*standing ovation*
Absolutely amazing! I never thought I could get pulled into a LotR fic where the main character wasn't already established by Prof. Tolkien. You did an amazing job bringing Ruvemir to life. (I do have to admit though, I began to picture Warwick Davis in my mind as a visual for him.) The last chapter was just perfect! I will definitely be reading this one again!
Author's reply
Thank you, Breon. That you have written as you have heartens me, and makes me glad I took the time to write this. I wanted to write this mostly from the outside looking in, if you will; and to do that, there needed to be someone new, someone not already part of the Fellowship. So was born Ruvemir.
I've also at times seen Davis, but tend to see more a person I've not seen onscreen, one a bit older, with darker, straighter, and shorter hair and a small, almost Robin Hood type of beard. But, Davis would indeed be good--is able to project Ruvemir's personality, I think.
Thank you again for your enjoyment and willingness to express that enjoyment.
Breon Briarwood
· 17 March 2005
· Chapter 79: Time Passing
You've done it again...
Author's reply
Thank you, Breon.
Tigger
· 16 March 2005
· Chapter 79: Time Passing
Sigh...I'm sitting here w/tears in my eyes. Both for Ruvemir's passing and also the end of this lovely story. I knew from the moment the stone entered the workshop what it was intended for and I'm happy it was a friend of Aragorn's that crafted the tomb covering for his own resting place. This has been such a wonderful story. I am so very sorry it had to come to an end, but as all good things...
I look forward to reading more your amazing work. Thank you for this wonderful story.
Author's reply
You anticipate, my friend. ONE more chapter, a short one.
And, yes, Aragorn's own friend ought to have prepared his effigy for him.
Radbooks
· 16 March 2005
· Chapter 79: Time Passing
Oh my, oh my, oh my. I don't know what to say, except it made me cry. I guess I didn't think the story would take it all the way to the end of his life. I did guess correctly on him naming his son Sam. Anyway, I'm still stunned here and saddened for everyone in the story - and for me!
Author's reply
One more chapter. It was important to follow to the end of Ruvemir's own life for the other to occur.
utfrog98
· 16 March 2005
· Chapter 79: Time Passing
Absolutely beautiful ending to a wonderful story. I am so very sorry the story has ended. You created strong characters for us to care about and brought depth to Tolkien's characters. Please write many more stories, although you are allowed to rest just a little while :)
Many, many thanks for the joy you brought me.
Author's reply
One more chapter, my friend. I hope that you appreciate it as well as the rest, and I'm so glad that more of the population of Middle Earth are greeted so well, and that you feel you know many familiar ones better.
finafyr
· 16 March 2005
· Chapter 79: Time Passing
I have been remiss.. I have been so caught up in the beauty of your stroy that I have not had time to tell you how much I have enjoyed it. there are a few writers out there that I seek after.. most of them are the writers that capture aspects of middle earth with a great deal of perfection. I am sad to see that this wonderful story is coming to an end. I feel that there is still so much more to write. things such as what happened when Ruvemir became a father. what happened when he went North. so many little things that I want to know. I find that writers that understand the nuances of middle earth are usually found here at the stories of arda. I have no patience with stories that have the hobbits doing unhobbity things as well as elves and men. I enjoyed knowing more about the lives of all of the people in Gondor that you have written about. Please consider writing more. the last chapter seemed hurried. (at least to me when I wanted to read so much more)you have left many of us on the edge of our seats eager for more. please continue. you are a treasure and as such should know that there are many of us that read your storied that value you and your great ability
thank you
Finafyr
Author's reply
THIS story truly was intended only to follow the progress of the King's Commission; but the last chapter, which will be posted either late tonight our time or early tomorrow, was written over a month ago, so it was necessary to sort of skim through the rest of the life of Ruvemir to prepare for it.
Thank you for the great compliments you have given me today. It is a great honor to read reviews such as this.
