Dreamflower
· 15 December 2007
· Chapter 8: Waiting No Longer
What a lovely ending to this sweet story. I truly enjoyed the way Ivormil had truly learned humility, so that it was an entire surprise to him that Bidwell was returned to his keeping, and he was made its lord once more. And while in a way it was sad that his father had died without reconciling to him, it was probably just as well--if Canelmir had yet been living, he would not have appreciated his son's hard work in restoring the family name. He probably would have just been even more bitter and angry.
And Systerien has come a long way, too, from the shallow girl we met in the first chapter--and her willingness to sacrifice herself for the sake (so she thought) of the one she loved, also proved how well she too had learned the lessons set forth by the court of the Renewer.
But you *do* realize that you've left a couple of loose bunnies running around--I always find myself very curious about those criminals sentenced to serve in Arnor, and whether they learn their lessons, or just end up in worse trouble...one of these days maybe you will answer those niggling questions...*hint*hint*pushes bunnies at you hopefully*
Author's reply
I am SO glad you appreciate this, Dreamflower, and we've missed you terribly while the effects of the storms kept you incommunicado.
They've all come about to become the ones they ought to be--all except for Canelmir, who had forgotten he ever had a choice to be different than what he was.
As for these new plot bunnies--I DON'T need them now! The ones I have are becoming SO persistent--as persistent as my cat Zubran insisting he get petted NOW! Only these insist on getting WRITTEN now! I've been losing a lot of blood over the situation, you see....
Raksha The Demon
· 15 December 2007
· Chapter 2: Royal Recognition
I loved the scene of the investiture; as a Faramirist, to see my hero rewarded, crowned and gowned in silver and white, glowing with the moon's light...Sigh. And oh yes, Beregond's reprieve and reward countering the pain of his exile. Kingly justice indeed!
Author's reply
Yes, he is now the Prince of Ithilien, and deeply beloved by all. So glad you appreciated this.
It's a different POV of the investiture as I wrote it originally in "The Acceptable Sacrifice," of course; but I think those who worked within the Citadel must have been desperately proud of their Faramir that day, and honored the new King the more for his actions.
So glad you like it, Raksha.
Baggins Babe
· 14 December 2007
· Chapter 8: Waiting No Longer
".......who has done well in the lesser service is more likely to do well in the greater service of this realm."
This was perfect, Larner. The ideal last chapter. Ivormil has learned his lesson and become a worthy lord for his people, and Systerien has matured into someone worthy to be his lady. I thought it was wonderful that she went to the Queen and he to the King, and Aragorn and arwen were so wise in their advice.
They named their first son after Frodo - how very fitting.
Author's reply
The story apparently hit both you and Kitty almost identically. Am so glad you appreciated this chapter and the resolution of the story. Yes, both are now mature individuals who have learned to put others before themselves, and they each went to the right person after all.
And of COURSE they would name their first son after Frodo! Who else?
Thanks so much for following this one.
Theresa Greenfalcon
· 14 December 2007
· Chapter 8: Waiting No Longer
A fitting ending to a terrific story - I truly enjoyed it... thanks so much!
T
Author's reply
I'm so glad it entertained. Author's notes to be posted on Monday.
Neilia
· 14 December 2007
· Chapter 8: Waiting No Longer
WaaHooo! *arms waving in the air* They are married. What a great, sweet and fluffy love story. *sigh* I adore happy endings, can you tell? *giggle* (you'd never know I am a 60-year-old Granny. I am so young-at-heart!) :)
Author's reply
And I'm 57, so know just what you mean, Neilia. Thank you so! Am glad you enjoyed this one. Author's notes to be posted on Monday.
Kitty
· 14 December 2007
· Chapter 8: Waiting No Longer
Ah, good – the valet got caught and had to return the stolen goods. I am glad Ivormil got this memento of his mother back.
Ivormil has really changed much to his advantage. That he wants to serve Aragorn is telling a lot, isn’t it? And he wants to court Systerien :-) Though it is sad his father didn’t accept the comfort he tried to bring to him before he died.
