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| The Keys of the Realm by Larner | 82 Review(s) |
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| Kitty | Reviewed Chapter: Author's Notes on 6/1/2008 |
| It surprised me a bit to learn that people questioned the ennoblement of Frodo and Sam. Tolkien may never have explicitly said they were ennobled or made Lords of the Realm, but if not, why then the circlets of honour? I always got the impression that only people of very high rank are wearing them. And it seems logical that Aragorn honoured them somehow; he owns them his life, freedom, throne and wife, after all. As for Húrin, I enjoyed to read more about him, and particularly that he knew Aragorn as Thorongil once. Aragorn had to be rather lonely at times, surrounded with so many strangers, living so far away from the North and the Rangers and Elves he had known for decades, and it is comforting to think there are a few people who he knew back then and with whom he can feel comfortable. I never tried sculpting (save a very few pieces in clay many years ago), but I can only say, I've been knitting for decades now, and there have been occasions when I saw a wool somewhere and at once knew what I could do with it, while I bought others because they were beautiful and then waited for the right idea to struck. So I can imagine that many artists feel this way with their respective material, and particularly the ones who do it as a profession. I don't think I need to repeat my opinion about Húrin fighting etc. - you know already how I think about it and that I wholeheartedly agree with you. Thank you for another wonderful story - I enjoyed it so much! **hugs** Author Reply: Ah, but so many times on a particular site I've heard the mantra, "But Tolkien never said that happened that way," as if since it wasn't said specifically it could not have happened. Or, the next most popular comment, "But I wouldn't have written it that way," as if that individual is the only one whose imagination has validity. I'd always thought perhaps that "Conin" was another translation of Frodo's name, until it was pointed out to me that I already knew "Annun" meant west. Suddenly it hit me that Frodo and Sam here were being named "Princes of the West," and that made such a deep impression on me--obviously. I crochet, so I know all about finding some yarns that immediately speak of a particular project, and others just fit in when the proper project for them speaks to ones mind. And there are a few scraps of paper that demand a particular picture, while at times a blank file has words waiting to be revealed on it.... And thanks so much--am so glad it caught at your imagination. | |
| Linda Hoyland | Reviewed Chapter: Author's Notes on 6/1/2008 |
| These notes were interesting.I never realised about "the Princes of the West" before or film Aragorn in Elendil's armour.. Author Reply: We begin to realize things as we compare notes. I don't remember for certain who it was that identified the armor Aragorn wore as having been that originally worn by Elendil, but it was noted on TheOneRing.net in the original films discussion forum, and is part of Grammaboodog's list of notations about the film (a list to which I contributed as it was being compiled, btw). And I learned the title "Princes of the West" on one encyclopedia site that lists Frodo's and Sam's titles. Glad you found these added to your knowledge as well. | |
| grumpy | Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 5/31/2008 |
| Hmmm, what to do with a dead troll turned to stone, I guess you can not push it to the corner somewhere, and hope the grass covers it. I for one would not like to be on the clean up crew after the battle. Glad to see that the falcon's family has hatched and taking over the place. Author Reply: Thanks, Grumpy. Yes--what does one do with a petrified troll? Or, worse yet, a number of such oddities? I know that Dreamflower had one covered with ivy and basically ignored in the Shire (and I STILL love that one, suffering from digestive problems after dining on a rather bitter Hyacinth! Heh!), but there ought to have been several such critters left on the Pelennor! As for the peregrines--on Animal Rescue today they found themselves banding three female chicks found in a nest tucked up under a bridge in the midwest, commenting that most of the peregrines found are found nesting in urban settings, usually under bridges or on the sides of buildings, mentioning such nests have been found in a number of cities across the nation. The chicks were a few weeks old and still downy, but were much larger already than a large pigeon--about the size of a full grown grey gull, or possibly even larger. And the cleanup must have been terrible! Heh! | |
| Stefania | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 5/29/2008 |
| Hi Bonnie - Great start. Thanks for showing us the post-siege trauma in Minas Tirith from the point of view of Hurin, Keeper of the Keys, one of my favorite minor characters in Lord of the Rings. You've given Hurin a great identity and an intriguing backstory, just in the course of the first chapter. The title seems to indicate that Hurin will be its main character. If that's the case, all I can say is "Yippee!, a Gondor fic from Larner." - Steff Author Reply: Yes, this is all from the POV of Hurin, and I'm glad it thrills you. The story is now complete, and author's notes will go up this weekend. And while you're at it, check out the last few stories in "'Neath Anor, Ithil, and Gil" as one is another Hurin story, and the other two are of the future of Gondor as Aragorn gives over rule to his son. And I do love Gondor as well as Shire and Bree stories! Heh! | |
| Andrea | Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 5/29/2008 |
| The young Steward of Gondor walked most erectly, his face also pale but set, patently ignoring Master Galador, who walked by him and was trying to voice objections of some sort or another. Haha! Master Galador again! I just like that man. Everything around him changed in such a short time! For the Master of Protocol it must have been a nightmare ;-) On the other hand I think that Faramir did exactly the right thing. And Aragorn rewarded him by giving back the rod of stewards into Faramir's possession. I very much liked Hurin's first impression of Frodo and his realisation that there was a strong bond between Aragorn and Frodo, and even more than that... P.S.: So, I really set a plot bunny free? I will keep my eyes open to find the result :) It's about Sam and the Gaffer, right? Author Reply: Yes, Galador is here once more! So glad you appreciate him! So MUCH is changing now! And I agree that Faramir did the only thing he could to satisfy everyone. Am glad you like the recognition of fraternity between Frodo and Aragorn; I think someone as perceptive as Hurin would see it swiftly. I managed to shove your bunny into another story. At first the original bunny started to protest, then recognized a litter brother and appeared excited to welcome him. It will be posted about the fourteenth, I think. I have the final three chapters of Stirring Rings finished now, but am still having difficulties getting Bucca and his fellows out onto the field of battle.... | |
