Queen Galadriel
· 16 May 2008
· Chapter 22: The King's Time
This is so bittersweet. It made me teary-eyed. It's just so hard to think of Aragorn dying. :*( It's good that he's peaceful about it, but I can't help thinking of Arwen's fate, which is more than sad.
Love the use of all the different divices for keeping time. (A water clock? What is that, exactly?)
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Water clocks came in several kinds. In some a metal bowl with a hole in it was floated in a larger basin of water; when the bowl filled, it would sink with a clang against the underlying basin, at which time it would be lifted up, emptied out, and set to float once more. The size of the hole was such it would take about a local hour for the floating bowl to fill and sink. In others a reservoir of water with a hole in it would be set over an underlying basin and filled with water, allowing the water to drip into the lower basin. Usually the receiving basin itself would be ingeniously suspended so that when it had received an hour's worth of water it would then tip out the water into a special lower drain or reservoir; once it was empty it would right itself and again receive another hour's worth of drops before emptying itself again. This is the type of clock I've envisioned.
And although the thought of Aragorn makes us sad, I doubt he was all that upset about it--in fact, I suspect he was looking forward to it as the right, proper, and now desirable thing to do that he be ready for whatever might come next for him. I suspect his only regret was how his death would affect his beloved Arwen.
Queen Galadriel
· 16 May 2008
· Chapter 24: Ways Round, Ways Through
Hurin is a braver one than I would be in his place. But it's not really for that that I find I admire him. He definitely defies scorn--in a decent, peaceable way (oh, that that lesson came more quickly to those of us who are hot-tempered and need it! myself included), and he doesn't seem as if he would take pity lying down either. My first inclination, on reading that he'd lost an arm, was to think, "Poor man!" as a shudder ran up my own arm; I can't imagine what I'd do without one, as I feel inhibited and vulnerable even when one or both of mine are temporarily unusable. But having read the whole story, that thought fades as quickly as it came. Excellent and thought-provoking, and a good reminder even for one who ought to know this stuff better than anything and never forget, tired and out of spirits and nearly out of patience or not. (Why does more and more slip through the cracks the nearer to the end of the school year it gets? That's all I can say at this point...except, "Oh, please let nothing else go horribly wrong or escape my notice and explode in my face before the end of the year.")
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
You say this in the face of your own disability? Really, my Lady! But I understand what you mean. Hurin's going to do his best to be defined not by his disability but by what he can do, and he's going to test it to find out what that is, all along the way. And as his society needs those who can assist in the defense of its lands and people, he will do what he can to help meet that need.
As for being tired and discouraged and impatient--OH, but I understand, all too well!
Happy end of the school year!
Kitty
· 16 May 2008
· Chapter 24: Ways Round, Ways Through
Your Húrin is becoming more and more interesting. While Denethor didn't exactly shine in this chapter ;-) Luckily they didn't listen to Denethor; I know only too well that a lot is possible, even when one is disabled, if one truly wants to overcome handicaps.
To me as a rider the idea of the horses trained for Rohirrim archers seems plausible. They need both hands to shot a bow, after all. And I *know* it is possible to lead a horse mainly with legs, weight shifts and voice, so an apt trained horse would allow Húrin or others in the same situation still to fight.
Now I wonder if Imrahil thought of this when he said later on that he would have accepted Gilfileg's service, contrary to Denethor ... after seeing Húrin fight on the Pelennor, I think he realises how much more these men can do than some people give them credit for! Gilfileg only had lost fingers, after all, and I never understood why his left-handedness was a problem at all.
Author's reply
No, Denethor's rather hide-bound even here, I fear. And Hurin's determined not to sit back and be helpless. And so much of adaptation for the needs of folks with particular disabilities is merely applying not-uncommon processes in a slightly different way to assure that the needs of the disabled one are met, as you well know.
As for Imrahil thinking of this when he met Gilfileg--well, it's very possible! As for left-handedness--even today I meet colleagues who speak of trying to train left-handedness out of their students, as if it were solely a choice! It's maddening how many still wish to see all uniformly doing things just as everybody else does them.
harrowcat
· 16 May 2008
· Chapter 24: Ways Round, Ways Through
Well sorted Larner. Love the title! Ways round and through for you too. I am lovig Hurin. You always make us feel with and for the characters you choose to highlight!
