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Neath Anor, Ithil, and Gil  by Larner 837 Review(s)
DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 100 on 9/3/2010
What a fascinating idea for the origin of the palantiri! I love that they were originally domestic in use, rather like modern parents putting a monitor in the nursery or giving their teens a cellphone!

Author Reply: Actually, I indeed did think just in those terms when I started writing this story--cell phones and baby monitors! But it wouldn't stay humorous as I'd first envisioned it. I'm so glad others appreciate it, too, though. Thanks so! *Hugs!*

AndreaReviewed Chapter: 99 on 9/2/2010
I very much like the idea that Elrond found this unique way to have a look at his and his father's descendants once in a while.

And I particularly like it that those descendants are also found in lands that were formerly supporting the enemy (necessarily).

The World has changed!

Author Reply: I'm glad that Mirach's vision of Elrond sailing once a year with his father struck me this way. Am so glad others enjoy this, too. Thanks so, Andrea!

RhyselleReviewed Chapter: 99 on 9/1/2010
I really liked this one. The mental image of Elrond flying in Vingilot with Earendil is charming, and it must comfort him greatly to see the flourishing of what he had to leave behind.

And I still hope that his sons do eventually follow him across the Sea.

Author Reply: I love to think that in time Elladan and Elrohir did choose to follow their father--to lose one or both of them as well as his daughter and brother would have been too much, I think. And I'm glad for the image Mirach has given us of Elrond sailing once a year with his father and the both of them watching over the descendants of Earendil and Elwing remaining in the Mortal Lands. Thanks so, Rhyselle!

ArmarielReviewed Chapter: 99 on 9/1/2010
Neat idea!

Author Reply: I'm so glad you find it so, Armariel. Thanks!

Raksha The DemonReviewed Chapter: 98 on 9/1/2010
I can't help but feel very sorry for Denethor here; it's disheartening to hear one's own father go on and on about one's shortcomings and how a stranger from an estranged dynasty would be welcome to rule in one's place. Which is exactly what would happen decades later. To a man like Denethor, accustomed to being the center of Gondor's attention after his father, his own self-worth entwined with his position and his father's regard, Ecthelion's words, and later, Aragorn's return, had to intensify that cup of bitterness that eventually poisoned Denethor.

Good story!

Author Reply: Man, am I ever behind on responding to comments! Yes, you have put it so succinctly here, Raksha. Thanks so very much for the feedback!

FiondilReviewed Chapter: 99 on 8/31/2010
Rather like Abraham counting the stars. *grin* And only once a year. One has to wonder on what date and what its significance might be for either or both Elrond and Eärendil. An interesting little scene, Larner, with much to think on. Thanks.

Author Reply: Look to the last chapter of Mirach's "Hope of a Star" to learn that, Fiondil. Had to do a comment on that!

AndreaReviewed Chapter: 98 on 8/17/2010
A most mysterious soul, my young Captain.

Mysterious and highly skilled in diplomacy!

Ecthelion finds it possible that Thorongil might be the (or one?) rightful heir of Isildur. He also thinks him more capable of ruling Gondor than his son because of his personality and his charisma. That's interesting!
And I absolutely agree with him that Denethor's marriage will positively change his reputation among the Gondorians.

Denethor, however, should better not have tried to best someone who plays in a different league (if you know what I mean). It only made him bitter.

Author Reply: Highly skilled in diplomacy? I'd most sincerely hope so, considering where he was raised and by whom. And no matter how intelligent Denethor was, still Thorongil was in a league of his own, and someone was discerning as Ecthelion undoubtedly was couldn't hope but notice that, I'd think. I'm so glad that Denethor did know what I believe was a good marriage to Finduilas, and I'm positive that it did him good both emotionally and politically. But in time all Denethor could see when looking at Thorongil was the bitterness of always seeming to come in lesser to what had to have been seen by himself as a bitter rival. It must have destroyed what friendship may have been building between the two men who had so much in common.

eilujReviewed Chapter: 98 on 8/16/2010
Poor Denethor: what a day he is having!

Author Reply: Oh, but I agree, eiluj! Poor guy--finding out that his own father doubts his ability to serve as Ruling Steward--of COURSE he'd have to prove him wrong!

Thanks so!

harrowcatReviewed Chapter: 98 on 8/16/2010
Great answers in a tough spot Thorongil. Such a shame that the books got closed due to other peoples' opinions! Great episode Larner.

Author Reply: Anglachel wanted a story in which there was a good deal of politics, and I simply see the situation in Gondor during Thorongil's stay there as rive with it! And this book, at least, Denethor will never open again. Alas--he might have learned a great deal from it. Thanks so, Harrowcat!

FiondilReviewed Chapter: 98 on 8/16/2010
A most interesting look at how Denethor might have begun to distrust Thorongil even more than he already did, Larner. I loved Aragorn's replies to Lord Meredorn, speaking the truth without actually saying anything. *grin* I loved this part especially, and snickered out loud:

“My father died when I was little better than a babe in arms. It was another, a distant relative, who took my mother into his home and saw me raised among his own sons, and who saw me trained to serve as I can.”

“You would stand to inherit from him when he dies?”

“There is no question that his sons are legitimate and much older than I. No—I look to inherit nothing from him. I have no claim to anything that is his save the love he gave me for the sake of my fathers. As I said, we are kinsman from afar.”


Very clever, Aragorn. Perhaps if Denethor had not inadvertently overheard this conversation things would have turned out differently, but perhaps not. I think in the end Denethor would have found an excuse not to trust 'Thorongil' and would never have accepted the idea of him or anyone claiming the throne of Gondor.



Author Reply: Yes, I do believe that the Lord Captain Thorongil became an expert at being circumspect--rather had to in order to survive and not be assassinated or anything of the kind.

And, not knowing that Denethor was privy to the details of these conversations, none of the participants had any idea as to why suddenly the natural resentment of someone who always seems to be JUST better than oneself turned to out and out animosity.

Thanks so, Fiondil!

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