Neath Anor, Ithil, and Gil by Larner
Fiondil · 30 May 2009 · Chapter 54: Summoning the Grey Company
Ooh... chills up and down my spine! Excellent use of mood, Larner, especially in the second drabble. So, who was the elf messenger and where was he headed next? The Grey Havens, perhaps, to let Círdan know what was afoot? *grin*
Author's reply
I am honored, Fiondil. Thank you, Fiondil! And one never knows--the Elf could very well have been sent to Cirdan next! Thanks!
6336 · 30 May 2009 · Chapter 54: Summoning the Grey Company
An elf in a hurry it seems. True courage on Halbarad's part to go into something knowing you will not be coming out. Every time a warrior goes into battle he faces the same truth, he may not come back. More please, Lynda
Author's reply
Yes, he is that, apparently. And Halbarad is as willing to sacrifice himself as any on the quest itself. Thank you so, Lynda.
Armariel · 30 May 2009 · Chapter 37: Imogen
A sweet and delightful little tale. Imogen is much better behaved than my kitten! Eek!!! Little stinker!! ~~~~{~@
Author's reply
There are a FEW sweet kittens out there, although even the sweetest still can dig in the claws and teeth, I've found! Glad you enjoyed it!
Armariel · 30 May 2009 · Chapter 44: On the Naming of Twins
I picked this one at random from the list...well, maybe not.......lol Such a delight! I love stories about Elrond and his wife....they're such a darling couple.......*grin* ~~~~{~@
Author's reply
Am so glad you found it delightful. There had to be some reason the twins were named as they were! Heh! Thank you so!
Dreamflower · 30 May 2009 · Chapter 54: Summoning the Grey Company
Very nice drabbles! I really like the second one, especially, showing Halbarad's foresight at work.
Author's reply
Thank you, Dreamflower--thanks so very much! Yes, I think he knew perhaps from the first....
shirebound · 30 May 2009 · Chapter 54: Summoning the Grey Company
That's a marvelous gap-filler.
Author's reply
Thank you, Shirebound! I'm honored.
Celeritas · 19 May 2009 · Chapter 53: Nativity of a Future King
Short but sweet! I could imagine the birth of someone like Aragorn would be quite difficult.
Author's reply
Oh, I agree. And now and then it's nice to find I can write a drabble! Thank you so!
Celeritas · 19 May 2009 · Chapter 52: Concerns Voiced
*muffled squee* Sorry, I have a thing for Numenor fic. And the kind that draws on the idea from earlier drafts that Amandil might have been a mentor for Pharazon? Amazing! And also lovely was the "if not, then whom?" way of looking for potential alliances. This was really well written and got me thinking.
Author's reply
Oh, am so glad that this has caught at your fancy so! I don't write much in the way of Sil-fic, but now and then I do, and it was asked for a birthday, after all. And again, when someone says a story got them thinking it is so nice--just what I, as a teacher, want to hear! Thank you so!
Kitty · 9 May 2009 · Chapter 53: Nativity of a Future King
Lovely, Larner! In hindsight, it was such a fitting name for Aragorn, wasn't it? Oh, and Happy Mother's Day!
Author's reply
Oh, I do agree, Kitty. And thank you! Hope your week has been joyful!
Kitty · 9 May 2009 · Chapter 52: Concerns Voiced
Oh, so maybe Amandil gave Ar-Pharazôn the idea? Though he'd probably have done it anyway. What he did would be bad enough even without knowing that he in the end caused the drowning of Númenor and the death of so many people *sigh*
Author's reply
Oh, I agree, Kitty--Pharazon managed to do so much wrong to his land in the end!
Kitty · 9 May 2009 · Chapter 51: Masters of the Hill
Lovely, Larner! You caught in so few words very well how these four owners of Bag End felt about their country.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you think so, Kitty. It was such a wonderful place, with such original masters!
Raksha The Demon · 8 May 2009 · Chapter 48: From the Ashes...
How did I miss this? Very nice look at postRingWar Ithilien, the land coming back and its Rangers turning swords into ploughshares under the sovereignty of a Prince and King who have also been Rangers. Lovely descriptions too.
Author's reply
Oh, I'm so glad you found it at last, Raksha! Yes--swords into plowshares, and plenty again coming from the former garden of Gondor. Thanks so!
Raksha The Demon · 8 May 2009 · Chapter 53: Nativity of a Future King
What a great day that must have been for the Dunedain; especially considering that it had taken Arathorn so long to get himself married! A fine drabble.
Author's reply
Indeed yes, Raksha! Thank you!
Andrea · 7 May 2009 · Chapter 53: Nativity of a Future King
"Valiant already" - I like that! I haven't known the meaning of the name "Aragorn" until now. And I found an article at tuckborough.net which states that Tolkien never explained exactly what it meant - only what it *not* meant ;-) But I think that "Kingly Valour" is very appropriate for our Strider!
Author's reply
Tolkien had played with the idea that Aragorn meant "Kingly Valour" or "Valorous King," but then decided not to make it official. However, the very idea that he even considered it has led many of us to sort of jump on it. And it certainly does fit Strider! Thanks!
Antane · 7 May 2009 · Chapter 53: Nativity of a Future King
A kingly gift! :) Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Oh, yes--an infant king for this great descendant and father of great kings! Thanks so, Antane!
Inzilbeth · 6 May 2009 · Chapter 53: Nativity of a Future King
'Valiant already is he.' A very worthy telling of how the king earned his name!
