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| A Matter of Honor by meckinock | 25 Review(s) |
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| Laerien | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 7/21/2005 |
| Sorry! I didn't mean to offend you some way, I just forgot that there is work in the 'real' word (you know, summer holiday), and was a bit too childish and too excited. Author Reply: Heavens no! I should be more careful with my tone. I'm delighted that you're impatient! I was amusing myself with the idea of trying to fit The Search for Gollum into my company's five-year Strategic Plan. | |
| grumpy | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 7/20/2005 |
| Well, I see that Halbarad finally got his dip in the water, that he was wanting a few days back. I think that he could have chosen some better swimming buddies then his horses. Love this chapter, from Gandalf's point of view. His wondering at why his body had to be that of a old man, and his worry for Aragorn. That Elrond waited, five hundred years for Estel, and his love for Estel. Looking forward to the waking of the wounded. Author Reply: Well, I see that Halbarad finally got his dip in the water, that he was wanting a few days back. I was hoping someone would remember that! But I think Daisy and Star have their feelings hurt... The Waking of the Wounded is up next... | |
| Nilmandra | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 7/20/2005 |
| Let me start by saying I was nearly late for a meeting this morning with a potential client because I had to speed read the whole thing before I could leave the house. I applaud you for getting into Gandalf's head - that would scare me. Who knows what a Maia would think? But the weight of responsiblity and knowing that he nearly too actions that may have altered Eru's plans must have weighed heavily on him and you showed that well. The flight to the bridge was terrifying to read. Elrohir was very brave! Halbarad's concerns for the horse were great, but I wanted to smack him for nearly losing his own life in the process. That Elrohir recovered everyone was great. This visual of each person (and horse) falling away in exhaustion until Glorfindel finally carried Estel into the house was well done, and then Elrond literally expending his life's force to save Aragorn's life was very tense. One particular thing I really liked was the articulation that Elrond waited for Estel. I tend to put it in more sweeping terms..until Sauron was defeated, until the King returned, until the 'end' was found...but it so much more emotionally wrenching to say 'he waited for Estel'. That really got me. Now I can reread it without the rush. Author Reply: I've done that - stop to check my e-mail just before I run out of the house in the morning, and there's a new chapter alert and have to stay and read it! I'm very flattered. And really glad I put Elrond in this chapter! I wouldn't have wanted you to be late for a meeting without a payoff. Getting out on the ledge with Gandalf scared me senseless. I used his POV a few times in "Hands," but not so intimately. Space Weavil's "Once in a Far Green Country" really impressed me with its examination of Olorin as a person - before he was Gandalf. I think that's what got me thinking - without the beard and funny hat and pipe and bag of tricks, who is this guy? What is it like for him to be Gandalf? I think I owe you for the realization that Elrond waited for Estel. Your stories really bring home how much Elrond has been through, and I after a while I just ended up thinking, Wow. I wonder how come he didn't just sail after all that. Estel is all the reasons you mentioned, condensed down to one person, I guess. | |
| Dot | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 7/20/2005 |
| I’ve moved you to the top of my need-to-write-a-review-for-this list because I just have to tell you how much I loved this! I’m just addicted to this story! It was so fascinating to be in Gandalf’s head for a while. It was actually quite startling to see him feel so inadequate. There’s a sense of regret there too that just made me feel so bad for him! The tension during the entire river-crossing is just fantastic. In some ways it’s probably good that Gandalf had Dudo to look after because it gave him something to focus on now that Aragorn has been taken off his hands and to draw him out of despair too. That flood is just terrifying, though. I’m almost afraid to ask how you know so much about all this :-) I was so worried about Daisy that I nearly choked when that tree appeared out of nowhere. You really do know how to write gripping stuff! Yay for Elrohir! He deserves a medal for all he’s had to do. I was repeating to myself ‘she can’t kill Halbarad, she can’t kill Halbarad’ but a