French Pony
· 2 November 2005
· Chapter 17: 17: Royal Apartments
The level of detail of this story continues to impress. All the history of how the Royal Wing has been maintained over the past thousand years, the way the Hobbit rooms have been set up compared to the plainer decoration of the King and Queen's apartment -- I love it. Although I do hope that when Aragorn said he preferred green to gold, he didn't mean for that green to go with the wine-colored drapes. If he did, then it is proof that eighty years spent in the Wild has a radically detrimental effect on one's sense of interior decorating. Green and wine red! Arwen will have something to say about that, I'm sure.
I loved this bit: And it has been ratified by my foster brothers in the name of Imladris and the Golden Wood, by Legolas representing Eryn Lasgalen and his father’s people and the whole of the sylvan Elves, by Gimli for the Dwarves of Erebor, the Iron Hills, and the Misty Mountains, by the folk of Rohan and Gondor and Arnor, and by Merry and Pippin as representatives of the Shire, as well as Gandalf for the Wizards and their masters. Once the Ents have ratified it all of the free peoples of Middle Earth will join in the recognition of your Lordship. It is no empty honor that has been given you.
So there, Frodo and Sam!
Author's reply
Amen! You two have been made lords and are going to have to live with it, because the rest of Middle Earth isn't going to let you forget it!
And am so glad you appreciate the details. It's in figuring out such details I have some of my greatest fun. I will tell you, though, that there are greens that go with wine reds--very deep greens. I happen to love the combination, so pardon me if I project a little more of myself on our favorite characters! Heh!
As to Arwen deciding differently--well, they just MIGHT end up spending most of their time in her bedroom rather than his.
Yes, they are all dear to us, all three of them, Aragorn, Sam, and Frodo!
And if you do melt, try not to leave a puddle on the carpet. ;->
Armariel
· 2 November 2005
· Chapter 17: 17: Royal Apartments
Wonderful details. Feels like I'm right there almost!
Author's reply
So glad you appreciate it, Armariel. I've been imagining it myself, trying to see it all in my mind's eye, and they try to describe it from there.
harrowcat
· 2 November 2005
· Chapter 17: 17: Royal Apartments
Wow! What detail Larner. I could see all of this so clearly. The section about the ratifying of the titles given to them is yet another perfect moment, and so funny too! Poor Sam - already anticipating the Shire's reaction. And Aragorn just goes ahead and does what the moment demands; the King on his knees to bring the three of them together, never mind the fact that they are in a hall way and obviously on view even if it is just to a few close servants.
How many times and ways can I say how much I am enjoying this Larner?
Author's reply
I don't think Aragorn is so caught up in his own dignity he can't stop to let others know what's what, after all. I think that he felt that this nonsense of not accepting the ennoblement needed to be nipped in the bud before the two of them became to troublesome about it, and to realize just how seriously the rest of the world honors them. They went on a suicide mission, and Aragorn knew it--he knew it all too well, and he feared when he saw the mountain's death throes that he'd never see them again in this life. He must wish them to know how much he honors them for that willingness, and how much the entire world feels the same.
So glad you continue to enjoy it.
Baggins Babe
· 2 November 2005
· Chapter 17: 17: Royal Apartments
My goodness! The last three chapters have been posted so quickly I haven't had time to review! Darned RL keeps intruding.
These chapters were so full of incredible detail - things I've always wished the Professor had written - and now I feel I've finally been allowed to find out how Aragorn set up his household. I love the face that he took so much trouble over the hobbits' rooms but never thought to request anything for himself. That is typical of the man.
The small moments between Aragorn and the hobbits are so perfect and touching. There is so much love and trust between them, and it was sweet that he wanted Frodo and Sam to be the first to see his new quarters.
So much to love in all of this, and I must say you write Aragorn so beautifully. I can see him, and the Citadel very clearly.
