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Lesser Ring by Larner	9 Review(s)
Stefania	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 9/20/2005
Hi Larner. I'm new to your stories and just wanted to leave a note to tell you how thrilled I am to read your meld of Tolkien's legendarium with that of the ancient Middle East. Like you, I have had a big interest in Egypt for decades. I really like how you have incorporated the ancient Egyptian deities and the topology of Egypt into the landscape of the Haradrim. I've often wondered what the lands of the Haradrim and their peoples could be like. Like Sam in the books and Faramir in the movies, I can't believe that they are all evil. So I'm eager to keep going with your story. Oh, and hurray for Thorongil (Aragorn). This is the first story I've read which tackles Aragorn's travels in his youth. Your portrayal seems to ring true so far. Keep it up. - Steff

Kitty	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 7/29/2005
Oh yes, I remember Sohrabi and Aragorns mention of earlier encounters with peoples who carried lesser rings and had wondered one or two times what happened then. I love the way how you takes these little bits from earlier stories and turns them into a new story! And I love Aragorn as ranger, without all the worries of a kingdom to rule. Sohrabi seems a nice and honest guy - I am glad Aragorn was able to save him. Hopefully will come some good from this, as in the last fic with Sestor and the others. You said there will be two journeys and I have some ideas what could happen. And it was interesting how Aragorn was able to answer Sohrabis questions without lying and still not giving away too much. It was so typical of Denethor to search Thorongil's warehouse again and again. I am glad he wasn't able to find anything. But then, I doubt he was ever able to outwit our dear Ranger. Aragorn's idea of what to do with the camel was quite amusing. I would've loved to see Denethor's face about such a gift! But then, the poor camel doesn't deserve such a fate - Aragorn surely is able to find a better place for she. Oh, and I love your naming of the Gods. I have read a lot about Ancient Egypt myself and of course recognised the names. It is much more fascinating and easier to remember when there are names one knows and can connect with a purpose. Author Reply: If Tolkien saw Gondor and Arnor and points between as a proto-Europe, surely I can see Harad as a proto-Egypt, can't I? And, yes, I adapted from Egyptian religious and mythological beliefs for the gods of Harad, but tried to link them also to the Valar. You will find Aragorn has taken good thought to the disposition of his camel--and his horse as well. Unlike Viggo, he doesn't have facilities to carry the horse home with him.

Elemmíre	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 7/28/2005
Wheeeee! >>He wasn’t positive what he’d do with the camel. He had enough experience with the beasts by this time to realize this camel was of superb breeding, and knew also that if he hadn’t accepted the animal he would have insulted the family past bearing. He contemplated sending it to Minas Tirith with a ribbon about its neck, and a label marked To Lord Denethor, with the compliments of Captain Thorongil. Oh goodness. That would be funny. I'm really enjoying this story! :), Elemmíre Author Reply: It would have caused Denethor a good deal of consternation, wouldn't it? Glad you enjoy the story so far. Hope it continues to please.

Tigger	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 7/27/2005
Wow...What a beginning. We know Aragorn travelled in the Southlands after leaving Gondor and Thorongil behind, but that's all we know. I've always wondered about those years and journeys. This is also a nice filler to a detail in The King's Commission you touched on. Where Aragorn saw one of the assasins had possession of one of the Lesser Rings and Aragorn said he had seen and destroyed one before. I'm glad you're going back to that tantalizing tidbit and fleshing it out. Oh and leaving Denethor nothing but Lembas bread in the warehouse..ROTFLOL!! That was perfect!! I could just see the expression on Denethor's face too. Aragorn would think that the perfect joke on Denthor as well. That was brilliant!! Looking forward to seeing where this goes. Author Reply: Yes, the Mallorn leaves and hints of lembas must have confused Denethor thoroughly, I would think. This nuzgul has shown such an affinity for sand, you know--that it would have led to Harad seemed fated. And glad you are glad to see the question of the lesser ring dealt with further.

harrowcat	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 7/27/2005
I nearly got to the end of the chapter and thought 'oh just a few chapter story then'! but then got to the line 'The one with him sighed...' sighs with satisfaction more twists - yes please! I am loving hearing more about Aragorn at this phase of his life. And loved the lembas reference too. Author Reply: I don't THINK this will be a huge long story, but you never know. There is one character who, once he creeps on, likes to keep the story going, and he just slipped himself into it during last night's writing. Anyway, am glad you are enjoying it and liked the reference to the lembas. Seemed to me that if Aragorn's people wished to get things done in rather a hurry so as not to be interrupted by such as customs agents and jealous heirs to Stewards, they'd be glad for the gift.

aragorn_reader	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 7/27/2005
Tremendously exciting! Aragorn's journeys in Far Harad and near Mordor: even more rare and precious than Thorongil fics! Lovely cultural and material details, as always. Many thanks! Amy Author Reply: Thank you, Amy, for appreciating it all. I've always been into archaeology and anthropology and mythology, so it's been fun working them into some of the stories I write.

