Baggins Babe
· 27 August 2005
· Chapter 27: Recovery
I so enjoyed these last two chapters - the contrast between Aragorn the King and Aragorn the husband, father and friend. The reference to Pip and Merry putting pine cones under his bedroll in Hollin made me roll about! How typical of those two!
I enjoyed the reference to the notorious quilt with all the pink patches - I can just imagine Aragorn ignoring the sniggers of his cousins and friends when he unrolls it. :-))
Author's reply
Somehow I managed to miss answering this one--or the answer got lost when the server was going wonkers on me during the time I posted this chapter and the ones following it.
I've always loved the stories folks have written on practical jokes various members of the Fellowship might have pulled on one another; and just love the story on the prank war that's been posted here over the past couple months. Every new trick that comes up has me guffawing more and more.
So many seemed to love the chapter in The Ties of Family about the quilt with pink patches it seemed perfect to include it here. And, like you, I think Aragorn would pointedly ignore each poorly suppressed smile and giggle and smirk as he reflected on the great deal of love that quilt expressed.
And Aragorn's many dimensions need to be expressed. He was not just a one-dimensional superhero.
Thanks for your patience with me.
Radbooks
· 27 August 2005
· Chapter 28: The Sins of the Husband
I enjoyed the 'tea party' or whatever you would call it that the children were having while the trial was going on. It was good for them to be occupied and for that group to get together and know each other a little bit, especially for Hasturnerini to be accepted. How old is Melian? I have forgotten and I'm thinking she is about 5 but I can't remember for sure. Oh, and I agree with her, I can't imagine eating eating lying down like that! :) Though I know you just get used to things like that.
Pippin asked a good question of Ankhsarani and you just knew she wasn't going to know what was going on in her house. Just like her sister, she wasn't 'allowed' to be curious about things so never suspected anything was the matter. I do feel sorry for her though, because she has a tough life in front of her - not that it hasn't been tough already with the way her husband has treated her. Not she will have to face the scorn of others for what he did.
It will be interesting when Aragorn and Co. go to the Valley of the Sun to see the old priest. I look forward to that part as well, I'm wondering what might transpire at that meeting, I have a few guesses, but I will keep those to myself! :)
Great job!
Author's reply
Yes, Ankhsarani will have to face the shame heaped on the family name by her husband's actions; and indeed she was raised not to question as had been true of her sister. But I think she will find all will work out in the end, although perhaps she might do well with a break from Harad for a time.
Yes, Melian was five, but I've indicated she's a bit precocious and perhaps not as big on questions as many children of that age, one of those who tends to learn by observation more than by asking to have things constantly explained.
As for what will happen in the Valley of the Sun, you may well be right--or wrong--in your speculations. (Not voicing them, of course, makes it easier to say that! :-P
Thanks so much for the feedback.
Kitty
· 27 August 2005
· Chapter 28: The Sins of the Husband
Now I am truly impressed about the foresight of the Farozi and his way to prepare his land for the day of Sauron’s fall! *crosses hands over breast and bows deeply to An’Sohrabi*
For a land so long more or less under the rule of Sauron this was not usual, I suppose, and not easy, either. After the people of Harad had to fight for Mordor for so long a time it is no little deed to find other business for them so fast. He is a great man, and I am glad Harad and Gondor are going along so well now – this Farozi deserves it that his hard work for the time of freedom is so successful.
I liked it how you destroyed the temple of the Death Eater. Somehow it is logical the earthquake in the wake of the fall of Barad-dur was so strong in Harad and this temple fell, too. And it is much less work than to destroy it through the Haradrim ;-)
The party of the children was nice. Rustovrid’s youngest seems to have some difficulties with Haradri eating customs after all the years in Gondor. And the question if Hildigor is a slave ... *giggles*
I am very pleased about the way the questioning of Ankhsarani turned out. The Farozi is worthy of Aragorn’s friendship.
Oh, and you’re so right in what you said in your last response about the modern world leaders – it is truly sad they are not more like Aragorn. And I agree wholeheartedly about his example for the Haradrim!
Author's reply
Horubi'ninarin came to the attention of the Farozi of Harad and his two sons at just the right time, just when An'Horubi, Ma'osiri, and Sohrabi were coming to the open realization that Sauron was willing to betray all of them. If anything is enough to make them realize there must be another way to rule, it has to be the realization that Mordor will betray its allies and subjects as swiftly as its enemies.
