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The King's Commission by Larner	14 Review(s)
ReaderKit	Reviewed Chapter: 80 on 1/8/2015
This tale is lovely. For one, it's fun to look at the Fellowship from an outside perspective, and also because you make me fall in love with your OCs. Fleshing out your characters the way you have is wonderful, and the research into and way your characters have expressed their love of stone carving has led me to appreciate the craft whereas before I have not thought much of it. Also you should know, this story was recommended to me and is the first I read on this site, so thanks for being so good that you convinced me to stay! Author Reply: I am honored someone recommended this story to you. I have sworn that Ruvemir crawled out of the space where a drawer is missing in the pedestal of my water bed, and after introducing himself to me began telling me his story. That he has charmed so many people has always made me happy. And I am glad that you like this archive, and I believe you will find many other authors whose stories will entrance you, too. Thank you so much for the feedback. This was one of my earliest stories. I just never expected it to go on as long as it did!

Endaewen	Reviewed Chapter: 80 on 2/18/2006
These last couple of chapters have been incredible. I had an idea for a short story you could do if you are interested. I hope you don't mind. In the story you are working on currently, you say that Pippin and the others learned to be cautious when waking Strider. That might be an amusing scene to see. Author Reply: Am so very glad you appreciate them. Ruvemir has become a favorite of mine. As for seeing Fellowship members waking Strider--I just might try that and add it to Moments in Time. Let me think on it while I finish up The Acceptable Sacrifice.

Etharei	Reviewed Chapter: 80 on 9/15/2005
Having finally reached the end of this epic, I can only say: wow. Of course, after the last chapter I wasn't in much of a state to say anything for a while. There aren't enough adjectives to adequately describe your wonderful work, but this story means more than enough for me to give it the good 'ole college try. First of all, I was a bit apprehensive when I first started this story because my experience with OCs has either been that they resemble one of the canon characters too much to stand alone as a believable person, or the authors have simply been unable to carry off their characterisations and the OCs are found to be somewhat lacking next to Tolkien's established characters. However, Ruvemir entranced me from Chapter One. Reading some of your responses, perhaps it is akin to Tolkien's sudden inspiration to one day scribble down: "In a hole in the ground there lived a Hobbit." What I appreciate most about your story is the focus on the arts and the spiritual side of life. I never thought I'd get as excited about the opening of Yule-tide gifts and the unveiling of a monument as I have had about battle scenes and angsty plot-twists. Making Ruvemir a mannikin increased my respect for your writing, because most authors would shy away from aspects that their readers might not be familiar with. It is always tempting to write about the beautiful, tall, and idolise-able figures, but you've reminded me that Tolkien's work was about the Hobbits- the humble, the simple, the overlooked people- not these legends. And I love the feeling of defamiliarisation in seeing the Shire and the Hobbits through the eyes of a Man of Gondor, particularly one who went there knowing of what the Travellers had done. I also enjoyed the sudden recognitions of Aragorn; I think his character in the books fits the 'going-out-into-the-dark-of-night-pretending-to-be-a-miscellaneous-citizen' bill, so I'm glad to see him in action. Furthermore, I personally believe that the Tale is actually the most elaborate love story (love in all its forms) ever written, and I think that the meeting between Frodo and Ruvemir was perfect. There were so many points in this story where I was just reduced to blubbering tears. And though the child abuse by Master Varondil was a place where you could have lost your readers, you handled the events delicately whilst still conveying the disgusting nature of it. Plus it served to heighten the goodness of people in general and the proper nature of love addressed throughout the plot. Thank you for a wonderful story, and for reminding me of my love of Hobbits, especially one Frodo Baggins of Bag End. Author Reply: I am honored by your tribute to this story. That it moved you so deeply means a lot to me. As I've said before, Ruvemir crept out of the space where the drawer is missing in the pedestal under my waterbed, bowed to introduce himself to me, and had me tell his story. As a special ed teacher and one who is under five feet tall, I've always had an affinity for those who have disabilities or marked physical differences yet are of normal to above average intelligence; I wanted to see the rebuilding of Minas Anor from the point of view of someone who would be awed and proud of it, but not necessarily physically comfortable with it; and I wanted the story of Frodo Baggins brought out in bits and pieces to someone who has no real preconceptions of who and what he was and is. Thank you for recognizing this is indeed a love story in all aspects of the word, and I am glad that you felt I handled the perversion of Varondil appropriately. I wanted to be blunt enough to highlight how awful the situation was, but delicate enough not to be bludgeoning people with details--have read too many modern books in which authors insist on giving so many details one feels as if one is swimming in a sewer. The imagination is often far better at appreciating the situation without each awful i dotted and t crossed. And am so glad you appreciated the ending--it was finished before a good two thirds of the story was written, and I had to somehow bring it to that point.

