SharonB
· 14 February 2005
· Chapter 48: The Prisoners’ Audience
Ha, I loved the fact that Strider translated for the prisoners but wisely let his brother translate the Sindarian. It probably would have given it all away if he did that translation as well. And quite a few were surprised by who Strider actually was.
At least Ruvemir won't have to march to war.
Author's reply
I would think even a Hobbit would do better on the battlefield than one with disproportionately short arms such as so many who experience dwarfism do.
And I also felt that having one of the Elves translate the Sindarin made more sense in this case, for, as you have pointed out, it makes it easier for the prisoners to accept Aragorn himself as Strider the Ranger.
Dreamflower
· 13 February 2005
· Chapter 48: The Prisoners’ Audience
Oh I just *loved* the way Aragorn revealed himself as the "translator". These "bad guys" had no clue what they were really dealing with!
And sentencing them to the punishment of their own land was totally appropriate!
But I find myself wondering how Ruvemir will fare after the King marches off to war...
He has his own enemy, even though he doesn't really realize that yet.
Author's reply
I find myself singing "Let the punishment fit the crime, the punishment fit the crime" when I think about these guys. But I can't see Aragorn liking having done this all that much.
Remember, Ruvemir is getting ready to head south himself, although what he might have to face along the way is hard to say. There will be a confrontation with Varondil, though.
annmarwalk
· 13 February 2005
· Chapter 41: Guild Masters, Kings, and the Gift of Iluvatar
I enjoyed the small details here of everyday life in the Shire, and in Minas Anor: hobbit gammers gossiping over their clothelines, men of the city playing chess. What lovely word-pictures you paint!
Author's reply
Thank you, Ann. I am trying to keep up with the Master, whose descriptions when he gave them were fantastic.
annmarwalk
· 13 February 2005
· Chapter 34: A Day's Work
I've not done any nitpicking - there's little to be done! but I'm not sure I understand the meaning of this:
"on an easel stood an aetherial drawing which was obviously a work in progress of Elves facing a great dragon."
Could you please clafify what you mean by this? I enjoyed the story of Frodo becoming friends with the shopkeeper, Iohael. Your OC's are marvelous, all very well realized.
Author's reply
I don't know if you are familiar with the drawings of Khalil Gibran and William James, both who tended to draw very spiritual pictures of souls enraptured. Even much of Lee's work tends to be aetherial in nature, very full of light, often as if there is something going on below the surface of the picture you see. I see Frodo's work as being very realistic for the most part; but that of Iorhael as looking more at mood and symbolism than at depiction.
annmarwalk
· 13 February 2005
· Chapter 32: Preparations for Rough Cutting
I am enjoying this so much, especially the respect shown to the spirit of the stone. Do you have a background in sculpture? Your details (as always) are wonderful, and provide a very useful explanation of things I'd never considered before. I also like the way you depict the various communities: elves, dwarves, etc., working together to restore the city, while also maintaining their own distinctive cultural heritages.
Author's reply
As I've stated in response to some other reviews, I've done my share of drawing and painting (my best work is in crayon drawing and scratchboard), and some work with clay. I have done soapstone sculpture as part of my graduate work, and blindfolded at that; while my husband, who was blind, did woodworking. My instructor when I did the soapstone work has been blind most of his adult life, and was quite lyrical when speaking of what it is like to work with stone. I had a friend in college who did stone carving, and he told me some of what it was like. I've also read "The Agony and the Ecstasy" and a few other books about sculpting and sculptors, so most of what I write is second-hand knowledge at best, with a good deal of imagination thrown into the mix. Certainly I've worked a bit of Paul and Glen's enthusiasm for stone into the writing I've done.
Aragorn drew love and devotion as Frodo did, and in LOTR both Legolas and Gimli spoke of how they would bring their own folk to Minas Tirith to help in the rebuilding of the city, for the love of the Lord of the White Tree. These, however, while they would learn to tolerate one another, would still have remained true to their own natures and cultures. I suspect there might have grown some friendships, but few of the deep nature of that seen in Gimli and Legolas.
annmarwalk
· 13 February 2005
· Chapter 31: Beginning the Execution of the Commission
Ohno! Trouble on the way! I knew things were progressing just too peacefully...
