Kitty · 7 August 2010 · Chapter 94: The Invitation--at LAST!
You know, I think Otho is on to something with his last thought *evil grin*
Author's reply
Yes, Kitty, I do think at least HE has got it! Heh!
Neath Anor, Ithil, and Gil by Larner
Reviews (879)
Kitty · 7 August 2010 · Chapter 93: Perhaps Not the Best Mealtime Conversation
How very Denethor, he sees only the few enemies the Rangers missed, but disregards the ones Faramir and his men destroyed. That man needs some positive thinking!
Author's reply
To focus so on those missed and realize that considering the Rangers are a relatively small force they still managed to exceed what ought to be expectations for them just seems so Denethor, if you will! The Rangers and Faramir can only watch one road at a time, after all!
Kitty · 7 August 2010 · Chapter 92: Company for Tea?
Hm, somehow I can't see Lotho inviting anyone from the Hill. The Gamgees and others are way beneath him, in his eyes. Though I guess the other unwilling guests would like some nice company.
Author's reply
You may very well be right; but we aren't certain of the societal niche in which Widow Rumble or perhaps the Twofoots might have belonged--or the Proudfoots in No. 5 in my-verse, who are actually related, after all, to the S-Bs. Thanks so for all the reviews--it made my day to be able to respond to them at last!
Tigger · 3 August 2010 · Chapter 97: No Abandonment this Time
You know Larner, there's really only one true way to review this and it's by doing this!! AWWWWWWW!!! *sighs happy sigh* I'm having "issues" w/my computer and trying to get into/on LJ these days is next to impossible. I am getting so sick and tired of seeing "Website Can Not Be Found" whenever I try to access LJ. Especially since I miss all of you over there. (((((HUGS)))))
Author's reply
I'm so glad you liked it. It must have been reassuring for Aragorn to know that his wife would most likely outlive himself, and thus their children would not know the grief known by so many. Sorry LJ is being a pain to access--now and then my computer has refused to access anything but SoA, although now that I'm back on dial-up things are better in that way--a LOT slower, but more generally reliable.
Kara's Aunty · 3 August 2010 · Chapter 97: No Abandonment this Time
Hello Larner, ohmigosh ... I never fully realised it before, but Middle Earth's mums do seem to be dropping like flies, don't they? Thank goodness for Arwen, Rosie and Eowyn (and Estella and Diamond), all ready to laugh in the face of fate and blaze a trail for mothers everywhere! Beautifully poignant look at one orphan's promise to his newborn :) M ;o)
Author's reply
Aragorn was at least a man grown when his mother died, but it appears she was never fully happy once he no longer needed her caring and she had time to reflect on her losses and the dangers facing him now that he wandered the known world. But to know that his children and most likely many grandchildren as well would know his Arwen must have been such a pleasant thought for him. Thanks, M.
Ellynn · 3 August 2010 · Chapter 97: No Abandonment this Time
I am not a fan of drabbles, but this one I really like. The ending (last two paragraphs) is perfect. I love the promise Aragorn gave to his son, and also the way he said it. :)
Author's reply
I'm so glad, then, that your read it, then. Yes, his firstborn and later children will all know their mother until well into adulthood, as well as their children as well. Thanks so, Ellynn.
shirebound · 2 August 2010 · Chapter 96: The Gift to the Servant of the Secret Flame
I am sworn to the service of Ulmo, as much his vassal as is Ossë. Narya and I are often at odds, as my own bent dampens its power. But you, as akin as you are to Fire already—you will have far less difficulty than I in gaining its cooperation. How marvelous! This is a wonderful envisioning of this gifting.
Author's reply
Thank you so, Shirebound. It was interesting to try to imagine what individuals Olorin might have been missing, and how the gift of Narya might have helped assuage that longing. And we know that Gandalf himself had an affinity for fire in its warming roles--certainly Narya must have felt far more at home in his keeping than in that of the Shipwright! Again, thank you so!
Antane · 29 July 2010 · Chapter 96: The Gift to the Servant of the Secret Flame
Interesting story - I like the ending and Gandalf's words about needing to see the sun and that Cirdan is aware of the wizard's true nature. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
We know that Cirdan recognized that this last of the Istari would benefit by the gift of Narya, and that Gandalf himself already apparently had an affinity for fire. It is possible that, had he and Arien had a bent toward evil and selfishness and thus been willing to follow Morgoth, they, too, might have become Balrogs. Instead, both were drawn to the warming, nurturing, delightful aspects of fire, although in the end both were nonetheless dangerous for all that, but more because we must treat fire with respect if we are to reap its true benefits and not turn it into a destroyer. Am so glad you found it interesting. Thanks so, Antane.
Ellynn · 29 July 2010 · Chapter 96: The Gift to the Servant of the Secret Flame
Wonderful scene! I really love how you describe this gift-giving... Cirdan's words are so wise. And I like how you intertwine coldness/warmness throughout the story. Excellent!
