Reviews (182)

Lady Saruman · 26 February 2006 · Chapter 57: Many a Good Hanging

I see, the sequel to this story is called "A Web of Treason", right? -Lady Saruman :)

Lady Saruman · 25 February 2006 · Chapter 57: Many a Good Hanging

This chapter demonstrated a good example of what would have happened in Middle-Earth if someone like Mahrod commited crimes like those. He really deserved this punishment, since he should suffer more. But nowadays, the law is much more sterner than Aragorn--they hold someone in custody for decades before they are condemned to the electric chair. That good-for-nothing Mahrod who also has no self-respect certainly came off easy. I think this quote below was very well written because it accurately describes how the king felt after the execution. But I certainly hope that he will have to harden his heart--after all, who knows if he will have to sentence a lot more people to death? Feeling nauseated, Aragorn turned and walked away, the crowd's merriment ringing in his ears. He was a seasoned warrior but killing in cold blood was something different. Poor Alis. She certainly has suffered much, since she kept going on the run because she knew her husband would find vengeance and inflict many hurts towards her. I'm glad that she is truly safe now, but whether or not Mahrod's memories would haunt her, I do not know. Good chapter! I can't wait until your next update! And one more thing: Today (Friday) we had the Westward Ho! Day. It really wasn't bad like I thought it would be--in fact, I think it was one of the happiest days in my life. The square dancing was actually fun. You see, I think I understand now why I hated the dancing before. It was because during all those rehearsals, I was always paired up with a guy that I didn't know, and so dancing with him felt awkward and strange. But today, I was assigned to a group where the guys there were my friends, and the girls that were in my group were also my friends. But, here is a detailed account of my day: I woke up in the morning at 8 o' clock, since class starts at 9:10 today. I had my breakfast and junk, and here was the trouble. My dad had no plaid shirts, but he certainly did have shirts that looked really western-y, and I had trouble deciding which one I wanted. Then, I had to tie my hair in a ponytail, but I looked so much like a guy! I grabbed the cowboy hat and zoomed out the car. There was a problem with the car for the last couple of days now. The engine kept sputtering and refused to turn on. Now, this car is a pretty old car. We've had it for 10 years--or, rather, 4 months short of ten years, so it's a wonder that it even runs that long. But, it finally turned on, and I got to school, thankfully not late. First, we went to our silent reading class to get our schedules. When I recieved mine, I found that my third choice, which was ice-cream, got crossed out, since we had time for only four periods. The people who decided our schedule for us certainly had hearts. They gave us our last choices for first and our first choices for last--so that we get the best for last. But here was my schedule as follows: Pathfinders, Spiritual Pouches, Applesauce, and Indian Beading. Pathfinders: It was sooooo boring! We were given compass-like objects and we had to follow directions which we got on a piece of paper. This was a bit of what the paper said: Turn right 60 degrees, and walk 8 paces. Turn right 120 degrees, and walk 5 paces. And so on.... It totally didn't make any sense! Finally, we gave up and copied off what my other friends got. We then played MASH (do you know what that is?). My friends paired each other off with such disgusting people! The bell rang, and we went to our second period with wet bottoms from sitting on the grass. Spiritual Pouches: This class was one of my favorites. The teacher explained the significance of these pouches--that Indians used them to hold objects that were spiritual to them. We then got to choose our colors, and the work began. Well, of course we weren't expected to finish within three-quarters of an hour, and so our teacher told us that she would draw us out of silent reading the next week so that we could finish our work. Applesauce: IT WAS ABSOLUTELY MY FAVORITE! IT WAS SO FUN! We got to peel and shred the apples, but we didn't necessarily make the applesauce. First, our teacher taught us how to peel the skin of the apple with a peeler. She was making it really clear, because the earlier periods made a fiasco of it, and well, there were accidents. My friend then accidentally cut her thumb, and she had to stop immediately. She then watched us peel and "shred" the apples into tiny little pieces. Her wound wasn't wide, but it certainly was deep. The blood wouln't stop gushing out, and despite everybody's efforts to stem the flow of blood, it still came out as easily as anything. Finally, after almost an hour, did the blood stop flowing and she was able to do the apples. We only had ten minutes left of the period. This was how the whole process went: 1. We peeled the apples. 