Eruviluieth
· 1 February 2005
· Chapter 35: Plans for Married Life
Cute! The dream is a perfect ending. Just figures he'd dream of the shire and Frodo after all this time thinking about little else. The wedding plans are beautiful and a lovely detail to add to the story. I love that they're all so caring of others, especially the mannikins who wouldn't have known many others to care for them, but to tease them. The news of the shire was great. Gimli would be most interested in Pippin's doings, having rescued him. Will the next visit to the Shire maybe be for a wedding? Or will Pippin not wait long enough for foreign visitors? Anyway, great work, keep it up!
Author's reply
Weddings do seem to be in the air, although I'm not certain Ruvemir will be able to attend that of Pippin and Diamond. Wish he could myself.
Dreamflower
· 1 February 2005
· Chapter 35: Plans for Married Life
What a nice little respite from the intrigue of the last couple of chapters. I am really looking forward to this wedding...
Author's reply
Yes, respite is nice, and I think Ruvemir is more ready for tthe wedding than we are, even.
utfrog98
· 1 February 2005
· Chapter 35: Plans for Married Life
Larner,
You do not know how much a daily update of this wonderful story means to me. Work is tough just now and I get up daily at 5:00. Finding a new chapter means I go to work much more relaxed. THANK YOU!
Your character development is excellent. I really care about them and hope this story lasts much, much longer.
Author's reply
I certainly understand about work being tough, for it's been a bear for me as well. Wearing so many different hats isn't helping, either.
But I'd not thought this story would prove more sustaining than caffeine in the morning!
Radbooks
· 31 January 2005
· Chapter 34: A Day's Work
This is a review for the last 3 chapters actually. You post them faster than I can read and review them - which is wonderful for me! ;) It's been fascinating to watch the process as Ruvemir has selected the stones for the statues and then figures out which way to set them up. How he knew that Frodo's stone would need to be protected both from the weather because of the flaws and also from the eyes of others. And, then to read about the tools and cutting off the bottom of the one stone (Pippin's?) so that it would be correct. It's all been wonderful! How do you know all about this? Is is research or do you or someone in your family sculpt? I'm totally into reading about it however you know the details. :) I'm worried about the man who is in charge of the guild, though I imagine if he causes problems of any kind Aragorn would have no qualms about dealing with him. I love how Aragorn and Arwen take care of Ruvemir and then how he takes care of his ever growing number of apprentices. It just kind of trickles down - that care for each other. I'm looking forward to more... and I know it will be soon! :)
Radbooks
Author's reply
Like the ripples in the pond or the yeast in the dough, what we do to make things better for others makes the entire population of the world better off in the long run, as long as we're willing to pay it forward, to keep the gifts passing on to others.
I had a friend in college who did some sculpting, and as well as clay sculpture in years past I got to do a soapstone sculpture of my own--blindfolded, mind you--in my training in grad school. I've also read books about sculpting and Michelangelo, as well as Edith Pargeter's fascinating work in The Heaven Tree Trilogy, which I think sparked Follet to write The Pillars of the Earth. It's a fascinating art form.
lwarren
· 31 January 2005
· Chapter 32: Preparations for Rough Cutting
*sigh* I feel like I am learning everything right along with Celebgil! These chapters are so informative, Larner, and I love finding out about sculpture and all the preparation that goes into even beginning a statue. The fact the Ruvemir can see who the stone will be is just fascinating, and the comments of the Dwarfs are equally as inciteful and revealing. Ruvemir is so respectful and loving when he speaks of Aragorn and Frodo and Sam and Pip and Merry - I find that really adds to the story for some reason. :-) Of course, I love it anytime Tharon or Legolas make an appearance (LOL) and the puppy is great - really a JOY! Great chapter!
linda
Author's reply
I found myself going through my huge coffee table book on Michelangelo and looking at many of the unfinished statues there, seeing how each working brought the details closer and closer to the surface.
And if Ruvemir didn't find himself loving and respecting those in the Fellowship, I fear I would lose respect for him.
Lindelea
· 31 January 2005
· Chapter 1: Revelations
Ah, yes, glad I finally have a little reading time.
Meticulously detailed, a fascinating layered feel to the piece, intertwining past and present. Nice character studies of Aragorn and Frodo, and a nice fleshing out of Imrahil from figure to real person.
The flashes of humour were a welcome balance to the weightiness of the theme. Very nice, and am looking forward to reading more.
