So the archer has been found and yikes that was close for Aragorn. Poor Bredi...I hope he will be alright. And the Angmarian is getting quite the education I see. So much evil can be done by spreading rumours and untruths. And we have a new friend of Aragorn's...One who trained him as a Ranger too. Hmmm...I can foresee hobbits begging for tales from this one. Oh yes indeed. :o)
Looking forward to more!!!
Author's reply
The one who trained Aragorn himself, this time. Yes, we do see a few more of the Rangers Aragorn has known.
Alas, poor Brendilac, the last two months have not been kind to him, have they?
Thanks for the feedback.
harrowcat
· 19 June 2005
· Chapter 33: The Archer
I was faced with a difficult dilemma Larner. Your next chapter was posted while I still had my computer on tonight. Did I read it now or save it for my morning cuppa! Well I couldn't resist but I will regret it in the morning. Poor Brendilac and poor Narcissa! But then again if you are going to get shot you might as well do it saving the best healer around! I had wondered what had happened to the Archer. It certainly seems that he isn't going to prove a stubbon a fanatic as his leader - or at least I hope not. Certainly, there are enough people to set him straight. But now Aragorn's justice is going to be severely tested indeed. And I did enjoy your explanation of the evil of forest and Downs. And I supposed the results of prayer can seem like magicks. They can be very hard to talk about with someone who doesn't believe!
Author's reply
I had a friend who is a Wiccan tell me once that one person's prayer can be another's curse, although I suspect there is more to it than that. But certainly for the non-believer, learning to judge another's intentions can be confusing. Sestor is going to be learning about his own folks pretty quickly, and Aragorn will be making some decisions.
Kitty
· 19 June 2005
· Chapter 32: The King's Justice
The argument between Aragorn and Hardorn in the beginning was so understandable! Of course Aragorn was right, he had to do it himself, but it was good to know Hardorn wanted to spare him this and how frustrated Hardorn was after Aragorn's refusal to let him do it.
It is so heartwarming to see how all his kin and friends try to help Aragorn. Not only Hardorn, but afterwards the members of the Fellowship as well. I loved it how Sam brought the waterskin and insisted Aragorn had to drink. And then they brought the children to cheer him up. The Hobbits certainly know how to handle stubborn Rangers!
The King's gift does fit in here very well. The theme is new to me, but it is something that could easyly have been a piece of the nature of the great Kings of Númenor, if I think about it. A pity it is not something that exists in our world. If all the rulers would feel the deaths for which they are responsible our world were much peacefuller.
Author's reply
Not only the deaths, but the joys as well. It would make it far more likely our leaders would be positive forces instead of going off at tangents, wouldn't it?
Radbooks
· 19 June 2005
· Chapter 32: The King's Justice
Oh, these last two chapters tear at the heart. Knowing the personal cost of what he has to do, yet Aragorn chooses to do it anyway. That is a hard thing for anyone to do - to do the right thing even when the cost is so high to themself. I enjoy the details you put in... well, these details were hard, but still... I was thinking of the blood on his shirt when he came back. Then how Sam made him drink the tea and Pippin and Merry rallied around him and wouldn't let him draw into himself. Very good. Poor Hardon, yet Aragorn was right to do it... he was going to feel it anyway and he was not a man to let others always do the unpleasant tasks. Oh, I thought that the punishment for Beasty was just and well thought out by Aragorn. And for the rest of the Angmar men, as well! Nicely done as always! Even when it's a tough chapter like these, you do them so well. ;)
Author's reply
Thank you, Radbooks. I try to put in just enough detail to make it real without clubbing people over the head--seems our modern literature all too often seems to think we need explicit details to the point we not only fail to support imagination, but we become desensitized to violence and to romance as well.
And I agree--Aragorn was right in this case to follow through on what needed to be done.
harrowcat
· 19 June 2005
· Chapter 32: The King's Justice
Great chapter as usual Larner. The execution was handled beautifully. May we all have friends like these - and be a friend like these. I am glad that you didn't let Pippin witness the execution. And Sam as healer to the one who had healed him - Perfect!
