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A Maid Waiting by Larner	10 Review(s)
Antane	Reviewed Chapter: Author's Notes on 12/29/2007
And may we all seek to emulate the selflessness and inner nobility of those we’ve come to love within Tolkien’s world while accepting their--and our own--very humanity and fallibility. I'm trying and not living up to it too well some times. But you are right about both - they are superior role models and we are fallible so maybe I shouldn't be so hard on myself. Still they continue to teach and I try to continue to learn. Namarie, God bless, Antane :) Author Reply: Yes, allowing ourselves to accept ourselves as we are is difficult; but it's important to do so. And may we all learn to find our own places in the great scheme of things.

Linda Hoyland	Reviewed Chapter: Author's Notes on 12/20/2007
I enjoyed reading the background to your story. I certainly agree that Tolkien meant his characters to have a spirtual aspect.As you know, I try to bring out those aspects in my stories too. We both have created involved Tolkien sub universes ! Author Reply: Thank you so, Linda. There's no question of Tolkien seeking to endow his stories to have a spiritual aspect, and it's always a pleasure to plumb that feature in writing our own. Looking forward to your next chapter in "Time to Reap," of course! A joyful Christmas to you.

Queen Galadriel	Reviewed Chapter: Author's Notes on 12/18/2007
Well, I knew, of course, that I was going to take you up on your suggestion of this story (you know it best, and “I think you’ll like it” is enough to intrigue me thoroughly without reading a word—also true, as I was very sure it would be), but I didn’t know I’d be able to read it all at once. I couldn’t stop. “One more chapter…just one more! Then I’ll tackle all that homework…” Right. :D Oh, I’m delighted with the way Ivormil turned out, the effort he made, and the help he received from some of the best suited to give it. As for his father…absolutely pathetic and horrible “lord” and more apt to the name “thief,” but I pity him all the same. It’s a shame he couldn’t see the truth before he died and carried his bitterness to the grave with him. It’s beautiful, also, to watch Systerien blossom and grow over the course of this story! At the beginning I didn’t like her, and I hoped Airen would be more in focus than she would. But as events progressed and unfolded, I was glad she was a main character instead, though I like Airen too. Amazing how our Hobbits seem to work miracles, often without being conscious of doing so, and Aragorn too, of course. I found the scene with Ionil especially touching. Ah, and I just knew we’d end with a wedding! Wonderful! And the conversation between Systerien and the king and queen beforehand, too! Aragorn’s words about being a servant to all certainly reminded me of Jesus’ own; I love that you bring those themes into your stories. And they named their son Iorhael? I’m glad. Melda, the woman who serves the Fellowship in my own universe, and her husband the guard were going to name their child after Frodo in that way as well. I’m glad you beat me to it as it’s becoming increasingly hard to be tugged both ways (between M-e and worlds of my own imagination). There’s so much to be done and I don’t know if I’ll ever get around to writing it now. I wish I could just find a happy medium, for goodness sake! I know I’ve said it before, but you really, really should publish something someday, so that those outside our fanfic community can also share in that quality that makes your stories real treasures, wonderful for heart’s ease and a miracle cure for muddled minds in which unruly emotions and right priorities have gotten hopelessly tangled around each other and wound so tightly as to make things look rather bleak. There really is something special in your writing. I can’t point to exactly what it is, but it always has a way of reminding me that there is good still left in the world, and it won’t fade so long as there are those to keep it alive. Yours are some of the stories I miss most when I can’t seem to make time to read here, and I miss the people in them almost as much as their refreshing nature (I’ve been wanting to have a reread of Trials and Tribulation for several months now, for the sake of its heroine, who is so heart-warming). This week is turning out to be really not fun; it’s only Tuesday and there are only two more days left to pull through until I’m free of school for a blessed thirteen days, and I’m already exhausted physically and a mental and emotional frazzle. But in spite of the fact I know I shouldn’t have gotten on to read tonight with such a towering pile of homework, I’m glad I did and can’t feel too guilty because after that, even rereading Of Mice and Men and doing all that awful busywork my English teacher assigned to make sure we read it seems bearable. Thank you for arousing my curiosity and longing to enjoy fic again; I really needed that. smiles God bless, Galadriel Author Reply: You're finding your own niche now, and am looking forward to seeing you go professional one day. As for me--there's a bit of fear, I think, in heading out into the public realm; and my story, although it's been well mapped out in my head for many years, just doesn't appear to be going anywhere very fast for some reason. It just doesn't flow out of me as the LOTR stories do. Poor Louie has made it onto the boat home, but the boat doesn't appear to be getting there for some reason. Aack! I'm so glad I appear to be able to introduce characters that folk can respond to in my stories--we love them or hate them or get exasperated with them or cheer them on or blow raspberries at them--and that's a sign I'm doing something right. Am at my friend's house, and just hooked up her new turntable, but it doesn't want to run! We're both frustrated, as this is supposed to work for recording our old LPs to CD format--we both want certain LPs we've owned for years in CD format! Oh, well--will try contacting the manufacturer tomorrow to find out what's going on; and I'll meet with Lindelea and her delightful little Hobbits on Thursday. Anyway, it's always a joy to hear from you. I'm still plugging away at Stirring Rings and The Tenant, but they're slow going at the moment. God bless you as the new year approaches, and may Christmas warm your heart.