Author's reply
Am so glad you have time to do some reading for a change. Wish I could use the Internet at work, as I'd have plenty of time to read during my night shifts. And I am glad you find the layering interesting.
I imagine that Aragorn, now that he's not quite so busy just trying to survive and get others facing Sauron, would finally let his sense of humor have a good deal of play. If anyone deserves to do so, it has to be my favorite King.
Roger Gamgee
· 31 January 2005
· Chapter 34: A Day's Work
This chapter was masterfully written...you truly have a gift for the written word, and it shows in so many ways.
Ruvemir treating the stone almost like a living thing...with respect and dignity for the image it holds. That, I believe, is the mark of an artisan - an almost instinctive knowledge of what form a creation wil take.
I loved the part about Sam and Rosie making Frodo's dream come true - to fill Bag End with the love and laughter of children. If only Frodo himself could be there to see it.
It looks like Ruvemir is becoming a bit suspicious of Varondil and his motives. That's good...he'll need to keep an eye on that character. Talk about shady!
Frodo really WAS a master artist...weaving the image of Arwen into the drawing of the White Tree. I've seen examples of that kind of art, and it definitely requires a certain talent that not everyone has.
This story just keeps getting better with each chapter...I can almost picture the statues themselves taking shape little by little. Well done!
Author's reply
Thanks for the feedback. I've always loved paintings and drawings where there are hidden images, or images that suddenly just leap out at you. And I think Ruvemir may have good reason to be suspicious of Master Varondil.
Eruviluieth
· 30 January 2005
· Chapter 34: A Day's Work
Interesting developments! So now Ruvemir knows something is up. The picture is an incredible story. It made me want to see it! This chapter left me thoughtful, just as it did Ruvemir. You have some amazing characters here, all very well developed and more so with each chapter. Tolkien would be proud what you've done with his characters, and you should be proud what you've done with yours. Excellent work, want more!
Author's reply
Thanks so much for the praise. I find myself wishing I could see that picture, too, and am going to try to draw it this weekend when I'm working with a client who loves to draw. Her interest in drawing inspires me to break out the sketchbooks.
SharonB
· 30 January 2005
· Chapter 34: A Day's Work
I really should have left reviews before now. I've really enjoyed this story so far. You know Ruvemir and the dwarves seem to have the same gift as Michaelangelo had. He has been quoted as saying that he could see the image in the stone and all he had to do was chip away the bits that did not belong.
It sounds as though Celebgil is learning more in these few days with Ruvemir than he has learned in all his previous time with Varondil.
One thing I will note from an earlier chapter, I have a sister-in-law who is an artist. When she works with clay and is keeping a piece for firing later, she does not let it dry out. She wraps it with a slightly moist cloth. Apparently you need to keep a certain moisture level in the clay for it to firs properly.
I really have enjoyed this story so far. And I've really been enjoying the almost daily updates.
Author's reply
My clay sculpturing was long ago, and I never had a need to wait a long time for them to be fired, so wasn't aware of the need to keep a certain amount of moisture in the figures if it's going to be a while. Thanks for the technical feedback.
Eruviluieth
· 29 January 2005
· Chapter 33: Knowing Dignity
Excellent chapter. I like the stone's personality. Very fitting for Frodo's memorial. The continued insights are great. Celebgil sounds like his mind is changing a good deal as he understands more about the hobbits. Maybe that new understanding will help counter his master's malice? Eager for more!
Author's reply
Odd to think of stone having personality, but I've found it can.
In writing this chapter I was reminded of a friend's comment on a sculpture class he was taking in college. He was asked how he'd made such a detailed carving of a girl, and he answered that the girl was there in the stone and he'd only dug down through the surface to find her. I've only tried one stone figure myself, so haven't quite been that far into it.
lwarren
· 28 January 2005
· Chapter 31: Beginning the Execution of the Commission
What a nasty piece of work that Varondil is! I almost came out of my chair there at the end...you know, there are a couple of thoughts he has there that sound almost abusive (and certainly suggestive...). Please, correct me if I'm wrong...I hope I am; he is already slimey enough with his plans to discredit Ruvemir and ruin his reputation. What a slime-ball! Yuck!
