Larner
· 27 January 2007
· Chapter 20: Ally or Enemy
Will Thorongil make a claim on the debt owed him by Thengel's folk?
Author's reply
I think Aragorn left the inn in Bree in such a hurry that he never gave thought to the repercussions of him meeting Rohirrim and Gondorians. His main focus was on Faramir and healing the boy. His grief at the news of Denethor's death, his self-recriminations for the way they parted, and a host of other things, all conspired to make him forget everything else and go off, 'willy-nilly' as Bilbo would say, without really thinking things through.
I'm sure Elrond wondered about this when his son spoke to him in Rivendell before he left for the mission.
Larner
· 27 January 2007
· Chapter 19: Ice and Snow
Two now suffer, and others fight for their lives.
Larner
· 21 January 2007
· Chapter 18: Rohirric Remedy
So this is the commotion you referred to an the HA list, eh? Yes, I can see how horse experts could easily take exception, and think you handled the problem well. I love to see Aragorn working with horses myself, of course, just as I love to see Eomer working with horses.
Author's reply
Hi, Larner,
Thanks for the support. It's kind of incredible - the differing thoughts that people have - someone told me horses never laid down. If they did, it was because they were sick, dying, or were having a foal.
Then, I met Jane Abbott in NZ - she told me horses definitely laid down - hence, I used that in the tale. Others agreed and we kind of came up with the three hour rule. LOL
But kidding aside, I think I am being won over by the Rohirrim. I am soooo wishy-washy. Don't tell the men of Gondor - But Eomund is absolutely wonderful... and Erkenbrand, though a young lord of the Mark, he is still such fun!
Thanks again!
Larner
· 21 January 2007
· Chapter 17: Ripples
Angbor has a great deal to learn. In the end how it was that Angbor's father was convinced will be necessary intelligence, and must be properly sifted. May they learn much with as little additional destruction as possible.
Author's reply
I just loved the description that Tolkien uses of Angbor in ROTK - the valiant, brave... so I could NOT desecrate his image by having him be in any way connected with what his father did....
Sorry for the very late response - I missed this comment from you!
Raksha The Demon
· 20 January 2007
· Chapter 18: Rohirric Remedy
Good characterisation of Eomund in this chapter - Tolkien mentioned his impetuous nature I think, and this story shows his impatience. Also, nice work with the horsey action.
Author's reply
Thanks, Raksha, for continuing to respond. I most appreciate it.
As for Eomund - here's the quote from the Appendix that I base his characterization on.
'In 2989 Théodwyn married Éomund of Eastfold, the chief Marshal of the Mark. Her son Éomer was born in 2991, and her daughter Éowyn in 2995. At that time Sauron had arisen again, and the shadow of Mordor reached out to Rohan. Orcs began to raid in the eastern regions and slay or steal horses. Others also came down from the Misty Mountains, many being great uruks in the service of Saruman, though it was long before that was suspected. Éomund's chief charge lay in the east marches; and he was a great lover of horses and hater of Orcs. If news came of a raid he would often ride against them in hot anger, unwarily and with few men. Thus it came about that he was slain in 3002; for he pursued a small band to the borders of the Emyn Muil, and was there surprised by a strong force that lay in wait in the rocks.'
I love him to pieces - never had before I started writing this - but he definitely got himself killed!!! Drat... good man to have around when in need.
SurgicalSteel
· 9 January 2007
· Chapter 16: Difficult Decisions
Well, a nice pickle you've gotten folks into - and I am rather curious to see what happens next!
RL caught up with me for a bit over the holidays, so sorry it's taken me a bit to catch up in my reading!
Author's reply
Glad you could make it back to the story, SS - though I love to have your comments (don't you dare stop), but I'm also looking forward to the next chapter about your physician!
Larner
· 4 January 2007
· Chapter 15: A Prince's Fury
Apparently I've managed to miss a chapter or two. Now to catch up. How did they end up being attacked by wolves? Aragorn, Elrohir, and Elladan--you are needed over here!
Author's reply
They thought they were safe - the wolves migrated from the druadan forest - nasty little things!
And Aragorn is lolly gagging around in the Mark.
Raksha The Demon
· 4 January 2007
· Chapter 15: A Prince's Fury
Scary fight w/wolves! Makes me think that Indis is a very tall and physically strong woman; since I think the wolves of Tolkien's Middle-earth are more vicious and deadly (to humans) than RL lupines.
Yikes, what's happened to Beregond's father?
Author's reply
Sorry about Beregond - Minas Tirith likes to have family using many of the same names from what I gather... Baranor is a retired Captain in Gondor's armies... perhaps an uncle???
As for the wolves... well, these are not wargs, thankfully - but yes, Indis is a physically strong woman, as she has trained for years with sword, and she is tall - she is sister to Denethor and pure Numenorean. I think she could handle herself for a moment or two... she was lucky to have found the dirk else she would have been wolf fodder.
