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Lesser Ring by Larner	6 Review(s)
grumpy	Reviewed Chapter: 45 on 9/25/2005
Great couple of chapters, the one on, inside the temple of Seti, was something else, glad that he found the light. I liked how Aragorn in this chapter, told the story to the ones who were too terrified to go to the black gate. Also of the travels of the portrait of Captain Thorongil. Author Reply: Yes, I suspect that Denethor would have been unhappy to see Thorongil's portrait posted alongside his own, and would have seen it as the symbol of the one whose coming he both desired and feared, not wanting to be seen as second best to the stranger from the north. And glad you liked the previous chapter as well, and are glad Setra'amun found the Light at the last. Thanks so much for the feedback.

Kitty	Reviewed Chapter: 45 on 9/25/2005
It was probably wise to introduce the guests from Harad to the staff of the citadel, althoug it is somehow a bit sad it is necessary at all. The council meeting was well descripted. I loved it that Aragorn and Faramir worked so cunningly together. It is so good they get along so well – Aragorn surely needs this friend and ally, and I suppose Faramir needs this even more after the way his own father treated him! And it is good to know Pippin and his opinion is honoured there as well. As for the tour through the citadel – never thought before about so many old places having means to spy on the people! The story about Denethor was amusing – serves him right to have an uncomfortable night and nothing found out :P And it was nice to see the Hall of Memorial again and all the little reminders. Author Reply: Yes, Aragorn and his Steward would need to make a cooperative team to help the lords of the land to accept the new reality for Gondor, and I suspect in ten years they'd have managed to get the "good cop-bad cop" routine down well. Suspicious times lead to suspicious folk, which leads to secret passages and spy holes of various types, and glad you appreciated that Denethor would have had a mot uncomfortable night spying on the one he thought of as his rival. And I find myself loving the idea of the Hall of Memorial, myself. So glad you appreciated the chapter.

Radbooks	Reviewed Chapter: 45 on 9/24/2005
I just realized I hadn't reviewed this lovely chapter yet. I especially enjoyed the time in the council chamber and how Aragorn and Faramir worked together on the other lords and advisors to bring them around to their way of thinking. Ankhrabi was right, they could have torn Gondor apart if they were not close friends. I also liked the parts referring back to Thorongil and the times with Denethor - hiding in the niche and later with the painting. Just little tidbits that show Aragorn's long history in Gondor. Arwen's color choice for Benai and the Southern Dunedain is nice - blue and silver. :) She'll be sewing away for awhile for him. I'm anxious to see what they end up doing about sending him home. I'm not surprised that the men from Gondor weren't exactly thrilled with the idea of helping him, but that the Northern Lords were very excited. It just seemed to fit! Nicely done Author Reply: I wanted to explore Denethor's suspicions a bit. I know he believed his father honored the advice of Thorongil more than his own, but I wonder if that is actually true. And if he honored both equally, yet Denethor felt himself considered second-best yet again.... And that Arnor might be more receptive to kinsmen from afar than those of Gondor--well, those of Gondor for the most part have less Numenorean blood, are more of mixed heritage, while those of Arnor are more likely all kin to Aragorn to one degree or another, have been forced to dwell apart by the heritage they bear, and would be more interested in those who, like them, have lived mostly besieged by outside forces. And I think the relationship between Aragorn and Faramir would have developed fairly quickly. Thanks so much for the feedback.

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 45 on 9/23/2005
Tough moment for Sa'Harpelamun. I like the way Elessar and Faramir play off each other in the council. Good management. And the visitors reactions to the memorials are interesting. It's almost as if Frodo is still there at times. Author Reply: Yes, I think that for those who loved him it would often be as if Frodo was still there. I know that I still at times feel my husband's presence as well as those of my mother and mothers-in-law, and they've gone "beyond the bounds of Arda," after all. And it's always interesting to see what is seen as important for one culture through the eyes of another. And am glad you like the interplay between King and Steward--I suspect the two of them would have become good at between them managing the Council. Thanks so much for the feedback.

lindahoyland	Reviewed Chapter: 45 on 9/22/2005
I enjoyed all the character moments in this chapter and especially the parts about Aragorn and Faramir. How nice that you should have cats too ! Author Reply: Cats, dogs, chickens, and bird. And I also love the idea that Aragorn and Faramir between them would manage the lords of the Council very well.

Dreamflower	Reviewed Chapter: 45 on 9/22/2005
What a marvelous chapter! I do so love all the details of the pains the King and his household have gone to, to make certain that their guests are both safe and comfortable. I enjoyed the council meeting, and the way the obstreperous Gondorian councillors were dealt with by all the others. I really get a kick out of it when Pip's allowed to show his intelligence, and is honored as a councillor to the King. And I am always touched by your description of that museum, and the garments held in honor there. Beautiful job. Author Reply: I've tried to be true to the description made in The Ties of Family and yet make it so that this story can also stand alone somewhat. And I suspect more small items end up being placed on both tables in front of the garments from the Quest. As for Pippin being accepted in the King's Council, I suspect the folk from Gondor are beginning to realize finally that this King seeks wise counsel from all sources. That he would have Elves and Dwarves attending is probably now accepted as it's been going on, I suspect for the last ten years; that he'd include Pippin when he's there and probably Sam as well is more of a surprise. Maybe one attendance as a courtesy; but repeated attendance indicates this one is seen as their peer; and realizing one is no more than a peer to a small being who spends most of his free time pinching mushrooms and eating would be probably be a humbling experience.

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