| harrowcat | Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 5/29/2008 |
| As I have said before you do pomp and ceremony as well as the Brits Larner, even if Galador would find it hard to adjust. I love the human touches and really enjoy your explanations in reviews. Sorry to read about your client. Prayers going up for all of you. Author Reply: Thank you so, Harrowcat. I do try to make things in keeping with the culture, at least; in this case where there'd been no king for a thousand years, do you really send the new applicant up into the Hallows to bring it out himself? Indeed, in his explanation, Faramir states he purposely brought it out against tradition. There doesn't appear to have been a true public coronation ceremony in Numenorian and Gondorian tradition, if the son usually accepted the crown from his father's hands either just before or just after he died; there was probably some sort of official recognition of the new ruler, so in "Light On the Way" I have the "local" recognition with the Eldarion walking out onto the promontory over the city so all can see he does indeed wear the Winged Crown; and probably there would be an official final internment and a day or period appointed for the lords of the realm to come to the capital to renew their vows of loyalty and allegiance to the new ruler, and during which time officials from other lands might come to pay their respects to the deceased ruler and then eyeball the new one. We get to play with so many ideas, as Tolkien left them so sketchy. As for Galador--he's way out of his element, I fear. Heh! I so appreciate the prayers. I'll be spending tomorrow with her--we're already finding the personnel at the nursing home where she's being evaluated have failed to take into account some of our client's current limitations. So I will be there to make certain she gets some lunch and dinner, at least. It's going to be a touchy process, I fear. Hope your mother's enjoyed her holiday, and the same for your father. | |
| Linda Hoyland | Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 5/28/2008 |
| I enjoyed seeing the coronation through hurin's eyes.You have brought him to life.In my sub universere, Ioreth's kinswoman is Tasariel,so she is here too! Author Reply: Thank you, Linda. It's nice to give some substance to what are merely heroic names in the book. And I'm glad that Tasariel has made it into this story, although I hadn't given her a name as yet. I suppose now I know that name! (Grinning!) | |
| Soledad | Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 5/28/2008 |
| I love your version of Húrin's family! The girls seem to have strong personalities already, and his mother-in-law haunting the kitchens is just too funny to behold. *g* The Protocol Master is a very lovable character, despite his personal quirks. I'm sure he wasn't happy with all the changes, but he gave in gracefully enough. Good for him! Oh, and I appreciate your respect for Denethor. Without him and his forefathers, the King wouldn't have had a realm to return to. Author Reply: I so agree, Soledad. The daughters are partly based on my younger sister and myself. I was such a bossy thing as a child in many ways. and such changes as they would have found would be very worrisome, I suspect, to the two of them. Endore, the insecure mother who is certain she's supposed to do everything and boss everything but who keeps finding that life has its own surprises--the self-willed yet proper daughter who's chosen a proper lord for a husband--but he has but one arm? Am so glad she tickles you, as I'm entertaining another plotbunny who wears rather garish, rhinestone glasses. Galador has appeared in several stories, although he didn't take a truly definable shape until I wrote "The Acceptable Sacrifice." He knows the changes are necessary; but this new time is such a shock to his personal sensibilities as to what one OUGHT to do and how things OUGHT to be done! And when someone actually thanks him for what he has done and does well he's always a bit taken aback, I find. As for Denethor--he was, from what we can tell, an excellent Steward for the most part--just envious of the one who, I believe, would have delighted to think of him as another adopted brother. And between his envy and his final insecurities Sauron was able to trick him into exposing himself. Thanks so much, and am working on the next chapter today. Have been distracted by my work, and it appears we may be losing one of my clients. It hurts when that happens. | |
| Lúmë | Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 5/28/2008 |
| What joy it is to visit the White City once more in your wonderful tales, Larner! This review is for all the chapters up to now. What I've always loved most of your work is the sense of familiarity and everyday life that you bring to what normally would be fantasy. And the way I as reader can watch through the eyes of those present. It has been a long time since I visited your story archive, I see I have much to catch up on. I'm sure it will be a wonderful experience! Thank you! Author Reply: Oh, I love to explore Minas Tirith as much as I do the Shire, I find. And it's wonderful to explore through a particular point of view, I find. The children in this case are somewhat based on my sister and me when we were little and close. I miss those days a good deal. And I'm always pleased when someone explores after an absence! Thanks for the comments--I do appreciate them! | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 6 on 5/28/2008 |
| there was to him much the same feeling of isolated dignity and reserve he saw in the figure of the one who would shortly be King. This is lovely. What an event to remember, and be told and re-told, for all the glad days to come. Author Reply: Thank you so, Shirebound! Yes, an event to remember, and an odd kinship to explore. Both Aragorn and Frodo have been set apart, and thus have that isolated dignity in common--which must have been a bit of a relief for Frodo as he sought to rebuild himself. And Hurin and his family have this to share. | |