Radbooks
· 16 August 2005
· Chapter 20: The Tale of the Ringbearers
I enjoyed this chapter in many different ways. One just to see all of the interweaving of what it took to bring down Sauron - all of them had parts of the story to tell. They couldn't have done it without each other and I know that of course, but it was just interesting to have them all in one place and see it told like that.
I actually liked having the man, Sherfiramun, in the story. Though I don't like what he did, but having him there makes it more realistic. If you had fought for the other side in a war, would you just believe what the 'enemy' said to you? He'd been lied to for years so of course he wouldn't just believe them and I imagine that many of the other Haradic people don't either, but they just don't say it. But poor Pippin, to have to show of his scars to prove it to him, was heartbreaking because you just know how hard that is for him. I almost thought Aragorn wasn't going to 'let' him do it, but of course Pippin was right, it did need to be done.
Well done as usual!
Author's reply
Sherfiramun remains in the story, and will become more of a foil as it unwinds. But, you are right--he'd been lied to for years and needs to realize just how much this is true, and that his preconceptions are open to question.
So glad you find it well done. Gives me hope I'll do better in my own story.
harrowcat
· 16 August 2005
· Chapter 20: The Tale of the Ringbearers
I wanted to kick Sherfiramun all the way back to Gondor! I sense a confrontation coming. Great re-telling and thanks for getting Ruvemir into the act. I was very proud of Pippin but I couldn't have done what he did, but then deplomacy on that level is not my strong point.
Author's reply
Oh, yes, there is a confrontation coming, and the return of someone we've seen before.
Ruvemir needs to tell his part of the tale, too; and glad you found his additions desirable. Am glad this small sculptor crept out of the empty space under my bed the night he did, as I find I rather admire him.
Dreamflower
· 16 August 2005
· Chapter 20: The Tale of the Ringbearers
Well, well; Shefiramun is a sore loser, and a loudmouth to boot!
Pippin's response and anger were well done, though I think I'd have liked it even more if he'd sparred with him and won. *sigh* Oh, well, I don't suppose that would have been very polite at the Farozi's dinner.
And even though his doubt was the catalyst for the revelations that needed to be made, I still hope the Farozi gives him what for later on, for having the bad manners to doubt the word of his guests!
Author's reply
Oh, Sherfiramun is about to find himself rather crowded with repercussions from tonight's outburst, not to mention what else he might be party to. I rather think the King doesn't trust him any more.
lindahoyland
· 15 August 2005
· Chapter 19: To Market, to Market
Aragorn and Arwen are so kind andthoughtful in their dealings with the 'slaves'. i love the way you depict the diferent cultures and customs. Were you thinking of the Jewish Ethipians when you wrote Benai ?I tried to look up the language he speaks but could not find it in the back of ROTK. This is one of your most enjoyable stories yet though I have loved most of them.Thank you for your kind review of my story.
Author's reply
Yes, the Jewish Ethiopians are indeed the group I was thinking of.
As I understand it, Adunaic was one of the languages Tolkien thought of for his Middle Earth, and it was tied to Numenor.
In ROTK Pippin realizes the guards in Gondor, when speaking their own language are speaking a form of Sindarin, for he recognizes some of the Elvish words he is hearing; and the title they give him of "Ernil i Pheriannath" is definitely closely related to the "Periannath" used by the Elves of Rivendell. This is why in The King's Commission I have Aragorn speaking of the disapproval he got from Elrond after returning from Gondor speaking the Gondorian version of Sindarin rather than the "proper" form spoken by the Elves.
In the Silmarillion and in the appendices Tolkien noted that in time the monarchy of Numenor began to break from their Elven ancestry, and they changed the prefix for the throne names of the Kings from "Tar-" to "Ar-," indicating that this was about the time that the use of Adunaic became preferable to speaking the Elven tongues, much in the same way the exiled Noldor stopped using Quenya and took up using Sindarin in protest.
In Arnor after a time the "Ar" prefix became part of the name given to the heirs of Isildur, indicating that in Arnor perhaps Adunaic would probably be spoken more widely than in Gondor.
In breaking with the Arnorian tradition of using the royal "Ar" prefix in his throne name and the name he gave his son, Aragorn was tying himself in many ways more closely to Gondorian protocol and usage, and personally I am glad, though I can't truly tell you why.
The languages I have Gefferel name are, of course, out of my imaginary geography of Middle Earth's version of Africa.
