Barthand · 31 January 2016 · Chapter 1: Not All is as it Seems
A nice story, well done.
Not All is as it Seems by Bodkin
Reviews (13)
curiouswombat · 4 August 2015 · Chapter 1: Not All is as it Seems
What a treat to see this when I came to SoA for a few moments peace! I do like your ghost, and both her insights and Eldarion's into the price of princedom. I liked that moment when Eldarion realises all may not be as simple as it seems - but he would prefer not to know. And the idea of Elrohir being made to wait outside in case he talked too much! It is good that her encounter with Eldarion has brought Aragorn down to really look at this part of his city, and that he will now do with her house as she wished and so give her peace. Thank you.
Author's reply
Thank you, curiouswombat. I'm reminded why I was addicted to writing these stories in the first place! Eldarion is growing up, but he has a lot to learn about the more shadowy - and more shady - sides of life. Fortunately, he has people around him who can help him learn, without dropping him in the middle of it without guidance. It is interesting to think about the less important members of society and how they lived - and what needs to be done to ensure a fairer world for all. I can't imagine Aragorn would exclude them - or appreciate those who would.
Larner · 4 August 2015 · Chapter 1: Not All is as it Seems
Oh, love both encounters! I suspect she will be pleased by what he makes of the place and his orders to the city fathers. Happy birthday, my friend!
Author's reply
Thank you, Larner. I can't imagine a group of greedy city fathers enjoying Aragorn's investigation into the shadier side of business. Imagine Stephen Fry's Master of Laketown ... Could be fun to see Elessar make mincemeat of them!
Nilmandra · 3 August 2015 · Chapter 1: Not All is as it Seems
First off, happy birthday! As I read your story, I was reminded of your strengths, especially in subtlety. I love that Eldarion figured out that something wasn't quite right, that she was a ghost. I also loved his insights into his position as son of the king. I especially loved finding Elrohir outside the gate and the little nuances in the conversation between him and Eldarion and also between him and Estel. All those little Elfy- man likes and differences came through. The story also had meaning and I am glad to see that her wishes will be carried out. I also enjoy the fact that the supernatural is as real and normal to them as the every day living. Nice to see you back !
Author's reply
Thank you, Nilmandra. Writing your birthday story reminded me how much I enjoyed writing and sharing stories. And, really, there's nothing like LotR for providing interesting characters, situations, and moral dilemmas. I don't know how much more I will write, but there is at least one story that I started with you in mind and then dropped to write about Elrond and Celebrian, so that might appear soon. I had a lovely (if tiring) birthday at the zoo with children and grandchildren - but I wanted to post this on my birthday in a hobbity way. I am also reminded that I have missed you all. Good to hear from you.
Linda Hoyland · 3 August 2015 · Chapter 1: Not All is as it Seems
Wonderful to have a new story from you and I loved this. Your Eldarion is very real and I loved the way Aragorn cared about the ghost.
Author's reply
Thanks, Linda. I'm glad you liked it. I think Aragorn has a wide enough experience of the world to care about all his people - even if they do happen to have passed on. Or, I suppose, in the case of ghosts, failed to pass on.
Dreamflower · 3 August 2015 · Chapter 1: Not All is as it Seems
Oh how delightful to find something new from you! Happy birthday, dear! ((((hugs)))) I really like earnest young Eldarion, and his efforts to escape from those who toady to him and hang around in hopes of advancement for themselves. The downside, of course, to power. " If I find such prejudices still exist, I will be most displeased.’" Yes, I imagine that he would be. Aragorn is not one to suffer that sort of foolishness.
Author's reply
Thank you, Dreamflower. I imagine Aragorn has suffered from his own share of prejudice over his life. Something he would definitely not want to see condoned by those around him. Poor Eldarion - being Crown Prince sounds great, but it must be hard to grow to be your own person. Fortunately he is surrounded by strong and caring people.
Lindelea · 3 August 2015 · Chapter 1: Not All is as it Seems
Oh, yes. Masterfully done, with the intricate detail that brings your work to life. Starting out as an unremarkable scene, and then a small, unsettling detail creeps in, and another, and another, until it's a completely different tale altogether. It's your birthday? I am terrible at keeping track of dates. Happy birthday to you.