It was enough to make An'Horubi realize he didn't need to father children all over the place; it was enough to make Ma'osiri, who was a pretty decent sort to begin with, to distrust anything coming from Mordor and to seek to go against the practices of that land and its lord, to identify himself more with his people than his overlords; and it led to similar feelings in Sohrabi, who was encouraged to become crafty in his plans for the future.
All three were aware of the prophecies that Mordor will fall through the opposition of other lands, and so the two brothers began to make their plans for the future, I suspect. However, An'Ma'osiri couldn't hide his distrust and dislike of Mordor as well as his brother did, and as a result he ended up being assassinated.
The example of Aragorn at that time, crafty but obviously aligned with the forces of Light, willing to defend and heal even those who ought to be seen as his enemies, implacable in his cutting away of evil forces, was just what they needed for a jump start to their consciences.
As for the Temple to Sauron--I like to think that where the Valar are invoked they'd see to it that the one who rebelled against them and followed their fallen brother was first shown as he was by the continual assaults of the elements themselves on the temple he had constructed to his own conceit, and then by treating his temple the same way they did the monuments of Mordor itself--Orodruin tearing itself apart that it not be so misused again; Barad-dur and the Gate and the Morannon and the Towers of the Teeth and even its armies swallowed up. Aule wouldn't like, I think, to see such monuments stand once their focus himself is no more; and would do his part to make it plain Sauron is dead and all this foolishness of "worshiping" him is to stop--and right here and now.
And, yes, after several years of living according to Gondorian customs the children of Rustovrid are going to notice the difference and start finding they prefer the more recent ones. Even the oldest daughter, who thought she was "home" again when they returned to Harad, is realizing she loves the King's City.
Tigger
· 26 August 2005
· Chapter 28: The Sins of the Husband
That poor lady. Thankfully she has proved to not be any part of the coup. The trick will be to prove it to the general public of Harad, but w/Aragorn and the party of Gondor's support, I suspect that might be an easier thing to bring about.
And it sounds like another member of the Royal Family of Harad is on it's way. Nice twist to this chapter Larner and a very happy one too. Now, is it going to be the Princess that tells her husband or will Aragorn or Arwen figure it out first? Either way, I hope we see the news being told in some way.
Loved the Children's Party and how different cultures got to know one another. It is so much easier for a child to adapt than it is adults after all. Great part of the story.
As always, looking forward to the next chapter. :o)
Author's reply
I suspect that even should Aragorn or Arwen or both be aware of the impending pregnancy, they'll be discrete about it and let the lady tell her husband in her own time--or maybe not if they perceive a need for him to know.
And I find myself also wanting to see the first visit of Ankhrabi's family see Minas Anor at this point. I think it would be pretty wonderful, myself. And it is in the growing appreciation of one another by the children that the prejudicial attitudes between the cultures will be overcome.
Having convinced the local and well-respected priest of Amon of Ankhsarani's innocence isn't going to hurt her, I think.
Thanks for the feedback.
Dreamflower
· 26 August 2005
· Chapter 28: The Sins of the Husband
Poor Ankhaserini, a prime example of "be careful what you wish for because you might get it". This is so true of a young person who marries out of an early infatuation, without the knowledge of what the other person is really like. (I have a close relative who was stuck in an unhappy marriage for 16 years, because of that.)
I really loved the little party for the children, and how they are getting to know one another, and learn one another's customs and languages. I know you've hinted that Nefirnerini and family might end up going to Gondor. It would be nice if her sister came along, might take her mind off things and help her to get a new start in life...
I also loved that Pippin was given the chance to ask a question: and a very astute one, at that. Of course he would realize that she would be made uncomfortable by those who were in her home, and not quite what they ought to be.
A wonderful chapter. I am curious as to what will come next...
Author's reply
Have known several who rushed into marriage with an object of infatuation, only to learn after the fact that the new spouse was a destructive thing to have tied themselves to.
Pippin is already learning the skills he will need as Thain, which is quickly approaching at this time--Merry is already Master now, after all. And Aragorn has had the chance to appreciate this Hobbit's increasing sagacity--for all that he will always be "that Fool of a Took"!
Kitty
· 26 August 2005
· Chapter 27: Recovery
My question about Ankhsarani is answered with this, I see. I’m a bit curious what she will have to say.
