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| The Minstrel's Quest by Gentle Hobbit | 13 Review(s) |
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| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 3/18/2012 |
| I just wanted you to know that I still read these stories, I still love them, and I'm so happy you wrote them. Author Reply: Thank you so much for saying that. I'm so, so glad they still give you pleasure. What a lovely thought that you are still reading them! *many hugs* | |
| Grey Wonderer | Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 8/8/2005 |
| I loved the conversatin between Merry and Pippin and Farohan about not offering up the entire truth unless Frodo asked for it. I like the way the Merry and Pippin talked, finishing each other's thoughts. I also loved the fact that the hobbits now consider Farohan their friend. Author Reply: I enjoyed writing that part. The camraderie between the hobbits and Farohan (and Beregond, Legolas and Gimli) has been a warm and enjoyable thing for me to explore. And I'm glad you liked the Merry and Pippin tag-team effect! | |
| Bodkin | Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 8/6/2005 |
| Score! Although I'm glad that Menelor's work will be aired too. Somehow I'm not surprised that Merry and Pippin don't want their part in the education of the minstrel to be known. Although, of course, no direct lies. 'Any Elf would be satisfied with his pronunciation.' I love pedantic Legolas. And, ironically, I can just imagine him being unexpectedly serious about things that would cause hobbits to stare at him blankly before exchanging glances and shaking their heads! And Frodo and Sam are brave enough to stand there while a minstrel sings to them - I suppose. ". . minstrels often do not meet the subjects of their lays." He shrugged and smiled wistfully. "We are only seen by them when we sing." Sad. On the edge of great events, but not part of them. Listened to, but not heard. There, but not seen. Although, of course, that can be a good thing. Author Reply: "On the edge of great events, but not part of them. Listened to, but not heard. There, but not seen. Although, of course, that can be a good thing." I have been walking a fine line between what I would *like* to see happen (e.g. Farohan and Frodo having a rich and close friendship during Frodo's stay in Minas Tirith and Ithilien), and what is more likely to happen (no guarantee of a meeting, much less a friendship). It is very much as you say, I think. Minstrels fill a function, a purpose as communicators, and so while they may be privy to all sorts of news, gossip, reports, Kings' words, etc., they are not the movers and shakers of things either. A peculiar position, absolutely. Useful, absolutely. But perhaps a little lonely too... On another note, however, I think Frodo and Sam were seated on the throne by Aragorn before the minstrel started to sing. I didn't mention it in this chapter, but they are sitting (a lot more comfortable than standing!) during the lay. | |
| Mariole | Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 8/2/2005 |
| Oh, you have wounded _me_ with sweet words! You closed with my very favorite quote out of Tolkien ever. I just adored this, and am very glad to see we'll get a little more. I like how gracious Menelor was in returning the task to Farohan. This, however, brought the tears: "But then, to his lasting surprise and delight, both Merry and Pippin bowed to him deeply, in the strange manner of hobbits." How fitting, and how wonderful! This is a gorgeous story, GentleHobbit. Thank you for posting it! Author Reply: I don't know if it is my most favourite quotation or not, for there are so many passages from Tolkien that are very meaningful and that can wound just as sweetly, but I do love it very much, and, after all, it is what started me exploring and writing this story. I am thrilled to hear that it *is* your favourite quotation, and that you adore this chapter. That means a lot to me. | |
| GamgeeFest | Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 7/29/2005 |
| Oh, that was lovely! You redeemed Menelor here, with his "speech" to Farohan. Reminded me more of a father/son relationship than mentor/pupil. I imagine it was quite stressing for him to have to go to Aragorn when he did and tell him that Farohan hadn't written anything; and he had the grace to admit that Farohan's was the better lay. I'm so glad to see there's a little more coming. :) Author Reply: I have respected and liked Menelor from the beginning, but I also tried to write him in such a way that, as can happen in real life when we don't know the motives or "the whole story", he doesn't always seem to be a sympathetic character, or even likeable. I'm glad that this approach seemed right to you. | |
| pebbles66 | Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 7/29/2005 |
| Absolutely beautiful chapter! Author Reply: Thank you! | |
| Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 7/29/2005 | |
| This is wonderful. You made me feel all of the joy and sorrow and Farohan's trepidation, and that you brought it all back to canon was just lovely. I've always loved that passage from the book. It makes my heart beat a bit faster, and I can almost hear the voices shouting acclaim for those two small, bewildered hobbits, then the minstrel's voice rising above them all, clear as a trumpet. Oh, my, it brings tears to my eyes. It's truly beautiful and I look forward to the next chapter. Author Reply: I love that passage too--obviously, I suppose, since that one passage is what started me on this whole process of "discovering" the minstrel's own tale. To hear that it holds a similar emotional resonance for you too is warming for me to hear. Thank you so much for your review! | |
| Andrea | Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 7/29/2005 |
| That's the best thing that could happen! Aragorn has not to decide about the lays. Menelor himself lets Farohan sing his lay! Wonderful. As Merry said, he didn't recognize the words, he felt them. And that's exactly what is expressed in the last lines of your Tolkien quote: "...and they passed in thought out to regions where pain and delight flow together and tears are the very wine of blessedness." Thank you! Author Reply: It truly is the best possible way, isn't it. It would be horrid for Farohan to have to have a falling out with Menelor over his first big lay. | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 7/29/2005 |
| The passage from ROTK with which you end this chapter now means so much more to me! You've filled in its history and emotions for us, and brought out the personality, heart, and spirit of a minstrel we never knew in a way I'll never forget. Author Reply: What lovely words, Shirebound! That has been my aim, and to hear that the story has done that for you in such a way is a joy for me to hear. Bless you! | |
| utfrog98 | Reviewed Chapter: 12 on 7/29/2005 |
| I have been enjoying this story since the beginning. This chapter and the one before are simply wonderful. Thanks Author Reply: Thank you! I am glad that you have been enjoying it. | |