Author's reply
Thank you, Lindelea. It was fun to write. Yes, I posted it on my birthday - giving presents (of a kind) is a very hobbity thing to do!
meckinock · 3 August 2015 · Chapter 1: Not All is as it Seems
Happy Birthday, Bodkin, and thank you for giving us all such a wonderful present. It was delightful to see this story unfold through the prism of Eldarion's worldview. Like all sons of kings and other famous men, he bears a heavy (and I suppose, frequently annoying) burden, but I like how you let us see him begin to emerge from beneath the shadow of his father and assert himself as his own person with his own ideas and judgment. It was also really cool to just see Elrohir hanging out with his nephew, and getting frustrated because the rolling-pin-wielding ghost didn't approve of his chattiness and malingering! It was touching when Aragorn decided to try to make things right for her, and a very elegant solution he found, indeed. But then, he's had a bit of experience dealing with angry ghosts. The glimpse of 4th Age Minas Tirith and the ongoing efforts to rebuild was interesting, too. This story really made me smile, Bodkin. I hope you had a great birthday.
Author's reply
Thank you, meckinock. It's all down to you it got written - and I thought posting it on my birthday would be fun. I was up granddaughter sitting, so I haven't had time to look at it since - and I had a very good birthday with my grandchildren and their parents at the zoo. It must be tough to be the offspring of celebrities - perhaps even more so when they have actually done something to deserve their fame - and I can't imagine how annoying fame-junkies must be. Maybe Eldarion needs to develop the eyebrow look.
shirebound · 3 August 2015 · Chapter 1: Not All is as it Seems
What a fascinating, compelling tale from beginning to end. Very well done.
Author's reply
Thanks, shirebound. I'm glad you liked it.
robnrun · 3 August 2015 · Chapter 1: Not All is as it Seems
Wow! A completely convincing ghost story. The balance of unease and awe. I especially liked your use of the clothing, wind, and the bread to describe the scene.
Author's reply
Thank you, robnrun. I'm glad you liked it - it was fun to write.
daw the minstrel · 3 August 2015 · Chapter 1: Not All is as it Seems
Holy cow. How great to see a story from you, Bodkin! I liked the way Eldarion starts as a boy hidden in a cart, and sort of gradually is revealed as a youth who's older than he looks. He probably is physically, and it wouldn't surprise me if he also is in other ways that come from the life he lives. He's savvy about there probably being another guard, for instance, and at the end, Aragorn intends to involve him in the good to be done with the old house. And look who shows up! I'm always intrigued when only one of the twins turns up. I loved the picture of Elrohir casually tossing and catching his knife. He's not panicked at all of the idea that the boy was talking to a ghost. He's seen too much, not all of it good. How interesting that the gate didn't want to let him in. I had to laugh that the reason is the rather mundane fact that elves talk and talk. The mention of Arwen sacrificing her immortality gave the story a darker thread. which grounded it well. I really enjoyed this Bodkin. Thank you for writing it. daw
Author's reply
Thanks, daw. It was fun to write. Writing a story for Nilmandra got me wanting to put my thoughts down on virtual paper again. Not to mention there's a story I started before writing the one I did. Maybe that'll want finishing, too.
Dot · 3 August 2015 · Chapter 1: Not All is as it Seems
Happy birthday, Bodkin :-) And thanks for giving us a present! I was delighted to see this here this morning. A lovely, well-rounded story that ended up not being what it looked like in the beginning. I love Eldarion, hiding from people who are there to cater to his every whim and yet he acknowledges that it's the life he must live. I think my favourite line was this: ‘And I doubt we are as alone as you might think, either. The best guards, my father thinks, are the ones of whose presence one is unaware.’ Indeed! Your ghost was really well-written too. I only realised when he went to eat the bread. But I really liked that you gave her a whole history and a reason. And yes, I laughed at her keeping Elrohir out! The connection to Aragorn was a lovely touch. I'm sure Eldarion will be telling the story for years. Really great story, Bodkin.
UTfrog · 3 August 2015 · Chapter 1: Not All is as it Seems
What a wonderful story. I love Eldarion fleeing his admirers. The ghost offered great advice. It is also great to read a new story by you. I so loved, and reread, the Aman tales. Thank you so much.