Breon Briarwood · 14 April 2004 · Chapter 8: The Dark Hours
no... *sniff*
Author's reply
Yes... *sniff*
The Queen's Orc by jodancingtree
Reviews (166)
FantasyFan · 14 April 2004 · Chapter 8: The Dark Hours
The hours are dark in more than one way. Does Aragorn have regrets, now as his end approaches? I always thought I saw regrets in Arwen's grief, but no guilt in Aragorn over the sacrifice she has made for him. Did not someone famous once say that much is said about our lives in how we accept death? In Tolkien's world, death is a grace, and Aragorn is accepting it gracefully, as did Frodo. I think Arwen is more like Sam was at the end of his life. Canohando's fatalism about death feels different from both. I wonder how he will react to the deaths of the King and Queen.
Author's reply
Yes, they are. I think Tolkien said that Arwen "was not yet weary of her life" when it came time for Aragorn to die, so she must have had some deep regrets about that, although probably not about her choice to marry him. I think you've pegged both her and Aragorn's level of acceptance accurately. Canohando is a different case: he sees death in terms of "orcs live until someone slays them", and that has made him fatalistic. I doubt he ever really thought about the mortal condition: that death can come peacefully, by old age, until he saw Lash's wife die. Then it hit him, and he hurried back to Mordor, looking for Frodo. In this story he's forced to come to terms with the deaths of Frodo, Aragorn, and Arwen - all three of whom he has come to love - and not in the violent style he always associated with death. It has to have a profound effect on him... jo
Breon Briarwood · 14 April 2004 · Chapter 7: The King's Judgment
Alright! I knew Elessar would recognize the truth of the matter. It's too bad though, that it took a premonition of his own death for him to see it. However, I'm anxious to see what's going to happen now! The people don't seem happy with the King's decision.
Author's reply
Well, perhaps he would have seen it anyway - but I think it was Samuel Johnson who said, "Nothing so concentrates a man's mind, as the knowledge that he is to be hanged in the morning." Or something like that - certainly the realization that his time is short throws a different light on things for Aragorn. But the people of Gondor have no reason to trust any orc... jo
Carol · 8 April 2004 · Chapter 6: The King and the Orc
What a remarkable amount of guards for one orc! Aragorn really isn't going to take any chances. The fact that he decided to wait a month before passing judgement suggests that Aragorn wanted to be fair, yet he didn't speak to Canohando until Arwen pushed him into it, and still hasn't called him by name. I suppose fairness is warring with attitudes developed over a lifetime.
Author's reply
You're right - Aragorn has never known orcs to be anything other than treacherous, sadistic, and utterly given to evil. Even when Frodo reported that a few of them had turned from the Dark, Aragorn suspected some deception by the orcs. Now Canohando shows up and the first thing he does is spill blood - it's hard for Aragorn to see beyond that. I think it's actually more surprising that Arwen sees at once what Canohando really is.
Lossenchristal · 8 April 2004 · Chapter 6: The King and the Orc
Another very good chapter! I like it that you are not having Aragorn give in to Arwen right away, or all at once. It makes it more real that way. That was an interesting idea, putting him in the old nursery at the palace!:) I look forward to the next chapter!:) Thanks! Namarië, ~Lossenchristal
Author's reply
Thank you, Lossenchristal! The nursery was an obvius choice, with the barred windows - but Arwen shows such tenderness toward, Canohando: at some unconscious level, almost as if she wanted to "mother" him...
Muinthel · 6 April 2004 · Chapter 5: In the Dungeons of Gondor
....well well ....I'm really thrilled to find this story! Like I told you - I was really looking forward to what would happen to Frodos orc. It will be very interesting to find out how Aragorn will eventually handle the whole situation, for I think he is allready starting to change. The behaviour of Canohando and how Arwen reacted on it would leave nobody untouched. I hope Aragorn will find a decision as wise as he would have learned it from his father and from the Lady of the woods.... "...you may find friendship and help in unexpected places and situations!" That is something that also Frodo learned....by Tolkien and in your stories the hard way ;)!!!