Author's reply
Thanks, Harrowcat! Yes, ways round and through. And Sutcliff's books have been a staple of my own library since the early sixties--since not long before I discovered Tolkien, in fact. I know that her characterizations have affected how I do characterization.
Soledad
· 16 May 2008
· Chapter 24: Ways Round, Ways Through
It's strange how one's own work can influence one's perceptions. After having written Húrin as Denethor's nephew, I find it difficult to imagine him as the older cousin. He must have some pretty pure Dúnadan blood to be able to fight on the Pelennor at such an age, then.
I like the idea that Rohirric horses could be well-suited for a one-armed man because they are trained to carry mounted archers. A vey neat idea.
Leonid is becoming another interesting OC. How did you come up with the name?
Author's reply
Soledad, have I told you today that I so appreciate you? Well, if not I do now!
When I wrote "The Keys to the Realm" I saw Hurin just as you describe him--the son of Denethor's older sister, and about twenty years older than Faramir--as you'll find when you read the next chapter of that story that I'll probably post tonight or in the morning.
For some reason as I started writing this I attributed the relationships in age and kinship to Denethor rather than Faramir. I've corrected it now, and if you'll reread the story you'll see this one, too, has now been changed somewhat.
I was having one of my sleepless nights the evening I wrote and posted this.... Intermittent insomnia has become my constant companion in the last few years, and it drives me crazy.
As for Leonid's name--well, it's taken from our world, as you can guess. "Lion-like," if I'm translating it properly. Some names I have taken from our world, and I hope that they'd translate similarly in Middle Earth to how they do in our world.
Horse-mounted archers must train their horses to respond to shifts in weight and signals from the knees and feet, as both hands tend to be busy with their shooting. And for a one-armed warrior, the adaptation would be very suitable, I'd think.
I've dealt with disabilities issues for years--taking a practical solution from other situations and adapting it to the needs of folks with a particular disability has been the standard practice to allow disabled folks a decent level of independence for years.
Dreamflower
· 16 May 2008
· Chapter 24: Ways Round, Ways Through
Very well done! I see that Hurin is another "minor" character who is going to gain a new and more extensive life through fanfic! I certainly like your version of him; he comes across as determined and brave, here, and you've given him an excellent backstory as well.
Author's reply
So many have looked into the life--and loves--of Theodred son of Theoden; I felt it was time to explore Hurin a bit! And wouldn't he have been likely to have known Thorongil? It's likely that within the remnants of Arnor all willing to fight would have been given a role of some sort to play in defense of their villages if not in defense of such places as Tharbad, Bree, or the Shire; and I think Aragorn would have been likely to respect that.
Rhyselle
· 16 May 2008
· Chapter 24: Ways Round, Ways Through
Oh this is so well done! I really like your interpretation of Hurin, and look forward to seeing anything you come up with about him. The flashback at the beginning about how Hurin trained and who taught him to fight one handed was wonderful!
FYI, not all of those who have lost limbs are mustered out today. There are several Marine Corps enlisted men who have lost limbs in the current conflict and have fought and won the right to return to the Middle East to continue to assist their brother and sister soldiers in their units that are still deployed over there. They might not be out on the streets patroling, but their work in the offices and such is still a huge support to their units, and they are not a detriment to their units' missions.
Author's reply
My late husband became an immediate medical retiree from the Navy when he lost his vision one night in a freak accident, and many of those who went through VA rehabilitation programs have grieved that they were not given the chance to work in communications or some other role where their continued expertise could have benefitted the services. That today amputees are allowed to continue to serve when they show they can continue to keep up with their fellows with properly fitted prosthetics, while others are allowed to take the "desk" jobs that they can fill, is a big step forward in disabilities rights. So many individuals born with disabilities have benefitted so from steps forward made by disabled veterans!
shirebound
· 16 May 2008
· Chapter 24: Ways Round, Ways Through
Indeed, it's often the creativity and determination of those who have seemingly 'lost' something vital that teach us that the disability lies not with them, but with our perception of them. This is very inspiring.
Author's reply
Yes, and so it is, Shirebound! Certainly my friends who are blind know this to be true! Thanks so!
