Sunny
· 12 January 2009
· Chapter 3: The Trial of Lord Tervain
*shakes head* That Tervain thinks that his position as a petty lord will naturally give him immunity to the repercussions of his crimes. An attitude of “since I am a Noble, that means I am above the Law”. And perhaps he has – if _that_ has not quite worked on some occasions in the past – then been able to use bribes or threaten potential witnesses or interested parties.
It very definitely _didn’t_ work this time.
The statements by the witnesses were honest, and Prince Imrahil even managed to pry statements out of Tervain’s own body servant – who is likely to see some consequences of his own.
And Tervain – I am _sure_ he would much have preferred to be executed out of hand than what actually happened to him. First he was defeated in single combat by a cripple. Húrin was more skilled than him, yes, but for the sort of man Tervain is such a physical imperfection would overshadow anything else. Then he loses his title (_that_ would cut deep!) and his properties, _and_ the care of his son – since it was made quite clear he would have been a bad influence on the boy, and nobody wanted _that_ sort of influence to spread (another blow!). And then to be given to Faramir – not that _that_ was a dishonor, but as one of his soldiers Tervain _would_ perform well. Or else… *cue ominious music*
No cartoons this time, I think, Except that the Creep and his body servant sort of reminded me a bit of cornered rats, and the _other_ side in this episode were rather like hungry felines. And Húrin a cat who was not averse to playing with his food… ;-)
Author's reply
Oh, you have evaluated the whole situation so well! Thank you.
No, no need for cartoons this time. And thanks for both the comments and the giggles.
(And now ominous music is ringing in my imagination. See what you've done? Heh!)
6336
· 12 January 2009
· Chapter 3: The Trial of Lord Tervain
Oh nice! Just what the runt deserved! Hopefully Hurin's defense of Lynesse will apease her Mama when she finds out she won't be marrying either of Denethor's sons. I can't see what she would have to complain about, he is Denethor's nephew after all!
Boromir is going to be pissed he missed the duel!
More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
Indeed, just what the runt deserved. Endore has some thinking to do as the future unfolds, of course. You're right--she's unlikely to want to complain too much about Denethor's nephew--although there is that unforunate side to it as he has only one arm.... Heh!
As for poor Boromir--I DO suspect you're right!
Dreamflower
· 12 January 2009
· Chapter 3: The Trial of Lord Tervain
Sent to Ithilien as a common Ranger, eh? Hurin is very clever--it seems as though he's giving the erstwhile lord a chance to redeem his honor as a man if not as a noble of Gondor. But it seems far more likely that Tervain will fall in the first skirmish, or even attempt a cowardly desertion and be slain in the attempt.
I love that Boromir shows up all clueless at the end, LOL!
Author's reply
Oh, but you have Hurin pegged very well, Dreamflower! And poor Boromir--missing out on a delightful young lady because he can't think of anything more compelling than to check out the local defenses! Heh!
Thanks, Dreamflower!
Sunny
· 6 January 2009
· Chapter 2: Ride Interrupted
I have a tendency to see things in pictures, and a particular scene in this chapter set my inner artist to work, cartoonist style. Think good old Roadrunner or Tom and Jerry cartoons, no recent animations.
To begin with, I pictured the villain as a weasel, drawn villain-style with an appropriately ugly expression on his face. Lynessë I pictured as a kitten. I couldn’t see her as a mouse or a rabbit – far too sugary sweet, and as a kitten can be, elegant and has sharp teeth and claws hidden under the velvety softness, so there is more to Lynessë than cute fluffiness. Húrin ended up as a panther to my inner eye. I sort of wanted him as a wolf – elegant, dignified creatures, wolves – but wolves don’t have retractable claws…
So - *cue dramatic music* Lights! Camera! Action!....
The husky weasel has the kitten cornered. But she is not going to give up! Lightning-fast, she strikes out, and manages to slash the weasel’s nose, which causes him to jump back a step or two. Not enough to allow the kitten to get past him, though, and the slashed nose only makes the weasel angrier. The weasel hunches down, preparing to pounce, and as he leaps, a big, clawed paw comes down and pins his tail to the ground…
That’s it! Straight from my subconscious!
