Edlyn
· 29 March 2007
· Chapter 5: Change of Plans
Oh, most well-written and grabbing, mellon-nin!
This chapter is much darker than the others but I enjoyed it as much as the others, if not more. I like it that you are letting us learn about the politics (familial and otherwise) and making us aware of the less savoury aspects of Rohirric history right along with Aragorn.
The shadow is definitely stirring, or rather it has been slowly growing for years (as evidenced by the behaviour and acts of Fengel and others--yes, I'm reading this as I did "Beowulf" where the condition and aspect of the King is but a reflection of the physical and spiritual health of his realm--I really should take the time to do a paer on that aspect of LOTR sometime) but Aragorn is really only becoming aware of it's sway for the first time (at least in regards to the southern lands.
Clever Thengel! His explanation of how he saved Fréawine and fooled his father was wonderful to read. And when Fréawine was the first to swear fealty to him upon his return to the Riddermearc I felt the same swelling in my heart as I did when I gave my fealty to the King of the Midrealm for the first time (I remember it like it was yesterday and it was more than 25 years ago!).
I can see how it would be difficult for Aragorn to play the fool. No one wants to look foolish in front of others but it especially difficult for a young man who needs to prove himself. But his practice at dissembling will stand him in good stead in the future.
I hope that you are well and look forward to the continuing of this story.
May you live blessed,
Edlyn
Author's reply
We tend to think that nothing important happened in Rohan before the Ring War, but Théoden didn't get into the condition he found himself with Gríma overnight and some aspects of the malaise that Aragorn and the others found in Rohan had their beginnings early on. This story explains, or hopefully will explain, some of it.
I know what you mean. I still remember how I felt when I swore fealty to the Baron and Baroness of Delftwood nearly 20 years ago and it was even more powerful as they were also my cousins (both in scadian terms and mundanely). Something like that is hard to forget.
While many future chapters will be darker in tone than what one would expect from me, that is only a reflection of the Darkness spreading through Rohan that will only truly manifest itself sixty years later during the Ring War. Yet, there will still be light-hearted moments in the story for readers to enjoy.
SurgicalSteel
· 29 March 2007
· Chapter 5: Change of Plans
Interesting situation you've thrown our hero into - nasty political situation which might end up leading to an attempted coup again. Very interesting.
Author's reply
Well, I have to have him do something besides ride a horse all day, don't I? *lol* And the reference from Appendix A that I give at the beginning of the story is what leads me to suspect that Saruman was doing more than creating Uruk-hai during these years. The events of this story will definitely have long-term effects on the Rohirrim so that we see how it is played out when Gandalf comes to Edoras with Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli and rescue Théoden from Gríma's machinations.
Larner
· 29 March 2007
· Chapter 5: Change of Plans
I knew Thengel had spent years in Gondor, bringing back Morwen as his queen.
Is Hildegard his niece, then?
I have Aragorn asking various people to keep their own ears open, or at least to give them their own evaluations of some they meet, including Frodo, Sam, and Ruvemir the sculptor. Not truly spying or seeking to fool those they deal with--merely noting what might be important for Aragorn to know. Perhaps he learned to ask this from this experience with Thengel.
Author's reply
Yes, Hildegard is the daughter of Hildebrand and Goldwyn. She is married to Elfhelm of Eastfold and is the momther of Elfgar and Elfhild. She is Hildebrand's firstborn. The twins, Hildered and Hilderic are a few years younger, though they are a couple of years older than Aragorn.
You may be right about Aragorn possibly learning to ask people to keep their own ears open and reporting what they learn to Aragorn from Thengel. Interesting how these things come together, for I had completely forgotten about this from your own stories and I've read "The King's Commission" probably three times already.
Larner
· 29 March 2007
· Chapter 4: Punishment
Indeed an appropriate discipline, considering the offense and the reaction he's already suffered, and what he'd intended to say.