Hopefully, Ruvemir's natural dignity and honesty will conquer any problems here.
Author's reply
Yes, trouble does occur. How long it will take to resolve it is still up in the air.
SharonB
· 13 February 2005
· Chapter 47: Witnessing the Birth
Yippee, another chapter. How different protocol is for those who lead the realm from the others who merely live in it. To have to have wintesses to see the birth to be able to testify that the baby really was theirs. (Reminds of the fact that Diana had to be examined before her wedding to verify that Charles was marrying a virgin!) And how sweet that Melian was presented to the oldest there before she was given to her father. She seemed to have special communion with both Celeborn and Glorfindel.
I wonder if the ambassadors or their retinues will recognize Aragorn in his role as Strider or will face the shock of seeing him take the throne after the questioning. I can see that Ruvemir is trying to prepare them some without specifically telling them. And nice point that Ifram remembered what Pando called himself and used the word "lad". You can see why he was given the task of being an ambassador, one has to be able to collect and use such to effectively deal with others.
It sounds as though both Rhun and Harad are recognizing what sort of peace and plenty they may have without the task masters of Mordor hanging over them.
Aother good chapter as always.
Author's reply
Royal protocol is very different from what most people face. If you've ever read The Prince and the Pauper, poor Tom Canty was almost overwhelmed when forced to live the Prince's life--not even able to dress himself and so on.
There have to be witnesses to so much for rulers of great nations. Even Eomer would have more personal freedom than Aragorn, once he became King. It is no problem at all for me to believe that, having found someone who hasn't started out on the "My Lord" level, Aragorn and Arwen would sneak off to become refugees from protocol for a night.
Dreamflower
· 12 February 2005
· Chapter 47: Witnessing the Birth
The birth was certainly well-described. I always enjoy seeing Aragorn act as a healer, and I loved his little lecture to the careless mid-wife.
Eagerly awaiting the encounter with the would-be assassins...
Author's reply
Yes, I, too, found the lecture in character.
The audience for those from Rhun is coming.
Tigger
· 12 February 2005
· Chapter 47: Witnessing the Birth
Wow!! I've caught up on everything I've missed the last week. I hate getting sick at the drop of a hat. Anyway...Love all the updates and I'll bet Ruvemir was shocked he, a sculptor, was asked to witness the birth of the little Princess, but Aragorn would want a friend who isn't bound by protocol there. Especially since none of the hobbits were able to be. Loved Sam addressing Frodo and Aragorn's little statues. He knew Aragorn would be checking up on him via the Palantir. This night especially.
Sad there was an assaination attempt, but even in peace there will be those willing to wage war. Sad fact. Loved that Pando was the hero. Once again, the bravery of the hobbits shines out. Nice touch the gift of the dagger to him by Ifram.
Can't wait for the next chapter and the end of the game. Those Easterlings are in for a nasty shock.
Author's reply
Yes, I think that Ruvemir is more present as a surrogate for the Shire than for any other reason. He is the one who has visited the Shire, who has come to know those who were part of the Fellowship the best, who has begun to stand for the memory of Frodo. It will be quite a memory for Ruvemir to bear, the birth of the King and Queen's first child.
Glad you like it.
Dreamflower
· 12 February 2005
· Chapter 46: And to the Queen, a Daughter
*great big grin*
What a great chapter, with so much going on!
I liked Ruvemir's gentle care of the sleeping Celebgil, and his even more gentle handling of the situation between the boy and his master. That situation is one I am following with interest. I like your subtle way of dealing with it. It's very clear, yet tastefully handled.
I appreciated the description of Ruvemir's "crafting trance". I like that phrase; it's something I've experienced myself once or twice with calligraphy projects, and it's exhausting but satisfying, and kind of scary in a good way.
The attempt on the ambassador's life was suspenseful. And I loved Pando saving the day with his thrown rock. That was not only unexpected, but a very welcome reminder of hobbity determination.
And finally, the scene at the end, returning to the Shire to announce the births of both the little princess and of Rosie-lass.