Theresa Greenfalcon
· 14 May 2008
· Chapter 23: Embassy to a New Age
It's interesting to see the "future" of Arda seen through the canvas of your fanfics. Exceptional job as usual!
What was the name of the woman Armanthol married? Do you plan to ever tell that story?
T
Author's reply
Thank you, Theresa. Armanthol, son of Landrion, married Enid, daughter of Lord Marcipor. Write Armanthol's full story? Perhaps, one day--but have to many nuzguls and plotbunnies running amok to write it right now. Heh!
Baggins Babe
· 13 May 2008
· Chapter 22: The King's Time
Bittersweet and beautiful, Larner. I suppose anyone who has lived a long life feels the desire to re-join those who have gone before. I have known old people (and those who have been very ill) who say they are ready to go. For Aragorn this was Eru's Gift - to give up his life when he was ready, and when the time was right. Time sometimes goes by too quickly (as I fear it must have done for Arwen) and those clocks hold us all in their relentless grip.
Only one tiny thing - would it not be the thirtieth day of Solmath? Aragorn was born on the 1st Rethe I believe.
Author's reply
Ah--look in haste and regret it afterwards! Of course you're right, Baggins Babe! I'll get that corrected! Gads!
And for Aragorn, I'm certain it indeed was Eru's Gift. Grace had been granted him, and I suspect that he ever gave thanks for every bit of it he knew.
Elflingimp
· 13 May 2008
· Chapter 23: Embassy to a New Age
Wow! Larner you just keep outdoing yourself, that was a wonderful ending, I have always had a hard time accepting that Aragorn died, this story took some of the bite out of it. Hugs Deb the Imp
Author's reply
Well, we must all die. "It is a road we all must take," Movie-Gandalf tells Movie-Pippin, and this is a truth that Aragorn must have truly appreciated. And as the end of his time came, he must have found himself at times almost impatient for the release! I'm honored this helped take the bite out of his death. Thank you!
Dreamflower
· 13 May 2008
· Chapter 23: Embassy to a New Age
And so all of those seeds sown by Elessar have grown to fruition, and now his son reaps a bountiful harvest.
I was surprised that none of them figured out that it was the King himself who had passed--but, then, he'd been such a fixture in their world, I suppose they could not envisage it!
Author's reply
Aragorn's own compassion had prepared the ground for the sowing of seeds of peace by others; and indeed Eldarion is able to bring home harvests his father might never have thought to see reaped.
Thrice other men's "three score and ten" did Aragorn know ere he accepted the Gift; for those who grew up in knowledge of him he must have seemed somehow eternal, for none of them have had any hope of living as long.
Thanks, Dreamflower.
shirebound
· 13 May 2008
· Chapter 23: Embassy to a New Age
“The King Elessar is dead?” demanded Lavandas. “But he’s ever been the King!”
Indeed, many generations have known no other king, nor would they have assumed they ever would. This is very sensitively written. What a noble man Eldarion has become.
Author's reply
Indeed--just so, Shirebound. The folk of Umbar have lost so much, following Sauron as they did for so long; it's unlikely the gift of prolonged life would have stayed with them for generations as it did with the descendants of Elendil and Isildur.
And I think that Eldarion would have been very much the son of his parents--and the descendant of great rulers among both kindreds.
Thanks, Shirebound.
Fiondil
· 13 May 2008
· Chapter 23: Embassy to a New Age
An interesting companion piece to "The King's Time", although I do think it was rather mean of Eldarion not to tell them up front that his adar was dead. *grin* It is indeed a new age for them all and one wonders what it portends, for nothing lasts forever, not even "Golden Ages". *sigh*
Author's reply
Ah, would you really want him to spoil the surprise? I suspect that once he realized they didn't know who'd died and had just assumed it would be his mother he'd have appreciated this one scrap of rather black humor in a trying time.
And you are so right--"Golden Ages" always fall! Thanks so much!
Kitty
· 13 May 2008
· Chapter 20: His Birthday Wish
Don't know how, but somehow I overlooked this and only just now realised it. Sorry!
Oh, I can *so* understand that the best birthday present for Aragorn would be to be able to heal Frodo completely! It would habe been the one thing to make his rule perfect, to have Frodo healed and well and able to visit with him now and then!