Author's reply
Am so glad you feel you see the citadel better through my words. I've tried so hard to imagine how it was laid out. And I do see Aragorn as one who thinks more about the comfort of others than himself, and particularly for these four who were not made for war but who survived the most horrible of circumstances out of the need to protect others and particularly one another. And one wants to share the new circumstances with those loved best, after all.
Thanks so much for the review.
Pearl Took
· 2 November 2005
· Chapter 4: 4: Who for Ringbearer?
Legolas placed a shapely hand on the side of Frodo’s face. “Know this, Frodo Baggins, It would have taken anyone who was near It, there in the Sammath Naur itself. How do you think one such as Isildur should have been taken by It, or one such as Lord Elrond compelled to allow him to leave with It still in his hands?”
A wonderful point to be made :)
"Sauron knew the minds of Elves as well as any who is not an Elf can, and the Ring was keyed to allow him to learn more from those who wore the Three, as It was keyed to learn of those who wore the Seven and the Nine as well. But no one thought to make any ring of power for Hobbits, for there are no lords as such among you; and so he had not prepared that which you bore to rule your people. Perhaps none but a Hobbit could have carried It to the last to Mordor, much less through it and into the heart of the Mountain itself."
Yes, no 'rings for Hobbit kings'. They aren't totally immune to the desire for power though, Tolkien says they aren't but then tells of Lotho Sackville-Baggins and Lalia Took both who seemed to want power over other hobbits. I think it perhaps wasn't as prevelent among them.
Well Done :)
Author's reply
There are always exceptions to any generalization, and Lotho and his accomplices and Lalia are examples of such exceptions among Hobbits. Most Hobbits don't care about that type of power at all, for which we can be grateful.
But the realization no rings of power had been made for Hobbits was shared with me on an email discussion group to which I belong.
So glad you appreciate the thoughts here.
Pearl Took
· 2 November 2005
· Chapter 3: 3: Feast Not Enjoyed
A lot of deep stuff here, stuff I've never thought about.
Did I miss something in the earlier chapters - what is the whole Iorhael thing? Is it a name you have made up for Frodo? What does it mean? I'm feeling a bit lost with not knowing.
Author's reply
I'm sorry--Iorhael is Sindarin for Frodo's name--both mean "Wise One." You'll find a number of fanfics, particularly when Frodo is speaking with Elves, where they call him that, and I often have him called that in the scenes where he is in the Undying Lands.
I think the first awareness of this was given in the proposed epilogues Tolkien had planned for the story, which he later dropped from inclusion. Iorhail and Iorhael were the proposed translations for Frodo-lad's name, with the latter winning out in the end; Samwise would be translated Perhael--both mean Half-wise. Aragorn, however, preferred to think of Sam as Lanhael or "Plain-wise" or Panthael or "Fully-wise."
TithenFeredir
· 2 November 2005
· Chapter 17: 17: Royal Apartments
The rooms are so vividly described...and inviting. I can understand, though, why the hobbits don't feel entirely at ease there. My favorite bit was the end, where Frodo finally gets to lie down and sleep, and Sam settles in to watch over him. ~TF
Author's reply
So often it has been thus throughout the quest, Sam watching over Frodo's rest. And now it happens again, quietly.
And this would feel such a big place for such as the Hobbits were.
Dreamflower
· 2 November 2005
· Chapter 17: 17: Royal Apartments
By far, this is my very most favorite bit in this chapter:
“Your ennoblement is binding, and I add this--it was not initiated by me, but was suggested by Gwaihir the Windlord as he paused by your beds ere he and his folk returned to their aeries. And it has been ratified by my foster brothers in the name of Imladris and the Golden Wood, by Legolas representing Eryn Lasgolen and his father’s people and the whole of the sylvan Elves, by Gimli for the Dwarves of Erebor, the Iron Hills, and the Misty Mountains, by the folk of Rohan and Gondor and Arnor, and by Merry and Pippin as representatives of the Shire, as well as Gandalf for the Wizards and their masters. Once the Ents have ratified it all of the free peoples of Middle Earth will join in the recognition of your Lordship. It is no empty honor that has been given you.”
