Raksha The Demon
· 23 October 2008
· Chapter 35: Escort
OMG, it's Lassie in Middle-earth! Well, Lassie with a gender change (though the great canine heroine has always been played by male dogs) and apparently a breed change; but Goldenrod is a wonderful addition to the helpful animals of Tolkien's world. And of course, he must be a descendant of Huan!
Wonderful descriptions of the dog's actions and the hobbits' care of him is heart-warming; you can tell how well Peri has been raised, to have compassion on a hungry frightened dog. And it's neat to see squire Merry transformed once more into Holdwine of the Mark, the hobbit who helped slay the Witch-King.
Would Goldenrod be an Irish Wolfhound, or an Otterhound perhaps? It's implied that he's got longish hair, or at least hair that isn't short. And I don't know if a Golden Retriever could have killed an alpha wolf; the jaws might not be strong enough...
Now you've got me wondering how Goldenrod came to be lost, who had him before...Of course, he's got to stay with the Brandybucks now, but I'd like to know what befell his original owner(s).
Author's reply
Lassie was always played by a male except when Lassie had puppies--then and almost only then they had a female in the role. Goldenrod a descendant of Huan? In spirit, if not physically. I'd think an Irish wolfhound would be a good guess as for breed.
As for the question as to whether I'll ever write his history--that's always possible, of course. But, then perhaps not--depends on how other stories behave themselves!
Inzilbeth
· 22 October 2008
· Chapter 35: Escort
What a lovely story! Merry is truly the magnificent Master here and I love the idea that Gandalf would have added hobbits to his list of dangerous folk had they actually been present at the time. Love the glimpse of our king, but best of all, I enjoyed the Gelert-like loyalty of Goldenrod.
Author's reply
Oh, yes, the Magnificent is indeed seen here in all his glory! Gandalf always did see Hobbits as folk to surprise one, but I doubt he would have been terribly surprised about this situation and Merry's martial competence, not after what he'd seen of the Travellers during the quest.
And I'm so glad that Goldenrod is receiving so much attention. I swear his tail is wagging, and he's wriggling with pleasure under my hand! Heh!
Esquire_of_Rohan
· 21 October 2008
· Chapter 35: Escort
Very good. I enjoyed this piece!
Author's reply
I'm so glad! And I'd think especially you would find its main characters meaningful!
Andrea
· 21 October 2008
· Chapter 35: Escort
A great story with a happy ending for Goldenrod!
I also loved the moments when Perry saw his father like he was on the quest, a reminder that all the stories he had heard were true.
“But what are we to do--go nowhere, do nothing, because to step outside our door may mean we might slip on ice or find another unexpected danger? No, I didn’t travel alongside Frodo for so long to sit, craven, hiding from possible danger. And it’s not for nothing I am accounted a knight of Rohan.”
That's very true! Even in our times the world outside is dangerous. Just read the newspapers or listen to the news. But to sit inside and wait for safer times won't solve the problem!
Author's reply
Oh, I agree, Andrea! Even our homes are not perfectly safe, of course. But Merry learned a long time ago that one must be ready for danger, and not allow fear to imprison him. Now it's time for his son to learn the same lesson.
And Goldenrod does have a new home, where he will be treated well. And there's no question he's earned his place!
Kitty
· 21 October 2008
· Chapter 35: Escort
At first, after the dog turned up, I was half expecting Eregiel to follow *lol*
Poor beast, I wonder where he came from and why he's out there. Very lucky that he found Merry and Perry! I think he's got a wonderful new home now.
Uh, wolves? Just what they need! Luckily Merry isn't the inexperienced Hobbit any more who left the Shire for the first time. It was great to see the Holdwine of the Mark again. And Perry proved to be his father's son, didn't he? Perry did very well when the wolves attacked. Though I am glad they are not alone any longer.
Still have to get around to 'Stirring Rings' *sigh* Days are simply too short!
Author's reply
No, not Eregiel this time. And perhaps I might just write the rest of his tale one day.
Merry and Pippin are making certain their children aren't helpless if they ever leave the Shire, and it's paid off for Perry, at least. You're right--definitely his father's son! But it is better to have as escort others who are also skilled at defense.
I know about not enough time--or at times perhaps too much time.
