A Taste of Honey by Linda Hoyland
Virtuella · 23 September 2008 · Chapter 2: And vowed he'd steal no more
Well, it is hard on the poor mant hat he should have to rule all of Gondor and have to attend to such domestic matters as well! You're quite right, I was comparing his attitude here to that in Mask Of Virtue, where I really liked the way he played detective.
Author's reply
I hope someday the Muses will give me another chance for Aragorn to play detective as I love whodunnits on TV.
Inzilbeth · 22 September 2008 · Chapter 2: And vowed he'd steal no more
Of course we wouldn't really expect anything else from the son of Aragorn and Arwen, and, thankfully for the maid, Eldarion owned up in time. I'm sure having to confess to both your king and father must have been quite a punishment in itself.
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review.I would not like to admit to wrongdoing to Aragorn!
Virtuella · 22 September 2008 · Chapter 2: And vowed he'd steal no more
I confess I expected a bit more of a twist here. While it is elegantly written and entertaining to read, the story develops exactly as one expects it to - at least as far as Eldarion is concerned. A look at Aragorn is more interesting here. I wondered in the first chapter how the maid was dismissed without any real proof of her guilt, especially since she seemed to have had a spotless reputation and declared her innocence. Maybe the king is too much occupied with grave affairs of state to pay much attention to such a seemingly trivial domestic matter. But for Indis, her whole existance is at stake. Aragorn does apologize to the girl, and his further treatment of her shows that he feels uneasy about his own handling of the case - it seems like he is trying to make it up to her. It would appear that Eldarion is not the only one, who learnt something in from this incident. Aragorn will investigate incidents like this more carefully in the future.
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review.I initially wrote this when someone answered a challenge I posted on LJ,then decided to enter it for Teitho,so in short it was written in a hurry,initially just for fun, I guess I might have thought of more of a twist if I'd developed it at a leisurely pace. I'm pleased you found Aragorn interesting here.I'm starting to think now,he did not learn the lessons he should have done in "Mask of Virtue",or has forgotten them. Personally, I think he is preoccupied with matters of state and relies too much on the word of more senior domestic staff.
Baggins Babe · 20 September 2008 · Chapter 2: And vowed he'd steal no more
I'm glad to see that Eldarion has owned up - he is the son of Aragorn and Arwen after all. How like Aragorn to apologise to Indis and I'm glad she wanted to stay. No, I don't suppose the honey cakes ever tasted quite so sweet again.
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review.I think Aragorn is the sort of man who would apologise.
Laikwâlassê · 20 September 2008 · Chapter 2: And vowed he'd steal no more
a satisfactory end on both sides. I think the King´s reaction was not so bad as dreaded. A lovely glimpse of the day-to day live. Thank you. Lai
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review.I'm delighted you enjoyed the story.I like writing about the everyday life of Aragorn and his family and friends.
Larner · 20 September 2008 · Chapter 2: And vowed he'd steal no more
At least he learned in time to save the girl her job.
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review I'm glad the girl's job was saved too.
Elea24 · 20 September 2008 · Chapter 2: And vowed he'd steal no more
Ah, I think stories with young children in are my favourite. They are so innocent, and yet they will lie and lie to keep themselves out of trouble. This was very sweet :)
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review. I'm pleased you enjoyed the story.I like stories about children too.
harrowcat · 19 September 2008 · Chapter 2: And vowed he'd steal no more
I would imagine that enduring the disappointment of his parents was worse than any other punishment. Good ending.
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review. I agree that Eldarion would find disappointing his parents the worst punishment.
Estelcontar · 19 September 2008 · Chapter 2: And vowed he'd steal no more
Well done. I was sure Eldarion would prove true to his heritage, and own up to what he did. I also like the way you made both Arwen and Aragorn teach Eldarion his lesson.
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review.I'm pleased you enjoyed the story and how the King and Queen acted.I'm sure Eldarion has learned a valuable lesson.
Raksha The Demon · 19 September 2008 · Chapter 2: And vowed he'd steal no more
An excellent conclusion; and I loved Aragorn's memory of his own childhood escapade with the apples. And it's a nice touch that Eldarion doesn't find the honey cakes as irresistible as they used to be...
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review.I'm pleased you enjoyed the story.I'm sure Eldarion would be surprised at some of the things his now sedate father once got up to!
Lady_Roisin · 19 September 2008 · Chapter 2: And vowed he'd steal no more
I was so happy to see the follow up to the first chapter. I read it right away! I enjoyed this story very much because I do believe it's realistic that even the son of King Elessar had his naughty moments. Noble kings aren't just born that way. They have to learn somehow. Child characters are not the easiest to write for and to portray them in a realistic and believable lght is certainly a mark of a good author. I commend you for taking up the challenge and you pulled it off very well at that. I'm happy that Eldarion confesed in the nick of time. I also liked how you portrayed Aragorn's apology to Indis. I felt that was very true to his own character. I also loved how you had Aragorn remember a similar situation from his own childhood. That was a nice touch. It was a wonderful short story, and reminded me of some lessons I learned also as a child. I love your writing style so much. I would love to add you to my LJ too.
