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| Lesser Ring by Larner | 344 Review(s) |
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| Kitty | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 7/29/2005 |
| Oh yes, I remember Sohrabi and Aragorns mention of earlier encounters with peoples who carried lesser rings and had wondered one or two times what happened then. I love the way how you takes these little bits from earlier stories and turns them into a new story! And I love Aragorn as ranger, without all the worries of a kingdom to rule. Sohrabi seems a nice and honest guy - I am glad Aragorn was able to save him. Hopefully will come some good from this, as in the last fic with Sestor and the others. You said there will be two journeys and I have some ideas what could happen. And it was interesting how Aragorn was able to answer Sohrabis questions without lying and still not giving away too much. It was so typical of Denethor to search Thorongil's warehouse again and again. I am glad he wasn't able to find anything. But then, I doubt he was ever able to outwit our dear Ranger. Aragorn's idea of what to do with the camel was quite amusing. I would've loved to see Denethor's face about such a gift! But then, the poor camel doesn't deserve such a fate - Aragorn surely is able to find a better place for she. Oh, and I love your naming of the Gods. I have read a lot about Ancient Egypt myself and of course recognised the names. It is much more fascinating and easier to remember when there are names one knows and can connect with a purpose. Author Reply: If Tolkien saw Gondor and Arnor and points between as a proto-Europe, surely I can see Harad as a proto-Egypt, can't I? And, yes, I adapted from Egyptian religious and mythological beliefs for the gods of Harad, but tried to link them also to the Valar. You will find Aragorn has taken good thought to the disposition of his camel--and his horse as well. Unlike Viggo, he doesn't have facilities to carry the horse home with him. | |
| harrowcat | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 7/29/2005 |
| Great stuff Larner. Aragorn puts me in mind of the Scarlet Pimpernal; 'They seek him here, they seek him there....' Am off to a Summer School so will have to see who's internet connection I can steal! Just don't think I've lost interest. Expect a bumper review when I get caught up! Author Reply: Yes, wary honorable folk such as the Scarlet Pimpernel and Aragorn would be very similar in seeking to hide their trails and yet to leave the enemy openly confounded. Hope you enjoy your summer school experience. Am looking forward to hearing from you once you're settled. | |
| aragorn_reader | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 7/28/2005 |
| Oh, my, bearding the enemy in his den, indeed! Most exciting! Author Reply: Of course, Amy--what better place to take someone unawares than where he feels safest? Tends also to put greater concern into the hearts of Virubat's folk, not being certain how he was taken or by whom from in the heart of what he would see as his own fortress. Glad you approve. | |
| Dreamflower | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 7/28/2005 |
| *chuckle* I love Aragorn's very direct and no-nonsense way of dealing with these problems. I have a feeling that Virubat is going to be very sorry he took up with the Dark Lord's emissaries. One of the things I love about your Aragorn is how he is both practical and idealistic at the same time. He can be cagy and canny in how he answers questions, but he never out-and-out *lies*, though you might have to look closely to find the grains of truth. He is ruthless enough when it is necessary, but he is never cruel or unjust. And he never disguises his true beliefs when questioned, no matter how odd they might sound to one unfamiliar with the tales of the West, but most of the time he couches them in terms his listener can at least begin to comprehend. You do so very well in depicting him, Larner! Author Reply: Oh, I'm so glad you like Aragorn as I depict him, Dreamflower. He's wonderful because he is capable of being all those things, and that's certainly how I always envisioned him from Tolkien's descriptions. Thanks so much for your wonderful appreciation. | |
| Tigger | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 7/28/2005 |
