Tigger
· 14 March 2005
· Chapter 76: Resuming Work
Excellent chapter!! So, the pretense is over and Shefti and Liana are getting to know one another. Wonderful!! This chapter seemed to be full of matches getting together. Was a pleasure to read after Ruvemir's attack the last one. I'm glad that Varondil's wife has also found healing and is starting to accept her son is gone. It's a horrible thing for a parent to lose a child, but for that to happen at her own husband's hand...I can understand how that would have sent her to a very dark place. Once again, Aragorn's understanding of Ruvemir's gift has helped someone on the road to peace and healing.
Sad to hear of the bookshop owner's passing, but what fitting gifts he left Ruvemir. Thinking that double picture of the Tree and Arwen might not be staying in Ruvemir's possession for long however. That would make a fitting gift for someone else after all. ;o)
As always...Looking forward to the next installment. I have a feeling they're starting to get to the end however and that saddens me. I have truly adored this story and you are a fantastically gifted writer. Thank you for sharing the gift of this wonderful story w/all of us. :o)
Author's reply
Thank you so much for your responses to it.
Death is the one thing we all have to look forward to, so I realize some characters must die, but do it in a blessed manner, as Iorhael did. No, I don't think that picture is going to Aragorn as yet.
Eruviluieth
· 13 March 2005
· Chapter 76: Resuming Work
Great chapter! I'm glad Ruvemir was able to help Varondil's wife - it's also quite something that the King trusted him to be able to do so. But no longer really surprising. Shefti's romance is a cute story I am keen to hear the rest of. I'm glad he has a heart for Angara - she'll need a father's support in life, especially while she is young and needs to learn to handle prejudice. Master Iorhael's death is a sad event, but it was so wonderful that Ruvemir was able to get so many remembrances of Frodo and share them with the son. Owain brings an interesting point to note - Minas Anor will be needed more sculptors to take up residence in the city, as there seems to be an overabundance of apprentices and Ruvemir will not be able to take all with him as he travels. I'm glad the King is back, and I find myself wondering what he will do next. He just adds so much whenever he's around. And when will Moritum find out about Gilfileg? Or did he on the journey? Please keep on with your excellent work (as if you'd stop now!).
Author's reply
I know, the apprentices need to find homes, don't they? There are some, but needed to be requalified, if you remember; and then as they continue to work on the memorial I suspect more will be involved as Ruvemir becomes comfortable with their skills and where they will do the most good and least harm.
Glad you like the small romance, and that you will appreciate them more in the next chapter. I suspect that Moritum and Gilfileg really had a talk (or several) on the way back to Rhun. However, I can't follow every detail each character does, or this story will never be done, and I do so want you to enjoy the last chapter.
Radbooks
· 13 March 2005
· Chapter 75: Healing and Anger and Healing Again
Wow! Another great, well-written chapter! Aragorn and his brothers taking care of the apprentices and Ruvemir was touching and well done. But I think the part I liked the best there was, as Arwen said, Aragorn being out on the patio just being able to be a man among men. Not having to worry about whole realms, etc. That was well done, Larner. For any of us to have friends that we can totally relax with and to be our true selves with is a gift - much more so for a ruler or someone famous I imagine. Poor Ruvemir! But then even wounded he is worried more for Aragorn than for himself. Anyway, I could go on here, but I guess there is no need to really list everything I enjoyed about the chapter or it would be as long as the chapter! Well done, well done!
Author's reply
I am so glad that this chapter is obviously ringing a bell for so many. To be a ruler is to be set apart, particularly such a ruler as Aragorn was to be. He would definitely need to have some to unwind with from time to time. As for Ruvemir being worried for his King's wellbeing--well, that was his own nature speaking, I think.
Thanks so much for following the story for so long.
Kitty
· 13 March 2005
· Chapter 75: Healing and Anger and Healing Again
Oh no, Ivarnon has hurt Ruvemir! *sniff*
It was very brave how Ruvemir acted to protect Liana. What a luck Shefti was at home and reacted so quickly!
The healing was quite touching, as well was the way Aragorn sensed what hat happened and ran at once to Ruvemir. I love the idea they all are connected in this way.
I wonder if there will be a sequel? Gradually I am beginning to wonder what will become of all this people - Shefti and Liana, Folco and Miriel, Ruvemir and Elise, all the apprentices, how Ivarnon will fare after two years with the rangers and so on. Is there maybe any chance you will write sometime about this?