The visitors from Gondor seem to have some impact on the Farozi. I loved his informal visit in the guest wing. And of course I was as amused about the still scandalized servants and the bathing thing as was Éomer!
Another amusing part was the question of the quilt. Who could truly be angry at Pippin for this idea, even if the High King has to endure some odd glances because of the pink patches? I loved this reminder! And I wonder what the Farozi and his son think about Pippin – so very good with his sword, an excellent cook, a very close friend of the king on the one hand, and then the fun-loving one on the other hand.
The discussion about the ‚gift’ was probably quite interesting for the Farozi and his heir, as they got to know more about how Aragorn felt about his role as king.
Concerning Éomers worry for Elfwine, I suppose the gift is not so much the reason of elven blood but of the line of Kings of Númenor. Not all elves are healers, after all, and Mithrellas wasn’t of this line, as far as I know.
Author's reply
I agree that the King's Gift would most likely have been more due to being a descendent of Earendil and Elros rather than only having Elven ancestry, although the land sense of Elves seemed to be widespread among their kind.
But, for a Man, Aragorn does appear to have had a strong streak of Elven feeling to him, the last King of the Eldar days. Frodo could see his majesty and power and ability to heal about him. He drew fealty to him, evoked love and loyalty, was unswervingly devoted to truth and service. I so wish more modern world leaders were like him.
But at last the Farozi and future Farozi of Harad are seeing first hand that the great Lord King An'Elessar jokes with his guards, is worried over by his relatives, thinks nothing of scandalizing the Farozi's servants and slaves, and is humble and grateful enough for the signs of love embodied in a patchwork quilt to be willing to risk the amusement of his men. Aragorn rules not out of a need to express power, but out of love and duty.
It's quite an example to pose for others.
Radbooks
· 26 August 2005
· Chapter 27: Recovery
Very nicely done. I hadn't realized that there were other people that still needed to be judged, I thought that was everyone. But it does make sense that you would have a little bit of a different setting for them, though I think they should be judged or punished even harsher. It will be fun seeing what you do though. :) I enjoyed the fact that the Farozi and his son came and visited them down in the guest quarters in such an informal manner so that they could see all of them relaxing and just being themselves. Being friends and family with one another, it's very touching.
When I see all of them together, I realized how they really all need each other. Eomer, Eowyn, Faramir, Aragorn, and Arwen have no parents at all and Lothiriel, Legolas, Ruvemir, and Gimli have fathers but no mothers - at least mothers are never mentioned for those canon characters... could be either way! :) (so many of his characters do not have mothers!) But anyway, they really NEED each other to be family as much as possible, to be brothers and sisters to each other and to be aunts and uncles for the children, etc. Really the only ones that have extended families are the hobbits and Lothiriel has brothers. Anyway, that's what that scene made me think of when a lot of them were in the sitting room together - a big extended family gathering of some type and then I just realized how much they truly needed that.
I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next!
Author's reply
Just as Frodo "borrowed" his cousins and Sam to become his family within the Shire--even when Bilbo was still there, so Aragorn has managed to also form a family out of all who know him and who are beside him for any length of time. Yes, this is a family group, Elf, Dwarf, Men, Hobbits--they have learned to work together and support one another.
To be honest, I realized as I was preparing to post the last chapter that I'd forgotten the hearing for the nobles I'd indicated had been involved, then realized that such would be tried quietly instead. The Nobles of Harad might be fine with the public humiliation of common soldiers, slaves, and such, and would delight in that of a foreign agent such as Merdirion and would be okay with one of their own who was unpopular and particularly dense like Sherfiramun; but to have several of their own put on public display and possibly have countercharges come out--you know how it is: "Why am I the only one in trouble just because I did this? Didn't you realize that yesterday Johnny did that and last week Suzy was the one who did the other?" What we used to do when we were kids and caught in the messes we got caught in. No, members of the nobility wouldn't want that kind of thing, even if the Farozi ignored it, generally made public knowledge. So I left that trial as it was written.
Thanks so much for the feedback.
lindahoyland
· 25 August 2005
· Chapter 27: Recovery
I loved the discussion of the King's Gift and Pippin's pranks.It isn't usual in the UK for our Queen to bow to royalty that she visits.
I love the way you depict Aragorn's faith and confidence in the afterlife.
Thank you so much for your kind review, I agree 100%,Mahrod is a menace to society.