*sigh* *grinning again*
Author's reply
I try not to be offensive in writing my stories at the same time I try to reference real issues, just as Tolkien himself did. Too many of us have either experienced what Varondil is doing or have had to deal with friends and/or family who have been through it, and even, in some cases, we've seen some accused of doing what they never did do. So I will attempt to remain tactful and sensitive in following through on that situation.
I've found myself "in the zone" when writing more than once, and have suddenly come to to find I've written all night and am now exhausted. Did that more than once in college and grad school. I suspect many of us have been in "crafting trance" at times in our careers.
There are going to be problems with the new governments in Rhun and Harad--gotta be. That's just the way life is. That they are going to find the fairly decent new order under attack is simply consistent with political reality.
And I'm glad you appreciate Rosie-Lass and Melian being born at the same time. The news would be most welcome in the Shire, I think. And I'm certain that Merry and Pippin would be feeling proprietorial over both girls, and that Sam would indeed be wishing the two he honors so were there to see and rejoice with him.
Eruviluieth
· 11 February 2005
· Chapter 46: And to the Queen, a Daughter
AWWW! They're both born at the same time, that's so sweet! Sam talking to Frodo and Aragorn was just precious. I am kind of wondering why Aragorn had a girl. I know we only hear about Eldarion, that Aragorn might have had others, but why did you choose to make his firstborn a girl and not Eldarion? I loved the Lion King baby presentation, including the sun spotlighting the baby. Poor Pando just can't avoid confrontation, can he? At least he handles it well. Interesting wrinkle in the diplomatic situation. Are there traitors in Rhun? I'm very interested where you'll take this next. Keep up the excellent work!
Author's reply
I'll take the comments out of order. It says in the story of Aragorn and Arwen that after Aragorn died she took leave of her daughters, so we have indication there were more than one. Secondly, if Eldarion were the first child born, he'd be well over a hundred when he took the throne; so I decided to make him the middle child in my vision of the early Fourth Age. He'd still be close to a hundred, so not much older than his father was when he took the throne. But a totally middle-aged Dunedain I didn't want to see.
I just like the idea that some of the children of the various characters might have been the same age, and I imagine little Rosie-Lass and Melian side by side at their first meeting, both toddlers similar in development and yet quite different due to being different sizes--I'd love to see them deciding whether or not they will like one another.
The end of the Keel on the Sixth Level has been so emblazoned on my mind by the movie that I find it has to have had some kind of ceremonial significance. Since usually the crowning of the new King was private between dying father and his heir, there would have to be some way of the people of the city to see the new King in some kind of ritual manner so his accession could be acclaimed--and so in "Light on the Way" I used the keel for that purpose. Well, if it is the acclamation point, it would be the point for presentation of possible heirs as well as the point where the new King first shows himself.
Any time there is a marked political change, there will be opportunists who will try to manipulate the situation to their own gain, and I'm certain such would have occured in Rhun and elsewhere. These folk have not had self-determination in about five hundred years at least--someone is going to try to put himself in charge as the new dictator to try to reap the spoils. Having a fairly honorable man in charge of a place like Rhun is going to be seen as not good by the opportunists.
Eruviluieth
· 11 February 2005
· Chapter 45: Feast
Excellent chapter! I love all the details about the feast. Aragorn has mastered informal formality, and what a useful skill. I hope they can find Staravion. I loved the bit about the mithril shirt, it was incredible. Took my breath away when I read it. Aragorn's skill in singing seems to have improved. When he met Arwen at 20, he thought he'd accomplished the trick of Elven masters to bring images to life with songs. Now, it appears he's gotten the trick down fairly well, at least as far as Elbereth is concerned. I'm amazed that every time you tell Frodo's story (and the rest of the story, too), you always find a new way to tell it, a slightly different spin that invariably brings out some new revelation or detail. It's an impressive skill. I'm enjoying all of this story, but I really love how rounded a picture I'm getting of the whole story of the Ring and the four hobbits. Just excellent!
Author's reply
The whole purpose of Ruvemir's involvement is to bring the story to fullness, to round it out, to assist others to see it as a whole, and hopefully to assist all remaining of the Fellowship to find healing for their grief, their continued mourning.
As for the singing, I thought, "Why not? He's ninety-three now--can't his ability to sing have become even more Elvish in seven decades?"
