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Truce by meckinock	24 Review(s)
Nienor Niniel	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/19/2007
Oh, this is a great start! It's always interesting to see a young Denethor, and yours seems to have developed the character traits he has later, but not that harshly - it's like a glimpse of who he might have been without the Palantir. And he was brought to marrying like that? Who'd have thought... The relationship between Denethor and Thorongil seems to be quite complex, so I'm looking forward to see how this develops in the story - surely Denethor has no other option than to go looking for Thorongil, although it must be bothersome to have to save someone you don't like. A very good beginning! Take care, Eva Author Reply: Thanks, Eva. Denethor is one of the most interesting characters in LOTR, I think. Once I started poking at him, I just couldn't stop :-) My take on his courtship of Finduilas is necessarily speculative, but I think it fits with my picture of his personality and it fits my plot, and it sounded fun. While I do think Denethor was initially annoyed to have to go after Thorongil because it ruined his plans, he was all business once it was clear that there was serious danger. Thorongil was a captain of Gondor and that's all that mattered.

Thundera Tiger	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/18/2007
slinks in furtively Yes, yes, I'm a horrible reviewer. Atrocious, really. And you more than deserve reviews for the absolute brilliance that was "A Matter of Honor." Unfortunately, I don't see me coming through with those in the near future, so hopefully I can keep up with this one and call it...truce? (Pun partially intended.) Anyway, once again, we set off on another adventure, and I'm very intrigued to see your portrayal of Denethor. He's not unlike other characterizations I've seen, but at the same time, there's a...a twist, if you will. Something that is very much Meckinock in flavor. Kind of a subtle, dark humor, except that it's almost too wry to be called humor. Perhaps more along the lines of cynicism, though I'm not sure it even extends that far. Regardless, I've completely fallen in love with your version of Denethor. And even more than that, I've completely fallen in love with the way everyone interacts with him. In one short chapter, you've set up quite the beaurocracy. There's the terrified messenger boy, the various captains with their varying levels of respect, fear, and obedience, and the completely irreverent Turgon, whom I am anxious to get to know better. He had me smiling. And of course there's Thorongil, who doesn't even make an appearance in this chapter but is nevertheless a very strong presence. In fact, I would say this chapter had almost as much characterization of him (through Denethor's eyes at least) as it did of those who WERE in the chapter. Through some very clever narration, you've painted a remarkably complete picture of Gondor's political scene, the major powers, and the situation with Mordor. And here, I have to make many bows to your ability as a writer, because all of this is conveyed with a combination of dialogue, inner musings, and flatout narrative. The balance between the three prevents the exposition from ever feeling like exposition. In fact, it felt as if the story was moving throughout the chapter, which it certainly was at the end. But even in the beginning, there was a feeling of action. Speaking of action, loved the build you put together for the latter half of the chapter. The mood shifts were gradual but steady, and by the end, the tension you had going was brilliant. Excellent pacing went a long to helping that, as did battle details that came out of various soldiers found along the way. It established a way for you to back sell the action without making it seem contrived. In fact, at times it felt almost like a mystery, which made the latter half of the chapter very enjoyable thematically. And now this means I must anxiously await the next chapter, so I shall do so and hope for the appearance of Thorongil. I'm most anxious to see him interact with Denethor, especially given the way you've set up their personalities. So hats off to you for yet another promising venture, and I'll try to keep up on my reviewing duties! Author Reply: Truce - LOL. Don't worry; I won't make you sign a three-chapter contract or anything. Drop in and out as you please. Wow, I've never seen myself used as an adjective before. I think I could be insanely flattered by that, even if it does mean I'm admitting to being twisted. I hadn't tried to quantify my take on Denethor but something subtle and dark that's too wry to be humor but not quite cynicism yet nails it pretty well. I found myself liking him very much so it's nice to hear he has that effect on others as well. Thank you also for your comments about the various character interactions and backstory set-up. Bureaucracy, regrettably, comes naturally to me :-) but once I committed to using Denethor's POV exclusively, which really appealed to me, exposition overload was a very real threat. If I avoided taking that bullet between the eyes, I'm grateful. Thanks for reviewing!

