Neath Anor, Ithil, and Gil by Larner
Antane · 28 October 2007 · Chapter 12: A Pleasant Dissonance
So nice to see something else from you, my dear Larner - I was wondering about you. Ah, another Mr. Frodo in the Shire. :) And the happiness it gives Merry and Sam to hear that. Very nice. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I have been doing a good deal of reviewing for the MEFAs, so my writing is slowed down a bit as a result. And I hope there will always be a Mr. Frodo of Bag End, myself. Thanks!
Andrea · 28 October 2007 · Chapter 12: A Pleasant Dissonance
Beautiful story, Larner, and very touching in the end! I have to admit I had to read it twice before I understood everything ;-) So, I hope there will always be a Frodo at Bag End - and a good friend who calls him "Mr."!
Author's reply
Oh, I'm so glad you agree, Andrea. Yes, this was intended to make one read it twice. Thanks so for the feedback.
harrowcat · 28 October 2007 · Chapter 12: A Pleasant Dissonance
Ooh this gave me quite a shiver Larner. I am sure that Frodo will be very pleased when Sam tells him of it.
Author's reply
I agree--to know that there is a willingness for gardener and Baggins to assist one another, and that the Frodo of Bag End will always be honored, whatever his last name might be, is one that obviously pleases me! Heh!
Kitty · 28 October 2007 · Chapter 12: A Pleasant Dissonance
Very touching, Larner, and amusing at the same time, to hear Fosco's son calling Sam's son 'Mr. Frodo'. Merry is right, a pity our Frodo didn't witness it. Well, history repeats itself, even sometimes with a little twist ;-)
Author's reply
Yes, that it does, Kitty. Thanks so for the feedback.
Lindelea · 27 October 2007 · Chapter 12: A Pleasant Dissonance
Oh, yes, it does take you back. *sigh* (wipes a tear from the corner of one eye)
Author's reply
You and Sam, Lindelea. Yes, it takes us all back, I think.
Linda Hoyland · 27 October 2007 · Chapter 12: A Pleasant Dissonance
I'm so glad Sam called his son'Frodo' so the memories live on.A touching story.
Author's reply
Am so glad you appreciated it, Linda. I, too, am glad Sam called his son "Frodo."
Queen Galadriel · 27 October 2007 · Chapter 10: A Hobbit's Tale
I love it, love it, love it! You know that after so many beautiful proofs of how absolutely untrue it is you can never, according to the Poets’ Code of Honor, legally say you’re not a poet again, right? *grins* Very clever and touching, especially the end and the way you connected it to the beginning. God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Considering your own gift of poetry, I'll accept that as a high compliment, my Lady. Thank you!
Queen Galadriel · 27 October 2007 · Chapter 11: Treating with the Enemy
Oh, yes, I think Mahmot will learn a lot from his stay in the White City—and has already begun to feel it, simply seeing the openness and fearlessness with which men and women of all rank display affectionate friendship and familial love, even while not forgetting their formal positions. I knew Aragorn was going to pull the disguise again. *grins* But it seems to have had excellent effect here. Yes, he could treat with the one who bore such eyes. He only wished that he felt as strongly of the honor of the Man he served within Khand. Wow! God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
So good to see you back, my Lady. Am going over the prologue tonight, I think, as I've been preparing The King's Commission for editing and review on HASA. Man, I had a LOT of errors throughout it. As for Mahmot--I wanted and obviously got a good deal of culture shock here, and although Aragorn wasn't deliberately in disguise, it was enough of a letting down of guises to make the emissary from Khand think twice! So glad you approve! Hope you can drop in more frequently!
Armariel · 27 October 2007 · Chapter 12: A Pleasant Dissonance
Awwww sweet...although I had to read it a couple of times to figure who was whom....adorable! (Although I can't remember who Eruhael is at the moment) ~~~~{~@
Author's reply
It was intended to cause folks to take a second look. And Eruhael is one of the children of Fosco and Cyclamen, in my turn of the story. This takes place, as I hope you could guess, at one of the birthdays of Frodo and Bilbo late in Sam's experience as Mayor.