Thank you so for your feedback--I do so appreciate it.
annmarwalk
· 11 February 2005
· Chapter 24: Yule Coming In
Some lovely details I particularly enjoyed -
-- the hobbits singing "nonsensical" words from a language they no longer remember - this so reminded me of the Latin mass of my childhood!
-- burning the Troubles - what a great idea!
-- the embroidered Evenstar doll
-- the happy lovers!
-- Farmer Cotton asking the gruff, hard questions.
Author's reply
Think of one of my favorite childhood games and songs that I love to play with my younger students--"Ring around the Rosie." It's nonsense now, but once was an invocation intended to guard against smallpox. There are other songs whose words have shifted over the years as the original meanings faded, as language shifts and meanings of words change, or as the language of the people becomes more infused with words from other languages. Seems that the Hobbits would have some hangover words and traditional songs from the days east of the Misty Mountains that would be most likely to be repeated at such times as Yule.
So many new years traditions are intended to chase away ill luck from the old year, and there are cleansing ceremonies in so many cultures. I just figured this one would be in keeping with Hobbit sensibilities and sufficiently similar to other practices seen by such as Ruvemir he'd understand the importance. The New Light is in our culture and shared faith--at Candlemass, Christmas, the Easter Even services for those in the liturgical churches--the church darkened, the New Light struck from flint and steel, and the flame caught in the Pascal Candle, from which other candles are lit until the entire church is full of the golden light.... You know what I mean, Ann, if you were raised Catholic (I'm Anglican Catholic, by the way). The actual fire drill ceremoney and relighting of the home fires I borrowed from Rosemary Sutcliff's book Warrior Scarlet, and I doubt she would be angry I'd done so, although she wrote of Beltane and I write of Yule.
And one of our favorite dolls was a soft sculpture doll; and I think Miriel would produce a magnificent version.
I always felt that Sam ought to have been at least offered the chance to go with Frodo, but that he'd have chosen to stay with Rosie, having made the commitment of marriage with her. And I think that Farmer Cotton, like Farmer Maggot, would have a good understanding of the world as it is, and would have wanted to find out what Sam gave up marrying his daughter and remaining true to his vows to her.
As for happy lovers--the world always has room for a few.
Glad you liked these details, too.
annmarwalk
· 11 February 2005
· Chapter 23: A Study of a Hand
This is amazing - what was in the box was shocking, and painful, but you've described it so tenderly. This is such a marvelous story! So many moods!
Ann
Author's reply
The stationery box is the same one from "For Eyes to See as Can," of course, and the pictures are fully described there. And Sam would have appreciated what they meant. I have never tried to write Frodo's last letter to Sam, though--I think it's still too private between the two of them.
And as Sam said, I think Frodo would have wanted his friends to know he wasn't special good and nothin' more. He'd have had to have felt a level of anger and resentment before he found peace with his situation.
And life has so many moods.
Thanks so much for your feedback--I truly appreciate it.
annmarwalk
· 11 February 2005
· Chapter 20: Budgeford and Bag End
(I'm reading these at HASA, where the chapters are a bit different).
I loved the description of Frodo's clothes, and how the colors changed from before to after his journey! And his scrawled notes about his nightmares are heartrending. I'm continually amazed and delighted at your skill in making all these familiar characters, but particularly Frodo, so real.
Author's reply
I had to split a couple of chapters at HASA as they don't accept as long of files as the other sites do.
The changes in colors are inspired by movie-verse, of course. But I think the nightmares would have been particularly horrible for him, and his need to get them out in the open through writing and later drawing would be particularly intense.
For one who does not himself appear in the story until the final chapter (I have that one written, although I'm only about a week ahead on the rest), Frodo is still very much central to the story.
annmarwalk
· 11 February 2005
· Chapter 20: Budgeford and Bag End
Some of the things I particularly enjoyed about this chapter:
-- the uses of medicinal herbs, such as foxglove and willowbark, in additon to athelas. I always enjoy reading about herbalore!
-- little Elanor's quiet and thoughtful inspection of Ruvemir was very touching!
-- Sharkey seeking knowledge from the hobbit's libraries - very chilling and devious.
Off to read more!
Ann
Author's reply
I went through a couple of our herbologies to find proper herbs to cite.