Author's reply
I'm glad you think the discipline appropriate (so do I), and it beats a flogging any day, doesn't it? *grin*
Linda Hoyland
· 29 March 2007
· Chapter 5: Change of Plans
A chilling lesson in history. I like the way you depict your main characters and am enjoying this story.
Author's reply
Hi Linda. It's a chilling lesson indeed and one that is too often played out even today in our world. I'm glad you like my characters and that you are enjoying the story. Thanks.
Bodkin
· 24 March 2007
· Chapter 4: Punishment
Wise move, Thengel. Aragorn really needs fluent Rohirric - and where better to learn it while teaching the king's children about people from beyond their realm!
I wonder if this Theoden recognised Thorongil in the Aragorn of the post-Wormtongue days. He might have done, I suppose, but I suspect Aragorn got away with being recognised mostly because he remained far too young. Strange to see the king you knew as a boy as an old man. But he must have got used to it.
Author's reply
I know PJ had Théoden recognize Aragorn as Thorongil in the movies. I have no idea if this Théoden would, although he is old enough that Aragorn would have made an impression on him that was not likely to fade. The problem, I find, is that we don't know how long Aragorn stayed in Rohan before going on to Gondor. The man was gone for 23 years after all. If he stayed in Rohan for a number of years Théoden would have grown up around Thorongil. So it's likely he would have recognized him, and knowing Aragorn was a Dúnadan would have been aware of the longer lifespan of the Ranger. I'm sure Aragorn eventually got used to seeing his non-Dúnedain friends get old while he remained relatively young, much the way the elves accepted this with their mortal friends (those elves who allowed themselves to have mortal friends, that is).
Shoshana_Rose
· 24 March 2007
· Chapter 4: Punishment
This story has both pulled at my heart and made me laugh out loud (a rare occurence). I thoroughly enjoy your depiction of young Aragorn. He is shouldering his responsibilities well, yet not perfectly. He has clearly been groomed for leadership, yet he is still a *young* man, finding his footing in new situations and faltering, at times, as we all do when we grow and learn. I also truly love the paternal demeanor Thengel has taken with him. Thengel, as you write him, is a round character. You've given him a depth and warmth I've rarely seen ascribed to him, and it *works* without compromising him as a firm and decisive leader. Bravo! I cannot wait to see where this journey goes next.
Author's reply
Thank you. I appreciate your review very much. I'm glad that you enjoy my depiction of a *young* Aragorn. So many people, I think, forget that some 60 odd years separate the Aragorn who takes service with Thengel and the Aragorn who joins the Fellowship and makes a bid for the throne of Gondor. That's a lot of maturing to undergo.
I'm also glad you like my depiction of Thengel. I've not read any fanfics that have him in it, so I'm not influenced by anyone else's take on the character. Like most of my characters, canon or OC, Thengel pretty much took on a life of his own and made himself known to me in no uncertain terms. I like to think that he was as instrumental in helping Aragorn become the king he would someday be as Elrond or Gandalf were.
Edlyn
· 23 March 2007
· Chapter 4: Punishment
Oh, I did so like this chapter! Thengel is a very wise man and the punishment was very appropriate.
I think the thing I like best about this whole story is being able to see Aragorn as a young man, who makes mistakes (in this situation an unwitting one, but a mistake nevertheless) and who can get embarassed, who is a "kid magnet," and who has trouble doing translations (something I am sympathising with as I'm currently working on translating some Cicero in Latin Class that is more difficult than I expected).
This makes Aragorn "real" rather than an archetype (though of course, he is an archetype: (initially reluctant, if you go witht he movie-verse version of the character) hero, priest-healer-king, protector/father figure, etc. He's a person I could feel comfortable talking to and even arguing with or teasing. He's human (even if he is from exalted bloodlines with special abilities). That's something a lot of fic writers can't seem to get a handle on. They either give him so many flaws that he's out of character or he is so perfect he's an unapproachable figurehead. This is one of the things that I like about your writing style. All your characters are real--flawed but inspiring, strong but with individual weaknesses, tempers, and even warped senses of humor.