little part of me was very afraid… Oh, I also wanted to mention how much I loved the little moments of humour. Who knew Gandalf was so funny?! I think my favourite was “They will take it,” Halbarad said, wincing and clutching his side in what Gandalf assessed as a very unconvincing demonstration of his fitness to ride.” I absolutely adored the very canon moment about Elladan’s gift of healing being lessened by his life as a warrior until he now only possesses the knowledge. There’s something so sad about that. I also really liked the thought of Gandalf drawing comfort from beyond Arda. I think I truly felt hope at the line “We need not fear the Bruinen” Very well done! I loved the parting of the waters and Glorfindel is fantastically practical and good at ordering people about. At the same time his worry really comes across and I suppose it underlines the gravity of the situation to see someone so formidable be so uneasy. Great point about Elrond having to stay behind to save his strength. I think it made me anxious about him even before he had to do anything. I couldn’t take my eyes from the screen once the healing began. Gosh, Meckinock, this is amazing. I thought this was very effective too : "The sound of Elvish voices and the short, light footsteps of a hobbit echoed through the empty halls. Gandalf listened for heavier, Mannish footsteps, limping and slow, but there were none. Halbarad was being carried." We don’t even see it and yet we know exactly the scene outside in the hallway and what it means. I was glad to see the twins finally sent to get some rest and I thought it was very touching the way Elladan goes and prepares a tray of bandages and herbs, trying to anticipate his father’s need. I felt such a chill at the memory of Elrond trying to save Celebrían and then his deep grief when he couldn’t restore her love for life. The explanation for why he stayed too really proves how much he needs Aragorn to live now. I think one of my favourite parts of this chapter is Glorfindel catching Elrond and settling him down to sleep. The suggestion of the deep friendship between these two is very moving throughout. I forgot about the hand! Yikes. That definitely needs too be fixed! I like the sense of teamwork, with Elladan now swooping in and doing his part. Aaw, what a lovely image of Dudo and Halbarad both clean and sleeping soundly. And Gandalf can finally rest too. There’s a lovely sense of relief and peace at the end of this chapter. Though more excitement is always welcome ;-) I’m so glad they finally made it. I can’t wait to see what happens now in peaceful Imladris. Oh, and I forgot to say how very impressed I am with your knowledge of the geography! And bravo on such a perfect chapter title! Right, I’ll shut up now :-) Author Reply: The chapter title came from the sad realization that I had just blathered on about water nonstop for 7,300 words. I actually think I made it rain today. We're having the worst drought in history; it hasn't rained in about two months; it wasn't forecast to rain today, but around noon we got a thunderstorm and a half-hour downpour. Water. I like addiction! Addiction is good. And you never have to shut up, Dot. My main resource for the geography is Fonstad's Atlas of Middle Earth because it includes a mileage scale. And I have a map of Eriador from one of the internet websites sitting here under my blotter. Gandalf is really good at giving people advice and a gentle nudge in the right direction, but in a desperate situation where advice is essentially useless, no solution is forthcoming, and time is running out, I thought he might be vulnerable to feelings of desperation, frustration, and helplessness just like anyone else. It's easy to puff on your pipe and pontificate about other people's problems, but what if you're the one with your tail in the ringer? It was an interesting problem. I thought he might take a perspective break to remind himself of the bigger picture. I enjoyed putting Glorfindel in charge. With everyone else being in various states of dysfunction, it was a relief to just hand everything over to him. Leaving Elrond back at the house was really just so I wouldn't have to do the healing scene out in the woods. I was SO sick of the woods by that point. I felt like I'd been living out in them myself for two weeks! I wondered about the end of the chapter. Writing books tell you to end the chapter with a sense of tension; whereas I really just badly wanted to put everyone to bed! Including me! Your review is delightful as always, Dot. Thanks | |
| Gandalfs apprentice | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 7/20/2005 |