If you want to revisit Heyer, and don’t mind reading e-books, _The Black Moth_ can be downloaded for free in several formats at http://manybooks.net/titles/heyergother08black_moth.html
Author's reply
A fascinating series of images, and now you've sparked them, I see them much as you have described them! Fascinating.
Now I'll have to go through "The Black Moth" again. Haven't read it in better than thirty years! Heh!
Andrea
· 6 January 2009
· Chapter 2: Ride Interrupted
“I will not allow any man to bully a woman.”
Right he is!
That Tervain is a loathsome fellow and like someone else pointed out before he is not very clever.
From what I know about Denethor I'd say that he won't be amused when he learns what happened.
Well, let's wait and see...
Author's reply
Oh, I so agree! As for Denethor, now he won't be too amused about this situation, but he may indeed find the one to come more satisfying! Heh!
Thanks so, Andrea.
Soledad
· 6 January 2009
· Chapter 2: Ride Interrupted
Heh! This was great! I've got all those sappy, romantic feelings that only the rescuing of a damsell in distress can awake in the heart of an old crone like me. *g*
Go Húrin! Go Faramir! And I'm glad that Denetor seems to listen to his younger son, at least in *some* things.
Author's reply
So glad it has managed to amuse you and awaken those old feelings! Heh! And at this time Denethor is not so deeply under the spell of despair to be woven by Sauron through the use of the Palantir, so he has a better appreciation for his younger son's wisdom, I think.
Szepilona10
· 6 January 2009
· Chapter 2: Ride Interrupted
Yippy, you put Leonid in! Great chapter! Update soon please!
God Bless!
~Szepilona10~
Author's reply
Well, of COURSE Leonid is in it! Glad you like it. You may have to wait a week again, I fear.
But there are other stories waiting for you to examine them now.... Heh!
Raksha The Demon
· 5 January 2009
· Chapter 2: Ride Interrupted
I don't imagine that Denethor will put up with this scummy Tervain and his hobby of stalking women. Yay, Hurin! And Faramir came to the rescue...Looking forward to more.
Author's reply
I agree with you, Raksha! More will be posted soon enough! Thanks so.
Dreamflower
· 5 January 2009
· Chapter 2: Ride Interrupted
You do come up with such deliciously loathable villains, Larner! Tervain is beyond contemptible, and clearly not too bright in the bargain, if he really thought he was going to get away with his scheme!
Love Hurin coming to her rescue! Very fun and exciting chapter!
Author's reply
Thank you so very much, Dreamflower. I like writing a good villain from time to time. And a joyous Epiphany to you!
harrowcat
· 5 January 2009
· Chapter 2: Ride Interrupted
'For the want of a nail the shoe was lost.....'
Great account Larner. Looking forward to seeing Denethor's justice at work.
Author's reply
Yes, that nursery rhyme comes back to us again--but this time it's not the war for right that's lost....
Heh!
Author Reply: Yes, that nursery rhyme comes back to us again--but this time it's not the war for right that's lost....
Heh!
A joyous Epiphany to you!
curiouswombat
· 5 January 2009
· Chapter 2: Ride Interrupted
What an excellent story this is shaping up to be. I recognise that feeling of a story taking over and growing in the telling very well. All I can say is that I am glad that this one is doing it to you as the paths it is leading you down look to be interesting to tread!
Author's reply
Thank you so, Curious! And may the wombats watch over your home with delight, as I look to see the raccoons and skunks eyeing mine! Heh!
Sunny
· 5 January 2009
· Chapter 2: Ride Interrupted
I suppose calling Endorë stupid would be an injustice to her. But she is certainly … focused, let us say. Good thing Telorin is a sensible sort of person.
So the Tervain decides to get more proactive in acquiring Lynnessë, and prepares a trap for her – only to get caught in said trap himself! Poetic justice, indeed! And Lynnessë proves herself as an intelligent, levelheaded woman in agreeing to be the bait to trap him. The sort of woman with the practicality and nerve to be a competent hostess/chatelaine in the high-pressure environment of the court in Minas Tirith.
I will be extremely surprised if this little drama _doesn’t_ land her the job.