Antane
· 21 October 2008
· Chapter 35: Escort
What a nice dream Merry had there toward the beginning. How very good that all turned out well at the end. Love Aragorn's little tease there.
Namarie, God bless, Antane ;)
Author's reply
Oh, yes, I'd think that Merry would find himself thinking often on this trip about Frodo. And the two of them were ready, and Perry more ready than he'd ever dreamt he could be, I think!
Thanks so, Antane.
Sunny
· 21 October 2008
· Chapter 35: Escort
Methinks my nose doth smell a happy ending for Goldenrod :-)
Charming story!
Author's reply
I do hope so, Sunny! Yes, he's found new people to cling to, and he'll be well accepted there in Brandy Hall.
Calenlass Greenleaf
· 21 October 2008
· Chapter 34: Wounds from the Enemy
I am honored you think so, Calenlass. In fact, I think it was reading one of your stories that helped inspire this one, as well as a birthday request for a tale about Isildur. Thanks for the feedback.
harrowcat
· 20 October 2008
· Chapter 35: Escort
Ooh may I offer Goldenrod a good and loving home? If not then I definitely want to hear more about this marvelous hound.
Author's reply
So, you need a Jet fix, do you? Oh, then Goldenrod might well decide on you next, if he finds anything at Brandy Hall he doesn't like! Heh!
Thanks so much!
Am so glad I finally got that new chapter added to "Stirring Rings" and am working on the next one between challenges.
lwarren
· 20 October 2008
· Chapter 35: Escort
Well!!! Now, I am wide awake after all that excitement(wolves yet *shivers*)! I would say the two Hobbits acquitted themselves quite well against that attack! Scary, Larner, but the lad did well and of course, Merry was his usual intrepid self. I enjoyed Periadoc seeing his father become the warrior he's heard or read about...it must have been somewhat disorienting to see that other side of his father emerge. And I liked the addition of the dog (poor thing, I'm glad he found Merry and his son - they'll take good care of him) and he turned out to be the best escort possible! I do love your Hobbit and Aragorn stories (with an elf or two thrown in for good measure!), Larner! I'm going to have to revisit my favorite sculptor, Ruvemir, with maybe a little trip to Harad...hmmmm, yes,....I do like the sound of that! Wonderful story!
linda
Author's reply
Somehow I missed this the other night--I do apologize. Am so glad you found the story both interesting and exciting. And now Periadoc Brandybuck both is convinced his father's tales are real, plus he now has a far better idea of what he's capable.
And I, too, have been rereading parts of Lesser Ring--have some final editing to do, I find. I have a Ruvemir story in the works, but it seems to be stalled for some reason I don't appreciate.
Thanks so for the feedback, Linda. This was interesting to write, having to take as inspiration the quote given from the Hobbit.
Lindelea
· 20 October 2008
· Chapter 35: Escort
Ah, yes, not unprotected at all. Love your idea of an escort!
hugs,
Lin
Author's reply
I think Zoe and Goldenrod would be kindred spirits in no time at all. So glad you like it, Lin, and love to the Hubby and the Hobbitlings.
Grumpy
· 11 October 2008
· Chapter 34: Wounds from the Enemy
Nice glimpse of Elrond's thoughts on the children of Elendil. I always thought that Isildur got a bad rap,no one remembers the good things he did.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you like this, Grumpy. I, too, feel Isildur tends to get judged primarily on the failure to destroy the Ring and the ill-advised choice of the route up the Anduin rather than on most of his more positive accomplishments.
And I find I have at least two other Isildur stories working at me, although I'll be trying to finish other stories before giving them too free a rein. Otherwise I'll likely find myself with another eight-plus months before Stirring Rings gets added to again! Heh!
Antane
· 25 September 2008
· Chapter 34: Wounds from the Enemy
Although then I nearly fled this life due to the wound, yet the blood does not move easily through the scarring, and so it has helped keep the contagion from spreading further.
Again good is brought from evil. But this won't be the worst wound he will receive.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Indeed--evil all too often works to its own despite! Heh!
Linda Hoyland
· 25 September 2008
· Chapter 34: Wounds from the Enemy
I've always had a soft spot for Isildur and admired his saving of the fruit,so I enjoyed this glimpse of the consequences of the deed.