The Karenator	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/18/2007
Wow! I've spent all afternoon trying to find that blasted dog. When I finally located the lazy hound, he was laid out in front of the fireplace, all warm and toasty. He informed me he does not know squat about Gondor; he's a Dunedain Dog. No need to explain sunken continents and scattered kin to a pooped pup. So, I dangled Aragorn's precarious position in front of him. He snorted a curious sound somewhere between a snore and disgust. "Aragorn doesn't need my help or the flat-foot's. That Meckinock has been trying to throw Aragorn over a cliff since I've known her. Let her get wet rescuing the chief." I'm really sorry. I planned to call the pound in the morning to see if they have any available...rooms, but I can't seem to find the phone. There are paw prints, however, on the base unit. Muddy ones. Hmmmm. Danielle Spaniel offered to say a few words, but every time I mentioned Aragorn, she fell down and rolled over. Sir Percy has a speaking engagement at the Pink Poodle. I'm afraid I'm all that's left. Denethor has gotten such a bad rap. PJ really didn't do him justice. Of course, by the time the camera was turned in Denethor's direction, he had already frayed a little around the edges. I love your portrayal of him in his younger years. He's a little grumpy, but he's obviously a good captain-general and probably commands more affection from his men than he realizes. The men are soldiers of Gondor and I need not own their hearts to command their allegiance. Great line. But it's hard to compete with Thorongil's shine. Everyone looks slightly tarnished next to him. And Denethor suspects there's more to the wandering Captain Thorongil than meets the eye. You've really given Denethor depth, a complex personality, and a complex situation. There is only one heart that I refuse to cede to Thorongil – the Steward’s.” I didn't get the feeling Denethor was thinking about being usurped for the Steward's chair when he made that statement, though I'm sure he had some niggling worries that Aragorn was eyeing his spot. My thought was Denethor was a little hurt that his father was so captivated with Thorongil. His father, not the Steward. Good old Turgon is apparently a pain in the bumpus at times. But what can Denethor do but tolerate his sister's husband? The scene in the tent before they left in search of Thorongil told us a lot about their relationship. Denethor finds Turgon most annoying, but he's family. Denethor copes the best he can. “There is no time to bury him now,” Denethor said, trying to be gentle. “We will come back and do it later, if we can.” It was a fiction. I like this insight into Denethor's character too. He was also very kind to the slave. What a terrific characterization you've done with Denethor. He's likeable with just enough of the rough edges to visualize the Denethor we saw in LOTR. Really, a brilliant man. And a loyal soldier of Gondor. Plus he knows how to maneuver in the political arena! We'll see how well he does in the romance department...after we fish Thorongil out of the river. This is just wonderful, Meckinock. I've read it now several times, and with each read, I find something new. Thank you so much for doing this. I'm sure Ainu Laire is as pleased as I am. Happy birthday to Ainu Laire! I can't think of a better present to share with her and with all the readers. It's a win-win situation. Thanks again, Karen Author Reply: That Meckinock has been trying to throw Aragorn over a cliff since I've known her. LOLOL. But I restrained myself for over three years - I get credit for that, don't I? I like your observation that Denethor was probably better-liked by the troops than he realized. I think that's probably true, and his belief that the men didn't love him turned into a self-fulfilling prophecy. It would be like Denethor, I think, to decide that if he couldn't win the competition, he wouldn't play at all. If he was going to be second-best in the men's eyes, well, screw the men. But his father was a different story. Denethor finds Turgon most annoying, but he's family. Denethor copes the best he can. LOL. Only a Southerner could put it so well! I'm glad you like Denethor. This is my first outing with him, and we're still getting to know one another :-)

perelleth	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/18/2007
What most impresses me of your stories (apart form great plots and masterful charactrizations)is the great pace. There is a feeling of movement from the very first paragraph, and I can very well feel the freezing cold of that morning. I had never before read a fic about Denethor's youth, but I'm liking your portray here very much. Uneasy with the captain's growing influence in a field that was his own, yet fair enough to see all things involved. I liked his reasoning of the consequences of leaving Thorongil behind. Practical, realistic assessment of the situation and the implications. And yet fair enough to begin pondering, once he has calmed down. Human, as he must have been once. IN my opnion, you nailed him down here: "The men would follow you anywhere. They would die for you.” and Denethor's answer: “But no matter. The men are soldiers of Gondor and I need not own their hearts to command their allegiance" Knowing that he could not challenge Thorongil's popularity, he chose the other point, not caring if he had or not his men's love. That surely led him slowly but steadily into isolation and into trusting only his own counsel. And still they obeyed him till the bitter end. He was indeed powerful, and wise, but he somewhat froze in his pride at a certain point. I like how it came out here. Author Reply: Tolkien put so much great stuff in the appendices. Reading the section on Denethor just gives me chills. Here is a guy who's essentially Thorongil's alter ego - but with slightly less "it" and considerably more pride and ambition. He wanted to be a hero and save the world; or at least his corner of it. It just wasn't ordained for him. Knowing Tolkien's religious beliefs, it seems kind of biblical- Aragorn humbled himself and was raised up, while Denethor exalted himself and was cast down. You have to feel like poor Denethor was set up a bit, though. I think you're right, telling himself he didn't care if he was loved isolated him and embittered him. Although losing his wife probably changed him, also. frozen in pride what a chilling image (npi). Glad you enjoyed it, Perelleth, and for sharing your insights.