Radbooks
· 15 August 2005
· Chapter 19: To Market, to Market
Nice chapter, I like seeing Gimli in the market and haggling for the sandels. That was funny. I'd never be able to do something like that and I've been in countries where it's expected. It was smart of Aragorn to send him and Legolas out to do the shopping because he was right, no one would close up their shop on those two! It will be interesting for the little girl and how she fits in there because the Haradi (?) would not see her any different than a slave girl and would treat her as such. It will be interesting to see how Aragorn and the others handle that after saying that they do not have slaves and now they 'have' 2 of them.
By the way, you mentioned in your response to me earlier that you had seen a documentary about a group of people in Africa that were some how related to Israel and I remember seeing that program and it is fascinating. You wonder how that happened, though I do think they had some theories at the time. I like how you incorprated that into this story.
Radbooks
Author's reply
I go into it most in my response to Dreamflower on the last chapter. It's fascinating how in Ethiopia they have found proof that there were lost tribes from Israel who have maintained the Jewish way of life while physically having become Africanized--except the Cohenim genetic marker remains part of their heritage as well.
In today's chapter you'll see how immediately the way Aragorn outfits Benai marks him as beyond the level of Haradri slaves, and they begin seeing him recognizing he is no different in function or importance than the liveried guards of honor. How we see ourselves has a large impact on how others perceive us. When Benai is bearing a sword that is definitely Dunedain in nature and acting the same as Hildigor, Hardorn, Mablung, or Pippin, he is no longer on manual slave status, particularly if he is publicly treated by his "masters" no differently than they are as well.
And it's fun taking concepts from "real" life and working them into my stories.
harrowcat
· 15 August 2005
· Chapter 19: To Market, to Market
'We're to get what'! *uncontrollable giggles* I'm glad that Gimli got the sandals part of the bargining. I can't quite imagine him managing to choose cloth and haggle for it in quite the same way! And of course the first words he would learn would be about metals!
And I am finding your true Southern Dunedain fascinating. Looking forward to seeing this develop. As a keen but haphazard X-stitcher can I 'prentice myself to Arwen too?!? Pleese
(Hoping to go camping soon so may need to play catch up again at the end of August. Will miss my daily fix!
Author's reply
Well, ALMOST daily, at least!
If you can catch her in, you might convince the Queen to accept your indentures, I think. I don't embroider, but do crochet and have done weaving, although nothing too complex as yet.
And I, too, loved the image of Gimli haggling in the marketplace; and think Legolas did rightly to have him get the sandals.
Have a good camping trip.
Baggins Babe
· 15 August 2005
· Chapter 19: To Market, to Market
My goodness! These were two incredible chapters and I don't know where to start because it has given me such a lot to think about. That Aragorn should discover one descended from the Numenoreans and that they have so much shared heritage and imagery was very exciting.
I loved Gimli haggling with the trader - typical Gimli! And they obviously both enjoyed it.
I love the fact that Benai accepts Aragorn as his lord, and it is so touching that all the others treat him with so much respect.
Lovely that Hasturnerini has her possessions back and that the poor child will know some love and a decent life.
Author's reply
So glad you've enjoyed them, Babe.
My mom spent the early years with my dad, who was a pilot for the Air Force, stationed in Central America where haggling was a way of life at the time. She had one person she dealt with who loved to haggle, and she found that if she didn't respond he would be terribly disappointed. He taught her how to bargain and how to enjoy it, even though her Spanish was far worse than mine is. Gimli's bargaining is based in part on Mom's stories of Sr. Olvarez.
And I think the Dunedain, wherever they settled, would all come to revere Aragorn--all save the Black Numenoreans, who would be envious of how the followers of Elendil, Isildur, and Anarion managed to usurp them in Middle Earth.
Kitty
· 15 August 2005
· Chapter 19: To Market, to Market
*giggles*
The purchase of the sandals was fun! Our dear Gimli did very well. Sometimes he doesn't give himself enough credit for his talents.
Melian is so sweet! I loved her talk with Benai and how she taught Hasturnerini the proper curtsey. And it is interesting how they all now work to establish Benai's and Hasturnerini's new status. It is so very typical of Aragorn and Arwen to think about all these details! I look forward to know how the Haradrim reacts to their way to deal with the former slaves!
Author's reply
Melian is her parents' daughter, after all, and would undoubtedly look at each new relationship to find ways to assist her new companions to fit in more comfortably.
