Neath Anor, Ithil, and Gil by Larner

Reviews (879)

Write a review

Kitty · 12 March 2008 · Chapter 17: Thoughts on the Heir of Isildur

Boromir had quite a change of heart in this, hadn't he? He needed time for it, and had to watch Aragorm, understandably so, but in the end he realised this one was the right man. Interesting was this line: May my brother prove a worthy Steward to a worthy King. Boromir seems to have guessed that Aragorn would not chase Faramir away, but keep him as steward even after his coronation.

Author's reply

Yes, I do believe that at the last Boromir accepted that this was the one he wished to see as King; and he would have had enough of Aragorn's measure as well as Faramir's to know that not only would Faramir do well as Aragorn's Steward but that Aragorn would treasure Faramir's competence, knowledge, and loyalty, and would honor his brother as Faramir deserved. So glad you appreciated it. Thanks!

Kitty · 12 March 2008 · Chapter 16: The Ring that Sauron Forged

Well done, Larner! It was fun to read.

Author's reply

Thank you so much, Kitty! This one started nagging at me the other night. Took three rewrites to be satisfied with it, but it got itself written! Glad it gave you pleasure.

shirebound · 12 March 2008 · Chapter 18: Epiphany

he is wholly a Man--and in many ways is more kingly than I’ve seen yet amongst Elves. What a high compliment indeed!

Author's reply

Indeed, Shirebound! Thanks!

Grey Wonderer · 12 March 2008 · Chapter 18: Epiphany

Oh, I do love that! If you've earned the respect of your family, and elves at that, then you really have done well!

Author's reply

I'm so glad you like this, GW! Am looking forward to more of your works, btw. Heh! Thanks!

Queen Galadriel · 11 March 2008 · Chapter 15: I Stand No More Alone

Oh, how unique! And so heartwarming in its own way. I can honestly say this is the first time I've seen something from the perspective of a throne...and I like it very much. :) God bless, Galadriel

Author's reply

Imhiriel asked for stories from the point of view of something inanimate, and this followed. And am so glad you like it. Thank you!

Queen Galadriel · 11 March 2008 · Chapter 16: The Ring that Sauron Forged

*laughs* Very clever! Do I hear echoes of a certain familiar rhyme? (What is it? I want to say "The House that Jack Built," but I could be wildly off on that since it's been quite a while since the youngest members of my family took an interest in such things.) You certainly have a knack for this sort of thing. My mind goes back to your rhyme in The Acceptable Sacrifice ("One, two, eyes of blue..."), which I know off by heart because there was a time when singing it (and adding some very silly and elaborate hand motions) would entertain my youngest sibling for a considerable amount of time, considering he had an extremely short attention span, and it was quite handy on long car trips...we'll just overlook the fact that it--or my little tune I set it to--drove my parents and other siblings crazy. Haha! The last verse of this one is poignant, coming at the end as it does. Just out of curiosity, how long did this take? I think I would have either lost track less than halfway through, or done a whole lot of copying and pasting. :D God bless, Galadriel

Author's reply

Yes, "The House that Jack Built" was the inspiration. This one began bugging me Saturday night and was written out Sunday after I got done with my morning client. I'll admit that I did a fair amount of cutting and pasting, then rewriting of certain lines. "Mary Had a Little Lamb" inspired "A Hobbit's Tale" while "One, Two, Buckle My Shoe" did inspire "One, Two, Eyes of Blue." And that last verse is indeed intended to be poignant. I'm glad you enjoyed it. And I can imagine you driving your parents crazy keeping the little ones from whining with boredom!

Queen Galadriel · 11 March 2008 · Chapter 17: Thoughts on the Heir of Isildur

A perfect summation of the thoughts of the Steward's heir on Aragorn. Poor, poor Boromir. As much as he tends to irritate me with his constant need for debate when I read the FOTR, I still pity him, and the latter outweighs the former. If only he could have had a second chance. God bless, Galadriel

Author's reply

At least he died with his honor fully restored and more, and he knew that Aragorn would be well served. Am so glad you were able to come on tonight. Have been busy with SHORT stories this past few days, apparently, although I am working--slowly--at Stirring Rings and the Tenant.

Linda Hoyland · 11 March 2008 · Chapter 17: Thoughts on the Heir of Isildur

These are beautiful and moving drabbles.

Author's reply

Again, thank you, Linda. Considering the power of your own drabbles, I am honored.

Linda Hoyland · 11 March 2008 · Chapter 16: The Ring that Sauron Forged

This is so clever I loved it!

Author's reply

I rejoice that you do. Thank you, Linda!

Dreamflower · 10 March 2008 · Chapter 17: Thoughts on the Heir of Isildur

Poor Boromir! It must have been quite a shock to him to learn there was an heir to Isildur! These drabbles really capture the changes in his heart.

Author's reply

I'm so glad you feel they are effective in capturing that change in heart, Dreamflower. And with this one I found I sort of had to go movie-verse. I LOVE that line--that and "Or would you destroy it?" and "I'm glad to be with you, here at the end of all things." Three of the most effective changes from the books.

Lindelea · 10 March 2008 · Chapter 16: The Ring that Sauron Forged

O very nicely done indeed! Wish I had time for more but I'm on minus minutes now...

Author's reply

I'm so glad you liked it. I'll see you next week, then. Love to the Hobbitlings and the hubby!

shirebound · 10 March 2008 · Chapter 17: Thoughts on the Heir of Isildur

That'a very moving. If only these two had had their chance to fight together for the city they both loved.