I do admit that I'd love to have a horse like Mithfaron . I'd likely spoil him rotten!
I'm looking forward to seeing how this continues. Your elf-fic is most excellent as I've told you in the reviews of Elf, Interrupted and your man-fic stories are equally as good.
May you lived blessed,
Edlyn
Author's reply
For characters to actually touch a reader they have to have some connection with reality. Even "evil" characters have to have some aspect about them that we can relate to or they just end up being caricatures rather than characters. The same is true for heroes. We are all a bundle of strengths and weaknesses, flawed in some ways and perfect, or near perfect, in others. That's what makes us unique. The same is true with characters in a story. If my "heroes" are too heroic, too perfect, then I as a flawed human being have no hope of aspiring towards their heroism, however that is manifested.
Many critics of LOTR claimed that Tolkien's heroes were too good and his villains too bad, but one only has to look at Boromir and Gollum to see that isn't so. Even Aragorn exhibits doubt and a temper and an inability to deal with Éowyn's infatuation. He's not perfect, nor should he be.
That's why I enjoy letting my characters be characters rather than caricatures, even my elves. The elves may be more perfect in many ways than mere mortals, but they are not perfect. Even the Valar never claim that role, which rightly belongs only to Eru anyway.
Thanks for your review. I'm glad you are enjoying this story as much as "Elf Interrupted".
SurgicalSteel
· 22 March 2007
· Chapter 4: Punishment
Ah - a very clever punishment, indeed. Wise of Thengel to have thought of it!
Author's reply
Yes, Thengel is indeed wise and clever too. Aragorn is suitably punished, thus satisfying honor, and Thengel gets a valuable and sympathetic ally who understands his people's language out of it.
Linda Hoyland
· 22 March 2007
· Chapter 4: Punishment
I'm enjoying this story very much.
Author's reply
Thanks Linda, I'm glad you are.
vaske
· 21 March 2007
· Chapter 4: Punishment
I can just imagine the kids riding Mithfaron trying to make him go faster, while Mithfaron just keeps going at a steady pace, ignoring them!
With all his new younger 'brothers' and 'sisters' it's almost like Aragorn is getting paid back for clinging to Elrohir and Elladan for years (even though I'm sure he's enjoying it)!
Author's reply
I'm sure Aragorn enjoys playing big brother to the royal children, remembering how his own older 'brothers' took him in hand and played with him with infinite patience.
Calenlass Greenleaf
· 21 March 2007
· Chapter 4: Punishment
*g* Poor Thorongil! Such a punishment is quite...interesting. But at least he should have no more trouble with Rohirric. :-)
Author's reply
Well, as Thengel says, punishments should fit the crime. *grin*
Larner
· 17 March 2007
· Chapter 3: Pitfalls of Ignorance
A most awful and to be expected understanding. Aragorn is trying, at least, which is more than Grimbold tried to do. I rejoice he learned better over the years.
Author's reply
Yes, I think we can all rejoice that Aragorn learned better over the years. And I think you meant "misunderstanding".
Calenlass Greenleaf
· 15 March 2007
· Chapter 3: Pitfalls of Ignorance
Sorry about that. A glitch made my computer close my browser.
Poor Thorongil. Translations problems...*g*
I myself learned Chinese for a number of years (15), and still, I mess up when speaking a long, fat sentence with complicated words. So I can sympathize with Aragorn. :-)
At least I never got hit by anyone...
This is a wonderful and interesting story. I look forward to more, my friend.
Author's reply
Well, I've only been learning Chinese for a few months so you're ahead of me there. *grin* Still, anyone who's had to learn another language should understand Aragorn's plight even if they've never been beaten up because of it. Glad you are enjoying the story so far.
obsidianj
· 15 March 2007
· Chapter 3: Pitfalls of Ignorance
Very nice story. Aragorn is my favorite character and reading something about his travels is great. I love the idea that he travels with a companion and not completely alone.
I could so feel with him about his gaffe in Rohirric. I was in his position when I moved to the US, luckily not with such severe consequences. But when you say something and everyone around you gives you this funny look...