Thanks for reading - Faramir, by the way, is still alive many chapters from now.
Author Reply: Hi, Raksha,
I take all my reader's notes to heart - the same for yours. And I was concerned that you were 'pulled' from the tale by the wolves...
So - I met with a few LOTR writers and we discussed this situation. All thought that Indis could, for a VERY short time, defend herself against the wolf.
Larner
· 2 January 2007
· Chapter 14: Songs to Heal the Heart
Aha! They move more and more closely together!
I so wish I had my laptop working so I can work on my stories as I wish. This not having it is truly driving me crazy!
Author's reply
Oh dear Larner - I know exactly what you mean - I had the blue screen of death attack my home computer and only had work to do things on (of which I was only able to get on from 5-10 minutes a day) - I thought I'd go insane!!!
AND I had lost a chapter of my sword (a very important one) and I couldn't go further until I had it ... thank goodness, my computer guru cousin got it working again....
They move more closely together but life is not made up of parallel streets!
Larner
· 28 December 2006
· Chapter 13: Beasts in the Night
So, the two parties should soon meet--at least I HOPE they don't pass one another in the night.
Author's reply
It's funny how the book seems to speak of travel time between Minas Tirith and Edoras... Gandalf does it in about 3 days... the troup taking Theoden's body back takes 16 days... etc. etc. etc.
Indis better get on the road sometime soon - or else they will pass by each other....
I'm hoping these two groups DO meet sometime and soon for Faramir's sake... but who knows what the Muse will do.
Larner
· 24 December 2006
· Chapter 12: Trials
Love the responsibility that each involved in the chapter shows. Thanks!
Author's reply
It felt so good to have them finally on the road. Took Indis forever to decide this... and she might very well rue the day she did!
Thanks for reading and especially for responding.
Raksha The Demon
· 23 December 2006
· Chapter 9: 'Twould Seem Folly
Poor Imrahil, it's been a bad couple of years for him; Finduilas and Denethor dead, and then poor little Boromir, and now Faramir on the brink of death.
Ah, Aragorn and the twins are leaving Hotel Saruman - that can only be a good thing.
Author's reply
I like Imrahil - I liked him before, when he saved Faramir - and now that I'm writing about him - I like him even more. I really don't hold with the tales that say he and Denethor had bad blood between them... I think the Prince of Dol Amroth respected the Steward... as well as respecting himself... I do like Imrahil.
As for Hotel Saruman - the evil will continue - that nasty little snot!
Raksha The Demon
· 23 December 2006
· Chapter 12: Trials
Good for Theodred, speaking up; he's enough of an active partner in this quest to at least be spoken to directly. Indis is obviously under stress here; I hope Aragorn doesn't take forever to meet up with them; or there might not be anything left of Faramir to save (sob-sob, don't you dare kill him off, I'll throw wet noodles at the screen or something!).
Author's reply
Sorry about the delayed response... my computer at home has been afflicted with the 'blue screen of death' - finally a cousin took it home to heal it - perhaps some athelas will help???
As for Theodred - I just have come to love this little boy who has grown to adulthood way too fast. I have no idea where the Muse is going to take him... it pains me to think he might die. Oh dear! He finally will be accepted - but horrid things will happen before that, as usual (LOL).
As for Faramir - you should be sending good vibes, Raksha... something like, 'if you let him live, I'll send cookies' ????
Again - thanks for reading....
Larner
· 19 December 2006
· Chapter 11: A Fell Darkness
Even from a distance Saruman manages to implant fear and distrust. And Aragorn is afraid to travel with his brothers. Not good.
Author's reply
I loved the fact that the lies of Saruman and Sauron were so potent. They reflected Morgoth's - the ultimate liar. The snide little whispers in the ear - unbeknownst to the listener - hideous distortions made to seem real.
So many listened....
SurgicalSteel
· 19 December 2006
· Chapter 11: A Fell Darkness
Boy, no one's having good dreams or good luck. Aragorn being driven to attack his foster-brothers by Saruman, and goodness knows what's about to happen to Indis.
Um. Is the end of this one going to be as sad as the last one? Not that I have much room to talk about torturing characters...
Author's reply
Good grief, SS - You should know, of all people, that a writer NEVER knows what her muse will do...
But I know there is still hope! For whom?????
Viresse
· 15 December 2006
· Chapter 10: Lies and Deceit
Did Elladan get hurt? or will he get hurt? as I don't think they can actually fight back Aragon and will therefore put the twins in a worse situation.
Hope you'll update soon.
Author's reply
Hello, Viresse,
Thanks for the comments....
As for the brothers - how does one protect oneself from a loved one? Knowing that Aragorn would never, ever attack Elladan or Elrohir makes no difference when he is wielding a torch at one of them. Elrohir had to do something to save Elladan YET not harm Aragorn.