Author's reply
And perhaps more than merely a job! Heh!
Thanks so very much, Sunny!
As for Endore--as I said, she's partly patterned on Grandmother, who was very given to her fantasies for us!
6336
· 5 January 2009
· Chapter 2: Ride Interrupted
Ah, yes! Rubs hands together with glee! Tervain is finally on his way to get his comeuppance! Way to go Hurin!
Me thinks Lynesse' Mama is in for a bit of a surprise though, while I think she will take the position offered her by Denethor, I don't think she will further her Mama's ambitions for her, Hurin already holds her heart.
I do like stories that take on a life of their own, sometimes they are better for it!
Well the Orclings are gone, the Kitts are 'fixed' and the microwave is in, finally, peace for a little while. Now to work on the dining room table!
More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
Yes, it does look as if Endore's full ambitions are not going to be realized. And Lynesse has certainly managed to capture Hurin's attention as well.
This one certainly took on a life of ITS own, I must say.
Glad peace reigns again at your place--now to take down the tree here!
Kitty
· 5 January 2009
· Chapter 2: Ride Interrupted
Endorë is so obvious *rolls eyes* Oh well, her daughter will marry a nobleman, but not the one she is aiming at, but his cousin ... I wonder if she will be content with that?
As for Tervain – somehow I doubt Nilmandra would appreciate my honest opinion of him, so I’ll only say he’s really despisable. The way he tried to separate Lynessë from the others and to get his hands on her was base, to put it mildly. And to be so nasty to Húrin wasn’t his most intelligent move, either. He should have spared a few moments to think of the consequences of his actions. It left me very satisfied and smirking that Húrin overheard the whole conversation. How sweet of him to be so concerned for the girl! I only wish he would have given this arrogant brat a proper spanking.
And Lynessë did very well; she is really an intelligent and courageous young woman, as this incident proves. Her deduction why the shoe got lost was great! I’m sure Húrin was impressed, too ;-)
Author's reply
Subtlety is NOT Endore's strong suit--I'll agree on that!
When she learned that I was engaged to Tony, my grandmother, on whom Endore is partly patterned, was aghast. Her granddaughter--marry a man who was blind? Oh, NO! Not to be done! She gave Mother the orders she was to forbid me to marry him at all.
Mom laughed at her--I was almost twenty-four when we became engaged, was a college graduate and a teacher and had several close friends already who were blind or disabled or otherwise "different." She told Grandmother, "From what I can tell your granddaughter has been preparing to marry him since she was ten years old, when she first started studying braille for no reason we could discern."
We were together for over twenty-seven years....
And am so glad you admire Lynesse as much as I do. And I think Hurin is already smitten.
Agape4Gondor
· 5 January 2009
· Chapter 2: Ride Interrupted
Excellent chapter again. I will read the other 'Hurin' stories soon.
I'm wondering, now that this little situation has arisen, if Denethor will offer the maiden the position? Even the hint of a scandal, we know from recent politics, can destroy even the innocent.
I cannot tell you how happy I was to 'see' Faramir - but I feel badly that Hurin was not able to 'dispatch' the miscreant himself.
Again, excellent chapter!
Author's reply
Ah--scandal, scandal--it is so much a part of the human condition! Will it matter as much in Gondor at the time, however? Particularly once Denethor himself helps see to the administration of justice? But do not despair of Hurin being able to prove himself against Tervain....
Sunny
· 5 January 2009
· Chapter 1: Mettarë Ball in Dol Amroth
My first impression here was, corsets in Middle Earth? And then to start to mutter about the author unfairly giving corsets a bad reputation.
Om closer reading, there was no mention of corsets, but with that lacing scene, that gown really needs as much boning as any corset (well, if you have no corset, and no boning in the dress, the laced area is going to end up as an unsightly bunched up area around the waist – that being the narrowest part of the torso. And from the description in the story, _that_ was not the result) And speaking as someone who has used actual, genuine, spring-steel boned corsets on occasion – a corset is not actually uncomfortable to wear! _Provided_ the thing is properly fitted, and the wearer is able to get used to wearing it (this includes a “not being laced too tightly” part. Or at least “gets uses to being laced up”.)