Author's reply
I believe that Cirdan was among the wisest of the wise within Middle Earth. Certainly the Free Peoples needed the warmth that Gandalf could provide them, so am glad that I apparently communicated precisely what I'd intended. Thank you so, Ellynn!
Linda Hoyland · 28 July 2010 · Chapter 96: The Gift to the Servant of the Secret Flame
It must have been a daunting mission even for one as great as Gandalf. I liked the idea of the ring holding the warmth of the sun.
Author's reply
Am so very glad that you do. We know that Gandalf declared himself the wielder of the Flame of Anor; it made sense, then, that as the Phial of Galadriel carried the Light of Earendil, Narya must have been tied to the power of the Sun. Thanks so, Linda.
Linda Hoyland · 28 July 2010 · Chapter 95: Inaccessible
Poor Arwen, her grandparents could hardly be more distant! I liked this.
Author's reply
I agree, Linda. Thanks so!
eiluj · 28 July 2010 · Chapter 96: The Gift to the Servant of the Secret Flame
Intriguing in many ways, particularly Ossë and clouds; Olórin's ship that seems to lack any crew; and that Círdan and Narya had a negative affinity for each other. Over the years, I've seen at least a half-dozen fics with a Gandalf-Arien romance. Is that just a fic-writers' idea, or does it originate from something Tolkien mentioned? Psst -- some typos: "after many spending" should be "after spending many." Probably "strakes" (sailing) rather than "strafes" (military), and "quay" (sailing) instead of "quey" (agriculture).
Author's reply
We know that Osse was associated with storms at sea, so the idea that he preferred to surround himself with clouds just seemed to follow. It is not told that any sailed with the Istari as they arrived, so I've postulated that they were sent in pairs or alone with none others to sail their crafts than themselves. In "Stirring Rings" I picture Osse and Uinen accompanying at least Curumo and Olorin as they voyaged, offering each such advice as they would receive--little in Curumo's case and a good deal on the part of Olorin; I would guess that the company of Osse at least could be diverting and pleasant enough, if slightly uncertain considering his temper; but I'd guess that it could be decidedly cool as well. We know that Gandalf had an affinity for fire, and it is likely that had he and Arien been inclined toward evil the two of them might well have become Balrogs in their own right. That they might be at least somewhat drawn to one another therefore seems right to me. I'd not read other stories with this possible pairing, but then I don't tend to read a lot of Sil-fic, I fear. I'm glad to realize that others have seen the same potentials in Olorin as have I. And I can see the Fire of Narya and the Water of Cirdan's nature being potentially at odds, making it easier for Cirdan to pass it on when the right individual came along. Thanks so, and thanks also for the catch on the typos. I'm good at them, as you know!
Teresa · 28 July 2010 · Chapter 96: The Gift to the Servant of the Secret Flame
I love the way you share scenes of Middle Earth! This glimpse of the meeting between Gangalf and Cirdan was fantastic! Many thanks! :)
Author's reply
I'm so glad you liked it, Teresa. I have such a soft spot in my heart for Gandalf, you see. Thanks so!
Dreamflower · 28 July 2010 · Chapter 96: The Gift to the Servant of the Secret Flame
Aww...I never imagined the idea of Olorin/Gandalf having feelings for Arien! But it might explain why he has such an affinity for Fire! And I love how Cirdan takes such care of him! Lovely!
Author's reply
From what I can tell, had Olorin or Arien either one had the tendency to follow Morgoth, it's likely both would have become Balrogs. By staying true, however, their tendency toward fire would be warming and nurturing rather than destructive. And with both having affinity toward fire, they were likely to be drawn together, it seems to me, an attraction based on shared tendencies as opposed to the more complementary nature of the attraction between Arien and Tillion. Thanks so very much, Dreamflower! Author Reply: From what I can tell, had Olorin or Arien either one had the tendency to follow Morgoth, it's likely both would have become Balrogs. By staying true, however, their tendency toward fire would be warming and nurturing rather than destructive. And with both having affinity toward fire, they were likely to be drawn together, it seems to me, an attraction based on shared tendencies as opposed to the more complementary nature of the attraction between Arien and Tillion. Thanks so very much, Dreamflower!
Andrea · 15 July 2010 · Chapter 94: The Invitation--at LAST!
Great one! Did Lobelia really not notice all those signs? Everyone around her, even her husband, seems to know what is happening! I just can't decide whether to be angry with her or to pity her ;-)
Author's reply
Oh, I suspect that Lobelia was being purposely obtuse. She appears to have been good at interpreting things the way she wanted them to be rather than the way they were. Thanks so, Andrea.
harrowcat · 15 July 2010 · Chapter 94: The Invitation--at LAST!