Andrea	Reviewed Chapter: Author's Notes on 12/18/2007
Just a quick word to "maman", for I found that post very interesting. "Maman" was used in Germany as well, in the 18th, 19th and maybe even in the early 20th century by children of wealthy or noble families who learned French as their first foreign language. Therefore I interpreted "maman" as a sign of education and pride, which fit in very well with the story. Maybe it was not what you had intended, but it fit anyway ;-) And may we all seek to emulate the selflessness and inner nobility of those we’ve come to love within Tolkien’s world while accepting their--and our own--very humanity and fallibility. Well said, Larner! And one thing, or word, is very important: If we only begin to "seek" to accomplish that, we are on the right way! It took Frodo a long time to realise that. Thank you very much! Author Reply: I didn't know that, so you've added to my knowledge. Thanks, and am glad you felt it fit, although perhaps "aba" and "ama" might have been closer to Tolkien's vision for Middle Earth. And am so glad you appreciated the author's notes. Thank you so very much.

middlepiglet	Reviewed Chapter: Author's Notes on 12/18/2007
Your stories remind me of a tapestry. In the centre of your canvas stands a small figure and around him you have woven his stories, and tales of those that affect his life. And just when I think the canvas is nearly full you pick up another thread and once again gently begin to weave this new tale onto your canvas. As I sit and study this tapestry I can see how each thread, how each new colour continues and enlarges the life of your main work, your central figure. How I delight in each new thread you pick up or an older thread continued. How I love the tales you weave. I think that when you work you should have a big sign on the door QUIET, MASTER WEAVER AT WORK. I hope you never run out of thread. Author Reply: I am so very deeply touched by this, Middlepiglet. Thank you very much--you actually have me tearing up. So you see me related to Ruvemir's mother, then? I am very honored. Thank you again.

SurgicalSteel	Reviewed Chapter: Author's Notes on 12/18/2007
I've been catching up a little bit. This was quite enjoyable - I liked seeing that Ivormil really truly did learn the lessons Aragorn intended him to. Very nicely done! Author Reply: Am so glad you enjoyed it, SS. Yes, he did learn, unlike his father. Thanks so for the feedback.