Ariel	Reviewed Chapter: 80 on 9/1/2005
Tada! I finished it! Now on to the rest. Nicely done and, as I said in my email, a very impressive achievement. I don't read very fast, but I absolutely treasure having a good author and an interesting story to look forward too when I find time to do it, and you have provided me with both. It's a real comfort to know I have such works to look forward to reading. I hope my email earlier wasn't too unwelcome. Most fics I read aren't worth offering critical suggestions to (and they are only suggestions - I will happily pound sand if you tell me to. ;)) but you spent time on this one. I know I enjoy hearing suggestions from people who have enjoyed and thought about my work. Even if I don't heed their suggestions, it tells me a lot about how my work is read and perceived. That is far more valuable to me than 'wow! that's grate!'. Ahem. Author Reply: Oh, I agree with you. I know the greatest weakness in this is the matter of repetition, but, as you said in your email, as it was presented serially that made less impact in light of its manner of presentation than it does when read through from one end to the other. The very fact that the story has remained sufficiently interesting you've been willing to read it in its entirety and have continued to let me know you were doing so has meant a good deal to me, as it shows that in spite of the weaknesses it still continued to engage all the way through. Thank you. And thank you again for the observations, as they will hopefully aid me in doing better in the future. Ruvemir crept out from the empty space where the drawer is missing in the pedestal of my bed and bowed himself in introduction one day, and has managed to keep himself part of my writing life ever since. As with Tolkien and Faramir, I find I quite like him. Yes, he's often a bit too good to be true; but he's the observer and reporter and the one to help others come to terms with what is. Thanks so very much for the feedback. I may in time look at doing a revision of this--but then, perhaps I won't. I've done a few corrections to keep things more true to canon when I realized I've made a big blooper (in For Eyes to See as Can I'd indicated Dora was Bilbo's sister when in actuality she was Drogo and Dudo's, and that took some care; here I made mistakes about Sancho Proudfoot I've corrected and Angelica Baggins Proudfoot I've decided to let stand as they are--maybe there were two Angelica Bagginses at the time, I've decided. Otherwise it gets too complicated to correct EVERYTHING, you know.

fadagaski	Reviewed Chapter: 80 on 3/21/2005
It is very late right now, so I will be brief before I collapse on this here keyboard. I have followed this story avidly, as it obviously crafted with love and care. Parts of it are somewhat repetitive, though I would be hard-pressed to find a way to make it unnecessary. Yet the whole thing (all 79 chapters!) was a wonderful read from start to finish - the OCs are unique and well-manifested, and your treatment of the many sensitive topics is to be commended. And now I need to sleep. Thank you! Author Reply: Thank you so much for such a wonderful review. And I am so glad you enjoyed it.

Paladin1420	Reviewed Chapter: 80 on 3/19/2005
I catch my breath and dry my eyes and say thank you for this wonderful story. I love that so many loose ends were tied throughout the story and I also appreciate how you included so much detail of daily life - from sculptors' tools to eating utensils, from fabric to food - it added a dimension to the story that made me feel I was there too. I will surely miss looking for new chapters and will now have to reread it. Thank you. Author Reply: I thank you for your feedback, and hope so that you will enjoy what I post next. And I am so glad the details have added to your enjoyment and feeling of inclusion in the story.

Pernauriel	Reviewed Chapter: 80 on 3/19/2005
I truely enjoyed reading The Kings Commission. I am going to miss reading a new chapter everyday. It was also a wonderful ending. Author Reply: I am honored that you found it so engrossing and that you love the ending. Thank you so much for following it for so long.

Radbooks	Reviewed Chapter: 80 on 3/17/2005
It was the perfect ending for your story, Larner. Though I am sorry that it had to end at all! :) Ruvemir and the mantle he gave to Frodo as he passed with all of the threads in it was very touching. None of us are ever truly aware of how many people's lives we affect and touch as we are on our own journey. I do hope you continue to write because you do have a gift for it. I've been meaning to tell you that I also am a teacher, an elementary school librarian and also live here in Washington State. I was touched in reading your notes for chapter 80 about things that you have had to deal with in your life. Yet as horribly painful as that has been for you, look how you have been able to draw on those experiences to produce such a wonderful story. I know that in my own writings that is often the case. Anyway, I do thank you for all of your time and effort that you put into this story and for your willingness to share it. Author Reply: I'll admit I've known pain in my life, but being short and being called names and being looked at askance has been among the least of it--at the time I was more angry than hurt, and found plenty of compensation in growing up my mother's daughter. Love has a way of working backwards through all of that, bringing the blessedness out of it all. Now, to keep myself open to it. Thank you for following the story--it is fully appreciated. Author Reply: Radbooks, BTW, if you are as I suspect Primsong, I'd love to see your story published here.

Tigger	Reviewed Chapter: 80 on 3/17/2005
Well, I thought the chapter before this was the end as well. Sigh...What a lovely and...right way to end this amazing story. Thank you so very much for this gift of a tale. I will be re reading this and recommending it to all of my friends who adore LOTR and good stories based on it. Thank you again!! Author Reply: And I thank you, very, very much.

harrowcat	Reviewed Chapter: 80 on 3/17/2005
How could I have missed that the previous chapter wasn't the last? calls self a ninnyhammer! But I am so glad that it wasn't because this chapter fulfilled everything I wanted to read about with Ruvemir and Frodo. The setting caught me by surprise as I had imagined, earlier in the story, that they would only meet when both had gone on. This was so much better which is why I read but am not a writer. I am trying to be a better reviewer. Now, as you suggested to re-read to get the full effect. But when do I sleep? Thank you, too for your Authorial insights. I do so agree with your thoughts about the complimentary nature and destiny of Aragorn and Frodo. I think that I have read everything that you have posted Larner but am certainly going back to check! Author Reply: Thank you for this review and all you've given me. And take not to yourself unearned names! Am so glad you feel this setting was the more appropriate. As for when you sleep--I myself have found myself asking that question repeatedly. Insomnia has been an almost constant for several years, which is one reason I ended up writing. Thanks again for keeping me going throughout the process.

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