Dreamflower
· 28 July 2009
· Chapter 7: An Embassy from Rhovanion
What a very interesting evening!
I like young Bard; if Hurin were not already in the picture, he might very well make a good suitor for Lynesse. He's certainly learned discretion-- I noticed that while he made much of the King under the Mountain and the King of the Wood, he never once mentioned that the folk of the Mountain were Dwarves or the folk of the Wood were Elves! (Although it would not surprise me if Denethor were not aware of that already--but I am not sure it would be counted a good thing by him. We know, at least, that he harbored some suspicions of Elves, anyway. I've no idea what his opinion of Dwarves would have been.) It seems to me Denethor was playing a game of some sort by inviting Bard along, while some of Faramir's conversation with Lynesse confirms my suspicion that *he* at least, would be pleased to see her make a match with his cousin.
I love the tale of the bells! I'd enjoy hearing more about those!
Author's reply
I strongly suspect the folk from Dale were advised by Thranduil not to mention people of other races when dealing with those of Gondor. I'm certain Denethor has studied enough and perhaps learned enough from partial answers from Thorongil and perhaps others from among the Lost to realize there are Elves, alive and well, lingering in the northern lands, and Dwarves as well; but as neither race has been seen in the South by any since the reign of Earnur--that they know of, at least--it's perhaps easier to pretend there remain only Men within the shores of Middle Earth.
And whether Denethor is seeking to give Hurin a bit of a nudge to get on with it, seeing a possible alliance by marriage with Dale, or is just being contrary--he does possess a rather sardonic sense of humor, after all--is hard to say. But I think Faramir, seeing someone at last has caught at his older cousin's imagination and heart, just wants to see him happy with someone as suitable as Lynesse has proved!
The idea of the carillon is based on one of the stories written in the 2007 Christmas exchange, which was based on a comment on the "merry bells of Dale" in "The Hobbit." I don't remember offhand who wrote the story, but I found myself having to reference it here!
Anyway, thank you so very much, Dreamflower.
Mysterious Jedi
· 28 July 2009
· Chapter 7: An Embassy from Rhovanion
Good to see Hurin appreciate what he's missing!
Author's reply
Oh, I do agree, Mysterious Jedi. Maybe he does need just a bit of a nudge so he doesn't become too complacent. Heh!
Fantasia
· 28 July 2009
· Chapter 7: An Embassy from Rhovanion
Well, it seems that Denethor is playing with fire...he does have a sense of humor. I think that after this, Hurin will snap a little bit and start courting...she really doesn't car for the Lord of Dale...a lot of details about Faramir and his father, I like how you portrait their relationship, the family dinamics, even in times of war...Well, I went back and re-read your Hurin's story, so I know how ends, but I love to see them courting and the steward family.
Author's reply
Denethor does have a sense of humor--at least when it suits him, and at times he enjoys putting folk off their stride, obviously. And I suspect that things are likely to become interesting for Lynesse, at least.
We know from LOTR that Hurin was alive and well at the time of the coronation, so that itself should give a number of folk some reassurance. However, there will be a complication coming up....
Linda Hoyland
· 17 July 2009
· Chapter 6: A Question of Degree
I kept thinking here that Aragorn would understand that circumstances should be taken into account. Poor faramir to have been deprived of his book.I'm enjoying his story very much.
Author's reply
I certainly agree with you, Linda. Aragorn would always examine motives, I think, and take them into account before assigning punishments, I suspect. As for the book--I like to think that without realizing it Faramir might have had some Hobbit influence in his life!
Thank you so--was gone last week and didn't get much written; am now catching up on what I missed while I was gone and just now getting around to answering comments--forgive me my tardiness!
Now to get the next chapter written, although I'm working on other things at the moment, I fear.
Linda Hoyland
· 17 July 2009
· Chapter 5: New Duties
A delightful chapter. I appauded Lyonesse's wisdom and lauged out loud at Fendril. You are giving me some good ideas for plumbing in Gondor!
My alerts were sent to the spam box by mistake, which is why I'm so behind.
Author's reply
Am so glad you enjoyed it, Linda. And considering how late I am in responding to comments, who am I to complain? Now, to see how you utilize plumbing in your stories! Am following through on some elements I'd written into earlier chapters of "Stirring Rings," of course! And Fendril will appear again if I EVER get "Murder Most Foul" posted!