Kitty	Reviewed Chapter: Author's Notes on 12/18/2007
a smaller nuzgul masquerading as a plot bunny Nicely put, Larner! Though if I am honest, I love these ;-) One thing you didn't mention is the fact that Aragorn was raised in Imladris, and I can't imagine elves who are serving Elrond would be treated anything other than with utmost courtesy. I can't see him or any other elves overlooking servants - that's simply not the way I imagine elves. (Oh, I wrote that after reading the beginning of the AN, and now I see you're arguing likely at the end of it - seems we're thinking alike) Anyway, I have to completely agree with your reasoning once again - about the army of servants necessary to run the Citadel as well as about the existence of the likes of Canelmir. I think people like him are existing everywhere, always looking only for their advantage and forgetting they have certain dutys to their people, their Lord and their land as well. And you're right about the servant king, as well, I believe, considering how Tolkien himself described Aragorn. (One needs only to think about the march to the Black Gate, knowing they would all die if Frodo didn't reach Orodruin in time ...) Thank you for another great story, Larner, it was truly fun to read, and I enjoyed it very much! Ivormil was one of these I had wondered about what would become of them, and I am glad to know he turned out so well! hugs

harrowcat	Reviewed Chapter: Author's Notes on 12/17/2007
This didn't show up on the Author Alerts - growls in the direction of SOA so I am glad that I found it. Very tired tonight so I will just comment that I always find your reasoning so thoughtful and insightful and just brilliant. Author Reply: The alerts on SoA don't appear to be foolproof, I've found; I do rely on them for FFN, but not here. Am glad you appreciated the reasoning behind this one. Rest well, my friend.

Raksha The Demon	Reviewed Chapter: Author's Notes on 12/17/2007
And that at least some women who chose to accept employment within the Citadel did so in hopes of making an advantageous marriage is also probable, marriage being the major way in which women even today might change status, even here in the United States where I live. >/i> I would point out here that I personally see nothing wrong in changing status through marriage, provided that one enters into that marriage with the intention to honor one's marriage vows. And Systerien did gain an advantageous marriage through her coming to the Citadel to work as a servant - her gaining wisdom and maturity and finding true love was a great bonus. But I commend her mother and any others who teach their children, male and female, to take advantage of opportunities. (hanging out in the gardens trying to beguile Faramir does at least show persistance and initiative!) Post-Ring War Minas Tirith would have been one probably a great place for people seeking to make their fortunes or improve them; as would Ithilien - a large pool of people from all over, good economic opportunities for young folks who did not have obligations to homes farther away. Of course, there are those, like Canelmir and (originally) his son, who didn't take their obligations to their homes seriously enough. One minor, in fact very minor, complaint - every time the word maman was used, it jolted me out of Minas Tirith and into 19th century France or thereabouts. Thankfully, it wasn't used too often. I think Professor Tolkien would have strongly approved of this story; I seem to recall his saying in one of his letters that it did people good to doff their caps to the squire, in terms of teaching them humility. Now you have me wondering if any ambitious mother ever sent a daughter to take service in the Citadel to try to catch Denethor's eye (pre-marriage or during his widowhood) - I can imagine Denethor being either amused or annoyed, depending on the time and his mood, but definitely not taking advantage of such circumstances. Author Reply: Nor do I find it a horrible idea to marry to better ones station, either, Raksha, as long as the participants both intend to truly honor the marriage. At least Systerien was honest about her intentions. Sorry about the use of "maman." I wanted an alternative to "Naneth" or "Nana" that might have been used in those regions where there were fewer true Númenorians, and I'd used it in "The King's Commission"; I settled on it as one that would be a recognizable title but not as common as "Mama" or "Mamá." I did settle long ago on "Mum" for use amongst Hobbits as they were supposed to be closer to modern-day usage. I suppose I might have gone with "Ama" and "Aba," but hadn't thought of those; plus in my mind for some reason Dor-en-Ernil is tied to the French Riviera. And am now interested to see what plot bunnies this story has set off in YOUR house! Heh!

Laurelin	Reviewed Chapter: Author's Notes on 12/17/2007
Well, I liked your story very much, as always. You again demonstrated the ability to invent OCs and have me interested in them in the very next sentence ;) . I'm sad to see it end, but not so very much, since it means that you will update one of the unfinished stories, or write a new one :D . Looking forward to your next chapter / story, L. Author Reply: I am honored. I love learning the predilictions of these characters who present themselves to me and introducing them to others. And you know how I'm writing anyway--just not necessarily the stories I'd intended to write! Heh! And thanks for following what I do write, and am glad you enjoyed this one!

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