Stirrings of Shadow by Fiondil
Elentarri · 13 May 2009 · Chapter 70: Epilogue: Shadows of the White Wizard
Brilliant! I love your writing style and the originality of the story. Please write a sequel with Thorongil in Gondor. :-) Happy writing Elentarri
Author's reply
Thanks Elentarri. There might be a sequel but not immediately. Other stories take precedence. Hopefully, you'll enjoy them as well.
Larner · 13 May 2009 · Chapter 70: Epilogue: Shadows of the White Wizard
Ah--a worthy ending to a fascinating tale. And we know that in time Saruman did manage to use Grima's position in court to control Theoden.
Author's reply
Thanks, Larner. I'm so glad you enjoyed this tale. Thanks for all your reviews. I really appreciated them.
Arwen75 · 13 May 2009 · Chapter 70: Epilogue: Shadows of the White Wizard
I have loved this story from start to finish...and this last chapter sent a few shivers down my spine as well as making my smile at points. The way you have told the story overall of the rebillion and given hints of how Saruman is starting to ploit against Rohan has been wonderful. I am just sad to see it finish and hope that you plan to tell us more of Thorongil & Gilhael - be it in Rohan or Gondor.
Author's reply
Hi Arwen. Thank you so much! I really appreciate you letting me know how much you enjoyed this story. There may be a sequel about Thorongil and Gilhael in Gondor but it won't be anytime soon as I have other projects on which I am working, but it's not out of the realm of possibility.
Tari · 12 May 2009 · Chapter 5: Change of Plans
I didn't know that was how a person was blinded. How hideous. I'm so glad Thengel found a way around this and spared the sight of an innocent child. I'm sure the time Thorongil spent with Thengel helped to strenghten their friendship and that of Thengel's household. The time would come when he would need help from Rohan during the final battle and they would willing give it.
Author's reply
Well there are several methods for blinding people, but this one at least does not require plucking the eyes out. Thengel's solution was pretty brilliant, I would say. I'm sure Thorongil's time in Rohan did help strengthen the ties of friendship, so that years later Theoden would remember him and help him during the Ring War.
Ainu Laire · 10 May 2009 · Chapter 69: The King’s Reward
I feel like the end of this story is coming very soon, and that saddens me; I love your Aragorn, elves, and Dunedain, and want to see more of them XD Thank you for the wonderful story. So Tolkienesque, so wonderful. It pleases me so much to read it.
Author's reply
Actually, there is only one more chapter left which will be posted this week. I have no idea if there will be a sequel to this with Aragorn and Gilhael going to Gondor. Perhaps, but I cannot say definitely at this time. I'm glad you enjoyed this story Ainu Laire, since it was your idea *grin*. Thanks for reading and reviewing. I really appreciate it.
njomo · 6 May 2009 · Chapter 69: The King’s Reward
Fiondil, congratulations on a wonderful story! Though I haven't reviewed until now, I've been following the story for a while. I've especially liked the chapters with elves--just a failing of mine--none on your part! But the story kept me coming back week after week to find out how everything would turn out. What a surprise, too, with an appearance by Glorfindel at the end of this chapter. One thing that really grabbed me though, was the the translation of Denethor’s oath from Quenya. I most likely read this before at some point in time, but it never struck me as it did when I read it today. Maybe it was the reference to "those who sit upon the thrones of the West and of the One who is above all thrones for ever." Needless to say, it gave me shivers. At the time of the War of the Ring, Denethor asks Theoden to "remember old friendship and oaths long spoken." At the same time, Theoden says "even if Rohan itself felt no peril, still we would come to his [Denethor's] aid." Valar valuvar indeed. Joanne
Author's reply
Hi, Joanne. Thank you so much for letting me know how much you've been enjoying this tale and thank you for the congratulations. The telling of this story took longer than I originally thought and it's been quite a ride. Just one more chapter (an Epilogue) which will be posted soon. The Oaths of Eorl and Cirion are very powerful, especially when you consider the cultures involved where oathgiving and oathkeeping are absolutely sacred and oathbreaking is the ultimate treachery. A pity we in our times have forgotten that and consider any promise given breakable when it becomes too inconvenient. And I'm glad you liked the surprise appearance of Glorfindel. I wasn't quite sure myself who the messenger was until he lifted his hood, so I was just as surprised as everyone else. *grin* Thanks again for reading and reviewing. I truly appreciate it.
