Neath Anor, Ithil, and Gil by Larner
Celeritas · 27 January 2010 · Chapter 76: The Wraith's Report
The best part of this is your showing the way that the evil mind misunderstands actions (here, the Eagles' arriving to inspect Gandalf's body) because it cannot fathom miracles. Thanks!
Author's reply
"He weighs events to a nicety in the balance of his malice." I think that's about how it goes; and how much moreso for his servants, considering the wrongheadedness of the master? Thanks, Celeritas!
Celeritas · 26 January 2010 · Chapter 74: Fighting Enemies
This was hilarious--moreso because I've had to put up with table conversation like this before (usually initiated by men)! I'm glad Arwen has the sense to deal with these fellows, dearly beloved as they are, and incorporating poor Bilbo in there too rounded out the story to a T!
Author's reply
I think we've all heard it a time or two! And it was fun to see poor Bilbo suffering through this talk. So glad it gave you a chuckle, Celeritas. Thanks!
Fiondil · 26 January 2010 · Chapter 74: Fighting Enemies
Am trying to catch up on my reading now that I'm back in the States. Loved this one, Larner. Boys and their orcs! And poor Bilbo. Arwen did the right thing getting those three to act as housemaids for a few days. They think battling orcs is tough, they've never been attacked by dust bunnies that truly will not die. *LOL*
Author's reply
Thanks so for the comments, Fiondil. And I know what you mean about dustbunnies that won't die. Raising dogs and cats and chickens much of my life have given me an appreciation for such things. Heh! Poor Bilbo indeed!
Raksha The Demon · 26 January 2010 · Chapter 74: Fighting Enemies
Oh, I love this - a wonderful slice of domesticity marred by tales from the front lines by the returning warriors. And boys will be boys, even millenia-old Peredhil and Isildur's Heir, and have to gab about how they whacked the bad guys in gruesome detail. And Arwen was very well characterized here! I wouldn't want to get on her bad side.
Author's reply
Am so glad you like how I depicted Arwen in particular. But she must have learned something of wielding authority as mistress of her father's home and through decades spent with her grandmother! Thanks, Raksha!
Dreamflower · 26 January 2010 · Chapter 74: Fighting Enemies
Believe it or not, I don't particularly find the story that out-of-character! As you know, I've been in the SCA, and there is one thing I have discovered about nearly every fighter: they *love* to re-hash their fights! Now, I know that's sport and not *real* fighting, but I think any skilled warrior would love to discuss the finer points of a battle. One night, after a meeting, two of my friends and I were standing in the parking lot talking, and we saw two of the fighters across the other side, gesturing wildly as they talked-- waving about their imaginary swords as they discussed some tournament or other. We were laughing, as even though we could not hear a word they said, we could follow their entire conversation through their gestures! It was hilarious! And it's canon that some of the characters did find grim humor in battle: look at Legolas and Gimli's "counting game" at Helm's Deep! I thought the story was quite funny-- and Arwen's stern reaction was where the humor came in!
Author's reply
Thanks so, Dreamflower. I've seen such discussions from my brother and his friends, and found myself wondering hos such talk might have been experienced within Elrond's home. And after the beautiful responses to the prompt that were received, I couldn't imagine how else it might be addressed seriously, and so chose to approach it through humor.
Anonymous · 25 January 2010 · Chapter 74: Fighting Enemies
I am sure A. and the brothers would have stopped discussing the topic with a soft reprimand. And the comment Arwen makes about how Aragorn smells, especially after he returns from the long hunt for Gollum, just does not sound like the Arwen I know from LOTR. The warriors do not fight (or go on long journeys) out of choice but to defend that which they love (as Faramit put it), and they must always be respected for that. I would never tell a returning warrior 'you smell bad' and I would be polite in requesting them to be less graphic in their descriptions. After all, they are letting out some tension by describing what they have gone through. I usually like your stories and your creativity and therefore reads them with eagerness, that is why I felt compelled to comment on this one. I am sorry for dissagreeing with the fawing comments above. I understand it was meant to be funny but fun has to be in good taste. sincerely, Praveen
Author's reply
I am sorry, Praveen, that you found this story offensive. Perhaps I ought to have put an AU label on it, as it is deliberately exaggerated to be humorous, and neither do I believe that the depicted behavior would be followed by any of the included characters save for perhaps Erestor and Bilbo. Jay had asked on another archive for stories that featured the twin sons of Elrond involved in battle, and the responses received have been wonderful. I did not wish to sound as if I were merely copying the themes already used, so I chose to do this not-quite-a-full-parody, intending it to evoke laughter. Nor do I see any responses that are "fawning"--knowing that I usually write very seriously, many were surprised to see something light and humorous and responded accordingly. I do not feel your comments were quite fair to those who enjoyed the comic aspects of the scene. I am honored you appreciate most of my stories. However, I cannot and will not promise not to write such a story as this again.