Raksha The Demon
· 13 July 2009
· Chapter 6: A Question of Degree
I enjoyed the interplay between Denethor and Lynesse here; and the glimpses into the Steward's home life. We see him as a patriarch, a caring yet stern father and lord; a man given to justice but making some allowance to fairness but also notice his rather fanatic response to Mithrandir in depriving his son, when young, of a children's tale because it was gifted by the wizard. Nicely done; and good hints of Faramir's restlessness, determination and already somewhat delicate relationship with his father.
Author's reply
Thank you so, Raksha. The greatness of the man is balanced by his few tendencies toward envy and suspicion and perhaps absolutism. But I do believe he loved both of his sons fiercely indeed!
Andrea
· 13 July 2009
· Chapter 6: A Question of Degree
He searched her face for a moment, and then, unwillingly, he gave a smile--a small smile, but a smile indeed, and Lynessë knew that he admired her persistence.
Great! That was a clear victory for Lynessë.
I found it also very interesting and in-character that while Faramir found the same arguments as Lynessë against his father's opinion, Boromir seemed not to be very interested in the subject. He's a soldier, not a lawyer.
Author's reply
I suspect that Denethor had begun to view life in part as rather a contest in which he was intent on coming in first; and that as long as the victories weren't too embarrassing or frequent, he did have a tendency to admire those who'd bested him--at first, at least!
And Boromir was indeed a warrior born, I've always thought.
Thanks so, Andrea!
Soledad
· 13 July 2009
· Chapter 6: A Question of Degree
Haha! Denethor has found his true match in his new chatelaine, I'd say. Loved the portrayal of Boromir, too - you made me like him even more than before.
Author's reply
Ah, that he has. I think all of his family find they rather appreciate her personality, really! And am so glad you are enjoying my portrayal of Boromir. Thank you!
6336
· 12 July 2009
· Chapter 6: A Question of Degree
While stealing for need rather than greed does not make the crime any lass, it does argue for mitigating circumstances.
Why does snow turn the most sober of adults into little children?
More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
I'm not certain why stolid adults can't seem to keep from rolling and throwing snowballs, but it seems almost a fact of life, doesn't it?
As for the thefts--you are right, except in this case there was no need. I think the punishment for the launderer was a bit harsh, but such punishments were often harsh indeed. A child could be hung for stealing a loaf of bread from a baker during Tudor times.
Thanks so, Lynda.
Dreamflower
· 12 July 2009
· Chapter 6: A Question of Degree
A very fascinating evening, and one in which there were many undercurrents beneath the conversation, and yet also an opportunity for lightheartedness as well.
In many ways, Denethor's argument with Lynesse and Faramir about whether a punishment should be mitigated in some manner depending on motive reminded me of some of the things that Scrooge said in "A Christmas Carol". He has begun the process of hardening his heart in response to the Enemy (actually it was probably begun years before, but now it appears to be really taking hold). I don't know if you meant those echoes on purpose or not, but I found they really resonated in depicting Denethor's character. Scrooge eventually found redemption, sadly Denethor did not.
Also, I love the description of Boromir as a "force of nature"! I am quite sure that there were very few who would gainsay his wishes. He's fond of Hurin, and wanted his company. Faramir, however, is a little deeper-- I wonder if his encouragement of Hurin's presence at the dinner was caused by his wish to put his cousin once more in Lynesse's presence--this time in a social setting?
And the part about the children's book: very sad and very telling. Lynesse is a very shrewd judge of some things.
Author's reply
Yes, I can see the comparison to Scrooge and his "Are there no workhouses or prisons?" He is growing more rigid, although the seeds of that rigidity, I suspect, have been there for some years. Although he also strikes me as one who just likes to argue--heh!
I certainly suspect that Boromir tended to be granted his own way by most folk, and I DO suspect you are right about Faramir as well.
As for the book--you have indeed seen it as it is.
Thanks so, Dreamflower!
