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| The Acceptable Sacrifice by Larner | 13 Review(s) |
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| Inkling | Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 1/9/2006 |
| An enjoyable look at the nuts and bolts of assuming kingship…Aragorn is doing well so far, though I can see how the order of business would annoy Master Galador (housekeeper first, lords second). Sounds like fun ahead with the hot-tempered Seneschal, too! Author Reply: I'm not certain just how hot tempered Balstador is, but he is giving fair warning there's a limit beyond which he's unlikely to allow himself to be pushed. Probably learned that this was necessary to establish with Denethor--after all, even many with tendencies toward bullying will respond properly if limits on what possible victims will accept are made plain. And, yes, Galador will find Aragorn's priorities are strictly his own and rather practical in nature. After all, he'll have to live with seneschals, housekeepers, and servants every day, while he'll have far more limited encounters with many of the lords. Glad you appear to have enjoyed seeing Aragorn begin establishing himself as Master of the House as well as of the Kingdom. | |
| Grey Wonderer | Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 11/19/2005 |
| Ah, it is good to be the King! I love the way the hobbits held a small meeting in the middle of the formality of it all. So very hobbity! Author Reply: Aragorn is showing he's taken the lessons in rule and leadership to heart and has perhaps planned for the moment. As for Hobbit confabs--seemed right! Thanks for all the reviews--I'll respond as I can, but must leave for work soon. | |
| Lily | Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 11/3/2005 |
| I'm hardly able to catch up, but you must know that I simply love this story! Be it language, style, plot or characterisation... it's perfect!! *LOL* I loved the scene of the hobbits and the fellowship discussing their new homes while all the court watched. Author Reply: Am so glad you appreciate it, Lily. I know I tend to use more formal and archaic language forms fairly often, although now and then a modernism slips in. But am very glad you appreciate the plot and characterization. And thank you for letting me know how much you are enjoying it. | |
| Bodkin | Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 11/1/2005 |
| Aragorn is a very reasonable king. And he is putting all his cards on the table - no-one can complain that he is not saying what he means or telling tham what he expects. Author Reply: Yes--having the ground rules properly expressed from the beginning is always preferable, particularly when taking a new position. No one will have grounds to complain from now on, except for those who just love complaining anyway--as you know, those will complain about EVERYTHING! | |
| Kitty | Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 11/1/2005 |
| New broom, indeed! The household in the Citadel will soon be turned upside down, and I suppose it could be sometimes entertaining to watch. Balstador took it very well, he is obviously much more flexible than Galador, who needs to learn he can't prescribe Aragorn's every step in accord with protocol. Poor Galador, he will have a hard time to come to terms with his new King, I fear. And it was sweet Gilmoreth wanted to remain with Faramir out of love for him. He deserves to have so loyal servants. Another part I loved was Aragorn's introduction of his friends to all others present and the order to let them through to him at every time. He made it very clear how high they are in his esteem, didn't he? Author Reply: I think Gilmoreth's estimation went up highly in the eyes of the new King simply because of what she said and the reasons given. He, too, wishes only well for his Steward in Gondor, I think. And, yes, Aragorn's going to let it be known that he is open to his friends. One who must be a king needs friends, after all; it's all too easy only to end up with sycophants. | |
| Radbooks | Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 11/1/2005 |
| Very interesting and fun to read as Aragorn's sets up his household! Of course I know how much of an interest he has always shown in the matter of the servants around him, but to see the start of it was fun. I loved the sensechal's comment about his temper... I'm sure that Aragorn appreciated his honesty and I'm sure it will be tested in the days ahead as Aragorn starts changing things. :) As Aragorn was talking to Faramir about setting up a new house, it's hard not to smile because of course we know that Aragorn is going to make him a Prince - it's like knowing an inside joke. And I am sure that the Master of Protocol was tied in fits at the way everything was being done and I'm sure that nothing was formal enough. Actually, I'm sure he wasn't the only one, I imagine a lot of the lesser lords were also upset about the way things were being done. Some time the lesser lords would be more upset than the higher lords - they have to fight more for their place in the society. Looking forward to the next chapter! Author Reply: You are most right--the lesser lords do have to fight harder for every scrap of respect and honor they get; now they have a new example of how one can appear lordly, and for those who are accustomed to being drear, correct, and stern with their folk it will be a difficult one to swallow. And glad you enjoy seeing how from the beginning Aragorn was making himself aware of his staff--in his case, this will be how he will protect himself from possible attempts on his life or threats to the family. Those who ignore their servants are more likely to be cheated by them, betrayed by them, and taken by someone they don't know. To get loyal servants, you demonstrate you care for them first--then you are less likely to be taken by surprise or to cultivate resentment in them. | |
