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| Land of Light and Shadows by Thundera Tiger | 15 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| French Pony | Reviewed Chapter: 37 on 10/8/2004 |
| I have to say that, were I in the Haradric position, I don't know that I would want to trust Aragorn too much. He's being extremely cagey, to the point of taking people along to look for buried landmines without telling them what they're looking for. It strikes me that time is of the essence here, and that Aragorn is wasting quite a bit of it by dancing around and euphemizing and hedging. If he trusts these people as much as he needs to get them to do this, he should trust them enough to come out and tell them what he plans to do. These Haradrim seem to be the sort who would appreciate directness in an equal leader, and if Aragorn had shared his plans earlier, they might have used their time for kicking the plans around and improving them. I'm sure there are some flaws in this plan that other heads could have detected had they known the plan earlier. Author Reply: In Aragorn's defense, he didn't take Arabano along of his own free will. That was Budari's idea. And he didn't say anything about it because he wasn't sure he was right and he didn't want to spend more effort than necessary on what could be a wild goose chase. I've been thinking about your suggestions, and I'm going to have to both agree and disagree. Yes, it would make sense for Aragorn to be more forthcoming about the whole thing. Yes, different perspectives would be able to spot flaws in this plan if they had seen its earlier incarnation. But I'm going to disagree about the trust issue. Given that Aragorn is from the north, none of them are going to be inclined to trust him very much anyway. Aragorn knows this and so he's going for something a lot easier to earn: respect. The Haradrim respect someone who can play word games and win. I doubt I've portrayed it as much as I intended to, but I had hoped to give the impression that politics in Harad is very much about how, when, and why something is said. The Haradrim respect intelligence and they respect the ability to manipulate conversations, so Aragorn is playing to that. He's also making it absolutely clear that he is to be the leader in these matters by providing them with their only real working plan and holding it back just long enough that there isn't time to come up with anything else. It means he's going to call the shots in the end, and that's something he considers important. It's also something the Haradrim will respect. The Haradrim might appreciate directness in an equal leader, as you put it, but they don't respect it. They're very cagey themselves, and anyone who can outmaneuver them is someone they consider worthy of leadership. At least, that's my take on it. But I will take into account your suggestions. | |
| Estel_Mi_Olor | Reviewed Chapter: 37 on 10/8/2004 |
| I would like to award Aragorn, and through him Thundera Tiger for THE PLAN. This PLAN is not only brilliant under the difficult circumstances, but so crazy it may actually work. Furthermore this plan makes the most all possible alliances and resources, ensuring a unified attack on Khurintu. Finally, the maker of this plan was not only wounded but suffering from mental trauma due to the absence of his good friends. The Committee feels that Aragorn rightfully deserves this award. Congratulations. But seriously though-many cheers on that plan. How did you do it? I felt like Eomer throughout this chapter, wondering what on earth you were thinking. Good job. All characters are wonderfully portrayed with believable disbelief on their parts etc. I think the phrase "from the ashes" comes from the Aragorn poem-"Not all that glitters is gold...fromt the ashes will rise..." I hope I'm right... Thanks again for this great chapter! Cheers and keep writing! Author Reply: The crazy plans are always the best kind. Aragorn gratefully accepts the award for THE PLAN but requests that you keep the medal/statue/paper signifying this award in your custody until the return to Minas Tirith. He's afraid of having it pilfered. I like the phrase believable disbelief. I'm going to have to use that some time. As for feeling like Eomer throughout the chapter, that's partially why I used him for a POV. I felt the same way for much of it. What in the world is Aragorn thinking? Still, I believe there's a chance to make this work, though there will be moments that require improvisation. No plan ever works exactly as it's designed to. You got the reference correct. "From the Ashes" is indeed from the Aragorn poem. Congratulations. Aragorn would like to offer you an award in return, but he's a little busy at the moment. You might have to take a rain check. | |
| Galimeril | Reviewed Chapter: 37 on 10/8/2004 |
| Hey, It's been a while! Nice to hear from you again. Great Ch! By the way... "All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost; the old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not reached by the frost. FROM THE ASHES A FIRE SHALL BE WOKEN, a light from the shadows shall spring; renenwed shall be blade that was broken, the crownless again shall be king." LOL Update soon! Galimeril ;D Author Reply: Yes, that is indeed where the line comes from. Perhaps a trifle too obvious, but that's okay, I suppose. I love those lines anyway, obvious or not, and I think they fit the chapter and upcoming events well. | |
| fadagaski | Reviewed Chapter: 37 on 10/8/2004 |
| Just a quick review. Fantastic chapter, as always, and for once I didn't have to skim the last two chapters to understand what was going on! Wheee! Was, of course, disappointed not to see Legolas and Gimli, or even Imrahil, but now that the action is really kicking up in Haradhur I can understand why they weren't in this chapter. Am still loving all the little details put in about desert life. Utterly fascinating, and in the exact style of JRRT going in to so much depth. (Am loving Aragorn and Eomer all the more. It's really not healthy how much they make me laugh, especially the latter). Chapter title: Bilbo's song for Elessar? Author Reply: Next chapter SHOULD include Legolas, Gimli, and Imrahil (though not all together, of course) so hopefully that will help you out. The title was of course from Bilbo's song for Elessar. Kind of obvious, but oh well. I figured that if nobody knew it already, this would be a good time for them to get acquainted with the books. Incidentally, Eomer wishes me to pass on the message that he is not comic relief. He is merely the sanest one there at the moment, and in contrast to madness, this can appear humorous. His words. Not mine. | |
| Jay of Lasgalen | Reviewed Chapter: 37 on 10/8/2004 |
| Ah yes - the verse Bilbo wrote for Aragorn. I'm glad he has 'a cunning plan', I just hope it works! Meanwhile, what's happening with Legolas and Gimli? And when are you going to update 'Fear No Darkness'? I want to find out about Elrohir! Author Reply: "Fear No Darkness" will be updated once I get through two other WIPs, so that might be a while. Sorry about the delay, but if you really want, I'll let you take Elrohir home in the meantime. ;) He's becoming a bit bored by the wait. | |