Sunny
· 12 July 2009
· Chapter 6: A Question of Degree
I am sure that both Húrin and Lynnessë will find lots of good reasons for meetings to coordinate their respective duties ;-)
“Theft is theft, Mistress Lynessë. Whether the reasons for the theft are altruistic or selfish, yet the one stolen from has lost what was taken and either must go without it altogether if he cannot afford to replace it, or must pay twice for what he ought to have paid for only once.” Yet Denethor does not choose to view his arranging for “losing” the book given to Faramir as theft. And I also noticed that the well-dressed brother – who clearly was the one benefiting from the situation - was treated more gently than the one serving in the citadel. *scowls at Denethor*
Well, neither brother was innocent here, but I wonder how Aragorn would have dealt with this business – and just what he might have found out about the wealthy brother.
And I wonder if Lynnessë’s little victory over the Steward – getting him to call Húrin unutterably rude and a schemer, even though he doesn’t really view him in that manner – might not have consequences for her down the road. It was a small victory, yes, and I suppose he does respect her for it, too, but as he gets more paranoid, he would get less tolerant of anybody voicing opinions that conflict with his own.
Author's reply
There will undoubtedly be the intent on the part of both Lynesse and Hurin to see one another as they can, but matching intent to deed might prove more problematic than they'd each thought.
I do agree Aragorn would probably have found differently with the two brothers. As for the book--one almost never sees one's own actions as one sees similar ones done by others. Alas!
As for the small comeuppance--well, we'll see what we see. He may admire her now and yet have it come back to wrankle later, or he might just forget about it almost entirely. You never know, do you? Heh!
Thanks so, Sunny!
harrowcat
· 12 July 2009
· Chapter 6: A Question of Degree
A brave and spirited lady is your Lynesse. I am enjoying, if that is the right word, your portrayal of Denethor at this point in his life.
Author's reply
Thank you, Harrowcat. I find I like Lynesse as well. And I like exploring what Denethor might have been like when not under the direct pressure of dread anticipation and grief he was to know in ROTK. It's been interesting to look at his strengths and foibles.
Baggins Babe
· 11 July 2009
· Chapter 5: New Duties
Lynessë is very poised and has good taste for one so young. I'm glad she has rescued poor Cireth, who seems a nice capable girl.
Fendril is a most ridiculous individual! There are people like that though - seeing evil where none exists. I thought Lynessë showed remarkable patience with him, not to push him out of the window into that midden of his own making!
Author's reply
Am so glad you see Lynesse this way, BB, and it is SO good to hear from you! It's been a time!
Fendril--well, there will be more to learn about Fendril once I ever get "Murder Most Foul" posted, if I ever do. He has his own vision of the world, and sees all he encounters through that filter. It's not exactly an easy vision to live with, you'll find.
And Cireth is young, but already has her own level of competence.
Thanks so, Baggins Babe!
Elena Tiriel
· 9 July 2009
· Chapter 5: New Duties
Oh, you know... I was just wondering what happened to that cool story about Húrin of the Keys, and the young woman who would make such a good match for him?
And then I saw your update! ;-)
I really like Lynessë... she is so intelligent, level-headed, and thoughtful, and has a great sense of humor. And I'm glad your Húrin sees her good qualities (and vice versa).
I missed seeing much of Húrin in this chapter, but enjoyed seeing how Lynessë is getting to know her duties and the people she will work with, including Denethor, who seems very three-dimensional... and your speculations about the Minas Tirith infrastructure are really interesting -- whoda thunk it? LOL!
Fendril is such an eye-opener... it's hard to believe that anyone could possibly be that fearful and superstitious, but not hard to believe that someone who is that way would take it out on the staff. I feel so sorry for anyone who has to deal with him!
Hmmmm, okay, I gotta ask.... Fendril is based upon a real person? Would this, by any chance, be a public figure? Perhaps someone whom you would not want to accompany on a hunting trip?
Very well done, Larner! I'm looking forward to seeing more of this story, as well as the other one you've mentioned....
- Barbara
Author's reply
Sorry this has taken so long to update--will post the next chapter in the morning, I think. It's not always going to be an easy courtship, of course, but she and Hurin were obviously intended for one another, I suspect.
I do believe Denethor was very competent and had to have been a pretty decent father to his sons to see them come out as well as they did. It was the stress of those last few months that destroyed him, and particularly the idea that he was not only losing his sons but would be supplanted by Aragorn should the war be won, which he doubted would come.
As for Fendril--he's based partly on a specific individual, but now one with a history of accidently shooting his hunting partners. The rest of his personality is based on a mindset one sees in a particular part of our country. He will become one of the characters in "Murder Once Foul," once I manage to get that written and posted. Have some editing to do to keep it properly in line with the situation it mimics in the real world.