Author's reply
That I am being asked to provide sequels as I'm trying desperately to keep the story from going on into eternity is quite touching. That people find themselves caring about these original characters as much as our beloved Aragorn, Frodo, Sam, and company I'm finding amazing. Yet, they have come to be important to me as well, I find, almost as important as the characters of the original story I've been working on since forever, all of whom I've come to love dearly over the years. Maybe I'll finally sit down and finish writing it and get it published. And I'll freely admit that LOTR inspired some of the tangents on which this story goes, too.
Thank you for this tremendous compliment.
harrowcat
· 13 March 2005
· Chapter 75: Healing and Anger and Healing Again
The first part of this chapter affected so much Larner. And when I got to the sentence about the scent of the athelas for Ruvemir I had to stop reading for a minute or two. The connections between Frodo/Sam, Aragorn/Frodo and now Ruvemir/Sam and therefore Aragorn/Ruvemir as brothers or the heart just hit me. I was so moved and also felt a little stupid that I had seen but not clearly understood just how close the four had become. Ruvemir is now there in my head on a par with the rest of the Fellowship.
I just had to go back and read your other piece about the death of Aragorn. I had loved it before but now it is even better. Perhaps after this you might go back and revise it just to add a hint of Ruvemir greeting Aragorn again. And perhaps Sam and, ofcourse, Frodo! Or perhaps there is a story here in its own right! I know I am asking too much. Will Ruvemir get to carve the block in this story? And am I right in thinking it becomes the link to the other story?
Thanks again for updating so regularly.
Author's reply
The large block is the link to Light on the Way, but I hadn't wished to go that way right now--perhaps, just maybe perhaps in the future, although there will be a mention of it in the next-to-last chapter.
As for Ruvemir honoring Frodo--well, you will see. The last chapter has been written for over a month, although the last few leading up to it are still under construction.
Dreamflower
· 13 March 2005
· Chapter 75: Healing and Anger and Healing Again
Well, you dealt with Ivarnon rather quickly, and showed that he's merely clueless and vain, rather than actually wicked. I find myself curious as to how he will turn out after his sentence is served--you have such an amazing knack with your OCs! It reminds me of how well JRRT was able to characterize even his minor characters, which inspire us fanfic writers to try and expand on them!
I love how Ruvemir showed no hesitation whatsoever, nor asked for assistance, when it came to defending Liana. And it appears that Shefti must have paid close attention to Folco, to think so quickly of throwing something.
This story continues to intrigue me, as you open up more and more avenues to explore.
Author's reply
OOOH! You just paid me the ultimate compliment, comparing me to our beloved Professor! Thank you so very much!
Now, when someone starts taking my own fanfic further as I have done in part for Lindelea, Anglachel, Jodancingtree and a few others, then I will know that I've truly been almost as influential as he has been.
And you know, I never made the connection between Shefti and Folco and Pando, but you are right, it is there after all. But, when one sees another under serious threat, a good person uses whatever comes to hand to protect, or so I would think.
Tigger
· 12 March 2005
· Chapter 75: Healing and Anger and Healing Again
Wow...This was such an intense chapter. Sad to see my instincts were right about Liana's husband, but glad to see mercy was shown on him. There is a difference between pure evil and just simple arrogant stupidity after all. I hope Ruvemir's recovery is problem free. I loved the beginning of the chapter w/the healing of the apprentices and Aragorn receiving healing in return. That was a lovely piece of writing there. Oh and I have a feeling Arwen has all the apprentices under her spell now. What a surprise. ;o)
As always, looking forward to the next installment.
Author's reply
Unlike some, I don't see a lot of good in prolonging healing through weeks and months of complications--I've seen a few stories become unbelievable just due to that ploy. I've read them to the end just to see how it will be handled or to see what new complication will be thought of next, but it can be overused.
And I am glad others have appreciated the backlash healing for Aragorn himself. He, too, needs some reassurance from time to time, not just easing of anxieties or feelings of guilt.
Eruviluieth
· 12 March 2005
· Chapter 75: Healing and Anger and Healing Again
You're tying up loose ends. I'm sad this is ending, but it would get annoying if it went on forever (though it would take a long time to get annoying with your writing). The healing was wonderfully written. I'm so glad they've been helped, and that Ruvemir and the King discovered a special connection, especially as it came in handy later. I loved that the athelas smelled like Sam for Ruvemir. I liked the moment among the brothers - when will they introduce Moritum to Staravion? There was so much providence here - that Shefti stayed home, that Eldamir did as well, and that the King immediately sensed a problem. It's a shame Ivarnon couldn't see the light for his own darkness until after he'd acted, but I'm very glad he's a good man at heart and that the good will now have a chance to flourish far from any lingering influence of Sauron. Telling the King about Frodo's growing light was the perfect chapter ender. I eagerly await the next chapter!
