The Keys of the Realm by Larner
Agape4Gondor · 18 May 2008 · Chapter 2: Reorganization
Loved the discussion of who the heck Aragorn was and whether he was worthy of fealty...
Author's reply
Oh, I'm so glad you do, Agape. Some must have been taken most aback by this turn of affairs.
Agape4Gondor · 18 May 2008 · Chapter 1: The Hands of the King are those of a Healer
Awesome first chapter. I loved especially seeing the working of Hurin's mind... of course he would have been alive when Thorongil served Gondor. Whoo hooo!
Author's reply
I'm honored, Agape, even if I did manage to get some things wrong initially--and thanks again for the nudge. It's always fun to work in Thorongil-recognition scenes--I'd think that Aragorn would have enjoyed the irony of it all!
Kitty · 18 May 2008 · Chapter 3: Darkness again Rising
Good to see Húrin and Merry becoming friends and seeking comfort or at least distraction with each other. I truly like your Húrin. Do you realise that I now want more about him in your other fics? ;-) That was a great description of the way the people in Minas Tirith felt this dramatic moment just before the Ring went into the fire and the minutes after.
Author's reply
Glad you like seeing the relationship growing. I would think that Faramir and Hurin and some others forced to stay in the city would seek a deeper understanding of this new King-elect from the one who was available who'd traveled with him and who might best describe what Aragorn had been like during the travels southward; that they'd also come to respect Merry in his own right seemed to follow. I love that moment when the Ring goes into the fire; that others also were watching from the walls, wondering what was going on "over there" seemed so likely; they, too, must have wondered what it meant at first when Frodo claimed the Ring, and felt such relief when it was destroyed. And I suspect Hurin will now appear more regularly as more than just a name in the background.
Andrea · 18 May 2008 · Chapter 3: Darkness again Rising
Wow! I can only agree with shirebound. I felt as if I was there. First the tension and the darkness, then "that terrible moment of balance when it all could have gone one way or another" and at last - the wind! I also liked Merry's description of Sam: "he’s the most practical and steady of all of us, you see, but still hides a romantic nature behind his Gaffer’s sayings and his attention for comfort." And now I'm waiting for the Eagle to announce that the battle was won: "And he's victorious!" (I like this song very much.)
Author's reply
I've always felt that there was a good deal to Sam Gamgee beyond the loyal batman to Frodo (referring to the characterization of him noted in the National Geographic look at the relationship between them in the Making Of documentaries as well as hinted at in Lindelea's notes above in which she introduces her new story). He's practical, very capable, and in his way as stubborn as Frodo, particularly when his loyalties are called upon. Yet he's caught by stories of Elves even when his father is emphasizing his proper place. That Merry and Pippin already had a level of respect for him before he left the Shire is obvious; that this respect would grow as they saw all of which he was capable seems to follow. There is a tension expressed in the description Tolkien himself gives of that moment--I'm so glad so many feel I, also, have managed to convey the enormity of it. And once Sauron is felled, then he describes the wind blowing; Manwe must have let his winds free in joy and triumph when that moment came. Sorry--I won't be writing in the Eagle directly into this story, although he's there about the edges, as it were. Thanks so, Andrea.
meckinock · 18 May 2008 · Chapter 3: Darkness again Rising
That would have been a wondrous moment, the instant when they looked to the East and saw victory.
Author's reply
Indeed it was! Thanks, Meckinock.
UTfrog · 18 May 2008 · Chapter 3: Darkness again Rising
Love it, love it, love it - wonderful view of the happenings in the city while the battle raged in Mordor. Thanks
Author's reply
Thank so, UTfrog! Not just Eowyn and Faramir must have felt the tension of that moment, after all!
shirebound · 18 May 2008 · Chapter 3: Darkness again Rising
And just then they felt it--that terrible moment of balance when it all could have gone one way or another. What a moment! I felt as if I was there.
Author's reply
Oh, thank you, Shirebound, for letting me know I helped make it real for you! That moment in the original has ever grabbed at me viscerally.