Author's reply
Yes, I think that this one situation would have been one of the few mars to Aragorn's true bliss at this time--that of all in the lands he ruled, only Frodo, the one to whom he owed all, could not truly appreciate it all and must know pain and frustration.
Kitty
· 13 May 2008
· Chapter 23: Embassy to a New Age
This was a surprise, Larner! I had often wondered what has become of Armanthol, among others, and had to restrain myself from badgering you about that - and now I have my answer :-) (*cough* That doesn't mean I don't want more details *cough*)
Somehow I am not surprised that Armanthol followed Marcipor as the Lord of Umbar and proved such a great leader, and that he taught his son to be the same responsible man. But that Armenlos sought the protection of Gondor through giving Umbar back to the Reunited Kingdom was certainly unexpected, even from the son of Armanthol.
Anyway, that was fascinating - to watch the slow realisation of the Umbarians that someone - and who - had died, and to learn why they were there ... What a pity that Aragorn didn't live to witness that! He would have been so glad!
Thank you, that was a great story! And it is nice to know these friendships with Armanthol and with Harad endured over all this time and more than one generation.
Author's reply
Armanthol had apparently been named as he was by his father in anticipation that this son of his would one day rule the empire Landrion has intended to found--once Landrion himself had milked the situation of what he desired of it, of course. That his son would indeed do so, but by following a far different model than Landrion has proven, would have been a great shock to the Man, I think.
And I think indeed that Aragorn was pleased by the irony of it all, once he saw the Father's true plan. I suspect that once he became King Aragorn enjoyed the luxury of being able to enjoy such jokes--ones that end by bettering all others. He and Pippin in many ways were, I suspect, two of a kind in that! Heh!
Linda Hoyland
· 13 May 2008
· Chapter 23: Embassy to a New Age
THe King is dead,long live the king!
A very hopeful note for the beginning of eldarion's reign.He looks as if he is truly his father's son. No one would have known any other king save Aragorn,so I can well understand their grief.Like many of my fellow country people, I've only known one Queen.
Author's reply
Oh, he would indeed be the son of his father, and of his mother as well. Think how many generations of wise Men and wiser Elves, most ruling wisely as was possible given the circumstances, that led to his breeding!
George was King when I was born, although I don't remember anything of it, of course. It's not like here where administrations cycle through regularly, and we can anticipate the changes thereof with either regret or with impatience, depending on the caliber of the one we got last time.
I think that Eldarion was well prepared by his parents for this day; and now one more brick toward greater solidarity toward wise rule has finally clicked into its proper place.
harrowcat
· 13 May 2008
· Chapter 23: Embassy to a New Age
Eldarion has learned well from his beloved father and employs his own great gifts too. Coming back to read again tonight Larner. Happy birthday to RiverOtter and thanks to her for providing you with reasons to write such good stuff.
Author's reply
Yes, Eldarion is his parents' son as well as a delight on his own.
And I've passed on your wishes to RiverOtter. Thanks!
Kitty
· 11 May 2008
· Chapter 22: The King's Time
*sniff* That was beautiful, but sad. Aragorn setting everything in order and his last look at things like Frodo’s Shire calendar and An’Ma’Osiri’s waterclock and particularly his farewell to the White Tree and Gandalf made me tearing up.
Author's reply
Ah, it's always wonderful when I learn that something I've written has moved someone so! And I love to think that little Ma'Osiri grew to be a great Farozi who cared for the man who saved the lives of so many in his family, and sent him such a thing. And I'd think Aragorn would appreciate the reminder of Gandalf's long care for him and the guidance given,
Thanks so.
harrowcat
· 10 May 2008
· Chapter 22: The King's Time
Beautiful Larner. Very much one to keep.
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Harrowcat. God bless your family.
Andrea
· 10 May 2008
· Chapter 22: The King's Time
Beautifully written, Larner! I would love to see some of those really fascinating time pieces in the Citadel. I'm an engineer, you know :)
Aragorn did his very best to leave all in order for his son to take over the kingship. I'm quite sure that he doesn't fear what will come next. On the contrary, it seems he's looking forward to it, like Frodo and Sam did.
Last but not least, I loved the image of Aragorn's grandson watching in fascination his moving shadow on the sundial!
Author's reply
The one timepiece I forgot to mention was an hourglass, but after reading Raksha's story on HASA about Denethor with his hourglass I'm almost glad I didn't include it after all.