Author's reply
Yes, TRYING to wind down a bit.
Aragorn has used his healing capabilities on Ruvemir before, and as he said to Imrahil in the first chapter, doing so ties folk together in unusual ways.
I see Ruvemir serving as almost a surrogate for the Hobbits in Aragorn's life now, working on bringing Frodo's appearance before the folk of Gondor, sent to learn more about them, bringing about a different tie than Aragorn personally has to the Shire--there would be the psychic tie growing betweent them, particularly as the Powers have managed to do a backlash healing using Aragorn's own gift fed back into the King to offer him comfort as well. That he'd become aware that Ruvemir was hurt seemed just natural in this section.
And, as one of my friends is fond of saying, there probably are no true coincidences in life.
Glad you liked the chapter ending.
Kitty
· 12 March 2005
· Chapter 74: Notes from the North
Very lovely chapter. Loved the letters and how Ruvemir shared them with the apprentices. They seem to start to feel better. And it is educating for Armanthol to see and hear how Aragorn or Sam care for others.
The little house was so cute - dear Pippin, what a wonderful idea!
Now I hope Moritum and his people look over Ivarnon so he doesn't any harm, and that Gilfileg is on his guard, too. I don't trust this one who blames others for his own faults.
Author's reply
Hopefully Ivarnon will grow out of it--given the chance, of course.
Glad others find the little house in the garden intriguing--I drive by a place that has a number of small houses every time I go see my brother or son, and these structures sort have awakened the part of my mind that identifies with The Borrowers, Mistress Masham's Repose, and so on, as well as bringing back memories of my own childhood.
Kitty
· 12 March 2005
· Chapter 73: Final Judgment and the Light of Kings
Varondil certainly got what he deserved. It was a very fitting sentence to have him gelded and working in the House of Healing - hopefully closely watched. No wonder he fainted after this :-D
I am fascinated about all the details in this story like how Aragorn feels what is happening with Abdurin and others or his connection with Frodo. It is truly interesting so see how much thought you gave this things.
Author's reply
That Aragorn and Frodo are similar in basic nature has been an ongoing theme throughout the work, from the very first chapter. That Aragorn would still feel such a connection even though Frodo has gone to Aman would be, I think, natural, as would be his feelings of inadequacy at not being able to fully restore Frodo's health and personal light, along with his growing acceptance of the fact that no source in Middle Earth itself could restore him fully and his growing trust in the Powers to do what he and Elrond could not.
As for the awareness--that is the idea of the Sacred King at work, he who has a psychic connection to the lands and peoples which have been given him to govern. It would be a part of the traditions on which Tolkien drew to form the character of Aragorn, I think.
And, yes, I think Varondil is going to be VERY closely watched and monitored.
Thanks so much for the feedback.
Bodkin
· 12 March 2005
· Chapter 74: Notes from the North
What's the John Donne line - 'Every man's death diminishes me'? Something like that. It seems to be a big part of Aragorn's inheritance.
I love your Ferdibrand and his awareness of the light in the West.
Pippin's tricks are rather clever - I like tricks that end up making everyone feel better. They are more like gifts of love.
Author's reply
Gifts of love--yes, you have it indeed--these are gifts of love also intended to disconcert just a bit, but also to keep up the laughter. Pippin, I think, thrived on laughter and realized we all need it.
And I like my Ferdibrand, also.
Thanks so much for the comments--they make my day.
Tigger
· 11 March 2005
· Chapter 74: Notes from the North
A very interesting chapter. I hope their Ranger of the North, not Strider, comes back to the house before Liana's husband decides to make some mischief. What a lovely, but also bittersweet in a way, chapter. Loved Pippin's practical joke on Merry, but what a lovely gift. So, Frodo lives in the little house during the day and looks over Elanor and the rest of Sam's family during the night. That sweet little girl. I'm glad the thought of that doesn't hurt Sam now.
As always...Looking forward to the next chapter!! :o)
Author's reply
I'll admit I based that in part on my own growing up. My dad died when I was a baby, so I made up stories about him and how he lived in my doll house. I guess I'm projecting on Elanor in part.
