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In the Court of the High King  by Dreamflower 8 Review(s)
Grey WondererReviewed Chapter: 2 on 9/2/2011
Sounds like a very safe prison.
I wonder what Freddy will have to say on the subject of dealing with the prisoners? He is such a kind-hearted hobbit, I suspect it will be difficult for him.

Author Reply: They won't be climbing out the window, anyhow!

Freddy is very kind-hearted. Much like Frodo, he can sympathize with what they are going through, but he also has a sense of justice and knows they can't just be allowed to get away with what they did, either.

SoledadReviewed Chapter: 2 on 7/13/2010
I see I need to read the previous stories before I start feeling too sorry for the prisoners. But whatever they'd done, never being able to go home is a terrible thing for everyone.

Ah, Faramir! He never ceases to amaze me.

Author Reply: The prisoners are a sorry lot to be sure. Short version, these two conspired with Lotho, helped to finance his takeover of the Shire, profited from it, and then tried to cover up their crimes. When the High King and the King of Rohan sent delegates to the Shire, Clodio's two sons thought to disrupt the process and keep their father from being investigated by vandalizing the delegates' campsite. In the process they injured one of the Rohirrim. Which is why the two sons were sent to Rohan rather than Gondor for judgement.

I have come to really enjoy writing Faramir! I see him as the King's right-hand man!

Theresa GreenfalconReviewed Chapter: 2 on 6/29/2010
I like this story set, and confess to wondering just how Cado and [maybe] Clovis will find mates when the time comes. I believe Cado [at least] is reformable,and the person I think he'll be will be worthy of fathering a new generation... By the way, happy upcoming birthday!

Theresa [Tracey Claybon from LJ]

Author Reply: I think we shall see how Cado and his brother turn out-- in fact, I *know* we will! *grin*

I have had Cado's future planned since 2007.

(And thanks for the birthday wishes!)

VirtuellaReviewed Chapter: 2 on 6/24/2010
That is a very interesting point about some people trying to turn back time, rather than moving forward. Is this going to be a recurring theme in this story?

Author Reply: I do think it may be. The Gondorians have spent generations trying to keep everything just as it was in the days of the earlier Kings-- the Stewards, I think, especially took pride in keeping the idea of the Kingship alive (even while, quite likely, some Stewards might have been secretly hoping against it). It follows then, that when that so unlikely event actually took place, that there would be many who would do their best to reinstate traditions that none have seen before.

It's an intriguing thought, and one I may return to in the course of the story.

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 2 on 6/24/2010
For these two, the arrival in the capital of Gondor is not as pleasant an event. And having the window of the cell built into the wall is certainly a deterrent to escape! And I'm coming to appreciate Mr. Banks, actually--he, like his younger son, appears capable of learning.

Author Reply: Absolutely. I am sure Dago was pleased at first by that window-- until he brought himself to look out of it.

I'm only just beginning to think about some of the things that motivated Clodio to become such a, well, let's face it, jerk to his sister and her family. But he's not a complete lost cause.

KittyReviewed Chapter: 2 on 6/23/2010
Nice to see the arrival in Minas Tirith through the eyes of the prisoners, too. Oh, I can imagine how bad they must feel; now their doom is nearly upon them. Though they deserve it, I still feel sorry for Clodio. He at least regrets his actions, he's been separated from his sons, and is ill. Dago, however, I don't feel any pity for; he's not repentant and has tried to flee. But as they are going to ask Freddy for his opinion, I guess Clodio will come out better than Dago, as it should be.

Liked the bit about changing the stiffling protocol. Oh yes, I *so* can see Aragorn, Arwen and Faramir try to get rid of some of that silly stuff. And what better chance to start it than with a bunch of Hobbits around who have no sense for such traditions? :D

I'm so happy that you are continuing this :)

Author Reply: Clodio is beginning to come out of the haze of self-important jealousy that clouded most of his adult life. Resentment of his sister's higher status in life was allowed to overcome his own good hobbit sense and stifle his conscience. Dago was merely greedy, and he is quite self-centered. He never had a wife and children to soften his edges, and he seems to think himself far more clever than he is.

And what better chance to start it than with a bunch of Hobbits around who have no sense for such traditions?

Absolutely. The hobbits provide a much-needed excuse to do aways with a lot of formality. Of course, there must always be some sort of pomp and circumstance to a monarchy-- the people enjoy the spectacle, for one thing. But it's good to leaven the traditions with things more manageably human.

I'm glad I am too, finally!

GamgeeFestReviewed Chapter: 2 on 6/23/2010
Glad that the prisoners are being treated well and kindly, and the conversation about the window was full of irony. No escape for these two, no matter. I think Aragorn was wise to accept the restrictions and customs of court at first - too much change at once would be unsettling even in stable times.

Author Reply: too much change at once would be unsettling even in stable times.

Exactly! The Gondorians were used to the austerity and formality of the Stewards, and that they would expect the same of a King, and perhaps even moreso is not to be wndeed at!

Yes, I did intend irony with the window. Not only may they not escape out of it, but the view of a sheer drop down the side of the uppermost level of the City would be anything but pleasant to a hobbit.

Raksha The DemonReviewed Chapter: 2 on 6/23/2010
Wonderful to see Faramir in this story; I always enjoy glimpses of him in his role as the King's Steward. Now I wonder what's going to become of the exiled Hobbits.

Good chapter!

Author Reply: In my own mind, Faramir plays a major role in Elessar's administration of the Kingdom-- I think of him as the King's right hand man, not only available to fill in for the King in his absence, but also taking an active part in the day to day running of Minas Tirith and Gnndor.

I think this would have been especially important in the early years of Elessar's rule, for Farami would have knowledge of the populace that the new king surely would not.

The exiles are wondering that themselves.

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