He made an easy target for Grimbold who obviously doesn't like foreigners and especially not foreigners who bedazzle everyone else with their prowess. I think Aragorn's stunt in the last chapter didn't endear him to everyone.
Isn't he a bit free with his back story? Throwing around names of elven princes and lords, especially since I got the impression from the books that the Rohirrim were not too friendly inclined toward elves. But maybe that was different during Thengel's time. And wouldn't that make it more difficult to hide his real identity?
Author's reply
Sometimes the best way to hide something is in plain sight. Aragorn has obviously decided not to hide his "elven" heritage, but has disguised it as best he can. However, he is young enough to be a little freer with it than he probably should be. Among the Rohirrim, that would not be a problem. By the time Aragorn is ready to move on to Minas Tirith and take service with Ecthelion, however, he probably will have learned to hide his abilities a bit more and to downplay his elvish upbringing somewhat.
Among the Rohirrim, there would be little knowledge of "Isildur's Heir" or the history of the Northern Kingdom, so I think Aragorn's true identity is safe for now. *grin* Even Thengel probabaly would not make the connection in spite of having lived in Gondor for so long.
SurgicalSteel
· 15 March 2007
· Chapter 3: Pitfalls of Ignorance
Nicely done again. Subtle changes in pronunciation really can make a huge difference, can't they? Classic one that happened to several med students in my class when we rotated through obstetrics: the Spanish words for 'push' and 'whore' are only different by one letter. So they thought they were telling a woman in labor to push...
Very nicely done!
Author's reply
Yes, it's fun learning new languages and discovering all the pitfalls for the unwary. I have to be careful to whom I say the English word "muffin" here in China because it sounds remarkably like the Chinese word for "horsesh*t". My middle-school kids thought it was hysterical when I used the word in a sentence.
And thanks. I'm glad you are enjoying the story.
Bodkin
· 15 March 2007
· Chapter 3: Pitfalls of Ignorance
Well - Grimbold was certainly looking for an excuse to be offended and attack Aragorn. But Thengel's response is remarkably intelligent! Making the punishment fit the crime. And - in some ways - it's not a bad thing for Aragorn to be forced to take a back seat for a bit. He really doesn't want to be Mr Totally Perfect - not if he wants to earn himself any kind of liking!
(And Thengel might do well to insist that Aragorn learns much better Rohirric before he rides with the eored. And it'll give him something to do while he heals!)
Author's reply
Well, you'll find out in the next chapter just what Aragorn's punishment will be for insulting the Mearas the way he did, however inadvertent it was. I think you'll find it both amusing and appropriate for our itrepid hero. *lol*
Bodkin
· 12 March 2007
· Chapter 2: Running the Gauntlet
Circus!Aragorn!!
Well - I imagine that tremendous talent on horse-back, together with weapons' skills would win over many of the Rohirrim. (While a few will, maybe, look on him as a rather cocky young man who needs to be taken down a peg or two...)
Author's reply
*(While a few will, maybe, look on him as a rather cocky young man who needs to be taken down a peg or two...)*
Oooh, you read my mind! *lol*
But I did have fun writing the scene and Gilhael's response about Aragorn not practicing.
Edlyn
· 9 March 2007
· Chapter 1: Arrival in Edoras
Having had a quarter hour available to take a break this afternoon I decided to read chapter 1 and hopefully get a review done before I have to go back to work. So here it is...
As much as I am enjoying your Elf, Interrupted, I am so glad that you have begun this tale. Truly, of the all the peoples of Middle Earth, the one I identify with the most is the Rohirrim. Of course this may have to do wit hthe fact that I have been horse-mad since I was four-years old and the idea of living in a place where the everything revolved around horses suited me to a T when I first read The Two Towers back in 1971 (the paperbacks having been a present from my father). In fact, the only thing I took issue with was that it appeared to my young mind that all the Rohirrim were blond and blue-eyed and if I lived in middle-earth I'd be stuck in Minas Tirith without any horses at all because I had dark brown hair and eyes. Of course, later on I discovered that Thengel had married Morwen of Lossarnach and even in the royal family darker hair would likely show up from time to time.
