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Lesser Ring by Larner	8 Review(s)
grumpy	Reviewed Chapter: 48 on 10/2/2005
What a great chapter, great to see how Hurin and Armanthol are doing, and Armanthol is a ranger, slaying trolls. Love the fact that Arwin and Aragorn can go to Ruvemir's house to relax. Author Reply: One who is as responsible as Aragorn is should be allowed to relax from time to time, don't you agree? And I thought I'd tie up some loose ends from other stories. So glad you enjoyed this one, Grumpy.

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 48 on 10/2/2005
Poor slavers' victims. They need a lot of care. You would think that slavers would have cottoned on to the fact that half-starved, diseased, beaten slaves don't get as much money when you sell them. Still - this lot have achieved safety - and the Farozi's son is getting a pretty good view of another point of view on the slavery question. Good to see Armanthol turn up again! He seems much happier - and wiser - now. Author Reply: I don't know if you've ever seen Amistad, but it appears to have been typical of slave trading in the early days of our nation. The descriptions of extra slaves denied food and simply thrown overboard when they found they had more bodies than the food they'd brought could support seems typical; and so I based the behavior of the slavers on the behavior of the crew of the Amistad. Yes, Ankhrabi is indeed getting a new look at the institution on which much of his nation's economy is based, and he is thinking about how to change things. I doubt he will change the thinking of all of his country, but he can begin putting into effect reforms to cut down the number of slaves traded in his realm; and in the new chapter you will see a different view of slavery from one of the former slaves. And, yes, Armanthol has done a great deal of growing up in the past six years. Thanks so much for the feedback.

Tigger	Reviewed Chapter: 48 on 10/1/2005
What a chapter w/so many layers to it. Aragorn and Arwen showing that they truly care about all who end up under their care and not just in name. Then showing the Haradi Crown Prince and Princess The Houses of Healing and their other duties as healers. Wonderful to see this lookback at characters from The King's Commission. So, the son of that Umbari nobleman truly learned his lessons of honour and then some. What a wonderful surprise to see him a Ranger of the North. Also to see he wants to go back home and share what he has learned, but wise enough to realize it isn't the right time yet. Lovely chapter and, as always, looking forward to the next. Author Reply: I like tying up loose ends, I find; so Armanthol found his way back into the series of stories. He's indeed grown up and is ready to begin helping reforms in his own lands, but is willing to wait until the time is right--perhaps the King has also taught him patience and discernment. And indeed the Haradrim are seeing that the King and Queen of Gondor and Arnor are not only rulers but actively involved as they are able in the caring for the physical well-being of their people and those who come under their protection. Sorry for the lateness of today's posting--forgot my laptop at work and had to go fetch it today, which was frustrating. I write my chapters often during the time my charges are in bed--gives me a good deal of time to work on the stories while I must be ready in case of emergencies, of course. Thanks so much for the feedback.

Radbooks	Reviewed Chapter: 48 on 10/1/2005
Very nice chapter and I loved how Aragorn and Arwen personally took care of the former slaves. So much pain for those people and they would be totally overwhelmed by their new circumstances, especially those who were born into slavery. It will be interesting to see how many of them will chose to go back home and how many will stay in Minas Tirith. The call to go home would be great and yet I think I would be scared that I would be captured and sold again. I enjoyed finding out what had happened to Armanthol as I had always wondered and I'm sure you have future plans for him! :) I hadn't thought about him going to be a ranger. Glad that Ruvemir finally gave Aragorn a statue of Sam, it sounded like it was perfect. Interesting comment that the priest made to the prince about how the people of Harad felt about him - I thought that was very revealing. Oh, I liked the scripture you had at the beginning, we need more rulers like that. Author Reply: I've always thought that Tolkien saw Aragorn in the role of the Sacred King, and for that devout Roman Catholic I would think that the Serving King would be seen as part of that role as well as standing between God and his people and land. But I wished for those who might not understand why Aragorn and Arwen would do such a thing would feel impelled to act in such a manner. As for Armanthol--he came home wearing a sword on Ruvemir's last visit back to Minas Anor; had to follow it a bit further. And that the folk of Harad would appreciate Ankhrabi's more open and beneficient attitudes seemed logical, and who better to express it than one of the nation's up-and-coming young priests? As for how many will return to Harad or elsewhere--that's yet to be decided. But you may appreciate the decision of one who'd come from Harad. Thanks so much for the feedback.