| Meckinock Another triumph. Great suspense. I loved especially Halbarad on the bridge, your description of Gandalf's earthly torments, and Elrond's love for Aragorn. All the characters come real, and E&E are true heroes. I only hope that the next chapter of "Sword of Elendil" can only approach how good this is.... Your greatest fan, Gandalfs apprentice PS did you get the long email I sent you early last week? I worried perhaps cyberspace ate it... Author Reply: Thanks, G.A. I think it was Space Weavil's "Once in a Far Green Country" that gave me the courage to delve into Gandalf's human side. I think that he loves the Children of Arda so much, and takes his responsibility to them so seriously, that occasionally he's like a doctor who gets too emotionally involved with a patients. Gandalf is all about serving others, but how far does he go? And how can he be sure he's doing the right thing, since canon shows us quite plainly that he's neither omniscient nor infallible? It was an interesting question to play around with. So get your next chapter up already and we'll debate it! I thought I replied to the last e-mail you sent me, but I was just getting back from out of town last week and it's possible I missed it. It's not there now. Could you re-send it? | |
| Leaward | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 7/20/2005 |
| The struggle in crossing the river was done so well, I could feel the current and cold water -- and I like how they didn't all get across safely. That made it so much more realistic. But poor Halbarad! He's having a heckuva time, isn't he? I hope you do give him a rest soon. I had to chuckle at this: “Foolish would I be to oppose a Balrog-slayer.” Yes, I can't think it would be wise to try to cross Glorfindel! The last paragraph ... Gandalf's exhaustion really comes through. Well done again, Meckinock. (And congrats to your parents on 58 years!) Author Reply: I was very happy to give Halbarad a nice, soft bed to sleep in. Even though after about two days he'll be missing sleeping on rocks and thorn bushes. Silly man. Gandalf is wise to respect the power of a Balrog slayer. Very exclusive club, that. The rug was looking pretty good to Gandalf by the time he made it to Halbarad's room. But there's no sleep as wonderful as when you're totally exhausted. Glorfindel can watch over everyone tonight. | |
| Laerien | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 7/20/2005 |
| TWO WEEKS?!?!?! You can’t be serious?! What am I to do for two weeks!? That’s not fair, that is a VERY long time to wait. Is there no other way? # huge puss in boots eyes staring at you, begging# Anyway thanks for the answer. I was pleased to hear that I’m not so stupid that I thought myself to be. Author Reply: I'll see what I can do about the schedule; but I'm afraid my employer might notice if I sit in my office writing fanfiction all day... Author stupid. Never, EVER reviewers! (at least not on this site) | |
| daw the minstrel | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 7/20/2005 |
| Gandalf's self accusations at the start were a nice touch. Do you find it scary to write his POV? The flooding of the river reads like it was written by someone who has lived along the Mississippi. :-) I really enjoy your dry sense of humor, Meckinock. I laughed at the moment when Gandalf thinks that now is not the time to ask Dudo if he can swim. I liked the canonical reminder that using a weapons destroys the gift of healing. This is nice: Fear, deadlier than arrows, was creeping up his spine like frost on a windowpane It's effective and not overdone. That whole passage is effective, actually, with its glimpse of the life of Olorin, rather than Gandalf. I was so relieved about Daisy getting onto the bridge and then being found again. I thought for a moment that she had drowned. What would Halbarad have told his granddaughter who named her? Gandalf's hope that he won't have to ride a galloping horse for hours on end again is not going to work out, I'm afraid. Author Reply: Do you find it scary to write his POV? Terrifying. Who the heck knows what's going on inside Gandalf's head? The flooding of the river reads like it was written by someone who has lived along the Mississippi. :-) Geez, is it that obvious? Any river-town kid can recite the years of the worst floods...1965, 1993... Glad you noticed the itsy bitsy amount of humor I managed to wedge in there. It was hard! I can't let Daisy drown. She's not only named by his granddaughter, she's named FOR his wife. And Daisy still has an important job to do. Gandalf's hope that he won't have to ride a galloping horse for hours on end again is not going to work out, I'm afraid. hehe. | |
| pipinheart | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 7/20/2005 |
