Reviews (21)

Gwynhyffar · 22 June 2008 · Chapter 1: Celebrity

I hit the button too fast. I also wanted to comment on remembering. People always get forgotten unless they are the celebrity. I love the feeling at the end with the longing for the north and remembering a passing acquaintance.

Gwynhyffar · 22 June 2008 · Chapter 1: Celebrity

I only just saw this today when I got the notice for your other story. I really love that you managed to write in first person and have it sound believable and real-not hokey. As usual you did a wonderful job of conveying the feeling of the story. I could definitely feel Aragorn's nostalgia and his longing for what used to be.

daw the minstrel · 21 June 2008 · Chapter 1: Celebrity

This was a nice glimpse, Bodkin. I liked Pelion's sense of humor, especially the crack about how the people of Dol Amroth were eager for his goods though they didn't know it yet. And I also liked the detail of how cautious Aragorn was about letting a stranger near his family. That's a lovely, realistic touch.

meckinock · 15 June 2008 · Chapter 1: Celebrity

As the title indicates, you've captured such a unique and fleeting instant in time here - the moment when a man realizes he's suddenly a celebrity but hasn't quite gotten used to it yet. Elessar is quick on his feet - he's gotten as far as stuffing some ready-made and leading replies into his toolkit and enough practice had made it possible to say the words smoothly, to make them not quite a question but he's still bemused and somewhat uncomfortable with being the center of attention. He has a wonderful humility about him, that recognizes the contributions of the unrecognized many. There are so many wonderful insights and lines in this piece - One who knew well enough, then, that the importance of an encounter depended on where you were standing. Oh, ain't that the truth! sweat-stained group of oddities out of legend What I love about this observation is that the very dry humor of it indelibly stamps it in time, puts it safely in the realm of war stories and safely out of the clutches of terror and dread and utmost desperation. There was a time, not too long ago, when no-one held me in awe and wished to keep me apart from those deemed less – and I had preferred it that way. Contemplating the transition that Aragorn faced upon his coronation never fails to stun me. Here was no prince or even a politician - here was a guy whom decent folk actively shunned until a few months before he became king. The loss of his privacy, self-determination, and control of his daily calendar must have been difficult to adjust to. To some extent he had always been a hostage to his destiny, but not to the point of whippersnappers younger than his boots trying to manage him. This was a great line. Aragorn's nostalgia for obscurity is soooo understandable. So much to like and I haven't even gotten to Halbarad yet! What a great surprise - a glimpse at an untold adventure from better times (although I suspect neither of them thought so at the time). Again Aragorn is drawn into bittersweet memory, as he contemplates the irony of having saved Halbarad's leg so he could later lose his life on Pelennor. But what a nice trip down memory lane, anyhow. Such a great portrait of Aragorn at a singular moment, and a discerning examination of the phenomenon of celebrity. I'd almost accuse you of having first-hand experience! Will have to check with daw when she gets home :-).

Kitt Otter · 14 June 2008 · Chapter 1: Celebrity

Oh wow, that was a great use of first person! It was not over-bearing, but just enough to *feel* Aragorn. You got in his head so well. The mystery of the man had me hunched towards the screen to the end. Great way to make an entertaining story over a small scene! -Kitt : )

Violin Ghost · 13 June 2008 · Chapter 1: Celebrity

How poignant and thoughtful! I like the way you express yourself, and Aragorn's rebelliousness is quite in character. :)

Neilia · 13 June 2008 · Chapter 1: Celebrity

How can you 'get into' a celebrity's heart and mind so well? This is thought provoking and heartfelt. I have often just nodded my head and smiled when passing 'celebrities', especially when they are with their families in DisneyLand or a restaurant just wanting 'time' to themselves. Many times I was ignored, but that didn't bother me. I too, like to be 'alone' once and a while in a quiet place. All humans need space for family and friends and themselves. Listen to me! See what your tale provoked...naughty bunny you have. :D Love and hugs, Neilia

Linda Hoyland · 13 June 2008 · Chapter 1: Celebrity

I just loved this.You made me feel as if I were there.I love the way you write Aragorn and I am certain he must have missed his freedom.Had I not been beaten to it, I would have nominated this story for MEFA.

illereyn · 13 June 2008 · Chapter 1: Celebrity

Hey Bodkin! This is a very nice story! I really liked the way you kept the reader guessing at the identity of the narrator as much as he kept on guessing at the identity of the questioner. The bittersweet memory of Halbarad was really added poignancy. Poor Aragorn. It would be quite difficult to change from a life of solitary errantry to the very public life of a king. Is Arwen taking the 'celebrity' and the restrictions in her stride, since she was the lady of Imladris after her mother sailed? Or is she trying to adjust as much as he is? This is a very thought provoking story; you really make the reader think beyond the trumpets of the coronation, and also wonder at what happens after this story. Thank you.

