Or Perchance, When the Last Little Star by Larner
Fimbrethil · 12 December 2025 · Chapter 9: The Spring Tournament
Larner, please come back to this. I just stayed up six hours to read the whole story. I couldn't put it down! Théodred showed up! This was great, I have read the Hiring story in Beneath Anor and Gil.
Leithian · 12 November 2024 · Chapter 9: The Spring Tournament
This is such a beautiful and interesting story Larner. The characters are so well rounded and believable. As others have done so, I entreat you not to abandon this fic. It is too precious to be left unfinished
Al · 16 June 2019 · Chapter 7: An Embassy from Rhovanion
I love your stories! I just discovered them a month ago, and am steadily reading through them. Your productivity is amazing!I hope you will forgive a small criticism: you refer to the grippe as an intestinal ailment caused by spoiled meat. It actually is influenza.
Elentarri · 23 March 2018 · Chapter 1: Mettarë Ball in Dol Amroth
Hello. Please finish this story. It's simply too good to be languishing unfinshed like this.
NotACat · 5 June 2015 · Chapter 9: The Spring Tournament
This is jogging along nicely, I look forward to seeing it continued!
Author's reply
Oh, dear--another comment I failed to respond to. I fear that this one ground to a stubborn halt some time ago, and I'd promised I'd attend to this next once I finished "Stirring Rings," which has languished far longer! I swear I will finish it one day!
Winterwitch · 1 April 2015 · Chapter 9: The Spring Tournament
I enjoyed this tale about Húrin and Lynessë very much. You're creating very believable, well-rounded characters not only with your main protagonists but will all characters present, which come alive so vividly I can see them all before me, and feel as if I was present during all of this tale. I particularly enjoyed that with Húrin you're showing how also somebody can make his way in life in such a setting, and make it well, despite not have been among the lucky ones who escape all battles unscathed. It's a pity the story has never been finished and we don't get to see how the two of them finally come together (I'm already reading your other Húrin story where it becomes clear that they have), as I imagine this would have been delightful to read.
Author's reply
Oh, but I do intend to finish this, although I've vowed to finish "Stirring Rings" first. Am so glad you are enjoying "The Keys of the Realm." I vow I will finish this, too!
Elentarri · 6 March 2015 · Chapter 9: The Spring Tournament
Hello This is a beautiful story. Can you please finish it or update it? Please? I would love to know how they finally got married.
Author's reply
Oh, dear--if Stirring Rings weren't so stubborn I'd be on this one again! It will be finished, and isn't truly abandoned, I assure you! Thanks so very much!
Noruinivel · 20 May 2012 · Chapter 9: The Spring Tournament
Hi Larner, I am so glad to read that other reviewers are encouraging you to continue this story. Please do not abandon this thread because you are weaving a remarkable tale here. This is a great look at a different perspective on the whole Lord of the Rings tale and I am enjoying it very much. Thank you! Noruinivel
Author's reply
Oh, I do intend to finish this, but decided perhaps I should work at Stirring Rings first as it had been languishing far longer! Please bear with me--real life continues to be--interesting!
Elentarri · 18 May 2012 · Chapter 9: The Spring Tournament
Hello Can you please continue with this story? It's too good to just leave like this. :)
Author's reply
I'm going to do so, but I vowed I'd finish Stirring Rings first before getting into other such projects. It's been a much longer time ignored. Please continue to have patience!
Elflingimp · 23 May 2011 · Chapter 9: The Spring Tournament
Was just thinking about this story Larner........and was wondering if you have had any progress in writing the next chapter? Hugs The Imp
Author's reply
Hi, Imp. Have the next chapter partly done, but am caught writing my Big Bang entry at the moment, so have been distracted for the past little while trying to get "Murder Most Foul" written. Yes, this will be finished--one day! Sorry about the delay!
Erulisse (one L) · 12 February 2011 · Chapter 9: The Spring Tournament
Larner - I finally had the chance to catch up with some old Emails and noticed that you had posted this chapter. I was delighted to see that you had put another chapter up in this tale. I really love the character developments that you have been exploring here and the picture of Gondor before the final battles that are being lit by your pen. It is a treasure. Thanks for making my night. I can hardly wait for the next chapter. - Erulisse (one L)
Author's reply
Hi, Erulisse. I see I failed to respond to this. Sorry about that. The next chapter is partly done, but I've been distracted trying to get my Big Bang story written in time to meet the deadline. Hope that the delay isn't too big a problem for people! And thanks so for the sweet words.
Linda Hoyland · 29 January 2011 · Chapter 8: Interference
Poor Lyoness is rushed off her feet!She must be glad that she sees little of her mother,though!
Elflingimp · 20 January 2011 · Chapter 9: The Spring Tournament
That was a wonderful chapter, so much going on in it! This is one of my favorite stories and I am so glad you put another chapter up. Thankyou Hugs The Imp
Author's reply
Thanks. Am trying to keep up, but have found that some chapters eke out at dribs and drabs until suddenly the dam breaks and everything gets written--and then the next chapter does similarly. But it was a relief to finally get this chapter done.
