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| The Keys of the Realm by Larner | 13 Review(s) |
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| Elizabeth | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 4/24/2009 |
| I LOVE it Larner! One of my favorits so far! I'm at szepilona's house right now using her computer! She's putting on her gi for karate so she isn't seeing this (not that I would mind though!)Anyways! I really like this story! Author Reply: Oh, I'm glad you do like this one. It was one of those stories that started as a single-chapter tale that grew in the telling! Heh! | |
| Agape4Gondor | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 6/28/2008 |
| I loved the last Council meeting. Very appropriate and Faramir just shone, didn't he! Did my heart good. I liked the little side moment about Pelendur and 'lost love.' It works. I absolutely loved Faramir's speech about the state of Gondor and the fields and oysters and such. Very well written. I could almost imagine the man standing there recouting the destruction. He held himself well, and his father would definitely be proud of him! As would Boromir have been. :-( I applaud Hurin for his approbation of Faramir. The man needed it! Though it surely doesn't show! I love the lord who grumbled and I loved the steel in Faramir's voice. And I was delighted at the play on Faramir's name! Perfect. It is quite appropos for the people to acclaim Aragorn King. I'm glad they decided to have that happen. Having the Elves as witnesses - I never thought about that - but it would make a difference to me! Especially, Elves who were related to the first King of Numenor!!! I just love all the details of this chapter. So much to do. But I especially loved the little touch about a tailor for Aragorn :-) I didn't quite agree with your assessment of Boromir's stewardship, but I definitely agree that Faramir would have stood at his side! Woefully inadequate just was a bit too much... Great chapter all around! Author Reply: Am so glad you found so much to appreciate here. And I don't mean to discount Boromir's abilities; but he was described as being more interested in warfare and weaponry than in actual ruling, so based it on that. Certainly that helped lead to Earnur's destruction--his pride had been stung and so he was goaded into entering what was becoming the Morgul Vale alone--to his loss--and I'm considering working that into part of my writing of "Stirring Rings"--if, of course, I can ever get through the final war between Arnor and the Witch-King! I am STILL fighting to get that chapter written! Heh! As for the tailor--you might have noted Aragorn found reason to appreciate the offer if you've read "For the Want Of...". | |
| grumpy | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 5/25/2008 |
| Hmmm this lord from Langstrand seems to have doubts, off with his head! Whoops good thing I am not king. Faramir handled him quite well. Dress robes for the king, I guess ranger garb is not going to do. Author Reply: I'd think the court might indeed look to see what the King could look like when actually DRESSED like a king! Heh! As for the lord from Langstrand--wellllll---- But then your suggestion isn't outside the realms of possibility! Heh! | |
| Linda Hoyland | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 5/24/2008 |
| You show Faramir's wisdom well here. Gondor is fortunate indeed to have both him and Aragorn. Author Reply: Oh, how I agree, Linda. Faramir was indeed a wise one, and clear-sighted--as well as a symbol of hope. Thanks! | |
| Radbooks | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 5/24/2008 |
| Very enjoyable chapter. I seldom think of all of the 'legal' stuff surrounding Aragorn taking the throne even though I know it would have taken place, so it's fun to speculate about what might have occurred. I'm sure there were quite a few people that were not happy about him taking the throne, though I like to think that eventually they were converted to his side! :) I loved this line: 'this new King of theirs would realize just how sufficient a jewel Faramir was and would treasure him as a helpmeet in the act of rule.' I loved that you took the meaning of Faramir's name - sufficient jewel - and used it like that!! Very nice idea. Author Reply: I'm not certain just what draws me to legal aspects of the story, but you know it does draw me. And there must have been at least SOME wrangling, although, as with you I suspect that the vast majority found themselves delighted with the new regime. And I found I had to work the meaning of Faramir's name into the story somehow, I found. Am so glad it pleases you. Thanks! | |
| Antane | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 5/23/2008 |