Author's reply
The King's Gift is merely the expression of the idea that the King stands between his people and the Creator, standing ever for the one before the other. It is the duty of the Sacred King to be aware of the needs of his people; and that the land sense of Elves had evolved in the descendants of Elros into the sense of the needs of the people the King serves simply made sense.
No, the Queen of England does not bow before foreign rulers when she visits; but my vision of Aragorn is that he is humble and secure enough in his own royalty to offer the respect due to others. He bows before those who, by virtue of office, birth, or displayed deserving, deserve to receive his honor. After both being comforted by Pippin and Isumbard and comforting them for the execution and the handling the lesser ring, he bows to them, and they certainly aren't royalty (although certainly Pippin is the closest to such the Shire boasts after his da).
And part of what makes Aragorn the proper King is that he has shouldered the role of the Sacred King, who has a special relationship with the Creator who has given him this unique responsibility for the peoples he serves.
And it is time for the Farozi to realize the closeness between Aragorn and those with him, and especially the Hobbits.
Tigger
· 25 August 2005
· Chapter 27: Recovery
What a couple of chapters these have been. Justice was truly done in the previous chapter. I can't believe the Umbarian asked for a sword to defend himself w/. The last act of a coward and/or the influence of the Lesser Ring combined. It was a very well written chapter and had me on the edge of my seat to see what would end up happening.
This chapter was also very well written. I loved how the Farozi and his heir visited his guests in their chambers for the very first time was for these visitors. Worthy indeed for such an honour. I was wondering if you'd revisit Pippin and the rest of the family's gift to Aragorn you introduced in one of your previous stories. That's one of my favourite chapters you've written in any of your stories. I just love the image of the High and Mighty King of Gondor having to bring our a pink patched bedroll in front of his men while out on patrol. :oD That's our Pippin for you. Aided and abetted by the rest of them of course. :o)
This was a wonderful break in the tension of the past few chapters. All of them relaxing after an extremely stressful few days and just acting like old friends. Just a lovely image of all them sitting together and talking at ease.
As always, looking forward to seeing what happens next. :o)
Author's reply
The family quilt is one of my favorite chapters as well. Yes, Aragorn, King of Gondor and Arnor and now to the small country of Camaloa beyond Far Harad as well, ally of Rohan and now Rhun and Harad, descendant of Elendil, has a quilt with very nicely displayed pink patches on it, and loves it! For Pippin that must have been one of the greatest of jokes he ever pulled off, knowing that his friend would proudly and humbly and with a secret cringe at the same time he feels a special satisfaction, pull that out and sleep under it in the wilds of Ithilien and Eriador, and when out hunting with Eomer and Faramir.
And the Farozi of Harad, who's survived by plotting and planning secretly, manipulating others, watching out on all sides for himself and his dwindling family--he sees that Aragorn gets by on developing relationships, and extraordinarily strong ones, where all watch out for one another, where the love is plain and palpable. And in doing so he shows his son a wonderfully different way to serve once he himself becomes Farozi.
Dreamflower
· 25 August 2005
· Chapter 27: Recovery
This was very nice, a restful interlude after all the action and suspense of the last few chapters. I enjoying seeing the Farozi putting aside formality to visit with his guests in a friendly fashion, and taking note of his observations. I'm glad he visited a bit with Eomer, who really has not had a good deal to do so far except be there.
Some of the little touches I loved were Pippin's observation that Aragorn looked like Frodo as he held little Elfwine, and the discussion of the Quilt Joke, LOL!
And I did love the bit when Pippin said he and Merry would be ahead of Aragorn at the end. Our Took is as saucy as ever!
Author's reply
Yes, Eomer needs some quality time of his own! After all, he's not just another pretty face. Am considering having a bit of sparring between him and the King out on the desert, Rohirrim style, with a relative few to see.
That there is a strong resemblance in many ways between Frodo the Scholar and Aragorn the King I felt ought to be brought out, and I think both would have delighted in the innocence of children, and here the relationship would be quite strongly shown. And had to establish for the Farozi that the friendship he'd been told of between King and Thain's Heir is unfeigned, and that the King gladly accepts the quiet laughter of his men for Pippin's sake, all realizing that the quilt in the King's blanketroll represents a humorous grounding in the loves that support him.
And not only is Pippin saucy, he is also bluntly honest, accepting his own shorter lifespan openly and not regretting it one bit.
Thanks so much for appreciating the thought in this chapter.