Author's reply
Sam has had a lot of practical experience by this time, and knows what is likely to help. And I agree--Pippin ought not to have seen such an act.
Thanks so much for the feedback.
Dreamflower
· 18 June 2005
· Chapter 32: The King's Justice
I love the way everyone rallied around Aragorn in his distress--
Sam's stern and stubborn insistence was brilliant: “Drink this, Strider, and don’t argue,” Sam said. Aragorn continued to look down on him for some time, but Sam’s expression didn’t change. “I’m not falling back until you do,” the gardener advised. “And you can stop looking at me that way. Didn’t work for him, and it won’t work for you, neither.”
And then Merry and Pippin inundating him with the children, so that he could not stay gloomy if he wanted to.
I love the way that this episode with Aragorn leads to a greater understanding among the hobbits for what Frodo also went through.
I am very intrigued with your idea of "the King's Gift". It's very unique, yet I see nothing in canon that would contradict it. Beautiful idea!
Author's reply
As a reader of mythology, Tolkien would have been aware of the concept of the Sacred King who stands between God (or the gods) and the people, who is wedded to the land and whose health reflects that of the nation. He even wrote that in the Hallows on Atallante only the King was allowed to speak, that he spoke to the Valar and the Creator for the people of Numenor. And it is Aragorn who is shown the ancient Hallows where only the Kings go on Mount Mindolluin by Olorin as Gandalf.
The awareness of the people's plight would be part of the Sacred King's life. It's not that uncommon a gift according to myth and legend; and so I sort of extended it into Tolkien's own mythology, and gave it to both Frodo and Aragorn, both of whom share so much in spite of their manifest differences.
And Sam sees little difference between Frodo's needs and Aragorn's. And who can stay gloomy surrounded by the Holy Fool and a number of small children?
shirebound
· 18 June 2005
· Chapter 32: The King's Justice
Oh my, the King's Gift. Such a double-edged gift!
“Drink this, Strider, and don’t argue,” Sam said. Aragorn continued to look down on him for some time, but Sam’s expression didn’t change. “I’m not falling back until you do,” the gardener advised. “And you can stop looking at me that way. Didn’t work for him, and it won’t work for you, neither.”
Even the King could not resist that, and an unwilling grin cracked the stiffness that had enveloped him, and at last a single tear ran down his face as he accepted the waterskin and drank from it.
I can't think of any better way to show Sam's love for 'Strider' than the fact that he wouldn't let the King refuse what he offered.
Author's reply
The stubborness of Hobbits has done a powerful amount of good in Middle Earth, and Sam has displayed his own share of stubborness to good effect. Yes, it's a stubborness born of love.
Too bad we don't insist on leaders with the King's Gift--it would make for a far better-led world, I think.
Tigger
· 18 June 2005
· Chapter 32: The King's Justice
Good old Sam...Seeing what needed done and wouldn't step down until Aragorn listened to him. Bless the dear hobbit. You wrote the execution just right. Enough details to know it was done and w/little details on what happened. It was enough to see how Aragorn reacted to it to lend this chapter the sombre tone needed at the beginning of it. And the arguement w/his cousin...I can so see that happening. Not only as his cousin, but also as a member of his guard, Hardorn would want to protect Aragorn from the ugliest portions of what being a King brings. As Aragorn told him though, it *is* his responsiblity to hand down justice *and* see it carried out. It's another aspect to Aragorn's character and sense of honour that he would not allow anyone else to carry out the leader of the Angmarians sentence. A pity more of our leaders today aren't like that.
Loved how Merry, Pippin and the children were able to finally bring Aragorn back and start the lessening of the shock of the events of the morning. Little ones really are the rays of sunshine in our lives and can simply help by laughing.
Wonderful chapter and looking forward to more.
