harrowcat
· 30 October 2005
· Chapter 13: 13: Party of Princes, and a King Made
Oh! I feel like pasting this description of the corination into The Book Larner. Pomp and ceremony at its best. And the bit that I liked best was the bestowing of the cloaks/mantles in the tent and Frodo's foresight of the same thing at the end! Another chapter to treasure! And too much else to appreciate to comment properly - like Faramir, Gandalf's words, Aragorn's relationship with his Kin...................
Author's reply
As I've said before, I thought Tolkien rather shortchanged the Northern Dunedain, who after all were described as Aragorn's kinsmen. That they would be willing to seek him out so far from their own ranges and follow him through the Paths of the Dead--either they were one-dimensional wonders, or they must have loved him as their chieftain beyond telling. I choose to believe the latter, and wanted to explore that with Hardorn, who is the one who has stood at Aragorn's shoulder through so much of his life in my imagining of Middle Earth.
And am so very glad that this chapter has managed to move so many, and so deeply, apparently. And that you want to paste it into THE BOOK is praise indeed! Thank you so much!
Raksha The Demon
· 30 October 2005
· Chapter 11: 11: Before the Wind
I enjoyed Aragorn's memories of his relationship with Denethor. I've always felt that it was a fascinating time in the history of both men, as well as a pivotal period in the history of Gondor.
I've always felt that Denethor's greatest problem was not the stress of ruling a land under grave threat from Mordor, or the Palantir addiction, or even the loss of Boromir - it was his pride, which went beyond the normal and strengthening pride seen in many of Tolkien's Men and Elves, and was over-weening to the point of hubris. (and it was hubris, as well as concern for Gondor's welfare, for Denethor to think he could not only continue to go mind-to-mind with Sauron for years, but actually gain valuable knowledge from the mind of the Deceiver) Denethor couldn't stand not being First, not being Best, not having All of the love of those he cherished or regarded as His. It's not for nothing that though Denethor in ROTK is admired, he has no friends. Denethor was, sadly, one of those people who was his own worst enemy. I think Finduilas might have helped him feel whole, and loved, and after she died, there was no balance in Denethor's life, and his descent into darkness became a lot more probable even without the Palantir.
I hope Frodo and Faramir have a moment to talk, or just enjoy the sunshine as they once spoke of...And hopefully Frodo will really enjoy the King's coronation - especially since he and Sam made it possible.
Author's reply
A wonderful examination of Denethor's descent, Raksha. Absolutely the full explanation of what I've felt was true of him as well.
And Frodo and Faramir will have their moments, I think. As for the coronation and Frodo's reaction to it--I hope you've found out how that was handled by now.
Thanks so much for the feedback, as you've added so much to what I'd tried to express.
Author Reply: A wonderful examination of Denethor's descent, Raksha. Absolutely the full explanation of what I've felt was true of him as well.
And Frodo and Faramir will have their moments, I think. As for the coronation and Frodo's reaction to it--I hope you've found out how that was handled by now.
Thanks so much for the feedback, as you've added so much to what I'd tried to express.
Bodkin
· 30 October 2005
· Chapter 13: 13: Party of Princes, and a King Made
I feel as though I were suspended in a crystal, seeing all going on around me as if it couldn’t quite touch me.
What a good description of the feeling of disconnection that tends to strike at earth-shattering moments.
I love the preparations, and the uncertainty/inevitability of it all. And Frodo's moments of foresight.
Author's reply
I've felt precisely that way more than once, and I am so glad that you and others appreciate its inclusion. And as Frodo was definitely having flashes of foresight before the end, I like to think that perhaps here is where it begins. To foresee that Aragorn would live happily, have a son who was as wonderful as himself, and then return the Gift in such a blessed manner must have been a blessing for him at that moment.
So glad you appreciate it.
Kitty
· 30 October 2005
· Chapter 13: 13: Party of Princes, and a King Made
A touching chapter, Larner! At the beginning and end I had tears in my eyes. You’ve captured Aragorn’s feelings so well! It must’ve been difficult for him, to accept the burden of the crown without the surety of Arwen’s hand. Luckily he had his foster brothers and cousins with him, his beloved Hobbits and the others from the fellowship, so he wasn’t alone at least.