2. We then had this apple separating thing that was circular and it had seven "blades" to it--well, they weren't exactly blades, but they were sharp enough to cut into the apple. This was my favorite part. You put the apple so that the core was perfectly perpendicular to the flat of the table, then you fit the apple cutter thing on it. You then push down, and it separates the core from the apple and separates the apple into six pieces. It was a very neat process, and the aftermath of the cutting produced beautiful results. 3. We were given plastic knives so that we have to chop the apples into tiny little pieces. It was fun, certainly, but it sure was messy work! Some guys at a neighboring table decided to experiment, and they broke an apple in half just by using their hands. It was cool, but it created a shower of juice that flew into their faces and a big mess for them to clean up afterwards. Indian beading: This wasn't even Indian beading. We just made bracelets out of regular E-beads and that was it. We were all fooled! We actually thought that we going to get the beads that Indians use. The people who gave us this choice could have taken out the "Indian" part, and we wouldn't have been so decieved. After that, we went into the gym to watch the people from band and auxilaries dance, since they couldn't do it the time that we originally going to do it, due to the fact that they MUST be present during 6th period because they have to perform in the Camillia festival tomorrow. It was fun watching them dance, because we've only seen ourselves dance, and we don't know what that looked like. Then, there was the "Western Costume American Idol" contest. That part was kind of boring, but in the end two people (with really bad costumes, in my opinion) won. LUNCHTIME! At first we thought that it was really going to be good, since all the teachers said thatt it would be. But, in my opinion, it wasn't that good, and some things just make me SICK. We had barbecue beef in bread, which was pretty good, and we also got baked beans, corn bread, applesauce, and some lemonade. Okay, the baked beans were simply disgusting. I thought it would taste like how regular baked beans taste like, but instead, it was disgusting because it was all sweet and stuff. The corn bread tasted like this raw food thing I ate before. The "applesauce", as the teachers call it, wasn't really applesauce at all. It was just the apples that we cut earlier, still in little pieces. The only difference was that perhaps it looked a little bit more rotten, and brown sugar had been added to it. The lemonade just tasted like those bottled lemonade that you could buy at the store, instead of lemonade that we actually make with their own hands. Then, here came the best part: square dancing. I used to hate it, but if you get to dance with a friend, then it can really be satisfying, and the people in our group were hysterical. When the teacher told us to do our own thing, we were to go to the center of the circle (the groups we're in always stand in a circle, if you've ever seen square dancing before, you'll understand me) and do our own thing. When I got called up, I took off my hat and whacked my friend with it as revenge. See, when we had to do that left-hand star and the right-hand star (that's when you all put your hands up inwards and walk the opposite direction of the hand that you're pointing up. E.g., if we have a right-hand star, then our right hand goes up and inward, and we walk to the left.) Well, my friend grabbed my hand (you weren't supposed to though) and pinched it, so I got my revenge by whacking her with my hat. The guys from our group were even funnier. One even jumped up really high (I could have sworn he took kung-fu class) and pretended to kick my partner. That was funny!!!!! My partner's hat fell off and that "kung-fu" guy's bandana fell off. The other PE classes came out to watch us, but this time, we really didn't care. It was fun! After that, the best part came: the teachers had to square dance! It was funny, because five of the teachers were ladies, and so they got to pick their own guys (which happened to be students) to dance with them. That was truly a hysterical scene because the guys were all shorter than the teachers. There was then a guy-girl mixup, because when they had to dance with their corner partner, but they found themselves facing another female because the two boys were somehow mixed up and stood next to each other. But, they still danced. They had quite a large audience, consisting of almost 200 people, because our team was there, except some of them had band and auxilaries, but other people came too. Ah, it was a great day. It was tiring though. >_< We are going to have to dance again, because of Civil War day in March, but for now, we are savoring our moments. The End ^_^ Once again, you've posted a great chapter, and I wonder how you liked my day... Hershey's kisses/hugs, Lady Saruman ^_~