Author's reply
Am so glad you were happy to see this, Linda. Thank you!
Radbooks
· 24 September 2008
· Chapter 34: Wounds from the Enemy
Oh, I enjoyed this very much! To see the healer Elrond and to read about some of the early kings of men was a treat. Thanks, Larner!!
Author's reply
Am so glad you did, Radbooks! Thank YOU! Am so glad this story was so welcome!
Raksha The Demon
· 24 September 2008
· Chapter 34: Wounds from the Enemy
There aren't enough stories of Elendil and Isildur; so it's wonderful to see this vignette. Good insights into Isildur's storied life; and a nice touch in Elrond seeing Elendur's particular 'light', since it was mentioned in (I think) Unfinished Tales that Aragorn resembled him.
Author's reply
Yes, I was thinking of Unfinished Tales when I wrote this--I loved the idea that Elendur reminded folk of Elros, and that in ways Aragorn brought to mind Elendur, Elros, and Earendil as well. What a king Elendur might have been had he survived his father!
Soledad
· 24 September 2008
· Chapter 34: Wounds from the Enemy
Oh! It seems I can review again! Hurrah!
I loved your portrayal of Isildur. That poor man has been almost as much abused as Denethor and Thranduil, and for no true reason. I read your take on him with great delight.
Author's reply
Apparently earlier the site was experiencing a form of indigestion or something--Heh!
Isildur appears to have been an exceptional man--the very feat of stealing away a fruit of the White Tree of Numenor is evidence of that. I don't think he was particularly weak; but I do believe that a similar thing happened to him as did Frodo--that as close to the Sammath Naur as he was, if he did not go into it as portrayed in PJ's movies, the Ring was able to take sufficient thought for Itself to convince him to keep It, although he came to regret that decision by the time he wrote what he did and left it in the archives of Minas Anor.
Anyway, am glad you liked how I portrayed him. Thanks so much!
Kitty
· 24 September 2008
· Chapter 34: Wounds from the Enemy
You’re drawing a nice picture of Isildur here, and an interesting one, too. So this old wound from back in Númenor stopped the spreading infection? That’s intriguing, really! Now I am pondering the question if and how this old injury might have influenced his reaction to the Ring.
Anyway, I am once again amazed how many thought-provoking details you are picking up in your stories, enriching the world of ME even more!
Author's reply
Thank you, Kitty. If Sauron himself intended to come forth to claim those who had invaded the Courts of the King to rescue a sapling of the White Tree, then I think that, much like Frodo's Morgul wound, whatever horrible injury it was that Isildur suffered would probably have been tainted by Sauron's ill will and malice. That this tainting by Sauron might have influenced his decision not to see the Ring destroyed before they left Mordor is therefore a possibility as you suggest.
We do know from the Sil that Isildur almost died of his injury and lay long in his grandfather's house before he finally was healed. Considering the hardy nature of the descendants of the peredhil, it would seem that this wound may have been poisoned or augmented in some way, which is why I postulate that Sauron himself came to see who it was who'd been caught entering the precincts he'd forbidden Men to enter.
Scar tissue is an intriguing phenomenon, and that it would help to stop the further spread of blood poisoning and help save Isildur's life this time is ironic, I thought.
Thanks again for your feedback.
Kitty
· 20 September 2008
· Chapter 33: Argument and Anticipation
Oh, I know how Faramir feels about Mardiol. We have one of these in our department who's driving everyone crazy at meetings - blathering on and on about things often already decided and saying with 100 words what others have already said with 10 *rolls eyes*
Denethor was cruel to his horse? Grrr. He should be glad he didn't survive, otherwise I'd give him a serious talking to. The amount of compassion Faramir shows is really amazing - the more so as his father always favoured his brother, what must have been difficult and often hurtful for him. For the same reason I am glad that Aragorn and Faramir got along so well from the beginning - finally someone who values Faramir's qualities.
Interesting question which influence Pippin would have had on Denethor. Though I'm not sure it would have made much difference; Denethor was so suspicious, and I'm not sure he'd have appreciated Pippin's honesty.
But Aragorn's assessment of the Hobbits is spot-on. And what better way to relax after a tiring Council meeting than spending the evening with Hobbits?