I think Pippin would still play pranks, but more positive ones with a real point to them. Give a gift, but do it in a manner to disconcert and truly draw laughter. My Pippin has always felt that he needed to help others keep their sense of humor.
Eruviluieth
· 11 March 2005
· Chapter 74: Notes from the North
Well, Armanthol is certainly taking instruction well, now. His progress is encouraging. Ivarnon is the next one to watch carefully. He will not admit to the evil of what has been done, refuses to see the truth before him, and chooses to be angry and blame Ruvemir rather than rightfully let fear change his actions. An interesting development, to be sure. I hope whoever is watching him will prevent him acting against Ruvemir. The letters from the Shire are always wonderful. Pippin's practical jokes were clever and hilarious. It's so cute that Cyclamen and Elanor so enjoy the little house, and that Sam enjoys their stories so much. I like that Sam knew full well that Aragorn used the palantir to keep tabs on Sam's family at Rosie's birth. I loved Ferdi's message that Frodo's light was growing stronger - it's just wonderful to hear, to be aware of the healing as it happens. I'm so glad Sam is healing, as well, and able to believe that Frodo can see his family. I loved the discussion at the end, especially Gilmirion's insights. He may have been damaged, but his heart still feels as it should. Ever eager for more of your wonderful writing!
Author's reply
Glad you like it. Yes, they are all healing now, and I think knowing Frodo is doing so assists the rest.
Gilmirion started with the artistic temprament and love of true beauty that was almost lost under Varondil--it's starting to return now, now that he's with a true master and is no longer having to live solely in a world where he has to worry about himself and others; now he can let himself care again, let himself seek beauty again without fear of having it ground into the dust before his eyes.
Dreamflower
· 11 March 2005
· Chapter 74: Notes from the North
Dear me! No sooner has Ruvemir gotten rid of one set of enemies, than another comes along to take its place. This Ivarnon sounds like an unpleasant wretch, at the very least, and dangerous as well.
Of course, you know I loved the letters. Pippin's practical jokes were absolutely wonderful. Of course, the one on Merry was more "jokey"--I could imagine his face! The little house, now, I think was probably more of an elaborate gift to little Elanor than really a joke, although it must have mystified Sam at first.
I liked the way Ruvemir shared the letters with the apprentices. Amanthol is going to really learn something this way.
Author's reply
Still the prankster, but in a more positive, affirmative manner, I think. I found the little house sitting there begging to be put in, absolutely demanding to be put in, in fact.
Ivarnon is a typical male chauvenist pig, I find, who uses distraction as a means of distancing himself from his own stupidity. Not as much an enemy to Ruvemir as one who hasn't bothered thinking or listening to his conscience for rather too long, and who has gotten into the habit of blaming others for his own shortcomings.
harrowcat
· 11 March 2005
· Chapter 73: Final Judgment and the Light of Kings
For a chapter that made me feel physically sick at points all I can say is - what a beautiful chapter. Brilliant Larner! There is so much truth in the need to find balance in our lives. for all that is good and wholesome and nurturing to outweigh the bad. I found echoes in my mind of the movie scene where Frodo asks 'What are we fighting for?' Sam replies, 'There is good in this world!' We all need someone to remind us of that when we get overwhelmed. And you have just done it for me - Thank you. With your permission I would like to print out the words you gave Aragorn and post it up over my desk to remind myself what I work for.
Author's reply
My permission is freely granted for that purpose. That there come times when my writing is inspirational to someone makes it worthwhile.
I hadn't thought of that line from The Two Towers, but they certainly do go together in so many ways.
Eruviluieth
· 10 March 2005
· Chapter 73: Final Judgment and the Light of Kings
Excellent chapter. No more details of perversion was appreciated, as was the bit of humour inserted in such a serious time. What a list of offences! I was very glad to see breaking of the marriage oath as one of his offences. The punishment fit the crime perfectly - perhaps he will learn to pity others' suffering and learn to feel again. Death is too easy a punishment and precludes learning and redemption, even though sometimes death is the only appropriate punishment. I was very impressed with Aragorn's being able to "feel" executions - it makes his ability as a warrior that much more amazing, for one who feels death so strongly. The explanation Aragorn gave Armanthol was insightful and incredible. Frodo as the twin of his soul is such a wonderful way of looking at things. Your explanations of the deeper workings of Frodo Baggins always leave me contemplative and in awe of the depth of your insight into these characters. I also liked that Gilfileg stayed in Rhun because of a foresight by Aragorn - and such a positive effect on the War and its aftereffects. Brilliant work, as always. Wanting more, as always!