French Pony · 24 February 2006 · Chapter 57: Many a Good Hanging

"Whatever murdering devil that could treat a woman like that should be hung!” “He has been this very morning, Dame Ioreth,” Aragorn informed her. For the first time he could remember in their acquaintance, Ioreth could think of nothing to say. That is the single most perfect ending to a chapter you've written yet. I love it. It just sums up everything that Aragorn feels about Mahrod, and it's such a wonderful character moment for both characters. This is what writing should look like. And I don't believe for one instant that the slow, agonizing nature of Mahrod's death was due to lack of skill on the part of the executioner. Most executioners worth their salt would know exactly how to hang a man so as to break his neck and how to hang a man so as to strangle him. That executioner knew what the mob wanted, and he gave it to them.

Bodkin · 24 February 2006 · Chapter 57: Many a Good Hanging

If ever there was a good candidate for being suspended at the end of a rope .... Poor Alis. Not easy being the family-less wife of a - what is the expression I'm looking for? - something like 'dieu de rues, diable de maison'. (I googled it!) The sort of slimebag whose acquaintances all think he's a good bloke - and then he goes home and terrorises his poor wife. (Until he rapes one, of course. Then they see him a bit more realistically.) Still - now Aragorn is on the case, she stands a pretty good chance of the two of them leading a better life.

Lady Saruman · 21 February 2006 · Chapter 56: Measure for Measure

Does your sequel happen to be "His Father Son"?

Bodkin · 21 February 2006 · Chapter 56: Measure for Measure

I'm glad Aragorn controlled his urge to take revenge. A moment's satisfaction would lead him to a lifetime of regret - and Mahrod, if he knew that, would probably take great pleasure in driving the king to condemn him to a traitor's death. Mind you, I'm quite glad to have seen Eomer be a little less judicial. His hot temper has its advantages at times! Fingers crossed for Faramir!

French Pony · 20 February 2006 · Chapter 56: Measure for Measure

Aaaaand this is why God invented defense attorneys. Old Mahrod never stood a chance, not in a courtroom full of spectators out for blood and a judge who already had a pretty good idea of his guilt. The bit with the sword of mercy and the sword of death was a nice touch. There's something very ancient and solemn about that.

French Pony · 20 February 2006 · Chapter 55: The Force of Temporal Power

Heigh-ho! Somehow, I completely missed this chapter. Sorry about that. But I'm here now. Counsel for the defense (on a purely theoretical basis, of course; we all know that Mahrod's guilty as sin) can see a few interesting angles in the prosecution's case that could be worked on, and plenty of Damrod's testimony is hearsay, but all in all, there is a solid case here against Mahrod. Moving on to the next part of the trial.

Lady Saruman · 20 February 2006 · Chapter 56: Measure for Measure

Whew! *waves hand in front of face* The trial room is full of Aragorn's fury! I need some air! Man, you make Aragorn so infuriated that I can almost imagine (but I can picture) steam coming out from his nose and ears. This quote I found funny: “Where is Lord not a traitor Faramir then?” What an excellent title: Lord-not-a-traitor-Faramir. Heheheh, just joking around. But these last few days I needed humor. It was all intense and serious. In my opinion, Eomer wasn't as grand as all the other witnesses--he was the best! I couldn't hold it in any longer, if I was there, I would certainly intervene. But I think he went too far--Mahrod wouldn't have been whipped with goose feathers--it was a whip, but whipped very lightly. I suppose you used an idiom there. And the king of Rohan certainly is right--dying just from a slit throat would be too fast and Mahrod wouldn't suffer, and it certainly is too honorable. After all, he commited RAPE, but it's a good thing he didn't get the woman pregnant--and he called it a bit of FUN?! Well, that's the trouble with men. They don't know anything that women have to go through during pregnancy. Good job this time. I'm really sad--this story is going to end sometime--but I hope you've got a plan for a new story in your mind! And you made a typo-- “It just weren’t fair!” I might be wrong, but I think it's "It just wasn't fair!" I'm not obsessed with grammar, so pardon me if I'm wrong. But I never told you what we were doing in history class, did I? Here, this is what we're doing: Square dancing. Yuck. At first the first several steps weren't that bad; they were things like swinging your partner (that's when you hook onto the crook of your partner's elbow and vice versa and then you spin in a circle, then reverse arms), then we have the do-se-do, which is putting your arms on your chest and circling your partner to the right. I forgot to mention ONE important thing: WE ALSO HAVE A CORNER PARTNER. That means that we have TWO partners. Ewwwwwww!!! Ok, and then the third step is that we grip our partner's right arm, then you walk past him on their left side, then move to the next guy, get his left arm, and walk past him on his right side, and you keep on doing that until you reach your partner. Then there's the bridge. The head couple, which is the couple facing the mountains, makes a bridge by placing the palms of their hands against each other, then the second pair goes under the bridge--girl, boy, girl, boy, and so on. Now, in each group there are four couples, and the last couple (which happens to be me and some guy) goes under the original bridge and makes a second one next to the first bridge. Then the head couple goes under our bridge and walk to their original spots, then we walk back. Finally, there's the most horrible thing of all. It's called something that starts with a 'p'--oh, I looked it up in the dictinary and it's called 'promenade' and what happens is that a girl has to turn to the right. She raises up her left arm, and her partner takes her hand with his left, and puts his right arm AROUND THE GIRL'S WAIST and walks around with her around the circle. That was so disgusting and humiliating!!! Worst of all, this was because this was during 1st period, and there were two PE classes, and they all gathered together to watch us dance. Waaahhhhhh!!! So with my partner, I snarled to him: "DON'T YOU DARE TOUCH ME!" and he agreed, but there were actually some guys who actually DID PUT THEIR ARM AROUND A GIRL'S WAIST! *PERVERTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!* Well, not that all guys are perverts; if there was a person I liked did put their arm around my waist, then he wouldn't at all be a perve. Ok, good job, please just update sooner. Hershey's hugs/kisses -Lady Saruman ^_~ P.S. I would like to give you a hug for all the great work you did so far. ^_^ -The Lady of Isengard *grin*

