to Bree
*grin*
What a perfect encounter! Bartolo might have been able to pass over anything told him by a Ranger, but a real Elf? No, he's been given more than enough to chew on, even if he won't like it. And Persivo, I think, will have benefitted greatly from this encounter.
And I am sure that it must have made Delphie feel good to hear her kin spoken of so highly. Learning that Bilbo's stories were, in fact, true, except perhaps for the old fellow downplaying his own part in things, would have meant a lot to her.
And, yes, Bartolo can begin to see how hard it would have been for Frodo and the others to explain themselves to hobbits who were clueless!
Author's reply
I'm certain many were convinced that most of Bilbo's stories of his journey to the Lonely Mountain were made up, or at least exaggerated. But now these know they weren't, and that there was a deeper significance to Bilbo's experiences than a mere adventure. Bilbo was named an Elf-friend as well as being honored by the Dwarves, and the word is finally trickling in that more important than the fooling and death of the dragon is the example of integrity shown by the Hobbit.
And then to be told Frodo's own unreported adventures were even more important, and that all four are seen "out there" as great heroes, as great as the Men who reportedly fought in the not-understood war, would have been a bit of a shock, and will mean a great deal to Delphie and her children.
And Bartolo needs to begin to realize there is a reason why the Travellers speak so little of what they actually did.
harrowcat
· 13 December 2006
· Chapter 13: A Trip to Bree
Oh this trip was enlightening for both parties! And I know how the lasses felt about packing. When I go camping I always have trouble deciding what clothes to take and always end up packing far too much! As for the rest - I have a list the I have refined over the years!
Author's reply
I learned the hard way the best thing to do was to have each member of the party choose what he or she wished to take, or no one would be happy. Had to tell my husband at last to take his own things out to the motorhome and let me do mine, or we'd do nothing but fight. But when it came to getting the food and so on out there we'd go round and round, for he'd have his progression of what should go first and I'd have mine, and as I had to identify cans and packages of meat often I'd end up getting totally confused and forget what I'd planned to get out there in finally giving in to his nagging, and it seemed something would always get left behind when he would interrupt me.
But, yes, this has enlightened both parties indeed.
Kitty
· 21 November 2006
· Chapter 12: Correspondence with Lords and Lawyers
Sorry, I’m terribly late, but RL is very busy at the moment.
Not very nice of Frodo to be so secretive and not telling Merry the whole story, though he should know Merry would find out in the end. Poor Merry must nearly burst with curiosity. But well, he can probably guess a lot, as he had meet Boboli himself.
The way Saradoc is being paid his rents seems quite logical, considering the society in which the hobbits live. Even if it isn’t making the bookkeeping easier.
The letters to Alvric are so very like their senders. Bartolo was so short and blunt, and I suppose it was a good idea of Frodo to write himself to Alvric and advise him a bit about the problem and Bartolo in particular. Though I’m not entirely sure Alvric needs to know so many cousins *grin* And I am not sure Alvric can work with Bartolo without explaining the reasons for the ennoblement, no matter what Frodo wants, as Bartolo seems not able to understand the reason for the document he has to write. Truly, the meeting of the two lawyers promises to be interesting.
Author's reply
Sorry to be so late getting back to you, but RL is stressful here, too.
Merry has an idea as to what's going on in his increasingly secretive cousin's life, but would like to know more to support him as he can, not, he knows, that Frodo welcomes all the assistance offered him.
I know that often rents were paid in kind; and certainly through the Depression years many a doctor received payment in eggs or chickens or a few hams. But it makes a mockery of recordkeeping at times, trying to keep up with it all.
As for Alvric, he's beginning to realize that Frodo is perhaps more secretive with his own than perhaps is right; and he now has a taste of the nature of the Hobbits he's going to have to deal with. Yes, he's going to have a bit of a time of it....
Linda Hoyland
· 11 November 2006
· Chapter 12: Correspondence with Lords and Lawyers
I loved the vision of paying rents in poultry.
Author's reply
Rents in goods was common enough in England. Always loved "The Rose Rent" in the Brother Cadfael series. Glad you enjoyed seeing it here.
Andrea
· 10 November 2006
· Chapter 12: Correspondence with Lords and Lawyers
Bartolo was a nephew to Bilbo’s cousin Otho’s wife Lobelia, and thus first cousin to our lamentable cousin Lotho. Bartolo is, however, as strictly honest as Lotho was a scoundrel.
Well, the first part of this sentence will be very confusing for Alvric, I fear, since he is no hobbit. The second sentence is just great! Frodo is a wonderful letter writer.
In contrast to this, Bartolo's letter is like Frodo described him - straightforward to the point of bluntness , but very honest.
I'm looking forward to reading about the first meeting of the two lawyers! That will be very interesting.
And I'm wondering myself how long Frodo will be able to hide the fact that he is Lord of several realms. I understand his intentions, but sooner or later someone in the Shire will find out!
Author's reply
I suspect that a Hobbit's fascination with genealogy would be terribly difficult for most Men to understand, much less the complicated relationships that were second nature to Hobbits but far more confusing for their larger neighbors. So glad you enjoy the letter as Frodo has written it.