Larner · 6 May 2009 · Chapter 69: The King’s Reward
And the oath of Eorl is in line with ancient oaths sworn in Britain, of which the Master, of course, was fully aware. Love Widfara's reward. Excellent!
Author's reply
Yes, the oath is very "Anglo-Saxony" *grin*. I'm glad you approve of Wídfara's reward. I think it was quite appropriate considering all he did for Thengel during the crisis.
Sunny · 6 May 2009 · Chapter 69: The King’s Reward
Thengel is happier here – and no wonder. He is not delivering judgements and ordering punishments – including capital punishments – but instead he is handing out rewards for faithful service! Widfara is evidently both nervous and happy at his new dignities – and responsibilities - as the new Lord of Alorharadsdale. It wouldn’t surprise me if he asked himself when it came to the disposition of Léodward, “What would Thorongil have done in this situation?”. And there would certainly have been worse role models. It wouldn’t surprise me if Thengel is pleased that Widfara models himself on Thorongil – and that is perhaps one factor in his decision that young Sigefred would be granted a thegnship after getting trained up by Widfara. As for Aragorn - his reward for a job well done is … another job! And Gilhael’s "I am your humble servant, my lord" – in Adûnaic, which nobody else there would understand – was deeply amusing, under the circumstances. And _are_ his brothers going to be jealous that Aragorn is getting his own éored?
Author's reply
Giving out rewards is always more fun than giving out judgments and punishments. I'm sure Thengel had as much fun doing it as the recipients had in receiving them. I think you may be right about Wídfara asking such a question. I don't think Thengel minds that he models himself on Thorongil, especially since they are gwedyr. It just makes sense. And Thorongil getting his own éored... well, that's like being Chieftain of the Dúnedain and is already a role with which he is comfortable, so I don't think he minds. *grin* As for his brothers.... I'm sure they'll pretend indifference, but underneath they're going to wish they had stayed in Rohan with him. *lol* Glad you liked this chapter, Sunny. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate it.
Kaylee · 6 May 2009 · Chapter 69: The King’s Reward
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! *glomps Fiondil* That's the sound of me screaming in excitement. *GRINS* I loved all the rewards given. Aragorn got his own eored! Well, to share with Gilhael. I hope they can share nicely. *snicker* BTW, I meant to tell you before, I LOVE Thengel's constant use of 'son' for Thorongil...I bet Ecthelion will be just the same, and then Denethor will perchance regret his invitation, to our sorrow. They would have made such wonderful gwedyr! Alas that Ecthelion's favour sparked Denethor's jealousy. But at least in Mandos they finally made their peace. (And if anyone here reading this review hasn't read your "Aragorn in Mandos" fic, THEY NEED TO! *grins* And your other Mandos fics! Need to, need to, need to! Because they're awesome and I said. :-p) *Anyway*, lol, I'm so glad for Widfara! And for the former lord of Widfara's new holdings, that he'll be able to stay in his house and be looked after. Widfara is a kind and generous soul and I love him very much. (Can I marry him? *grin* Oh, wait. He's fictional. *pout* But hey, if Widfara ever wants to get married and you can render "Kaylee" into Rohirric...*bats eyes*) ...No, I'm not hyper at ALL this morning. *snort* Nor am I trying to beat Rhyselle and Edlyn's review-as-long-as-the-chapter reviews. Really. *innocent grin* No, I'm just trying to amuse you. *beams* And hey, sometimes it takes this long to tell you how very much I enjoyed the chapter, all of it! It's making me sad to think this story is finally ending. Best part besides the rewarding...YOU SNEAKED IN GLORFI! YES! *loves Glorfi* And...you sneaked in Finda! Ok, only by name. But mention him more often! *beams* *loves them both* YAY GLORFI THE MAIL-ELF! *snicker* Or should that be Messenger Elf? *is bouncing with hyperness, forget about not being hyper* Ok, I'll eat my breakfast now like a good little Kaylee and stop rambling. In short... I LOVED IT. Tye-melin, Kaylee!
