meckinock
· 16 November 2008
· Chapter 9: The Rival
I just love being in Denethor's POV for this chapter. He's so happy and proud of his son, and so annoyed at Thorongil's intrusion into his happy occasion LOL. He's just so darned ambivalent about Thorongil- he tries; he really tries to give him the credit he's due, but really he just wishes he would go away. It was a very telling moment when he resisted Thorongil taking baby Boromir into his arms. An instinctive aversion to the influence he might wield, perhaps. And I laughed at Denethor's honesty in admitting that even Finduilas was not immune to the charms of Captain Thorongil. I hope you decide to do some more stories about Thorongil's time in Gondor.
Author's reply
I'm just so glad you enjoyed this chapter as it was great fun to write! Denethor is such a complex character and so nearly there with Thorongil, that he is really quite tragic in his way. I'm sure I won't be able to leave these two alone LOL!
meckinock
· 16 November 2008
· Chapter 8: The Servant of the Steward
What strikes me as I read the chapters in sequence is Aragorn's willingness to leave his comfort zone and challenge himself again and again to accept new and greater challenges. It would be so easy to reach a position of status and privilege and to just sit back and enjoy it - legimitately, as the reward for his hard work and good leadership. But he doesn't do that. He leaves it behind, and starts again, with nothing, as nobody.
Author's reply
You are so right. I'm sure this is one of the things that set him apart from his forefathers who, as far as we know, did none of these things and why, in the end, he was such a success. He really did richly deserve everything he eventually gained.
meckinock
· 16 November 2008
· Chapter 7: The Horseman
Poor Aragorn. It truly would have been a new low for him in Rohan, at first. Even going from Rivendell to the Dunedain, he would have had a position of status and privilege. Not that he would have taken advantage of it, but it was his choice! In Rohan it would have been quite different. I'm glad he found a way to prove his worth early and get on Thengel's good side!
Author's reply
Yes, I tend to feel this was the biggest shock of all for him as he found himself surrounded by people who had no idea who he actually was. It must have been a good lesson in humility for him, but, being the star he was, I doubt it took him long to work his way up!
meckinock
· 16 November 2008
· Chapter 6: The Wizard's Pupil
"Concering hobbits" LOL. It's good Gandalf started Aragorn's education in that regard very young; it's a topic that will take him a lifetime to master!
I really enjoyed the companionable reunion of Elrond and Gandalf, for some reason I always enjoy seeing them together. And Gandalf's exasperated meeting with Aragorn! Truly he must be accustomed to a little better treatment :0
Author's reply
Yes, Aragorn's first encounter with hobbits is one of those tales I would very much like to go back and take up another time. Perhaps he could meet a young Paladin Took LOL!
I too greatly enjoy Elrond and Gandalf together and I can't help but wonder what other discussions they had about the Dunadan!
Thank you so much for your review.
meckinock
· 16 November 2008
· Chapter 5: Chieftain of the Dunedain
It almost seems inconceivable that there was ever a time when camping in the wild seemed exciting and dangerous and new to Aragorn! Watching him earnestly fuss and fidget with his campsite and alternate between pride and apprehension made me smile. And then - no no no, don't think about how warm and cosy everyone is back in Imladris! And then this line made me laugh again -
The muscles in his legs were painfully stiff from walking so many miles and his boots were pinching his feet. LOL, not Strider yet :-)
His discomfiture at Halbarad's fealty-taken made me smile, and it was good to see him have the reunion with Dirhael and Ivorwen that they - and he - deserve. So many new things for him to aborb - children! Ramshackle houses and hard times. His visit to his family's old house was poignant, the weight of his responsibility seemed to drop onto his shoulders as he realized how dire his people's circumstances truly were. This was a very enjoyable chapter.
Author's reply
Oh yes, he's a real tenderfoot here and it was fun thinking of all the new things he would have to discover and learn about. The whole experience must have been a massive culture shock for an elven princeling! and on top of all that, he still had to find his feet as chieftain. Nothing was easy for him was it?