Thank you so very much for the feedback and the questions. I hope not to allow this one to falter as much as I have, now it's starting to flow again!
Fantasia
· 9 July 2009
· Chapter 5: New Duties
For some reason I haven't read this story before but now that I did, I can't wait for another chapter. It is so good to read about the rutine in the Citadel and about the people that lived there and doing other things besides fighting and war. Love Denethor, I like to see him as a human being, sometimes people forget that he ruled that city under a great streess and he raised two wonderful sons, that alone speaks well of him.
No Hurin in this chapter? she really will be marrying high if she marries him. My, I sound like her mother!, but he is very suitable, after Boromir and Faramir, he is probable one of the highest nobles, after all, he is of the House of Hurin.
I laughed with Fendril, but she really needs to follow Denethor's advise, more diplomatic manners are needed when you live at court.
Anyway, thank you and waiting for more...
Author's reply
Welcome, and I'm glad you are enjoying this so far. I've explored the infrastructure of the Citadel in several stories, particularly in the first half of "The Acceptable Sacrifice" and in far more detail in "A Maid Waiting." Hurin as we see him now appeared in "The Keys of the Realm," and a bit more in "Ways Round, Ways Through," which appears in "Neath Anor, Ithil, and Gil." He will appear more in later chapters, but right now is busy with his duties.
And I like to see Denethor as a competent, fairly well-rounded individual with his own strengths and weaknesses at the time.
As for Fendril--he may appear here again, but will become more a decided character in another story I'm writing but that I haven't started posting yet.
As for Lynesse--she's learning.
Thanks!
Kitty
· 8 July 2009
· Chapter 5: New Duties
Lynessë showed herself to be very sensible in the choice of her suite and in the way she handled the sharing of the bathing chamber.
Was smiling to myself when Lynessë found the books. It sounded so familiar; I’ve always found it difficult to stay away from any bookshelves myself, wherever I have been.
Why do I have the strong feeling that two of these books are by Bilbo and Elrond and probably both once belonged to a certain Lord Captain Thorongil?
Am already liking Cireth. She seems a good choice, for a number of reasons, and it is good to know that she is removed from the ones torturing her.
As for Fendril ... *shakes head* ... really, I didn’t know if to laugh or cry about that much stupidity and superstitiousness, if not downright paranoia about certain things. In the end, the laugh won! What a way for poor Lynessë to start her job there, to have to deal with that idiot!
Hm ... a very high visitor, the Steward in person! His words might have contained a certain warning, yes, but I think he still approved how Lynessë dealt with Fendril. That one must have been a sore trial to everyone! I am not sure I could have remained so relatively calm as Lynessë did with him.
Quite liked Denethor here. It’s really sad that he changed so much before the end!
Author's reply
Oh, am so glad you are enjoying things, Kitty. I know precisely how you feel about books, as I head to bookcases first, too!
The one book did belong to Thorongil, but the other you will learn about in the next chapter.
Fendril is paranoid, but it is a paranoia fed by a cultural view of the world that those of us who don't have it can't believe happens, but that one sees in some areas of the world. When you see how this world-view impacts the lives of individual, it can be very destructive. Right now he appears humorous; but that weird world-view can be deadly!
And I do like to see Denethor as competent, but still holding within himself the seeds of his eventual self-destruction.
Thanks so! Next chapter will be up in the morning!
Radbooks
· 7 July 2009
· Chapter 5: New Duties
Oh, I was very glad to see a new chapter in this story. I really enjoyed reading it this afternoon - I went back and read it all again. I really like Lynesse, she's a great character. I'm worried about that strange lawyer, I just know he's going to be showing up again. :( Thanks so much, I'm looking forward to the next chapter.
Author's reply
Am not certain whether or not Fendril will reappear in this telling, but he shall do so in another story I've been working on for a time. I felt it a good time to begin establishing his character and allowing it to be seen how it was he came to do as he did there.
The next chapter is actually written, although I shall sit on it for a few days in order to make certain I don't have any gross errors in it and hopefully get on with the story some more.
And am so glad you enjoy Lynesse! Thank you so much!
Celeritas
· 7 July 2009
· Chapter 5: New Duties
Ooh, I love domestic chapters!