| grumpy | Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 11/1/2005 |
| Aragorn makes a great king. First thing get your house in order, so you can take care of the mess outside. I love how he wants to know all those who serve in the house. I do love how you have the four hobbits, wizard, elf and dwarf, huddled together, to decide where they want to stay. Author Reply: You have the right of it, Grumpy--if your own place is set properly in order, then you are in a better position to make certain that the rest of the realm comes into line. And I think Aragorn would wish to allow the rest of the Fellowship to decide among themselves where they will stay, and allow such a conference, even if the rest of the realm has to stand by amazed by this example of democracy in action.... Thanks for the response. | |
| harrowcat | Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 11/1/2005 |
| I will just bet that the chief of protocol was enjoying this - shame it might be the last time he stands there without having kittens! And I am very glad that the Hobbits enjoy many words and bows in their ceremony, (TT Book 4 Chapter 6,)but how did Frodo, not to mention Sam cope with standing for so long? Author Reply: I rather think that Gandalf is behind Frodo and Sam aiding them as he can. Galador is watching Aragorn use proper pomp and regality and all, but he's undoubtedly going at it at a different tack and not necessarily with quite the same emphasis Galador feels should be given; and so he is undoubtedly biting his knuckles at times, waiting for a major faux pas of some sort or another, one which does not come, thankfully. But you are right, Frodo and Sam are tiring, as you will see in tonight's chapter.... | |
| Dreamflower | Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 11/1/2005 |
| Oooh, I just *love* all this pomp! Aragorn may not be particularaly *fond* of it, but he is certainly *good* at it! *grin* And I speak as one who has sat through many an SCA court--pomp is not easy to be good at! He's making it quite clear from the start that he will be a "hands on" King, and though he may delegate many duties, he will know and keep track of, all those who carry those duties out on his behalf. I look forward to seeing the various reactions of the various Lords of Gondor and the members of the staff as they try to get used to the new order. I liked very much the way you had the housekeeper elect to stay with the Steward's family. It would be unrealistic for everyone to want to serve under the new King. Some are likely to be too set in their ways, or too old, to want to change. Lovely lovely chapter. Author Reply: Yes, Aragorn was fostered by Elrond, after all, and undoubtedly has learned about the need for proper pomp at specific times. And I do think there would be some who would wish to remain in the employ of the Steward primarily, for he represents continuity to them. Not all wish to have their whole world turned THAT much upside down. But for the new King to be speaking in a familiar tone with the servants must be sending Galador's stomach reeling, I'd think. As for some of the lesser lords--they might be wondering what is going on now. | |
| TithenFeredir | Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 10/31/2005 |
| There is quite a bit of business to take care of. I've never thought about such details. Aragorn shows himself to be very thorough and even-handed in dealing with his subjects. Still, the sacrifice I anticipate has yet to be revealed. Looking forward to the next. ~TF Author Reply: That sacrifice is, unfortunately, still one not yet spoken. But the first orders of business are the ones that need to be done--find out who's running the home front and make certain they are likely to be loyal and willing to deal with the new management; let folks know the chain of command; swear in the Stewards and let it be known both realms are of equal interest to the King; get the guardsmen in here and make certain they have sworn their loyalty; then start on the available lords of the realm. Then let folks know that this is a new order, these folk are my friends and are as much responsible for the new state of affairs as I am and as I honor them, you'd best do so as well. See to it folks are comfortable and let it be known publically that this is a priority for the new King--that his folk be comfortable and secure. Let them see that this new King accepts familiar address from his friends, and takes thought about the details. It's a new day for Gondor, and the King's lords are beginning to realize just what this means. | |