Author's reply
I am so touched and happy to find there are readers interested in what happens to Canohando - I did get so fond of him when I was writing Wizard! And of course he's a real challenge to Aragorn's justice - lucky for both of them that Arwen is there with the wisdom she learned from Elrond...
Lossenchristal · 6 April 2004 · Chapter 5: In the Dungeons of Gondor
That was a Lovely chapter! Thanks so much! I can't wait to see what Aragorn decides...:)Please don't make us wait too long!:) Namarië, ~Lossenchristal
Author's reply
Thank you, Lossenchristal! I'll try not to take too long putting up the next chapter... jo
FantasyFan · 6 April 2004 · Chapter 5: In the Dungeons of Gondor
I think the king has gotten complacent in the time of peace, and has forgotten somewhat the way of a warrior. He is so used now to rule, and law, that Arwen needs to remind him how decisions are made in the heat of battle. And she's also reminding him the lesson that Gimli and Legolas learned long ago, to look beyond the externals to the soul within, and find kinship in old enemies. At least he has compassion enough left to think of disciplining the warden of the jail. How we treat the old, the helpless and the unworthy says much of the heart of our beliefs. I hope Aragorn can find justice for Canohando in the same way that he found justice for Beregond long before: justice tempered with wisdom and mercy. The first step has not quite been taken, though. Aragorn still calls him 'orc' instead of by his name, as Arwen does. He will have to see him as a sentient being before he can offer him redemption. The thought is beginning to stir, though. He is allowing Arwen to give orders for Canohando's care. More tears are shed for Frodo, and I admit a few of them are mine. But I am trying to be brave and remember that Frodo felt at peace with his own death, and that all he needed to accomplish was achieved. It doesn't take the pain away though. Is it strange that thinking of the AU death of a fictional character can inspire such strong emotion? He touches a deep chord in me.
Author's reply
I do so appreciate your thought-provoking reviews! Yes, Frodo touches a deep chord in me, too. Just reading something Tolkien wrote (forget where) about how things were in the Shire "in Frodo's time" - underlining that Frodo's time was in the distant past by then - cut me up. I want it to be always Frodo's time! But it doesn't work that way, and even Frodo could be weary at the end of a long life, and want to rest... It's not his own sorrow, it's the sorrow of those who love him and don't want to lose him. Like us. (Which is why I can't stop writing about him - there's so much Frodo creeping into this story, I suspect I should name him as one of the characters! No wait, I did, because of the Prologue. ;-) And I think you're right about Aragorn: he will have a struggle in his own mind, if he decides he wants to pardon Canohando - law versus "grace"... jo
Gentle Hobbit · 4 April 2004 · Chapter 4: The Elf-queen
And so it begins... I've been looking forward to this story and so was thrilled to see five chapters this morning. Canohando continues to be compelling and is well able to carry a story on his own. This is going to be such a fascinating conjunction of three very distinct and strong characters -- Canohando, Aragorn and the Queen. And a mixture of strong themes -- faith, ideals, racism, and compassion. I look forward to more of the complex internal journey that this orc is on.
Author's reply
Hi, Gentle Hobbit - You're right that Aragorn and Arwen are strong characters! I meant to write about Canohando, and they were there pretty much as foils to him, but it isn't working out that way at all! I'm getting to know them better than I ever did before, as they exercise their royal prerogative and take over the story. >vbg< Not that they're elbowing Canohando aside - you can't elbow an Orc. But there are chapters when I feel like I'm just along for the ride. Anyhow, I hope you're enjoying it as much as I am! jo
Breon Briarwood · 3 April 2004 · Chapter 4: The Elf-queen
What?! How can Elessar do this? Doesn't he see Canohando was only acting in self-defense! Arwen has to make him release the orc! Eagerly awaiting more! :D
Author's reply
Well, he *did* kill one of Elessar's men, right there in front of everyone! But I'll let Elessar explain his own thinking a little later... Glad you're enjoying it, Breon!
FantasyFan · 3 April 2004 · Chapter 4: The Elf-queen
Canohando is so sure that he is going to die. He says it over and over, in this chapter and the last. I could imagine being afrraid in his place, and expecting death, but this is different someohow. He is not afraid, and it is like he is drawn to death despite himself. I hope he is wrong, as I hope he has misjudged Aragorn, even though at the end of this chapter he is bound by his order. It is very sad for him to realize that Darkness ever chases him. It says a lot that he is still fleeing it. I'm interested to see how Arwen will intercede for him. The redemption of an orc is certainly a fascinating thing to explore.