Author's reply
Thank you so, Inzilbeth!
Lindelea · 6 May 2009 · Chapter 53: Nativity of a Future King
stolen moment--meant to save this story link for future reading, clicked on it instead, and found it a quick read. I am glad he had a chance to meet his son, but sad he was taken away when his son was still so young. his heart already given to this child He must have known the probabilities, though...
Author's reply
Yes, just a drabble this time. I'm certain he knew the probabilities, and considering the fact both Gilraen's parents foresaw he would die soon after the marriage it's very likely he, too, might have had an inkling he had little time to spend with his family. But to find his son was already one who was willing to struggle, knowing that their people would need a proper warrior to lead them--that must have been reassuring--plus, this is his son, his and Gilraen's. Well, as a parent yourself, you know how that goes! Glad you took time to read it.
curiouswombat · 6 May 2009 · Chapter 41: No Going Back
Oh, poor Gollum. And how beautifully written.
Author's reply
Oh, I'm so glad you like it so, Curiouswombat. Thank you! I feel sorry for Gollum, really.
Cairistiona · 6 May 2009 · Chapter 53: Nativity of a Future King
I read this at NWRG and haven't had time this week to leave a review there, but I can here, finally. It's a wonderful glimpse at the very first moments of Aragorn's life, surrounded by his loving parents. Aragorn was blessed in that no matter what tragic turns his life took, there was always someone there--in thought if not in person--who loved him. Lovely vignette.
Author's reply
Oh, I so agree, Cairistiona. He had parents who loved him, a foster family that did so well by him, found the love of his life who returned it, and earned the love, respect, and loyalty of Elves, Dwarves, Wizards and Hobbits as well as that of his own people and Men of other nations. That is an excellent sign of a blessed life!
Linda Hoyland · 6 May 2009 · Chapter 52: Concerns Voiced
A vivid glimpse of one of those if only moments in history.Maybe Numenor would still be here if Miriel had been queen regnant.
Author's reply
Yes, indeed an if-only moment. And I think you may be right about different consequences had Pharazon not forced himself both on Miriel and the island. Thanks again, Linda.
Linda Hoyland · 6 May 2009 · Chapter 53: Nativity of a Future King
What a lovely drabble!I loved it.
Author's reply
Oh, I'm so glad you do. You, Radbooks, and I all share such a love for Aragorn, after all. Thanks, Linda.
Raksha The Demon · 5 May 2009 · Chapter 52: Concerns Voiced
I've always felt sorry for Miriel - Pharazon was such a jerk, and a weak-willed, greedy one to boot. She deserved a better life, not to mention a better end. Here, you portray the genesis of disaster well, seen from the POV of Amandil, another figure caught up in the tragedy.
Author's reply
Pharazon apparently tried to hide his fear of dissolution behind attempts to gather more and more power to himself, as if in so doing he would somehow manage to protect himself against the very death he was drawing to himself more swiftly and with lessened blessing. A tragedy, really. Any woman would deserve better, and particularly Miriel, I think. Thank you so, Raksha.
Inzilbeth · 5 May 2009 · Chapter 52: Concerns Voiced
Oh I loved this. I find Amandil and his relationship with his cousin quite fascinating. I can't help but have a certain sympathy for Ar Pharazon who, for all his faults, was still another of Sauron's victims. I also noted the skilful way you hedged around the question of Miriel's consent!
Author's reply
Ar-Pharazon was indeed another of Sauron's victims, yet at the same time he knew he was pushing the envelope and kept doing it anyway. And I think he'd be a good one at rationalizing his own actions. Thanks so much, Inzilbeth.
Fiondil · 5 May 2009 · Chapter 52: Concerns Voiced
A very interesting glimpse into the minds of two Men, one counted among the Faithful and the other whose arrogance will bring about the eventual destruction of Númenor, and the first step towards that downfall is Ar-Pharazôn marrying his first cousin: Tar-Palantir married late and had no son, and his daughter he named Míriel in the Elven-tongue. But when the King died she was taken to wife by Pharazôn son of Gimilkhâd (who also was dead) against her will, and against the law of Númenor since she was the child of his father's brother. And he then seized the sceptre into his own hand, taking the title of Ar-Pharazôn (Tar-Calion); and Míriel was named Ar-Zimraphel. This passage is taken from "The Line of Elros: The Kings of Númenor" which can be found in Unfinished Tales, in case anyone is curious.
Author's reply
Oh, indeed, Fiondil. Apparently Amandil and Pharazon were close at one time, but grew estranged over time. Pharazon's insistence on breaking law and tradition must have distressed Amandil greatly, and his growing pattern of more and more destructive and anti-social behavior, which grew to epic proportions once he brought Sauron back to Numenor and accepted him as his primary advisor, must have almost driven his cousin to distraction. And thanks so much for the heads up--made the correction. Thank you so!
Sunny · 4 May 2009 · Chapter 52: Concerns Voiced
*Raises eyebrow at author* Well, I suppose _this_ is one method by which the future King of Númenor might have decided that his suit might be semi-welcome. Or at least less unpalatable than the possible alternatives - legal definition of incest be d***ed
Author's reply
We know that the marriage laws there forbade marriages closer than cousins of the second degree, so Pharazon must have been close kindred indeed. It appears he was given to rationalizing his decisions, so this seemed as good a scenario leading to his revolt as any other. Yes, definitions of incest be d***ed!