Mizalaye
· 16 March 2005
· Chapter 79: Time Passing
I have been reading this story for a long time now (I think it only had 20-something chapters when I started it!), and I have loved every minute of it. Your grasp of character, both original and canonical, is astounding, and your powers of narration make me geninely jealous. When I finished this chapter, I actually had tears in my eyes. I feel as if I have nearly completed a wonderful journey with your characters, one I don't want to end. I'm assuming it is ending soon, however. I have enjoyed reading this more than I can say, and I hope you decide to write another story very, very soon!
Author's reply
Yes, there is one more chapter to this one. That this one had you weeping makes it worthwhile, for when the words move the reader, that is what was intended to begin with.
I hope you have checked out the other stories I've written as well, and hope that you enjoy them as well. All four of them are posted here.
Did have a nuzgul attack the other night, so already have one more, shorter one I'm working on.
Mysterious Jedi
· 16 March 2005
· Chapter 79: Time Passing
The end? How sad. I can only hope you will begin an equally interesting project soon.
Author's reply
No, there is one more chapter to read. I hope you see why we needed to see Ruvemir's end to appreciate the other.
Kitty
· 16 March 2005
· Chapter 79: Time Passing
You have increased my consumption of tissues quite a bit, do you know? Yesterday I'd read "Light on the way" and hadn't recovered yet. And now this chapter ... and if I understand right, there will be another one, and I think I can guess some of it. *sniff*
This was truly a wonderful fic, and I am sad it is drawing to an end. I have come to care for Ruvemir deeply and am in tears about his death, although he had a very happy, full and successful life.
It was good to know what has become of all the apprentices, and I was happy Ruvemir and Elise had children of their own. They deserved it so much.
I'm still hoping there will be a sequel about Ruvemirs adventures in the North. It would make the end of this fic easier to bear. Thank you so much for it!
Author's reply
Kitty, thank you so much for staying with it and all your positive feedback over the period I've been involved writing this.
Maybe there will be a sequel, but not quite yet. The latest Nuzgul attack led in a different direction completely.
And I am so glad that in so many minds Ruvemir of Lebennin is now a part of Middle Earth.
sayre
· 16 March 2005
· Chapter 79: Time Passing
I have a feeling this marvelous story has reached its end, and it brings sadness with it, through both loss of Rumevir and the loss of my daily chapter treat. I've missed 75 opportunities to tell you how wonderful this tale is, and for that I do apologize, but I will tell you now how well it has held interest, how completely these characters have been formed into being friends and how I will miss reading of their lives. The plotting was complex enough to really allow the characters to develop and shine as individuals. I also appreciate the sensitivity with which you handled Varondil and his apprentices -- and especially Varondil's fate. I've been there, and still long to geld somebody, so that was especially satisfying. And I loved Ruptor. How wise to use the natural abilities of those around you, especially the creatures, even if it is a disagreeable bull. You have also given me a new view of Frodo's deterioration and reasons for his decisions. After having had Frodo as a friend for over 30 years, that's quite a surprise. And thank you for all the happy endings in this tale. Some of us do like everyone to be happy, at least for a time :)
Thank you for all you have poured into this story, and thank you for sharing it.
p.s...got any more stories? Greedy? Me? Oh yes, but a good author is such a treat :)
Author's reply
There are four more here on Stories of Arda--For Eyes to See as Can, Filled with Light as with Water, The Colors of Passing, and Light on the Way. I hope they are as well appreciated by you as this apparently has been. Certainly all four are intertwined in one way or another. I wrote Light on the Way as I was writing this one, so there are references to this one in the shorter one as well.
I grew up in what was at the time a rural setting, and one neighbor had his garden guarded by his herd of cattle, so got the idea of Rupter guarding the wall from that.
My own daughter's natural family was the stuff of nightmares, and it was her dream that her natural father should have come to such a fate. What actually happened, however, was much worse, but is not fit fare for this site.
