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Stirring Rings  by Larner 14 Review(s)
PSWReviewed Chapter: 2 on 12/16/2016
Well...right. Good old Curumo doesn't fill me with a great deal of confidence even right from the beginning. Can't be all that surprised that this went wrong...

Author Reply: I suspect that Curumo/Saruman/Curunir carried the seeds of his own downfall from the first, don't you? Heh! Thanks so much for the comments!

Kara's AuntyReviewed Chapter: 2 on 10/8/2008
Hello Larner,

Loved the chapter. Saruman will never learn will he? Always the arrogance, to proud to embrace humility. It's going to be a long fall down for him.

And hello Gandalf!!! Good old Gandalf!!! Yippee!

I'm looking forward to all of their arrivals in ME - and especially Saruman's reaction to Radagast (who is clearly the better of the two). That's a 'Handbags at Dawn' (or Wizard's Staff at Dawn) scenario in the making!


Maureen

Author Reply: Yes, Gandalf is now involved, and such a contrast to his fellow!

Thanks so much for the feedback! I love it always, of course.

Agape4GondorReviewed Chapter: 2 on 11/15/2006
Excellent - I was beginning to think that Curumo had drawn the proverbial wool over Manwe's eyes... but no!

I really, really like how you are writing this! And I love the Mariner....


Author Reply: No, I doubt Manwe's fooled, any more than Iluvatar was by Morgoth. But he is willing to see what Eru brings out of the situation, and has sent his own special servant to Middle Earth to do what he can--which we already know is a great deal indeed.

Queen GaladrielReviewed Chapter: 2 on 9/5/2006
Nope, I haven't forgotten about this one, just haven't had time.

Curumo stood before Manwë and Eärendil. What appearance would you have those who accept this duty assume? he asked.....

This whole scene is so interesting. I felt as if I was watching it, and knowing Gandalf and Saruman through the trilogy, it was interesting to see how Curumo just changed his shape like that. And I guess it was really different for him afterward. Even knowing how he turned out, and while I don't like him even now, I have to feel sorry for him; being an ordinary human being (well, almost ordinary) with basic needs, would be difficult to get used to. And as always, I love your portrayal of Earendil.
God bless,
Galadriel

Author Reply: Even now Curumo thinks in terms of leadership where the actual commission is to inspire courage and resolve; and so he starts out having to accept correction. And realizing he is bound by mortal rules would be pretty embarrassing for such as Curumo, I think.

SurgicalSteelReviewed Chapter: 2 on 9/1/2006
Interesting how 'Saruman's' already showing the traits that will ultimately lead to his downfall.

Author Reply: It was noted in one discussion I was party to on TheOneRing.Net site that both Saruman and Sauron originally were accounted vassals and students of Aule, according to the Sil and Unfinished Tales. So began a rather short debate, as I remember it, on what it might have been that led to the downfall of both. I'd remembered Gandalf as having been mostly tied to Manwe, but a review of the two sources shows he actually wasn't tied to any one Vala, but had instead been the greatest of the Maiar and was particularly known for his compassion shown anonymously, to strengthen which, apparently, he frequented the company of Este, Nienna, and Irmo, calling often upon the control of dreams, with which he was associated.

Pride goes before the fall; and it appears that somehow Aule's Maiar appeared to be prone to that failing. That Vaire, Vala of Weaving and ME's answer to the Norns, would recognize hubris growing in Curumo and realized also where it might lead seemed only natural.

KittyReviewed Chapter: 2 on 8/30/2006
This story will be posted at a chapter every two-three days, I think, so don't be surprised if it isn't far advanced when you return. On the contrary, Larner! I’m glad of it, as it makes it a bit easier to catch up with reading and reviewing.
Norway was wonderful, by the way. The landscape is great! I’ll have to go there again. Though I missed my daily SoA fix – fanfiction is quite addictive, isn’t it?

Somehow even then it is obvious how Curumo will end – or it is only that I know it? Too proud and too intent to impress, not to mention arrogant ... I’m sure he wasn’t too pleased with Eärendil’s objections. But the Mariner was right, each time. Nice idea to have him there to give his advice, btw. And Manwe did everything he could to prevent Curumo from going astray, I’d say, though it wasn’t enough in the end.

Author Reply: It was a bit longer this time, but then I have other projects going as well. I've not been to Norway a yet, but hope to visit perhaps one day, although most of my own journeys tend to be to England, where I have friends and places I adore.

Knowing Saruman's end does make it easier to interpret where he does as he does it. I can't see him as accepting correction willingly.

Manwe does do his best to protect Curumo from his own hubris, but what can we say? Hubris is hubris in the end, and was Curumo's downfall from the start, I suspect.

Linda HoylandReviewed Chapter: 2 on 8/22/2006
I like your explanation for why the Istari took the forms they did.

Author Reply: Very glad you do, Linda. Thank you.

ArmarielReviewed Chapter: 2 on 8/20/2006
"Must I be so diminished?" he demanded, then looked appalled as he heard his own voice.

Hmmm, my sentiments exactly...comes to us all, Saruman! heheh....Actually I was rather expecting Manwe to think, Hmmm, should we be sending this one out? Kind of an arrogant cuss, isn't he? He'll even have to go to the bathroom *shudder* *giggle*


Author Reply: Yes, Saruman has some coming to terms to meet. And I'd imagined his discomfort at having to deal with relieving himself, but had so far managed to avoid writing them. But I think he'd find the process to be most demeaning, don't you?

And I'm certain by this time Manwe has the idea that perhaps sending this one may not be the most auspicious of acts; but, having committed himself, he goes ahead and allows the chips to fall as they do. After all, Iluvatar will be able to bring good even out of what Saruman might intend to be evil....

EndaewenReviewed Chapter: 2 on 8/20/2006
This is an interesting view of the debates. I am assuming that you've read the section on the Istari in the Unfinished Tales. I was expecting something similar to that, but this wasn't what I was expecting. I'm eagerly looking forward to the next chapters.

Author Reply: Unfinished Tales leaves us SO unaware of how the debates actually happened, it's fun to figure out what might have happened and fill in the gaps.

I hope the rest of the tale continues to keep your interest!

RadbooksReviewed Chapter: 2 on 8/20/2006
This is a very interesting start to an intriguing story. I like the idea of it and look forward to more of it and to see where you take it.

Author Reply: I hope it continues to remain intriguing as it goes along. And I look forward to your feedback.

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