It's good that Lynesse is starting to get some lessons in tact--I like her refreshing perspective but it could start to be troublesome.
And I was wondering who wrote that northern book in the spidery hand! (Hah!) Presumably the ship and star is Imladris Publishing House?
I really like the mood you set out here, and (once again) your portrayal of the astute, political Denethor.
And is there a story behind the fact that Boromir of all people had a statuette of the dancing Luthien? (For some reason that horrendous "exotic Luthien" fanart done by the same wretched artist who did blond!Faramir will not remove itself from my mind!)
Author's reply
Yes, she does need such lessons, and particularly in the coming chapter, she'll learn.
As for Boromir having kept a statuette of Luthien--well, I suppose mostly he found it both aesthetically as well as mildly erotically stimulating. (I'm not one to subscribe to the "Boromir loves Theodred" tradition, you see!)
Am not certain of what picture you speak, and don't recognize the report of a blond-Faramir. But I'm NOT surprised such things exist.
Anyway, got to get going now. And at least you have identified the bookbinders!
Agape4Gondor
· 7 July 2009
· Chapter 5: New Duties
Ah - great chapter. I most enjoyed it... but I really liked the litle mysteries thrown throughout - As soon as I saw 'spindly' I wondered if it was perhaps Bilbo - then realized it must be - since it came from far away. Wondrous!
And then the mercenary - could that have been Thorongil? Such fun....
As for the dolt - I'm hoping he won't be back.
Love Denethor... very much!
Author's reply
I like to imagine that Gandalf, having found a delightful soul in Faramir, would seek to inspire a bit more wonder and imagination by sharing typical Hobbit stories with him. As for the mercenary, I do believe it is fairly easy to identify HIM! Heh!
The dolt will be important in another story I've been working on for some time. I admit to having somewhat caricaturized a real person, although this isn't precisely the same individual as the real person whose role he will fill. But the mindset he shows is one that was definitely encouraged and manipulated by the real person.
And it's fun to write a three-dimensional Denethor, although one sees hints, I think, of the rigidity that he is already a bit prone to. Although I do believe that it was the final stress, the loss of Boromir, and the fast-approaching apparent loss of Faramir on top of the final despair that in the end did him in. He is still definitely a human being at this point, and not an archetype.
Rhyselle
· 7 July 2009
· Chapter 5: New Duties
Oh, so good to see the new chapter for this fic! It had become one of my favorites of your work and I was wondering if your muse would inspire you to continue it.
There was so much I liked that I can hardly sort out one thing from another to list! Your OCs are so wonderfully fleshed out and seem as real as do the canon characters. I do particularly like your interpretation of Denethor here. If I were to meet him, I'd definitely be in awe of him, but not frightened as I'd be if I met him right before he sent Faramir out to the Causeway Forts.
I look forward to future developments as Lynesse grows into her role as Chatelaine of the Citadel, and her hopeful future with Lord Hurin of the Keys. :)
Well done, as always!
Author's reply
Am so glad you enjoy it, Rhyselle. I think I'll try to work it out so I can better focus on some of my other longer ones more easily. Even now Denethor is a complex person with the seeds of what he will become within him.
And we will be having more meetings with Hurin as she settles more into her role.
Thanks so!
Dreamflower
· 7 July 2009
· Chapter 5: New Duties
An excellent chapter! I love the description of Lynesse's rooms, and I think her new little maid, Cireth, is going to be quite an asset.
I was quite amused and alarmed by the very strange Master Fendril, who naturally smelled a midden, since he was dumping his chamberpot right outside his own window! And all his superstitions point to a very unbalanced and disturbed personality. The name sounded very slightly familiar. Have we encountered him before in your stories? Yet I think I'd remember someone so--weird.
Denethor's visit was unexpected. He had good advice for her, and yet he also seemed to be testing her as well. It's interesting to see him in this light-- he's not so tightly wrapped in suspicion as he later appears, yet it nevertheless is there, as we see him questioning her choice of books when he recognizes one of them as Thorongil's.
Author's reply
Am glad you enjoy the choices Lynesse makes.
No, Fendril has not appeared in my stories before. He will be key within a story I've been working on for a time, although I have to rework the first chapter to it. He is based partly on a real person and partly on the superstitious mindset that sees evil everywhere. Once you get into that story--supposing I ever begin to actually post it!--you will finally understand.