| "Can you not see why I consider the folk of the Pheriannath to be amongst perhaps the most dangerous within Arda, for they look not first to possibilities and impossibilities, but instead to what needs to be done, and see it through? If only Men had the same resolve!” “Some do.” Cute that Faramir would say such little beings terrify him, but isn't this why we love them - that they could care less whether something is impossible or not, if it's got to be done, it's got to be done. I thought just before I connected to the web, looking at all my lovely Frodo and Sam pictures that I have set up as a screensaver, that I have so far to go. But there are men indeed who have the resolve. Namarie, God bless, Antane :) Author Reply: I do not think that Faramir will ever underestimate a Hobbit, not after what he's seen these four accomplish. And I believe they will ever be a positive inspiration to do his own best. As for these--they've seen enough of the mountains now to respect and honor them--but they wish mostly to go home again. | |
| Baggins Babe | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 5/22/2008 |
| That lord from Langstrand.....well, there's always one! Faramir certainly took charge and showed that he could be just as steely as his father when the need arose. I suppose the hobbits might be considered in that light - they may be peace-loving but they don't mess about! Author Reply: Yes, that's for certain--there's ALWAYS one who's a major pain in the patoot! And Faramir and others realize just how capable he is. One thing I'm certain of--the Hobbits were big surprises to all! Thanks so for the feedback! | |
| Nilmandra | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 5/21/2008 |
| I like the idea of them wondering about whether this new king would marry and who. I would doubt they foresaw and elf-princess! LOL. Author Reply: Yes, I think it was quite a question as to whom this new King would marry--with this new regime they can't have an open succession to look forward to. And I doubt any of them foresaw Elrond's own daughter. As for Aragorn and those in the know--none of them would be likely to tell ahead of time. Heh! | |
| Raksha The Demon | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 5/21/2008 |
| A wonderful chapter! I loved the portrayal of Faramir as he steps into his father's shoes to do what his father would not and could not do; declare Aragorn's claim to the throne of Gondor. Faramir's adroit-yet-steely performance, followed by his very realistic relief at Hurin's approval, rings true here. In a way, it saddens me - what a great Ruling Steward Faramir could have been; had Aragorn perished at the Black Gate. But that's not how Tolkien wrote it; and we have the consolation of knowing that Faramir will make a mighty advocate and helper for the King, and also speak up if he disagrees; not to mention leading the Council efficiently in the King's absence. Faramir offers some very astute observations about the hidden strength and power of the hobbits. Faramir's aunt sent him some material suitable to make new clothes for the soon-to-be-crowned King? Thinking about one of my own stories, I'm wondering how closely Faramir has examined that material! Oh well, they can always raid Denethor's closet, or Faramir's own, or Imrahil's (he must have some spiffy outfits in a townhouse in the City) to provide proper robes for Isildur's Heir... Author Reply: Thanks so, Raksha! Faramir is truly showing his mettle; and I do think that Aragorn realized this one's worth from the moment he awoke with the King's title on his lips. And although it may sadden us that Faramir didn't have the chance to prove himself as Ruling Steward, I doubt he was displeased. And Aragorn would expect him to speak against anything he disagrees with, and would expect that honesty from him. If you're speaking of the orange outfit from that horrid calendar painting--HEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEEEE! Yes, I think that Aragorn would do well to request something ready-made in that case! And those wonderful leathers from the film have become such a part of my visualization of Aragorn's wardrobe! | |
| ecrm | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 5/21/2008 |
| Another interesting legal argument is this: Isildur committed Gondor to the Heirs of Anarion and at the time of Arvedui there was still an heir in the direct male line surviving. With the death of Earnur the House of Anarion, became, to all extents and purposes extinct. Therefore the Crown of Gondor by right reverted back to the senior branch. Love the story and looking forward to the next chapter. Author Reply: A most worthy argument, ECRM. Thanks for the added idea! I may indeed use that in any debate Alvric might have with future students. And thanks so for the feedback. | |