Lady Saruman · 20 February 2006 · Chapter 56: Measure for Measure

3rd time! okay, sometin more appropriate later.

Lady Saruman · 15 February 2006 · Chapter 55: The Force of Temporal Power

Where I live, it's Feb. 14, 2006 @ 10:30, and not the 15th as this review says, so..... HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!!!!!!

Bodkin · 15 February 2006 · Chapter 55: The Force of Temporal Power

Nasty man. I'm not sure the guards who took Faramir to the prison are really deserving of that much blame. After all - they were doing as they were told. If Aragorn didn't make it clear what he wanted, it was hardly their role to take those kinds of decisions. They would have been blamed for that, too. Lamrung seems sensible - but he was applying the rules. Unlike Mahrod, of course. Who appears to be completely unable to understand what he has done wrong. Good thing Eomer is listening to this. Even though he has got over his hissy fit, it won't do him any harm to find out just what happened. And I'm glad Eowyn stared down the nasty man. And that she left before Faramir's injuries were detailed. The backstory from Damrod is good, too - it makes Mahrod's general appallingness quite clear. Shame Faramir didn't just put him in the front line to act as an orc target, though. A bit of battlefield justice would have saved a lot of distress.

Lady Saruman · 14 February 2006 · Chapter 55: The Force of Temporal Power

OK, here's the more serious review. Well, I think Aragorn was right when he came dressed formally, because he would make a better impression on the people and it will also support anything he is trying to say, because this attire was meant for everyone to know that he was NOT joking---he was being serious. Tarung is a kind-hearted man---according to this quote: “He had what appeared to be a deep wound on his arm and some cuts to his side and chest. They were bleeding but did not appear very serious. I bound them as best I could and then we left Lord Faramir locked alone in a cell and returned to our duties.” Tarung continued. Well, most other guards wouldn't even bother to do such a thing, so I think Aragorn was right in hiring Tarung as one of the Citadel Guard. As for Lamrung, he did pretty well too in explaining everything. I am probably sure that he is thinking the same things as I am. That would be: Mahrod being a heinous man to throw Agond in there with Faramir so that he would get his revenge, and also to order Faramir to be whipped 100 times though he saw Faramir's condition. I think Mahrod increased the number of lashings because he saw Faramir injured; I don't think he would have issued as many if Faramir wasn't hurt; an injured person would suffer more if they had to deal with more blows. But of course I don't know anything that comes from Mahrod's mind; it's all from YOUR imagination that you created this story and all the characters in it. As for Eowyn: She's not exactly kicking some serious booty but she's still cool. The way she glared a Mahrod wouldn't exactly be a glare that I would like to be on the recieving end of. You also did a good job on this quote: As she passed Mahrod on her way out, Aragorn could see she looked pale and drawn, yet she glared fiercely at the prisoner, who leered back at her unpleasantly. Eowyn stood her ground and Mahrod was the first to lower his gaze, leaving all present to wonder if she had glared in the same manner at the Witch King. That would be so totally cool if she DID glare at the Witch-King like that, but of course, we'll never know. In the movie version she almost looks happy, though I don't know why. If I was in her stead I would be freaking out... And this quote: Eomer, who had remained behind after his sister left, was ashen faced and clutching his sword, his expression strongly suggesting that only supreme self discipline was preventing him from running Mahrod through on the spot. Well, Eomer was the first one to injure Faramir, so he shouldn't be acting like he was innocent...though I don't blame him for hating Mahrod... after all, who in the witnesses and spectators doesn't hate him? But he's right. If I were there, I wouldn't even try to self-discipline myself...my temper has been one thing that I can't control ALL the time, though I've got it undercover 90% of the time... Do you happen to sell tickets for the pending trial, and for the execution, if there is one... Well, personally, I know if there is an execution or not, having read your remaining chapters of the story, but of course I'll be nice and I won't spoil the climax for everybody... I also like to see them die from the suspense. Okay, good chapter. Please update sooner, you don't want to keep all the other readers waiting, do you???? Hersheys hugs/kisses -Lady Saruman