Kitty · 25 January 2010 · Chapter 75: Night Songs
Sweet and very enjoyable - not only for the reader, but for the protagonists as well. It has to be a wonderful experience to find birds singing that haven't been heard for so long; it is reinforcing how much the times have changed.
Author's reply
I am so very glad you enjoyed it, Kitty. Yes, to hear a bird that hasn't been found within Minas Tirith now singing within the gardens of the Citadel would have been such a joyful surprise! Thank you so very much.
Kitty · 25 January 2010 · Chapter 74: Fighting Enemies
*ROFL* That was hilarious, Larner! I felt with Bilbo, that was no topic for mealtimes, at least not in such graphic detail as Elrohir used. When Elladan entered and did the same and then Aragorn, I could not stop laughing - they're all equally bad, aren't they? But Arwen dealt with them very well *evil grin*
Author's reply
Am glad you enjoyed it, Kitty! And how else, had Aragorn grown up with such examples, would you expect for him to react to such a discussion? Am glad that you appreciated the deliberate humor. Thanks so very much!
Ellynn · 25 January 2010 · Chapter 74: Fighting Enemies
Oh, you really made me laugh with this one. :) Nice and funny story. :) It's easy to imagine Arwen, dignified and stern, giving orders to her brothers. P.s. Once they finish their duties in their own home, give them my address, they can come to help me clean my house too! :))
Author's reply
Am so glad you agree, Ellyn. I think that in this case she would rise to exert her authority as mistress of their father's house! Heh! And I wouldn't mind having the two Peredhil and the King-in-training cleaning my house for me, either! Heh!
Sunny · 25 January 2010 · Chapter 74: Fighting Enemies
Yes, _some_ things are not suitable or discussing at the table. I admire Arwen's solution - having the three ofenders doing the dirty work in cleaning up Rivendell :-) Let us hope they learn. But then they are male - it may take more than one application of a clue-by-four to their heads before the lesson sinks in
Author's reply
Yes, that clue-by-four is often needing to be utilized more than once! Thank you so, Sunny--am so glad you enjoyed this one!
harrowcat · 25 January 2010 · Chapter 74: Fighting Enemies
I am glad that I wasn't eating breakfast! Go, Arwen go girl!
Author's reply
I am, too! Yes, she's already showing she will make one potent queen for Gondor and Arnor, isn't she? Love to Jet and your parents!
Anonymous · 24 January 2010 · Chapter 73: The Approach
Author's reply
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Cairistiona · 24 January 2010 · Chapter 74: Fighting Enemies
Oh my goodness, this *does* amuse! Poor Bilbo, having to listen to two warriors speak so candidly about things that obviously don't bother them in the least, and I love Arwen's solution to the problem. I love the picture of those three mighty warriors beating on carpets. Thanks for writing this... I appreciate it so much! :)
Author's reply
And joy to you on your birthday! Am so glad it brought a smile--and who better to beat the carpets? Heh!
shirebound · 24 January 2010 · Chapter 74: Fighting Enemies
When your talk is enough to drive a very Hobbit off its feed, it is time to put an end to it! Indeed so! Arwen is the Mistress of Imladris, and it's nice to see her acting like it. :)
Author's reply
So very glad you agree, Shirebound. Heh!
curiouswombat · 24 January 2010 · Chapter 73: The Approach
Oh, of course! I once said, of Éomer "Daughters tall and short, overly thin to overly well-upholstered, plain to porcelain pretty; all were offered to him like a parade of brood mares to a particularly choosy stallion." It had not occurred to me, until I read this, that the same must have happened to Aragorn - who was probably more gentle in letting them down than I think Éomer always was! Lovely.
Author's reply
Oh, yes, and before any truly eligible bachelor within Middle Earth, don't you think? Yes, I'm certain Aragorn got caught in the crosshairs of a good number of ambitious mothers over the years! Heh! And poor both Aragorn and Eomer, having to always try to find ways of not offending possible allies into making them enemies by rejecting their daughters! Heh! Thanks so!
