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| Cities and Wilderness by Larner | 58 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Fimbrethil | Reviewed Chapter: 18 on 5/18/2026 |
| “and perhaps one of the most responsible of Hobbits” *I immediately think of the Bree incident, and just now while typing the Maggot Farm incidents* :) “From the sounds of it, most of them didn’t find it particularly funny, although it must have been eminently diverting. “Ah, Hamfast, my good fellow—there you are!”” heheh, sneaky Bilbo. He is not completely responsible either, is he? “Well, as the Dwarves said so long ago, Dark for dark business. There are many hours before dawn. I must away and quickly” ohhhh THAT is what the title is from. I couldn’t think of it. “and then the Thain and his party. Probably a good thing that Missus Lalia hadn’t come with her son that evening, the Gaffer thought wryly” oh, yes, and I forgot the Thane would be there! It is not Pippin’s father yet, is it? “Dark for dark business, I suppose, as Mr. Bilbo used to say. I’d say as it’s time t’ put them barrows as was hired into service, considerin’ as how many Hobbits I see here and there under the tables, sleepin’ it off. Well, I’d best be to it, then. It’s part of what stewards is supposed to see to, after all.” heheh, yes, Sam is right. Nice view of events! | |
| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: 18 on 5/16/2026 |
| I've never thought about the Party from the Gaffer's perspective. Brilliant! I love the little details, especially Hamfast's observation that Bilbo hasn't visibly aged. (I wish I felt half as spry as a 30yo, myself...) | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 18 on 5/14/2026 |
| This is a wonderful point of view for this momentous event. The Gaffer's a keen observer, even if he doesn't always have (or seek) all the clues to piece together a mystery. | |
| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 5/4/2026 |
| I remember, more connected with watching ROTK than from reading the book, wondering about Aragorn's change from a Ranger's garb to that of a Gondorian. (Boromir's vambraces were a nice touch, which I seem to recall came out of the film though I don't remember whose idea it was.) Perhaps in Mandos Denethor will learn better. In my version of his story, the scales fall from Denethor's eyes (in a manner of speaking) upon reaching Mandos, and he sees all things truly. Certainly, he remains in the Halls of Mandos contemplating his choices and deeds, along with his failings, including his pride, but the "learning better" part happens early on. The details regarding Meneldil's armor are fascinating, including the possible fire damage to the right gauntlet, as well as the incredible state of preservation of (most of) the original leather components. “When we meet one another in Námo’s halls?” Aragorn hazarded, checking to see whether he could easily reach his dagger. Okay, now I'm curious about the identity of the armorer. Alas, poor lonely Merry! I love that the chapter jumps forward to and finishes with the Coronation. Faramir's flash of foreknowledge and his recognition of Boromir's vambraces, along with the suggestion of Boromir's conveying reassurance to his younger brother from beyond, are well done. Lovely story! I read it on my phone yesterday, and came back to the laptop today to re-read and convey some of my thoughts. Nicely done, and I hope to read more from your keyboard soon. | |
| Fimbrethel | Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 5/2/2026 |
| "Oh, no Steward of Gondor ever wore this set of armor, or at least not in sight of anyone else. No, it was the set of armor said to have been worn by Meneldil when he was crowned sole King of Gondor by his Uncle Isildur.” Faramir straightened in surprise. “Meneldil’s armor? But it is said in the annals of the city that he wore that set of armor but the one time, and that it has not been worn since that day!" Wow! That is some historic armor! Great idea as to how Aragorn came by it! I forgot Hurin is written so well in fanfiction. He is my favorite here...though of course Faramir is a close second. Ha! And there is room for Boromir's vambraces! :) Meneldil's statues were shorter than he was? (from Aragorn saying he must have been taller than the statues led him to believe). LOl, Aragorn would strike a pose to check the fit. ..."I shall wear Boromir’s vambraces,” Aragorn said. “I promised him that I should lead our people to victory, and I would have his own love for Gondor represented before all.” Gandalf nodded. “Most appropriate, and I am certain that he approves, my friend." I knew it! Faramir recognized the vambraces from that far away? Wow. But I am glad Boromir spoke to him in spirit! | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 4/30/2026 |
| What a beautiful gap filler. I remember the wearing of Boromir's vambraces, but never once wondered where the rest of Aragorn's kingly garments came from! | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 16 on 4/25/2026 |
| Dear Gaffer, he's one of my favorite characters. I enjoyed exploring his soft heart in "How Does Your Garden Grow" and "When the King Comes Back". I miss writing, but my wrists just won't allow it any longer. Author Reply: I miss your writing, and wish I could twitch my nose and heal your wrists. Gaffer is indeed quite the character, and I am certain that considering how his children turned out, he was a good dad. How hard it would have been to say "NO" to his daughter, even about a war-battered tom such as she was holding in her arms. Thank you so! | |
| Fimbrethil | Reviewed Chapter: 16 on 4/24/2026 |
| Awwww...fortunately the cat will have a good home, I think. With Sam cooking. Author Reply: I just hope that one of the local healers will treat the abscess for that cat! Heh! At least he's likely to keep the Hill rodent free. Thanks so, Fimbrethil! | |
| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: 16 on 4/24/2026 |
| Well, at least the battle-scarred Tom ought to be able to contribute by reducing the local populations of mice, rats, and moles, I should think? What'll they name him, I wonder? ...I could never resist such a look in the eyes of one of the wee hobbits, either. This battle was already lost before it began, I suspect. Author Reply: Oh, but I know! And don't forget the voles, who are infamous for gorging on bulbs and root vegetables. I find myself missing my dear Lydia who used to bring me voles by the gross! All the daffodils, crocuses, flags, and the like that would bloom for two or three years before disappearing? | |
| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 4/19/2026 |
| I hadn't thought of Legolas and Gimli's "constant bickering" arising because of the Ring's influence – I rather put it down to a longstanding bad feeling between the two races, stemming from the time I read something about Elves hunting Dwarves like animals early on in Middle-earth history. I double-checked just now, and found an interesting essay on the topic at the "Ask Middle Earth" tumbler account (https://askmiddlearth.tumblr.com/post/67465996730/elves-and-dwarves-early-contact). In addition, there certainly did not seem to be any love lost between Thorin (and his Dwarves) and Thranduil (and the Wood Elves under him) in Bilbo's time. Gimli faced a lot of suspicion and downright hostility when they came to the Golden Wood, as well, making his request for a strand of Galadriel's hair extra-extraordinary. However, the idea does make sense, and I can easily imagine the Ring fanning the flames of old resentments and grudges as part of its nature. Perhaps it's a wonder (and a testament to the innate goodness of hobbits in general and Frodo in particular) that the Elf and the Dwarf became friends in spite of everything. Author Reply: I am sure that much of the bickering and mutual distrust seen between Gimli and Legolas was due to traditional prejudices. But wouldn't the Ring find that prejudice as a proper entry point for Its work to weaken trust amongst the Fellowship? (Not that I'm preaching to the choir, right? Heh!) I see as part of native Hobbit magic that their small size and apparent helplessness drew protective behavior from the larger races as well as the assumption that Hobbits were largely in need of the help of others in spite of the fact Hobbits had been living independently in the Shire for well over a thousand years and in company and cooperation with Men in the Breelands for even longer. It took being allowed to enter Lothlorien for the Dwarf and Elf to begin purposely spending time together. Once they were no longer within the easy reach of the Ring once Frodo removed himself from the Fellowship, they were able to cement their friendship. Love the addition to that one exchange before the Black Gate between the two of them proving that fact. | |