Elanor becoming aware of the differences between Ruvemir and Hobbits I would think to be common to most intelligent children her age. And I'm so glad you found it touching.
And, yes, I truly think Sharkey would have been grasping for what information he could find that might possibly assist in helping him to develop temporal power. He'd already been stripped of what power and authority was native to him as one of the Istari--the vacuum he'd have tried to fill somehow, I'm certain.
SharonB
· 11 February 2005
· Chapter 46: And to the Queen, a Daughter
Ah, I've been busy and so have you. There are several chapters here. The story is proceeding nicely. I'm glad that Ruvemir has at least had a good talk with Celebgil. There is only so much he can do, but providing a good example is one of the best for Celebgil. And babies born, both girls. How nice Melian, after a certain ancestor of both? ;-)
Poor Pando is a little unsettled at the violence in the rest of the world. He really has not know how shelterd they were in the Shire. Hopefully he can adapt.
Author's reply
Oh, he's adapting very well, I think. We know from the appendices Rosie-Lass followed Frodo-Lad; but it was my own decision to precede Eldarion with a sister. And yes, both the daughters I've envisioned for Arwen and Aragorn are named after ancestors of both.
Breon Briarwood
· 11 February 2005
· Chapter 45: Feast
Oh my, you've managed to make me cry! I love how you've worked the story regarding the mithril shirt. "...it would be needed to protect the hope of the Free Peoples.”
*in awe of your writing skill*
Author's reply
Thank you so much. And I myself was joyful to find there was an intent for the mithril shirt.
Dreamflower
· 11 February 2005
· Chapter 45: Feast
Oh what a wonderful feast! I found myself wishing I could be there!
This was another lovely chapter, with so many little touches that brought it to life. I really liked Aragorn tending to Ruvemir before the feast--it shows that his real priority in life is as a healer.
And so he *is* asking Ruvemir to take a more "political" role than just that of a sculptor, but in such a way as not to compromise Ruvemir's honor. Again it shows the sensitivity of the King.
I was tickled at Ifram's interpretation of the term "halfling". LOL!
I am in awe of your talent for showing us familiar events through fresh eyes, using the POV of those to whom the information is new.
And the revelation about the mithril shirt is an interpretation that had never before occurred to me.
Very well done, and, as always leaving me wanting more...
Author's reply
Well, there had to be a reason why the mithril shirt was made so small, and I was determined to find a reason. I myself was awed when I realized that it was indeed intended by the Creator for Frodo himself.
Dreamflower
· 10 February 2005
· Chapter 44: Dinner with Family-to-be
So Faragil is attracted to Idril, and Celebgil has eyes for Dorieth? That should be fun!
I like Dorieth; she's a bit of a mischief maker, isn't she? Not to mention a little bit of a flirt? But I loved her account of spying on Frodo, and his telling the youngsters a story.
This is a very nice little respite from the intrigue...
Author's reply
Yes, I quite like Dorieth as well. And Frodo does seem to have drawn children to spy on him.
Thanks.
Dreamflower
· 9 February 2005
· Chapter 43: Ifram b’nto Agharan of Rhun
Once again you have given us a chapter rich in detail and in story. I love seeing everything through the eyes of this envoy from Rhun.
I love the backstory you have given him:
“I like it not,” Moritum had repeated. “They are too few, far too few. No matter how great are the individuals who stand there, still the force is not the fullness of their strength. No, I fear if we engage against them we will be destroyed.”
“By those few?”
“No, by the gods. The ones who are their Kings come almost alone. It is an act of sacrifice to draw the aid of their gods to their side. Their gods will fight for them, as they did when Morgoth was thrown down so long ago.”
His brother was indeed very wise, to recognize the fact that only a few coming to do battle had more meaning than outwardly appeared. Of course, they were a sacrifice, though not quite in the sense that he meant. But the will of Iluvatar had been set in motion, and waited only the final acts of faith from those involved.
And then we seen the journey to Gondor, and the amazement at all that has been done to repair the evil of Sauron, even in the Black Land. I love his bemusement at the signs of prosperity so soon after what was a truly devastating war.