| This is nice Elrond spent himself to put Estel out of danger. all is worried,and more is to be done for him. You can see the love Elrond holds for Estel...Nice work...Please continue.... Author Reply: Thanks. Elrond got a good workout, for sure, even though he only got one line of dialogue...I guess I'd better go check his contract... | |
| laerien | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 7/20/2005 |
| Your parents married 58 years ago?! Wow, that’s more than a half century! Congratulate them! I absolutely loved Gandalf’s silent grumbling! After all, it wasn’t a light trip to collect strawberries in the forest… Twelve hours! Wow! The trainers in the riding-school are always saying: galloping is like swinging/rocking and it is the most comfortable pace for both the rider and the horse but I am a bit skeptical. I agree that it is comfortable but I am half dead after two or three circles. I am not very good at Geography, less in English names. Which river is the Hoarwell??? The idea of the flooding and the perilous crossing was amazing. It shows clearly that you can make your readers stuck to the chair, not daring to breath without using the well-known “Oh, I think there are orcs here” statement. Seeing it from Gandalf’s view gave extra tension. I was very worried, all right even scared for Halbarad, though I don’t know why. I knew he had to survive. Then why? “No! You’re hurting him!” So cute and so true… This eldest child of Elrond had inherited the greatest portion of his father’s healing touch, but the choice of the sword had burned it out of him long ago. Fantastic! You are not expecting me to write down every favorite line, are you? Well, at last they arrived and things are much better now. Or at least I hope. Everyone is worrying about Aragorn’s knee, then I will worry about his hands. How many days passed since that scum broke it? At least 4, not? Well, it is really time to take care of it, if he wants to carry a sword again… Elrond’s struggle was heart-wrenching. And to compare it with the one that was for Celebrian was wise. Now, almost everyone sleeps. Right. Tomorrow won’t be an easy day either. Let us clear up some things in my last review. When I said Tolkien would be proud, I didn’t mean the style! No one can write in that style, but it isn’t the style which is important. The characters, the meaning, that’s what matters. And plus you story is very canonical (??? I hope you understand, because I’ve no idea, how to write this word).And if there is a bit from the movie in your Aragorn that’s not scolding. I love both the movie and the book Aragorn, and the best is when you find ‘your’ character, which in this case, I think, was gorgeous. Sooo, when will the next chapter come? Tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, a week, a month, never? P.S: Umm…Probably, the problem is with me, but I have no idea what ‘Holiday Inn Express’ is. Author Reply: P.S: Umm…Probably, the problem is with me, but I have no idea what ‘Holiday Inn Express’ is. Ooops, there I go again. It's a hotel chain here in the US. The Hoarwell is also called the Mitheithel; it's the further west of the two rivers that cross the Great East Road in between Bree and Rivendell. In FOTR, Aragorn has been leading the hobbits north of the road, but he has to return to the road in order to cross the Hoarwell because that's where the bridge happens to be. I'm glad the river crossing issues kept your interest. I named this chapter "water" because when I finished I decided that was all I had talked about for 7,000 words. Writing from Gandalf's POV was challenging. I do know that he can make mistakes (trusting Saruman for so long was a big one!) so I thought it would be interesting to let him (almost) make one and explore how he feels about himself. As much as Aragorn implicitly trusts his judgment, I think it must be hard for Gandalf sometimes to know when to meddle and when to sit back and let events take their course. Aha, you remembered the hand! It has actually been a few weeks since it was broken. They were in Bree for a week before they left, and they've actually been on the road for about a week. The characters haven't been too worried about it simply because he has more urgent issues; but it will seriously hamper his swordsmanship if Elrond can't fix it... It will be about two weeks bfore I get the next chapter up. The entire story is mostly finished; but there are some parts I'm not happy with yet and a few chapters about three-quarters of the way through that I haven't quite finished. And I always end up doing a lot of last-minute editing, no matter how finished I think I am! I'm sorry if I came off sounding unappreciative in any way for your last review. All your comments were extraordinarily generous and if that didn't come across I'm sorry. I enjoyed your insights and I certainly didn't mean to sound defenseive about any of them. I love your reviews, both of them! | |