Angthorn’s report about Ivormil was a joy to read. Ha, and I’d known it – Aragorn has named Ivormil the new Lord of Bidwell! Perfect! He deserves it, I think. Maybe it was good Canelmir didn’t live to know this; I’m not sure he would’ve been happy with this decision.
Systerien has changed quite a bit, too, from the maid we met in the first chapter. Back then she wanted to marry a Lord and did even think about the King – and now she thinks she’s not good enough for Ivormil. But just this is proving her worth the place as Lady of Bidwell. And I found it touching that she sought out the Queen while Ivormil went to the King. Who better to talk her out of this nonsense (or reassure Ivormil that Systerien is more than acceptable for him)?
And they got a wedding gift from the Shire and named their firstborn after Frodo :-)
Thank you, Larner, that chapter was perfect! *happy sigh*
(Will get to the other two updates ASAP, but between work overload in the library and fighting the beginnings of a cold, I was too drained in the evenings to do much, even reading and reviewing. Now I have to catch up with a lot of things.)
Author's reply
Yes, Bendred got caught. Am glad you approve of the new lord and lady of Bidwell, and may their folk ever be glad of them. Both have changed for the better, made anew by their exposure to the new King and his Companions, and indeed are ready to serve their people and the realm and one another in joy and delight, I think. And am glad that you approve of whom each went to for direction as to what to do next.
So glad it has given you joy.
Good luck throwing off the cold, and keep yourself as well as you can.
harrowcat
· 14 December 2007
· Chapter 8: Waiting No Longer
Ah *a deep and very happy sigh! Beautifully told Larner. And a lovely end to a rough day!
You evoke such a wonderful picture of a contented and happy realm. And we can use all our senses to appreciate it.
Author's reply
Yes, it sounds as if you're going through the mill yourself physically right now. God bless and keep you.
And so glad you appreciated the realm's peace as I presented it. Thank you so! Systerien and Ivormil have now worked their ways into my heart along with Ruvemir, Brendi, Narcissa, and Barti's family and Alvric and Denra.
Radbooks
· 12 December 2007
· Chapter 7: Apprenticeship in Caring
Another wonderful chapter! Faramir was right to have Ivormil follow Aragorn around to see what true servant leadership is all about. He's very fortunate that he is ruled my men that can read his heart and saw his willingness to change once he was exposed to another way of life. It was interesting to see that Bidwell was not their ancestral home, but Canelmir had sort of... stumbled into the lordship of that place. He didn't have that love and care for the land that many - but by no means all - lords have for their land and people that often IS passed down through long generations of father to son. And, I won't even talk about the way Canelmir treated his son! :( But, good things will come out of this for young Ivormil even if it is hard right now.
Author's reply
Yes, sometimes it's best to learn through ones mistakes, and other times through example. Gondor is blessed in this time, at least.
Am so glad you appreciated that Bidwell came to Canelmir sideways, as it were. I doubt Canelmir ever deserved much of anything. He certainly doesn't deserve his son as he'd shaping up!
Thanks so for the feedback.
Baggins Babe
· 12 December 2007
· Chapter 7: Apprenticeship in Caring
Gandalf is a wonderful matchmaker - well, I suppose he has to find other tasks now that Sauron is destroyed! What wise advice he had for the two young people.
Ivormil can admit that he was a boor on his forst visit, and I felt sorry that so few would sit with him for the meal - trust Frodo to show concern though. That's our compassionate hobbit. I also really hope Aragorn will have that valet punished for stealing.
Learning by watching the King will be the best thing for the young lord, and one day he will be worthy to be the lord of Bidwell.
Author's reply
Well, of course he's a wonderful matchmaker--he's probably watched tons of them developing during his millennium and a half in Middle Earth, and who knows how many before that?
Yes, Frodo knows the pain of being alone--almost totally alone. Yes, his compassion has been honed by his experiences.
As for the valet--well, wait and see.
And worth must be demonstrated to this king.
Thanks for the feedback.
Andrea
· 12 December 2007
· Chapter 7: Apprenticeship in Caring
I love Gandalf in this story! He arrives or shows himself precisely at the right time. Well - he's a wizard after all ;-)
Gandalf might have taken over the role of a matchmaker, but not only the wizard was involved, but also Frodo.
