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One Who Sticks Closer than a Brother  by Lindelea 4 Review(s)
FantasyFanReviewed Chapter: 38 on 9/17/2007
Éomer had a similar problem once:
‘...How shall a man judge what to do in such times?’
‘As he ever has judged,’ said Aragorn. ‘Good and ill have not changed since yesteryear; nor are they one thing among Elves and Dwarves and another among Men. It is a man’s part to discern them, as much in the Golden Wood as in his own house.’
‘True indeed,’ said Éomer. ‘But I do not doubt you, nor the deed which my heart would do. Yet I am not free to do all as I would. It is against our law to let strangers wander at will in our land, until the king himself shall give them leave, and more strict is the command in these days of peril...’
‘I do not think your law was made for such a chance,’ said Aragorn.

Tolly probably doesn't know that part of the story, or of Faramir's decision to aid Frodo and Sam in Ithilien, but he might know the story of Beregond, and how he too had to judge between good and ill, between friendship and the law, in times of great difficulty; and then how Aragorn was forced to do the same. I'm assuming Tolly's going to hope nobody sees them leave, and that the question may never come up, but if it does, there is certainly good precedent for his choices.

Author Reply: Y'know, I wasn't thinking about those instances at the time, but yes, they are a part of the fabric of the world JRRT wove, and writing in that world, I'm glad to think I'm being consistent.

The awkward part (perhaps not awkward, but it seems awkward at the moment) is that in later stories everyone seems to know what Tolly did here, so I don't think he kept it a secret. Of course, knowing that he is honest "to a fault" as they say, as emerged in "Flames" (do you remember when Ferdi won the Tournament, but Tolly got the purse?) I have a pretty good idea of how the next chapter is going to go even if the draft is very sketchy.

Author Reply: p.s. Thanks for listening earlier. I ought to give you credit for the wording of the last few paragraphs of the newest chapter; I really clarified my thoughts after reading and responding to your comments and was able to shape the draft accordingly.

harrowcatReviewed Chapter: 38 on 9/16/2007
So the son is indeed Legolas. I did wonder.
And Aragorn knows enough of Tolly's tale to assure him that Hobbit hearts usually see through to the spirit rather than the letter of the law.
Good, good, good!

Author Reply: Yes. I think Aragorn recognised the incident from hearing Legolas tell his side of it, a while back. Thanks!

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 38 on 9/15/2007
Oh Tolly! His heart is a true hobbit heart--friendship and compassion will trump the "rules" any day!

I look forward to the reactions when he recovers!

Author Reply: Yes, hobbits are a wondrous folk. I guess it's one reason why we're so fond of them.

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 38 on 9/15/2007
Hooray! Tolly is Tolly and once again in proper charity and caring with his young friends, and has done what was right rather than what the law requires.

Hooray, hooray! And Aragorn knows their story and undoubtedly will find a way to allow Tolly know he did the right thing in the end. Bless our beloved Lord King Elessar!

Author Reply: Hooray!

(Sure glad Elessar is such a wise King!)

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