As for the rest of this chapter, I loved the way the stone speaks to both Ruvemir and the dwarves. That seems so logical for a truly gifted artist to view his craft that way. I am very glad Celebgil made a big enough fuss that he is getting a chance to see another master at work (and other art forms too). I was also glad for the mention that Celebgil's parents are in the picture, too (I still think it sounds as if their son is in need of protection) :-/ A wonderful chapter, Larner...you had me just coasting along enjoying life, enjoying the hobbit-trip, enjoying Ruvemir and company, when WHAM! you throw that hint of darkness to come into the mix! Kind of like the old bean-ball in baseball, I ducked so hard I almost fell! :-) Very nice, very nice indeed! LOL More soon!!
linda
(I had promised myself I would go back and review every chapter of this great story...I've been reading with no time to review the way I want to...when this chapter came up. I had ten minutes before I had to get my class, so I threw this review down 'cos this was SO good! I'm still going to catch up sometime!)
Author's reply
We are back in the world of Men, and Men tend to be more variable in nature, I think, than Hobbits. I'm not sure how Varondil crept so into the story, but he has been insisting on inclusion, I find.
Thanks for the feedback.
Bodkin
· 28 January 2005
· Chapter 31: Beginning the Execution of the Commission
Fascinating stuff about how the stone speaks to the Dwarves and Ruvemir. It's no wonder that Ruvemir can turn out such works of art.
Vorondil, on the other hand - what a stinker. I'm not surprised he sticks to funerary art - those depicted can't complain about the lifelessness of his portrayal. I'm not sure that Celebgil will remain that loyal to him - Ruvemir has probably already given him more valuable training in a morning than Vorondil has in years. Not to mention he is much more likeable.
And between them, Aragorn, Arwen, Legolas and Gimli are unlikely to be taken in by the profiteering, quarry-owning, untalented tomb-sculptor. I hope.
Author's reply
Not completely untalented--he does appear to do the faces and hands of the dead fairly well; nor is the practice of using generic bodies all that unusual, if you've ever seen such effigies in European churches. Also, he's been a good salesman in the past; however, he's going to get, I fear, a reality check.
Dreamflower
· 28 January 2005
· Chapter 31: Beginning the Execution of the Commission
Uh-oh. Oh dear. But Vorondil has never had anyone quite so astute as the King to deal with before. Interesting development. Very interesting.
And hobbits are pretty intuitive. They may not have known *why* they didn't care for Vorondil's renditions, but they would have definitely been made uncomfortable by him.
A shame Ruvemir's got to deal with him. But Celebgil is better off.
Looking forward to more.
Author's reply
Yes, I, too, think Celebgil is better off with Ruvemir.
Thanks for the feedback.
Eruviluieth
· 28 January 2005
· Chapter 31: Beginning the Execution of the Commission
Quite the dark turn. I am most interested how this will be worked out. Ruvemir has friends to help, but will they be enough against malice like this? I can't wait for more!
Author's reply
We will see, won't we?
Thanks for the feedback.
grumpy
· 27 January 2005
· Chapter 30: Homecoming
Great chapters, loved the part in the last chapter, where the king is laughing on the floor, instead of being all properlike. Also liked it that Aragorn became Strider again, to see what was happening with the Ents.
Glad to see that Elise was there to meet Ruvemir.
Author's reply
Yes, I love our Lord King Aragorn myself, humor, dedication, empathy, compassion--the whole works.
And I, too, am glad Elise is there for Ruvemir.
Radbooks
· 26 January 2005
· Chapter 30: Homecoming
I loved the last two chapters! I liked seeing both sides of Aragorn. The gentle king that was deeply touched by the statues of the hobbits and the fierce warrior who would go and fight for his people. I was excited that Ruvemir was finally able to make it back home to Elise though! Now it will be interesting to 'see' him make the statue and get married, etc. Sounds like he will be busy for awhile with the different commissions he has! :) Thanks again for writing.
Radbooks
Author's reply
Glad you like the contrasts in Aragorn's character.
Thanks for the feedback.
Envinyatar
· 25 January 2005
· Chapter 30: Homecoming
I have great admiration for the way you can switch from the intimate surroundings of the Shire to the politics of the wider world and portray both convincingly. I was particularly impressed with Eomer - not many people attempt to portray him, but I think you captured him perfectly. I also enjoyed the glimpse of Aragorn slipping back into Strider guise with obvious relish.
I was thinking this story was approaching its conclusion, but I am hoping to see something of this expedition to Rhun...?
Author's reply
I was basing this episode on the appendices where it said that Eomer's Riders fought with Aragorn's forces on many, many battlefields over the years of their friendship, and it seemed to me that this would start fairly soon after the end of the War of the Ring. Don't know if we will go ourselves, as this story mostly follows Ruvemir's experience, but we will undoubtedly hear news of it.