Author's reply
Yes, the children would help restore the feeling of balance Aragorn needed right then, I think. And I, too, found myself seeing that argument as I wrote it and as I've reread it, and empathizing with both sides.
harrowcat
· 18 June 2005
· Chapter 31: The King’s Judgments
Stern but stictly fair justice - just as everyone would have expected. It must have been hard for Aragorn to turn back to the case in hand having seen the twins, especially because of the way he suffers for his judgements. And isn't he going to be wondering (and a little hurt) why someone didn't tell him about the twins a little earlier?
Author's reply
I think he's already accepting that Frodo was keeping the secret of the twins' existence from about everyone until it was time for him to leave the Shire, and only then letting it be known, and that it's been about the same for him as it has been for the others. I doubt he'd be that hurt, but would accept everyone was basically doing as they thought Frodo wished. Also, since Halladan had already seen them at the previous hearing, he really probably ought to have been the one to bring it out in the open--although while in the capitol no one kept it completely a secret from him. A cousin Fosco whom Frodo had taught to dance, Folco whom Frodo and Bilbo had taught to dance.... He might have pieced it together, and now realizes perhaps he ought to have done so.
And yes, his justice would have been stern but scrupiously fair at the same time.
Tigger
· 17 June 2005
· Chapter 31: The King’s Judgments
And so the King has judged and judged wisely. Bedro certainly did get a rude awakening and to see Arwen understand before Aragorn exactly what being struck from the family book means to a hobbit was a nice twist. Usually, it's Aragorn w/all his experience and knowledge and using it to make his decisions. Nice to see just how their relationship works in Court surroundings such as this.
Oh and this....
The King turned back to Bedro. “Is what he says true?”
Bedro surprised himself by admitting, “Yes, it’s true.”
“Did no one ever seek to stop you?”
“Once. A stranger hit me once.”
“When was this?”
“Years ago, just after the Free Fair.”
“A rather tall, slender Hobbit with dark hair?”
“Yessir. How did you know?”
“Educated guess.”
...Was *priceless!!!* Loved that!!
Glad to see some of the men from Angmar realized they had been operating under false pretenses and acknowledged that in front of Aragorn and all those witnesses. They were giving up everything, including their families safety, by doing such a thing. Knowing Aragorn's cousin from "The King's Commission", I know they'll be spirited out of Angmar w/little problem. At least I hope so.
Oh and Troll's Bane, Anduril and Halladan's sword coming up to protect Faramir so quickly...Wish I could have seen the look on the Angmar leader's face when that happened. A shame he couldn't have realized what his men did, but here evil had taken root, he wasn't going to repent, so Aragorn gave him the only justice he could give. I only hope Arwen is nearby to help Aragorn w/the after effects of such.
So many twists and turns in this chapter. As always, looking forward to the next installment. :o)
Author's reply
I know "an educated guess" is probably an unacceptable modernism, but what equivalent can one come up with? Aragorn has learned Frodo had been taught how to throw a telling punch by his cousin and used it at times in the Shire to stop injustices, teasings, beatings, abuse, and so on; he'd have a good idea who struck Bedro; and if Bedro were smarter, he'd have figured it out from what Fosco said after he bounced the bully off the wall of the Gravelly dining room. He knows the King knew Frodo, also. I suspect Bedro is terminally stupid. Anyway, glad you enjoyed it.
And, yes, Arwen and Aragorn are a pair, for all she has not been crowned co-ruler. And I think the King will find more than his wife will be there for him afterward.
Dreamflower
· 17 June 2005
· Chapter 31: The King’s Judgments
Swift, just, merciful and above all, *practical*. He punishes exactly enough to make the point and remove the threat, and no more; he sees that the innocent do not suffer; and he makes all this perfectly clear to both the malefactors and those attending.
I could wish that I had a King, and he was as this one. I most certainly would offer him my fealty in truth.
*sigh*
Author's reply
I think all of us would love having an Aragorn as King over us. Too bad the Aragorns in this world are the minority rather than the commonplace.