I'm so pleased you enjoyed this chapter.
meckinock
· 16 November 2008
· Chapter 4: Elrond's Daughter
You've so exquisitely captured the roiling mass of mercurial thoughts and emotions that is Aragorn at this moment in his life. It was fun getting inside his head to see how he's processing the many changes in his life, although I feel a little like I've just stepped off a roller coaster. You've done a good job conveying how remarkable a person he was to absorb and process the many facets of his life and learn how to use them. It was all wonderful, but some highlights for me were his slightly sad realization that his relationship with Elrond has changed, that they are moving apart. He's insightful to sense that such separation is a natural part of growing up, but also that Arathorn has something to do with it. And Arwen - this poor kid. In a way it's such a typical first love, but still we see the weight of his character come through - he doesn't try to deny his feelings or quash the last little bit of hope, but he's balanced and mature enough to absorb the pain and uncertainty and wait for time to tell. His joy when she gives him the shirt - and smiled at him - made me grin. Gilraen continues to be a strong, steadying presence - but reading the scene with her and Arwen sewing, I was struck by how, despite the ease with which they interact, Gilraen herself is not much less of a yearling shoot to Arwen than Aragorn is. I can see where Tolkien felt inclined to move her a bit off the stage, just because her presence adds to the sense of chronological dissonance. Great chapter!
Author's reply
Thank you so much for your very insightful review. There were huge changes occuring in Aragorn's life at this time so there was a lot that needed to be conveyed here. I feel discovering who his real father was would become more and more important as he looked to begin his life beyond his childhood home and this would inevitably diminish his relationship with Elrond, if only a little.
I'm sure that deep down Aragorn was quietly confident about Arwen, even from the very beginning and for that to be so, she must have given him a tiny bit of encouragement. I like to think so, anyway! And that's a very interesting point about Gilraen.
I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
Freelancer of Arda
· 14 November 2008
· Chapter 11: Flight of the Eagle
I liked the title, the story, and everything about it, espeically how you write Aragorn.
Author's reply
I'm thrilled you enjoyed this. Thank you so much for letting me know.
Linda Hoyland
· 12 November 2008
· Chapter 11: Flight of the Eagle
You see Aragorn just as I do and I love this story.A very plausible explanation for Aragorn's departure.
Author's reply
I'm just delighted you enjoyed this chapter and thrilled that you think we have a similar take on Aragorn.
Estelcontar
· 11 November 2008
· Chapter 11: Flight of the Eagle
What a perceptive chapter. I must confess that though I had always though it must have been terribly hard for Aragorn, and a lesson in self sacrifice to give up everything he had achieved in Gondor as Thorongil, and right after such a wonderful victory too, to go East and travel the evil paths of Mordor, I had never thought he would consider revealing his identity and claiming the throne of Gondor. You make it sound very believable, though, especially because Gandalf is the one who shows Aragorn that the time is not yet ripe for him to claim the kingship .
Most especially, I think you've showed us in a very moving way how very difficult it must have been to Aragorn to leave Gondor,the place in which, after all, up till then, he had spent the greater part of his mature life; where he had been greatly honoured, had learned much, and had reached his maturity.
Author's reply
Thank you so much for your review, Estelcontar. Yes, I'm sure leaving Gondor must have been terribly hard for Aragorn, one of so many hard lessons in his life. Regardless of whether or not he did consider revealing his identity, I did feel I ought to include the pros and cons in this chapter somewhere.
I'm so glad you thought the aguments convincing.
Larner
· 11 November 2008
· Chapter 11: Flight of the Eagle
A good rationale for the decision at that time to leave Gondor. Alas for Ecthelion, but at least a temporary respite for Denethor, who follows his father as last ruling Steward of Gondor.
Love the fight!
Author's reply
I'm so glad you thought the reasoning made sense. Yes, poor Ecthelion is so often overlooked. He must have been very hurt by Thorongil's departure, something I'm sure Aragorn would have understood and regretted.
Glad too you enjoyed the fight!
daw the minstrel
· 11 November 2008
· Chapter 11: Flight of the Eagle
One of the things I like here is the way you move the story along. This passage for instance:
How about a bite to eat first? I have ridden a long way.”
“Of course, I’m sure I can find you something,” said Thorongil, knowing he could never hurry the wizard, although, as always, he was hoping Gandalf brought news from Rivendell and the North.
As Gandalf ate, he told Thorongil the news, such as it was
I really like the way you skip over preparing the food, which would be boring. The transition is artfully done and if didn't spend a lot of time thinking about stuff like this, I probably wouldn't even have noticed.
Also I'd never thought about why Aragorn didn't reveal his identity in Gondor when he had the Steward's love. Tolkien left us with a lot to wonder about.
Author's reply
Thank you so much, daw, but I think you give me more credit than I deserve. To be quite honest, I mostly fret that I don't include enough of these 'boring bits'! I tend to just write it as I would enjoy reading and I confess I'm not that interested in what Gandalf has for lunch LOL!
I really had to think a lot about why Aragorn didn't reveal his identidy then as, at the time, it must have been very tempting. Where would we be without Tolkien's mysteries!
shirebound
· 11 November 2008
· Chapter 11: Flight of the Eagle
He had now been Thorongil for far longer than he had been Aragorn.