Raksha The Demon · 14 February 2006 · Chapter 54: Where did you get your eyes so blue?

My mother frequently quotes that poem to me, but neither she nor I knew who the writer was. It's very appropriate for this chapter, of course! Sweet chapter. I bet Eomer filched the flowers from Arwen's garden, or that of the Houses of Healing...

Lady Saruman · 13 February 2006 · Chapter 55: The Force of Temporal Power

yes! third time in a row!!! wow, that was a great chapter. it clearly explained what trial would be like in Middle Earth if one were to stand as a spectator. some serious confrontations, though not really, but all the witnesses did really well, and Mahrod was absolutely no good, even if he tried to plead his case, which he might probably do later. well, it's not like anyone would listen to him, after what all the witnesses claimed about him. but i think it would have been better if Faramir had come to have his say. great story, plz update soon and i'll send a more mature review later today... :D i think this is quite immature for a girl of thirteen, don't you think? Hersheys hugs/kisses, Lady Saruman ^_^

Lady Saruman · 9 February 2006 · Chapter 54: Where did you get your eyes so blue?

i saw this story on another website of yours and there it says that it was completed, and completed last year. is the reason why you don't update sooner or post it on all at once because you want to cause suspense? and i thought that you were actually updating it along the way... *stupid me!* well, don't worry, although i'm gonna read the remaining chapters over on that website, i'll still reread it on this site and i'll still review (i.e., if you still want me to). well, i'm surprised that you didn't post it here the COMPLETE version. can you tell me why? :\

Bodkin · 8 February 2006 · Chapter 54: Where did you get your eyes so blue?

Faramir’s nobility of spirit was awe-inspiring Take note, Aragorn. You may need to apply this knowledge later. I'm glad that Eomer is reconciled with his sister. To the extent that he is embracing the idea of fatherhood. Rohan needs an heir! And every now and then they come up against Aragorn's age. He knew Faramir's mother and remembers baby Boromir! If anything was needed to raise him in Faramir's estimation, that must do it!

French Pony · 7 February 2006 · Chapter 54: Where did you get your eyes so blue?

Oy, the sweetness! Everyone is making a genuine effort to put past misdeeds behind them. Part of me thinks that's astonishingly mature and wise of them. And part of me thinks that Éowyn should have clocked Éomer one and then forgiven him.

Lady Saruman · 7 February 2006 · Chapter 54: Where did you get your eyes so blue?