“I see.” Sam looked somewhat taken aback by that. Then after Aragorn had risen to again lead the way into the hallway to the living quarters he asked, “You say Merry and Pippin recognized this for the Shire. That doesn’t mean as the whole Shire knows by now, does it?”
“There’s not really been time to allow that, Sam. No, we shall allow Merry and Pippin to let that news be proclaimed in Buckland and Bywater, shall we?”
Frodo laughed at Sam’s groan, and Aragorn rejoiced to hear it.
This is just the epitome of all three: Aragorn, Sam and Frodo. Aragorn's earnest determination to honor his small brothers in spite of themselves; Sam thoroughly taken aback, and not at all sure that it's proper for a Gamgee to be a lord, and embarassed at the thought of them finding out at home; and Frodo, for once forgetful of his own embarassment at gratitude in his delight at seeing Sam both discomfitted and so honored!
Love it! Love it! Love it!
Author's reply
Yes, Aragorn, Sam, and Frodo in a nutshell! You have captured it perfectly in your summation.
I would think during the stay in Minas Tirith there would be many moments such as this. And it is nice to see Frodo able to forget his own problems once in a while.
shirebound
· 2 November 2005
· Chapter 17: 17: Royal Apartments
Such amazing detail! I can "see" these rooms perfectly.
Author's reply
Oh, am so glad there is enough detail to allow your mind's eye to begin seeing them even more clearly. And I hope the story continues to please!
Frodo was one of the most stubborn of a stubborn line with a bit too much Brandybuck and Took thrown into the mix for his satisfaction I love that! Nice way to put it!
Aragorn thought obviously more about the comfort of his friends than about his own – to have organized all for their home in the guest house without even having been in his own quarters! Not many other Kings would do likewise, I suppose. Well, it’s Aragorn, and he is always expectional in this.
Author's reply
Glad you like the description, for this has always been much of my imagination of how the Bagginses were, and Frodo especially. For all his courtesy and compassion for others, there was something about Frodo's makeup that kept him going through Mordor when others would have simply have lain down and died and been relieved to have done so; and then later to do his best to hide just how emotionally drained he remained, even after returning home to the Shire and his extended family. He even hid things from Sam, and that must have been difficult to manage. Sam realized Frodo was going to leave the Shire again, and this time would stay away; to learn that it was the West and not Rivendell was yet a great shock to him. This was one reason I feel it is acceptable to see Frodo as quietly dying, that Sam realized that if Frodo didn't leave he would be totally lost.
As for Aragorn's greater interest in the comfort of others over the disposition of his own quarters--well, today's chapter just underlines that. Poor Aragorn--never thought to say what he'd like. But then, he's probably always lived in the homes of others to this date, with not much control over what his own quarters would be like, usually adding personal touches only after he enters them. He probably unconsciously expects to do the same now that he's King. His greater control over his own place has probably not occurred to him as yet.
I like the way your Aragorn is as stubborn as Frodo, carries great authority, and yet is very courteous to the staff and almost tender with the hobbits. I loved that bit where he embraced Frodo and the hobbit responded by resting his forehead on Aragorn's chest. It was sweet but it also indicated Frodo's trust, that he was able to lean on Aragorn like that. The way the king deals with the staff will surely create great loyalty in those who honestly wish to serve. ~TF
Author's reply
It is as I've always seen Aragorn as King, one who will not have those who do not serve willingly around him, one who knows those who serve him and sees the servants for the Citadel not just as anonymous individuals who do for him, but now as members of the same household all working for common goals. And I'm certain he'll be up there checking out the pages' dormitory to make certain it is well run and the pages feel safe and secure as much as he'll be making orders to be certain rooms are properly outfitted for the comfort of his guests, such as ordering wooden headrests for those who visit from Harad where it would be the automatic response of his household staff to put out the comfiest of pillows.