Bodkin
· 25 January 2005
· Chapter 30: Homecoming
Interesting turn. The situation becomes more complicated. It would be great to be as omnicompetent as Aragorn. But I suppose he's had the best part of a century to get there.
Author's reply
He is getting very close to 93, after all. Thanks for the feedback.
Dreamflower
· 24 January 2005
· Chapter 30: Homecoming
This is very engrossing. Your story of the commission is taking a very interesting turn. I like the way that Aragorn takes back on his Strider persona. The prisoners--especially the Easterling--must have been very surprised when they finally discovered just *who* it had really been.
It was very well done, the way "Strider" effaced himself, and allowed Eomer to handle the situation.
It is ironic that one who served Sauron and Saruman, alongside orcs and trolls would call Gandalf a "fell wizard" and Ents "monsters". I don't suppose the prisoner appreciated the humor in it, though.
I'm wondering how much more Ruvemir is going to be privy to?
Author's reply
No, I doubt he saw the humor, either.
Thanks for the feedback.
Dreamflower
· 23 January 2005
· Chapter 29: A Stop in Edoras
Good gracious! You got so much into this chapter! I love so much the way the hobbits have influenced their friends in the South, and how very affectionate the greetings were of all.
It's so gratifying to see Folco realizing at last exactly what Frodo did, and what it meant.
I adore your Aragorn!
And I know that Ruvemir will be glad to see his Elise again. Will we get to see the wedding?
Author's reply
To know you owe your crown to the actions of someone as innocent and helpless seeming as a Hobbit would certainly have left an impression, I think.
As for the wedding, it's still several chapters away, I fear.
Mysterious Jedi
· 23 January 2005
· Chapter 29: A Stop in Edoras
I've spent the past couple of days catching up on this story. I like stories showing the relationships of the chars after the books, so this is very much my style :) Hope there's plenty more coming in the near future
Author's reply
I am glad that you are finding it so satisfying, then.
Envinyatar
· 23 January 2005
· Chapter 29: A Stop in Edoras
Sorry I haven't reviewed before, I can't tell you how much I've been enjoying this story. You have a gentle style that is very evocative and the wealth of detail creates a very vivid story. Looking forward to reading more of your work.
Small point - Imrahil had 3 sons: Elphir, Erchirion and Amrothos, if you wanted to use one of those names instead.
Author's reply
I am glad someone who has read more into the progeny of Imrahil than I obviously have caught this. Will correct now. Glad you like the story.
Bodkin
· 23 January 2005
· Chapter 28: Reaching Rohan
Ruvemir will be spending the rest of his life making hobbit groups at this rate! I like the way the Ents respond to the party. And the self-trained seeing-eye dog is great.
The attack was a bit worrying - but the road does tend to be dangerous, and I suppose they were lucky to get so far without being attacked.
Looking forward to more.
Author's reply
Thanks for the feedback. Yes, there is going to be a bit of problems along the road until all are fully accepting of the rule of the King.
Dreamflower
· 22 January 2005
· Chapter 28: Reaching Rohan
What a lovely meeting with Treebeard and Quickbeam! It's so nice to see them again!
I like that Ririon's puppy is turning into a guide dog--I'm sure that originally it must have been like that, rather a fortuitous accident, observed by someone who saw that it could be also done on purpose.
I suppose that they will soon return to the White City, and Ruvemir will render his commission. Forgive me if I hope it takes a long time. I don't wish this story to end any time soon...
Author's reply
Most adaptive techniques for folks with various disabilities started out indeed as fortuitous accidents that ended up being analyzed and then purposely duplicated. I'm certainly not turning Joy into a product of Guide Dogs, Seeing Eye, or any of the other dog guide schools--or miniature horse guide schools, either; but she is teaching herself to watch out for her master and stopping him from danger, while a true guide actively leads on direction.
I am still several chapters ahead on the story so far, so don't worry it will stop suddenly.
grumpy
· 22 January 2005
· Chapter 27: Setting Out
Love the story, and how Ruvemir now has two more commissions to do for the elves. I also love how all the rangers of the north, are related to each other and Aragorn.
Author's reply
They were described by Tolkien as few and most of nearly pure blood, which would indicate they were almost all descended directly from those on the ships accompanying that of Elendil, who were mostly his own people. I suspect they were quite inbred.