Andrea · 19 January 2011 · Chapter 9: The Spring Tournament
It's wonderful to see a new addition to this story, Larner! A lot is going on there, on and behind the scene! If I tried to comment everything I liked, this would be a VERY long review. So I just quote one line I particularly liked: "I must say that other than some of the lady’s maids I saw riding toward the rear, you are one of the few true women I’ve seen this day" Aunt Marieth is so right. That's exactly my picture of Lynessë - a true woman. There's nothing false about her and that's what makes her so likeable. I'm looking forward to reading more!
Author's reply
Why, thank you so, Andrea! You've just made my day!
Celeritas · 16 January 2011 · Chapter 9: The Spring Tournament
After quite a few days of prolonging the experience, I finally got through to the end of this chapter. Once again I really love what you've done here with Gondorian high culture and politics. Saruman's man is appropriately oily, and Aldunieth really cracked me up as I'm sure she thought she was being exceedingly clever and that no one can see through her schemes. I also liked how Tervain has come back on the path of reform--a lot--having characters change like that off-screen really makes the setting more viable. And finally, the really subtle dynamics among Denethor, Gandalf, and Faramir were wonderful: it could have very easily descended into a parody of what we get in LotR but instead appeared as just a germ of that. Just a wonderful chapter all around, and more, please! :)
Author's reply
Denethor appears to have questioned the motives of the Wizards a good deal, and I must suppose with good reason in the end. Faramir must have been torn between his liking of Mithrandir and his attempt to anticipate what his father would do, now that his father is far southwest in Lossarnach, and frustrated that his father didn't just congratulate him on stopping the Wizard from doing research on matters that the Steward himself should also be advised. And I am working on the next chapter, although the latest one for "In Empty Lands" came forth first. Thanks so, Celeritas!
Agape4Gondor · 14 January 2011 · Chapter 7: An Embassy from Rhovanion
Ah - I've not been here for an age..... But - a good tale is well remembered and I didn't even have to look backwards to enjoy this chapter and the characters. They are much beloved... I do so love your easy pace, the wondrous flow of words. They just tantalize with hidden meanings and long looks and gentle touches. I expect to be back for the next chapter.
Author's reply
Am glad to see you return to read this, then, Agape. Hope all is going well at the moment. I only hope the next chapter comes more swiftly. And thanks so for the feedback.
Elena Tiriel · 14 January 2011 · Chapter 9: The Spring Tournament
Oh, Larner, what a treat to see a new chapter! I love your tale of Lynessë and Húrin -- both fascinating characters in your hands, as well as the intrigues at court from Lynessë's PoV. Her observations of Denethor seem especially perspicacious -- and seeing Gandalf so clearly as she did, was a real surprise! Your Anamarieth is such a delight, too. I grinned at the welcome forwardness of a woman of a certain age.... But that Erdeon... well, he gives me the creeps, à la Gríma Wormtongue. Lynessë better not dine with him, he might poison her.... *shiver* Thank you so much for this gem of a story! - Barbara
Author's reply
I'm so glad you are enjoying it, Elena. I've met a few Lady Anamarieths in my life, although I suspect I've seen rather more of the opposite, those who seem to suck happiness out of the place. Erdeon indeed is much in the same mould of Grima, I suspect, but then we must remember that at this point Saruman is beginning to see himself as a political and military power in the making, so he is attempting to put agents in place wherever he can. And thank you so for the feedback!
Rhyselle · 14 January 2011 · Chapter 9: The Spring Tournament
Dearest Larner, thank you so very, very much for gifting us with this newest chapter of this delightful tale! I do so look forward to each new chapter; no matter how long a space between them, they are always worth the wait! The details of the preparation for and execution of the tournament are great, but best of all (as usual!) are your fantastic characterizations of all of the different characters involved in tale. They all feel so very real! :) It was great to see the newest additions to the cast, particularly Forlong's mother! :) I fell in love with her immediately, and hope to see more of her in future chapters or other stories. Well done, my dear! Well done!
Author's reply
I think that the Lady Anamarieths of this world help make it a place where we wish to linger, actually. And I am so pleased she made the chapter more pleasant for you. I only hope that the next chapter doesn't take anywhere as long to come! Thank you so!
Lady Bluejay · 14 January 2011 · Chapter 9: The Spring Tournament
What a treat - I thought you had given up on this, but it looks as if it is winding onto new paths.LBJ
Author's reply
No, I've not given up on any of my tales, but am doing my best to keep the flow going. Why some seem to take ages to get a new chapter written is beyond me!