Soledad · 18 May 2008 · Chapter 3: Darkness again Rising
Yay! You'ev brought back Master Alvric! *does happy dance* I so love him, even if he's only mentioned. And it's good to see some of your other OCs appear briefly. Poor Húrin, being subjected to the horror that is Hobbit family relations! I must admit, I'm still completely confused about who is related to whom and to which grade within the Shire. ;)) Merry has conquered the Rohirrim quite completely, I see. And them stumbling into Éowyn and Faramir at each turn is truly funny. Poor Merry, wanted to be discrete, and there just doesn't seem to be any way to accomplish that gentlemanlike - or is that gentlehobbit-like? - task.
Author's reply
Well, I DO tend to weave all my stories together, after all! Heh! Tolkien made me do it--that about the relationships and all! He's the one who insisted that Hobbits particularly like this kind of lore, after all! Somehow Frodo must have learned about how the Steward of Gondor and the White Lady of Rohan kissed upon the walls, and their hair flowed together as they did so (such a wonderful image from the books, after all!). We know that Merry was a bit of a matchmaker--and the gardens of the Houses couldn't have been all THAT extensive--how are folk to avoid being totally unaware of wooing within them when they, too, are likely to be slipping about them from time to time? Heh! And of course Merry had to have bonded with his fellow Riders at some time--wouldn't he have truly begun doing so here, seeing how during the ride most of the others who were aware he was there were pointedly pretending he was a bag? (A most enjoyable title for this cousin of a Baggins, after all!) Anyway, thanks.
Antane · 17 May 2008 · Chapter 2: Reorganization
I forget most of the time how much history the Elves have been witness to and personally - the twins almost from the time of Isildur and until now during the War of the Ring. It was interesting to be reminded of that. Nice to see Faramir too - I think he's a hobbit in a man's skin. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Yes, the better part of three thousand years have these two known--a bit of a shock to those who think of a mere century as a LONG lifetime.
Andrea · 15 May 2008 · Chapter 2: Reorganization
I very much enjoyed the council of captains and those suspicious lesser lords! That's real life! Just today I was attending a meeting, and there was one man who started all his sentences with "Yes, but ..." ;-) But even more I liked Imrahil's visit to Faramir. As someone pointed out before that is a rare scene, and therefore precious. Well, we all know that Aragorn will be victorious. But I can only admire men like Imrahil, Faramir and Hurin and their confidence in their leader. That's real bravery!
Author's reply
Oh, I know the "Yes, but..." guy--or his brother and sister, at least. The total nay-sayers can be such fun to deal with! And I'm so glad folk love seeing Imrahil seeking out his nephew at this time. Tolkien COULD have written so much more than he did! (Which is what leads us to seek to fill in the gaps, of course! Heh!) And it does take a good deal of courage to accept such a major change in their world structure for those such as these three great lords of Gondor! Thanks so, Andrea.
Szepilona10 · 14 May 2008 · Chapter 2: Reorganization
Great chapter! God bless! ~Szepilona10~
Author's reply
Thanks so, Szepilona!
Nilmandra · 14 May 2008 · Chapter 2: Reorganization
I think i liked best the end, with Imrahil and Faramir, for that reunion is a scene we never saw in Tolkien, and one had to wonder what these two felt about this dramatic turn of events.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you appreciate that so, Nilmandra. Yes, these two characters we've come to appreciate so over the years both accepted the claims of Aragorn right up front; it must have been reassuring to each to realize that the other had done this!
Soledad · 14 May 2008 · Chapter 2: Reorganization
You knpw, if anyone can ever make me like Aragorn again (after the movies have ruined him for me), it would be you. You gave him back that semi-mythical quality that was so completely destroyed in the movies and that made me like him in The Books. Even though I see Denethor very differently, I find that I enjoy your Aragorn a lot.
