The Young Knights by Soledad
Stefania · 11 August 2007 · Chapter 20: The Tournament - Day Four
Congratulations on the Tournament chapters, Soledad. They were so full of action and color. I really appreciated your attention to detail, too, in regard to the colors that the knights wore, their armament, the horses--everything. And yes, I did think of the Tournament in "Ivanhoe," though you certainly keep the story well grounded in Middle Earth. Very exciting! - Steff
phyloxena · 25 January 2007 · Chapter 24: Epilogue
Thank you for sharing this story. I'm catching up, being parted from the means of communication for a month. And I missed "Yong Knights" all the way. It gets so sad in the end...
Stefania · 5 January 2007 · Chapter 12: The King of the Fair
Soledad, I love the rich world that you have created for your characters. And this chapter is one of the best illustrations of that world so far. Your king of the fair echoes the ancient European pagan custom of the "scapegoat" and yet works perfectly within the context of your Lossarnarch. - Steff
Bodkin · 31 December 2006 · Chapter 24: Epilogue
Oh my - there is such an aura of sadness over these partings - lots of 'nevermore, nevermore'. Which is, in truth, how happy times like this tend to end. Glorious memories of wondrous days that can never be recaptured. Such a shame that so few were left to gather in the days after the War to recall that splendid display. A most enjoyable story, Soledad. Thank you for a delightful Advent calendar.
Author's reply
Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it. :) I did intend to end the story a bit more optimistically, but knowing all those fates... Ah, well, I'll treat you folks to the wedding of Achren and Húrin one day to make up for the sadness. Just don't ask when.
Bodkin · 31 December 2006 · Chapter 23: The King and its Falcon
Good - Achren and Hurin have settled one matter. That promises (I hope) at least one happy outcome. Although, of course, Theodred and Aud did love each other ... but most of the others don't (as far as I can work out) have much to look forward to. (Well, apart from Faramir. And perhaps Elphir and Morwen?) OK. I suppose I mean Herumor and the inhabitants of Halabor. And Boromir. And Forlong perishes on the Pelennor, doesn't he? Wouldn't it be an interesting twist if the little dark songbird ended up having Herumor's baby! It would be a firstborn and all... Maybe Halabor would rise from the ashes. Or maybe not. And I would be very interested to learn what becomes of Madenn.
Author's reply
If you looked for the clues carefully, you do know what will become of Madenn. She's at Aragorn's coronation... she's just not named by the Professor. Yep, Forlong perishes on the Pelennor, poor old sod. But he dies a hero, and his sacifice helps saving Gondor and all the other free peoples, so that's not such a bad thing, after all. And he wasn't young anymore and had a full life already.
Stefania · 28 December 2006 · Chapter 6: Summer Fair With Hidden Treasures
Hi Soledad - This was a fun chapter, which nicely captured the flavor of big country fairs. I love Rennaisance Faires, in particular, and your chapter certainly evoked them. Faramir's attempts to buy the rare books without enough cash was particularly amusing, especially when Boromir steps forward and makes it clear that the vendor better give him a fair price! (I love the bazaars in the Middle Eastern countries.) One thing I wondered--and its a general fan fiction quandry--should youthful Faramir and the other noble children run about unescorted at a huge public gathering wearing the insignia of their houses. It certainly proves who Faramir is when he wants to buy somethings on credit. However, it might be dangerous in case some baddie wants to kill him or abduct him for ransom. But maybe that's where "The Young Knights" is heading? Keep up the good work. - Steff
Author's reply
Erm... it is mentioned that they actually had guards escorting them. Faramir just got separated because he smelled the books, to put ot that silly way. Don't worry, though, this is a more or less happy story, no bad things intended. :) Thanks for the comments, I'm glad you enjoy yourself.
Bodkin · 28 December 2006 · Chapter 22: Of Horses and Brides
Well - I'm glad Madenn got to say goodbye to Theodred. Although I'm not sure whether realising that Aud loves him will make it easier or harder on either of them. But Morwen's support might help Achren make up her mind. Or not. I look forward to seeing how Madenn and Morwen deal with each other.
Author's reply
You surely ask hard questions. :) To be honest, I have no idea.
Bodkin · 28 December 2006 · Chapter 21: The Tournament - Day Five
The higher nobility might have the nobler weapons, but these had the numbers, and at war, numbers often have a decisive role. Very true. But poor Herveig - how deeply unfair that being born after his father's death should rob him of his inheritance. While - excellent job, Achren! Nothing like having your own money and estates to give you the power to put your foot down. Almaren had better keep Forlong's words in her mind. Spite and endless carping will only get you so far.
Author's reply
Let me not even mention Lord Benniget's family! They are another bunch who forced their way in - I just can't resist these people. I was thinking hard about a way that would enable Achren to resist any unwanted marriage plans, and came out with havign her own lands. That seemed the most believable.