Frodo’s visions of the future are quite intriguing to watch – I love the way you describe them, Frodo practically standing apart from his body.
Oh, and I hope we get to see a bit more about Galador’s first experiences with his new King, it should prove amusing! And if he had imagined a ‚rustic’ Dunedain maiden on the throne, he will be greatly surprised when he gets his first glimpse at the future Queen of Gondor! *wide grin*
Author's reply
Aragorn had lived long enough to know you can't truly count on much in this life save for its tendency to remain unpredictable.
It may take a time to truly explore Galador's feelings--Aragorn is going to surprise him with his appreciation for his position and for strategies of dealing with unforeseen guests; but it will take time for the two of them to truly come to loggerheads. However, I think Galador is beginning to realize even now that he is outranked by the King. But Arwen is going to be a pleasant shock to about everyone. The idea of the "rustic" Dunedain maiden is a fun one, isn't it, compared to what they get!
As for Frodo's foresight--we know he had it later, and I wanted to explore when and how it began.
Thanks so much for the feedback.
Lindelea
· 30 October 2005
· Chapter 2: 2: Honored
Fascinating, to see the back and forth of the arguing in his mind. Is it Gandalf who speaks to him, or some other power, or has Frodo himself grown so wise, and yet fights still with his fleshly self?
I want to go back home, sit on the stoop as evening falls, smoke my pipe, watch Sam working in the garden, smell stewed mushrooms cooking from the kitchen....
(this was so very poignant. It is sad truth that we cannot go home again.)
Author's reply
It is always the question as to whom Frodo argues with, whether with himself or someone else; I don't think he knows yet at this point.
No, we can't go home again, for as we change so does home as well. Either we have to work to make it home again for us, or we must move on.
So glad you are reading it.
demeter d
· 29 October 2005
· Chapter 13: 13: Party of Princes, and a King Made
OOOOh! I can not say enough good about this chapter.I was holding my breath the whole time.First, the lovely details of preparing; helping each other dress, and the mental last deep breaths before the final plunge. Your very personal descriptions both echo and fill in the blanks of Tolkein's own description of the moments up to and of the Coronation. Your writing here sounds just like the books! I loved each moment between the characters, as each weighed the sacrifices that all had made to this moment, and looked forward to the fruits of those sacrifices.And, forward to yet more labor, service and sacrifice, for such is life! I liked that you had Aragorn call Frodo "small brother", from your sweet story "Fostering". I feel that beautifully captures the connection between them. And again, how beautifully you have expressed the principle that 'he who would be chief among you, let him be the servant of all'. This so beautifully captures the heart of Tolkien's stories.
Author's reply
Am so very glad that you appreciate this, Demeter. I have wanted so much to expand on the coronation as written by Tolkien, and to find the chance to do so has been a blessing.
Life should be a series of sacrifices of self to and for others; and where Aragorn has grown up knowing this, Frodo is only beginning to appreciate that he's been doing such all his life automatically and that this is what will continue to be expected of him as time continues.
And yes, the one who would be the greatest should be as the servant of all; this is the heart of the "great" tale Tolkien himself best appreciated, and that he wrote into this one, and the heart of what I wanted to express as well.
Lindelea
· 29 October 2005
· Chapter 1: 1: Unconsummated
The battered mug--nice detail!
None of us is the same, Frodo.
(excellent observation!)
There where Its power was strongest, do you really believe It would have allowed that?
(that was my thought, exactly)
Iluvatar does not rejoice in burnt offerings, but in living sacrifices.
(there is so much wealth in this deceptively brief statement)
Author's reply
Glad you appreciate it, Lindelea. If the look of relief was the first hint he wasn't dead after all, the battered mug would have been the clincher, I think.
As a Maia himself, Gandalf comes the closest to appreciating the way Sauron's mind and by extension the "mind" of the Ring would work.
