Neath Anor, Ithil, and Gil by Larner
Dreamflower · 21 May 2010 · Chapter 88: Envy
*nods* Envy indeed, and a hunger to be not just part of everything but chief in everything.
Author's reply
You have stated it so well, Dreamflower. Yes, wanting to put himself before all others, he seeks ever to mar or destroy that which he had no part in making. And so he already is plotting against the Trees, even though he must also suffer the loss of their Light when they are gone....
Laikwalâssê · 21 May 2010 · Chapter 88: Envy
how beautiful to describe the work and creations on the Valar. Liked this very much. Thank you. Lai
Author's reply
We know that all of the faithful of the Valar delighted in the Light of the Trees; each must have sought to enhance it as he or she could, or so I think. Only Melkor would seek to destroy what his brothers and sisters had wrought and delighted in, I think. Thanks so, Lai.
Linda Hoyland · 9 May 2010 · Chapter 87: The Might of the Númenorian
An interesting glimpse of a part of Tolkien's world of which I know very little, I fear.
Author's reply
It was interesting trying to think why Imrazor would have been called "the Numenorean" so long after the founding of Gondor. Thanks so, Linda!
grumpy · 9 May 2010 · Chapter 86: The New Queen's Bounty
Such a nice story, and very fiting for Mother's day, when not all help that children try to give to thier mother's goes quite right.
Author's reply
Oh, I'm so glad you appreciate it, Grumpy! Yes, we do tend to overwhelm our mothers with "help" that all too often needs to be set aright by the very one we sought to aid. Am glad that she didn't have to redo things in this case, though. Heh! Thanks for the feedback!
eiluj · 8 May 2010 · Chapter 87: The Might of the Númenorian
I'm used to thinking of Imrazôr in terms of his wife, rather than the events -- and follies -- he must have seen. Kudos for putting it all together -- and for portraying him with the wisdom he must have had to have attracted Mithrellas.
Author's reply
RiverOtter asked for a tale of the early days of Dol Amroth; it was fascinating to realize he was a contemporary with Earnil the Second--I'd ignored the fact that there WERE two Earnils! Now I have some serious rewriting to do in "Stirring Rings," I fear. Good to hear from you!
Antane · 2 May 2010 · Chapter 78: Peril Unforeseen
Better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at it. What a risk we all take when we choose to love, but what sweet joy it is to have done so, even if loss is suffered. Gimli speaks of the same when he tells Legolas he had conquered his fear of the darkness he would face on the Road but had not foreseen that he would be pierced by the peril of light and joy. Such indeed is the peril we choose to embrace when we give our hearts to another. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Gimli's love for Galadriel is one I've always been delighted with. I feel for him in some ways, but rejoice that he found peace in his heart and was relieved of the prejudices so long held by his people for the Elves. Thanks so, Antane.
Antane · 2 May 2010 · Chapter 79: Weapons Forged
I liked the linking of the stories, the singing, the blessing on the new bearers and the mention of Glorfindel, a little gap-filler for an intriguing part of history. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Am so glad you do, Antane. The story of the Hobbits' swords is one that has fascinated me for quite a time, and I was glad that the B2MEM challenges gave me a chance to write to their forging at last! Thanks so!
Linda Hoyland · 26 April 2010 · Chapter 83: Lost in the Wilderness
Poor Boromir! There is nothing more miserable than having rain drip down your neck!
Author's reply
There's no question that it's a most horrible experience, Linda. I rather hate that anyone has to go through it, actually. Thanks!
LisaG · 25 April 2010 · Chapter 19: Symbols of Love
A really neat and unique and sentimental story...I love it! I'm always glad to read stories where Aragon continues to keep his ranger skills sharp and honed...he may make an excellent king, but he'll always be a ranger at heart!
Author's reply
I'm so glad you enjoyed it so! Yes, the King remains a Ranger indeed! Thanks so for letting me know how you enjoyed it!