My husband was a divorcee, and his first wife had a girl from a previous relationship. The first time she saw a person who was black she was three years old. She was going with my husband on the bus, and the driver was black. She reportedly stopped stock still and looked at him amazed, then wet her finger and rubbed it on his arm to see if the color would run off. When she found it wouldn't, she smiled up at him in delight to find a new type of person in her world, and I guess the poor guy just melted away. I rather see Melian doing much the same with Benai.
Dreamflower
· 15 August 2005
· Chapter 19: To Market, to Market
Very nice! I *loved* the bit with Gimli haggling! I always figure haggling was one of the Dwarves' more treasured pursuits, and that they would enjoy a good bit of it.
So nice to see Benai and Hasturnerini settling in among the Gondorian party. I really look forward to seeing Benai get acquainted with Pippin (I can see them doing duty together, one tiny, beside his King, and one huge, beside his Queen.) though I suppose there would be some language barrier to that for a little while at least.
And the bit at the end was sweet. Poor child, at least she has been saved from the degradation of slavery!
Author's reply
I hadn't thought of the Mutt and Jeff-type image of Pippin and Benai doing duty together, but it is one to think of, isn't it? I think Benai will be working hard to learn Westron in order to communicate more freely with those he now serves alongside.
As for the girl--to be in the shock first of losing her father and then her home and freedom and all that had defined her life--then to have at least part of it restored with the promise she will have a true life of her own again--yes, it is very reassuring; and the doll here would be the symbol of the promise of rebuilding that life.
Thanks so much for the review.
Amy
· 15 August 2005
· Chapter 18: To the Service of the Queen
Wonderful chapter! Wow!
Lovely meshing of the latter consequences of the tale of Earendil, the founding of Numenor, and the eventual reuniting of the two lines. The meaning of the stars, the stars made flesh and flesh made stars: truly magical!
Author's reply
Yes, both the founding and the foundering of Numenor are referenced here. Glad you enjoy it, and love that you appreciate the star imagery that so permeates the history of those who became the Dunedain.
Kitty
· 15 August 2005
· Chapter 18: To the Service of the Queen
The audience with the two landholders was amusing. I'm not sure I'd had the patience to listen for three hours, but I liked the solution. And Éomer was right - they should pay something to the Farozi for boring all of them so ;-)
So, now Arwen has an apprentice, too? *smile* How nice! And Ruvemir is probably glad it wasn't he for a change after all the apprentices he'd been given in "The King's commission". I am truly glad Hasturnerini is now with them, although I wonder if it was truly correct to sell her and all the belongings of her father only to pay the healer. It seems quite much.
Benai's story was a surprise. A unknown tribe of the Numenoreans? I'd never thought of something like this, but the idea is intriguing! And it opens so many new possibilities - now I am curious how Aragorn will send Benai back to his home and protect them in the future! It was wonderful written how Benai and Aragorn discovered first Benai's native tongue and then their kinship through Elendil!
Can't wait for more!!
Author's reply
Oh, I'm so glad someone else likes the audience, as it was fun to write. Reread Monk's Hood recently, and such a boundary dispute was part of the story. Had to find a way of working such a dispute into my tales as well, and this seemed a perfect place, with some hint as to how all three rulers saw basically the same resolution, but would possibly seek to discourage further repeats of the dispute in different ways.
And it's a proper way to deal with the girl, I think, to place her under Arwen's teaching in weaving and embroidery. And I suspect Ruvemir is properly amused at the situation.
As for Benai--well, lost tribes are always interesting, particularly as we see how they interact with others of their race as they are discovered.
Radbooks
· 14 August 2005
· Chapter 18: To the Service of the Queen
Larner, I loved this chapter! It was such an interesting twist with Benai being from a lost ship and being distantly related to the Dunadain, etc. And how he immediately acknowledged Aragorn as his lord. It was very fun to read and see how it would all work out there, I truly enjoyed that whole section. Then Arwen having an apprentice, when she never even wanted to be a master embroider in the first place is funny too and the perfect place for the girl. I loved Aragorn's comment about the honesty of children... it's so very true! Wonderful chapter all the way around and I can't wait to see what happens next. :)
Author's reply
I'm so glad you are enjoying it, Radbooks. Yes, Arwen is finding another place for herself within Gondor, not just as Aragorn's wife and the Queen and one who helps in the Houses of Healing and the gardens, but also as a woman of the business of the realm. In medieval times one of the most important functions of noblewomen was that they were expected to sew and embroider; that this would be seen as something beyond just the typical pursuit of a great lady but would be accepted as part of everyday Guild activities, and she would be drawn out of the isolation of the solar and into the activities of clothesmaking and embroidery for the sake and glory of the realm is my personal bit of indulgence, I suppose.