Author's reply
I've dealt with them, too; and when he was a child the Kid was always imagining dread disasters that MIGHT possibly happen--perhaps, most of them, in a month that managed to host three full moons.
I doubt Denethor would consider it being cruel to his horse; I suspect that as he became more and more the spider at the center of the web of protection he tried to keep intact about Gondor, he rode less and less, and in time came to forget horses have their own personalities and need to be treated with consideration. And I believe that Denethor did love both his sons, but that he had begun suppressing his ability to express his care as he felt he had to concentrate on the integrity and safety of the realm; and that he'd become so focused on protection being based on strength of arms he lost sight of just how important Faramir's personal gifts and his contributions to the defense of the land were.
Boromir was the obvious warrior, the shining one capable of standing before all, whom men would follow blindly. Faramir was the more careful one, the guerrila warrior, the one who analyzed the enemy and who relied not on others following him so much as working with his men to together develop the strategies necessary to win what victory they could. It's difficult for those who are certain strength of arms is important to realize that the type of fighting Faramir was good at was just as effective, and helped to keep down the forces Boromir's soldiers had to face.
And you're right--as neither Aragorn nor Faramir is married yet, they could have no better relaxation at the time than to spend an evening with Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin.
Linda Hoyland
· 19 September 2008
· Chapter 33: Argument and Anticipation
What a wonderful surprise!Thank you so much. I loved this glimpse into the friendship between my two favourite characters and the thought of the meal they will enjoy with old friends(a pleasure I had on my birthday)I agree with Faramir about horses,people are much the same!
Author's reply
I am so glad you are pleased! Yes, a good, Hobbit-cooked meal after a trying day at work! What better type of evening can they know at the time, do you think?
Hope your birthday was a good one!
Raksha The Demon
· 19 September 2008
· Chapter 33: Argument and Anticipation
Leave it to Faramir to have felt compassion even for Denethor in his unkindly moments. I am not sure that hobbits would have benefitted Denethor over a time; he might have been amused by them in the short term, but I don't see Denethor easily tolerating that which he could not control or understand. But it is an interesting idea. Good story; I love the air of comfortable familiarity between King and Steward - hope they have a good meal and relax with their hobbit friends.
Author's reply
Indeed--I think Faramir was filled with the compassion Denethor appears to have controlled out of his system. As for your idea as to how comfortable the two of them are together--I doubt it would take very long for Aragorn Arathorn's son to make Faramir feel relaxed in his presence, especially once he was aware of just how intelligent and perceptive--and compassionate--Faramir is. And their evening may end up with the kind of surprises Hobbits are good at, but will undoubtedly be pleasant.
Dreamflower
· 19 September 2008
· Chapter 33: Argument and Anticipation
*grin*
Yes, after a boring and frustrating Council meeting, and evening with hobbits should prove completely delightful!
I do wonder how Denethor would have done, had he had the company of hobbits much earlier in his life? Perhaps it would have mellowed him a bit.
Author's reply
Ir'a definitely a thing to wonder about--how Denethor might have been had Bilbo gone to Gondor instead of Rivendell on his way back from Erebor. Oh, don't give me another Nuzgul--look how hard it's proving to write the next chapter in Stirring Rings!!!
inzilbeth
· 19 September 2008
· Chapter 33: Argument and Anticipation
I'll try and do this again!
I particularly enjoyed the easy friendship between king and steward. They already have a great partnership. And I loved Aragorn's succinct, and accurate, summary of all the hobbit talents.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you felt the friendship between them had already become easy between them. There must have been a good deal they found in common. As for the Hobbits and their tendencies, well, Aragorn has had a good chance to learn their individual quirks well. Thanks for the feedback.
inzilbeth
· 19 September 2008
· Chapter 33: Argument and Anticipation
harrowcat
· 19 September 2008
· Chapter 33: Argument and Anticipation
After a day like that in Council I am surprised that Aragorn didn't demand that the Hobbits remain in Minas Tirith or at least keep one or two with him at all times! *grin*
Author's reply
Oh, I know just what you mean, Harrowcat. I bet he truly missed them when they returned to the Shire. I think that's one reason why in my version of events he was glad when Hamfast the Younger chose to go to Minas Anor with him.