I can't imagine Aragorn leaving many loose ends. And I think he would not fear what is to come. He knows it is time, and he does not wish to embarrass himself by lingering and losing his personal and physical integrity as have so many of his forebears. And I'm certain he felt the anticipation of reunion as well as trust that, as wonderful as this life had become for him, the next must be at least equally as good!
And I'm so glad you like the thought of Valandil watching his shadow, with himself as a living gnomen! Thank you!
mistry89
· 10 May 2008
· Chapter 22: The King's Time
I can't remember reading an Aragorn Passing story that put this sense of Right Time to it, at least to the point where I could see beyond the sadness to the reunions that would come. Usually, I just want to sob (which is the "proper" reaction to those stories - no negative comment for them was intended!). The pov seems to often be that of those about to lose their king/friend, or of a man worn down and weary), as Aragorn invoked the ability of his forebears to travel beyond the reach of the cares of the world. This time I see a different man. I do hope this makes sense!
Thank you.
Author's reply
This is a sort of prequel, if you will, to my own "Aragorn and Arwen Passing" story, "Light on the Way." For Men, there is a proper season for dying. Aragorn, as THE Dunadan, has outlived three generations of "normal" Men, and a couple of generations of Hobbits, and a half generation of Dwarves. Of those he has known and loves, only those of Elf-kind remain within Arda, and probably most of those are already gone West by now.
He has survived battles that have claimed many who were close to him and a good percentage of those he led. He has undoubtedly survived assassination attempts. He has known peace and plenty after years of deprivation and desperate toil. He has known the desperation of a love he must at times wondered whether it could ever be achieved, and the fulfilment of that love in spite of all rational expectation of failure.
He knows it is time, and I doubt he is that unhappy for himself. So many he loves are on "that side." And as with my view of Frodo, he is not frightened of what comes--indeed he is ready to open wings that are stirring within the crysalis his body has become so as to be ready for the next part of the adventure of Being. His concern instead is for the one he leaves behind, who has not the preparation he has had naturally for letting go when the time comes. I see both of them (and Sam with them) as individuals who who have accepted that they have indeed been blessed and who rejoice in that, and who have given over that fear in preference for the faith that what comes is merely part of what is intended for their further delight.
I hope this has to some degree rung true for you. And you are most welcome.
Antane
· 9 May 2008
· Chapter 22: The King's Time
An interesting look at a time I haven't thought of before. I love his parting words to Arwen, about his hope for a life beyond and all that, but I hadn't thought of the time before those words. How nice for him to think he would be seeing his many brothers again.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
He must have felt somewhat like Frodo before the quest, going about to fill his heart with memories to take with him, knowing "I won't be seeing this again--doing this again...." And he would indeed be looking forward, I think, to those coming reunions. So many he thought of as brothers of one sort or another.
shirebound
· 9 May 2008
· Chapter 22: The King's Time
This is a beautiful story, and point of view. Aragorn truly brought back to the world of Men dignity, humility, and strength that would stand as a shining example for another Age.
Author's reply
Oh, I so agree, Shirebound. Yes, Aragorn indeed brought all those qualities back to the world of Men.
Thanks so much for the feedback.
Raksha The Demon
· 9 May 2008
· Chapter 22: The King's Time
This is a lovely snapshot of Aragorn's last day, or last hours. The theme of Time is artfully woven in here, with reference to the nifty ways that Men mark its passage. Great title too.
I liked Aragorn's relationship with the White Tree - how sad that he and Arwen are now the only people in the City who remember when there was not a living Tree there - another consequence of the passage of time.
And of course, I liked Aragorn's including Faramir in his list of friends who have gone before him.
Good story, one of your best!
Author's reply
The request for this birthday gift was that it look at time; and when one knows that the last ticks of the clock are sounding, that is when time tends to be most counted, I think.
And Faramir was a special friend and surrogate brother/son/helpmeet of a particular sort, I think. Of course he'd look forward to that reunion!
The Elves and Dwarves may remember the Tree as a sapling, but for those Men who live in Gondor now--I think all of them would have only seen it as a mature tree. The cycling of the seasons as evidenced by trees and other plants is indeed another reflection of time at work.
So glad you appreciated it! Thanks, Raksha.