A Deck of Heroes by Larner
Dreamflower · 10 December 2009 · Chapter 9: 9 - The Chariot
Of course. What other figure could be the Charioteer? I like this picture of Earendil.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you do. An enigmatic individual, Earendil; but in the end an endurung one who helps others to endure as well.
shirebound · 10 December 2009 · Chapter 9: 9 - The Chariot
there is nothing that he can do to aid those he would so favor save to be what he has become--to shine out the brighter against the darkness Wonderful. And I really like how you reveal that he is patient, not dispassionate.
Author's reply
I am glad that was conveyed, Shirebound. He was of the mortal community once, and came from Middle Earth; he knows the kinds of distress felt by these! He must wish to aid them as he can.
Virtuella · 10 December 2009 · Chapter 9: 9 - The Chariot
Delightful and moving!
Author's reply
Thank you so, Virtuella.
Andrea · 9 December 2009 · Chapter 8: 8 - The Lovers
Oh, poor Frodo! Although, in your stories there is indeed someone who would cast such glances his way! Unfortunately, the Ring twisted and distorted his feelings. And after Its destruction it was too late for Frodo. A very sad story!
Author's reply
Yes, sad for Frodo. The Ring robbed him of so much!
Dreamflower · 9 December 2009 · Chapter 8: 8 - The Lovers
Awww...so very sad. *sigh*
Author's reply
Indeed, Dreamflower. Doomed to watch others know earthly, romantic love and its expression, but denied it himself. Thanks so.
ellie · 9 December 2009 · Chapter 5: 5 - The Emperor
wonderful description of Sam! He truely is a hero every bit as much as Frodo is. Hooray for Sam!
Author's reply
Oh, yes--the one Frodo himself felt was the true hero rather than himself. Indeed, Hooray for Sam! Thanks, Ellie.
ellie · 9 December 2009 · Chapter 8: 8 - The Lovers
you have captured the love and the envy so very well in such a short piece. nicely done!
Author's reply
So glad you feel I've done it rightly. But he must at times have felt very envious of others, even of those he loved and honored the most! Thanks, Ellie.
Virtuella · 9 December 2009 · Chapter 8: 8 - The Lovers
Sad and yet lovely. :)
Author's reply
I've always thought it a minor tragedy that Frodo did not find fulfillment in a sexual and emotional way within Middle Earth. Thank you so, Virtuella!
Virtuella · 9 December 2009 · Chapter 7: 7 - The Heirophant
It's nice how you've included Gandalf's many names here. Choosing Sam's perspective was a good move - the most humble of the fellowship looks at the most powerful. Well done.
Author's reply
Indeed, Virtuella--who better to look on Gandalf at this moment than Sam? I am so very honored!
Ainariel · 8 December 2009 · Chapter 7: 7 - The Heirophant
I love this series, Larner - I write (but haven't dabbled in the Professor's realm) but the art of the drabble escapes me - I'm too verbose, I guess. I love the authors who can fill a story with so much emotion (and speak a character's voice so clearly) in so few words. It's a gift! Beautifully done! P.S. Any idea when we'll see an update on "In Empty Lands?"
Author's reply
I hope to see you dabbling here soon, then, Ainariel. Only one of these so far has been a true drabble, as only The Empress is expressed in a hundred words. I never used to think I could write ficlets, but at last have managed to prove myself wrong. I used to be amazed at how well Annmarwalk and Imhiriel and later Tanaqui could do so well with ficlets and drabbles. I've been amazed to learn that I can do this, too. Thank you so for the compliment--I am honored. As for "In Empty Lands"--have the next chapter started, but with a new set of duties to learn in my job (my last individual client just died of Alzheimer's so I've been switched elsewhere in the organization)I simply have not had to write much in the past few weeks. I hope just after Christmas. I have the next chapter of "Or Perchance" nearly finished, and am tweaking a few others, so I'm not trying to allow my stories to languish--they just are!
Andrea · 8 December 2009 · Chapter 7: 7 - The Heirophant
Dear Larner, I just found enough time to catch up with you ;-) All of these chapters are great. And they reveal a lot about Sam. One whose gifts are being awakened by this quest These words of Galadriel are very true! And you can see it (or better hear it) in Sam's thoughts about Gandalf. At the beginning of the quest he would have spoken of him as "Mr. Gandalf", but now he treats him more like an equal. Why, he even accuses him of taking Frodo away. He has already changed a lot, and he will change even more! Am I right that in your Deck "The Emperor" is in fact Sam and not Aragorn (who is it by title)?
Author's reply
I suspect that in the end all of the Fellowship and a few significant others will be well represented in these ficlets, Andrea. But it's always a special joy to write about Aragorn, Frodo, and Samwise. And, yes--in this one the Emperor is Samwise rather than Aragorn. Thanks so very much!
Ellynn · 8 December 2009 · Chapter 7: 7 - The Heirophant
Aww, this is so powerful description of Gandalf. I like it. :) P.s. I can feel the sense in the title, but what exactly "heirophant" means? *blush* Is there a synonym? I don't know the exact meaning of the word, and it's not in my dictionary.