Nilmandra	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/18/2007
I like that you're in Denethor's POV - Denethor is such a complex character, it is interesting to see the world through his eyes. Everything is a competition, his life is ordered military style with campaigns, sides, orders that must be followed and agendas to complete. His views on Finduilias are rather funny, but I hope we get to see him interact with her! And of course the best part is seeing Thorongil through Denethor's eyes. And the impression of the men. And of course Thorongil wouldn't let the orcs just get away with the slaves, no matter who they are. I am so glad you're writing again. This looks like it will be a great story. Author Reply: He is so complex, isn't he? I'm really digging being in his POV, and you're right about the competition and order. I think he saw his life all laid out, and he did everything right and according to plan, and he really got rattled when unexpected monkey wrenches got thrown at him - like Thorongil. Or marriage pressures... Thanks

obsidianj	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/18/2007
Great start. I thought it was a one-shot, since this is a birthday present and they tend to be short, but I was nearly to the end when I realized no way are you going to be able to finish in the rest of the chapter. I love the way you describe Denethor without making him out to be all evil. His grumpyness after a night of too much celebrating was very believable. You paint him as a good commander who is respected and followed but not loved. Thorongil seems to have all that and the love of the troops, which naturally rankles Denethor. I like it that he is following Thorongil and not leaving him to his fate even if he is not very font of the man. I had to laugh at the marriage maneuvering of Finduilas. Denethor is in a fine pickle. I look forward to the next chapter. Author Reply: Hi, obsidianj, I guess I fooled a lot of people with the unexpected WIP. The story actually was meant to be a one-shot, but when it got rather longer than I like my chapters to be, I cut it up. I'm glad you liked Denethor. I've seen varying portrayals of him, too, and over time I've found myself gravitating more and more towards a sympathetic treatment of him. He's a tragic character - but a noble, heroic one. Even though he's rankled by Thorongil, he respects him. He is in a pickle. But he could be in a worse pickle than being pushed to marry a beautiful princess he loves :-) Thanks for reviewing. I'm glad you're enjoying it.

Gandalfs apprentice	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/18/2007
Hello, meckinock Great beginning! I'm glad you've started a new story. Author Reply: Thanks, GA. It's good to be back in the saddle again.

Agape4Gondor	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/18/2007
Yikes! I wouldn't have read this if I had noticed it was a WIP (work in progress) but I am VERY glad I did. I see now (went to check you out) that you do seem to finish what you start... so I'm hopeful I will not be left waiting and waiting. It is an excellent start. I love your Denethor - sounds real to me. Thorongil, though we have yet to meet him, seems to be completely in character. I like the marriage thing with Finduilas. Will be interesting to see where you take this. Also, very much like the brother-in-law. Good contrast. I guess I'm tired of reading only lordly Gondorian warriors... not that he's not lordly, but he's real. Again - excellent start. Waiting (impatiently) for more. Author Reply: Hi Agape, This is one-shot but it got slightly out of hand, so I decided to chop it up. There will be only one or two more chapters (I haven't quite made up my mind.) So no never-ending story, I promise :-) Glad you're enjoying the surprise WIP, though. I am really enjoying getting into Denethor's head. Thanks for reviewing.

daw the minstrel	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/18/2007
I really like the way you're showing the Denethor-Thorongil dynamic from Denethor's POV. And you're treating him subtly, which is uncommon in fanfic, though it's what Tolkien certainly did. I liked the hint that he suspects Thorongil is more than he seems. As always, the details bring this alive--the cold boots, the sloppy weather, the need for a freeze to make travel easier. I cringed at the slaves' bare feet. I just noticed this morning that one of my heels has cracked from the cold, dry weather and I haven't been walking around barefoot. So apparently, PJ's TTT wasn't the first time Aragorn went over a cliff???? Author Reply: So apparently, PJ's TTT wasn't the first time Aragorn went over a cliff???? LOL, it turns out Aragorn is quite the veteran at cliff-jumping. I have to tell you, I love Denethor's POV. He's such a noble, do-gooder boy scout type. He's always done everything exactly right, and he just can't figure out what he did wrong to end up second best. He had everything worked out, and then life just slapped him upside the head and he never saw it coming. Poor guy.

Elflingimp	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/18/2007
Well that woke me up! I just got up to your story this morning half asleep but by the time I was done reading I was wide awake! Good or should I say great cliffhanger! My heart was beating fast by the time I was done reading,what a good wakeup call! LOL Author Reply: I've never written an actual, literal, cliff-hanger before! It was kind of invigorating for me, too. Glad you enjoyed the wake-up call :-) and thanks for reviewing.

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