Author's reply
Oh, I fell in love with Aragorn when I first read the books at age thirteen, and the last forty-five years have only served to increase my regard for him. As for Denethor, I see him as eminently human in nature, although not the monster so many see him. I think he was one who, as he aged, found he had greater and greater difficulty accepting anyone who could best him at much of anything. I see him as very similar to King Saul, in fact, at first loving this newcomer but in time coming to see him as a rival and somewhat of a loose cannon. I'm just glad that you find you can truly appreciate my view of the King Returned.
Kitty · 14 May 2008 · Chapter 2: Reorganization
Húrin was surely glad to finally get an explanation why and where Captain Thorongil vanished so many years ago. And to learn his own aide knew Aragorn all these years ... these had to be rather exciting days for the ones in charge for the realm, even without the war. Interesting to watch the reactions of the Lords of Gondor to this stranger who claims to be the heir to Isildur and Elendil. To have Imrahil openly support Aragorn had to make quite an impression on them, I think. And to learn that the twins came once with Arvedui, so many centuries ago ... it must be an odd feeling that they witnessed something so far back in the past of their own land. Nice to know more of what was going on in these days - the Professor rather skimmed over these details. I had sometimes wondered if anyone ever questioned Aragorns right to claim the throne at all, as in the book that was left out. But they had to ask if he was the true heir and to think if they wanted to accept his claim, IMO.
Author's reply
Yes, exciting days and heady ones; but also filled with a level of anxiety as well. Yes, Faramir and Hurin and Imrahil will accept this Aragorn; but what about the rest of the realm? And how will this last gamble play out? Will the King Returned actually return to take the Crown for his own? And what of those who aren't eager to change governments again? And it's always interesting to speculate what happened when and under what circumstances in this so-briefly mentioned period.
shirebound · 14 May 2008 · Chapter 2: Reorganization
now we have to find the way to see to it that the Lord Aragorn is accepted as King when he returns to us. Faramir's declaration of "Behold the King!" at the coronation has always been one of the most stirring lines in the trilogy, for me. How I wish that scene could have been included in the film.
Author's reply
I agree--the moment Faramir declared "Behold the King!" I have always been moved as well--I think all forty- to fifty-something times I've read the books! Heh! And there must have been so much relief in Imrahil to see Faramir recovering himself so quickly and so well; and the two must have agreed upon the need to see Aragorn accepted as King of Gondor at last.
Linda Hoyland · 14 May 2008 · Chapter 1: The Hands of the King are those of a Healer
I loved this glimpse of what Tolkien tells us so little about,Aragorn in the City healing the sick.It is also nice to meet Hurin rather than him just being a name.I eagerly await more.
Author's reply
Yes, it was wonderful to help show Aragorn to best advantage; and it's good to be able to flesh out Hurin as well. Thanks, Linda.
Baggins Babe · 13 May 2008 · Chapter 1: The Hands of the King are those of a Healer
So thorongil is recognised by yet another in Gondor? How lovely! Poor Hurin, it must have been really baffling at first, but hopefully it all makes sense now. I am really looking forward to the next chapter to see where this goes.
Author's reply
Oh, but it's fun to see Thorongil be recognized! And Hurin is indeed beginning to make sense of it. Next chapter is now up.
grumpy · 12 May 2008 · Chapter 1: The Hands of the King are those of a Healer
Ah, a face from the past or should I say faces from the past for Hurin. I loved how Pippin told the warden, how hobbits know all about rangers
Author's reply
Indeed, Grumpy. And Pippin, after all, is Pippin. Those Hobbits who live near the Road would have seen the Rangers, even if they had no knowledge of who they really were and their purpose for being around. Always so good to hear from you!
Hyrnetanga · 12 May 2008 · Chapter 1: The Hands of the King are those of a Healer
This - someone recognising Aragorn as Thorongil - is one of the scenarios I've been looking for for ages! And 7 more chapters still to come! Looking forward to reading more of this :D Hyrnetanga x
Author's reply
Am glad you like the idea of folk recognizing Thorongil in the new King. I like working it into my stories, and have one OC who collects recognition stories, even. I've worked the idea into "The King's Commission," "Lesser Ring," and "The Acceptable Sacrifice" as well as this story. Am honored you are looking forward to reading more. Thanks so much!