Kitty	Reviewed Chapter: 48 on 10/1/2005
How many of the poor slaves may have realised it were the King and Queen which helped them to bathe? They probably wouldn’t be able to believe it, I suspect. It is not what most people expect from a King, at least if they think as the bard did. Can you imagine, I had the ridiculous thought what Denethor would’ve said if someone had expected him to do this and had a giggling fit. Anyway, I hope they are all better soon. And why have I the feeling Ankhrabi begins to think over his own slaves? I hadn’t thought my question about Armanthol would be answered so soon - thank you! I remembered he returned from the journey north wearing a sword and wondered if he had quit sculpting to become a warrior. This question is certainly answered now! And I had to grin about the answer. The son of Landrion of Umbar as a Ranger of Arnor is quite ironic, isn’t it? His father would be upset! But I love the idea! And he killed two trolls? bows to Armanthol And I was impressed with his insight about Wasnior and Marcipor and his intention to teach his own people honour in spite of their opinion of him – that is brave! I hope so much he will be successful in this! Without being victim to assassination attempts by all these Lords from Umbar, of course. As I said before, I don’t trust them much. And what I now have learned about Wasnior doesn’t help much to improve that. whispers That could be a nice new story somewhere in the future, don’t you think? blushes It was good they did spend the evening so comfortable with Ruvemir and enjoyed Pippin's and Isumbard's cooking! Ruvemir’s gift for Aragorn was wonderful! Aragorn will be so happy to have sculptures of his two brothers! Author Reply: Hope you appreciate the new gift he's just made his King as well, Kitty. Yes, Armanthol insisted his story be told in this chapter, and where better to appreciate it than over a good steak dinner cooked by the two Hobbits remaining temporarily in the capitol, and in Ruvemir and Elise's home? I'd love to know some of your thoughts on how Denethor would have responded to such an idea as caring for newly freed slaves himself--I, too, can't see him as even entertaining the idea. Am so glad you are enjoying the story. I hope the last two chapters won't be so long delayed as the last few have been. Thanks so much for the feedback throughout.

lindahoyland	Reviewed Chapter: 48 on 9/30/2005
This was a lovely chapter and fitted very well with your quote.I especially enjoyed the way Arwen cared for the freed slave woman.Your stories give me a lovely warm feeling to read about such goodness. Author Reply: This, I think, would be Tolkien's ideal as King and Queen, ones secure enough in their own royalty to see the need for cleansing and comfort who would do this personally, doing their best to restore and bestow not only healing but dignity as well. And I could not think of any quotation more proper to begin this chapter. Thanks so much for the appreciation you've shown for the story.

harrowcat	Reviewed Chapter: 48 on 9/30/2005
Honour revealed indeed! And in so many people. I love the detail you put into the stories you unveil for us. You would find it hard to make me lose interest Larner. Missing review for a chapter? Blame technology, blame RL, blame visiting Mum who is still in hospital or, more likely blame a small ball of black fluff with needles for teeth called Jet but don't blame lack of interest! Author Reply: Yes, when little they do have needle teeth, don't they? Hope Jet never takes to chewing up phone cords as my own beastis did when puppies. Got expensive after a while, and was so glad the time Ruffy chewed the vacuum cord it wasn't plugged in! And I'm so glad you appreciate the details, and the honor being appropriately portrayed. I have the feeling that when he goes home Ankhrabi will begin freeing slaves in the palace.

Dreamflower	Reviewed Chapter: 48 on 9/30/2005
Oh how nice! Armanthol became a Ranger!! That is so cool! Now (pushes bunny in your direction with toe) maaaybe we could be shown a little of how that came to be? I love the way you showed the King and Queen taking care of the former slaves. Indeed, they are the very personification of the verse you quote at the beginning. Just beautiful! And of course I enjoyed seeing their relaxing evening at Ruvemir's home. Very lovely, made me wish I could have been there. Stuffed potatoes and steak with mushrooms...drool Author Reply: I'll have to consider showing Armanthol's acceptance as a Ranger of Arnor, but have three other plot bunnies and nuzguls insisting on their due first. Aragorn is the King as I suspect Tolkien himself would have envisioned him, willing to be a hands-on king. The King represented the land and people before God and God before the land and its people, and was long thought to have the healing touch, which Tolkien accorded the descendants of Earendil through both Elrond and Elros. That Aragorn and Arwen would themselves help those who'd lost all in whatever way they could seemed logical, leading indeed by example in how those who are in need ought to be treated. And the evening out I just felt they deserved, don't you? Complete with steak dinner!

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