And Bartolo's letter indeed is intended to be true to his nature.
Am not certain when the next chapter will be posted, for one of my clients has become seriously ill, and we're having to do multiple shifts with her. At least I'm getting PLENTY of overtime this month--far more than I was supposed to get.
Some within the Shire eventually come to appreciate just what the ennoblement given Frodo and Sam actually mean; most, however, never get much of a clue, I fear.
Thanks so much for the feedback.
harrowcat
· 9 November 2006
· Chapter 12: Correspondence with Lords and Lawyers
Love it that Merry is playing postman. It reminds me of Sam doing the same for the Party invitations at the beginning of the BBC recording.
Poor Pippin, finding it hard to be at home but beginning to realise that he has got a future to prepare for and is now responsible enough to want to do his duty to the King properly. Merry's dad is, at least giving him training even though he finds it confusing. Frodo is able to cut to the people behind the things and quantities.
Frodo is being as private as always! Nosy Merry, nosy but understandable. Love the manipulation to get Frodo to ride home. Nice comparison with Alvric being glad to be off his horse.
Like many of us Bartolo finds accepting thanks gracefully hard, especially from a Baggins.
I like Alvric's assessment of Bartolo's letter and his comparison of it with Frodo's. I am glad that Frodo sought to acquaint him with some of the characteristics of Shire families. Typical that he wants the produce dealt with without anyone being the wiser.
And your final question is brilliant!
Author's reply
I'd just begun replaying the BBC presentation the other night as I drive back and forth to work, and have made it to the eighth tape now--Gandalf is on his way to Minas Tirith with Pippin, Frodo and Sam have just decided to follow Gollum to the stairs and tunnel he won't name, and Aragorn and Company are headed for the Paths of the Dead while Merry has just offered his sword to Theoden. Yes, Merry intercepting the mail does resemble that initial postman thing with Sam, doesn't it?
Pippin knows he must be Thain one day and wants to prepare for it; and if his dad refuses to recognize his maturity, he'll take his training wherever he can get it. At least Uncle Saradoc and Cousin Merimac are willing to let him work alongside them and to teach what skills they can.
Merry cares for Frodo and would help him however he can; and after seeing how Frodo needs to eat small meals again at frequent intervals and hearing Frodo didn't have as good a walking trip as he had looked for, he's not going to allow Frodo to overexert himself; and the fact that Sam was given a pony in Gondor but chose to ride Bill home from the inn in Bree always made me wonder what became of that pony; so I decided that Merry must have eventually had it fetched to Buckland along with their pack pony once they were certain of what was going on in the Shire. So, Berry really needs to go home now, so why not use her as an excuse for Frodo to ride? And glad you like the contrast between him and Alvric.
Knowing Bartolo as he does, I think Frodo would want to acquaint Alvric with him that they not immediately get off on the wrong foot. Dealing with those who are blunt can be difficult at times. And Frodo doesn't cease being private whenever possible.
And so glad you felt the final question appropriate.
Radbooks
· 8 November 2006
· Chapter 12: Correspondence with Lords and Lawyers
I really enjoyed the letters here and seeing the difference between Bartolo and Frodo. The to the point Bartolo - which Frodo mentions in his letter, and the much more, dare I say it, long-winded Frodo. I'm sure that Alvric is still trying to figure out who Bolgers and Grubbs and all of the other hobbit families are that Frodo mentioned! :) It was good for him to see, though, how important family relationships are among hobbits. It was an enjoyable chapter and I'm looking forward to the meeting between Alvric and Bartolo. I do wish Frodo could meet him, but I know that's not possible.
Author's reply
Yes, blunt vs. analytical--quite the contrast. Alvric will find Hobbit fascination with relationships confusing, but in the end perhaps enlightening as well.
So glad you enjoyed the chapter.
Getting Frodo to meet with Alvric is indeed rather problematic...maybe.
Bodkin
· 8 November 2006
· Chapter 12: Correspondence with Lords and Lawyers
It'll be interesting to see how Bartolo deals with Alvric. I can't see the Men managing to keep all Frodo's past from the Bracegirdle - particularly if Bartolo starts being rude about him.
Author's reply
Hopefully the next chapter will be up soon--it's been difficult with more responsibilities at work the last couple weeks. And the interaction between Alvric and Bartolo isn't going to be particularly simple. Bartolo has a lot to learn, but Alvric is supposed to keep his mouth shut--I wonder which will break first? Heh!
Dreamflower
· 7 November 2006
· Chapter 12: Correspondence with Lords and Lawyers
Oh my! How typical both those letters were of their writers! Poor Alvric must be feeling mightily bemused at the moment as to how he will manage to deal with both of their wishes.
And while it's probably that Alvric will keep his mouth shut about Frodo, if Bartolo meets any of the Rangers or other Lords of Arnor, it's highly unlikely any of them will allow him to get away with any disparaging remarks about Frodo without enlightening him as to why such is unacceptable!
I notice Bartolo is saying "we" will meet with Alvric--I'm guessing that means he will bring his son along?