Radbooks	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 7/27/2005
Larner, I really enjoyed these first two chapters. I remember when this incident was mentioned in the King's Commission and had wondered what had happened, so it's nice to see the story behind it! :) Hardorn is going to be so mad though if Aragorn doesn't get back on time. It made me laugh that Aragorn is worried about the town and the damage Hardorn will cause to it. I like the OC's here - the young man, who is caught in such a desperate situation and his 1/2 brother who is trying to help him. Always such tough choices that people have to make in such desperate times and you just want to survive and help your family. Looking forward to more! Author Reply: Glad you also appreciate the story being fleshed out. It's been fun trying to figure out how Aragorn might have carried out his visit, and the reactions of those who began to realize he was more than he seemed. As for Hardorn--that Aragorn did so much on his own during those years must at times have driven him mad.

LOTR lover	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 7/27/2005
Wow, this is interesting indeed! What an intriguing culture you've developed for the people of Far Harad, based on Egyptian myth. Your original characters are well drawn (Virubat gives me the shivers) and your portrayal of Aragorn as a spy/merchant is wonderful. I love the small touches that enhance the story: the warehouse of goods, Denethor's suspicions, Hardorn's worry, and the consequences of the dry heat on Aragorn's skin. Sauron's infiltration of the culture of Far Harad is well drawn. I like your use of the "lesser rings" that are only mentioned in Tolkien and then forgotten. And it's very interesting that Aragorn isn't able to touch it. I'm bookmarking "Lesser Ring" and will follow it eagerly. Author Reply: It's the small details that bring the story to life, and so I've been very impressed by certain authors such as Tolkien, Anne Perry, Ellis Peters, Abraham Merrit, and so on who have used them to make us feel we are indeed there. With Tolkien and Merritt it's the settings and landscapes they bring out in such loving detail; in Perry it's the small noises heard in the distance; in Peters/Pargeter it's the descriptions of the houses, furniture, and herbs hanging from the ceiling in the herb brewing hut that make us feel we're sitting there by Brother Cadfael. I'm honored you feel I'm doing the same as some of these greats. I became interested in mythology as a child, and received my first copy of Bulfinch's Mythology when I was just in second grade. My mother also taught me to appreciate archaeology, and one of my favorite books in my Egyptology collection is Howard Carter's description of the tomb of Tutankhamen, while one of my favorite romance books when I was a child was called Mara, Daughter of the Nile. I'll admit the idea of palace intrigue was in part inspired by that book. I am honored to have you bookmark the story. Thank you.

Dreamflower	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 7/27/2005
Oh this is so excellent. Well-crafted like all your stories! And I have a feeling that even though there will likely be no hobbits in this one, I will enjoy it immensely. Some of the touches I loved: the characterization of Thorongil, and the description of the way Denethor kept tabs on him. I loved the little thought of sending Denethor the camel, LOL! Now that's the sense of humor you would expect from the foster brother of Elladan and Elrohir. I loved the account of his journey, and how he saved the sick child, and his worries about what Hardorn would do if he were not at the harbor to meet him... And I especially loved the encounter with Sohlrabi, and the way in which he dispatched the Bad Guy. I have a feeling that "Thorongil" is setting about making a firm new friend, and an ally that will one day stand him in good stead. Author Reply: Oh, don't be certain Hobbits don't come into it, for it is the tale of TWO trips to Harad, after all. When would he have made the second, do you think? That the twins' foster brother would have considered sending Denethor a camel does seem appropriate, doesn't it? And I've made Hardorn such a part of Aragorn's life as King, it only made sense that he'd have threatened to take all of Harad apart to make certain it be known he wished Aragorn to take supreme care of himself. And, yes, Aragorn has managed to make friends where he probably never expected to. As I wrote in Fostering, he left a legacy of decency behind, making it easier for better leaders to take over Harad and Rhun once Sauron was at last utterly defeated.

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