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Lesser Ring by Larner	10 Review(s)
Dreamflower	Reviewed Chapter: 38 on 9/20/2005
Well, I certainly misinterpreted the omens, other than that there would be an ambush. But this chapter is a bit more straightforward. And I love the end: more athelas, right when he's needing it! Author Reply: Yes, this one is more straightforward indeed. And, of course the healers from the Houses of Healing would see to it their King, whom they know can utilize athelas, would be kept supplied at judicious intervals! So glad you are back!

grumpy	Reviewed Chapter: 38 on 9/11/2005
Hi it is me again, You would think I would learn to spell things right. That should be "gave" not "cave". The two letters are not even close on the keyboard. Author Reply: You should see mee editing chapters, wondering why I KEEP hitting the period instead of the question mark, and how I keep managing to type a k instead of a d! I sometimes think my hands are dyslexic or something. I am finally becoming as decent a typist as I am a braillist, not that my first attempt at transcribing a book is any great shakes--I'm a hopeless fumblefingers who still types about at least ten "Damns!" a minute, although I do get more words done any more! Heh! I am so glad I can now transcribe onto the computer so I can correct things before I send it to the embosser!

grumpy	Reviewed Chapter: 38 on 9/11/2005
What a nice chapter, not only did Aragorn get some more athelas, both I loved the return of his star, and who he cave it too. Author Reply: Am so glad you like it, Grumpy! I so appreciate the feedback.

Baggins Babe	Reviewed Chapter: 38 on 9/11/2005
The last few chapters have been an incredible rollercoaster of stress and emotion - and I've loved every line of them! The bravery of the Farozi's grandson, almost sacrificing himself for his father, and the way Benai has been given the sword, which he will no doubt need when he returns to lead his people. I was on the edge of my seat hoping the boy and his father would survive - Harad will need these wise rulers if it is to thrive as a nation. The most wonderful part of this chapter was the communication between Aragorn and Frodo - how touching that there can be such a meeting of spirit, which I have always believed in. Beautifully imagined and written, Larner. Author Reply: Apparently I hit the back key instead of the post key when I answered this yesterday. I like to think that wherever Aragorn goes he leaves behind an example of leadership and integrity that makes a tremendous impact on others. That he would be part of the healing of Ankhrabi was a given, I suppose; that Ma'osiri would be sent back was the grace given that insisted it be included. But more and more the land of Harad is being drawn into the new age of Middle Earth, and is finding that to keep the still somewhat tenuous balance it knows now it must tie itself more and more to the example of the North. Benai is being groomed to return to his land and serve and protect it, adding more ties to those already being established between the descendents of the Dunedain and Harad; and Aragorn is given the reward he needed at the moment while Frodo has one more grace to appreciate--a moment of shared wonder with one he loves who is afar off, and a shared touch that both need. As an Anglican, I believe in the "Communion of the Saints" where all are in fellowship with one another whether together or apart, in this realm or the next; certainly I've had moments when I've felt the loved presence of those I've loved and a stronger presence still; that now and then Aragorn and Frodo or one of the others who loved him would know such communion with Frodo seems just natural. The heart just seems to have to bridge such gaps.

Kitty	Reviewed Chapter: 38 on 9/10/2005
The lore of Arnor and Gondor and Númenor will be well known in Harad, or at least in certain circles of the Haradrim, after this visit. It is nice to see how interested they are in each other. I loved the visit to the temple of Neryet, the flower and dove omens, the falcon, and most of all, Aragorn’s vision and the return of his brooch. It was wonderful he could see Frodo for some moments and so full of joy at that! And although I’d loved to see Aragorn with his old brooch again, it was good he gave it to Ma’osiri. The little one was so brave and is worth of it. Oh, and I wonder if Eldamir has some foresight, too? How very thoughtful of him to send this packet of athelas, just after Aragorn used his last leaves to save Ma’osiri and Ankhrabi! As for the last chapter, I wonder if Setra’amun is completely sane? I know some people are like this, but for me it is a bit insane. To be honest, I am quite curious what Sohrabi will do with him. Author Reply: I think that, from time to time, Aragorn and Frodo just need a little brotherly time together, even if it's just in a momentary vision. And that they'd be granted such an occasion seemed possible, so I love to find where I can slip such in where it is appropriate. And for Aragorn to have reassurance Frodo is knowing healing there just seems so right. As for Eldamir, perhaps not so much foresight as experience with his sovereign and colleague within the Houses of Healing in Minas Anor, knowing that the King will find himself using up what he has and wanting to make certain he isn't left too short! As for Setra'amun--he's partly patterned on family members and friends who are bipolar. To try to appreciate the thought processes of someone who is mentally ill in this way can be mind-boggling. I've tried to reason with such folk when they are out of sync, and it is very difficult. I also find it in fanatical nonsupporters in a court case I follow on the web--you can face them with all the evidence there is that the crime wasn't committed as presented by police and prosecution, and they keep going back to one little emotional detail that they have glommed onto that makes it okay for the courts to have convicted three probably innocent guys, and you are left shaking your head, wondering, "HUH?" Other day I even asked one of them what color the sky was in the world he inhabited--he responded "Purple." As for what Sohrabi will do with him--I think you will find it shocking and all too appropriate.