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review.Your kind comments made my day! I'm thrilled that you felt I portrayed both Eldarion and Aragorn in a realistic manner. I'd be delighted to add you to my LJ friends' list.
Raksha The Demon · 16 September 2008 · Chapter 1: The Knave of Hearts, he stole the tarts
Eldarion can't help being a kid, and most kids find it hard to understand that they can't take what they want if they find it available. I have the feeling he will learn, especially since Eldarion doesn't lack for compassion and his conscience is already bothering. Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review. I'm sure Eldarion will learn.He is a good boy at heart.
Inzilbeth · 14 September 2008 · Chapter 1: The Knave of Hearts, he stole the tarts
Oh Eldarion is so going to be regreting his actions. It's good to know he's inherited the skills of his parents, even if he isn't using them very wisely just yet. I'm looking forward to seeing how this works out for him; I don't think I would particularly want to be on the recieving end of his father's intense gaze if I had annoyed him.
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review. I agree I would not like to face an irate Aragorn either!I think Eldarion is already wishing he had never touched the cakes!
Lady_Roisin · 13 September 2008 · Chapter 1: The Knave of Hearts, he stole the tarts
Oh my! Eldarion really has gotten himself into quit a pickle hasn't he! It will be interesting to see how this turns out. Eldarion reminds me a lot of myself when I was younger. I feel that you've portrayed a child accurately here. Even the best behaved of children have their naughty moments. Keep up the great work.
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review. Yes indeed Eldarion has a problem! I'm delighted you felt I portrayed him realistically. I fear I was a very naughty child,far worst than Eldarion!I did once take a chestnut from a shop to my Mother's horror.
Laikwâlassê · 13 September 2008 · Chapter 1: The Knave of Hearts, he stole the tarts
the scene is just snatched out of reality. His doings and feelings are so true to life. However what surprised me a bit was Eldarion´s reason behind his hesitation to tell his parents the truth. He is obvisiously afraid of his father. I cannot imagine Aragorn so stern with his children that they could not find the courage to confide in him. I´m quite eager to see how this will work out. Very well written. Lai
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review. I'm pleased you found the story true to life. I love Aragorn dearlyand he is my favourite character, but he can in the book seem rather forbidding at times, though I do see him as a loving father.All will be revealed soon.
harrowcat · 12 September 2008 · Chapter 1: The Knave of Hearts, he stole the tarts
Oh dear. Poor Indris. Looking forward to more Linda.
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review. I hope to post the conclusion next week.
Virtuella · 12 September 2008 · Chapter 1: The Knave of Hearts, he stole the tarts
Well, at least he enjoyed the cakes... A classic set-up, but none the less interesting. I'm curious as to how you are going to work it out.
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review. I'm pleased you are enjoying the story.
eliza61 · 12 September 2008 · Chapter 1: The Knave of Hearts, he stole the tarts
What a charming story Linda, Aah the pitfalls of youth, unfortunately it reminds me of when I decided to "borrow" some candy from my corner candy store. My father (a nyc cop, at that) promptly marched me back to the store where I had to confess my crime and was punished. At least poor Eldarion is feeling guilty.
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review. I'm pleased you are enjoying the story. When I was Eldarion's age, I took a chestnut from a shop to ask Mum what it was,much to her horror. I never did it again!Thanks for sharing your memoroes.
Larner · 11 September 2008 · Chapter 1: The Knave of Hearts, he stole the tarts
Alas, the lad is already feeling guilty--although it is good he does so. Now, to find out the consequences of his act.
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review. I would guess that Aragorn and Arwen's child would have a conscience!
Estelcontar · 11 September 2008 · Chapter 1: The Knave of Hearts, he stole the tarts
Linda, Eldarion sounds very true to life. It's hard for children to resist the temptation of favourite sweets. No wonder he's feeling guilty now.
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review. I'm pleased you felt Eldarion was true to life.
daw the minstrel · 11 September 2008 · Chapter 1: The Knave of Hearts, he stole the tarts
That line where Eldarion thinks there are lots of cakes and he only wants one really took me back in time to when my son was small. We were having a party and I'd make a cake and he asked for a piece. I said it was for the party and in this shocked voice, he said, "All I want is one piece!" He couldn't believe I was being so selfish! LOL. But he didn't take any either.
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review. I'm pleased this brought back memories for you.