Author's reply
All I can say to all that is, thank you, Kaylee. I'm glad you loved this chapter, the rewarding, and Glorfindel (and Finrod being mentioned). I think 'Messenger Elf' sounds much better than 'Mail Elf' myself. *grin* I'm sure Glorfi would agree. Thengel is, of course, in his 50's and Aragorn is young enough to be his son so it stands to reason that he would address him in a paternal manner. I think Ecthelion probably did the same, and perhaps that was part of the problem with Denethor, thinking that Aragorn was somehow supplanting him in his father's eyes. I doubt that is what Ecthelion was really doing, but.... at any rate, as you point out, Denethor and Aragorn do reconcile in Mandos (at least according to my version of events), so things do work out between them eventually. Anyway, just one last chapter left. I'm happy to know that you've been enjoying this story. Thanks for reading and reviewing, Kaylee. I really appreciate it.
Shoshana_Rose · 30 April 2009 · Chapter 68: Storm Warnings
By a funny coicidence, I'm currently doing research and writing about the pollution/impurity of lands (causes, means of purgation, and type(s) of pollution envisiaged in different texts from Ancient West Asia). After reading your description of the elaborate procedure of removing the cremated remains from the lands of Rohan, I wanted to run for my notepad, before remembering this is fiction. :) It still gives me a sense for how ubiquitous some of these beliefs are. Very interesting. I thought this was a very interesting couple of chapters. I'm a little disturbed that Léodward has been playing with the children--I believe if I were Thengel I'd think twice about that. That he's mentally damaged would make me wary of him all the more, if he should ever prove unstable... I thought for the most part that Thengel showed remarkable restraint and mercy, given all he'd personally lost. As I've said before, I really like your characterization of the King of Rohan. It's also quite nice how you're bringing all the plot threads together. Can't wait to read on. Best, Shoshi
Author's reply
Hi Shoshi. That's really interesting about your studies. And I can see you trying to sneak in the purgation practices of the Rohirrim into your paper. *lol* You needn't worry too much about Léodward as he is under constant guard. Thengel's no fool, but at the moment the poor man is content to play and not cause trouble. I'm glad you like my characterization of Thengel. He is an interesting person -- a Rohir who's lived the better part of his adult life in Gondor and has adopted their ways and worldviews so that he's more a stranger to his own people than they would like, yet he is capable and able to act the king the Rohirrim need, especially after Fengel. This story (unfortunately) will be wrapping up soon and hopefully I will have tied up most of the loose plot threads by then, leaving one or two loose because we know what eventually happens when Théoden becomes king. Thanks for reading and reviewing, Shoshi. I really appreciate it.
Agape4Gondor · 28 April 2009 · Chapter 68: Storm Warnings
Excellent chapter. Though I hope Thengel put a guard on the bodies! Dead or not, I don't trust them! : )
Author's reply
Thanks, Agape. I'm glad you liked the chapter. I'm sure a guard was put on the bodies just as a precaution and to keep irate citizens from taking their revenge on the bodies by desecrating them.
Larner · 28 April 2009 · Chapter 68: Storm Warnings
It would appear that the elements themselves have little love for the Umbari necromancer! A terrible realization, that Sauron himself is part of the plot, if only to strengthen his network of perversion and hatred and distrust, working for the day when at last all falls to naught and under his control. At least these two will not again trouble the world, save in memory. Now, to clear up the final loose ends at Helm's Deep.
Author's reply
Yes, apparently Lord Manwë had a thing or two to say about it all, according to my beta. *grin* At least we know that Sauron (and Saruman) didn't succeed, though they came perilously close to it. The next chapter will (hopefully) tie up most, if not all, the loose ends.