Author's reply
Breaking the marriage contract could indeed be used as a punishable offense, I think, and deserved to be in the list of crimes.
What Aragorn feels in battle may be different from what he feels when he is forced to order an execution; however, if it is the same, he must have learned to filter it somehow so that he doesn't get overwhelmed. Of course, in battle he is also in a situation where adrenalin is pumping and he knows if he makes one false step he will die and others will die with him. That is going to have an effect on his perceptions. Then there is the question of how differently he might perceive the death of a construct such as an Orc compared to that of a man or elf.
As for Frodo and Aragorn being spiritual brothers--I've always felt they were that.
So glad you are enjoying the story still, as long as the thing insists on dragging on.
Mysterious Jedi
· 10 March 2005
· Chapter 73: Final Judgment and the Light of Kings
So that poor ranger finally got to meet his Dol Amroth relatives, Varondil was taken care of, and you have shown yet more insightful conversation. Excellent! How much more can I expect to see of this? (I would also like to commend you on your quick, regular updates. Quite a rarity!)
Author's reply
There is yet a bit more to deal with.
I am glad you appreciate the updates. I try to do a chapter every day, although it is proving increasingly difficult to remain several chapters ahead by this time.
Thank you so much for your feedback, and the report you find the conversation insightful.
Radbooks
· 10 March 2005
· Chapter 73: Final Judgment and the Light of Kings
A fitting punishment I think. Hanging him lets him get if over too quickly. But to geld him and then to work, cleaning out chamber pots and messes on the floor, etc. and living with his pain and shame seems more fitting. Which you knew the king would make it fitting. Poor Aragorn and having to feel all of the deaths that he orders - that would be horrible. Yet, wouldn't it make a leader more thoughtful and not make rash judgements? So true also about making sure your life is balanced with the joys that are there - the simple things that are all around us all the time that we often take for granted. Great chapter and I hope Aragorn gets a nice long rest soon! ;) Oh, well I guess not since he has to head back to Rhun!
Author's reply
Yes, it would make one much more thoughtful.
Once he's back from Rhun I suspect he'll be doing some haunting of the worksite and workshops.
Tigger
· 10 March 2005
· Chapter 73: Final Judgment and the Light of Kings
Armanthol's lessons continue and this time, by tutlage of the King. And Aragorn physically feels the deaths of those who he has ordered to death. That feels right to me from what we know of Aragorn's character and his lineage. Varondil gets gelded...A fitting punishment. If it was done w/out any pain relief that is. Yet, he is being given a chance to try and heal...I can sort of understand that. And Gilfeg gets to meet his cousins and the House of Dol Amroth knows what happened to a missing Princess. Good!! I was hoping for that to happen.
All in all, a most interesting chapter Looking forward to the next chapter and hopefully, happier times.
Author's reply
Yes, much resolved here. But there are still two more situations that need to be resolved.
As for Aragorn's nature, that is part, I think, of being in the role of the Sacred King to whose tradition he was born.
Lindelea
· 9 March 2005
· Chapter 3: Meeting with the Patron
"other than dropping stones down wells."
*snicker*
Glad I *finally* was able to come back and finish reading this chapter!
Author's reply
Glad you enjoyed that one. Poor Ruvemir, out of the loop for that private joke between Aragorn and Gimli.
So glad you got to finish the chapter at last.
Tigger
· 9 March 2005
· Chapter 72: Another Trial of Intrigue
Wow...What a heartachingly sad chapter. I feel horrible for the brother of the one. You could tell right away he did not share in his brother's quest for dominance of others. Still, he is his brother and...So sad. Loved how first Hardorn and then Aragorn gave him comfort after the plot was revealed. Please tell me Liana's former husband will not be causing any problems? I certainly hope not.
So...The trial of Varondil awaits. This has already been an emotionally draining day for Ruvemir and those he cares about. More to come. I only hope Celebgil can handle it.
As always, looking forward to the next installment!!
Author's reply
I'm hoping that Aragorn can handle it. He's the one who has to deal directly with all this and its aftermath.
But, yes, it's going to be hard on all.
As for Liana's former husband, I think he has some growing up to do. Whether he'll do it before or after he finds himself in trouble is the question.