And the last comment is a slight adaptation from the Psalma, one which I'm certain is appropriate here.
Thanks so much for the comments--you know how much they mean.
Dreamflower
· 29 October 2005
· Chapter 13: 13: Party of Princes, and a King Made
Oh, so beautiful and canonical! I do believe you have captured that moment and the time leading up to it perfectly!
I really like Frodo hearing all the mentions of the sacrifices Aragorn has made throughout his life--it fits so into your theme of living sacrifice, as opposed to a sacrifice of life.
Author's reply
Yes, this is where Frodo starts appreciating just what "living sacrifice" means. And I've really tried to keep it true both to canon and to life. So glad you appreciate it!
shirebound
· 29 October 2005
· Chapter 13: 13: Party of Princes, and a King Made
Beautiful chapter. I love seeing this too-short scene in the book filled in with such insight.
Author's reply
Am so very glad you appreciate it, Shirebound. I've always tried to imagine what the preparations for the walk to the blasted gate and the barrier would have been like; and now I've finally had the chance to share it.
And it's the moment, I think, when Frodo first begins to appreciate that once one begins giving that giving is expected to continue.
TithenFeredir
· 29 October 2005
· Chapter 13: 13: Party of Princes, and a King Made
This chapter also seemed to be warmed by the friendhips among the characters. I loved Sam and Frodo putting each other's cloaks and brooches on, the soft look in Legolas' eyes at the sight of Aragorn finally ready to take his place and Aragorn's funny, unpretentious observation about Minas Tirith,“It is rather pretty, isn’t it?”
At the end it seems like Frodo feels things falling back into place, as if the world is almost safe again as before his adventure. I would think that is a kind of healing for him, though I know he'll never be completely well this side of the sea. Lovely chapter. ~TF
Author's reply
What a lovely summary, TithenFendir. I agree--you've managed to word what I meant so well--for the moment the world is seen by Frodo as a safer place.
And it is a moment where the friendships are important, for the recognition by cousin and friends that this is the moment for which Aragorn was born; and now they are each trying to prepare the others for what is to come, as the whole of the mortal lands face a new order as Aragorn assumes the Winged Crown.
Thanks so much for the comments.
French Pony
· 29 October 2005
· Chapter 13: 13: Party of Princes, and a King Made
Yay! Hooray! Long live the King! I feel like there should be some music for the occasion. Da-dum-dee-dum. . . no, that's for weddings, and that hasn't happened yet. Hmm. Daaaaah, dum-dum dee dah, daaah, dum-dum-dum. . . no, "Pomp and Circumstance" is for a graduation. I don't know what you play at a coronation. Well, it doesn't matter. Something with trumpets.
I love the descriptions of getting ready, especially people feeling like it's not quite real, even though they've been waiting their whole lives for that moment. It really does make it feel like a wedding or a graduation, since they've got everything done up so perfectly, and it's such a life-changing event for everyone.
And just think, in another month or so, Arwen will arrive, and the protocol people and royal shindig planners will have to go through their paces again, and Aragorn is going to be even more of a nervous wreck. Tee hee hee. . .
Author's reply
Yes, this is the moment long awaited; and the moment of change. And the trumpets are indeed called for!
And I'm also looking forward to the coming nuptials.
So glad you feel I've caught the feelings of those involved properly.
Linda Hoyland
· 29 October 2005
· Chapter 13: 13: Party of Princes, and a King Made
This was a truly beautiful bittersweet chapter,underlining how the KIng is the servant of the people and the least free.
Author's reply
He's now caught in that crystal he spoke of, I think. Yes, it's indeed bittersweet. However, this was the moment for which he was born, and I'm glad that for the peoples of the West he was brought to it.
Linda Hoyland
· 29 October 2005
· Chapter 12: 12: Camp on the Pelennor
Poor Aragorn,he and Galadorn are going to find each other rather a trial.Whatever would Galadorn have said if he's seen him caring for Frodo earlier ?And the cheek of the man asking can ARagorn beget heirs! I'm glad I'm not a king !