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 38 on 9/10/2005
Good thing Arwen was there (and the Eagle) or Ma’osiri wouldn't have made it. But now that he has, he seems to be a great symbol of better things to come. Bound in love with lords of the north and with Benai to the south. I hope his twin doesn't become disaffected like Sa’Harpelamun's. It can't be easy being twin to a hero. But he has good parents and good examples round him, so probably not. Glad to see the stock of athelas has been replenished. Author Reply: As you say, it's not easy growing up in the shadow of those who are heroes, but I think Ankhrabi's got a good head on his shoulders, and that the boys have a good relationship they'll build on as time goes on. Where the King of Gondor and Arnor goes, will the Valar's messengers be too far behind? And even the Dunedain of Camaloa know the significance of the Great Eagles, which may indicate not all of them might nest in the Misty Mountains.... Gonna leave that one an open question for a while, I think. As for the athelas, I suspect that Eldamir, after ten years working alongside his King might have an excellent feel for how quickly he's likely to use up his stock of athelas and other commonly used herbs. So glad you've been following it all and giving so much feedback. You know how much it is appreciated.

harrowcat	Reviewed Chapter: 38 on 9/10/2005
Oh happy sigh to take me through the day. What gifts and imbued with so much meaning. I love the idea that the original Elessar Gem was found in Saruman's hoard. Where did this idea come from - if it is original Larner then it it is inspired! Or is it from the Prof and in something I haven't read? (Far too much I confess.) And I am glad that Aragorn has re-stocked his Athelas. The way you (and other writers) make him get through it it is amazing there is any left in Middle-Earth. Author Reply: The finding of the original Star of Elendil gem in Saruman's hoard is from Tolkien's Unfinished Tales. Also found in that hoard was the locket that Isildur carried the Ring in--there the film followed the pattern for Frodo rather than going into UT. Can't remember where he had the one in which he gives one of the Star of Elendil gems to Sam, but if you find that in a fan-fic that was one from Tolkien himself, too. As for the athelas stocks in Middle Earth--the kingsfoil plants tend to grow where the Dunedain settled, and I've made Sam one who now purposely cultivates it in Arnor. Knowing that Aragorn uses athelas and it answers to the King's hand, I strongly suspect it would now be a staple in any herb gardens that serve wherever the King is likely to go in Gondor and Arnor now. Thanks so much for all the feedback!

Radbooks	Reviewed Chapter: 38 on 9/10/2005
I'm so glad that they are back in Thetos and at least somewhat more protected for awhile. Though I am somewhat concerned about the package of athelas leaves that Aragorn just received. I'm glad he has it, but it does raise questions on whether or not he will need it again. Though hopefully it will just need to be used for the two who are currently injured. The story of Benai's sword was interesting, I had wondered at the story behind it because of the star on it. I didn't think that another man from the north would have traveled there and so that was a touching story. It's going to be interesting to see what will happen with Benai and his people and the slavers or other tribes/people around them. I would imagine that Aragorn would help as Benai's kinsman and lord - he would have a duty to see that they not be enslaved or threatened, etc. So it will all be very interesting to see how it all plays out in the long run. It is so far from Gondor though and it will be hard to help them in that sense. I liked that Aragorn gave his star to the boy and it makes you wonder what will happen to the boy as he grows. He has a neat heart and will someday make a good Farozi and the chances are that Aragorn will still be the king in Gondor when he is in power in Harad so it will be interesting how that would all work out. Great job once again! Author Reply: I suspect the athelas were sent by Eldamir on a schedule he's worked out as to how often Aragorn is likely to have gone through his known stock. Aragorn would want them fairly fresh, and so probably every two or three weeks the herbalists for the HoH would try to see to it he had enough on hand for what emergencies he might come up against. And again Aragorn's example is reinforcing for others that there is another way than totalitarianism that can work and is better for everyone. The reinforcements Benai gets from Gondor will be mostly moral support, I suspect, as well as possibly some gifts of armaments and trainers and some physical help. But Benai is going to go home intent on shutting down the G'bani slavers, I'm certain. Wish we could do that in Africa now. Thanks so much for the feedback.

lindahoyland	Reviewed Chapter: 38 on 9/9/2005
I'm glad that Aragorn has more athelas,I was getting worried what he would do if anything else happened ! I agree the villian is quite mad,much as my Mahrod was save he was a psychopath. I love all the spiritual imagery in your work,I was expecting the brooch to turn up again. I liked the way Aragorn cares for the wounded boy on the way back. I'm glad I'm following this on SOA as the other site are still not sending me alerts ! Author Reply: Sorry the other site is being less than helpful. How sad! Yes, the brooch showed up again, and I hope went where it was needed, to one who will need that guidance when his day to follow his father comes at last. And Eldamir must have a good sense of what Aragorn is likely to need as time passes--they've been working side by side now for ten years, after all! Thanks so much for following this here.

Tigger	Reviewed Chapter: 38 on 9/9/2005
Oh Larner...That breathtakingly beautiful. Aragorn and Frodo got to see one another and touch for a brief moment. It choked me up. Wow!! And the little Prince was given Aragorn's brooch. What a lovely gift. Especially considering it was Arathorn's before it was Aragorn's. Thank goodness they all got back to Thetos w/nothing else happening. I'm assuming tomorrow will be judgement day for those who took part in the ambush. If so, then Eldamar's sending of the athelas could not be better timed. Aragorn's going to need it. As always, looking forward to the next chapter. :o) Author Reply: I'm not certain how much Aragorn will need the athelas right now--not, at least for himself. This is Harad's business, although I think you will find the punishment planned for Setra'amun will be most appropriate. And I think that the moment shared with Frodo was worth more than a brooch he'd given long ago to Aragorn at the moment.

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