How interesting. You do bring up the most fascinating tidbits.
What a wonderful tribute on this Veterans/Remembrance Day.
Author's reply
You don't think I might be coming a little bit obsessive here do you? LOL
It is pure coincidence but I thought of that too. Many you so much for your review, shirebound.
Celeritas
· 11 November 2008
· Chapter 11: Flight of the Eagle
Lots of things I liked about this one, but most of all I liked the subtlety of refocusing Aragorn's purpose by changing the name by which he thought of himself. If he did go around thinking of himself as Thorongil, it would have become that much easier to be lulled into staying in Minas Tirith--if not for the rest of his days--at least for tomorrow.
Author's reply
Thank you very much, I'm so glad you enjoyed this, and especially that you noticed the change of name. I tend to imagine Aragorn as having been very happy and settled in Gondor [who wouldn't enjoy the sort of popularity he had there!]and so it must have been very hard to leave, especially to head off to somewhere like Mordor.
demeter d
· 11 November 2008
· Chapter 11: Flight of the Eagle
Very exciting! The description of the burning and the battle is very vivid, very real. I like your peek into Aragorn's mind as he contemplated the aftermath of the battle. The King whose healing hands brought renewal and peace surely would not have enjoyed the killing and destruction of war. I wonder, at that point would Denethor have shared with his father his suspicions about Thorongil's true identity? I rather suspect he would have.
Author's reply
I'm so thrilled you found the battle vivid. I really did spend a lot of time trying to figure out exactly how this attack on the Corsairs might have been.
I certainly never imagined Aragorn as one who gloried in war. I'm sure that for him it was a necessity forced upon him; nothing more. One of the most admirable things about him, I find, is the way his humanity remained intact even after so many long years of such a brutal life. As you say, he was a healer and a peacemaker.
I wonder if Denethor ever shared his suspicions with his father. Oh wouldn't that be an interesting conversation!
Many thanks for your review.
Celeritas
· 7 November 2008
· Chapter 10: The Ring of Barahir
Eep. I was glad to find that Denethor did manage to muster up a bit of pity for Thorongil when he found him stricken like that. But his discovery afterwards and the way it made all of the pieces of the puzzle suddenly slide into place...
Perhaps it was a bit convenient, but it all worked well.
And I did not envy Aragorn struggling not to lie, but not to give away the truth, when questioned about the ring! I wonder if he'll realize later, when he's well, that this means that Denethor knows?
Author's reply
I'm sure Denethor would have figured out who his rival was without the ring but if was fun to give him a bit of a helping hand.
Convenient? Yes indeed, but hey, this is Middle-earth and chance is a strange thing LOL!
Oh I think he knew that Denethor knew and Denethor knew that he did too! Not that either was letting on.
Many thanks for reviewing.
Linda Hoyland
· 6 November 2008
· Chapter 10: The Ring of Barahir
A great chapter,though I could hit Denethor for taking advantage of poor wounded Aragorn.I think is a very plausible explanation of how Denethor guessed.
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Linda, I'm so pleased you enjoyed it.
Yes, Denethor might not wish him dead, but I certainly had him down as taking full advantage of the situation. He can't have improved Aragorn's headache one bit.
Ainu Laire
· 6 November 2008
· Chapter 10: The Ring of Barahir
I like your Denethor. Yea, he doesn't like the man, but he's not cruel enough to wish him to be dead; he also realizes that his presence does uplift the spirit of the men, and he knows that that is important. So even if he doesn't like it, he doesn't wish him dead because he's a decent guy, in the end.
No wonder Thorongil booked it out of there as fast as possible. XD I imagine the moment he was better he was like "right, time to attack the Corsairs and leave!"
Though now I am thoroughly convinced that Barahir led to the discovery of Aragorn with both your tale and Meckinock's tale. It really is the most logical theory.
Author's reply
Yeah, I think you've nailed Denethor there! I certainly couldn't see him wishing Thorongil dead, either. You do have to wonder how Aragorn ever managed to keep that ring a secret for so long. Surely someone would have questioned it.
Absolutely right! And he's off to sort out the Corsairs in the next chapter!
Many thanks for reviewing.
Tracy
· 6 November 2008
· Chapter 10: The Ring of Barahir
Thank you so much for this next chapter. I'm really enjoying reading your story.
Author's reply
Thank you so much for letting me know and I'm glad you're enjoying it.
Virtuella
· 5 November 2008
· Chapter 10: The Ring of Barahir
This chapter is just as well written as the others and compelling in its own right.