Antane · 25 April 2010 · Chapter 85: Admitting the Conspiracy
Interesting and scary for Frodo that he would be dreaming of the Eye already. That scene with Freddy at Crickhollow is so vividly written that you can really feel his terror in some small way as it were you there. Another brave hobbit who did what he had to do in the face of deadly peril. Cheers to him! Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I agree, Antane. Am so glad you found this so vivid. And I certainly agree about Fredegar Bolger! Thank you so for the feedback.
Antane · 25 April 2010 · Chapter 86: The New Queen's Bounty
Truly a king who loves his people is one who kneels down to help them. He shows once more his humility and service he has practiced all this adult life. Cute about the footprints in the Hall of Fire. :) Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Aragorn has taken the lessons of his life to heart, and will be the type of king we should all be pleased to follow. Thanks so!
Rhyselle · 15 April 2010 · Chapter 86: The New Queen's Bounty
Dearest Larner, This was such a sweet and wonderful story! After three days of working extended overtime, it was such a joy to come home to read it. I especially liked it that you wrote from Arwen's perspective; her wonderful hearing led to a wonderful outcome for the little family. The children were adorable, and I have to admit that I was somewhat--albeit pleasantly--started to see my pen name as a character in your tale. :) The green eyed little girl reminds me of my own green-eyed daughter when she was much younger, and prone to "helping" with some fairly destructive accidental outcomes. Thankfully she has grown out of it into a beautiful young lady who still likes to help but has better judgment as to how to do it! It's past time I went to bed, but I'm so very glad that I followed the link to this little story. Well done, indeed!
Author's reply
I'm so glad that this pleased you, Rhyselle. If I have one with your name among the Elves of Elvenhome, why not one among the descendants of the Dunedain as well? And I can so well remember my own silliness, trying to help when I was young.... Thank you so! And love to your daughter.
Ellynn · 15 April 2010 · Chapter 86: The New Queen's Bounty
Aww, beautiful. :) Your description of Aragorn and Arwen is wonderful, you portray their characters so well: they are nice, gentle, caring, good-hearted persons, and it can be felt from your story. Well done. :)
Author's reply
Estel crowned with accomplishment must have rejoiced to be a simple Man at times, I'd think, and particularly with his bride by his side. And the world is ready for a hands-on King for a change, I'd think! Thank you so!
Dreamflower · 15 April 2010 · Chapter 86: The New Queen's Bounty
It's universal, and in whatever languages the phrases may be uttered, two sentences that strike terror into the hearts of mothers everywhere: "I was only trying to help", and "I didn't know it would do that!". *grin* I just loved the way that Arwen turned aside at the sound of the scolding, and that Aragorn didn't give a second's thought to accommodate her. Not to mention her own and his memories of their own childish misdeeds. Now of course, we need the stories of the blue paint and the whitewash...
Author's reply
Oh, don't I know, remembering my own childhood and that of my children and now the grandchildren, and looking to whatever great grandchildren might come after at this point! Heh! And I may yet tell the stories of blue paint and whitewash, of course.... Heh!
harrowcat · 15 April 2010 · Chapter 86: The New Queen's Bounty
Oh this is lovely, compassionate and fun all rolled into one. And please extend my best wishes to RS.
Author's reply
Am so glad you appreciate it, Harrowcat! And will do so gladly.
Linda Hoyland · 14 April 2010 · Chapter 86: The New Queen's Bounty
I just loved this beautiful story! It is so like Aragorn and Arwento help when they can.
Author's reply
Indeed so, Linda. So glad you feel it is worthy of them!
Lindelea · 14 April 2010 · Chapter 86: The New Queen's Bounty
Ah, but this left me in tears! (happy ones) Lovely story, of the servant-king and the wife so very fitted to him. The two of them complement each other wonderfully! This bodes well for the White City, for both South- and North-kingdoms, actually.
Author's reply
I'm so glad it did! Yes, the servant-king knows the proper role for those who would be most worthy to lead others. And joy to all there! Love always!