Amy
· 25 August 2005
· Chapter 27: Recovery
*melts at the big family love*
As an afterthought on recent chapters, it occurs to me that Hardorn and Arwen together make excellent Aragorn security directors.
Author's reply
Well, Hardorn was sent, I decided early on in his career, to Rivendell when quite a young man by Aragorn himself, newly come to Chieftainship, to learn the same skills as Aragorn had learned from Glorfindel and Elrond's sons. He's been Aragorn's personal bodyguard through much of his life, and is now Lord of the Privy Purse and head of security for Aragorn's court--and still often his personal guard as well.
With Arwen as his wife, you are correct--he does have an excellent pair of security directors! Glad you appreciate it.
And the feeling that these are Aragorn's family indeed in their eyes and his own is now truly being communicated to the Farozi and the future Farozi. Glad you also loved this!
Radbooks
· 24 August 2005
· Chapter 26: Trial and Justice
Justice was indeed served for everyone. I liked that it wasn't just a blanket punishment for all of them. Death sometimes is the easy way out for people and it was fitting that a couple of them had to work in quarries for the rest of their lives. It was also very wise of the Farozi to have mercy on the common soldiers, he will end up with - I would think anyway - some loyal men in the long run. Most of those men were probably tricked into it in some way or were following orders, though maybe they were being paid too - you never know! :) But spreading them out would minimize the risk to himself. Oh, I also liked that Benai's story came out in the open like that. Now everyone knows about it and so on one will think they took slaves.
Poor Aragorn though! :( Having to behead another person and having to deal with the consequences of doing that. (That was one scene I tried not to imagine in my head - since the guy was standing up and Aragorn swinging his sword... Rhonda is shuddering here!) Pippin and Isumbard were brave to touch and take that ring and then very supportive of Aragorn and he so appreciated both of them.
I was thinking how Hardorn 'knows' his place and I don't mean that in a bad way at all. But when they were in Bree he was arguing with Aragorn to let him execute that man and here he would never even think of doing something like that. It's like you can do that kind of thing in front of your family and friends, but never in front of company! :) I don't know if you needed to know that, but it struck me as I read when Aragorn took the rag from Hardorn to wipe his sword and Hardorn hadn't said a word to him.
I loved when Arwen wouldn't leave Aragorn when he was bathing and the servants were scandalized - that was funny!
Great chapter as usual and I can't wait for the next one.
Author's reply
Sorry it's taken an extra day, but I was ill yesterday again, so was resting most of it.
Yes, Hardorn knows his place, and his limitations. He knows he is not up to facing the works of the Enemy directly, and that this is precisely what Aragorn was trained all those years to dealing with. (BTW--I amended the scene where he discusses this slightly in view of your observations.)
And too many deaths would desensitize the people of Thetos. Remove those who knew their orders were wrong but who followed through on them anyway; give the ones whose knowledge of what they were doing and why is under reasonable doubt a choice between life maimed or life with a hope of regaining and demonstrating honor, without them being together where they might take part in further conspiracies; and send three primarily involved in the conspiracy into perpetual slavery with no hope of buying themselves out, two of them into excrutiating manual labor in the quarries and one into the totally demeaning realms of the laundry, with its heat and humidity in an already hot climate--he must believe he has just entered Hell, going from privileged and relatively free to such a place and difficult work where he will have no rank to pull--not one who has probably never wrung or ironed a sheet in his life.
And then the would-be spider finding himself facing the spiritual brother of those who have dealt with webs before--it would be a shock.
Thanks for the feedback.
Amy
· 24 August 2005
· Chapter 26: Trial and Justice
I love Arwen not letting Aragorn out of her sight to bathe, and the servants being scandalized.
The justice is appropriately solemn. Ugh, another beheading. Interesting to think what effect these incidents have on Aragorn's healing skills.
Author's reply
I doubt the executions Aragorn performed had much negative effect on his ability to heal--I think he'd do his best to throw himself even more deeply into healing to balance out the deaths he must cause. He would see executions probably in light of the surgeon's realization that putrifying tissue must be removed in order to guard the health of the body, which in this case is all of Middle Earth.
And after realizing her husband had spent the last twenty-four hours dodging assassination attempts and hunting baddies, I think Arwen would want to keep him in sight for a time. She is beginning to fully realize, I think, how closely her own life is tied to his, how the Light of her Being and her heart are so closely entrusted to him.
Thanks for responding.