| Ooooh...So, the servants of the Enemy are trying to find Captain Thorongil, Gilrean and any descendants of the leaders of the Northern Dunedain. Nice tension maker there. ;o) I really liked how Aragonr answered his new friend's questions on who he was and where he came from. Gave just enough information to show he meant no harm to the Haradrim noble, but not enough to give him away. Also a nice touch to show the respect given to Aragorn after questioned about who led his caravan and was the Captain of the Guards of it. Showed that Aragorn knew what he was doing. Now how will our favourite Ranger get that chest open, because Virubat's not going to do it willingly. Looking forward to the next twists and turns in this intruging story. Author Reply: It will take a bit of time to get the chest open, because Aragorn's skills will be needed in another capacity soon. But he does tend to be very diplomatic in his communications, and appears capable of listening to those who advise him as Meriti and his son did on his plan to appear as a merchant. That kind of wisdom, to trust in other experts instead of always overriding them to prove oneself, would be, I think, part of Aragorn's wisdom and the difference between himself and other leaders we've seen in the world, historical and fictional. We've hinted that there would have been a search for Aragorn's survival before by both Mordor and Denethor; it seemed only right to echo it here as well. Am so glad you find so much to appreciate in this chapter. | |
| Elemmíre | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 7/28/2005 |
| Wheeeee! >>He wasn’t positive what he’d do with the camel. He had enough experience with the beasts by this time to realize this camel was of superb breeding, and knew also that if he hadn’t accepted the animal he would have insulted the family past bearing. He contemplated sending it to Minas Tirith with a ribbon about its neck, and a label marked To Lord Denethor, with the compliments of Captain Thorongil. Oh goodness. That would be funny. I'm really enjoying this story! :), Elemmíre Author Reply: It would have caused Denethor a good deal of consternation, wouldn't it? Glad you enjoy the story so far. Hope it continues to please. | |
| Tigger | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 7/27/2005 |
| Wow...What a beginning. We know Aragorn travelled in the Southlands after leaving Gondor and Thorongil behind, but that's all we know. I've always wondered about those years and journeys. This is also a nice filler to a detail in The King's Commission you touched on. Where Aragorn saw one of the assasins had possession of one of the Lesser Rings and Aragorn said he had seen and destroyed one before. I'm glad you're going back to that tantalizing tidbit and fleshing it out. Oh and leaving Denethor nothing but Lembas bread in the warehouse..ROTFLOL!! That was *perfect*!! I could just see the expression on Denethor's face too. Aragorn would think that the perfect joke on Denthor as well. That was brilliant!! Looking forward to seeing where this goes. Author Reply: Yes, the Mallorn leaves and hints of lembas must have confused Denethor thoroughly, I would think. This nuzgul has shown such an affinity for sand, you know--that it would have led to Harad seemed fated. And glad you are glad to see the question of the lesser ring dealt with further. | |
| harrowcat | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 7/27/2005 |
| I nearly got to the end of the chapter and thought 'oh just a few chapter story then'! but then got to the line 'The one with him sighed...' *sighs with satisfaction* more twists - yes please! I am loving hearing more about Aragorn at this phase of his life. And loved the lembas reference too. Author Reply: I don't THINK this will be a huge long story, but you never know. There is one character who, once he creeps on, likes to keep the story going, and he just slipped himself into it during last night's writing. Anyway, am glad you are enjoying it and liked the reference to the lembas. Seemed to me that if Aragorn's people wished to get things done in rather a hurry so as not to be interrupted by such as customs agents and jealous heirs to Stewards, they'd be glad for the gift. | |
| aragorn_reader | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 7/27/2005 |
| Tremendously exciting! Aragorn's journeys in Far Harad and near Mordor: even more rare and precious than Thorongil fics! Lovely cultural and material details, as always. Many thanks! Amy Author Reply: Thank you, Amy, for appreciating it all. I've always been into archaeology and anthropology and mythology, so it's been fun working them into some of the stories I write. | |
| Radbooks | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 7/27/2005 |
| Larner, I really enjoyed these first two chapters. I remember when this incident was mentioned in the King's Commission and had wondered what had happened, so it's nice to see the story behind it! :) Hardorn is going to be so mad though if Aragorn doesn't get back on time. It made me laugh that Aragorn is worried about the town and the damage Hardorn will cause to it. I like the OC's here - the young man, who is caught in such a desperate situation and his 1/2 brother who is trying to help him. Always such tough choices that people have to make in such desperate times and you just want to survive and help your family. Looking forward to more! Author Reply: Glad you also appreciate the story being fleshed out. It's been fun trying to figure out how Aragorn might have carried out his visit, and the reactions of those who began to realize he was more than he seemed. As for Hardorn--that Aragorn did so much on his own during those years must at times have driven him mad. | |