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A Long and Weary Way by Canafinwe	7 Review(s)
obsidianj	Reviewed Chapter: 81 on 11/22/2015
Interesting council. I forgot that they didn't know about Saruman's betrayal at this time in the story. Author Reply: Yup! Thank goodness Gandalf went to see him before they filled him in...

Lori	Reviewed Chapter: 81 on 10/13/2015
We don't always think of the discussion and debates that happened before the ring even left the shire. This is a very realistic portrayal of what might have happened. Thank God, Gandolf was overruled about giving the ring over into Saruman's keeping that would have been so disastrous it is unthinkable but of course very logical to Gandolf's mind. Good thing Aragorn was bothered by it either through strategic vulnerability or some kind of vague foresight. I loved the bit were, Aragorn was affirming Elrond's choice to remain true to his character despite the consequences. It showed that both of them value doing what is right more than even victory over an adversary and as earlier reviewer mentioned the end doesn't always justify the means. Author Reply: Thank you! I always try to make my scenes plausible. I'm glad you agree that Gandalf's recommendation regarding Saruman was reasonable. Aragorn's objection was both strategic and instinctive not only because of a shadow of foresight, but because Saruman has not dealt fairly with his allies in the past -- especially with Gondor! It's lovely that you liked the moment between Aragorn and Elrond. I felt it was fitting, and it is only natural that this darkest "alternative" would have haunted Elrond after the fact, however upright he knew his decision to be. Considering the consequences of allowing the Ring to leave Mordor unbroken... yes, I think anyone would have to at least wonder.

someone	Reviewed Chapter: 81 on 10/13/2015
Yes, I'm quite sure that Saruman would agree to hold the ring in Isengar! You have managed to bring new points of view to this discussion. First, that there is some reason other than boredom that Smaug merely talked with Bilbo and did not barbeque him at once. Second, that they really might have brought the ring to Saruman if Gandalf had not visited him and got captured. Third, that they had settled on destroying the ring before the council, even though there the official decicion was made. I have somehow always thought the time before Frodo left the Shire as nearly filled with panic, but they really had the time to think of different options and plan. It is interesting to see the same resolve (the end does not justify the means) in both Aragorn and Faramir. They are from very different backgrounds and yet Aragorn would not have accepted Isildur's murder, even though it would have destroyed Sauron, like Faramir refused to use the ring to win the war (or try to). Author Reply: It's always amazing to hear when I've raised a new point or two! The surety with which Gandalf tells Frodo what must be done makes it plain that the decision had already been made on his part (and presumably Elrond's and Aragorn's, since they were so involved in its extraction and its journey to Rivendell: it would not have made sense to take it so far East if they only intended to bring it West again!). And yes, I really do think they probably WOULD have brought the Ring to the Gap of Rohan if not for the uncovering of Saruman's treachery. Yikes! It's a mark of fundamental morality that the ends do not justify the means, and I'm glad to see you draw the parallel here with Faramir's decision regarding the Ring. The Steward and the King are ideally matched to rule: they share the same moral foundation, the same vision for peace and justice, and the same goodness of heart.

Sneha	Reviewed Chapter: 81 on 10/12/2015
Aragorn comforting Elrond that his fall from nobility would have been too great a price to pay was my favorite part. The dialogue is so well written! Indeed it could be Tolkien's. I am so very glad that Aragorn had the foresight to not take the ring to Saruman. I can imagine Gandalf counseling that! Time was indeed dearly bought and I am glad they do not know of Saruman's treachery yet, it might have made it harder for them to come to a decision and the peril might have been greater had they confided in him too soon. Finally the last labors of Gandalf and Aragorn will begin! I wonder if they could guess how little time they actually had with the nine soon aboard and Saruman's greed! Author Reply: I'm so happy to know you liked Aragorn's words of consolation. Elrond too needs affirmation to combat his self-doubt, and who better to give it to him in this case? I thought Gandalf's suggestion to take the Ring to Orthanc very fitting: the Wise really did trust Saruman completely, which is why the betrayal was such a catastrophe. Happily Aragorn had some misgivings, unique though he was in that respect... Oh, I'm sure neither Aragorn nor Gandalf guessed how little time they had! Gandalf's counselling of Frodo about a leisurely departure is proof of that, as is the "errand" that Aragorn went on in the early summer of 3018. Then when the need for haste became apparent, it was almost too late...

demeter d	Reviewed Chapter: 81 on 10/12/2015
In her ongoing story "Stirring Rings", Larner showed us meetings of the White Council which included the prominent leaders of the groups of Men. If a meeting of the whole White Council had indeed been called, these three would certainly have been involved. Perhaps one from the nation of Gondor could have been asked, but at this point I reeeaaallly do NOT see Denethor as a willing participant! (Prince Imrahil would be a more likely choice by then, perhaps.) As another reviewer has pointed out, Aragorn seems to be the only one to really object to Orthanc and Saruman. His reasons for doubting are more about military strategy at this point. No one in the story, as yet, knows what we, the Good Professor's readers, know about why that really would be a bad choice! You have reminded me of some phrases from The Return of the King. In the movie, Gandalf says them to Pippin while in Minas Tirith. I can not remember where they are in the book, but you brought them to mind, here. "The board is set, the pieces are moving." And, "This is the deep breath before the plunge." Things are now getting ready, but everything will break loose, very soon now! Author Reply: No, I can't see Denethor mustering to a meeting of the White Council. Though considering Boromir's insistence upon following up on the vision with his quest for Imladris, HE might have been equally resolved to attend on Gondor's behalf. Imrahil would also make a wonderful choice, of course -- assuming such summons could reach him. Aragorn's objections to housing the Ring at Orthanc are primarily strategic, but his misgivings about Saruman go back to the Thorongil years. He counselled Ecthelion to be wary of trusting the White Wizard, and to confide instead in Gandalf. Considering Saruman's refusal to give up his entrenchment in one of Gondor's great fortresses, I'm not surprised in the least that Aragorn was slow to trust him. Thank you as always for the lovely feedback! Cheers!

DoggieGirl	Reviewed Chapter: 81 on 10/12/2015
The debate of the wise. All of them have such logical approaches. Only Aragorn seems to have some measure of foresight in the case of Saruman. But they all seek to find the best solution. The dialogue was well written and real. Now it seems they have to wait a bit before they can do anything more. So Aragorn is going to have a little more time at Home and gets his full strength back. Thanks for giving another fine chapter. Author Reply: Thank you! It was quite the intellectual exercise, having these three argue the issue. It's so good to know that the dialogue came across well! Aragorn's misgivings about Sauron are well documented in Appendix A... he seems to be the only one who had any at all. shudder

shirebound	Reviewed Chapter: 81 on 10/12/2015
Oh my, what a fabulous back-story this is. The logic to choose Frodo (should he agree) is absolutely flawless. They seemed such tiny players upon a vast board of stratagem, and yet on the side of light they were the prime movers, the great captains, the Wise. It's only right that Aragorn should include himself in this assessment. I doubt that any dragon, scions of ancient evil that they are, could bear to destroy the work of he who is their overlord, acknowledged or no. Mayhap it was that, as much as his keen wit, that spared Bilbo from death amid the golden hoard. Fascinating. You continue to give me new things to think about. Author Reply: Thank you so much! Frodo really is the most fitting choice, and I'm glad Gandalf's reasoning made sense! It's always lovely to know I've given my readers something new to ponder, especially so knowledgable a reader. It's so much appreciated!

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