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| Neath Anor, Ithil, and Gil by Larner | 6 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Tanaqui | Reviewed Chapter: 98 on 9/26/2010 |
| Elena Tiriel pointed me to this story, and I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed it. I thought the political complexity of the situation and the manoeuvring was handled with real and convincing depth, and I loved the sudden shifting perspective for the reader as they figure out what's really going on. Everybody came across as extremely smart and capable here--but oh my heart aches for poor Denethor.... Great story! Author Reply: I am so very glad that it moved you so, Tanaqui. I feel sorry for Denethor, thinking that his father might have preferred the mercenary to himself. And to explore how that feeling might have come to be--that is interesting, as you know. And I'm so glad you commented on this. I've so enjoyed so much that you've written, after all! | |
| Raksha The Demon | Reviewed Chapter: 98 on 9/1/2010 |
| I can't help but feel very sorry for Denethor here; it's disheartening to hear one's own father go on and on about one's shortcomings and how a stranger from an estranged dynasty would be welcome to rule in one's place. Which is exactly what would happen decades later. To a man like Denethor, accustomed to being the center of Gondor's attention after his father, his own self-worth entwined with his position and his father's regard, Ecthelion's words, and later, Aragorn's return, had to intensify that cup of bitterness that eventually poisoned Denethor. Good story! Author Reply: Man, am I ever behind on responding to comments! Yes, you have put it so succinctly here, Raksha. Thanks so very much for the feedback! | |
| Andrea | Reviewed Chapter: 98 on 8/17/2010 |
| A most mysterious soul, my young Captain. Mysterious and highly skilled in diplomacy! Ecthelion finds it possible that Thorongil might be the (or one?) rightful heir of Isildur. He also thinks him more capable of ruling Gondor than his son because of his personality and his charisma. That's interesting! And I absolutely agree with him that Denethor's marriage will positively change his reputation among the Gondorians. Denethor, however, should better not have tried to best someone who plays in a different league (if you know what I mean). It only made him bitter. Author Reply: Highly skilled in diplomacy? I'd most sincerely hope so, considering where he was raised and by whom. And no matter how intelligent Denethor was, still Thorongil was in a league of his own, and someone was discerning as Ecthelion undoubtedly was couldn't hope but notice that, I'd think. I'm so glad that Denethor did know what I believe was a good marriage to Finduilas, and I'm positive that it did him good both emotionally and politically. But in time all Denethor could see when looking at Thorongil was the bitterness of always seeming to come in lesser to what had to have been seen by himself as a bitter rival. It must have destroyed what friendship may have been building between the two men who had so much in common. | |
| eiluj | Reviewed Chapter: 98 on 8/16/2010 |
| Poor Denethor: what a day he is having! Author Reply: Oh, but I agree, eiluj! Poor guy--finding out that his own father doubts his ability to serve as Ruling Steward--of COURSE he'd have to prove him wrong! Thanks so! | |
| harrowcat | Reviewed Chapter: 98 on 8/16/2010 |
| Great answers in a tough spot Thorongil. Such a shame that the books got closed due to other peoples' opinions! Great episode Larner. Author Reply: Anglachel wanted a story in which there was a good deal of politics, and I simply see the situation in Gondor during Thorongil's stay there as rive with it! And this book, at least, Denethor will never open again. Alas--he might have learned a great deal from it. Thanks so, Harrowcat! | |
| Fiondil | Reviewed Chapter: 98 on 8/16/2010 |
| A most interesting look at how Denethor might have begun to distrust Thorongil even more than he already did, Larner. I loved Aragorn's replies to Lord Meredorn, speaking the truth without actually saying anything. *grin* I loved this part especially, and snickered out loud: “My father died when I was little better than a babe in arms. It was another, a distant relative, who took my mother into his home and saw me raised among his own sons, and who saw me trained to serve as I can.” “You would stand to inherit from him when he dies?” “There is no question that his sons are legitimate and much older than I. No—I look to inherit nothing from him. I have no claim to anything that is his save the love he gave me for the sake of my fathers. As I said, we are kinsman from afar.” Very clever, Aragorn. Perhaps if Denethor had not inadvertently overheard this conversation things would have turned out differently, but perhaps not. I think in the end Denethor would have found an excuse not to trust 'Thorongil' and would never have accepted the idea of him or anyone claiming the throne of Gondor. Author Reply: Yes, I do believe that the Lord Captain Thorongil became an expert at being circumspect--rather had to in order to survive and not be assassinated or anything of the kind. And, not knowing that Denethor was privy to the details of these conversations, none of the participants had any idea as to why suddenly the natural resentment of someone who always seems to be JUST better than oneself turned to out and out animosity. Thanks so, Fiondil! | |