Kitty
· 24 August 2005
· Chapter 26: Trial and Justice
Another great chapter! I loved it how the prisoners were questioned in a way they did admit their folly themselves. And I begin to like the Farozi more and more. His sentences were very fitting, I think, and the one I've enjoyed the most was the one for Sherfiramun, I have to admit. He will have a lot of time to think his actions over. Now I only wonder what will happen to his wife - will Sohrabi care for her in the future? I suppose she wasn't involved in this all, and she is the sister of his daughter-in-law, after all.
Oh, by the way, I had to giggle about the servants who were so scandalized because Arwen joined her husband in the bathroom. The Haradrim have odd customs if they are scandalized because of this! *grins*
The little scene between Aragorn, Pippin and Isumbard after the removing of the ring was so very touching, how they comforted each other. Somehow it is good to know Aragorn doesn't shy away from expressing his feelings for them even in public and in such circumstances.
Author's reply
Aragorn would need to balance what he's just had to do with reminding himself of the love he is surrounded by. Hobbits are just the antidote he needs to keep himself from sinking into a depression brought about by this assault on his spirit. Hobbits are the Shire, warm homes, full tables, practical jokes, love expressed openly and without reservation. And Pippin and Isumbard need to realize that this is the reality they go back to, that this is what is treasured about them.
I suspect that in a private home in Harad husbands and wives wouldn't be overly modest with one another; but in the Farozi's home slaves would be most taken aback by such overt signs of intimacy as a woman watching her husband bathe and perhaps washing his back.
In the homes of the nobles of Egypt rarely did the nobles do much of anything by themselves--slaves applied their cosmetics and kohl, slaves dressed and undressed them, fitted them with their wigs, and so on. For a noble wife to do for her husband? Unheard of!
In so much of history where there were slaves and the overuse of body servants, the ones so served must at times have felt more like living dolls than people in their own rights.
lindahoyland
· 23 August 2005
· Chapter 26: Trial and Justice
This was great chapter.I loved the way the prisoners ended up condemning themselves and their own folly and each received a fitting punishment.
I also enjoyed Aragorn's speech over the folly of trusting Sauron and his touching scene with the Hobbits.
I was thinking,it shows Tolkien's greatness that we all have our own strong views over what our favourite characters would or would not do.In my current story I'm getting a lot of feedback over what readers think Aragorn will or will not do with Mahrod.
Author's reply
Oh, I'm not going to second-guess you and Aragorn--am wanting it to be a pleasant surprise.
I hope each punishment is fitting. As for Merdirion--there are simply some who need--desperately need--to be taken out of the game of life, for they can only poison life for others once they reach this level, and I think Merdirion had reached that level, which is why Aragorn seeks to do what must be done--remove him and the threat the ring he bears pose--as swiftly and cleanly as possible.
Dreamflower
· 23 August 2005
· Chapter 26: Trial and Justice
Whoa! That was *intense*!
*whew*breathes*
And now we know why Pippin *had* to go to Harad, don't we?
Author's reply
Yes, this is indeed a good part of why he came, I think.
Yes, it was intense, and I'm glad Pippin was there for his friend and his king. Aragorn needed him then.
Baggins Babe
· 23 August 2005
· Chapter 25: Defense
Oh dearie, dearie me! Foolish Pelscarabri, thinking he could take the Queen of Gondor and Eowyn of Rohan! What a silly man. Arwen has had thousands of years to develop her Elven senses and Eowyn killed the Witch-king, and he thinks they're just going to sit there? Priceless! As you say, those who go down the dark paths lose their ability to think outside very limited parameters.
Glad Benai is there - and dear old Gimli, of course. I don't imagine much gets past him! Loved Melian as the messenger too. Nice of Legolas to find the spy in the wall - he'll carry a painful reminder of our beloved Elf, I think.
Great chapter as usual. I am so enjoying every minute of this!
Author's reply
And here today you see the trial of all of these. I hope it still meets with your approval.
Yes, all have a part, and all fulfill them well.
As for Melian as messenger, she shouldn't be allowed to sit there feeling useless, don't you agree?
Thanks so much for all the feedback.
Radbooks
· 23 August 2005
· Chapter 25: Defense
Hardorn leaving money for the use of the punt made me giggle. :) I loved that Ruvemir helped to spy out who the traitors were among the guards, he's very observant of people so of course he would be useful in that way and who wants to sit around and do nothing in such a stressful situation? And you just knew he would want to do some studies of Benai. He has such a neat gift.
