Bits & Pieces by Edoraslass
Larner · 28 December 2006 · Chapter 21: Provisions
Ooh, cool! And love the apparent whisper, "I saw him first." Spiders of Mirkwood are doomed to be disappointed.
Author's reply
I really don't know why I like those spiders so much, but they amuse me. It's kind of wrong. Thanks!
Larner · 28 December 2006 · Chapter 22: As Yet, Fruitless Hope
Oh, we do try to rush our growing up! Poor Boromir!
Author's reply
Well, he's 12! He's nearly a man! :) Thanks!
Larner · 28 December 2006 · Chapter 23: Sister's Grief
Minas Anor knows its own grief. And what does it feel for the further sister, the twin sister there on the walls of the Ephel Duath?
Author's reply
It's like a whole tragic family, with almost no-one being unscathed to one extent or another. Thanks!
Larner · 28 December 2006 · Chapter 24: Riddle
Too well done. Hope destroyed via the twisted truths offered via the Palantir. In seeing, Denethor has not seen what is, but what he fears.
Author's reply
Oooooh, I hadn't thought of it being the Palantir. It's meant to be the Horn, but the Palantir works, too! Thanks!
Larner · 28 December 2006 · Chapter 25: What History Does Not Tell
Definitely the thoughts of an experienced soldier. War is too often glossed over, and its terrors and costs hidden behind glib words and slick sentiments. This one knows.
Author's reply
Yes, and too often in stories, the focus is on the heroes, and not the common man, who suffers just as much. Thanks!
Larner · 28 December 2006 · Chapter 26: Memories of Warmth
Time and the loss of Finduilas cost Denethor too much--too much of his humanity.
Author's reply
I do think he would have been a much, much different person, had Finduilas lived. Thank you!
Larner · 28 December 2006 · Chapter 27: Barren
Denethor, I take it. And I can empathise, I find.
Author's reply
Yes, I couldn't really see Denethor breaking down in front of people. But the controlled grief is sometimes worse on a person. Thanks!
Larner · 28 December 2006 · Chapter 28: Blessed
Poor Eowyn--I'm told the last few weeks are almost impossible to live through.
Author's reply
Everyone I know who's been pregnant tells me such terrible stories about the discomfort! It doesn't sound appealing - fortunately, the babies are sweet. :) Thanks!
Larner · 28 December 2006 · Chapter 29: Finding a Friend
Ah, Eomer, I love you the more for wanting that one.
Author's reply
Such a sympathetic, kind-hearted boy he is. Thanks!
Larner · 28 December 2006 · Chapter 30: Reproach
A very plausible train of thought from Theoden. All too plausible.
Author's reply
Yes, waking and finding his country eroded and his son dead would, I think, lead to all kinds of self-doubt. Thanks!
Larner · 28 December 2006 · Chapter 31: Never Forgotten
Oh, a lovely thought from Eowyn.
Author's reply
Thank you! I do think she would have let herself be happy, after actually seeing war first-hand. goodness, Larner! I never expected anyone to read and comment on all of these, especially not right away! Thank you so much!
Larner · 28 December 2006 · Chapter 32: The Return of the King
The west wind has blown freely in Meduseld, and has restored the spirit of the King. After all, spirit "originally" meant "breath."
Author's reply
I know that it's read that way Biblically, sometimes, but I didn't know the secular meaning could be taken the same way! Thanks!
Larner · 28 December 2006 · Chapter 33: Following Orders
"Just following orders." The excuse of those whose hearts have been dulled to inaction, whose emotions have been frozen. It doesn't speak well of the commanders, does it?
Author's reply
I have deeply serious issues with that particular defense, if that's not abundantly clear. Thank you!
Larner · 28 December 2006 · Chapter 34: Broken
At least a moment of shared tenderness and caring between them. Not all was criticism and misunderstanding. Too bad the loss was needed to bring it about.
Author's reply
Yes, and a shame they didn't have more,less tragic moments of such understanding between them. Thanks!
Larner · 28 December 2006 · Chapter 35: Guest of Honour.
I love Eomer as the indulgent older brother. Tea parties!
Author's reply
He's probably hoping none of his friends find out about it. :) Thanks!
Larner · 28 December 2006 · Chapter 36: Different Kinds of Patience
Yes, have had pictures that turned out the way they intended, starting with just a few strokes of the graphite....
Author's reply
I have stories that do that! It's a little odd.. Thanks!
Larner · 28 December 2006 · Chapter 37: A Small Gift
Ah, a wonderful gift from Boromir to our beloved Sam. The man has hidden depths, and a good deal of sensitivity. If only he hadn't been sensitive to the Ring....
Author's reply
I know, I know! *sniff* Thank you!
Larner · 28 December 2006 · Chapter 38: Small Steps
I can understand the insecurity, particularly remembering Eomer's distrust of the Golden Wood. But I suspect they ended up good friends.
Author's reply
I just would think that elves would be rather intimidating to the very down-to-earth Rohirrim. They always strike me as so ethereal and otherworldly and foreign...there's a reason I don't write elves. :) Thanks!
Larner · 28 December 2006 · Chapter 39: Her Contempt (haiku)
Chilling.
Author's reply
Excellent. Thanks!
Larner · 28 December 2006 · Chapter 40: Another Path (haiku)
Lovely haiku, although I can't decide quite whose voice it is. Boromir? Frodo? Some unnamed soldier on the march to the Black Gate?
Author's reply
It was written with Boromir in mind, though I guess it could be just about anyone. Thanks!
Larner · 28 December 2006 · Chapter 41: The Spring of 1420
Oh, a wonderful poem, Edoraslass. Our Sam indeed.
Author's reply
Thank you! Poems always sort of ambush me, so I'm always pleased when they come out properly.
Larner · 28 December 2006 · Chapter 42: Echo
What a thing to remember at just that moment! I can so see it!
Author's reply
Yes, I'm particularly bad at giggling at the wrong time, because someone's said something that sparked a memory. Thanks!
Larner · 28 December 2006 · Chapter 43: Sliding
Aha! A perfect pasttime for all to share with the children! Lovely!
Author's reply
And you know those marble floors in the Tower are absolutely perfect. Thanks!
Larner · 28 December 2006 · Chapter 44: Traditions (Imrahil)
Oh, so true! Lovely, Edoraslass.
Author's reply
Thank you! :)
Larner · 28 December 2006 · Chapter 45: Spoils of War
I bet he was first startled, and then very relieved. Glad the child lived.
Author's reply
Even I am not usually mean enough to give teeny babies a tragic ending. Thanks!