Author's reply
I suspect that Aragorn's interest in healing will be made manifest to the entire household of the King and his court VERY soon. This is quite a different lord than Denethor was, after all, and definitely a descendant of Earendil.
And the question as to whether Aragorn was able to sire a child would be one which would have to be answered for the good of the realm; but I agree asking this soon is impertinent indeed. But I suspect that Aragorn will settle him out pretty swiftly.
SlightlyTookish
· 29 October 2005
· Chapter 12: 12: Camp on the Pelennor
Then there was a moment of--apartness--and he felt as if he stood two paces behind himself and a half pace to the left; and he looked at the woman and saw her standing beside Captain Faramir--the Lord Steward Faramir--with his arm about her shoulder, and he knew the source of the mantle.
That was my favorite bit of this chapter. You do such a wonderful job of describing Frodo's perceptiveness and ability to see and know. I adored that moment.
Author's reply
We know that as time passed Frodo began to have prescient moments, and I thought to experiment with when the realization that this gift had been granted him might have first come to his awareness. He's had some prescient dreams in the past, of course; but maybe now he'd begin to realize that such moments are likely to come while waking as well.
As for the moment of disassociation--I've been prone to such experiences for as long as I can remember, particularly when I'm ill or when, as a child, I was overstimulated; I've spoken to others who've described the same feeling, so tried to describe it as this experience is actually felt.
Kitty
· 29 October 2005
· Chapter 12: 12: Camp on the Pelennor
Galador will have a hard time with this new King and his informal ways after all the time with Denethor’s strong formality. Poor guy. But I found him a bit impertinent for at once talking about arranging a marriage even before Aragorn was crowned King and without any knowledge if Aragorn has his own plans or a betrothed yet! Aragorn will drive him to distraction, but I can’t help to think he needs the distraction. Somehow I’ve got the impression Galador suffers a bit from self-importance. The new broom will do him some good, I suspect. (Or am I mean to think that?)
Author's reply
Oh, I agree with you; but the practical questions need to be answered if the future is to be seen as secured as much as is possible. Galador is just trying to see to the interests of Gondor, after all; but you're right--he ought to have first gotten to know the new King and found out of there is any attachment already there. Although such as he is probably likely to imagine any Dunedain maiden of the Northern Kingdom as being too rustic to sit by her husband's side in Gondor's Court.
New broom indeed! All is being renewed.
Kitty
· 29 October 2005
· Chapter 11: 11: Before the Wind
So I was right – Frodo has figured out who Thorongil truly was! Nice little episode – you know already how I like this game!
Well, although I feel a bit pity for him as well, Denethor was too proud and self-confident for his own good. It was probably good he died during the siege of Minas Tirith, for I doubt he’d have ever accepted Aragorn’s claim to the throne of Gondor, or at least not without creating a lot of difficulties. It would've been easier with Boromir, I suppose, and Faramir is the most affable of the three. I am glad Aragorn hadn't to struggle through such difficulties on top of the war and all.
Author's reply
Tolkien himself indicated that perhaps, once he returned to Gondor and with the Ringlust upon him, Boromir might have experienced far more profound problems actually accepting Aragorn as Lord over him; I'm glad both were spared that problem, actually. But I find myself agreeing with you about Denethor. Aragorn himself was probably of two minds about it, still regretting what he felt ought to have been between the two of them, and glad not to face either that conflict or the total destruction of Denethor's pride now.
Yes, Frodo has figured it out; and it's fun to watch others finally come to that realization as well.
Bodkin
· 29 October 2005
· Chapter 12: 12: Camp on the Pelennor
Good to see all the characters coming together. Galador is going to have to get used to change, I think. But also to know when he would be wise to keep his mouth shut. (I don't know that the possession of the line of kings really proves anything. Except possession. But hey - the sons of Elrond know exactly who everybody was and is.)
Frodo seems to be feeling a bit better now he's got something to interest him.
Author's reply
Having something to distract ones attention from the frailty of the body has aided more than one person to start feeling better; and I, too, am glad Frodo has a bit of a distraction for the moment.