Andrea · 12 May 2008 · Chapter 1: The Hands of the King are those of a Healer
“Thorongil!” he breathed, finding he had not the wind to shout as he’d intended. No wonder he was not able to shout Thorongil's name. He must have felt like walking in a dream. Excellent beginning! I'm looking forward to reading more.
Author's reply
I'm rather glad he didn't shout, myself, there in a room filled with wounded folk. As for being in a waking dream--I suspect you're right. I hope you continue to enjoy it as it's posted, Andrea. Thanks so much!
Nilmandra · 12 May 2008 · Chapter 1: The Hands of the King are those of a Healer
I liked this look through Hurin's eyes - his wonder and gradual awakening as to who this northern healer chieftain was, and how the pieces fit together. I was thinking about how Eomund and Theoden were so young when Thorongil was with them that they might not remember, but that surely in the long-lived Dunedain of the South there would be some who remembered him!
Author's reply
I agree--among the Dunedain of Gondor there must have been repeated situations in which Thorongil would finally be recognized in their new king. And am so glad you appreciate how Hurin comes to recognize him. And you are just the one I need to speak with--I nominated one of your stories for a MEFA, and your liaisson is concerned that you've not responded to her emails as yet. I'll send her email address separately. And thank you, Nilmandra, for responding to this one.
Envinyatar · 12 May 2008 · Chapter 1: The Hands of the King are those of a Healer
Like Meckinock, this is one of my favourite scenarios (curses to PJ for leaving it out of the movies) and I don't think I've read a fanfic version. Certainly not one as well done as this. You've brought Hurin to life with his memories and growing wonder as he tracks down the mysterious Dunedan. I really enjoyed this and I'm delighted to hear there's lots more to come.
Author's reply
I agree--PJ done us wrong in this one! And I'm honored. And it's interesting to find myself considering the POV of Hurin, who's barely more than a name and a vague function in the original. Thanks.
Radbooks · 12 May 2008 · Chapter 1: The Hands of the King are those of a Healer
Oh, a wonderful beginning! I loved watching Hurin moving through the smoke-filled city on the trail of some mysterious healer as he tried to piece together all of the pieces of the puzzle. His slow realizations of Elros and Elrond and who the twins were and then finally, Aragorn, was fascinating to watch. Thank you so much, what a special gift and a pleasant surprise for me.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you like it so far, Radbooks. I'll be posting probably twice a week until it's all posted, which means about four weeks, I think. I felt that Hurin would have proven important to many of the lords of the realm accepting Aragorn as the King; and he was most likely related to Denethor in some fashion. Once folk began bandying about "the hands of the King," I'd think he'd be honorbound to find out just who this person was and what his intentions would be toward the realm. And I'd think he'd wish to see for himself that Faramir was indeed on the road to healing. And thanks so very much for all you've done for me over the years, Radbooks.
Elentarri · 12 May 2008 · Chapter 1: The Hands of the King are those of a Healer
Excellent. I hope there is more? :-)
Author's reply
Yes, there's more--about eight chapters' worth or so, I think. You know, I haven't really counted! And thanks for letting me know you like it.
Raksha The Demon · 11 May 2008 · Chapter 1: The Hands of the King are those of a Healer
Very interesting first chapter - I love Hurin's gradual realization of the Northern healer-Captain's true identity, not to mention that the Elf-twins are Tar-Minyatur's nephews. Wait 'til Hurin realizes that Gondor's Queen is Elros' niece! The bit where Hurin associates the athelas fragrance in Faramir's room with the scents of Ithilien, and then connects it to another time, is very well done. Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
I'm so glad you find it so, Raksha. And Faramir is coming up in later chapters. As for the realizations--they are something that takes getting used to--there probably haven't been many if any Elves in Gondor since Amroth was lost; this must be a bit of a shock, finding out these outdwellers are accustomed to dealing with different races on a regular basis. And then, as you noted, the fact the coming Queen will prove direct niece to their very first King! Heh! Thanks so much for the feedback.