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The King's Commission by Larner	6 Review(s)
Kitty	Reviewed Chapter: 73 on 3/12/2005
Varondil certainly got what he deserved. It was a very fitting sentence to have him gelded and working in the House of Healing - hopefully closely watched. No wonder he fainted after this :-D I am fascinated about all the details in this story like how Aragorn feels what is happening with Abdurin and others or his connection with Frodo. It is truly interesting so see how much thought you gave this things. Author Reply: That Aragorn and Frodo are similar in basic nature has been an ongoing theme throughout the work, from the very first chapter. That Aragorn would still feel such a connection even though Frodo has gone to Aman would be, I think, natural, as would be his feelings of inadequacy at not being able to fully restore Frodo's health and personal light, along with his growing acceptance of the fact that no source in Middle Earth itself could restore him fully and his growing trust in the Powers to do what he and Elrond could not. As for the awareness--that is the idea of the Sacred King at work, he who has a psychic connection to the lands and peoples which have been given him to govern. It would be a part of the traditions on which Tolkien drew to form the character of Aragorn, I think. And, yes, I think Varondil is going to be VERY closely watched and monitored. Thanks so much for the feedback.

harrowcat	Reviewed Chapter: 73 on 3/11/2005
For a chapter that made me feel physically sick at points all I can say is - what a beautiful chapter. Brilliant Larner! There is so much truth in the need to find balance in our lives. for all that is good and wholesome and nurturing to outweigh the bad. I found echoes in my mind of the movie scene where Frodo asks 'What are we fighting for?' Sam replies, 'There is good in this world!' We all need someone to remind us of that when we get overwhelmed. And you have just done it for me - Thank you. With your permission I would like to print out the words you gave Aragorn and post it up over my desk to remind myself what I work for. Author Reply: My permission is freely granted for that purpose. That there come times when my writing is inspirational to someone makes it worthwhile. I hadn't thought of that line from The Two Towers, but they certainly do go together in so many ways.

Eruviluieth	Reviewed Chapter: 73 on 3/10/2005
Excellent chapter. No more details of perversion was appreciated, as was the bit of humour inserted in such a serious time. What a list of offences! I was very glad to see breaking of the marriage oath as one of his offences. The punishment fit the crime perfectly - perhaps he will learn to pity others' suffering and learn to feel again. Death is too easy a punishment and precludes learning and redemption, even though sometimes death is the only appropriate punishment. I was very impressed with Aragorn's being able to "feel" executions - it makes his ability as a warrior that much more amazing, for one who feels death so strongly. The explanation Aragorn gave Armanthol was insightful and incredible. Frodo as the twin of his soul is such a wonderful way of looking at things. Your explanations of the deeper workings of Frodo Baggins always leave me contemplative and in awe of the depth of your insight into these characters. I also liked that Gilfileg stayed in Rhun because of a foresight by Aragorn - and such a positive effect on the War and its aftereffects. Brilliant work, as always. Wanting more, as always! Author Reply: Breaking the marriage contract could indeed be used as a punishable offense, I think, and deserved to be in the list of crimes. What Aragorn feels in battle may be different from what he feels when he is forced to order an execution; however, if it is the same, he must have learned to filter it somehow so that he doesn't get overwhelmed. Of course, in battle he is also in a situation where adrenalin is pumping and he knows if he makes one false step he will die and others will die with him. That is going to have an effect on his perceptions. Then there is the question of how differently he might perceive the death of a construct such as an Orc compared to that of a man or elf. As for Frodo and Aragorn being spiritual brothers--I've always felt they were that. So glad you are enjoying the story still, as long as the thing insists on dragging on.

Mysterious Jedi	Reviewed Chapter: 73 on 3/10/2005
So that poor ranger finally got to meet his Dol Amroth relatives, Varondil was taken care of, and you have shown yet more insightful conversation. Excellent! How much more can I expect to see of this? (I would also like to commend you on your quick, regular updates. Quite a rarity!) Author Reply: There is yet a bit more to deal with. I am glad you appreciate the updates. I try to do a chapter every day, although it is proving increasingly difficult to remain several chapters ahead by this time. Thank you so much for your feedback, and the report you find the conversation insightful.

Radbooks	Reviewed Chapter: 73 on 3/10/2005
A fitting punishment I think. Hanging him lets him get if over too quickly. But to geld him and then to work, cleaning out chamber pots and messes on the floor, etc. and living with his pain and shame seems more fitting. Which you knew the king would make it fitting. Poor Aragorn and having to feel all of the deaths that he orders - that would be horrible. Yet, wouldn't it make a leader more thoughtful and not make rash judgements? So true also about making sure your life is balanced with the joys that are there - the simple things that are all around us all the time that we often take for granted. Great chapter and I hope Aragorn gets a nice long rest soon! ;) Oh, well I guess not since he has to head back to Rhun! Author Reply: Yes, it would make one much more thoughtful. Once he's back from Rhun I suspect he'll be doing some haunting of the worksite and workshops.

Tigger	Reviewed Chapter: 73 on 3/10/2005
Armanthol's lessons continue and this time, by tutlage of the King. And Aragorn physically feels the deaths of those who he has ordered to death. That feels right to me from what we know of Aragorn's character and his lineage. Varondil gets gelded...A fitting punishment. If it was done w/out any pain relief that is. Yet, he is being given a chance to try and heal...I can sort of understand that. And Gilfeg gets to meet his cousins and the House of Dol Amroth knows what happened to a missing Princess. Good!! I was hoping for that to happen. All in all, a most interesting chapter Looking forward to the next chapter and hopefully, happier times. Author Reply: Yes, much resolved here. But there are still two more situations that need to be resolved. As for Aragorn's nature, that is part, I think, of being in the role of the Sacred King to whose tradition he was born.

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