As for Benai, he's been sitting in my mind ever since I realized that the deserts of Africa border jungle tribelands, and I watched a documentary on a particular tribe with surprising ties to Israel.
Wyvern
· 14 August 2005
· Chapter 18: To the Service of the Queen
I have been following this series as you publish and find the concept highly original as well as entertaining. The finding of the 'Lost Tribe' of Numenor is an elegant idea - Keep it up!
Cheers
Richard
Author's reply
In Africa geneticists have been finding a black tribe with a wonderful tie to a Middle Eastern culture, and that led to the idea of the lost tribe of Numenoreans found in Africa.
Am glad to hear from you, and that you are finding the story and the ideas behind it original and entertaining.
You will find I find a number of Nuzguls springing from documentaries I've seen, including the one which sparked "The Choice of Healing." How modern discoveries might have played out in Arda is a fascinating source of ideas for exploration.
Dreamflower
· 14 August 2005
· Chapter 18: To the Service of the Queen
Oh my goodness! This *is* a surprise! You do come up with the most interesting concepts: a "lost tribe" of Numenoreans! That is going to be really interesting. And I adore the idea that the young girl will be made Arwen's apprentice!
I love the way Benai almost instinctively recognizes that there is something special about Aragorn and Arwen, well before he finds out the truth.
I'm beginning to wonder what kind of impact the sojourn of the Northerners will have on the institution of slavery in Harad...
Author's reply
It's difficult to say how slavery in Harad will develop as yet; but I suspect that future experiences elsewhere will have an impact on the import of slaves in the future.
Author Reply: (Hit return before I was quite done--sorry about that.)
In Africa they found a tribe of blacks who swear they are descended from the lost tribes of Israel. They have synagogues and rabbis, read the Torah, follow the typical Jewish religious year, wear the prayer garments, cover their heads, and follow basic Kosher laws.
Caucasian Jews, of course, doubted the familial ties--until modern genetics came along. Tests of the DNA of identified Levites and particularly Cohenim (the descendants of Moses's brother Aaron, who are considered the ones proper to serve as priests should the Great Temple ever be rebuilt and its ancient services be renewed) from within the tribe have shown these carry the same unique marker genes as seen in Cohenim found in Israel, Europe, the Americas, and so on. Even though the tribe lost during one of the disporia migrated into Africa and obviously intermarried with local tribesmen, the Jewish identity has remained and superseded the tribal identity of those who accepted them, and all are now accepted as Jews for all their obvious negroid heritage.
I've found the entire subject fascinating, as my own story deals strongly with a genetic pattern and how it manifests itself.
lindahoyland
· 14 August 2005
· Chapter 18: To the Service of the Queen
I have been eagerly awaiting this chapter as the rescued slaves caught my interest. Aragorn and Arwen are so kind and good and humble too.I was fasinated by Benai's story and felt as if I were Aragorn listening.You are a great storyteller !I hope you will further develop the relationship between Aragorn and BEnai as Benai is obviously a great man too.
Author's reply
I hope I can develop the relationship as it deserves to be developed, and hopefully in this story, although it won't be the easiest thing to do.
So glad you love the twists and turns. And thanks so for the compliments.
Tigger
· 14 August 2005
· Chapter 18: To the Service of the Queen
Wow...When you sald wait and see who this slave is, you weren't kidding Larner. What a plot twist and so in canon too!! My mouth is still gaping open at the shock. So, he would be a cousin of sorts to Aragorn, Arwen and Hardorn, right? If I understand things properly. I could be wrong of course, so if I am, just ignore my ramblings. :o) And Arwen gains an apprentice as well. As an embroider myself, I've got to admit I love how you've taken Tolkien having Arwen stitch Aragorn's standard and just expanded on that in so many wonderful ways. It's one of my favourite things that you've put in your stories. Very much interested in seeing how Arwen teaches her new apprentice to sew and weave.
Looking forward as always to the next chapter.
Author's reply
In making Arwen an embroiderer, Tolkien was simply accepting the typical pursuits of a medieval noblewoman, who was primarily expected to keep to her stillroom, her solar and her sewing or weaving, and to oversee the running of the household--when she had a break from bearing her lord's heirs, of course. Naturally, this ideal was always being breached in reality, particularly when the men of the manor were drawn off to war to fight for their overlords.