As for Lynessë, her mother evidently has no idea of the proper fitting and wearing of corsets. So the poor girl ends up spending the evening feeling like a chicken trussed up for Sunday dinner.
And with that creep Tervain hanging around, I think that is an all too accurate description of her situation.
I actually expect to see more of Tervain. He really makes a proper villain, and quite in keeping with the Heyeresque flavour to this first chapter of the story, too. And I suppose you will arrange a quite proper Bad End for him, too. Seems he is the sort who deserves it – several times over!
The Social Climber mother – I suppose she will also learn a few lessons? She has had the opportunity for _one_ lesson, at least, since Lynessë told her that she had danced with Faramir. And that was _only_ because she had kept company with Húrin all evening, and he therefore perceived her as not being part of the school of husband-hunting pirhanas that had surrounded him all evening.
If Húrin is going to be a bit shy due to his disability, perhaps she will actually support the Creep despite his unsavory reputation? Then again, I suppose she may simply be gullible at an opportune time. It shall be interesting to see.
Author's reply
I must assume the dress was indeed boned.
And now I'm being compared with Georgette Heyer, am I? Oh, dear--it's been quite a time since I read one of her books, which were favorited of my college roommate. Perhaps I might suggest to her she look at this story, then!
Oh, Tervain's fate is being properly sealed as we speak--as you will see hints of as you read the new chapter. And love your description of Lynesse being like a chicken trussed for Sunday dinner, and Tervain as the possible diner!
Thanks so very much! Your comments have given me some nice giggles!
Kitty
· 4 January 2009
· Chapter 1: Mettarë Ball in Dol Amroth
Now that the holidays are over, I finally find time to read and review this - sorry for being so late!
Lynessë's mother would drive me crazy, frankly. If I despise something then it is being dressed up to make an impression on someone I don't care for. And her opinions and hopes left me in absolute sympathy with Lynessë. Her comment about the prize cow left me snickering. How true!
That feast was fun. How nice of Húrin to realise what Tervain was about and to come to Lynessë's rescue! And I was so glad she was able to see him for the great man he is and forgot about his arm. I had forgotten the name of Húrin's wife, but now I know where this is leading, and look forward to more of this romance!
Author's reply
And now the holidays are over, I have a chance to do some editing, adding, and responding to this one!
Endore would drive me crazy, too. My grandmother was this sort of person, you see, and she drove us all nuts!
And, yes--this is about that romance. I'd originally started this as quite a different story, but have managed to split that story into two much longer and more detailed ones. Although I might end it as I'd intended to begin the others.
Anyway, thanks so for the comments, Kitty!
Linda Hoyland
· 1 January 2009
· Chapter 1: Mettarë Ball in Dol Amroth
You have had me humming the tune of your title all the time I was reading.I am enjoying this story as I love the way your are fleshing out a mysterious character in Tolkien's work.
THe thought of wearing that tight dress made me shudder!
Author's reply
I've always loved that song from "The King and I." Glad you like it, too.
And again it's fun to add to the backstory for Hurin, and to see how it was he came to marry his Lynesse!
Virtuella
· 1 January 2009
· Chapter 1: Mettarë Ball in Dol Amroth
Maybe it's just me, who is seeing Austen references everywhere, but the ball scene would not appear alien in one of Jane's novels! The characters come to life very swiftly and I almost felt the poor girl's pain in that dreadful dress!
Author's reply
Obviously you appreciate Austen. Sunny sees Georgette Heyer in this! Heh! I must say I've read Austen more recently than Heyer's works, but I had one roommate in college who loved such stories, so I read my share of her books while she was reading my fantasy and science fiction collection--although she never did appreciate my collection of Lloyd C. Douglas. Heh!
And I think we all empathise with Lynesse's plight.
Agape4Gondor
· 1 January 2009
· Chapter 1: Mettarë Ball in Dol Amroth
Delightful beginning. I was a little nonplussed with Hurin's impairment, for the man is in the thick of the Battle of the Pelennor and I wondered how that could be if he only had one arm, but the way he acts and the way you describe him, makes it all very plausible. A greater man than I had given him credit for. And a very likable and gallant man. I truly like what you've done with him and have my fingers crossed for a happy future for the Warden of the Keys.
