Larner
· 4 April 2007
· Chapter 36: A Heated Exchange
All right, so who is this? He obviously knows what's what and has a mind to put clues together. A northern Dunedain serving amongst the Gondorians, is he? Kin to Imrahil? Someone who is most unhappy about what he sees happening, I think. And one who seeks to see things put back to rights, I believe.
Author's reply
Well, it appears to me that a lot of people are kin to Imrahil in this little town up the river from Dol Amroth - as for being Dunedain - of course, if my recollection is correct, any descendant of the Faithful from Numenor were labeled as Dunedain - but this one's not from the north - fiercely Gondorian all the way! And proud of it. I really like this guy.
As for putting things back to rights - you got that right!
Larner
· 30 March 2007
· Chapter 35: Action Begun
Oh, so glad the blow was turned by the Elf at the last moment.
Theodred dead? Alas!
Author's reply
Hi, Larner!
Yes, that was a truly scary moment for Aragorn AND Elladan, once he saw what he almost did. But it does seem to be for naught!
Larner
· 26 March 2007
· Chapter 34: Homesick
Often a grief shared is a grief halved; and I hope that this grief will be more fully assaged and he might see this child born. But, first, to see Aragorn and Faramir meet at last! And then a conspiracy to the south undone properly.
Author's reply
There's so much still to do - everything seems so close - but even the best laid plans, and Aragorn's aren't exactly the best laid - nor are Ragnhild's - but, hopefully, fate will step in.
Thanks for continuing to read!
SurgicalSteel
· 26 March 2007
· Chapter 34: Homesick
Oh, this was lovely, the friendship growing between the two young men!
Author's reply
I don't know where this came from, SS, the character just took over! Angbor, in LOTR, is heroically thought of - and I could not do anything to hurt his image - I'm very glad he has a friend and perhaps mentor.
Larner
· 23 March 2007
· Chapter 33: Help Too Late
Hooray! Their quarry finally found, and the Orc Slayer preparing to do what is necessary to see these foul creatures destroyed. Am very glad Aragorn is so accompanied at this moment.
And Aragorn is all too wise right now.
Author's reply
I loved when El suddenly 'lost' himself - I hadn't planned on this, but adrenalin took over and the Elf became the hunter! Such fun!
And Aragorn is learning!
Larner
· 23 March 2007
· Chapter 32: Despair Most Deep
Alas, the apparent despair of the moment. But where is Faramir now, and how is this awful lord to be bested?
Author's reply
Drat - seems like one little thing is taken care of and another disaster strikes! Life can be most difficult and frustrating.
As for Faramir....
If I were Eomund (which I not I'm not), I'd use the sleeping of the Orcs as a chance to deal with them finally, one by one.
As for smearing orc blood over a bleeding wound--OH! How awful a thought!
Author's reply
Poor Eomund is going to have an infected leg pretty soon, I would think.
And as for killing the Orcs himself. There is just no way. With the loss of blood and the leg being almost useless, he wouldn't stand a chance. He could have killed the one by the entrance as he passed, but that would have alerted the others to his presence. AND he didn't know where the fourth one was!
Thanks for reading!
Larner
· 20 March 2007
· Chapter 30: Trapped
They grow closer, at least.
And orcs will dig leg traps for horses, will they? Saruman has taught them well, apparently.
Author's reply
It seemed to me logical, Larner. And totally unexpected, and unlooked for, by the Rohirrim who would die first before injuring one of their horses! At least according to Boromir!
Larner
· 11 March 2007
· Chapter 29: Death Is Not So Bitter
So--we have help approaching on two fronts, do we? Oh, indeed avenge Gorlim, Eomund. It must happen soon.
Raksha The Demon
· 11 March 2007
· Chapter 29: Death Is Not So Bitter
Ooh, those awful Orcs! They need to be stomped by a maddened Mumak or something.
Gripping angst, good dialogue, and the orcs are credible, bless their evil little hearts.
Author's reply
I kind of like writing Orcs... oh dear!
Thanks for the kind words and yes, let's stomp some Orcs!
Larner
· 7 March 2007
· Chapter 28: All Is Lost
Oh, dear, how I HOPE this attack is all a nightmare and not real, with Gorlim, Indis, and Theodred dead. (I know I could perhaps know more if I read on the other site, but I prefer doing so here. Hope you don't mind!)
Author's reply
There have been so many nightmares during this short time that I too would hope this was one too.
I am grateful wherever you read this, Larner! My deepest thanks for your support and comments!
Larner
· 25 February 2007
· Chapter 27: A New Ally
At least they now have a new ally, and one who will work to their advantage, I believe. Now, to find that pesky healer they've been hearing about....
Author's reply
I do love the warriors of Gondor - most certainly shine when the going gets tough! And quick to jump to the aid of any in need.
As for that pesky healer - shees! I wonder what Siriondil thinks????
Larner
· 22 February 2007
· Chapter 26: Division and Doggerel
It's a good thing Aragorn and company are so close now, relatively speaking. They MUST meet soon! And love the quintain--see you used the educator's version, much as I've used the educator's version of haiku to work with third graders.
Author's reply
Hi, Larner!
I had to giggle when Elladan 'hid' his faux pax about Hobbits... and yes, he would use the educator's version ... being a 'higher' being... lol... he would use the simpler for any not an Elf...
And gosh - they are closer - but so much sorrow still ahead... Shees!