Mysterious Jedi
· 9 March 2005
· Chapter 72: Another Trial of Intrigue
Loved the quoting Sam part, although it struck me as odd that Aragorn would ask him about it in the middle of a questioning. Oh, well, he certainly had the authority to do so! The next chapter should be satisfying (as long as there are no unnecessary details-I'm sure you agree it's sick and twisted).
Author's reply
I've tried not to get too detailed, so hope you don't find it too disturbing.
As for noticing the smile on Ruvemir's face, I think a smile in those circumstances would stand out; and Aragorn's going to notice such. He'll also be likely to be looking for some reason to distract himself, if only for the moment. I don't think he liked having to see folk condemned to death.
Thanks for the feedback.
Eruviluieth
· 9 March 2005
· Chapter 72: Another Trial of Intrigue
Another excellent chapter! I'm glad Harad is cementing their relationship with Gondor by setting up an embassy. And the rest of the intrigue is just incredible! It is good the Bedui have one who is honest as their leader, not one bearing one of Sauron's rings, even a lesser ring. I was really surprised that the ring was of Sauron's craft. Explains a lot. I'm glad he took it off himself. I feel bad for that poor Rhun boy, finding out his brother is dead and where his former wife now lives all at once. I hope something good comes out of the situation. Armanthol seems to have lost all his skepticism at once - kind of hard to maintain it now that he knows for sure his father is dead and not going to get him out of any trouble. I think he'll come along well now, seeing as he had a decent start before he knew for sure about his dad. I'm getting really impatient for the next chapter - Varondil's judgement! Keep up the excellent work!
Author's reply
I'm glad Armanthol got a bit of Elvish healing there, myself. But, yes, I too think he'll do well from here on in. As for the Rhunish guy--don't know about him as yet.
I was myself a bit surprised to find Abduleram is basically a pretty decent chap at heart, and suspect he is capable of some intrigue of his own, but not to the point of hurting the majority of his people. Am glad he turned down that ring, myself.
And I note that Rustovrid has managed to one-up Rhun--he's brought his own staff and family, where the folk from Rhun have had to hire staff or send home for more. However, I've felt for a long time Rustovrid and Sohrabi are far more sophisticated than Ifram and Moritum.
Harrowcat
· 9 March 2005
· Chapter 72: Another Trial of Intrigue
What a treat to find two chapters posted in one day - thank you Larner. And what great chapters. I was wondering when Ruvemir's services as a 'collector of information' would be called upon.
I loved him recalling Sam's words and Aragorn's thoughts and feelings about the lesser rings - what a great gap-filler!
Author's reply
Sam's words are from the chapter "Knights in Arms and a Tale of Leaving", of course. But thought that somewhere those lesser rings mentioned by Tolkien must have found a home. And, yes, it was time for Ruvemir to serve as requested by Aragorn before.
Next chapter will be sometime tomorrow, I fear. This was one of my long days.
Kitty
· 9 March 2005
· Chapter 72: Another Trial of Intrigue
Oh - a chapter to start work and another chapter for the lunchbreak - I could get used to this! (I know, that is impossible, and I am quite greedy, but I love this fic so much!)
And what for chapters! It was great how the intrigues were unraveled. Poor Armanthol, it must have been hard for him to hear how and why his father died. Fortunately he is with some persons who will help him. And I feel sorrow for Abduleram, too. He obviously didn't know anything and probably doesn't deserve to see another relative die for such crimes. May I hope Moritum and Ifram do not hold the misdeeds of his brother and son against him but care a bit for him in this time of need?
I loved the part concerning Beregond. Yes, this is surely how Beregond would act, he is so devoted to his lords. And Aragorn risking the injured arm to keep Beregond away from the danger ... truly a great king.
The idea with the lesser rings was intriguing, I hadn't thought of this possibility before. No wonder Abdurin was a traitor if he still wore this ring.
Now I look forward to the next chapter and the trial for Varondil. But I am anxious then is not so much left to tell and I don't want this fic come to an end any time soon.
Author's reply
So glad you enjoy it. Today is one of my long days, and so the next chapter will be posted tomorrow, I fear--that was why I posted the last one a bit early.
So many seem to have forgotten Tolkien spoke of lesser rings, and I thought that probably both the Elves of Eregion and Sauron himself might have played with making such. Just made sense they would have done so to me, especially Sauron himself. So this is what came of that thought. And I think Beregond would have done much to make certain his Lords and his country were safe, even to injuring the King to keep him out of greater danger and to force him to use his talents and charisma on Peveset.
Varondil is coming up tomorrow.