6336 · 28 April 2009 · Chapter 68: Storm Warnings
And the trials go ever on! More please, Lynda
Author's reply
Not entirely, though it probably feels like it to Thengel. *grin*
Sunny · 28 April 2009 · Chapter 68: Storm Warnings
I hope the rank-and-file Haradrim soldiers are happy that they will not be sent home – spending the rest of their lives rebuilding what was destroyed would be preferable to being sacrificed to Sauron. And it is not likely that Thengel will permit them to be abused, after all. Guthláf and the necromancer are to be executed – as expected. And their bodies burnt – is that as a precaution, perhaps? I was almost surprised at Thengel’s surprise at the crowds. I would expect that the people of Edoras wanted to know that the Necromancer and the worst of the traintors were properly dealt with. I do not think they are disappointed. And that necromancer will get that little chat with Námo… *grim smile*
Author's reply
Actually, I think if you go back and re-read the first part of the chapter, it says nothing about Thengel being surprised at the crowds, but rather that Gilhael didn't think there would be any considering the inclement weather. You notice that Thengel neither moves the trial inside Meduseld nor postpones it for a better day the way Denethor (and presumably Gilhael) was hoping. The bodies being burnt is a precaution. Thengel doesn't want their evil polluting his lands. At any rate, both Guthláf and the Umbari get that little chat with Námo, though I doubt either one of them will enjoy it. *grin*
Tari · 27 April 2009 · Chapter 2: Running the Gauntlet
“Mithfaron eyed the humans with equine disdain, shaking his head in disgust at the two-legs dancing about him, but he never left his beloved master’s side.” This is absolutely priceless as is the whole episode. Maybe next time the Rohirrim are in a situation like this, they’ll wait before judging someone. I wonder if Thengel senses something different about Thorongil?
Author's reply
I'm glad you liked this episode, Tari. I'm not sure if THengel senses something different about Thorongil, but certainly he realizes that he's not been trained in the usual way. At the moment he's willing to ignore Thorongil's peculiarities and just accept him at face value.
Agape4Gondor · 23 April 2009 · Chapter 67: The King’s Justice
Well - an interesting couple of days.
Author's reply
And it only gets more interesting with the next chapter. *grin*
Larner · 22 April 2009 · Chapter 67: The King’s Justice
I can certainly appreciate why Thengel decided that two were enough to judge in one day. Isenbert would be enough to turn anyone's stomach! Yecch! A just judgment, and probably better than he deserved.
Author's reply
I think Thengel had enough for one day and decided he needed a break. *grin* And Isenbert's judgment is probably better than he deserves, though he probably doesn't think so.
Kaylee · 22 April 2009 · Chapter 67: The King’s Justice
Thengel King's judgements are wise indeed, and very fair. I feel sorry for Léodward, but being damaged in mind is worse than anything Thengel could inflict...and yet, better, because as an innocent he will have no capacity to try any other plan against Thengel; I doubt it would occur to him to do so. Thengel is very kind to the wounded boy and his father; I applaud him there, certainly. As for Isenbert...*shudder* That man sickens me. I'm glad that Thengel sentenced him as he did. Hopefully Isenbert's heirs, whoever they are (forgive me for not remembering, if it has been mentioned) will not suffer unduly from the loss of their father's titles, assuming they haven't followed in his footsteps. To find out about the blackmailing...*shakes head* Really, Isenbert went too far... ...but not as far as Guthlaf. Thengel King is wise indeed to wait on *that* judgement, and the judgement of the...necromancer. Hopefully all will be resolved as peacefully as possible, though I have a feeling that, for slaying a queen, (no matter how ick she was) they, too, will be slain. *shudder* Well done! It gave me shivers in all the right places. ~Kaylee!
Author's reply
Thanks, Kaylee. I'm glad you agree with Thengel's judgments. He is trying to be fair without being a pushover. And some people, like Isenbert, just don't get it and never will. We'll see in the next chapter what fate is in store for Guthláf and the Umbari.