Those guards that went to capture Arwen and Eowyn were so arrogant! Did they not see Eowyn sparring that day? Silly, foolish men! I'm sure that Aragorn and Hardorn will have lots of 'fun' questioning all of the different leaders that they have captured, though maybe they'll leave it to the Farozi to handle - but I'm thinking not. :) They are too good at what they do and they know how to get information from people. As is Arwen, evidently.
Looking forward to the next chapter.
Author's reply
Well, whoever owned that punt ought to be due some rental fee, don't you think?
How they gain more information has now been posted, and I hope you approve.
And of course Ruvemir and Gimli are both keeping surreptitious eyes on those who guard there in that portion of the walls. And whatever folk have managed to hide their affiliation are going to keep very quiet and circumpect, I suspect, for the rest of their lives.
Kitty
· 23 August 2005
· Chapter 25: Defense
Somehow I think the rebels, or at least Pelscarabri, were too sure of their success if they didn’t even become suspicious after the disappearance of some of their own! And to think they could with only two men capture Arwen, Éowyn and Avrieth and the children, regardless of Éomer, Haleth, Beregond, Hildigor, Benai, Isumbard and Gimli being nearby, was more than foolish. I enjoyed it *so* much how they were captured and how Pelscarabri told Arwen the signal for his complices. It was so much fun to see how the rebels ran in the traps arranged by Aragorn, Afram, Rustovrid, Sohrabi and the others! And I am very glad the only ones got killed were some rebels.
Now I can’t wait to know how they will deal with the traitors, especially Sherfiramun and Merdirion!
Author's reply
Yes, those who are foolish will in the end get caught in the webs of their own foolishness. And I suspect Aragorn would, whenever possible, to see to it as little bloodshed as possible is allowed in putting down such situations, and that the Farozi has learned to agree.
Kitty
· 23 August 2005
· Chapter 24: Arrests
I forgot in the last reviews to mention how I liked it that Aragorn gave Benai his old sword! And it is somehow touching to see how much Benai is intent on protect Aragorn and his family. Even if he accepts him as his Lord, that not necessarily means he has to feel so deeply for him. The difference between how Aragorn trusts Benai, a complete stranger, nearly immediately and entrusts him with the life of his family and how he distrusts Sherfiramun is telling. He obviously can read their hearts quite well.
I wonder if Sherfiramun ever will realize how much his ill-spoken words after the tale of the War of the Ring have cost him and his allies. Without this they probably wouldn’t have watched him with the same distrust and maybe not expected his treason.
I loved it how Legolas got the spy who listened to them. The rebels obviously didn’t know about the uncommon good hearing of the elves *eg* Seeing how Lord Amonrabi caught him then, I have to admit Haradrim and Northerners worked very well together even without accords. But then, if they had talked about it together, Éomer wouldn’t have got this nice answer from Amonrabi why the Farozi isn’t available at the moment, it was so amusing! And I am glad to know An’Sohrabi can count on his half-brothers and nephews loyalty – it seems to have paid off that he tried to save them.
In this chapter were so many parts I enjoyed: Pippin cooking for all, the way Rustovrid was involved in the alerting of the troops remaining true to the Farozi, how Legolas brought the swords for Aragorn and Hardorn ... and of course, the best was how they came in Sherfiramun’s house and captured Merdirion and his slave. Really, I love our Northern Rangers in action! (Although, thinking about it, if they set their minds to a career as criminals, they would probably be uncommonly successfull!) And I suppose, seeing this for himself, Lord Afram will come to admire this, too, and know very well it’s better to be the ally and not the enemy of Arnor and Gondor.
Merdirion seems to have been busy admiring his future realm on the maps. Well, he has reckoned without the host, and will be bitterly disappointed. To think himself Lord over all of Middle earth in some days and then find himself captured and exposed is certainly not what he had expected!
Amy
· 23 August 2005
· Chapter 25: Defense
Melian makes a good messenger!
Hm, are all the miscreants apprehended yet?
Author's reply
There are probably a few still at large elsewhere throughout Harad and Far Harad. A few are probably fleeing for their lives, while others will probably be brought in for questioning over the next few days. As in the case of Afraim's guard, maybe once those arresting them might not have cared much for what might happen in a palace coup; but once the results of the trial are published abroad, it becomes a personal matter for many.