once again, i am the first to review...that makes two times in a row...LOL i absolutely loved this chapter, it had some funny things, such as... 1. “Um, your um husband invited me to see the baby,” Eomer said awkwardly, handing her the flowers. ah, the awkwardness. this is exactly what he should be feeling like after all that he did and the trouble he caused. if he wasn't acting like this with the ummmms, then i would say he's obviously not right in the head. 2. “Eldarion is just like his father!” Arwen pronounced, daintily taking a piece of bread. “He cannot be! He is far too attractive!” Aragorn protested, “He is like you, Arwen!” “No, he is just like you, Estel!” Arwen said firmly, jabbing the bread into her bowl and crumbling it. “Who do you think he is like?” Aragorn asked, turning to his Steward for support. heehee, a debate between husby and wifee. but secretly in their hearts we all know that they think themselves as good-looking. 3. "I warrant she has her father’s eyes though!” he conceded, clapping Faramir heartily on the back and causing him to wince and splutter slightly as he swallowed a mouthful of hot soup too quickly. eowyn the VIOLENT shieldmaiden of rohan. but maybe that's how shieldmaidens are supposed to be like. plz, can you go to my website, www.councilofelrond.com/members/LadySaruman/ and then sign my guestbook telling me how you liked it? this website has been newly established, and i don't think anyone's seen it yet. thanks for a great chapter, though it took me a week of impatient waiting and another thanks if you would care to look over my website. -Lady Saruman ^_~

Bodkin · 4 February 2006 · Chapter 53: To Err is Human

Somehow, seeing Eomer suffer here is quite pleasing. And his experience of Elven healing has left him willing to receive more. Good to see him admit his errors - and show a desire to return to a state of friendship with Faramir and Eowyn. The drunkard seems a pitiful character, even if he does become repulsively violent when he has over-indulged - and his actions were clearly provoked deliberately by that vicious guard. I'm glad Aragorn was able to overcome his anger to ease his passing. Typical of Faramir to forgive him without hesitation. It's a good thing that Eowyn, Witch-King Slayer, can be tough, though, because Faramir could always take up a career as a carpet if he gets tired of being Steward. I'm glad things seem to be getting better.

Raksha The Demon · 3 February 2006 · Chapter 53: To Err is Human

I do think, if he was functioning as a healer, Aragorn should have authorized the poppy juice for Agond sooner. But there might not be as clearly delineated a set of healer's principles in Western M-e as there was in our world via the Hippocratic Oath. And in any case, the gentle administration of healing or easing medications to a fellow who had badly injured one's close friend would tax any physician's patient; though in RL the doctor's medical reflexes might take over quicker. Aragorn's compassion does triumph. It was very real that he needed to wash his hands after touching Agond. And Eomer got off easy. I think he should grovel some more, in a dignified Lord-of-the-Mark fashion, to Aragorn and Eowyn and most especially to Faramir. But I'm glad to see that the brain transplant (perhaps from a spaniel, or a parrot) has worked, LOL!

Lady Saruman · 3 February 2006 · Chapter 53: To Err is Human

oh yes, time for a more decent review. so, that's what eomer screamed for, huh? just because be applied too much ointment on himself? well, from the way you described it last chapter i thought he would have seen something like a ringwraith or one of those giant spiders from Mirkwood, except they would be more of the black-widowy kind. but i personally thought that the reason why eomer shrieked was because he wanted attention---i kinda figured that he is really really really (say really for 2 days) vain and so would try anything. well, you kept me in suspense long enough. well, now that we all know why eomer SHRIEKS, the reason was kinda funny: his stupidity. well, we all love aragorn... *sigh* but you still haven't answered the question: why do you address yourself as "Senta" in the councilofelrond.com website??? plz update soon, and i would like to say this for myself and other readers: you've written a great story, and you've made our day. ^_^ oh yes, and i see that you've recieved the $money$ i gave you for chinese new year. you didn't have to give me mula back too, no, seriously, you didn't. -Lady Saruman ^_~

Lady Saruman · 1 February 2006 · Chapter 53: To Err is Human

i also forgot to ask you why you're called Senta in councilofelrond.com, cuz i saw your stories there too.

French Pony · 31 January 2006 · Chapter 53: To Err is Human

Aragorn and Faramir are very quick to forgive. That's a nice quality for them to have, and it will probably make the lives of the people under their command much easier.

Lady Saruman · 31 January 2006 · Chapter 53: To Err is Human

Yay!!! finally you updated. i was waiting forever... well, i want to go back to 1/29/2006 and wish you a happy chinese new year, and here is 1,000,000 MULAAAAAA for all your great work and effort that you've put into writing this enthralling story. i'm happy that i'm the first reader, and i'm glad your characters' personalities are what they are. see, faramir is so forgiving, and agond is willing to apologise. keep up with the good work!!!! Lady Saruman