SurgicalSteel
· 21 February 2007
· Chapter 26: Division and Doggerel
The parties are getting close to converging on one another - loved the 'hobbit is a type of cinquain poetry.' *giggles*
Author's reply
Sometimes these little poems and songs just pop up. The twins were surprised by their lack of self-control and had to make up some kind of an excuse. Poor Erkenbrand will not see a Hobbit until he meets Merry on the road to Minas Tirith. Then, I'm sure, he will remember and laugh.
Larner
· 20 February 2007
· Chapter 25: Risks Taken
Good to know there is a friend here to ease the way into the viper's den without having to brave the fangs. And hope they unearth the truth quickly.
And I always did like Erkenbrand....
Author's reply
It is sometimes incredible - even in Tolkien's world - to see how 'small' that world is and how infinitely all are connected... I was glad for Ragnhild too!
And Erkenbrand is awesome!
SurgicalSteel
· 17 February 2007
· Chapter 25: Risks Taken
Another interesting chapter - the men of Rohan are really getting involved with the attempts to help Faramir!
As regards your question with my last review: I unabashedly steal historical examples in my writing, as you likely know. My historical example for what things might have been like for a healer in Gondor not accepted into the service of the Houses is really 1500s France. There were really three groups of 'healers' practicing in Paris - the Faculty of Physicians, the College of St. Cosmas (the surgeons - St. Cosmas is one of the patron saints of surgeons - Saints Cosmas and Damian supposedly transplanted either an arm or a leg onto an amputee in the 4th or 5th century), and everyone else.
The 'barber-surgeons' who were part of that 'other' group did venesections (bleeding) and cupping - and sometimes things as major as hernia repair or lithotomy. They tended to move around a lot, because if one of their patients did badly, they'd generally be arrested and sometimes killed. There were also folks running herbalist shops in the city, and performing abortions and the like - and then out in the countryside you had the itinerant surgeons and healers, so named because they'd journey from one town to another. Some of the best of those were quite good, but the worst were truly awful, and often did more harm than good.
Author's reply
I have always felt that the two kingdoms sworn as allies by oaths taken would be 'neighborly' - in all my stories, I have a close bond between the two...
Thanks for the info on 'barber-surgeons' - fascinating!
Raksha The Demon
· 13 February 2007
· Chapter 22: Suspended
At the rate the two halves of Faramir's support team are going, I fear that they won't unite until the poor child is dead...How can I stand the suspense!
Aragorn is certainly going a long way to make a house call!
Keep posting!
Author's reply
*giggles* - never thought of it as a 'house call' - appropriate though.
And yes, though Middle-earth is not THAT big - it certainly is taking them awhile to get together... *crosses fingers about Faramir*
SurgicalSteel
· 13 February 2007
· Chapter 24: Trust Repaired
A good cover story - wandering because of lack of work for healers in the city due to the Houses of Healing being there. I'd guess that healers in Minas Tirith not working in the Houses would be either be providing services considered illegal, or providing services to criminal types.
Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
Thanks SS - those back rooms are murder! Sadly!
It would seem to me that, if you were not accepted - for whatever reason - into the service of the Houses (if you were a healer), then life would be extremely difficult. Open a little shop to sell herbs?
Larner
· 13 February 2007
· Chapter 24: Trust Repaired
Alas, the Lord High and Mighty appears to have been taken at his own estimation by the old man in the town hall. It won't take a great deal to bring the fool down, I suspect; and the rest of the conspirators will fall easily in his wake.
I am so glad Erkenbrand is responding well to Aragorn's explanation.
Now, for the two parties going through Rohan to meet....
Author's reply
Some have thought Ragnhild 'gave' too much away when she spoke with the man, but I got the feeling that he was so 'full' of himself and his own importance, as some people get, that he was prime for a little manipulation... IMHO... all she had to do was act as if she was taking him into her confidence, and the man was mush!
I think this is the beginning of a great friendship for Aragorn and Erkenbrand. I so like the men of Rohan... which is a total surprise since I began writing these tales...
Okay, I'm with Aragorn in not liking the plan; and Ragnild's plan is also awfully iffy.
Author's reply
I felt the same way - Ragnhild seems to be going on a wing and a prayer... But Eru protects fools and idiots... I think she's counting on that!
As for Aragorn - any plan to escape the Rohirrim without earning them punishment is going to be a problem. It gets more complicated than he would wish.
Larner
· 12 February 2007
· Chapter 22: Suspended
So, we have two sets of plans going, and hopefully they will soon meet. Now we wait.
Author's reply
I'm certainly hoping this all works out... a little too many 'pieces / parts' for me!
Wow, I just have to laugh at the brothers causing mayhem, intentionally or not.
Author's reply
As much as the three of them have traveled together, fighting all kinds of who knows what beasts - you'd think Aragorn would be able to read their minds! It is still a shock to him. He is good and pure and they are corrupting little things, aren't they!!!! Said with tongue-in-cheek! Love those two.
SurgicalSteel
· 30 January 2007
· Chapter 21: Spies
I'm still out here, just so's you know, still reading and enjoying, and curious to see what'll happen next!
Author's reply
Thanks SS - glad to see you had put up another chapter of my favorite Gondorian healer too!
As for curiosity - there is so much still ahead for all of these folks. I just counted and there are 44 characters... and Eru only knows how many more are mentioned in passing!
LOL
Larner
· 30 January 2007
· Chapter 21: Spies
Definitely Ragnild is cut out for her role and ready for it; and I do pray that is Eomund outside the small cave.
Author's reply
Ragnhild definitely is a shieldmaiden, but even shieldmaidens can have serious problems.... we'll see what happens.
As for the cave... yikes!