'The last shall be first' Well, in Lobelia's eyes at least. But I am also thinking about the biblical story of the person who sat in the best seat at the feast and was asked to move to the lowest place! Great. Am in the middle of the acceptable Sacrifice for the umpteenth time. Mum had another spell in the hospital with a urine infection and has come out with another bad pressure sore. And It is helping my own mood about my diabetes at the moment. Thank you.
Author's reply
Yes, Lobelia at the time has her own imaginings of her worth in the eyes of the Shire, I suspect. Am so sorry to hear this about your mother. Another pressure sore? Why don't the hospital folk take more care? They have more than adequate knowledge of how fragile her skin is! Give both your parents my love, and hug Jet for me. And I'm so honored that you enjoy The Acceptable Sacrifice so much. Thank you so!
FantasyFan · 13 July 2010 · Chapter 93: Perhaps Not the Best Mealtime Conversation
Greatly evocative in emotion, in such few words. Denethor cares not for the niceties of the table and the comfort of those he questons. I don't think many would choose to eat with him. Too bad Faramir has no choice.
Author's reply
No, little choice in the matter for Faramir, I suspect. And instead of examining Faramir's successes, his father looks instead at those who managed to make it into Mordor, even if it was impossible for Faramir to be everywhere at once. Thanks so, Fantasy Fan.
Raksha The Demon · 13 July 2010 · Chapter 93: Perhaps Not the Best Mealtime Conversation
Not an easy conversation to have during a meal! Poor Faramir, it's hard to be both a Captain of Rangers and the Steward's less favored son, especially when the struggle against Mordor is so dire.
Author's reply
I so agree, Raksha. And always there is the thought in the father that somehow Boromir could have had his men in all places at almost the same time, and could have halted the coming of all these troops to Mordor! He does appear to expect Faramir to do the work of both sons. Thanks so!
Antane · 12 July 2010 · Chapter 93: Perhaps Not the Best Mealtime Conversation
I am glad to see that Faramir is holding his own quite well! Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
He's at least making the attempt, Antane. Thanks!
harrowcat · 12 July 2010 · Chapter 93: Perhaps Not the Best Mealtime Conversation
Enough to upset the most solid of stomachs I would guess. Great Larner.
Author's reply
Indeed! Trying to eat when one is facing implied criticism is difficult.
ellie · 29 June 2010 · Chapter 91: Celeborn's Thoughts
Poor Celeborn lost so much in those last short years he spent in Middle-earth. At least he has good memories to take to Valinor to share with his family there. I feel so sorry for him. I like this brief glimpse of his interactions with and reflections on his great-grandchildren. Nicely done!
Author's reply
Yes, he has these memories to take with him, at least; and at least these will have known him and learned what they can while he is with them. And hopefully he will be able to make them living presences to his wife and daughter and her husband when he sees them again. Thank you so, Ellie!
Kitty · 24 June 2010 · Chapter 91: Celeborn's Thoughts
Quite bittersweet, Larner. These Elves remaining behind after the Ring War must have been torn if to stay or sail, particularly the ones so close to Aragorn and Arwen. You summed it up very well how Celeborn must have felt - fearing to see his granddaughter fade away, but happy to see his great-grandchildren and enjoying their company.
Author's reply
I am so glad you found in this story just what I'd hoped to communicate, Kitty. Yes, there is a loss anticipated, but at least he has these memories to take with him, and has seen a joyful beginning to a new age within Middle Earth. Thank you so very much!
Kitty · 24 June 2010 · Chapter 90: Giants' Games
That's certainly not the frightened Hobbit any longer who once went on an undheard-of adventure with thirteen dwarves and a wizard - back then, Bilbo wasn't that calm about such a display of strength, I think.
Tari · 8 June 2010 · Chapter 91: Celeborn's Thoughts
The Gift of Men is a beautiful way of describing death. Still, Elrond waited as long as possible before going to the Undying Lands. Staying until death claimed Estel and his daughter would be more than he could bear. How heartbreaking for him.
Author's reply
Tolkien himself described death so, declaring that in the end those who knew immortality would find themselves wearying and wishing they could also lay down the burdens of their lives. And I do agree about part of the reason Elrond chose to leave when he did. To know if he remained much longer he would see his daughter fade on the death of her so-mortal husband as well as losing the accustomed power of his Ring would have all played an important part in strengthening his decision. And the thought of being reunited with Celebrian would have been the crowning touch.... Thanks so, Tari.
Ellynn · 4 June 2010 · Chapter 91: Celeborn's Thoughts
So, the elves leave and disappear from Middle-earth... it is a sad thought, and you described this sadness and melancholy in Celeborn very well; but then, lighter tones in the end of the story bring back smile to readers' face. Wonderfully done. :)
Author's reply
There was always both joy and grief to be found in the Elves, and I'm so glad I appear to have caught both! Thank you so!