Author's reply
You're right, FantasyFan - he's fatalistic, and maybe even more than that: as if he was courting death, as if the only possible outcome of finding the Lady would be his death. And then too, the only connection between the men of Gondor and orcs that he can imagine, is that one kills the other. And he did not intend to kill - yet he did, in a moment of instinctive self-defense, despite his conscious decision to be the victim rather than the aggressor. And he was drawn to Arwen in spite of the fact that he thought he would pay with his life for coming to her - poor Canohando is being buffeted about by internal forces he doesn't understand and has very little control over. I think he has had only a few truly free actions in this story: choosing not to kill either the young drunk or the obnoxious one, and helping the tipsy sailor home, and in this chapter, throwing down the sword. Yes, his redemption is continuing. It's one thing to live a harmless life in the seclusion of his mountains, quite another to be a new kind of creature in the face of misunderstanding and hatred from people who see him as just another bloodthirsty orc.
Finafyr · 3 April 2004 · Chapter 4: The Elf-queen
They struck first blood not our orc.. I hope that Atagorn can see that.. cause this is not an orc that I would want harmed.. how can he learn more of the light with such actions...but (smile) this is a good story...thank you
Author's reply
You're welcome, Finafyr - I'm glad you like it! :-) I'm not sure Aragorn can see past the death of a loyal soldier that he no doubt knew by name, possibly from boyhood on... but Arwen has clearer vision than he does, where Frodo's orc is concerned.
Lossenchristal · 2 April 2004 · Chapter 3: Dangers
Oooh, I like it! I love the way you give the orcs feelings. I can't wait to see what happens! Please update soon!:) Namarië, ~Lossenchristal
Author's reply
Hi, Lossenchristal! I'm so glad you like it.. and I updated today... jo
FantasyFan · 2 April 2004 · Chapter 3: Dangers
I don't think Aragorn is going to be pleased at how loose is the safety of his citadel, though in times of peace none are as vigilant. Canohando is probably right to think most would slay him on sight (if most even remember what an orc looks like) but I think he may be wrong about Aragorn - the king is both merciful and just, and like Frodo, courageous. I'm looking forward to seeing if Arwen and Aragorn can complete Canohando's healing. 120 years after the Ring was destroyed - Frodo would be 170. Or rather, he wouldn't. He is dead by now, and Samwise with him we know, and their ending was not bad. (But please don't tell us that, OK? Can't deal with dead Frodo right now. Anyway, he isn't really gone, as long as there are those that remember him with love. And since Arwen is now mortal, and Aragorn will die and the elves will all leave, or fade, it may be that eventually Canohando will be the last left in Middle-earth who does remember Frodo. Amazing. That is, until Tolkien comes along and gives him for us to remember. Now he will never really be gone.) I guess we will have to talk about it, though. How will Canohando react to the news, if he asks and if Arwen will tell him?
Author's reply
Oh, FantasyFan, thank you! This is why I love to get feedback while I'm working on a story - readers point out to me things I hadn't thought of. Such as the fact that someday, Canohando may be the only one in Middle Earth who remembers Frodo! Wow. That gives me food for thought...
Rose Sared · 1 April 2004 · Chapter 3: Dangers
Bravo again, only you could make an orc a sympathetic character and yet stay an orc. Bit of a worry on the security of MT though if he can slip in so easily, imagine if he wasn't besotted with the Queen? OOERR as i might have said in my youth. Keep up the good work, (chain yourself to the screen I mean!) looking forward to the rest Rosemary
Author's reply
Thank you, Rose! Yes, there are some holes in their security, apparently - they'll need to take steps. OTOH, Canohando is just one, relatively small orc, albeit a very wily scout...
Meldewen Ilce · 1 April 2004 · Chapter 0: A Different Point of View
Oh Jo - I do love this story so very much! Brava!
Author's reply
Thank you, Meldewen Ilce! I'm so glad!