In regards to the chapter, I found that seeing Edoras through Aragorn/Thorongil's eyes helped me visualize the place even more clearly (I admit I had some issues with the depiction of Edoras and the Rohirric villages in the movies, but that is based on my personal independent research in regards to Anglo-Saxon and Viking history in the British Isles, though I would have given anything to have been able to transport Meduseld to a vacant property here in Ohio). I also had issues with the amount of black being worn by the common people in the film since it is a colour that is difficult and expensive to achieve even if you begin with dark coloured fleece. However, as I was reading my mind's eye was seeing the people dressed in colours and undyed cloth waiting patiently for their turn to present thier petitions to the King.
Young Theoden is charming and I couldn't help but grin at his figiting during court.
You did an excellent job introducing the culture in detail and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next.
And if the university ever gets anyone in the English or history departments who teach Old and Middle English, I'm going ot learn to speak and read it properly!
May you live blessed,
Edlyn
Author's reply
I'm glad you think I did an excellent job introducing the culture in detail. I combined Tolkien's descriptions of Edoras with the visuals from the movies in a way that I hoped would not turn-off the purists. I too would love to have been able to transport Meduseld to a vacant lot anywhere! *lol*
As for learning Old English, why wait for the university? There are online courses you can take that will at least teach you the basics. Try King Alfred's Grammar, which I use to double-check my declensions and conjugations since all my OE books are safely stored away back in my brother's house. There are also OE dictionaries online too.
Larner
· 8 March 2007
· Chapter 2: Running the Gauntlet
A wonderful display, and worthy of the training he received. Love Thengel coming down cloaked and hooded, and the reassurance of young Theoden.
Author's reply
I figured Aragorn would need to prove himself worthy of the Rohirrim in a rather spectacular way, given that he's A). a stranger and B). young. I guess his little stunt worked. *grin*
SurgicalSteel
· 8 March 2007
· Chapter 2: Running the Gauntlet
I enjoyed the little glimpse of Aragorn's childhood - and I'm enjoying seeing him trying to fit in in Edoras.
Author's reply
Hi SurgicalSteel, I'm glad you're enjoying this story so far. There's plenty more to come.
vaske
· 8 March 2007
· Chapter 2: Running the Gauntlet
Wow, it looks like Aragorn and Gilhael are going to cause quite a stir amongst the Rohirrim. I hope it doesn't get too hard for Aragorn to keep his backstory straight! I'm enjoying this story as much as the prequell, keep up the great work:)
Author's reply
Thanks vaske. I appreciate your comments. I'm sure Aragorn will do just fine in remembering his backstory as long as he doesn't get carried away *grin*.
Linda Hoyland
· 4 March 2007
· Chapter 1: Arrival in Edoras
A very vivid beginning.I liked the idea of Aragorn arriving with his cousin.I loved your description of the Rohan Royal family.
Author's reply
Thanks, Linda, glad you like the story so far.
Bodkin
· 3 March 2007
· Chapter 1: Arrival in Edoras
Now - arriving with a cousin able to speak Rohirric seems a very good plan! And I like the detail about the Golden Hall and its inhabitants. Good to see Thengel and Morwen - and little Theoden sitting restively between his sisters.
Author's reply
Yes, having someone who speaks the language traveling with you is always a good idea, although Aragorn will find out that it doesn't always work. *grin*
Nikara
· 1 March 2007
· Chapter 1: Arrival in Edoras
Excellent new story. I look forward to hearing more about Aragorn's travels. I think my favorite section of this chapter was Aragorn's method for ensuring that he will only be refered to as Thorongil- very effective, it seems!
Author's reply
Yeah, I think that part is going to be everyone's favorite scene. LOL I'm happy that you are enjoying the story so far. Thanks for reviewing.