Dreamflower
· 23 August 2005
· Chapter 25: Defense
Oooh, I do love the way this plays out in my head! Gimli casually giving a cough, so they could see him there with his axe, and then the surrounding of the two, by those they would have thought of as helpless...*snicker*
Sounds like the Bad Guys really goofed this time, *tsk*tsk*tsk*
Author's reply
Bad guys usually make mistakes. The more you give yourself to evil, the harder it becomes to understand how others think, and the more vulnerable you make yourself in the end. And I love the image in my mind of Eowyn rising and gently smoothing the wrinkles in her skirt as she draws her sword with her other hand....
Something about that is just so satisfying!
Tigger
· 23 August 2005
· Chapter 25: Defense
I could so easily see the looks on the faces of those who tried to take Arwen, Eowyn and the others. Must have been a very rude surprise to see ladies armed and ready to defend themselves. Looking forward to seeing exactly what was in that chest. As exciting as the coup and the unraveling of the plots have been, I'm glad it's over and no one, other than those who were stupid enough to try such a thing, hurt. Now for the justice of the Farozi and Harad. I have a feeling that Umbar's part in all of this won't go unnoticed either.
As always, looking forward to the next part.
Author's reply
An axe behind them, two bows aimed at them, and one with a sword and one with a long knife advancing on them--I would expect Pelscarabri was feeling this was not likely to be a very good day--not at all. They know of Dwarves and Elves by reputation, and probably have little idea what the Rohirrim are like. To face the former shieldmaiden and see she is competent still for all she has lived in the peace and loveliness and in the midst of the growing gardens of Emen Arnen for the past ten years must have been rather a shock, don't you think?
I think that Aragorn would, after years of having to fight to survive, prefer to stop the actual fighting as much as possible before it started, and would have been pleased to see this coup stopped with a minimum of bloodshed.
As for Umbar's part--remember, this is one man, Merdirion, deciding he will make himself master of the known universe, including Umbar itself. Marcipor will be just as pleased, I think, to have another rival disposed of by Aragorn, and on foreign soil.
Thanks for the response.
lindahoyland
· 22 August 2005
· Chapter 25: Defense
I loved the scene with Benai, I imagine he would make a magnificent sculpture ! I also wanted to cheer when Arwen and Eowyn surprised their would be attackers.Good for them, what a vivid scebe ! I enjoyed this chapter very much.
Author's reply
Oh, I'm so glad you did.
Having come from a civilization where women are relatively passive, to realize that these ladies can take care of themselved and that everyone in the room has them at such a disadvantage must have taken Pelscarabri totally by surprise.
And, yes, I think Benai would make a marvelous subject for a sculpture. I find myself tempted to draw him, even.
Thanks for keeping up with it all!
lindahoyland
· 22 August 2005
· Chapter 24: Arrests
The plot thickens,it is even more far reaching than I thought.Poor arwen must be so worried.
I must say I have a few reservations about the torture/near torture of the captives though Tolkien does give us the example of Gollum.I can see Aragorn as tough as nails but not so brutal outside of a battle but that is just my opinion.
I love the way everyone is so taken aback that Aragorn is the man they knew from so long ago and trust Pippin to deal with the cooking.
Many thanks for your kind review of my story.
Author's reply
The threat of torture would be what would spark most of the speech, along with Aragorn's commanding presence, I think. He and Arwen would probably have inherited enough of Elven thought communication skills to cause many to speak when they would have intended to stay quiet.
But Aragorn knows the psychological advantages of stripping his enemies, of binding them hand and foot, of having the one with the means to torture at hand, even if he is relatively gentle in his business and uses it far less than those who are being questioned would do in similar circumstances.
He would be a product of his times and would know such things would be expected, even if he uses the threat of them more than the reality and insists on tortures being used as humanely as possible.
However, I do not see him as one who would refuse to use torture if he felt it was necessary, but as one who would do no more than he felt was needed.
And it was because he admitted to using food deprivation and binding to "tame" Gollum that I decided to allow Aragorn to have a willingness to use non-damaging forms of torture perhaps at times. Frodo, on the other hand, would have been horrified at the whole idea, I suspect.
Glad you liked Pippin being called upon to fix meals--I thought the folk of Harad ought to realize that Hobbits had other things to do at home than just doing sword practice and all. Let them see first hand that Hobbits are multifaceted.