I like to see Minas Anor as being a bit more modern, and Arwen accepted as part of the business dealings of the realms along with her other functions as Queen and the Lord Elessar's wife. That she would find the guilds seeking to draw her into their activities seemed logical and, I must admit, a bit perverse on my own part. I like the thought that those who made their living sewing and embroidering would seek to draw her into their activities, making her more accessible in many ways. After all, she's not now in the isolation of Imladris or Lorien any more. Gondor is the current emerging power once more; and its economics and business dealings are going to have an impact on everyone.
Radbooks
· 14 August 2005
· Chapter 17: Slave Market
I enjoyed this chapter, from the fabrics that Eowyn bought to the slaves that Arwen bought. I can understand her buying the young, frightened girl slave. Who wouldn't be moved by pity? But the older man slave intrigues me and I wonder what she senses about him. Especially because he has a star carved on his chest and I know that has some meaning! I'm looking forward to the next chapter. Slavery is so evil and while I know it will never be able to be stamped out in our world, it would be nice.
Author's reply
I hope that you enjoy tonight finding out what the meaning of that star shape on his chest means. I, too, would like to see slavery stamped out; but it still survives in Africa, at least. All we can do is fight it as we can.
Tigger
· 12 August 2005
· Chapter 17: Slave Market
Wow!! Slavery is not allowed in Gondor and Arnor, but the Queen of the lands knows suffering when she sees it. I have a feeling these two will be given a new chance at life in Minas Anor once the Royal Party returns home. Interesting twist here Larner and very much looking forward to seeing what you do w/it.
The two chapters before this were fantastic. A lot of learning of tolerating differences on both sides, but more so on the side of the Haradi. Sorry I wasn't able to review those when I read them, but the flu nailed me late last week and most of this too. Feeling much better now though.
This has been such an incredable story to read. As always looking forward to the next parts.
Author's reply
Sorry you've been ill. Have been working and doing a lot of driving this week, so am going two days between some chapters.
Glad you like how Arwen has chosen two to save, and hope you enjoy what is learned of the one. Decided to take a bit of history and rather reassign it to Middle Earth, with the proper ME twist, of course.
Glad you are feeling better.
lindahoyland
· 12 August 2005
· Chapter 17: Slave Market
I loved this chapter from the details about the cats (So like my own)to Arwen's compassion for the slaves which surprised me not at all as she is a great lady.I will be interested in how Aragorn reacts,especially given the star emblem !
Thank you so much for your kind review of my story. I have just posted more of SAT here,am not sure if it should be R or PG13.I did edit it a bit to tone it down and hope it will be improved.
Author's reply
The ancient Egyptians glorified cats, and I'd intended to work them into the story a bit earlier, but they rather slipped out of it. So, here they are, finally. Hope you continue to enjoy what Aragorn learns of his new subjects.
As for your works--I think they are very appropriate here, and am glad to see them being posted.
Dreamflower
· 12 August 2005
· Chapter 17: Slave Market
Dear me, Arwen is taking on slavery one slave at a time, or two, I suppose! I look forward to the commotion when her intentions to free them is revealed. *grin*
And it seems she is recovering the girl's possessions for her, as well. *Scandalous*! ;-D
And I do hope that somewhere along the line Pippin gets a chance to prove to the Hardrim his worth as a Guard. In spite of all they've been told, I don't think they really believe it yet.
Author's reply
Yes, two slaves, in this case; one of whom will prove a surprise.
As for Pippin's abilities being proven--that is coming up.
harrowcat
· 12 August 2005
· Chapter 17: Slave Market
I love your female characters Larner - gracious and ladies in the true sense of the word yet comfortable with less 'lady-like' pursuits too! I have often thought that, even though I have heard LOTR described as a 'boys only adventure,' the Prof's female characters are masterly and provide strength and courage, both for themselves and . I was so glad that Peter Jackson decided against expanding on Arwen's part in the films. She didn't need it.
I like your invention of the baby sling and the pram - clever stuff. And the scene at the slave market was great. 'The queen waited with the steadfastness of stone.' I admire her ability to control her emotions. Time must be a great teacher.
Author's reply
Someone who's already lived alomst three thousand years has learned, I think, to control her emotions and to be certain what she wants when she gets it.
Kitty
· 12 August 2005
· Chapter 17: Slave Market
Oh yes, I can imagine not only Éowyn, but Arwen and Lothiriel as well defend herself! Nefiramonrani's world is being turned upside down through the visitors from the North, I fear.