Author's reply
Am so very glad you do. I love looking at Gandalf, and felt that he best fit the archetype of the one who stands between the divine and the populace. I also am not fully cognizant of the Tarot's major arcana, and had to look up the meaning on Wikipedia to appreciate the meaning of "Heirophant." The other name for this card is "the Pope," and indicates the one who serves as a bridge between divine and mundane. Who better within LOTR to fill this role than Gandalf? Thanks so very much!
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 8 December 2009 · Chapter 7: 7 - The Heirophant
I love Sam's description of the bearers of the Three and his plain hobbit sense to Sauron. *grin* Sam is just so...Sam here! :D I don't know if I can describe it any better, Larner! Well done! Kaylee
Author's reply
Oh, yes, I love Sam being Sam at any time! And if anyone could have benefitted by plain Hobbit sense, it would have to be Saruman, who didn't get the idea even after he'd invaded the Shire! Thanks so very much, Kaylee.
shirebound · 8 December 2009 · Chapter 7: 7 - The Heirophant
Look on them, Sauron, and see what you ought t’have been like Hold him close for me, Gandalf or Olórin or whatever your true name is there where you come from. Help his own Light t’burn bright once more This is so simple and lovely, it has me close to tears.
Author's reply
I found myself wanting to tear up just writing it, Shirebound. I am so honored to realize it moved you so! Thank you.
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 8 December 2009 · Chapter 6: 6 - When Archetypes Meet (High Priestess and Emperor)
Larner, This one confused me, as it's not strictly a card, lol! But I love the imagery all the same. :) Sam and Galadriel standing together...perhaps Galadriel has just sensed what Sam saw in her Mirror? Kaylee
Author's reply
We were to look at how two of our identified archetypes might have reacted to one another. We know how Sam reacted to Galadriel; it was interesting to reverse the roles in this case! Heh! Yes, indeed, perhaps this was just after Sam looked into the Mirror. Thanks so, Kaylee.
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 8 December 2009 · Chapter 5: 5 - The Emperor
"Was feeling most wicked, and particularly in response to Kaylee's response to "The Empress." So it's my fault now? Hah! You managed to stun me with this one, Larner...sorry about being behind on reviews, school caught up with me! Very well done, I love Sam! :) Especially Aragorn's recognition of Sam, Strider is so perfect here! (At least he appeared on the Emperor card...I can just see 'Strider' kneeling to Sam in the picture, handing him the Star of the Dunedain...he did get that from Strider didn't he? :) Kaylee!
Author's reply
Well, of course we can blame it on you! Heh! As far as being behind goes--RL is keeping me scurrying to catch up as well. Don't worry! And the card you describe would be perfect! Yes, according to the Appendices Aragorn gave Sam one of the two Elendilmirs when he came north when Elanor was fifteen. Thanks so very much!
ellie · 7 December 2009 · Chapter 4: 4 - The Empress
What odd questions for Arwen to ask herself at the end there when her subjects are most likely asking if they are worthy of her.
Author's reply
Perhaps you are right. However, her role has changed so drastically! Thanks for the feedback, Ellie.
ellie · 7 December 2009 · Chapter 3: 3 - The High Priestess
cool description of Galadriel! Nicely done!
Author's reply
Am so glad you approve. I do find myself feeling honored each time Galadriel agrees to appear in something I've written.
Grey Wonderer · 7 December 2009 · Chapter 6: 6 - When Archetypes Meet (High Priestess and Emperor)
Lovely.
Author's reply
Am so glad you think so, GW. Thanks so!
Grey Wonderer · 7 December 2009 · Chapter 5: 5 - The Emperor
So very good to think of Sam getting the respect that he deserves for all that he did. He truly was a remarkable hobbit, Mayor, loyal friend, father, husband and a thousand other things as well.
Author's reply
Ah, no one deserves the respect he got in the end more than Sam, save perhaps Frodo. Yes, the one who originally never thought much about being more than he was, who became so much in the end.
Grey Wonderer · 7 December 2009 · Chapter 4: 4 - The Empress
And a very lovely Queen indeed. Nicely done.
Author's reply
Oh, you are so right, GW. Thank you!
Grey Wonderer · 7 December 2009 · Chapter 3: 3 - The High Priestess
That was a perfect fit.
Author's reply
Am so glad you feel that way. It's always an honor to be able to write the Lady, I find. Thanks, Grey Wonderer.
GRUMPY · 6 December 2009 · Chapter 2: 2 - The Magician
Seems that Suraman was getting his ideas from Gandalf, to make his bomb to blow up the dike.
Author's reply
Unfortunately, I suspect you are right, Grumpy. Thanks for the feedback.
Dreamflower · 6 December 2009 · Chapter 6: 6 - When Archetypes Meet (High Priestess and Emperor)
I think Galadriel must have found the hobbits very intriguing-- you've expressed it all really well in this drabble.
Author's reply
Oh, yes, I do believe you are probably right, Dreamflower. These are nowhere as simple as they appear, and Sam has proven a quick study for so much already, and will achieve amazing things before he is through. Thanks so, Dreamflower.
shirebound · 6 December 2009 · Chapter 6: 6 - When Archetypes Meet (High Priestess and Emperor)
One whose gifts are being awakened by this quest, who will come out of it empowered to the fullness of his potential What a strong and true perception.
Author's reply
Am so glad you agree, Shirebound. It's no wonder Frodo and Aragorn both became so close to the gardener, I think.