Queen Galadriel · 27 October 2007 · Chapter 12: A Pleasant Dissonance
For once I have *time* for reveling in the joys of fic-reading! :D At least some of the short stuff. Wow, that was a surprise, very bittersweet and rather ironic. But sorry, I’m confused (probably because I’m so tired after a solid week of studying into the small hours, that I can’t even call my family by their proper names)—who is Eruhael? Is he Fosco’s son? And what does the name mean, do you know? It’s lovely. God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Yes, Eruhael is one of Fosco's sons. And it means "The Wisdom of the Creator," as best I can translate it. (Panthael means "fully wise," Perhael means "half wise," and Iorhael means "wise through experience" or "wisdom earned", from my understanding of Tolkien's name elements; so I sort of made up this one.
shirebound · 27 October 2007 · Chapter 12: A Pleasant Dissonance
Oh my, I had to read this several times before I was certain what was happening. How clever and heart-warming.
Author's reply
Yes, a new generation, and the tables are turned. So glad you approve! Thank you!
Grey Wonderer · 27 October 2007 · Chapter 12: A Pleasant Dissonance
Lovely and a bit haunting. What an image. Enjoyed it very much.
Author's reply
Am honored you found it so, Grey Wonderer. Thank you! A, so glad you appreciated it!
Dreamflower · 27 October 2007 · Chapter 12: A Pleasant Dissonance
Aww...*grin* That was so sweet! And I love that Sam's son is now "Mr. Frodo"!
Author's reply
Oh, I'm so glad you like it, Dreamflower. Yes, now it's Sam's son who's "Mr. Frodo" indeed!
SurgicalSteel · 25 September 2007 · Chapter 11: Treating with the Enemy
I've been away for a little while, and found this on returning. Beautifully done!
Author's reply
So glad you enjoyed it, SS. And it's good to have you back! Hope all is settling down for you there in the ER.
grumpy · 22 September 2007 · Chapter 11: Treating with the Enemy
Who can blame Mahmot for feeling a bit weak in the knees, I think he has had one to many shocks to his system. But you got to love Elessar's court: elves, dwarves, cat and dog, and children with skinned knee's. Loved the story.
Author's reply
Oh, it's always pleasant to hear from you, Grumpy! Yes, Mahmot's frame of reference is being royally pulled right out of shape, isn't it? And indeed there's a full compliment of folk poor Mahmot has no idea how to deal with, not to mention the dog and cat. And this one is not only the King, he's also a Dad, and a darned good and concerned one at that! Thanks so for the comments, Grumpy.
Baggins Babe · 22 September 2007 · Chapter 11: Treating with the Enemy
Yet another superb look at the White City and the King through the eyes of strangers. To arrive there expecting to see the boy in chains and find him excitedly learning new things from his 'captors' must have made Mahmot seriously dizzy! Hopefully the wisdom and mercy of King Elessar will work its magic on yet another former enemy. Delightful to see the children all come out to greet Faramir, and nice to know even Crown Princes can skin their knees at times. Oh, and lovely to have the dog and cat right there in the Throne Room - Denethor would be appalled!
Author's reply
Tolkien tells us that Eomer followed Aragorn on many a campaign in far places; and so far Khand hadn't been suggested as a possible foe. That they might have tried an assay of their own and been handily beaten just seemed likely. I doubt that Aragorn would be a "scorched earth" kind of victor; and suspect that his innate courtesy and humanity would in the end have amazed and puzzled many former foes. We know that the Hillmen were surprised to be allowed to surrender at Helm's Deep and assured they'd merely been used by Saruman, and that those Men who surrendered before the Black Gate were treated courteously, although the army continued to fight those who, in the face of defeat, continued their aggression against the mixed forces of the West. That such as Mahmot would find himself realizing his nephew was blooming during his stay in Gondor would be a great surprise but in keeping with what we know of Aragorn's nature. All little boys ought to have the chance to skin their knees--it's an important part of childhood! And their parents always--if they're good parents--do their best to patch such skinnings up. I don't see Aragorn allowing nursemaids to take over all such activities, myself. And, yes, Denethor would probably have been appalled. Nyaah, nyaah on him! Heh!
Linda Hoyland · 20 September 2007 · Chapter 11: Treating with the Enemy
Thank you so much for this delightful birthday gift. I loved it.You even managed to include a cat as well as all my favourite characters!(My grey Elessar is on my lap and the others scattered around) I especially enjoyed the scene of Faramir with the children and Aragorn and Eldarion and most of all the visiting ruler's amazement. I've been offline a few days,so only found out about this today when Raksha told me. Thank you again !