Dreamflower · 13 June 2008 · Chapter 1: Celebrity

Oh, Bodkin! This is very nice, and unexpected! I always love it when you turn your sights on other than Elves. You do Men and Hobbits equally well, you know, and not nearly often enough to suit me! Aragorn's POV here is so perfect--I love his patience with the need to place this stranger, for both the stranger's sake and his own. And I do so love the "Strider-ly" look at his subtle defiance of the conventions that cage him in, even as they enable him to function as King. Discomfitting his young guard (and the impatience seems very realistic--have you ever noticed in news clips of celebrities who mingle among the masses, the discontent of their handlers? It's conveyed more through an uneasy body language than facial expressions--which are usually hidden by sunglasses.) he seems to feel the guard needs a lesson. "Cocking a snook at pretension" through the use of Telcontar as his name! I like that too. I like to imagine that he made that decision rather impulsively when Prince Imrahil thought Pippin needed rebuking for insolence, and then realized as he did so that it was, in fact, perfect. And I also like the combination of caution and openness, as he gives Pelion the means to have access to him in the future--but protecting his family at the same time. This was utterly lovely! I'd like to give your Elessar a squishy hug (a motherly one to be sure, for I wouldn't want to upset Arwen) which might embarrass him--and would most certainly embarrass and disconcert his guard! ;-)

Larner · 12 June 2008 · Chapter 1: Celebrity

Ah, Bodkin--this is flat marvelous. Yes, a bridge to the past, for the moment at least. Wonderfully intimate.

Nieriel Raina · 12 June 2008 · Chapter 1: Celebrity

Oh I like this very much. What a great look at Aragorn as king and how much has changed. Great oneshot!

Redheredh · 12 June 2008 · Chapter 1: Celebrity

Very nice. I like how calm and almost casual this public meeting was, with both of them playing at riddles. Of course, Pelion was a quite respectable merchant, someone that could easily approach the king in a friendly, non-threatening way. ;) Lovely writing as usual and smiling humour as well. First-person isn't that bad, now is it? A familiar pov simply told with different pronouns... ;D

galimeril · 12 June 2008 · Chapter 1: Celebrity

That was rather pretty! I enjoyed the interaction and you made a common situation uncommonly well-written. I hope there is more cooking in the brain-pan, your stories are always a tasty treat! Happy Summer ;D

Elena Tiriel · 12 June 2008 · Chapter 1: Celebrity

Hi Bodkin! An odd vignette, maybe, and a tiny bit melancholy.... And a chance for Aragorn to remember the former Strider's dear friend Halbarad. And a day when he didn't need guards and other buffers between him and the people he serves.... I really feel for how much he misses Halbarad here. Well done! - Barbara

Lindelea · 12 June 2008 · Chapter 1: Celebrity

Man o man, this gives me shivers. You have the capacity to plunge me into the world of your writing, the descriptions, the turns of phrase that hint at a character's sense of humour, experience, whatever (I am singularly lacking in descriptive power today, just barely rubbing two words together to make a sentence). I loved this description: Dark eyes – grey, of course, but the thundercloud grey of a summer downpour rather than the cool grey of the sea. The hair edged with wings of silver that were distinguished enough not to be hidden – tied back carelessly to announce that this person had no need to primp in front of a mirror to defend his worth. A northerner, I would say, which extended the time frame, but limited the opportunities. The battlefields of the south had, after all, held few from the northern realm. He was dressed well, but, like most of his countrymen, without the inordinate urge for display that seemed to hit those men of Gondor who had inherited, or acquired, sufficient wealth to merit the encouragement of their tailors. Shoes, not boots. And lacking the gap-legged walk of one who had spent too much of his life in the saddle. A merchant, perhaps: one wealthy enough to have his own fleet to carry trade between the kingdoms The name, called with varying degrees of impatience. The twitchy escort. Evidences of a lively wit on Pelion's part. "They don't know it yet." snort. Thank you for a lovely respite today.

6336 · 12 June 2008 · Chapter 1: Celebrity

Interesting, the story of just one of many faces in a crowd. Good memories too! More please, Lynda

harrowcat · 12 June 2008 · Chapter 1: Celebrity

This is unusual Bodkin and I enjoyed it very much. I do a job where I meet a lot of people who expect me to remember them - and I want to. But I have a truly terrible memory for names and faces so, like Aragorn, I am constantly trying to pick up clues.

Soledad · 12 June 2008 · Chapter 1: Celebrity

Poor Aragorn! I guess he liked a lot more being Strider the Ranger than King of Gondor.

Lady Bluejay · 12 June 2008 · Chapter 1: Celebrity

The 'dash of elvish' is memorable. A lovely idea, beautifully executed, as always. LBJ

Jay of Lasgalen · 12 June 2008 · Chapter 1: Celebrity

Very nice. I like Aragorn remembering when his life was less complicated and more dangerous, and his musing that 'a dash of elvish' disguises his name. I think it's a story I'd like to hear more of! Jay