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The Keys of the Realm  by Larner 13 Review(s)
AndreaReviewed Chapter: 4 on 5/21/2008
Langstrand? Never heard of it! In my opinion that man from Langstrand would only be content if all remained as it was, like Denethor said to Gandalf. And *that* is impossible!

Faramir obviously had long discussions with Merry about his cousins, Sam and the Shire. And from what he tells Hurin you can see his admiration for the Shirefolk.

“So,” Húrin said, delighted, “then the Pheriannath are not all perfect beings, are they? Spying, was he?”

LOL!!! No, they are not perfect, but they are very determined and selfless when it comes to solve a problem. And that makes them dangerous, you're quite right.

No one wishes to begin a task that is deemed impossible.

That is very true! And still, Frodo did it. He is a remarkable hobbit. Although, I'm quite sure he would not agree with me if he read what I wrote ;-)

Author Reply: Langstrand is shown on Tolkien's maps of Middle Earth to be along the west coast of Gondor. And I suspect many of the minor lords particularly would have preferred to keep the status quo as well.

Merry was in Minas Tirith for some time, recovering from the Black Breath and awaiting word on the situation with his fellow Hobbits. We know that Faramir spoke with him regarding Eowyn; that he spoke with him about Merry's own concerns, more about the nature of the Ringbearer and Sam and Pippin, and so on, just seems likely.

No, I doubt Frodo would agree with our belief in how extraordinary he was for anyone of any race. And to find that Hobbits will spy on one another must have tickled Faramir's and Hurin's fancies. Heh! Thank so for the feedback, Andrea.

KittyReviewed Chapter: 4 on 5/21/2008
Interesting discussion, Larner. You just filled another gap left by the Professor. I felt a certain pity for Faramir and Erchirion to have to argue with people like this lord from Langstrand! But of course, there had to be a few of such.

Galador's trouble at learning Aragorn is still bachelor reminded me so of the 'rustic Dúnedain maiden' and made me smile. It is always so nice to have these reminders of the other stories! (Like the mentioning of Alvric in the other chapter)

Ah, it is so gratifying to read Faramir's praise for the Hobbits! And when put so, I have to agree the hobbits could seem to be dangerous creatures. Hadn't really thought about that before, but Faramir is right!

And of course, I suspect Húrin was right about Boromir. He'd have been bored to death to have to sit always in the Citadel and rule, instead of being in the midst of the action!

And now I finally know where Aragorn got his formal robes so suddenly ;-) You've thought of everything!

Btw, I doubt Halladan would talk about himself as 'Lord Halladan' here: Halladan now joined himself fully to the discussion. “Many are sorely wounded and should not move from their current camp. Certainly the Ringbearers are yet deep in healing sleep as Lords Halladan and Faramir have indicated

Author Reply: I'm so glad you feel this is a good gapfiller. Yes, there are always those like this lord from Langstrand who wish things never needed to change at all. And you know how I LOVE to weave my stories together.

The fact that Hobbits can be so single-minded does make them singularly formidable, I think. So glad you agree with Faramir.

And thanks so for the catch. You're the first one to catch this one. Gads--so many have been through it and we all missed that! Heh!

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 4 on 5/21/2008
Faramir's assessment of everything is so thoughtful and logical, none can dispute him. And of course I love the conclusions he's drawn about the hobbits.

Author Reply: Faramir, we're told by the Master, was one who read the hearts of others truly; and his logic is, I think, quite considered.

And I'm so glad you like his thoughts on Hobbits! Thanks so for the feedback, Shirebound.

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