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A Maid Waiting by Larner	8 Review(s)
Linda Hoyland	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 12/15/2007
I loved Aragorn's compassion towards Ivormil. I see now why his father wasn't punished more harshly. Is it fair on the patients to have the unqualified Ivormil helping and seeing their pain? Author Reply: He might be unqualified, but he's now having his eyes opened to what others have done and what they've been willing to pay for the safety of the capital and the realm. And he sees how those able to minister to them love and serve them. Probably the first time since his mother died that he realized that there are those who suffer who need to be cared for, I'd think. Am so glad you appreciate that Aragorn does feel compassion toward Ivormil.

Radbooks	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 12/12/2007
Another wonderful chapter! Faramir was right to have Ivormil follow Aragorn around to see what true servant leadership is all about. He's very fortunate that he is ruled my men that can read his heart and saw his willingness to change once he was exposed to another way of life. It was interesting to see that Bidwell was not their ancestral home, but Canelmir had sort of... stumbled into the lordship of that place. He didn't have that love and care for the land that many - but by no means all - lords have for their land and people that often IS passed down through long generations of father to son. And, I won't even talk about the way Canelmir treated his son! :( But, good things will come out of this for young Ivormil even if it is hard right now. Author Reply: Yes, sometimes it's best to learn through ones mistakes, and other times through example. Gondor is blessed in this time, at least. Am so glad you appreciated that Bidwell came to Canelmir sideways, as it were. I doubt Canelmir ever deserved much of anything. He certainly doesn't deserve his son as he'd shaping up! Thanks so for the feedback.

Baggins Babe	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 12/12/2007
Gandalf is a wonderful matchmaker - well, I suppose he has to find other tasks now that Sauron is destroyed! What wise advice he had for the two young people. Ivormil can admit that he was a boor on his forst visit, and I felt sorry that so few would sit with him for the meal - trust Frodo to show concern though. That's our compassionate hobbit. I also really hope Aragorn will have that valet punished for stealing. Learning by watching the King will be the best thing for the young lord, and one day he will be worthy to be the lord of Bidwell. Author Reply: Well, of course he's a wonderful matchmaker--he's probably watched tons of them developing during his millennium and a half in Middle Earth, and who knows how many before that? Yes, Frodo knows the pain of being alone--almost totally alone. Yes, his compassion has been honed by his experiences. As for the valet--well, wait and see. And worth must be demonstrated to this king. Thanks for the feedback.

Andrea	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 12/12/2007
I love Gandalf in this story! He arrives or shows himself precisely at the right time. Well - he's a wizard after all ;-) Gandalf might have taken over the role of a matchmaker, but not only the wizard was involved, but also Frodo. Although he may not know it yet, he played an important part in bringing those two together. I'm looking forward to reading more! Author Reply: Well, Gandalf IS a Wizard, and has learned to time his arrival to when it might best be helpful, after all. And certainly all appear to be unwittingly or wittingly cooperating in this courtship, as nascient as it currently is. More will be posted Friday, God willing and the ISP cooperates. Heh!

Kitty	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 12/11/2007
Now I feel sorry for Ivormil. His leavetaking of his father was so sad. And his valet not only vanished, but did steal his money and the bracelet he had from his mother? You know, Ivormil may not have treated him well, but most of the blame lies with his father, and honestly - even that is no excuse for theft. Somehow I hope Aragorn has sent someone after the thief ... I'm offended on Ivormil's behalf. Ivormil following Aragorn around is a great idea - he's learning through the best example available, and I get the impression he's truly changing and trying to improve. Hm ... to take him to councils and all that may be a way to set him up as Lord of Bidwell in the future, after the one who will now take over ... but maybe I'm a bit too optimistic? And his shy courtship with Systerien, if one can call it a courtship yet, is sweet. Well, at least he has not to feel too much shunned and lonely, as Frodo and the others are nice to him now; that may help him, too. It is good to know his attempts to improve are acknowledged and even rewarded. The mentioning of Alvric made me smile; you know already how I enjoy your way to tie your stories together. Author Reply: Am so glad you are finding Ivormil a far more sympathetic character than he was when he started out. Thank you so for the feedback, Kitty. I am honored.

Neilia	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 12/10/2007
I love Mithrandir! He is a great matchmaker. The rest of the chapter is...what can I say...more, please, kind author. Author Reply: The ISP from Mordor cooperating, the next chapter should be posted on Friday. Yes, Gandalf the matchmaker indeed. Thanks so much for the words of appreciation.

harrowcat	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 12/10/2007
Ivormil seems to be bearing up rather well considering the vast change in circumstances. I am glad that someone knows of the thefts but also that he can understand and almost see it as just desserts for his previous behaviour. I am glad that you didn't make us watch that wound debrading! (Still a little too close to home for me to be comfortable with although I am not squemish usually.) And I loved that final bit with the two new lovers and Gandalf! Oh and I am glad that my favourite Lawyer got a mention. I know one or two real ones that could learn a lot from him! Mum's trust fund is still in the process of being set up! Author Reply: Yes, Ivormil is knowing more personal grace as he goes along, and am glad you appreciate how he feels about the thefts. No, not going to force others to see the debrading of the wound--it's all I can do to imagine it! And considering your mom, I truly understand how especially it might affect you. Yes, our Gandalf is approving of the growing relationship here. And Alvric does get his mention, although he doesn't appear in this particular story. So glad you appreciate the nod his way.

Theresa Greenfalcon	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 12/10/2007
I especially appreciated the appearance of Gandalf in your story - I realized that a lot of the time, we do NOT see him in the way most of the "ordinary people" of Gondor would and it's a terrific view. This view of Gandalf makes you appreciate just how unique his relationship was with both Bilbo and the members of the Fellowship - and frankly, just how cool Gandalf really is as a person - along with what Saruman should have been and was not. I like this story more and more as it goes... I'm actually scouting my inbox watching for the updates more than I do for Tenant of Staddle! T Author Reply: Oh, I love Gandalf as well, but he seems very much to have hidden in the margins during much of the time after the return to Minas Tirith--at least in my stories. Yes, quite an individual who has known how many folk, big and small, in the past millennium and a half, doing his best to bring out the best in each. Yes, what Saruman SHOULD have been! And am so glad that you appreciated a mention of Alvric. You will get to know Anorgil in another story I've been working on but that has been put on the back burner as the real situation it's based on gets a bit more tweaked. It's one that's kept me fascinated for the past ten years, at least. As for The Tenant--am trying to finish up the next chapter of "Stirring Rings" first--it's been sitting there getting no updating for SO long! This particular story is complete, so is being updated twice a week, the ISP from Mordor allowing.

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