Bodkin · 28 December 2006 · Chapter 20: The Tournament - Day Four
I'm with Achren! The melee does sound rather a lethal way to enjoy yourself. But I suppose warriors could do worse than learn battle skills in a controlled environment. Probably.
Author's reply
Well, according to medieval sources, this was the first form of tournament and served as training for real war. There were always a few fatal casualties - the tournament of Ashby, which Sir Walter Scott describes in Ivanhoe, was considered as one of the merriest ones with a good outcome, as "only" four knights were killed and a few crippled for life.
Bodkin · 28 December 2006 · Chapter 19: The Tournament - Day Three
Good job done by Faramir there - and I love his embarrassment when the admired Idis kisses him! But it would seem that Herumor's admirer has rather more in mind!
Author's reply
Well, I thought there must be a reason why Faramir fell so head over heals for Éowyn. If he had met women (well, girls) like her before, at least the basics would have been laid. The girl singer wormed herself into the story unintentedly, again. She's a somewhat sinister character, although I couldn't tell for my life why. I don't trust her at all - although I have no idea if she would ever appear again. Yeah, sounds foolish coming from me, but, that's how it works.
Bodkin · 28 December 2006 · Chapter 18: The Tournament - Day Two
I'm not laughing. I just hope the hangover cure had a really lingering aftertaste. Poor Herumor! Madenn was very cheerful about looking after him. All the ransoming is very complicated - and enough to put those with limited resources off taking part in tournaments. Although I suppose it is also a way of acquiring wealth for those who are very skilled but not rich. Liahan did well - but Benead didn't respond with knightly courtesy. That could have been a nasty outcome! While Faramir has a hankering for golden Rohirric shieldmaidens already.
Author's reply
Yes, ransoming was a complicated custom - and torunaments part of a knight's yearly income. They could get rich or ruined in a matter of minutes, which was a reason why they preferred wartime, in which they were at least needed. Benead, yeah... these OCs and their families keep popping up without a warning. It's a good thing the story is almost done, or else I'd have to write down long lists for the people of Lossarnach as well. *shudders*
Raksha The Demon · 27 December 2006 · Chapter 19: The Tournament - Day Three
Faramir's big day is well-written, his anticipation, Idis' giving him the kiss and token, his meeting with the young man who will one day be under his command in Ithilien, and his excellent showing with the bow. There was probably more pressure, or at least expectation, for Faramir to do well, as the Steward's son, then there was for the other boys, but he stood up to it and showed his quality. Squeeeee for young Faramir! The action and customs of the tournament were credible and interesting, as always.
Author's reply
Thanks. Look out for more Anborn later. ;))
Stefania · 26 December 2006 · Chapter 4: The Walled Town of Carvossonn
Why Soledad, this is a wonderful story so far. It held my interest so much that I read four chapters in one sitting--unusual for an antsy reader like myself. Though I expected a story entitled "The Young Knights" to be of the action/adventure genre, what you have given us so far is a well-drawn family drama. The Steward and his sons are so nicely characterized. I especially love your less nasty, more well-rounded Denethor. Your attention to details is also very good, particularly the heraldry of the knights and the vivid description of the walled town. I am eager to continue on with this tale and see how it unfolds. - Steff
Author's reply
Thank you. :)) There will be slightly more action later, although less adventure, more a more-or-less regular medieval tournament. There will also be some romance, a little intrigue and even fun. I hope you'll like it.
Bodkin · 19 December 2006 · Chapter 17: The Tournament - Day One
A splendid event! I like Madenn and Achren cheering for Herumor - and Idis uttering Rohirric battle cries in support of her brother.
Author's reply
Well, Éowyn was not the only daughter of the Mark who could appreciate a good fight, I deem. *g*
Bodkin · 19 December 2006 · Chapter 16: The Making of the Knight
Splendid ceremony. And Achren and Madenn attended him in his bath? This has the tang of real life as opposed to the Victoria ideas of medievalism!
Author's reply
Thanks. :) Several sources seem to indicate that the Middle Ages were far less prudish than the centuries that came after them. Besides, they were the closest female blood relatives Herumor had. I somehow felt they would not allow the servants to take care of him on this all-important day.
Bodkin · 19 December 2006 · Chapter 15: Fathers, Sisters, Daughters
Oh dear - Lady Almaren's maid listening in. Well - that will get the betrothal announced quicker than you can say 'wink'. I daresay the poisonous lady can't wait to get rid of the both daughters in one sweep. And Morwen has given her approval - and announced her intentions regarding Elphir. (I think those around them should pay attention!) I love the sword! And what better sign of approval for Herumor?