I decided on happy endings, even if we must see Ruvemir's death to prepare for the one chapter to come, which is so far away from Minas Tirith--yet even Ruvemir's death is happy, relaxed, and blessed. And you will find Aragorn has reason to feel relieved a bit.
Thank you so for your appreciation of this story.
harrowcat
· 16 March 2005
· Chapter 79: Time Passing
What can I say - ends all tied, tissues all used! Wow. Thank you for a wonderful journey.
Author's reply
ONE MORE CHAPTER TO COME! AAAARRRRGH! And I think you will appreciate it very much once you read it. But the only reason I wrote the other seventy-eight chapters was to come to this one.
And thanks so very much for all your feedback--it has made it worth it to have written as long as I have on this one.
Dreamflower
· 16 March 2005
· Chapter 79: Time Passing
Oh, dear. *sniff* You were right about the tissues.
*sigh*
You gave Ruvemir a long, fruitful and productive life, full of love and joy. Such a sweet story, from beginning to end. I am going to miss Ruvemir, and I am going to miss having this story to look forward to each day.
Perhaps sometime you can let us in on some shorter tales of the things that happened when Ruvemir went on some of his Northern commissions--you have certainly left the door open for that.
This tale has been a delight. It's been full of happiness and sorrow mingled, with a bit of adventure and intrigue thrown in as well, not to mention so many thoughtful insights into the characters that JRRT gave us: Frodo in particular.
I intend to recommend it highly to anyone who's looking for a good long lovely read.
Author's reply
I so hope you equally appreciate the last chapter, to be posted tomorrow.
I'd wanted to see what different lights various characters from LOTR could give us of Frodo Baggins, so even though he hasn't been physically present in any of the chapters to date, yet he is still a spiritual presence throughout the whole. And we have Frodo and Aragorn as complementary images of one another, each making a different choice at the end, experiencing different fates at the end, and yet having so many shared experiences in spite of the fact they were together for what amounted to a very short time.
Again, thank you so very much for all the positive feedback you've given throughout the production of the story, and I hope you have enjoyed the others I've posted here as well. It is in having readers such as you that I find it worth while writing like this.
Harrowcat
· 16 March 2005
· Chapter 78: Unveiling
Oh Larner, your descriptive way with words is awesome. I can see every detail of the statues. What a great idea to go back to the moment between Aragorn and Frodo - my favourite bit in that film. It was such an intimate moment and a decisive point for Aragorn's character. I am a really loyal book-fan who enjoys the movies but I sat with my Dad through the FOTR muttering 'It's not like that in the book!' However, this scene is a wonderful improvement.
I also enjoyed your picture of Aragorn surrounded by the hobbits and the description of what he has gained through their love and friendship.
Oh, ...and finding the faces of the hobbitesses in the flowers.
...and both Aragorn's and Frodo's foresight ....and well, the rest of the chapter! Tissues bought and sitting by the computer!
Author's reply
That is the challenge that is given with that foul Ring, isn't it--even the one issued us today. Faced with such evil, what would we do.
The very last chapter is tomorrow. Both it and today's bring tears to me, but there are tears and tears, you know.
Thank you for the compliment of finding this story moving.
Breon Briarwood
· 15 March 2005
· Chapter 78: Unveiling
*crying again*
Author's reply
Do have tissues handy for the next two chapters, then.
Am glad the story moves you, then.
Radbooks
· 15 March 2005
· Chapter 78: Unveiling
Very nice chapter, Larner! Wonderful to hear that Elise is pregnant - that will be exciting for them. I was so glad to have all of them there in the city and interacting together - like a big extended family. Which I suppose they are now since they are all interconnected now. I so hate to see this story coming to a close though I know that it has to. :( I do hope that you will consider doing a sequel or sequels because I would like to see how Ruvemir's time in the north goes with his other commissions and his time spent there with the various people he and Elise have come to know the elves, the hobbits, Gilfileg and the other young ranger (starts with an E but the spelling escapes me right now!). Aragorn I know also spent time in the northern parts of his kingdom, etc. Anyway, I do hope that you consider doing that at some point because I so enjoy your writing. I just have come to love the characters so much. Thanks again for writing your story!