Hadn't thought of the practical side of his justice, but you are absolutely correct. Thanks for adding to my own understanding!
Raksha The Demon
· 17 June 2005
· Chapter 30: A Trial in Bree
Elegantly and sensitively written, as always. And I'm so glad that Faramir and Eowyn travelled with Aragorn & Co. to the Bridge and met so many Hobbits. I liked Faramir's participation in the Trial and his discussion of just who's a barbarian...
Author's reply
Yes, the question of who is a barbarian all too often is embarrassing of those who have set themselves against some they've identified as such start applying the standards they use to judge others against themselves. As I said in an earlier chapter, there is no one as vicious as one who sets out to fight barbarians and then feels impelled to behave worse than the perceived foe.
Thanks for the compliments.
shirebound
· 17 June 2005
· Chapter 31: The King’s Judgments
Wow. As wonderful as this trial is, what I found most fascinating was the fact that the trees weren't united in what they did -- some chose action, some chose inaction and indifference. Indeed, in each race (even the trees) can be found differences in age, motivation, and choice.
Author's reply
The trees of the Old Forest on the north side of the road are proactive in their own defense and offense, while the younger ones on the south side, not acknowledging the sway of Old Man Willow, have less reason to seek to harm those who travel amidst them. Yes, even the trees would not be totally united. Glad you appreciate the differences!
Kitty
· 17 June 2005
· Chapter 31: The King’s Judgments
Beasty is a brainless fool, no doubt! What he said at the beginning was truly absurd. He was imprisoned for something his father did? And not being caught is justice to steal again? I would never have dared to say this at all, least of all to the King himself. I wonder if the work in the quarries of Gondor is enough for him to learn to think ...
It's comforting to see at least some of the Angmarians aren't bad to the core. And it is so typical for Aragorn to consider the fate of their families as well and to try to protect them from the ire of the others for the behaviour of their men. He is truly a great king.
But the leader of the Angmarians ... how can he be so stupid to try and kill Faramir in front of so many people? What thought he to gain from this? But I loved it that it was not only Anduril and the sword of Lord Hardorn who stopped him but Troll's Bane as well and Aragorn's remark about this. Paladin must be quite proud, now he can accept what his son had done in the south.
The sentence for the others sounds quite brutal, but fitting. Without their sword hands they have to held peace. (And thinking back to Gilfileg-Staravion, the Rangers probably make sure there aren't some lefthanded ;-))
Author's reply
Yes, I think that the Rangers would make certain of handedness before lopping off hands, but you will notice Aragorn plans to do this in the Houses of Healing. He's going to try to be humane about what he sees as needful maiming as possible. Although he might rethink himself....
As for Beasty--I've been following true crime stories for some time, and the willful stupidity of such as this one is ALL too common--it's hard for those of us who think to understand how such "logic" holds such sway with them, but I assure you it is all too real and likely.
As for why the leader plans to do the killing in front of witnesses--he's a fanatic, who also tend to be lacking in logic skills; and he's been charged with killing someone and fomenting war, so he's going to do it however he can; and doesn't perceive that his action now focuses attention solely on himself and not on his people as a whole. Fanatics and those with criminal minds don't usually think logically or with their full minds, you will find.
Kitty
· 17 June 2005
· Chapter 30: A Trial in Bree
Aragorn comforting Sam after his nightmare was sweet, no matter what this impertinent Beasty thinks. This one I want to slap, hard and repeatedly. Arrogant little brat. And how can he think he only has to wish his deeds are forgotten and he can go back and do it again?
I loved the reappearance of Strider the Ranger. Probably Aragorn enjoys these little escapes from the kingship in spite of the grave reason. For one who has lived so long in the wilds the live at the Court is surely quite tiring and irritating at times. And I loved the natural authority with which Pippin took care of the women and children, not waiting for the Lords among the Big Folk.