I like this Ifram so far. A very interesting person in his own right, over and above his purpose in moving the plot. And he is to be one of Ruvemir's neighbors?
And I find myself wondering as well if this mysterious slave Stavarion, whose knowledge and tales prepared the way for Moritum's bit of insight, will indeed make an appearance in the story...
Well done! I did not even miss Ruvemir's presence in this chapter, so enthralled was I with this new character of yours!
Author's reply
I, too, am finding myself seeking more news of Staravion.
Faith can and does move mountains, and certainly did so in the midst of the story that has so moved us for so long. Aragorn's faith was that Iluvatar would use their willingness to offer themselves to assist Frodo, as He did. Meanwhile Frodo's faith was that his willingness to offer himself would save the rest of Middle Earth.
Radbooks
· 8 February 2005
· Chapter 42: Looking to the Future
Wonderful, wonderful chapters as usual, Larner! I loved when Aragorn came down and sang while Ruvemir started the work on Frodo. It was such a touching, moving scene that I had to re-read that several times to try and capture the essence of that chapter. It was nice to meet Ruvemir's and Miriel's father, I like him already. Of course, you knew he had to be pretty special with the children that he had reared. Ririon and Pando being typical young boys was nicely done - they can't be perfect all the time! :) I've so enjoyed the slowly developing friendship between Aragorn and Ruvemir and how now Aragorn considers him a friend and has invited him to this dinner. So many authors tend to rush these kinds of things and relationships take time to build - they do not happen over night. Nicely done! Thanks again for sharing your gift of writing with me! :)
Author's reply
Ririon and Pando will probably continue in their attempts to spy--seems to be part of Pando's nature, after all, and hopefully it will work to the good.
And, yes, a relationship between Ruvemir and the King would develop slowly, as they don't exactly travel in the same circles. Aragorn has so many calls on his attention and skills that I think he'd try to keep some relationships separate for at least a time until he was certain they could stand the stress of more pulls on responsibilities and ties.
I am gladdened that my writing pleases so. Thank you for reading my stories!
Bodkin
· 8 February 2005
· Chapter 42: Looking to the Future
I like Celebgil's parents - but I'm rather more suspicious than they are about their son's desire to stay at home. I hope Ruvemir manages to allay my doubts about the situation.
Everything is getting even more complicated!
Author's reply
At least Celebgil will have a month away on the trip south to cement the relationship. And hopefully he will begin opening up more.
Dreamflower
· 8 February 2005
· Chapter 42: Looking to the Future
Sounds like Ruvemir does indeed have a very good suspicion of just what may be awry with Celebgil. I hope that he will be able to manage the transfer of apprenticeship, although I have a feeling that it will *not* go very smoothly.
I do like Celebgil's family. It's a shame that they haven't an inkling of the problem, but then I suppose we'd not have much story without it.
I also get the feeling that the King has more, shall we say "political" duties? in mind for his favorite sculptor...
Author's reply
Perhaps a mentorship in appreciation of the folk of Gondor and Arnor and their allies than anything else.
Thanks for reviewing.
SharonB
· 7 February 2005
· Chapter 41: Guild Masters, Kings, and the Gift of Iluvatar
Every one that is around Ruvemir keeps emphasising his true talent to the Guild master of the city. It's going to be hard for his work to be discredited. And, LOL Aragorm really does keep surprising people who remember Thorongil.
Amazing how even the elves like Glorfindel can tell which figure is in which block. He knew tha Pippin was in the blok being worked the most so far.
How well you express what most of us feel as we learn more of Tolkien's view of the undying lands. The way he wrote the trilogy it was not well explained wheter Frodo and Bilbo would live forever there or die there. Aother well written chapter. Thank you.
Author's reply
I think by this time the block is coming close enough to the features that those who have seen the four hobbits would be able to recognize this is Pippin's stone, although Glorfindel as the great Elven Lord he is with his own feet in both worlds at once would undoubtedly have greater perception that more "normal" elves.
I doubt Master Dorion has any question regarding Ruvemir's skill at this point, particularly as his nephew has worked with Ruvemir elsewhere, including in Casistir.
Am still not certain how Master Varondil might be moved to attack Ruvemir, but I think that he'll have accepted by this time attacks on his artistic reputation are meaningless.