Although he may not know it yet, he played an important part in bringing those two together.
I'm looking forward to reading more!
Author's reply
Well, Gandalf IS a Wizard, and has learned to time his arrival to when it might best be helpful, after all. And certainly all appear to be unwittingly or wittingly cooperating in this courtship, as nascient as it currently is.
More will be posted Friday, God willing and the ISP cooperates. Heh!
Kitty
· 11 December 2007
· Chapter 7: Apprenticeship in Caring
Now I feel sorry for Ivormil. His leavetaking of his father was so sad. And his valet not only vanished, but did steal his money and the bracelet he had from his mother? You know, Ivormil may not have treated him well, but most of the blame lies with his father, and honestly - even that is no excuse for theft. Somehow I hope Aragorn has sent someone after the thief ... I'm offended on Ivormil's behalf.
Ivormil following Aragorn around is a great idea - he's learning through the best example available, and I get the impression he's truly changing and trying to improve. Hm ... to take him to councils and all that may be a way to set him up as Lord of Bidwell in the future, after the one who will now take over ... but maybe I'm a bit too optimistic?
And his shy courtship with Systerien, if one can call it a courtship yet, is sweet. Well, at least he has not to feel too much shunned and lonely, as Frodo and the others are nice to him now; that may help him, too. It is good to know his attempts to improve are acknowledged and even rewarded.
The mentioning of Alvric made me smile; you know already how I enjoy your way to tie your stories together.
Author's reply
Am so glad you are finding Ivormil a far more sympathetic character than he was when he started out. Thank you so for the feedback, Kitty. I am honored.
Neilia
· 10 December 2007
· Chapter 7: Apprenticeship in Caring
I love Mithrandir! He is a great matchmaker. The rest of the chapter is...what can I say...more, please, kind author.
Author's reply
The ISP from Mordor cooperating, the next chapter should be posted on Friday.
Yes, Gandalf the matchmaker indeed. Thanks so much for the words of appreciation.
harrowcat
· 10 December 2007
· Chapter 7: Apprenticeship in Caring
Ivormil seems to be bearing up rather well considering the vast change in circumstances. I am glad that someone knows of the thefts but also that he can understand and almost see it as just desserts for his previous behaviour. I am glad that you didn't make us watch that wound debrading! (Still a little too close to home for me to be comfortable with although I am not squemish usually.)
And I loved that final bit with the two new lovers and Gandalf!
Oh and I am glad that my favourite Lawyer got a mention. I know one or two real ones that could learn a lot from him! Mum's trust fund is still in the process of being set up!
Author's reply
Yes, Ivormil is knowing more personal grace as he goes along, and am glad you appreciate how he feels about the thefts.
No, not going to force others to see the debrading of the wound--it's all I can do to imagine it! And considering your mom, I truly understand how especially it might affect you.
Yes, our Gandalf is approving of the growing relationship here.
And Alvric does get his mention, although he doesn't appear in this particular story. So glad you appreciate the nod his way.
Theresa Greenfalcon
· 10 December 2007
· Chapter 7: Apprenticeship in Caring
I especially appreciated the appearance of Gandalf in your story - I realized that a lot of the time, we do NOT see him in the way most of the "ordinary people" of Gondor would and it's a terrific view. This view of Gandalf makes you appreciate just how unique his relationship was with both Bilbo and the members of the Fellowship - and frankly, just how cool Gandalf really is as a person - along with what Saruman *should* have been and was not.
I like this story more and more as it goes... I'm actually scouting my inbox watching for the updates more than I do for Tenant of Staddle!
T
Author's reply
Oh, I love Gandalf as well, but he seems very much to have hidden in the margins during much of the time after the return to Minas Tirith--at least in my stories.
Yes, quite an individual who has known how many folk, big and small, in the past millennium and a half, doing his best to bring out the best in each. Yes, what Saruman SHOULD have been!
And am so glad that you appreciated a mention of Alvric. You will get to know Anorgil in another story I've been working on but that has been put on the back burner as the real situation it's based on gets a bit more tweaked. It's one that's kept me fascinated for the past ten years, at least.