No, the simple possession of the Roll of Kings proves nothing; but as you say, Elrohir and Elladan both have known the descendants of Isildur probably from Valandil onwards; they saw Aragorn brought to the Vale of Rivendell as a child; perhaps attended the wedding of Arathorn and Gilraen, even; there can be no question that this is the one named in the Roll. There's a better claim, after all, for Isildur's heirs than there was for many of the Kings of Gondor from the time of the Kinstrife onwards.
Radbooks
· 29 October 2005
· Chapter 12: 12: Camp on the Pelennor
Oh, this was priceless. The whole meeting with Galador and Aragorn setting out the way things were going to be done during his reign. It's good to get your authority established right away. The whole roll of the kings was interesting, was that something in canon or an idea that you came up with? Either way I liked it and I would assume there would have been something like that in place. The part about arranging a marriage for Aragorn so that there could be an heir and Aragorn's reaction was very amusing. Galador has a lot to learn! I know he's been mentioned in several of your other stories and so it's fun to meet him in person. :)
Author's reply
Yes, I had to meet the distinctly fussy Master of Protocol myself, and so did my best to bring him into this story.
The Roll of the Kings is strictly my invention; but it's not that unusual a device, I'd think. And for Galador to look at it and see the direct descendancy, father to son over how many generations, where in the history of Gondor there were several side-turnings, must have been surprising.
As for securing the succession--that, too, would be something that would be important to try to see to; and Aragorn would need to let it be known he's taking care of that detail himself. Although there will probably be a bevy of well-bred beauties at the next few feasts, of course....
Radbooks
· 29 October 2005
· Chapter 11: 11: Before the Wind
I love this sentence: "Aragorn stood behind him now, blocking the north wind that sped their ships downstream, his dark hair whipping about his face, his own eyes smiling, one hand on the fore mast and the other on Frodo’s right shoulder." The hair blowing, the eyes smiling and Aragorn being so protective... what a wonderful image. :)
Then going on there in that section as he is singing and Frodo realizes that Aragorn now has hope and the grimness that had surrounded him was gone. The king is returning and things will be renewed and Frodo played a part in that, whether he currently accepts that or not!
It must have been so difficult for Aragorn to judge Beregond, of course he had done so many difficult things in his life that this was just one more, but that one always tears at my heart for some reason. (Funny how sme things do) But seeing it in your story here makes it even more so... Beregond is riding on the boat with him! The king who could sentence him to death.
Very moving and with such wonderful images in it.
Author's reply
I, too, can see Aragorn just that way, there behind Frodo; and I'm so glad you appreciate the image given. And it would be here, when for the moment he doesn't have any real responsibilities to perform and he can just stand, watch familiar landscape about him, and sing that the realization should be really hitting him--the worst of the labor is now behind all of them; his friends are about him; he's free for the moment; and it's time to rejoice, if just for the moment!
Yet even now his role in judging Beregond's actions lies before him and he must consider it; he knows what he wishes to do and what is required of him to do, and must find the middle way to satisfy both the requirements of law and mercy.
So glad you find the images moving!
French Pony
· 28 October 2005
· Chapter 12: 12: Camp on the Pelennor
I like the legal formalities attendant upon Aragorn's accession to the throne. They're very realistic, and it seems like something that would have had to happen at some point or another. Aragorn handles them with good grace, and Galador seems very reasonable about accepting both Aragorn's claim to the throne and the new folks from the North. He's no Lord Barquentine, this one.
I enjoyed Frodo's meeting with Éowyn as well, particularly the exchange between Éowyn, Éomer, and Frodo's astral self about the provenance of that pretty blue mantle. Frodo's not the only one whose life has undergone some profound change here.
Author's reply
Galador had become accustomed under Denethor to not question the ONE in authority, and certainly Aragorn is that. But it must be tearing his expectations apart. He's never seen an Elf before and now he's faced with three, and a Dwarf, and four Pheriannath, one of whom, the most honored soul right now in all of Middle Earth, is refusing proper etiquette!