Author's reply
So glad it pleases you, and am sorry it's taken so long to finish and get posted. The ISP from Mordor has been acting up again, so I wasn't certain I'd be able to post it this week, even. And I had to include Caravel and Aragorn's white cat! Heh! So glad your Elessar is enjoying the comfort of your love at the moment. Author Reply: And Harrowcat forwards her wishes for a wonderful birthday, too.
Radbooks · 19 September 2007 · Chapter 11: Treating with the Enemy
Lovely story, Larner. I think it begs for a sequel because I'd like to know if they do stay for awhile... personally, I'd never want to return to Khand! :) I was so glad that you mentioned how hard it was for Mahmot to walk all the way up to the top of the city. It's something I've often thought about when I'm writing my stories and while it never makes it in there because my characters have been there a long time now, it is something I thing about and it's something I'm very glad that I don't have to do! :) I liked the images of the children riding out to meet Faramir and surrounding him and being so happy to see him... it was just something I could really see in my mind. Thanks for sharing this!
Author's reply
Oh, several of my shorts beg for sequels, they tell me! I suspect that Mahmot won't be hurrying his nephew away before he's learned what he wishes to learn, and that he will end up a more worthy Klifa for the Sunirim than his father in the end! And am always glad when people tell me they can see the story occurring in their head. Thanks so much!
Amy · 19 September 2007 · Chapter 11: Treating with the Enemy
Well, I am, of course, completely delighted with the fainting! *beams* The king gardening, bandaging scrapes, and finally having those pets that he couldn't keep all those years he was in the wild. Arwen spinning and sussing the visitor. Faramir and children, special guest stars, the white tree. I especially liked Eldarion's sister, unnamed (as per canon, in a way), although she seems to have disappeared to her lessons towards the end. Or perhaps she's watching it all from the wings. I feel like walking right in and living in your fic for a while. Lovely fic, thank you so much!
Author's reply
Yes, the overwhelming of those who begin to realize the nature of the King is always fun! Heh! Eldarion's sister is named Melian in my version, of course. And in the end she and the other children are following behind Mahmot and Arwen as they enter the King's presence, so they all rather fade back. I was afraid to do too much with them once they got to the level of the Citadel for fear it would detract from Mahmot's own reactions. And am so thrilled you felt you wished to be there with it! Thank YOU so much!
elanor winterflowers · 19 September 2007 · Chapter 11: Treating with the Enemy
What a wonderful story! The proud emissary must have been very confused indeed for awhile, and chastened, too, at the end. What an unforgettable introduction to King Elessar's household and homeland! I enjoyed every bit of it, most especially Pippin, and Faramir in the role of father and uncle. Apologies for my lack of reviews these past months; real life has, and continues to, smother me with obligations elsewhere, but I'm glad I stopped in to look at this: quite a jewel of a story!
Author's reply
Am so glad you enjoyed it. It's fun to think what kind of parents these characters would turn out to be, and how their children would act about them. And it's always fun to work in a visit from Hobbits. I certainly would have liked having Aragorn and Faramir as relatives of mine--although I so wished I could marry Aragorn when I was younger. As for real life--believe me--I can and do relate. Good luck! And check out "Adolescence" in this collection--hopefully it will give you a chuckle--more of the royal children in action!
Kitty · 19 September 2007 · Chapter 11: Treating with the Enemy
Larner, that was a wonderful story, and I enjoyed it very much. There are so many nice details. First of all, I *so* love Faramir surrounded by all the children, not only his own. I’m happy to know he finally has a loving family, after all his father had put him through. Faramir doubting that Éomer’s (and Éowny’s) children would allow the grooms to take care of their horses left me grinning. Well, they’re true horsemen! (I’m the same with my own horse). And the fact that they are Princes and Princesses makes it even more poignant. What a nice surprise for Faramir (and me!) to see Pippin here! Loved their interaction, at the stables and later at the Houses of Healing. And the way you introduced Aragorn to Mahmot was amusing. Another one who first saw him not as the king, but as an ordinary man. It was fascinating to see this all from Mahmot’s POV, to learn a bit about yet another race of men the Professor only mentioned fleetingly. To see his nephew again and learn that he wanted to stay a bit longer in Minas Anor, to note the differences in the treatment of prisoners of war had to be quite a shock for him. No wonder the man felt dizzy. It appears that’s another case where family members of leaders of a enemy folk are learning to trust Elessar – maybe even more than their own leaders, as the last lines indicated. I’d love to see more of all the children – Aragorn’s, Faramir’s and Éomer’s– in other stories! Thank you, Larner, for this great story!