As for The Tenant--am trying to finish up the next chapter of "Stirring Rings" first--it's been sitting there getting no updating for SO long! This particular story is complete, so is being updated twice a week, the ISP from Mordor allowing.
Baggins Babe
· 9 December 2007
· Chapter 6: On Lordship and Responsibility
Young Ivormil is learning - his concern is for Bidwell and its people. I hope and suspect that eventually he will become their lord. He's developing nicely and has been willing to learn from his mistakes.
Well, Narthord may be branded but he'll have an easier time in Bree than his lord, who will be reduced to serving another, and carrying out his own tasks.
Author's reply
I agree--Ivormil is learning indeed.
As for the difference between Narthord and Canelmir--I do believe you are right!
Thanks so for the feedback.
Andrea
· 9 December 2007
· Chapter 6: On Lordship and Responsibility
Once again, great chapter!
I will never fully understand (or appreciate) the custom of branding in Gondor. But I read your comment and I agree with you that Narthord might be better off in the future than his lord.
Ivormil's reaction impressed me! He would have gone with his father to serve him. But I'm quite sure that Canelmir would never have done, or considered such a thing.
Last but not least I loved Pippin's description of his life as the Thain's heir. That's how life should be, but even in the Shire it was not always like that. Just think of the S.-B.s!
Author's reply
The custom was very common within England, and so it was that the person was to raise their hand when swearing an oath to prove he or she had not been branded. There was a special staple in the dock where an individual stood while being tried in Lancaster Castle through which the hand was thrust once guilt was determined that the branding would take place then and there before the court.
I tend to side with Frodo--the custom was barbaric, but did give common folk warning of those who were worst offenders that they might be on their guard.
EpiscopalWitch
· 9 December 2007
· Chapter 6: On Lordship and Responsibility
Hold it - Canelmir is sent off to do his own laundry in a little house, but his accomplice is physically branded and sent off to be a slave (basically) for life? I find this disturbing and not the kind of justice I would expect from Aragorn, because I see Canelmir's crimes as worse than his cousin's. As he had the greater responsibility as lord of the land, so much the worse was his guilt.
Author's reply
I would agree with you, BUT--there are political considerations. And in the end Narthord is likely to end up happier with his lot than Canelmir in his own. Canelmir must serve as a servant in the home of one of the Princes of the realm--is he any less a slave in the end than Narthord, who will probably know kindness from Bob, Nob, and Butterbur? Remember, Aragorn is a new King, and the lesser lords don't know him and his full capabilities as yet. If he were to do what he'd really like to do with Canelmir, short of the crime of murder it wouldn't be tolerated by the rest of similar rank, I fear.
Fiondil
· 7 December 2007
· Chapter 6: On Lordship and Responsibility
When I was in the SCA oh so long ago we had a saying: "Treat your inferiors as if they were your peers, your peers as if they were your superiors, and their Majesties with the respect due to God." I'm sure the sentiment could easily be translated into Middle-earth terms. A nice summary of what it means to be a 'servant-king' in whatever circumstance one finds oneself. I hope Ivormil is given a good mentor. I wonder if it's anyone we know? *grin*
Author's reply
The admonitions given Canelmir and his son are, after all, almost straight out of the Old and New Testaments, as well as being common to almost all other religions and philosophies, even if couched in other terms.
"There's so much good in the worst of us
and so much bad in the best of us
that it ill behooves a one of us
to speak aught ill of the rest of us"
goes the old Celtic wisdom, translated to more modern English.
"Do what thou wilt, an it does no harm." the Wiccan Rede
"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." the Golden Rule
I once knew the admonitions from the Koran, but have forgotten it. It did state that those who do Allah's will who do not know Him as Allah are in the end perhaps more blessed than those who consider them selves good Moslems but trust in their own conceits--something about the justified Jew, IIRC.
Yes, the good servant-king indeed.