And from the "last of a ragged house long bereft of lordship" he gets a Roll of Kings equal to the one he's accustomed to handling already and the voice of command that he doesn't quite expect from such a one, and the assurance that he will have nothing to do with arranging a proper marriage....
All of them sitting before that tent, and probably including even the Healer Eldamir, have undergone profound changes. Not one is as he or she was when the whole affair started. Probably the closest to what they were are Imrahil and Elphir.
Baggins Babe
· 28 October 2005
· Chapter 12: 12: Camp on the Pelennor
I suspect Galador will be tearing his hair out before long, having to cope with a King who does his own writing, spends time in the herb garden and dresses as a Ranger when it suits him. Aragorn will be a breath of fresh air in those stuffy corridors.
Poor Frodo must be so frustrated - nothing so infuriating as having one's body constantly letting one down.
Another great chapter, Larner - I always look forward to every update and read them more than once - you have all the characters so wonderfully delineated, but I particularly love your Aragorn.
Author's reply
Yes, for all he has accepted the crown in order to come to the marriage he's wanted for sixty-eight years, Aragorn remains his own man and is unlikely to allow himself to be highly restricted by protocol.
And our bodies do tend to go their own way at one time or another in our lives, and it's very frustrating--and frightening when we realize we can do nothing about it.
harrowcat
· 28 October 2005
· Chapter 12: 12: Camp on the Pelennor
And I wouldn't have wanted to be Galador on the receiving end of Aragorn's 'annoyance'! Ceremony and protocol are good insofar as they serve the purpose (and I would dare to claim that there are none who do pomp and circumstance as well as us Brits,) but too much is not a good thing.
Here we all were thinking that hobbit families were complicated! But then we get to The roll of the Kings.. Loved it.
Poor Frodo with his delicate stomach - a very sore trial for a hobbit. I just HATE being sick and he has my every sympathy.
Author's reply
Yes, pomp and circumstance for one who has to order the world around himself to give his life meaning is what they live for; but now the pomp is going to have meaning or it's not likely to be allowed under any circumstance, as Galador will learn.
And I, too, hate being less than whole, a circumstance I live with too often any more.
demeter d
· 28 October 2005
· Chapter 12: 12: Camp on the Pelennor
I have just discovered fan-fiction a year or so ago. On this site and HASA, you quickly became one of my favorite authors. This chapter gives us a poignant look at Elrond's care for his brother's descendants over so many centuries.We mere mortals are not able to have that kind of personal connection with our past! I love the images of so many who were high and noble still giving humble service to their friends.Very much enjoying your story.
Author's reply
I've been reading Fanfic for about a year and a half myself, having been introduced by Tom Fairbairn or Chip of Dale (depending how you've been introduced to him), and have fallen in love with the genre myself.
And having grown up as foster-brother and son to those who've known your ancestors for the last three thousand plus years must give one a unique connection to ones family tree.
And those who are the highest are those who will bend lowest to serve others as needed.
Dreamflower
· 28 October 2005
· Chapter 12: 12: Camp on the Pelennor
Oh dear, poor Galador. *tsk*tsk*tsk* Everything he thought he knew about how a King is supposed to act is about to be turned on its head. I do hope the poor fellow is up to it, or Aragorn might find himself having to treat a fit of apoplexy! *grin*
Author's reply
Well, if anyone is prepared to deal with fits of apoplexy, it has to be Aragorn son of Arathorn! And Galador is going go learn what true royalty and nobility is.
TithenFeredir
· 28 October 2005
· Chapter 12: 12: Camp on the Pelennor
Mmmm, formal ceremonies are always difficult for me, but you have relieved that with the introduction of Galador. He's a bit obsessive, which is probably a good thing in his line of work. He'll have a difficult breaking in with Aragorn. Poor guy. Realigning his ducks will probably be painful for him. ~TF
Author's reply
Realigning his ducks will be painful, but better for the nation in the long run, at least. But I think he'll survive. But he's finding Aragorn isn't one to be "managed."
Thanks for the feedback.