Author's reply
I'd think that Aragorn and Faramir would have been marvelous fathers, and that their children would be raised to be self-sufficient, but also to have full trust in their parents. And of COURSE the children of Rohirrim would wish to care for their own horses! How else might it be? That Merry and Pippin might pop in for surprise visits from time to time is just too good a possibility to pass up. And here is a reason for this poor guy from Khand to feel totally out of his depth--who and what is this one? The other night I found my imagination showing me Aragorn as King with Eldarion standing beside him for a formal function--with this big white bandage on his knee! Okay, then if he had a bandage, he had to have been doing little boy things, and little boys do skin their knees, and their parents do get to bandage up the owies! So, this first meeting with the King seeing the King in gardener and teacher mode, paused to patch up his son sort of worked its way into the story I've been working on for almost a week. What a difference from realms where rulers are untouchables and all too often totally out of touch with their people as well. And finding that his nephew the prisoner doesn't feel a prisoner at all would be the icing on the cake! As for the children--they're always fun to contemplate. Thank you for the response, Kitty!
Raksha The Demon · 19 September 2007 · Chapter 11: Treating with the Enemy
Quite impressive story; Minas Anor in its post-Ring War prosperity, seen through the eyes of a would-be conqueror. I love it that Mahmot's nephew begged for more time in the land of his 'enemies', being so enamored of the knowledge his captors freely gave him. I liked the freedom of the children and even the dog and cat. Nice touch that Faramir called Aragorn "Strider"; it shows they've really become comfortable friends as well as Steward and King. And I love it that Eowyn missed her husband enough to specifically request his presence in their chambers... Can Faramir be my tour guide through the White City - please????
Author's reply
Yes, the capital of Gondor from the POV of one who'd always been taught to think of it as needing to be conquered. To be conquered instead by its freedom and acceptance would be quite the shock, I'd think, particularly when its people are working to teach one of the upcoming rulers of Khand ways to aid his own people. And am so glad you liked the dog and cat. Aragorn just strikes me as one who'd love animals, particularly now that he no longer has to be wandering the wild and constantly on campaign any more. Author Reply: P.S. You can have Faramir as a tour guide if I can have Indis as someone to visit on winter evenings.
Andrea · 19 September 2007 · Chapter 11: Treating with the Enemy
Wow! And once again you surprised me with yet a new perspective! Somehow, looking into those grey eyes, Mahmot realized he was looking into the eyes of one whose word would truly bind him. Yes, he could treat with the one who bore such eyes. He only wished that he felt as strongly of the honor of the Man he served within Khand. Mahmot must have felt like being in a dream: legends come true! And besides that, a friendly welcome, no threats, no suspicion and a prisoner who asked for staying longer! Like Lindelea I held my breath! I don't know exactly why, really ;-) This little story was really captivating!
Author's reply
I'm honored you and Lindelea both apparently felt this took you into Mahmot's mind. Yes, a dream-like state indeed, seeing how lands OUGHT to be ruled rather than how too many ARE ruled. Thanks so much!
Lindelea · 19 September 2007 · Chapter 11: Treating with the Enemy
Whoosh! (That's the breath, exhaling, that I held through much of the reading. I love the thought that went into this, the attention to detail, to social structure, to relationships, and the little tie-ins to your other stories. What a picture you've painted of a King for wartime, as we've already seen him, but more importantly, for peacetime.
Author's reply
I'm honored, Lindelea. Aragorn's southern capital is a worthy place to visit, I'd think. And for someone who's always known Gondor as the enemy but who's probably seldom if ever seen someone from Gondor, what a culture shock! And it's always fun to find ways of tying this story into my other ones. Aragorn is the warrior king, the just king, the healing king, and the sacred King; to meet someone who is what a king OUGHT to be rather than someone into power and intimidation because it's the only model for rule he knows would be quite a surprise. And I do think that Aragorn might indeed be the consummate warrior, but would prefer to be a peacetime king. Thanks so much for the comments!
harrowcat · 19 September 2007 · Chapter 11: Treating with the Enemy
Wow! I could see, smell, hear touch and taste every step of this progress! What a wonderful meeting of cultures. And happy birthday Linda!
Author's reply
Ooh, am always thrilled when people feel their full sensory imagination is involved. What a wonderful compliment, Harrowcat! Thank you so much--and will pass on the birthday wishes. It was actually Saturday, but hopefully she won't mind this being a bit late. This has taken the better part of a week to write, I found. Love to Jet and your folks.