News Resources
Login
Become a member
Help
Search
|
|
| About Us News Resources
Login
Become a member
Help
Search
|
|
|
| The Tenant from Staddle by Larner | 11 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| French Pony | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 10/27/2006 |
| Overall, a very satisfying chapter, though a couple of details seemed a bit off. I love the image of a Nerd of Gondor. All you ever hear about are the tall, dark, handsome, manly, testosterone-poisoned warrior types. . . but there had to have been some nerds running around as well. Alvric is a lovely character, so full of personality. I love his kitties and his monocle and his eagerness to be off and have an adventure of his own, one that calls for his brains instead of his brawn. And I bet he was secretly thrilled to find out that he could do something that the legendary King couldn't do. However, I was under the impression that said legendary King did not give his edict banning Men from the Shire until about eight or nine years after the War, after Frodo was long gone. And the name Jongleur is very French, and seems weird for a Rohirric horse, especially since they speak Old English. But in the main, I loved reading this chapter. You have such a nice touch with your original characters, but the canon characters have marvelous voices as well. Author Reply: Unfortunately I don't know the Old English term for a traveling entertainer other than a bard, so I settled for Jongleur as the best equivalent. I hope it doesn't bother you too much. The official ban on Men in the Shire was written seven years after the war was over IIRC, but I found that both Dreamflower and I have postulated he gave a preliminary ban first once he learned what had happened during the Time of Troubles, and it was made finally official and permanent some years later. And I felt that the nerds of Gondor do need representation as well. I mean, I've had Gondorians who are human dwarves, ones who were blind and maimed and crippled--why NOT one who's a nerd? After all, that's what I have been most of my life. And that you feel I do well with the voices of my canon characters is very flattering. I do try to keep them true to their characters, after all. Thank you so much! | |
| Armariel | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 10/25/2006 |
| Gracious, animals are such a distraction...at least for me! But in a good way...I just love that kitty on Aragorn's lap--lucky cat! And the others peeking aroudn to see what's going on...I thought I heard one of them looking at Faramir and thinking, "He's mine!";);) =^,,^= And then the horses. Sometimes I don't know which I like better, cats or horses...and Eomer hugging them *melt* Alvric seems quite nice...and come to think of it I like his doggie too..........:D Author Reply: Yes, animals always are a nice distraction, I find! And to be allowed to sit on the king's lap--oops, first, I'm not a cat, and second, I think Arwen could complain...... You can have Faramir, much as I love him, too; I'll always envy the cat who claims Aragorn. Alvric does seem a nice sort, doesn't he? And the idea of Eomer separated from his horses just doesn't seem quite right, does it? Heh! | |
| Kitty | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 10/25/2006 |
| With Alvric you have introduced another character I could come to like. I am glad he has volunteered to go north, in spite of being quite the homebody, out of the desire to help the hobbits and the King. Maybe he has even a hidden adventurous streak, who knows? Somehow it reminds me a bit of Bilbo, back when he went with the dwarves. Anyway, it was fascinating that Aragorn could tell from a look around the room that Alvric preferred his comfort so much and told him so honest what he had to expect. Do I need to tell you how much I have enjoyed their stay in Rohan, as I love horses so much? Wonderful image of the horses to acknowledge Éomer as King and now surrounding him in this way. King of the horselords, indeed! Author Reply: Now in his latter eighties, Aragorn has, I'm certain, come to be a good judge of a person by his surroundings. And he'll be honest even as he accepts the person's service. Alvric, meanwhile, will be surprising himself a bit, I think. As for Eomer and the horses--indeed, he is the LORD of the horselords! So glad this is appreciated by so many. | |
| Linda Hoyland | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 10/25/2006 |
| A delightful chapter ! I loved seeing Aragorn and Faramir with the cats and Eomer and the horses was a very sprecial moment. I hope to have my new chapter up soon now.I was waiting for the alerts to be back to normal. Author Reply: So glad you enjoyed it so. I have always seen Aragorn as a cat person, as I think you know by now. As for Eomer and the horses--that goes without saying, doesn't it? The lord of the horse lords, after all, must have a deft hand with horses. And looking forward to the next chapter. | |
| Baggins Babe | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 10/24/2006 |
| Another great OC, Larner! I really like Alvric already - anyone who keeps cats and dogs is fine with me. How sweet that Aragorn is happy to have Marble on his lap - and that she is happy to be there. Nice man! The description of Eomer surrounded by the horse herds was so vivid that I felt I was there. I had never thought that the horses might have to approve the new King but it would make sense. Author Reply: I've always been a critter person, and now have four chickens, a mustached parakeet, four dogs and three cats of my own plus the three big dogs and two cats of my daughter's family plus two boarded cats--yes, lots of critters around here at the moment. And I just simply keep imagining Aragorn as one with an affinity for cats. As for Eomer and the horses--so glad you find yourself feeling that having the approval of the horses makes sense for you, too! | |
| Queen Galadriel | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 10/24/2006 |