Linda Hoyland · 14 April 2010 · Chapter 85: Admitting the Conspiracy
Fatty Bolger is one of Tolkien's great unsung heroes so it is nice to see him remembered by you.
Author's reply
I love always when I can include Freddy and Folco in my tales. Thank you so, Linda! And thank you so for the birthday card and wishes--they are thought of with a good deal of pleasure!
Raksha The Demon · 14 April 2010 · Chapter 84: Shagrat's Welcome
I almost feel bad for Shagrat here - within the vicious network of evil-spawned orc ranks, he was trying to do his job. Well-written vignette, with a good look at the hierarchies of Sauron's diverse forces.
Author's reply
Am so glad you appreciate it, Raksha. It was an interesting challenge, to write of orcs, and from perhaps an orcish POV. Thanks so!
Lindelea · 13 April 2010 · Chapter 85: Admitting the Conspiracy
How difficult this must have been for Fatty, and yet he manages bravely, without letting too much drop. I'm glad that they had a good reason for letting Folco out of it, or his pride might have been badly damaged. And Folco's conclusion is exactly right! I'm sorry we had no chance to chat today, but it was lovely to see you. Hope you have had the happiest of days!
Author's reply
I always felt there had to be a good reason as to why Folco wasn't part of the conspiracy--why he helped in the move but went back home again. And he's definitely right about Freddy, one who had to realize his courage was there all the time, and who was in the right place to put it to good use when it showed itself. Thank you so, Lindelea. Am also sorry we didn't have more time to talk, but the teacher appreciation day activities were wonderful! I'll try to use my gift soon, perhaps on their website. Thanks again so very much!
Armariel · 13 April 2010 · Chapter 85: Admitting the Conspiracy
No, Fatty ain't no coward...Happy Birthday Larner to one of Arda's finest storytellers! Hope it was a great one! xoxoxx Armariel ~~~~~{~@
Author's reply
I am honored! Thank you so, to one of its best poets!
Andrea · 13 April 2010 · Chapter 85: Admitting the Conspiracy
“If you’re a coward,” he said aloud to himself, “then maybe the Shire needs more of the same kind of coward as you are, Fatty Bolger!” Very well said! In fact, Fredegar acted in place of the four travellers when he tried to protect the hobbits of the Shire. He did what they could not do, because they were far away. Thank you very much for this story! Happy birthday :-)
Author's reply
There is courage, and courage, of course. And am so glad that Freddy was there to take thought for the folk of the Shire itself while the Travellers were still away. And you are so welcome. Thank you so much, Andrea!
harrowcat · 13 April 2010 · Chapter 85: Admitting the Conspiracy
This is a lovely snippit Larner and a nice addition as I am currently in the middle of re-reading Second Mum! I do hope today has been everything that you could wish for. Happy Birthday Dear!
Author's reply
I just finished rereading "Second Mum," too. I'm glad others also find it delightful. Thank you so, my friend. And my love to Jet and your family as well. And it is interesting to think what the Time of Troubles must have been like for those who lived through it. And thank you so!
Dreamflower · 13 April 2010 · Chapter 85: Admitting the Conspiracy
It's always good to see Fredegar featured in a story, and a treat to see Folco in one too! I'm sure all this was hard for Folco to take in! Happy Birthday, dear!
Author's reply
Folco hasn't been in one of my stories for so long--it was time to feature him, after all; and he must have been livid not to have been part of the Conspiracy! And thanks so very much!
shirebound · 13 April 2010 · Chapter 85: Admitting the Conspiracy
“Something that Bilbo brought home from his own adventure turned out to be very, very bad. I mean terrible bad, Folco. Extremely dangerous. And some terrible folk from Outside want it, and will do anything to get it, even if it means invading the Shire and killing folk!” That's such a perfect summary -- accurate, but still vague enough not to reveal too much.
Author's reply
Oh, I am so glad you liked it, Shirebound. And after feeling the miasma of the Black Riders in full vicious mode, Freddy must have been afraid to tell others too much. Thank you so!