Angmar again? They are hopeless! One would think they should be glad to be rid of the Witchking. Why can so many people not live without war?? And their reason for this - honestly, I didn't know if I should laugh or cry! I'm not sure if the witnesses of Angmar truly believed this nonsense they meant to see or if they twisted it purposedly to set their folk against the King. But them to call the Gondorians barbarians while they themselves acts so barbaric ... *shakes head*
Author's reply
Unfortunately two of the most common attributes of the truly criminal mind are utter self-centeredness and a willingness to suspend logical thinking in order to indulge in the surety that the world revolves about the self of such a one. And there is no question Bedro Bracegirdle embodies both these tendencies. Look at the http://www.wm3.org site and the history of John Mark Byers if you wish to see these realities in action.
Some people can't seem to live without fighting, unfortunately; and all too often conjuring up demonic, barbaric enemies for their people to focus their hatreds and fears on allows those at the top to slip into full control of the land and people before the populace realizes they've just been had. Hermann Goehring of the Third Reich, in fact, recommended such tactics as a means of getting people to accept a tyrannical rule.
I suspect this witness may have not understood what he saw at first, but was widely encouraged to accept this interpretation as it allowed the war leaders to manipulate their people on the basis of his testimony.
And again, I think the story told earlier would have sparked such a bad dream in Sam, and that Aragorn might indeed have anticipated such an event.
Radbooks
· 17 June 2005
· Chapter 30: A Trial in Bree
Whoa! The men of Angmar! I never thought about some of them being around still, but I suppose some still could be. I don't know if I've ever mentioned it or not, but I really like your OC's - Halladan and Hardon. Though I guess Hardon doesn't talk much, does he? :) But they are nicely done and I hadn't thought a lot about having a steward in Arnor or how Aragorn would have had to have someone up there running things for him. You certainly couldn't just leave it alone when you are that far away. It was a touching scene with Sam and Aragorn at the start of the chapter and then Aragorn sitting on the stump with his hands in his lap. I could just feel his sadness and weariness, but then sharing a pipe with Pippin and Merry - not to cheer each other up, but just to comfort each other and be together. Nicely done chapter! As usual. :)
Author's reply
I certainly can't imagine Aragorn just letting the Northern Kingdom sort of take care of itself--I'd always thought that those Rangers who came South to fight at his side would need some social and authority structure, and he'd have some sort of system in place to meet their needs. And once he received the Sceptre of Annuminas, there HAD to be some kind of stewardship to help Arnor once again take shape as the Northern Kingdom. Glad you find the structure I've considered believable and acceptable.
The story Elanor asked for would undoubtedly have awakened the memories of grief and fear somewhat, and so Sam would be likely to be troubled by his nightmares. And that you see Aragorn sitting there afterward with his own sadness and weariness in the wake of soothing him--I love that picture that my own portion of the story has conjured in you, that you see these emotions in him, Merry, and Pippin, which indeed I'd thought of but had not explicitly written.
And once again I'm looking at the appendices indicating that Eomer's Riders followed Aragorn to many strange lands to help secure the peace. If Rhun is now an ally, and most of Harad as well, and they've pacified the Wainriders of the far East, what other peoples might threaten the security of Aragorn's lands? So I've tried to imagine what the descendants of Angmar might be like....
harrowcat
· 17 June 2005
· Chapter 30: A Trial in Bree
wow, what a chapter Larner and I do love our ranger coming out to play. The detail you weave into your stories is fantastic. It always makes me want to go back and re-read the original. Aragorn healing Merry of his first experience of the black breath by a simple touch - oh yes! The respect for what the four Travellers went through just keeps increasing in EVERYONE as more and more of their story comes out. How do you keep track, you must spend hours plotting - who else have you got left to tell a part of it? I am simply awed by your story-telling. I can easily imagine you sitting on the barrels at the free fair and I envy your students!
But, poor, poor Sam. I just knew he was going to suffer for the telling of that tale. But then, I wouldn't mind having the King there to soothe my nightmares!