| Wow, there's so much in this chapter! I can see why treachery and perversion would grieve Frodo more than devastation. Ruin can be repared, but evil can't always be undone in hearts. I like Alvric; he's a bit like a Hobbit himself. I don't know exactly why, but I see him and Bilbo getting along well. :) And as always, love his surprise at Aragorn's--the King Elessar's--natural ways: taking a stool instead of the place of honour, letting the cat make herself comfortable on his lap. Isn't it wonderful that animals have no regard for rank or anything we humans make such fuss about? And the horses are wonderful! I love the bonding between Alvric and Jongleur. God bless, Galadriel Author Reply: Treachery and perversion are so very hard to live with, and are so much more subtly destruction in the end than open enmity and attacks, I think. And you are certainly right about how evil can't always be undone. Alvric will find perhaps it is easier for him to develop relationships with Hobbits than some of the Dunedain because he is from their own mindset--comfort and orderliness of thought first, along with a strong appreciation for traditions. Aragorn has spent most of his adult life camping out, fighting enemies, directing defenses, and sitting much ignored in inns where he's seen as sinister. I can't see him encouraging others to defer to him in their own homes if he can help it; and when you're well over six feet it can be uncomfortable to sit in a chair intended for someone much shorter, just as I find it uncomfortable trying to sit on furniture intended for those much taller than I am (I'm not quite five feet, after all). That Aragorn would prefer a taller stool just seemed logical; I've always seen him as a lover of cats, as you know; and the cat doesn't care for rank when choosing the proper one for the scratching and comfort it demands. And am so glad you like the horses in Rohan. Rohan IS horses, after all. Am not certain why I like writing of them so, as I am not personally given to horses or riding myself; but Eomer and his horses are so much a part of Middle Earth. | |
| Radbooks | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 10/24/2006 |
| Ah, a lawyer heading for the north. At least he appears to be an honorable one. :) I loved his 3 cats and Aragorn holding the one. I think you know that I have three cats and have been pondering the idea of getting a dog. I'm not sure that Abby would really like that idea, but Strider and Tucker could handle it! Anyway, I like this Alvric and his willingness to leave his home and comfort behind to go north to teach and to ensure that things are done correctly. I also enjoyed the scene with Eomer and the horses. Author Reply: Yes, an honorable one, or I think that Faramir wouldn't have recommended him or Aragorn agreed to send him. I, too, love cats. Have Bookie, Lydia, and Zubran, now that Merry and Pippin have apparently been lost to the surrounding coyotes. Also have the daughter's two and two boarders for a time, at least. And my dogs would go with me everywhere if they could. Am so glad you like Alvric; and what would Middle Earth be without Rohan and its horses and Eomer surrounded by the Mearas? | |
| harrowcat | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 10/24/2006 |
| This just keeps getting better Larner. It is great to see something of the letters that Frodo writes to the King and, as I have succumbed to a nasty cold, reminds me to stock up on those orange fruits myself! Your newest OC has found his place in our hearts already. Each one has his gift to offer and Alvric is prepared to go far for Frodo despite not liking to ride. I like the way the cat responds to the King. The vision and Aragorn admitting that he was selfish in denying Frodo the first boon he asked really changes the mood. No wonder he is detirmined to give Frodo anything else he asks for. And it will benefit the whole realm as well. Times run out Larner. Got to run, (hanky in hand for the sniffles,) will try to come back to this later...... Author Reply: Frodo is also a ruler now of sorts, if only for a short time; he at least has someone to commisserate with him as well as one he feels duty-bound to report to anyway. So glad folks like Alvric--he's going to have an almost unrecognized impact on the relationships the Shirefolk develop with the outside world from now on. And I'm certain cats would recognize Aragorn as a cat person and respond accordingly. Aragorn I suspect felt torn about coaxing Frodo to live after the rescue from Mordor, although I suspect all in the end are glad Frodo agreed to return, including Frodo himself. But his love and respect for Frodo and the Shirefolk in general would lead Aragorn to give as much to the Shire as he could, and particularly for Frodo's sake. Hope the sniffles leave you soon. My sinuses are killing me, too. | |
| SurgicalSteel | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 10/23/2006 |
| The King's Lawyer! Love it! I'm looking forward to seeing him set up a law school for hobbits and men alike. Author Reply: The laws of the north kingdom will be reviewed, and we will have training offered to all who desire it. | |
| lwarren | Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 10/23/2006 |
| You have some of the neatest OC's, Larner! I think Alvric is going to be a very interesting character - I already love his menagerie and his reaction to the King's appearance in his very comfortable lodgings. I especially love that he would give up that comfort in honor of the Ringbearer! The last part with Eomer and the horses was marvelous! I loved the Mearas' reaction to the King and the gelding accepting Alvric as his rider says a great deal about the character of the little lawyer! I don't get to review much lately (I stayed late at school for a meeting and am using my time wisely, as you can see!), but I am reading and loving all your stories! Wonderful! Linda Author Reply: It's so good to see you responding, Linda. I'm not teaching again this year--dealing with DD adults now. One is a former resident of an institution I taught at when I had my first contract, and it's interesting to see how little he's changed in some ways while so much he's changed in others over the intervening thirty-plus years. As one who has a single tortoiseshell cat and who loves Siamese cats and small dogs, Alvric is someone I find myself identifying with. And I can't imagine that Eomer would walk out amongst the horse herds of Rohan without them crowding around him. So very glad you appreciated it. Thanks so for letting me know you're still following my tales. | |