And I loved the encounter with Merry and Frodo at the beginning. Merry's curiousity is clearly going to remain unsatisfied--sort of. Of course, he and Pippin *do* already know about the Hedges, but Frodo doesn't know that they know. And Merry is quite right in insisting that Frodo *ride* on his way back to Michel Delving!
An excellent chapter--I'd been looking forward to it!
Author's reply
Bartolo won't admit it, but his curiosity has been roused, and he'll find himself as persistent as any Took trying to understand. So glad you find the letters true to the nature of each Hobbit.
Well, I'd already indicated that Bartolo intends for Persivo to learn this new contract writing alongside his father.
Sorry the posting is taking so long--am working on a project I hope to add to the timeline list soon, so it's holding things up as I work through prior stories. But also have been having to work more hours as one elderly client's health has been poorly for the past couple weeks. It's been rather frustrating, but nice to see her coming through it all right.
SurgicalSteel
· 7 November 2006
· Chapter 12: Correspondence with Lords and Lawyers
Another interesting chapter - I enjoyed Merry bemoaning the various different ways in which rents are pair to his father, Frodo's letter to Alvric (in which he explains himself very well). And Denra's right, these things do tend to come out eventually.
Author's reply
When payments are made in goods and services it can truly confuse the recordkeeping; but such rents were common enough historically, even here in the States. How many times do we see prior to the fifties comments made that doctors were often paid in goods, a ham or poultry or eggs or some such thing? Loved when in the series Northern Exposure Ruth Ann found herself having to deal with the IRS and her bookkeeping when so many of her accounts were handled that way.
Frodo is articulate, and wants folk prepared for what could be embarrassing situations. And I agree with you about Denra's assessment. Although few in the end will truly understand what the ennoblement is all about. But I write about that public announcement in "Stricken from the Book" in "Moments in Time."
Linda Hoyland
· 5 November 2006
· Chapter 11: Quarters in Bree
I love your vision of what the Northern Kingdom could once have been like.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you do, Linda. It must have been impressive before Earendur tried dividing it between his three sons.
Kitty
· 3 November 2006
· Chapter 11: Quarters in Bree
Alvric was lucky to have someone with him who was able to explain so much about Arnor and his laws. It must have been of much help for his job. And he himself appears to have coped with the long journey surprisingly well. Maybe he has a little adventurous streak without truly knowing it.
For once, I have read the other reviews before reviewing myself, and I see I was not the only one who had some ideas about Alvric and Denra. No, I wil not repeat it, too *grin*
Anyway, Denra and Carnation are nice women. I think Alvric has found a nice home for his stay in the North, and somehow I have the feeling there are soon some people more who know *everything* about the Travellers and the King and all ;)
Author's reply
In many ways Berevrion is Alvric's traditional counterpart in Arnor, but one who has had to wear a number of different hats, as there are so many fewer folk to see to the administration of the remnants of the realm in the northlands. Yes, I very much suspect he's finding he's far more adventurous than he imagined.
And one cannot end up doing things for the King and his Friend without learning far more about them than they'd imagined ahead of time.
Thanks so much for the feedback.
Baggins Babe
· 31 October 2006
· Chapter 11: Quarters in Bree
*giggles* I see poor Alvric is being referred to as 'the Nerd of Gondor'! I like him, and they can't all be tall, dark and handsome, can they?
Do I spy a romance..............? *crosses fingers*
Author's reply
No, there have to be a few short guys around, after all. And as one who was always seen as a nerd myself, I find myself identifying with him!
So everyone wants a romance, do they? Hmmmmmmmm.
SurgicalSteel
· 30 October 2006
· Chapter 11: Quarters in Bree
I enjoyed this - the fact that Butterbur's not as suspicious of the Ragners as he once was - and I liked Denra Gorse. It'll be interesting to see what transpires there, looks like the beginnings of a lovely friendship, at the very least.
Author's reply
In "The Acceptable Sacrifice" Butterbur first began to appreciate that there's more to Rangers than an unkempt appearance and big, scary swords; and in "The King's Commission" he admitted they helped stop more than one fight that could have gotten very nasty. I like to think he's softening by the time this story takes place.
And am so glad you like Denra. I like to put at least a bit of romance into my stories.
French Pony
· 30 October 2006
· Chapter 11: Quarters in Bree
The second half of this chapter was a delight to read. It was wonderful to see Bree, to see the Rangers light up at the thought of sleeping in real beds, to see Alvric seeing the North for the first time. The part with Denra Gorse and Carnation was also wonderful. I can see these women in my mind's eye, basically friendly, confused, a little suspicious. . . and poor old Alvric, trying his best to charm them and succeeding when he isn't really trying. This is great stuff, and it's what you do very well.
I wasn't so fond of the beginning of the chapter. I think it could have easily been condensed and lost nothing by it. You have a brilliant eye for detail, as always, but this is a section that could have done with significantly less detail and more narration.
Author's reply
I agree about the first half of the chapter being dry. Am considering how it might be properly condensed, but may not get around to it for a time as I work on finishing the story.
So glad you find the reactions of the Rangers and Alvric satisfying; and I enjoy developing relationships, as you know. So glad you liked the second half. Probably ought to have made it two chapters so folk could skip the stuff about comparative legal systems if they wanted.