And we do see a bit of the paranoid personality Denethor has entertained in his psyche since the day he first became jealous of the mercenary captain who just might have the power--and inate authority--to supplant him and his lineage one day. A mostly benign personality with a distinct hint of paranoia.
Thanks ever so much!
Andrea
· 7 July 2009
· Chapter 5: New Duties
Great chapter!
I very much enjoyed how Lynessë dealt with Fendril! What an ignorant! I would not be surprised if he even ignored that fact that *he* was the one who polluted Minas Tirith ;-)
I also liked the chamber maid Lynessë chose. She seems to be very nice, honest and natural.
And then there is that book, Joco and the Cornfield. Was it written by Bilbo Baggins? That would be interesting.
Finally, I'm a little bit confused about the meaning of the word "garderobe"! In German (and French, I think) it describes the place or room where you hang your coats, cloaks, etc.
But that wouldn't make sense, would it? Is there a second meaning?
Author's reply
Oh, I'm certain that the likes of Fendril refuses to consider the fact he could ever be wrong! He's based in part on a real person, actually, although that person is better at bending the truth to get the result he wants and then justifying it after the fact.
The story Joco and the Cornfield I have indicated in the past is a common Hobbit folktale, but the book in which the story appears was scribed by Bilbo and forwarded to Rivendell where it was bound and given to Gandalf, and then given by him to Faramir. We'll be looking a bit more at it in the next chapter.
In old English castles the term garderobe is applied to the small chambers with stone seats, also known as vents, usually built into areas right over the middens areas, where people used the bathroom in the days before flush toilets. There would be a chute that was supposed to allow the waste materials to slide right down to the midden areas. I am guessing they could be MIGHTY cold places to have to visit in the middle of winter, and an attraction to hornets in late August and early December. I know that a literal translation of the word is "wardrobe," so am uncertain how it came to be applied to inside privies in England.
Author Reply: Sorry--I meant late August and early September, not December. Gads--can't type worth a hoot today!
curiouswombat
· 7 July 2009
· Chapter 5: New Duties
How good to see another chapter of this story - and what a fascinating picture you build of the workings of the Citadel, thank you.
Author's reply
Thank you, Curiouswombat. It's interesting to me to imagine what it must have been like to run the place.
Mysterious Jedi
· 7 July 2009
· Chapter 5: New Duties
I was glad to see you had updated this. It is interesting to see what servants' lives were like in Minas Tirith.
Fendril sounds like a horrible person to have to deal with!
Author's reply
This is the second story I've written that's sort of Upstairs-Downstairsish. The other was "A Maid Waiting."
This one has been eking out in sentences and paragraphs for months, so it was a relief to have the floodgates open and get the bulk of it done yesterday. Why it takes so long sometimes to get it out I have NO idea, but it drives me nuts!
Fendril will be a character who will be featured prominently in another story I've been working on for some time but haven't started posting, and I thought that getting to understand his character might help once I start posting that one in helping to understand just how the scene was set up for what happened to occur. Very superstitious and seeing evil everywhere, and even manufacturing it when life is otherwise too boring!
Glad so many are glad to finally see this updated.
6336
· 7 July 2009
· Chapter 5: New Duties
Ah, finally more Star!
Good to see Lynesse spreading her wings a little and using her common sense, getting on the good side of the House keeper and the Seneschal never hurts.
As for Fendril and her handling of him, well done! Maybe Lord Benardil sends him to Minias Tirith to get him out of his hair, he must be good at what he does or he would not use his services. The image of Fendril standing at the window and yelling "Gardy Lou"! as he sends the contents of his chamber pot flying nearly had me sputtering over the keyboard!
Denethor's visit and his comments will give Lynesse much to mull over.
Depending on how he is written Denethor is one who you either love and understand or hate and loath with a passion, I have read both.
More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
Fendril will occur again in "Murder Most Foul," once I get enough of that done to start posting it. He is almost a caricature of a real person, actually, one who is good at seeing the evil he wants to see in life and who is always looking for the downside of everything! And glad the image of him made you laugh! Folk like Fendril deserve to be laughed at a good bit, and then examined to figure out how they get such influence as they do!
I am certain that Denethor was a highly competent person, and only became truly objectionable there toward the end of his life due to the enormous pressure he was under.
Anyway, have writing and a garage to get to!