Raksha The Demon
· 7 December 2007
· Chapter 6: On Lordship and Responsibility
I almost feel sorry for Canelmir, the old goat! He's learned the hard way that the new King will not tolerate the misuse of power. I appreciate the mention that Denethor wasn't going to tolerate it either. (poor Denethor was not an easy man, or a faultless one, but none could say he failed to make sacrifices for his office and for Gondor)
Author's reply
Such abuse of power and position would capture the attention of almost any competent ruler, and no one has EVER said Denethor was less than competent. And Aragorn wouldn't stand for it at all once he was King, I'd think. Am glad you agree.
Tigger
· 7 December 2007
· Chapter 6: On Lordship and Responsibility
It was a good place to be, here in the presence of the King Returned, Systerien realized.
I don't think Canelmir shares that sentiment. ;o)
Nicely done and it was a foregone conclusion he would lose his title and lands. To be sent into service of Imrahil though, is something I'm sure he didn't even think of and he will have to work. Since he has no servants, he either works or he will in even deeper trouble than he's in now.
Now...For young Ivormil, what is to happen to him? Why do I have a feeling he will succeed whomever Aragorn sends to Bidwell? Provided the young lord continues down the path he's undertaken ever since his first trip to Minas Tirith that is. From what we've seen, there's hope indeed for the boy.
Looking forward to the next installment of this. :o)
Author's reply
I suspect you're right about Canelmir, Tigger. Losing his prestige, power, position, and wealth as well as (effectively) his freedom is going to probably prove worse for him than what Narthord will most likely find in Bree.
As for Ivormil--perhaps you're right? As you've pointed out, he does show promise.
harrowcat
· 7 December 2007
· Chapter 0: Vocabulary Lessons
Good idea of Blueberry's. I went back and read it after dipping into the first chapter of this and it does help.
Author's reply
Glad that I did it, then. Thanks, Harrowcat.
harrowcat
· 7 December 2007
· Chapter 6: On Lordship and Responsibility
A very good place indeed to be. And Ivormil will prove to be as good a guide to the needs of his people as he will a learner from from whoever is set as to look after his land and city.
Author's reply
Yes, methinks that Ivormil has a good deal of responsibility to him already. So glad you agree!
Love to the parents and Jet.
Dreamflower
· 7 December 2007
· Chapter 6: On Lordship and Responsibility
*grin* This was So. Much. Fun! I have a feeling Canelmir is going to find himself in a pickle having to do for himself. As to Narthond--he's in Bree, huh? I wonder if he actually learns his lesson or not--if he does, all the better, but if he doesn't, I'll bet he finds even shorter shrift from the Breelanders than he got from the King.
But my favorite part had to be Pippin's recitation of his place in the Shire, complete with hobbit genealogies all the way back to the Old Took, and boasts about hobbit-cooking, LOL! And, as the saying goes, "no brag, just fact". I'll bet Frodo, Merry and Sam were beaming in pride over him, though I'm sure Sam probably blushed to here himself proclaimed the "best cook in Middle-earth"!
Blueberry
· 7 December 2007
· Chapter 6: On Lordship and Responsibility
Hi again!
Thanks! I found the scenes, though I somehow still believe that I read them in this story, but well, perhaps I'm mistaken. Anyway, I do think that you should add those parts to this story, otherwise something is really missing. Since if you haven't read the parts, you can't understand, what Ivormil exactly did to offend all of them so and yes, as I said, somehting is missing then.
Author's reply
Then I shall see to adding it as a prologue. Thanks for the suggestion.
Blueberry
· 7 December 2007
· Chapter 6: On Lordship and Responsibility
Hi,
It's a great and truly amazing story. I enjoyned it so far. However, did you delete some part of it? I can't find the scene anymore where Ivormil mets Aragorn for the first time and doesn't recognize him and then stands before him in court. And where Ivormil meets Sam and Frodo when he had arrived to the castle, I'm missing as well.
Since I'm sure I read those scenes, why did you take them out?
Author's reply
No, Blueberry, I didn't delete that scene--that was a separate, single-chapter story, "Vocabulary Lessons," that is posted in my "Moments in Time" collection. Do check the description of the story--it is referenced there.
Thank you so much for demonstrating how you like the story and the one that sparked this one. I am honored. Do you think I ought to add that story as a prologue of sorts to this (relatively short) novel?