Bad situation all the way around and it probably will get worse.... (LOL)
I'm already finished chapter 31 - just posting every 4 or 5 days....
Thanks again... much more to follow!
Larner
· 14 December 2006
· Chapter 10: Lies and Deceit
So, a delayed spell is on Aragorn; and the journey is begun from the other side as well.
Author's reply
I love how Tolkien gave us tiny hints of the power of the Maiar. I am particularly fond of the 'locking spell' that Gandalf used in Moria.
So - a spell for Aragorn - and for who else???
Thanks for responding! Most appreciate it.
*I am taking Faramir north. I have heard of a healer in the hills near the Misty Mountains*
It intrigued me, anyway, who/what she might have heard of that she's taking Faramir to...
Author's reply
Seems to me that the Great Library of Minas Tirith held a plethora of manuscripts both old and new, from Numenor all the way to modern-day MT, of men and elves and others.
Denethor was incredibly well-read, as was his son, Faramir. I do not think the tales read by a descendant of 'The Faithful' would be left to gather dust.
That Elrond should be called 'healer' would stem, I think, from the life that he led - battle-hardened, battle-weary, and battle-ready. And one of the most important parts of being battle-ready, not matter what, would be knowing the healing arts. After the thousands of years that he lived, he would be well-versed, I think, and well-known for his skills - all of them.
I hope!
So--she would seek out Elrond, while Elrond's twin sons and his ever-so-great-nephew Aragorn are headed her way with the Hands of the Healer, ready to serves as is needed. And Imrahil would make certain of the safety of herself and Faramir? Well and good.
Author's reply
The severing of friendship between men and Elves was profound. I think each side 'lost' a part of themselves...
To think that legends still run strong though - as with Galadriel - though her legend seems to be more of her part (or not) in the Elven massacre - could that be what Gondor remembers? And not that she kept and governed Lorien well? Since the Numenoreans were Elf-friends, they might very well have learned of her part in the treachery and feared her... Though Aragorn seems to say otherwise. ('Course - he's prejudiced - the Elleth is his future bride's grandmother!)
This was nicely done - clearly no one's trusting Saruman these days, and I'm curious to see who this healer in the hills is.
Author's reply
Thanks, I'm starting to really like Imrahil... and I hope that Indis and he don't come to fisticuffs...
As for Saruman - I'm still in a quandry as to why on earth Gandalf trusted him... Saruman sure pulled the wool over his eyes... OR Gandalf suspected and was waiting for the Maia to hang himself....
The healer????
Larner
· 3 December 2006
· Chapter 8: In The Wizard's Den
Glad Aragorn didn't name himself openly, although his identity might have been guessed.
And Eomund gives most sage advice. I am proud of Theodred and Targon.
Author's reply
Oh Larner - thanks so much for your comments. Everyone most appreciated!
As for Aragorn - seems wise to keep his identity hidden. A little nuzgul went running through my mind about whether or not the wizard had ever met him or if Gandalf or Elrond had said anything about him at the White Council... but I don't think so.
And I LOVE the kids - though they are no longer kids - which is horrid. But war will do that to a nation.... *sobs quietly over lost innocence.
Larner
· 3 December 2006
· Chapter 7: Dreams Abound
Evil dreams haunt so many here, and seem to have their focus here in the Wizard's keep. Evil indeed.
Author's reply
Must have been horrid to have even stepped into that evil tower. Though how Gandalf never suspected.... makes me wonder!
Larner
· 3 December 2006
· Chapter 6: Wizards and Such
Aragorn must be clean--for him as the Ranger of Rangers.
And I so hope they arrive soon. Yes, it does sound as if Faramir is losing ground rapidly. He needs the healing hands of the King.
SurgicalSteel
· 3 December 2006
· Chapter 8: In The Wizard's Den
Good to see people starting to work through their grief here - and I don't trust that wizard as far as I can throw him.
I'd suspect that Saruman's treachery went back farther than anyone would've dreamed at this point - he might not've started actually supporting Sauron until he looked in the palantir, but he was clearly out for himself long before that. If you've read Unfinished Tales, there's a bit about certain things being found in Orthanc that could've only been retrieved by someone who found Isildur's remains. And there's only one reason why Saruman would've been looking for Isildur's remains.
Author's reply
I felt exactly the same SS about Curunir - he was foul from day one and I am still surprised the Valar let him come - as helper - to ME....
ooh - what chapter in UT.... I've read them - but quite some time ago.
Raksha The Demon
· 27 November 2006
· Chapter 7: Dreams Abound
Yikes - is Irmo having a Valar-sized headache or something? Everybody's having bad dreams!
I hope this story has a happy ending eventually, after all this pain.
Angstfully written, as always. But I'd still like to see Faramir healed, a huge celebration held in Minas Tirith, and Indis and Aragorn and everybody getting a bit drunk and dancing like fools. Well. Eventually.