And I think the relationship between Frodo, Sam, and Aragorn would be particularly tender. So glad you appreciate how I've depicted it.
Frodo was obviously too ill to give Aragorn his 'look' but I'm sure he wanted to over having to have guards and servants around him. He definitely needed servants there, for himself of course, but also for Sam, otherwise Sam would have worn himself out trying to take care of Frodo. I loved it when Aragorn got embarrassed over not answering the door, I'm sure there would be lots of times when he would forget that he was the king.
I forgot how young Lasgon had to have been when he worked there as a page for the hobbits and everyone since of course by the time Ruvemir meets him he is 18. And how proud he is about how long his family has worked in the Citadel - that he knows how many generations have worked there. I know that in other eras people used to keep track of those kinds of things, it's just hard to imagine anymore.
I was thinking that after Aragorn told them that he was going to visit the man he had had the brain storm and how it shocked everyone, how much talk must be spreading everywhere in the Citadel. Everyone must be trying to figure this new king out - rumors would be everywhere and things like that no one would believe. Just Lasgon and Loren standing there when Sam calls Aragorn 'Lord Strider' must make them wonder what that is all about and you know they would talk about it to others and it would all add to everything going on around them.
I can't wait to see Aragorn's chambers!
Author's reply
Yes, a new broom indeed, a completely different personality than they have known before.
And it is possible that Aragorn knew this man, if he was old enough to have been in Gondor when Captain Thorongil served the realm. It may be as much curiosity as the trained reflexes of the born and bred healer that direct Aragorn to check him out.
The rumors are flying, flying indeed, and all are now wondering just how they are going to come to the King's attention so they can begin evaluating him for themselves.
Hope you like the description of the King's chambers in today's chapter.
I often thought that Aragorn travelled so much, as a younger man partially to observe how kingly and noble men behave (such as Theoden and Ecthelion) and how it was best *not* to behave (such as Denethor). Those lessons, coupled with his own wisdom and essence, have already created in him a king to be marveled at. He is truly starting his reign with courtesy, honesty, firmness, and nobility.
Author's reply
I truly think that the King Returned would be that kind of person, and that everywhere he went he would leave a legacy sparked by his example of how those in authority should behave, leaving the world more open to bettering itself once Mordor was thrown down.
It's one reason Rhun changed and became an ally in The King's Commission--that StarEagle and Staravion had visited them; and the effects of the one he thought of as Horubi'ninarin had a profound effect on how Sohrabi of Harad reacted once he was made ruler there, not to mention how the same alleged trader affected Sohrabi's father and older brother.
Thanks for the thoughts, for I agree with them.
French Pony
· 2 November 2005
· Chapter 16: 16: Preparing Accommodations
Aragorn continues in his "my door is always open" management style. This is probably very interesting to the people of Minas Tirith, who haven't seen a King, ever, in their lifetimes. I wonder if they'd had any preconceived notions of how a generic King might behave, or if they're just assuming that he'd be like a Steward, only bigger.
Certainly, their own lives have been shaken, not stirred, by the War, and I like that the characters you introduce here show the effects of that event on their own lives -- the guard who had the stroke, the young woman who was pressed into service after her family was killed -- these are very nice touches of realism.
I have two minor nits to pick -- one is your use of the verb "to access." It sounds extremely modern and corporate, and doesn't really fit with the setting of Minas Tirith. The other is here: My adar is groundskeeper, and my daeradar was a Guard of the Citadel for twenty years. My mother serves in the archives. I'd either use "father, grandfather," and "mother," or "adar, daeradar," and "naneth," that is, keep the language usage consistent.
Other than that, I enjoyed this chapter, and I like seeing Aragorn grow more confident in his new job, even with a few bobbles along the way.