I have some misgivings, though, about the idea that Denthor would succeed at finding (or even attempt to find) this description of the ring in the archives, and in such a short space of time, too. It makes sense that he starts with the oldest, which also narrows down the number of texts to check, but by the same token these oldest documents would have been very difficult (and therefore timeconsuming) to read. The script and the language would be very different from what Denethor knew, the documents would have been damaged, faded etc. Also, since you say he doesn't normally go to the archieves, he would be inexperienced in the use of them, and if he's not in the habit of using them, it is unlikely that the option would occur to him quite so easily. At the best, I think he might find what he is looking for after many days of searching. That part of the story seems contrived to me.
What pleased me is that you don't make Denethor into a villain. You give him true compassion for the injured rival, and you make him back down at a pinch. I like this characterization of him.
Author's reply
No, I certainly don't see Denethor as the villian. He was a good man who was overwhelmed by the hand that fate dealt him. I certainly think he would have been moved by Thorongil's plight.
Those are interesting points you raise here about the archives and I'm sorry they made the story less convincing for you. I think the important thing to remember is that the weariness of the world was less in the earlier Ages of the Sun than it is now at the end of the Sixth or beginning of the Seventh Age [Letters]. Nowadays, documents written three thousand years ago would most likely have turned to dust long ago. Everything [buildings, cities, roads] lasted much longer then. Even so, I do suggest that Minalcar [chosen because he was known to have been an industrious king] would have had copies made to preserve the oldest documents. As to familiarity with the language, Elendil was a scholar and would have been very well versed in Quenya which changed the least of all the M-e languages and I'm assuming that any official documents made under his instruction at that time would have been recorded in that tongue. Denethor might not be a regular visitor to the archives but I bet he knew his way around them and where else would he look for answers , especially if he didn't want anyone to know what he was looking for. I imagine anything to do with Thorongil would have lain heavily on his mind and he wouldn't have rested until he solved this riddle.
This whole story is, in truth, rather contrived as I doubt Denethor actually figured out who Thorongil was by this means but it was an interesting idea to run with as I felt that taking that ring with him on his travels was potentially a very risky thing for Aragorn to do. If anyone was going to stumble across it, it just had to be Denethor!
Many thanks for your thought provoking review.
jgmsccc
· 4 November 2008
· Chapter 10: The Ring of Barahir
"light was kindled in the depths of his grey eyes. It was keen and commanding and Denethor knew it was a challenge. "
Wow. I was wondering how you were going to end this, but this line said it all. Terrific.
Author's reply
Hi jgmsccc, thank you so much for reviewing and I'm thrilled you enjoyed that ending. I do love writing Aragorn rising to the occasion!
Estelcontar
· 4 November 2008
· Chapter 10: The Ring of Barahir
Poor Aragorn! To come out of a poison induced fever to find his ring in the hands of crafty Denethor. No wonder he wanted to escape into sleep. So would I in his position.
I really liked the way you made Aragorn rally and face Denethor, and not lie outright, but find a way to say something thruthful, while still not revealing anything he didn't want to. It's no wonder he was called Elven-wise
Author's reply
Thank you; I'm so glad you liked this Aragorn moment! So much was left unsaid between them and yet they both ended up knowing exactly where the other stood.
shirebound
· 4 November 2008
· Chapter 10: The Ring of Barahir
Nicely done. You're filling in these gaps so beautifully, it's as if another Appendix has been found.
Author's reply
Gosh, shirebound, thank you so much.
daw the minstrel
· 4 November 2008
· Chapter 10: The Ring of Barahir
The quote from the Silm is thrilling. It's hard to imagine knowing history that far back and knowing that you are linked to it.
As I recall, Denethor was a lore master so his familiarity with the scrolls isn't surprising. What a shock this one must have been.
Author's reply
I sometimes wonder how Aragorn functioned at all with the weight of all those ancestors to live up to.
I'm sure Denethor was very well versed in Gondor's history so, yes, he would recognise the impications immediately.
Thank you so much for reviewing.
Larner
· 4 November 2008
· Chapter 10: The Ring of Barahir
That answer was enough--the Heir to Isildur had unwittingly revealed himself!
Very plausible indeed, and all too likely.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you thought this plausible. I guess Denethor actually put the pieces together bit by bit, but it was too tempting not to have that ring as the give away!
Yes, that was all Denethor needed to know! Many thanks for your review.
Elflingimp
· 4 November 2008
· Chapter 10: The Ring of Barahir
Just wanted to tell you that was a really great chapter, Denethor knows, but I liked all the mystery about it. I have always liked the story behind The Ring of Barahir. Hugs The Imp
Author's reply
Thank you so much; I'm always so thrilled to know you've been enjoying this tale.