Teresa · 13 January 2011 · Chapter 9: The Spring Tournament
Hmmmmmm.....quite a few plots are spinning in Minas Tirith! I liked seeing how milady Butterfly was shown up! She is the same person who makes a play for Aragorn later, isn't she? I'm not susprised the Lynesse would see Mithrandir so clearly; I hope that you show her immpressions of Aragorn, Frodo, and Sam after the end of the war. I wonder if she'd briefly see them as the three brothers in Ruvemir's portrait? It also seems as though Sauruman had hopes of influncing Denethor as he did Theoden; was that a plot in concert with Sauron or just his own plan? I also enoyed seeing Lady Marieth, she's a lovely person. Rigil is a nice young man, and I hope that his courtship goes well. As for his grandmother and Lynesse's mother I hope their plots are spiked big time! The tournement was great, and it was nice seeing Boromir and Faramir relaxing for a while. It was also pleasant to have a glimpse of Theodred! Will you ever write a story showing him with Eomer and Eowyn before the war? Many thanks for the chapter! :)
Author's reply
Yes, the Lady Butterfly makes a play for quite a few people, but apparently just keeps giving just a bit too much, leaving her ever flitting about looking for new men to be attracted to, I fear. That Saruman might indeed seek to influence Denethor seems very likely. That Denethor would see through the attempts to manipulate him also seems likely. Am so glad that Lady Anamarieth is charming more than the Steward and his family and Lynesse! She's based on a dear friend from Bath. I'd think both the Steward's sons would do their best to be there for this tournament, and it only seemed likely that Theodred might wish to attend, too, if only to get away from Grima. And I NEVER know what I might be moved to write next, of course. Heh! Thanks so, Teresa.
Soledad · 13 January 2011 · Chapter 9: The Spring Tournament
Oh, Larner, this is fantastic! I love how you write Denethor, but I think my eternal love now belongs to Forlong's mother! And of course Boromir would beat everyone in swordfight. ;) I apologize for not having reviewed more lately - I was heavily involved in other fandoms for a while. But I'm happy you picked up this story again.
Author's reply
Am so glad you enjoyed this. Denethor isn't lost yet fully to despair, and I suspect he was, for the most part, a decent father and canny ruler. And am so glad you, too, enjoyed Lady Anamarieth. Such as she do exist in this world, and we need to appreciate them so! And it's always a pleasure to hear from you!
Fantasia · 13 January 2011 · Chapter 9: The Spring Tournament
You are back! love the tournament and every single detail. I'm at work, so no time to comment, but I wanted to tell you how happy I'm for this update.
Author's reply
I've not been missing--it's just that the chapters of this story seem so slow to coalesce any more! Aargh! But I so hope the next won't take anywhere as long! And am glad this pleased you.
UTfrog · 13 January 2011 · Chapter 9: The Spring Tournament
Thanks for the update on this story. I really enjoy stories about intrigue in the court, etc.
Author's reply
Oh, I'm certain that there were many intrigues going about in Denethor's court--get many people together and you're certain to come across such things, I fear. Thanks so for the comments!
Freyalyn · 13 January 2011 · Chapter 9: The Spring Tournament
How lovely, you've updated this story at last (and I found it here!). I really enjoy your descriptions of Gondor before it becomes so dark and threatened. And you're right, I can see all the complications and complexities spiralling out of what was going to be a short and sweet story about Hurin and Lynesse. And little bits of back stories on Dale and Erebor and the Shire.... Thank you so much.
Author's reply
Oh, everything I write is here as well as on HASA and FF.n. It's just a pleasure to get feedback wherever you read! The people in Gondor must have gotten some hints of the northlands, and particularly Bree. I doubt that Gandalf would have been as forthcoming about the Shire or the ways of the northern Dunedain within Denethor's court, knowing the Steward's antipathy against the memory of Thorongil; but he must have been more willing to tell about the Breelands. And as Laketown and Dale were restored they must have found themselves more interested in what might be going on elsewhere in Middle Earth, and Gondor was the biggest political power among Men at the time. And I thank you for all the feedback you've always given me! Thanks so very much!
Szepilona10 · 12 January 2011 · Chapter 9: The Spring Tournament
I am so happy to see this updated! :D You should have heard my squeel of delight when I saw the alert in my inbox! It earned me some strange looks from my little brother! (haha!) Anyway...I loved this chapter! Theodred is one of my favorite Roherium! I loved Rigil's reason to give his wreath to Lynesse! Lady Anamarieth is quite a character! And this review is kinda jumpy, but I'm hyper cause you updated, and tired and anxious about my exams tomorrow...blegh :( Speaking of which I should get to bed as I can't even type straight! Thank you for the chapter! It was a very good destracter! God Bless! ~Szepilona~
Author's reply
Am so glad that I could help startle your younger brother, then--heh! And am glad I was able to include Theodred. He appears to have been greatly beloved in Rohan, and his death at the Fords of Isen must have been hard for his people as well as his father and cousins to bear. And I so hope your exams went well! Good luck with further schooling as well, of course!