Author's reply
I try to show the realism of the effects of the centuries of fear of Mordor and especially the viciousness of the last few decades, the last few years in particular. It would have been difficult to live in such times and not have lost someone close to one, whether it is a father, a brother or son or cousin or nephew--or more likely several such folk--or ones lord as all who have served in the Citadel have done. The whole of Gondor lost its Lord to pride, despair, and madness at the end, and many of these folk were there to see the last horrors as their Lord lost all hope and ordered his own and his son's immolation. All must be still reeling.
As for the language problems, point taken, and I'll try to fix them tonight or tomorrow. You are correct.
Author Reply: Just fixed them. Thanks for the courtesy.
More lovely, lovely detail. You are so very thorough and so very practical in the way that you arrange things. I love the startlement of the servants as they realize what a "hands on" King they now serve.
I also like the way he heads the hobbits off at the pass, so to speak, anticipating their stubborn self-reliance and reluctance to call on him or be what *they* think of as a "bother". Quite deliberate the way he gave his instructions about keeping him informed where both Frodo and Sam could hear exactly what he said. *chuckle* Wise man.
I am *so* loving this.
Author's reply
And I thought the threat of Gandalf being on HIS side should the Hobbits try to hide how they are feeling when the bad times come on them was quite masterful. That was one of the details that just inserted itself--I was rereading and realized that somehow that little threat had just appeared. Does that ever happen to you? I understand how Tolkien felt when he commented that sometimes the stories were there as if they'd been written by someone else first.
And we do have a hands-on king here, quite one who will know what's going on around him as much as he can, not through need to control, but just to try to keep ahead of any intervention he might need to make.
Glad you like the details. One reason I tend to write longer stories, I think, the tendency to think in terms of details.
Oh, Oh, irresistable force meets immovable object! Of course sparks are going to fly but Aragorn is also a great diplomat and skilled in the art of compromise.
The resolution is so sad. 'There will be nightmares'. And Frodo's discovery that even those he thinks are strongest have personal nightmares to deal with is very hard for him - almost harder than bearing his own I suspect.
I was once told that when we are in the midst of personal pain or trauma it is very difficult to appreciate the needs or pain of others. That Frodo can do so is, perhaps, a mark and a grace that all is not lost. It is also our own woundedness that helps us to empathise with others.
I loved the bit with the knock on the door and, while I think he is going to get a bit of getting used to, Aragorn's style of Kingship will go down well with those who serve. (The image of a Priest or Minister as the servant of the servants of God comes to mind). However, the Lords and land-owners, great merchants etc may be an entirely different matter!
The bit with the Elessar really wrung my heart. Please Frodo don't go and feel guilty about that now or, worse, deny yourself its use because you have been found out.
And I think that Aragorn needs Frodo (and Sam) beside him as much as they need him. Of course it would be him/them that Aragorn would wish to share things like a first visit to his new quarters with. (What an awful sentence, sorry!)
Finally, as I really must get dressed and go to work, I really like how you develop the close relationship between Aragorn and Sam a little later and slower.
Author's reply
The relationship between Aragorn and Sam tends to be overshadowed by that with Frodo; but it is important all along, and even more when Sam is seen strictly on his own, without being able to hide his accomplishments in Frodo's shadow. For Frodo is right--in the end it is the strength that Frodo has seen in Sam that the Shire needs--strength which perhaps might never have been allowed to develop had Sam not first loved Frodo as the worthy soul he was.
And you know I, too, honor the commitment of the one who leads by serving, who appreciates that this is how you get the best not only out of others but out of yourself as well.
And I can't think of anyone who better to share ones first look at ones new digs than those who did the most to help bring it to be....
Glad you took time out of your morning to read this. Posted it late in the evening, so not many have read it as yet.
Linda Hoyland
· 1 November 2005
· Chapter 16: 16: Preparing Accommodations
This was such a touching chapter,I loved the moment between Frodo and Aragorn.
Many thanks for your much appreciated review, I agree the villains need to be branded !
Author's reply
Yes, I would love to see your Fosco branded at the moment--can't think of many who deserve it more, you know.