Author's reply
I've considered it, and hint at parts of it in the next-to-last chapter. But it will be a while before I start that.
I have long had my own book in the works, and am now looking at reopening the file in the computer that I started on it, bringing out the notebooks I started writing it into years ago, starting WAAAAAYYYY back in my high school days and through college and grad school, and getting that hummer actually written and possibly published. I wonder if the world is ready for those who are COL. Who knows? Maybe the Isles of A... will become as well known as Earthsea or possibly even Middle Earth.
I am so glad that Gilfileg and Eregiel and the sons of Agharan are apparently as popular as Ruvemir and Elise.
Wanna guess what the first child's name is going to be? Hint: it will be a boy.
Dreamflower
· 15 March 2005
· Chapter 78: Unveiling
Oh my! Such a beautiful chapter, such a beautiful monument: I can *see* it so vividly in my mind! I will always now imagine that statue standing in Minas Anor.
*sigh* Well, now I *know* the end is at hand...
Author's reply
I find myself seeing it there, too, there before the Court of the White Tree, as I can now wander through the lower story of Ruvemir's house and the two workshops, and Hirgon's courtyard where the kilns stand.
I felt that Frodo's words to Aragorn at Amon Hen from the movie were very profound, and would serve to challenge anyone looking at the memorial to search their own souls to realize that they would be even more vulnerable than he had been to It's evil, so I wrote them into the inscription.
Yes. the end of this story is at hand. The next one will be different, for I found a private Nuzgul hiding under the bed. Actually, a couple of them.
Do get out the tissues, dear, for you will need them.
Baggins Babe
· 15 March 2005
· Chapter 77: Arrivals
What a wonderful chapter, and how lovely that Arwen greets each one so perfectly.
Things won't be the same without this story to look forward to.
Author's reply
We have your stories to look forward to, and those of many others. And I just found a story idea lurking in the hollow of the missing drawer under my bed. It attacked me last night and again this morning, and it is already insisting on computer time. Don't know when I'll post it, but it will be probably after a few days of rest from finishing this one.
And I am glad that Arwen's greetings suit so well.
Mysterious Jedi
· 15 March 2005
· Chapter 77: Arrivals
How lovely! Reunions are always fun, both to read and to experience :)
Author's reply
Oh, I agree. Hope that the last few chapters continue to please.
Kitty
· 15 March 2005
· Chapter 77: Arrivals
Wonderful chapter - it was a joy to see the three Hobbits return to Minas Tirith and their wives, children and friends with them. I love reunions like this - it was so sad in the books when they all had to part with each other!
Otherwise, I can only agree with Dreamflower and harrowcat. I dread the ending of this great fic and hope desperatedly for a sequel!
Author's reply
The reunion was solely for the sake of the unveiling, and I suspect Aragorn needed to do quite a bit of persuading in his letters north to get them to come, particularly as it could not be an extended visit.
I am pleased this story has proven so popular, and that is had rung so true to so many.
Thank you all.
Dreamflower
· 15 March 2005
· Chapter 77: Arrivals
Sometimes I get this strange feeling that this story is being written especially for me--if there is one thing I like almost as well as the Hobbits' friends visiting them in the Shire, it is the Hobbits going to visit their friends in the South. This is so delightful! I loved all the little bits: Arwen's greeting of each new arrival, Pippin reporting for duty, the amazement of the new Hobbits at the City and at the greeting of their loved ones by the King and Queen!
*sigh* I can tell you are getting ready to wind this up. I hope you have a sequel planned--I don't know what I will do without this lovely story to look forward to.