Author's reply

Yes, the two of them had learned to work together along the way; now, if they had only had the chance to work to the same goal--the full victory of the lands of the west over the forces of evil! The quest was merely an apprenticeship in cooperation for the two of them!

harrowcat · 10 March 2008 · Chapter 17: Thoughts on the Heir of Isildur

This one certainly caught the breathe in my throat Larner. So much expressed in so few words. The first Man of Gondor to swear his fealty to his King. A fealty that you have chosen to show us more fully beyond death. And to hand on his own 'heir-ship' (is that a word?) to his brother - brilliant.

Author's reply

It's my first true pair of drabbles--I was surprised I could actually do them! And he had to know then that it would be for Faramir to take up the role of Steward in his turn now.... Thanks, Harrowcat!

Dreamflower · 9 March 2008 · Chapter 16: The Ring that Sauron Forged

This is excellent! I love the use of the structure of "This is the House that Jack Built" to tell the story of the Ring--it really is perfect for that use. And you built it up so well to the final conclusion! Great job!

Author's reply

Thank you so much, Dreamflower! Am so glad you felt it was properly done. I do seem to be working on nursery rhymes, don't I? Heh!

shirebound · 9 March 2008 · Chapter 16: The Ring that Sauron Forged

Very well done.

Author's reply

Thank you, Shirebound!

eiluj · 9 March 2008 · Chapter 16: The Ring that Sauron Forged

Two thumbs up from this children's librarian!

Author's reply

This former elementary teacher thanks you!

Theresa Greenfalcon · 9 March 2008 · Chapter 16: The Ring that Sauron Forged

I liked this one - and I can barely remember the "this is the house that Jack built" poem I learned as a child that *must have* inspired this! Good job!

Author's reply

Indeed, that was the inspiration. Glad you like it!

Soledad · 16 January 2008 · Chapter 1: A Matter of Record

Oh, dear Bartolo! Stiff and tradition-bound as ever! You know, it's funny how fond I have grown of him, considering the fact that he perhaps wasn't meant to be a particularly loveable character. *g*

Author's reply

Oh, Bartolo has managed to rub off on me, too, you see. I find I really like him as well now that I "know" him better. Too literal-minded for his own good, I fear. So glad you enjoy the irascible Hobbit as well.

Linda Hoyland · 8 January 2008 · Chapter 15: I Stand No More Alone

I loved this unique story.What a lovely idea that the throne itself should be concious of Aragorn's coming!

Author's reply

I'm so glad you appreciate it, Linda. Thank you! But it was Imhiriel's wish that we might look at things from the POV of objects ordinarily considered deprived of sentience and speech. Am so glad that the attempt to meet her requirements should have given pleasure to so many.

Antane · 6 January 2008 · Chapter 14: To Protect and Preserve

Catching up a little on some stories I missed... Frodo's mercy to Saruman shows indeed that he's 'grown much' and his desire to protect those he loved from the terrible ordeals, mentally, physically and spiritually, he endured. He knows on a very intimate level how it is to be raped by evil and recognizes a kindred soul in Smeagol and a wounded one also in Saruman and wants healing for them. And this forgiveness of Saruman after he's just been almost murdered by him too! Do I love this little one or what? :) Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

Author's reply

Frodo had received so much grace--I truly believe he felt compelled to extend that same grace to others, although he apparently had somehow convinced himself that if these others could not come back to what they had been intended to be, the same might well prove true of himself as well. A worthy one indeed.

Antane · 3 January 2008 · Chapter 15: I Stand No More Alone

Now, that's told from an interesting POV. Indeed joy on that day. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

Author's reply

I'm honored, Antane. Hannon le!

Grey Wonderer · 3 January 2008 · Chapter 15: I Stand No More Alone

Brilliant! I just love stories with new perspectives and this is beautifully done. I adore it! Is there still time to get you a MEFA for this? Next year!

Author's reply

Imhiriel asked for stories told from an unusual perspective, and this is what presented itself to me to write. This year's MEFAs are over--perhaps next year. I'm honored. Thank you!

shirebound · 3 January 2008 · Chapter 15: I Stand No More Alone

he pauses looking up at me, then begins to mount the stairs. Are you worthy, Man? Are you daunted by my height? My venerable status? And I proudly uphold him and the Light he bears. Marvelous, Larner, what a unique POV. How I wish the films had showed us the King finally taking the seat that had waited for him for so long.

Author's reply

Oh, how I, too, had wished to see that scene, Shirebound! Imhiriel asked for tales told from the POV of inanimate things, so Dwim wrote from the POV of the East wind, Vilwarin from the POV of a stone from the ruins of Annuminas, and I wrote this one. It's a wonderful exercise!

Kitty · 3 January 2008 · Chapter 15: I Stand No More Alone

This is a very unusual POV, Larner, but an interesting one. If the throne of Gondor could have had thoughts and feelings of its own, this would be the ones. And Gimli and the other dwarves would be the first to tell you how appropriate it is to listen to it ;-) I’m once again amazed about your wide range of imagination.

Author's reply

This was sparked by Imhiriel's request we write stories from such POVs, and so I found that the Throne of Gondor was speaking to me. And you're certainly right about what Gimli and his people would say, I'm certain. Thank you--I am honored.

harrowcat · 3 January 2008 · Chapter 15: I Stand No More Alone

I didn't guess correctly until near the end which made this even better! You handle a variety of styles of writing so well Larner.

Author's reply

Thank you so, Harrowcat. I'm honored. Did you have a nice holiday? Are your parents doing better? Good news from the doctors on your own account?