And Frodo here begins to understand that the quest has been equally hard on all involved, and not just on himself. Glad you appreciate the moments of reassurance here.
Bodkin
· 1 November 2005
· Chapter 15: 15: First Audience
Aragorn is a very reasonable king. And he is putting all his cards on the table - no-one can complain that he is not saying what he means or telling tham what he expects.
Author's reply
Yes--having the ground rules properly expressed from the beginning is always preferable, particularly when taking a new position. No one will have grounds to complain from now on, except for those who just love complaining anyway--as you know, those will complain about EVERYTHING!
Kitty
· 1 November 2005
· Chapter 15: 15: First Audience
New broom, indeed! The household in the Citadel will soon be turned upside down, and I suppose it could be sometimes entertaining to watch.
Balstador took it very well, he is obviously much more flexible than Galador, who needs to learn he can't prescribe Aragorn's every step in accord with protocol. Poor Galador, he will have a hard time to come to terms with his new King, I fear. And it was sweet Gilmoreth wanted to remain with Faramir out of love for him. He deserves to have so loyal servants.
Another part I loved was Aragorn's introduction of his friends to all others present and the order to let them through to him at every time. He made it very clear how high they are in his esteem, didn't he?
Author's reply
I think Gilmoreth's estimation went up highly in the eyes of the new King simply because of what she said and the reasons given. He, too, wishes only well for his Steward in Gondor, I think.
And, yes, Aragorn's going to let it be known that he is open to his friends. One who must be a king needs friends, after all; it's all too easy only to end up with sycophants.
Radbooks
· 1 November 2005
· Chapter 15: 15: First Audience
Very interesting and fun to read as Aragorn's sets up his household! Of course I know how much of an interest he has always shown in the matter of the servants around him, but to see the start of it was fun. I loved the sensechal's comment about his temper... I'm sure that Aragorn appreciated his honesty and I'm sure it will be tested in the days ahead as Aragorn starts changing things. :) As Aragorn was talking to Faramir about setting up a new house, it's hard not to smile because of course we know that Aragorn is going to make him a Prince - it's like knowing an inside joke. And I am sure that the Master of Protocol was tied in fits at the way everything was being done and I'm sure that nothing was formal enough. Actually, I'm sure he wasn't the only one, I imagine a lot of the lesser lords were also upset about the way things were being done. Some time the lesser lords would be more upset than the higher lords - they have to fight more for their place in the society.
Looking forward to the next chapter!
Author's reply
You are most right--the lesser lords do have to fight harder for every scrap of respect and honor they get; now they have a new example of how one can appear lordly, and for those who are accustomed to being drear, correct, and stern with their folk it will be a difficult one to swallow.
And glad you enjoy seeing how from the beginning Aragorn was making himself aware of his staff--in his case, this will be how he will protect himself from possible attempts on his life or threats to the family. Those who ignore their servants are more likely to be cheated by them, betrayed by them, and taken by someone they don't know. To get loyal servants, you demonstrate you care for them first--then you are less likely to be taken by surprise or to cultivate resentment in them.
Radbooks
· 1 November 2005
· Chapter 14: 14: The King's Procession
I am enjoying seeing how the relationship began with Aragorn and Faramir (his with Eomer and Imrahil is fairly new as well, but tested by fire already, but is still wonderful to see at this stage). Faramir could very easily have been offended by Aragorn and his comments - embarrassed enough to become so anyway since he didn't know him, but instead it became a moment of acceptance and trust between them.
It was also interesting to note that as well as Aragorn knew the hobbits, he still didn't know everything about them. Like riding the ponies - I loved how that made both Frodo and Sam upset! :) He also didn't know anything about Rosie. You know they didn't have time to discover everything about one another on their trip! :)
The part with Frodo and the White Tree was moving and to see the part where he saw Arwen's face that he drew in The King's Commission. As I read that, it made me wonder why none of the others realized that he would be marrying Arwen. Everyone had seen them together in Rivendell and they must have seen something between them. Though perhaps they had never known they were betrothed, they probably couldn't imagine him marrying an elf... or a half-elf, or his Adar's daughter.