Author's reply
Hours plotting the story? Not really, althouh now and then I have to bring up one of the other stories to make certain I've managed not to cause interstory conflicts.
And I wouldn't mind keeping Aragorn around to soothe nightmares (and a few other things as well.... ;-> )
Tigger
· 16 June 2005
· Chapter 30: A Trial in Bree
So the old hatreds are still brewing. Sad. Expected, but still sad. This was a very well written chapter that showed just how evil can use appearances to twist to it's own uses. And Beasty hasn't learned a single thing has he? That's a hobbit in for a extremely rude awakening, regardless of what Aragorn gives as justice, as merciful as he can be.
Loved Aragorn hearing Sam in the night and coming to his friend's aid. I wish I had an Aragorn when my own nightmares/flashbacks rear their ugly heads. I so could sympathize w/Sam there. They are very, very real when they happen and very much seem like it's still happening when they take place.
Excellent chapter. Looking forward to more as always!!
Author's reply
So many will insist on maintaining old enmities long past their times for their own purposes; and how often we misunderstand the simplest truths, twisting them to fit our own expectations. And I could do with an Aragorn a time or two myself. Hope your own flashbacks fade with time.
Dreamflower
· 16 June 2005
· Chapter 30: A Trial in Bree
*whoosh*
I sympathize with you, having to move this large party of Men and hobbits about. Having done something similar in the past, and attempting it again, I understand the difficulty. Does the expression "herding cats" sound familiar, LOL?
But you are managing this brilliantly! I am impressed with how well you are keeping up with every member of the party. I have occasionally lost track of my characters from time to time, LOL!
There is much to love about this chapter: Aragorn soothing Sam's dream; the reappearance of Strider; the foiling of the attempted ambush. I *love* the scene in the Pony, reliving that fateful night when the four met Strider was marvellous, even to Merry's reaction.
And I am loving the way Beasty is beginning to have things hammered into his thick skull.
But your most brilliant thing of all was the Angmarians' interpretation of what happened in the battles! I would *never* have thought of that in a million years, yet once you point it out it makes an inevitable kind of strange sense! And of course, you also show the total illogic of those who have been propagandized!
*More*More*!!! (pretty please...)
Author's reply
Yes, am aware of what you mean by herding cats--getting any number of children within a classroom going in the same direction tends to be as difficult!
Am so glad that even familiar events can look startlingly odd and even sinister through the eyes of those who do not understand, and that I've managed to surprise some with the odd interpretations of what was seen by those from Angmar.
And Beasty is remarkably thick headed, isn't he? Thanks!
shirebound
· 16 June 2005
· Chapter 30: A Trial in Bree
My goodness.
"He fought upon the Pelennor, and saw the woman and child facing the Lord of the Nazgul himself, and the Men of Gondor and Rohan encouraged them in this. He fled east after the Captain was killed, and fought again with the troops of Mordor, saw the old Man given to the Eagles, saw the Eagles flying with the bodies of children clutched in their claws."
You are able to bring us the most amazing and unique ideas! What a misguided yet logical way to have perceived what happened on that day. This whole chapter is fascinating.
Author's reply
Obviously this is a possible interpretation which no one else appears to have considered anyone might have made of the rescue of Frodo and Sam, or the defiance of the Witchking of Angmar. What will those who have never seen Hobbits think of their first sight of them? Well, this is what percolated through my fevered brain last weekend as I wrote this. Glad you find it fascinating. Thanks so much for the feedback!
Andrea
· 16 June 2005
· Chapter 27: Guardianship
Oh, I just love it, when Sam tells stories! He's very good at it, isn't he ;-)
You brought back to me the moment, when Smeagol gently tried to touch Frodo, but was abruptly stopped by Sam, who had just awakened - and destroyed the magic of the moment! Of course, Sam is not to blame, he only wanted to protect his master.
I like the idea, that Smeagol saw the light in Frodo and tried to cling to it - until Gollum came back! At that moment, when Smeagol reached out his hand, everything could have been possible!