Author's reply
Yep, there will be many more intrigues before this story ends. And Elphir would better be careful with Morwen on the hunt. *g*
Bodkin · 19 December 2006 · Chapter 14: The Dragon Lord
Liahan is such a sweet child. And very responsible. Good to see that Orchaldor is held in so much respect - and that his son is so happy to see him. I love the description of the wecoming committee! So much formality and colour and yet affection and warmth too. And Forlong's little son sounds a cute kid.
Author's reply
You will see more of Liahan on the second day of the tournament. Yes, he *is* sweet, but he is also a warrior-in-training, albeit a small one. He's going to show his other side, soon.
Unicorn · 18 December 2006 · Chapter 1: Coming to Council
Thank you Soledad for a spendid Christmas gift or, I hope, rather 24 different ones :-)). How nice to meet Boromir and Faramir in their youth and what a good start to make Faramir and Morween "introduce" the arriving parties in this informative way. And as always we can enjoy your knowledge, this time regarding the heraldic symbols.
phyloxena · 15 December 2006 · Chapter 14: The Dragon Lord
I like the changes on tempo and light in this story, between crisp sunlight of the meeting and night in the Prince's bedchamber. It's very visual. And, interestingly, the images of this story are very different from the way I visualize LotR (rather watercolor, grey and green), but feel right. And I like your original characters and the way you balance their appearances with that of canonic ones.
Author's reply
Thanks. :) Using so many original characters is a tricky thing, as people - understandably enough - want to see their favourites, usually. I'm glad I could make you feel my bunch of hardy men of Gondor. ;))
Bodkin · 15 December 2006 · Chapter 13: The Choices of Lord Húrin
Priavel and his apprentices? family? team? seem to be very good at their job - and I'm not surprised they were excited at the prospect of making it big in Dol Amroth. (I notice there was no suggestion of Minas Tirith making a good destination for minstrels!) And they provided an excellent performance for Faramir and his big brother. Faramir must be having the time of his life here! And Hurin has proposed! Not a lot of passion, of course - they hardly know each other - and marriage is far too important for declarations of love, but what he said was very touching. What more can he offer than himself and his loyalty, when it comes down to the nitty-gritty? I'm glad Achren is sensible enough to demand thinking time - and that he wants it to be her choice rather than her father's.
Bodkin · 15 December 2006 · Chapter 12: The King of the Fair
I like the King of the Fair - although his reign will be a short one, he will provide happiness to his court. Typical of Idis to want to see the dipping of the cattle and horses - and an interesting tinge of bitterness in Boromir's reaction. He was, of course, sworn to the sword from his birth - as is Faramir - but intriguing to see that part of him envies Hurin his more creative role. Old Lady Achren seems sharp as a blade - not one to cross. And Hurin and Achren have dressed to impress, it would seem. (I like the sound of Hurin's hat.) The recognition of a suitable match seems to have been mutual.
Author's reply
Personally, I don't like the cliché that somehow seems to have found its way into the fandom: that Boromir was an unhewn soldier and Faramir the mild-mannered scholar. They both did whatever they could to save Gondor, and they had little choice about the means.
Bodkin · 15 December 2006 · Chapter 11: Cousins
Poor Madenn. Forlong's daughter - but not equal. I suppose her plan is not a bad one - and I'm glad, really, that she always knew her part in Theodred's life was temporary, but still... It seems cold, knowing that she had a few short months of happiness knowing she was loved, even though they spent little time together - and that now she will be alone. I have a sneaking hope that she might find an acceptable husband among the Rohirrim - but fear that she won't. Herumor is a nice lad. Kind-hearted as well as practical.
phyloxena · 12 December 2006 · Chapter 12: The King of the Fair
Rich and lovely. And Boromir is heart-breaking.
phyloxena · 10 December 2006 · Chapter 10: Reunion
I like the flow of this story. It's very detailed and solid, every character has it's own traits, like coats of arms, actually -- "fair and glowing", "brave and loyal", "bookworm", of cause, and so on. They are bright and somewhat ornamental, like an illumination in an old book. In case I'm clumsy again, it's a praise!
Author's reply
Thanks. :))
Bodkin · 10 December 2006 · Chapter 10: Reunion
Poor Madenn. Not just a bastard, but a used bastard. Her future does not seem promising - but fingers crossed that she finds a solution that can make her happy. Idis, of course, has an advantage on her - Theoden might not have married her mother, but her father is a king. And a king's bastard has rather more pull than the product of any other extra-marital liaison. (Much of the aristocracy can trace their origins to a similar slip.) Theodred is being quite philosophical about his fate - but then, as a man, he could probably carry on doing pretty much what he wanted to anyway. Unlike Aud. It's a bit of a blight being female in any century prior to this one, isn't it? (And there are still disadvantages in huge swathes of the world.) I like the relationship between Theodred and Boromir. Who better than the other to understand the limitations their birth inflicts on them? A real friendship of equals.