The last part with the slaves was touching. It was so very like Arwen to buy the both to save them! She will surely find a place and work for them where they are save. And it was absolutely sweet how she bought the things which obviously belonged once to the family of the poor little girl!
Author's reply
Arwen recognizes quality when she sees it, and wishes it safe and placed in settings where it will be properly displayed and protected and happily situated. And, once becoming aware that there were things which had belonged to the girl, she would seek to restore them, I'm certain, that which had the most meaning.
Kitty
· 11 August 2005
· Chapter 16: Sparring Practice
Ah, yes. That was fun! I think I would enjoy to see Aragorn and Gimli sparring myself - sword against axe is a bit uncommon. And Aragorn and Legolas fighting must be quite a show, the elven trained King against the elven Prince.
Sherfiramun isn't a very good loser. I hope he causes no trouble. It is probably good he sparred with Mablung - I don't dare to imagine what he would say (and do!) if he were beaten by Pippin! Oh, and will you tell us a bit more what the Haradrim think about seeing Eowyn and Pippin sparring? (I know, I am a bit greedy!) Somehow I doubt their women are used to use weapons, and they probably hadn't taken Pippin seriously as a guard until now.
Author's reply
Oh, I agree that the realization that Pippin knew what he was doing with his sword must have been a shock, along with the further realization that his opponent was the Princess Eowyn and that she, too, was skilled. I doubt many women of Harad knew much more about weapons than that a knife in the back or poison dropped into a cup might rid them of rivals, possible enemies to their families, and unwanted husbands and lovers.
I also believe that, just as Glorfindel, Elrohir and Elladan and Elrond himself would have seen to it Aragorn became proficient with a variety of weapons and particularly knife and sword, but that Legolas and Gimli make certain he learn the defenses against some of the other weapons he might face.
Glad you enjoyed it, and I think we will learn more of Sherfiramun as the story progresses.
Radbooks
· 11 August 2005
· Chapter 16: Sparring Practice
Larner,
I've been on vacation and just now been able to catch up on this wonderful story. It's been fun to sit down and have lots of chapters to read all at once! :) I have thoroughly enjoyed it, though I must admit it that it is very different seeing the people of Harad as an Egyptian culture. But it is very cleverly done and I have loved all of the Aragorn in it because, as you may or may not remember, he is my favorite character. :) While I can't comment on all of the chapters specifically, the sparring in this last chapter was fun to 'watch'. I can just see Aragorn and Gimli fighting. That would be an incredible thing to watch - scary I think and then the skill and grace of Aragorn and Legolas would be hard - so fast that you almost couldn't see there hands. I loved that Pippin and Eowyn fought and that Aragorn made the one arrogant Harad man fight with a foil. Anyway, it was something that you don't usually see in a story - sparring like that - and it was fun. I know there have been many other wonderful things in the story - forgive me for not mentioning them! But know that I have enjoyed them.
Radbooks
Author's reply
Good to have you back again, and glad you are enjoying the story so far. Had an emergency come up yesterday, so didn't get anything posted then. Hope it was worth the wait.
The sparring for practice I've always felt would be part of Dunedain life, for those of North or South, for they've had to defend themselves against dire enemies for generations almost beyond count; and it's also important to use it to contrast the reactions of some of the participants as well as to explore how such as Pippin would find themselves after a bout, there in such a foreign climate.
Glad you like what you've read, and hope it continues to entertain and spark thought.
(And, as you must know by now, Aragorn is one of my favorites, too. Have been in love with the character since I first read the books in 63-64.)
lindahoyland
· 10 August 2005
· Chapter 16: Sparring Practice
Another most enjoyable chapter, i wish I could have been there to watch them sparring !You made me feel as if I were.
Many thanks for your review and comments.I was fascinated as I only have the one volume edition of LOTR that Peter Jackson mentions plus 2 copies of ROTK for reference.I came to the trilogy following a radio broadcast about 20 years ago. I think the outburst against Gimli shows just how the palantir affected Aragorn,a pity Tolkien deleted that but I'm glad he gave him a longer life !I edit details in my own stories too.
Thanks for your advice.I have started posting Shadow and Thought,editing out any part that I think readers on this site might object to.
Where in the UK have you visited ?I am British.
Author's reply
When I make people feel they are there it makes me glad! It's the point of writing to begin with.
I have the BBC radio broadcast for LOTR, but my son lost my set for The Hobbit. Now I'm planning to replace that and get the NPR broadcasts.