I also liked it, that Emro was allowed to stay at the farm, which once was his own! Gambling can be very dangerous, but he recognized, that he did completely wrong. And I think, he will never do it again.
Seems to me now, that it was Lilac who was most afraid of losing the twins, for Emro now lets them live their own lifes.
Kitty
· 16 June 2005
· Chapter 29: A Tale of Waking
Trust a curious child to ask the question no other dares to ask! It was a good idea to have Aragorn tell this, because I doubt Sam will ever do it. It was a very touching story. You've caught this important moments very well. And there were not only the travellers and their immediate familys, but enough others listening as well. It is about time more of them become a impression of what Frodo and Sam did. Well done, Elanor! Truly, I love it how natural she acts around the King.
And the image of Will, Paladin and Aragorn washing up the dishes was great. I would have liked to be there and see the faces of the Hobbits!
Oh, and about the question of AU or not (to which I want to say I haven't anything against AU), you are right! I had completely forgotten about this piece, although I've read it some months ago. I had only taken the 'Tale of Years' into account, where 1432Merry becomes Master of Buckland, 1434 Pippin Thain, and 1436 Aragorn rides north to dwell by Lake Evendim. I had assumed they came to their offices because their fathers died and so Aragorn had no chance to meet them. You've given me some comfort - I don't even know why I have set my heart on this particular idea, but I always wanted them to meet.
Author's reply
Yes, it is important more begin to realize what was done by those who went outside, particularly Frodo and Sam; and I like to imagine the small children from the village who weren't part of the meal might have been lingering about spying on those who were, and heard this also, and realized what had been done by them as well.
And yes, it is often the children who bring out the painful subjects and open them to the healing light of day; which is why it is Elanor and not Ruvemir who asks the King to tell the story at that moment.
It's fun to find there may be canon to support what appears at first glance to be AU, isn't it? (Grinning widely)
songspinner
· 16 June 2005
· Chapter 29: A Tale of Waking
Wow. Amazing insights here...especially the one about the Ring using Frodo's gifts against him. Makes sense to me. And lovely characterization and dialogue, I thought.
-Laura
Author's reply
The Ring would use anything it saw as leverage against the individual it was trying to claim--the ambition of Saruman; the desire for personal glory and power and the feelings of responsibility of Boromir; the pity and compassion of Gandalf; the desire for personal greatness and to build love of her for Galadriel....
Yes, whatever gifts Frodo had would be both heightened by the Ring then taken advantage of, trying to get him to either get it to Sauron or to get him to claim it so it could claim him.
Thanks for the appreciation of the charactization and dialogue as well.
shirebound
· 16 June 2005
· Chapter 29: A Tale of Waking
your father would not leave him, would not awaken before him, would not allow him to feel alone. I kept Frodo deep in healing sleep, but needed to do little for your father, for his spirit kept watch on Frodo’s throughout. Only when Frodo began to waken on his own did your father finally give over the watch and truly sleep himself, giving over the memories.
What a marvelous insight. I was as mesmerized by the King's tale as Elanor, or any of the others. And I have no doubt that the strongest memory the hobbits will take away from this 'gathering' is that the King himself washed dishes!
:D
Author's reply
An example of concern as well as of humility, Aragorn. I like to think of him realizing how needful it is to do the little things as well as the big things, and realizing emotions often need a physical outlet.
And glad you appreciate the insight. Thank you.
Dreamflower
· 16 June 2005
· Chapter 29: A Tale of Waking
What a beautiful, sad, gorgeous, poignant, amazing telling of Frodo's and Sam's rescue from Mordor!
And Aragorn washing the dishes: I find that utterly and perfectly appropriate!
I adore your Aragorn.
Author's reply
We need more leaders who will wash dishes or sweep up stone chips or otherwise do the small things needed day to day to keep grounded. Far too many have far too little connection to real life any more, it seems, and thus can convince themselves that simplistic answers to complex issues are acceptable.
Am so glad you found so much to move you in this chapter.