Kitty · 24 January 2010 · Chapter 73: The Approach
Poor Aragorn, the first months until the Elves arrived must have been a sore trial for him with all these women throwing themselves at him or being thrown at him by ambitious parents! It's very like him to try and get rid of her without getting her in trouble with her mother. And he's right, we all know Éomer has someone better in mind, too ;-)
Author's reply
We know that Eomer married a far different lady, but don't know precisely when he met Lothiriel. I do believe that Aragorn would always seek to be diplomatic in turning away a woman's suit, and that there were undoubtedly several who put themselves in his way so as to try to capture his attention and perhaps his heart as well. Thanks so, Kitty!
Linda Hoyland · 22 January 2010 · Chapter 73: The Approach
Poor Aragorn. This must have happened quite a lot in the weeks before he married Arwen
Author's reply
Oh, I so suspect you are totally right, Linda! Heh! Oh, yes--I suspect the pretty ladies and their mothers were very much on the hunt! Thanks so, Linda.
Fiondil · 22 January 2010 · Chapter 73: The Approach
Poor Aragorn. *LOL* She might have been the first but I seriously doubt she was the last. Poor women. Aragorn should set up a dating service for rejected royal suitors. After all, he's already playing matchmaker with Elfhelm. Short and sweet and thoroughly delightful, Larner.
Author's reply
Oh, I agree thoroughly, Fiondil. So glad you appreciate it! Thanks!
harrowcat · 22 January 2010 · Chapter 73: The Approach
Ah, the subtle art of diplomacy has to start right from the beginning of his rule. Thank goodness for ninety plus years of experience. And I feel sorry for the young lady.
Author's reply
Yes, indeed--and I suspect he'd had a fair amount of practice already from his years in Thengel and Ecthelion's courts. I do hope she finds someone worthy one day, and that she proves worthy in her own right.
Antane · 22 January 2010 · Chapter 73: The Approach
Matchmaker now too? :) Is there any end to this man's talents and love for his people? Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Well, of course! A man of many talents, I think! Heh! Thanks so, Antane!
Sunny · 22 January 2010 · Chapter 73: The Approach
The poor girl doesn't have a chance at all, though neither she nor the ambitious mother know it yet. But I bet Aragorn will be glad to see Arwen come and rescue him ... ;-) (Well, for other reasons, too, of course)
Author's reply
Ah, but you are right there! He has that to anticipate! Now--to see this one somehow well disposed of and her mother somehow placated so as not to bedevil the poor girl for her inability to beguile the new King! And I'm certain he was growing impatient toward the end, particularly if he'd not seen the signs that Arwen would indeed by released to his love by their Adar! Thanks so, Sunny!
shirebound · 22 January 2010 · Chapter 73: The Approach
What an incredible amount of information he was able to glean in those few seconds! I'm sure similar situations occurred more than once until his true bride arrived.
Author's reply
Oh, I suspect that is true, too, Shirebound! Yes, a reminder to be wary, for now it is in a way trackers as wily as any Sauron might have sent after him over the years are sighting in on him--the epitome of sons-in-law!
Linda Hoyland · 31 December 2009 · Chapter 72: Coveting the Light
A fascinating look at the early days of Sauron. I love Gandalf here in his true form.
Author's reply
Thanks so, Linda. It's hard to know what the true form of a Maia might be, but it mut be fun and interesting to be able to shift from one to another. But whatever shape Oloring might have taken must have been a true one, as he himself was always true.
Kitty · 28 December 2009 · Chapter 72: Coveting the Light
This shape-changing was interesting to watch, but telling as well, even so early on. How very Sauron to be envious and even to attack others! One can't help but wonder if anyone ever was suspicious enough to have an inkling what he would come to (aside of Atar, I suppose).
Author's reply
You certainly are right, Kitty. I'd think that Sauron's own acquisitive nature would have been visible from early on.
Dreamflower · 27 December 2009 · Chapter 72: Coveting the Light
Such a presage of things to come! I love Olorin/Gandalf/Mithrandir in this! A very good response to the prompt!
Author's reply
Am so glad you like it, Dreamflower. I certainly enjoyed writing it! And I think that from early on Olorin showed a protective nature while Sauron was drawn to indications of power, which would have drawn him to Aule's side, I'd think.