I loved the part with the dress, with Elphir's scorn of the gossip, and with Denethor's 'triumphant' arrival - I found that quite intersting - and appropriate. The little niggling fact that Faramir was not much honored when he entered the room as noted by Hurin was nicely written. Not too coying.
Great chapter. Will look for more!
Author's reply
My version of Hurin of the Keys appears first in "The Keys to the Realm" and then in a short story in the "'Neath Anor, Ithil, and Gil" collection in "Ways Round, Ways Through." He was taught how to fight one-handed by a certain Lord Captain of Gondor's hosts, you see....
Am so glad you approve of him. And I do think that when the Lord Steward enters the ballroom he would be given the honors due him as ruler of the land.
And finally I've responded to the comments and have finished the necessary editing to fit more properly with the Tale of Years and the appropriate ages of Imrahil's children.
Thanks so for the comments--hope it continues to please.
Sally.Maria
· 1 January 2009
· Chapter 1: Mettarë Ball in Dol Amroth
Thank you very much - that was a very interesting beginning. I look forward to finding out more about Gondor at this time. :-)
Author's reply
Thank you for your patience in waiting for the second chapter, which is now finally posted! It's always a joy to write about Gondor--and the Shire--and Eriador in general--and my idea of Harad as a proto-Egypt....
Thanks so much for your feedback, Sally.Maria.
Tigger
· 31 December 2008
· Chapter 1: Mettarë Ball in Dol Amroth
I was trying and trying and trying to remember where the name Lynessë had come up in any of your stories. Then Faramir saw Hurin looking at himself in the mirror in that hallway and it came to me!!
And I'd just re read your story about him wanting to give Aragorn a proper Coronation gift sometime last week too. Talk about good timing, huh?
I am very much hooked w/this and looking forward to seeing where you head w/it as well. Why do I have this awful feeling in the pit of my tummy that "Lord" whom they all wished had never come will thinking up some sort of revenge for, to him, Hurin stealing the attentions of Lynesse at the Ball? However, I also have a feeling that very well may change her Mother's mind concerning Hurin and just how suitable a husband he truly is?
They do end up getting married after all, so... :oD
Very much looking forward to seeing where this bunny takes you mellon nin.
Happy New Year!! ((((HGUS))))
Author's reply
Am so glad this one began posting at a good time for you, then, Tigger. And I so love hearing from you!
I'd originally intended this to be part of a story in which various folk begin explaining to Frodo and Lynesse and Hurin's daughters about times when they were younger when their parents were upset with them. Instead, that single story sort of fizzled, and the two episodes I'd envisioned so far ended up being told in "New-Fangled Contraptions" and this tale.
And may 2009 end up being a joyful one for you and yours!
harrowcat
· 31 December 2008
· Chapter 1: Mettarë Ball in Dol Amroth
Time will tell indeed but not to long a time until we find out I hope!
Author's reply
Indeed, Harrowcat! I had a bit of editing to do with the original chapter, and now have that finished and the next one posted, so will let the next chapters unfold in as a timely manner as I can arrange! Heh!
Haven't been on LJ for several days, so hope your parents are recovering well. The last week has been rather overwhelming, I've found.
Andrea
· 31 December 2008
· Chapter 1: Mettarë Ball in Dol Amroth
Great beginning!
Hurin is a remarkable man with many characteristics that make him loveable.
And Lynessë looks beyond his empty sleeve which makes her special compared to most of the other women present at the ball (including her mother!).
I'm looking forward to reading more!
Happy New Year 2009! (Only three and a half hours to go where I live.)
Author's reply
And now the next chapter is up and posted. Hope it pleases you!
I am liking Hurin more and more the more I write about him. Lynesse is a lucky woman!
FantasyFan
· 31 December 2008
· Chapter 1: Mettarë Ball in Dol Amroth
I think I'm a little bit in love with Hurin myself after this. Strong and yet vulnerable, and oh so charming. I'll be looking forward to what you do with this story.
Author's reply
Am so glad you feel that way, too, FF. Indeed, strong and vulnerable simultaneously, and particularly noble in the best way possible.