6336 · 22 April 2009 · Chapter 67: The King’s Justice
Justice and mercy for them as needs it! Well done Thengel. One down two to go. More please, Lynda
Author's reply
Thanks, Lynda. We'll see in the next chapter how Thengel handles Guthláf and the Umbari. It will not be a pleasant confrontation, but I think you know that. *grin*
Sunny · 22 April 2009 · Chapter 67: The King’s Justice
A good thing that those who were forced to fight against the king, and surrendered early, were treated gently. And it was _very_ sensible that those who were not leaders in the rebellion and who mistreated and harassed others during were rebellion were not killed, but were sentenced to labour instead. And there are a number of things to rebuild now, so those extra hands will be useful there. They could not punish Léodward, but then he is hardly a threat in his state. Then Isenbert: "When you came to the throne with your foreign wife and ways, with your annoying sense of honor and generosity, I knew that unwelcome change was in the wind." Very definitely somebody Thengel wouldn't want as one of his lords. And since he _did_ join the rebellion, the King had a good reason to rid him of that status - and he is also one who probably would start plotting again, given the chance. Now there remains only Guthláf, who brought in the necromancer, and the Umbari. I suspect that Námo will _particularly_ want to, ahem, _discuss_ a few things with that necromancer...
Author's reply
Thengel is trying to be fair yet not be a pushover, either, and I think that the sentences that he gave were reasonable and pardoning those who were forced into rebellion by their lords only makes sense, otherwise he might find himself facing yet another rebellion. We will see in the next chapter how Guthláf and the Umbari fare. Thanks for your review Sunny. I'm glad you liked the chapter.
Arwen75 · 22 April 2009 · Chapter 67: The King’s Justice
Great to see how Thengel is merciful to those who were cuaght between a rock and a hard place. He recognises truly that many were forced to fight against him. I am still really enjoying this story and looking forward to seeing where it goes next....
Author's reply
Thanks, Arwen. I'm gald you are still enjoying this story. I have portrayed Thengel as compassion and wise throughout this tale and so his handling of those who were forced to fight against him is consistent with this. We'll see in the next chapter how he handles the ringleaders. Thanks for your review. I appreciate it.
Larner · 16 April 2009 · Chapter 66: Pearls of Grief
A most apt analogy, and certainly worthy of Elrond of Imladris. And now Denethor has a great deal of information about Thorongil about which to wonder.... A wise King, Thengel, and far more worthy than his poor mother, and apparently his father as well. And now her jewel casket will hold her ashes--alas for it, to be reduced so in all ways.
Author's reply
Thanks, Larner. When I came across the phrase I just knew I wanted to use it and who better than Elrond to speak of such? I think at this point in time Denethor is not suspicious of Thorongil/Aragorn. They are becoming friends and I think that friendship lasted for some time before Denethor's jealousy got the better of him. As for the jewel casket... at least it belonged to her and therefore fitting as the receptacle of her final remains.
6336 · 16 April 2009 · Chapter 66: Pearls of Grief
You are right, Elrond must have a triple strand by now and more to come! Lynda
Author's reply
I suspect you are right about that Lynda. It makes the metaphor more poignant, knowing that he has had plenty of experience over the long ages in gathering such pearls for himself and, as you say, there are more to come.
Jancy · 16 April 2009 · Chapter 66: Pearls of Grief
Hello, Jancy here! Wow, it seems that everytime I go way you update a lot and I have to catch up. Your updates always cheer me up even if the update is a sad chapter or sad story. I liked the example (is this the right word? Or is it a metaphor? Sorry about my bad language skills) of "Pearls of Grief," it sounds poetic, sad and beautiful at the same time. Thank you for writing!
Author's reply
Hi Jancy. I'm glad my updates cheer you and that you are still enjoying this tale. Metaphor would be the correct word. I'm glad you liked it. I thought it was quite appropriate, myself. Thanks for reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Linda Hoyland · 16 April 2009 · Chapter 56: Over the Wall
What an exciting chapter! My heart was in my mouth for the climb and then again when the patrol arrived.I see Denethor is already suspicious of Gandalf and likes to be in charge.Widfara is as delightful as ever.
Author's reply
Thanks, Linda. I'm glad you found this chapter so exciting. Denethor, of course, as the Steward of Gondor's heir, is used to being in charge and Wídfara is always delightful, isn't he? *grin*