Nicely done.
Author's reply
The relationship was begun there in the Houses of Healing, and I think Aragorn was banking most on that recognition of the King returned to keep Faramir from being offended, which proved to be true, thank heavens.
And there's a good deal different folks didn't mention during the journey--whether there were loves which might not be come to I think would be one thing that several of them might be unwilling to mention. Yes, it's time for Aragorn to begin becoming more aware of the real lives these four gave up to come out of the Shire to the service of all of Middle Earth.
As for Aragorn and Arwen--the little Tolkien put into the back story once he decided that Aragorn would marry Arwen and not Eowyn after all was so carefully and glancingly mentioned that how many of us had no idea what they meant at the end? I certainly was surprised when she rode into Minas Tirith and married MY Aragorn! (Ah, yes, little thirteen-year-old Bonnie already thought of Aragorn as her own!)
But what the Hobbits might have thought of the few times they saw Aragorn beside Elrond's daughter we have no idea of knowing.
But I did want to figure out why Frodo did that drawing, and I learned!
grumpy
· 1 November 2005
· Chapter 15: 15: First Audience
Aragorn makes a great king. First thing get your house in order, so you can take care of the mess outside. I love how he wants to know all those who serve in the house.
I do love how you have the four hobbits, wizard, elf and dwarf, huddled together, to decide where they want to stay.
Author's reply
You have the right of it, Grumpy--if your own place is set properly in order, then you are in a better position to make certain that the rest of the realm comes into line.
And I think Aragorn would wish to allow the rest of the Fellowship to decide among themselves where they will stay, and allow such a conference, even if the rest of the realm has to stand by amazed by this example of democracy in action....
Thanks for the response.
harrowcat
· 1 November 2005
· Chapter 15: 15: First Audience
I will just bet that the chief of protocol was enjoying this - shame it might be the last time he stands there without having kittens! And I am very glad that the Hobbits enjoy many words and bows in their ceremony, (TT Book 4 Chapter 6,)but how did Frodo, not to mention Sam cope with standing for so long?
Author's reply
I rather think that Gandalf is behind Frodo and Sam aiding them as he can.
Galador is watching Aragorn use proper pomp and regality and all, but he's undoubtedly going at it at a different tack and not necessarily with quite the same emphasis Galador feels should be given; and so he is undoubtedly biting his knuckles at times, waiting for a major faux pas of some sort or another, one which does not come, thankfully.
But you are right, Frodo and Sam are tiring, as you will see in tonight's chapter....
Dreamflower
· 1 November 2005
· Chapter 15: 15: First Audience
Oooh, I just *love* all this pomp! Aragorn may not be particularaly *fond* of it, but he is certainly *good* at it! *grin* And I speak as one who has sat through many an SCA court--pomp is not easy to be good at!
He's making it quite clear from the start that he will be a "hands on" King, and though he may delegate many duties, he will know and keep track of, all those who carry those duties out on his behalf. I look forward to seeing the various reactions of the various Lords of Gondor and the members of the staff as they try to get used to the new order.
I liked very much the way you had the housekeeper elect to stay with the Steward's family. It would be unrealistic for everyone to want to serve under the new King. Some are likely to be too set in their ways, or too old, to want to change.
Lovely lovely chapter.
Author's reply
Yes, Aragorn was fostered by Elrond, after all, and undoubtedly has learned about the need for proper pomp at specific times.
And I do think there would be some who would wish to remain in the employ of the Steward primarily, for he represents continuity to them. Not all wish to have their whole world turned THAT much upside down.
But for the new King to be speaking in a familiar tone with the servants must be sending Galador's stomach reeling, I'd think. As for some of the lesser lords--they might be wondering what is going on now.