Author's reply
IF I do a sequel, I think I will first let this one sit at least a bit and do something a bit different and SHORTER first.
harrowcat
· 15 March 2005
· Chapter 77: Arrivals
Aw! *sigh* *wipes tear from eye*
I am going to miss my daily dose when this comes to an end. I just loved the picture of the excitement of Aragorn but full of stillness and light. I wondered what Ferdibrand perceived when he looked at the King!
Author's reply
Sorry, but you can always reread it, I suppose.
As for Ferdibrand--that will be discussed.
Imrahoil
· 15 March 2005
· Chapter 77: Arrivals
Eh, Larner, not fair. You're winding it up much too fast. This chapter could have easily been made into four chapters instead. And I'm not looking forward to the promised tear jerker chapter, so take your time. ;-)
Author's reply
Sorry, but all good things must end one day. And the proper ending is there, waiting to be published when the time is right. It is coming.
grumpy
· 14 March 2005
· Chapter 75: Healing and Anger and Healing Again
Really enjoying your story, Glad that the king got a little healing.
Also love the part about Arwin getting Aragorn into some new riding leathers, that the secret is to get them as much like the old ones. Wonder if Ruvemir is going to find a new bathrobe, looking just like the old one.
Author's reply
I suspect that such is indeed likely to occur. New, comfy robe as much like the old one as possible, which was what I had to do for my own hubby a couple times.
Kitty
· 14 March 2005
· Chapter 76: Resuming Work
Ah, it is as I hoped - Shefti and Liana care for each other. He is more learned and able to accept Angara without thinking all this nonsense which Ivarnon held against his former wife. Probably Shefti's rank as brother of the Shkatha can provide additional protection for Liana and Angara against other people and their misguided prejudices. (Being deaf myself, I can tell something about prejudices!)
It is sad Iorhael died, but I loved his last gifts for Ruvemir. To give him all the drawings and the book was quite touching. I am glad Ruvemir will make his effigy, so we can be sure it does the old man justice.
Ruvemir is truly exceptional. It was amazing how he could reach Varondil's wife. He and Aragorn would be a great team as healers, wouldn't they? And he got another apprentice ... probably he has enough apprentices to last for his whole life *grins*
Author's reply
He does have a bit of a surfiet, doesn't he? I think Faragil will keep many of them once Ruvemir is ready to head north, though.
As for prejudices, I know how it is. As a special ed teacher, I see it all the time myself aimed at my friends and clients and students.
Lindelea
· 14 March 2005
· Chapter 4: First Study
Random thoughts while reading:
Ah, I love the description of Frodo, and the details of how the cushions at the feast barely raised him to table height. For some reason that was a poignant moment for me.
Seed cake! Hurrah! (determined to spread Bilbo's secret recipe throughout the realm! Snort!) Skin the young scoundrel alive? Seems to me as if he'd just escaped that fate somehow... GMTA.
Decided to see if he could bring similar responses in the future... aww... Gimli, matchmaking?
Nice little summation of Shire affairs and Sam's part in the Quest.
Hmmm. Just when is Ruvemir going to figure out who Aragorn is? *g*
Ah, yes, I've read at least one story of Aragorn coming too late to bid Frodo goodbye. I don't remember who wrote it--was it you?
It is very realistic, that Ruvemir's picture is "like, but not unto" Frodo's face. I'm sure he'll refine it over time, if he came up with Captain Thorongil's likeness with only the words of memory to guide him.
What a gripping story, and only due to increase in complexity and depth, from the glimpses I've had of later chapters!
Author's reply
Yes, the late farewell was in "For Eyes to See as Can."
And I suspect for all he appeared better there would be some level of fragility to Frodo at that feast in Imladris.
Well, I can see Gimli doing matchmaking, although I suspect if he's interested Ruvemir will do well enough on his own. (Okay, I KNOW he can--just finished the last chapter to be written tonight, and wrote the wedding weeks ago--heh heh.)
It will take time to fully know Frodo's nature and appearance well enough Ruvemir will be able to make it at will, but that will come.