Tigger
· 30 November 2007
· Chapter 4: Lord in Question
Says in a sing song voice...
Someone's going to a rude awakening...
:oD
Very much looking forward to the Lord of Bidwell meeting the King for the first time. Very much indeed. Also looking forward to him being found out for trying to cook the books. We all know it's coming as Aragorn and those around him are no fools.
However Canelmir doesn't know that.
Yes...Very much looking forward to the next chapter indeed!! :D
Author's reply
The ISP from Mordor permitting, the next chapter should be posted on Monday. The tech support claims that we used up all our time for the day, and I'd truly like to know how. Grandson was trying to download a patch allowing him to copy his music from his CDs to his new MP3 player, and had nothing but hassles for the entire time he was online. I got online long enough to post this chapter, then was kicked off; hours later I'm FINALLY able to get back on.
Canelmir will, I suspect, find he has no place with his attitudes and expressed aptitudes, in the new order of the realm. Certainly Aragorn doesn't suffer fools readily.
Grey Wonderer
· 30 November 2007
· Chapter 4: Lord in Question
Interesting conversation between father and son. I hate when a parent expects complete approval on all fronts from a child and is jealous of those that become close to his or her child. Strange. I don't think this gentleman will go very far if something doesn't change.
Author's reply
My husband's ex-wife was terribly jealous of the love their son came to hold for me, I saw, and I always felt sorry for her over that.
No, I doubt Canelmir will do well in the new court of Gondor.
So glad to have your feedback.
Grey Wonderer
· 30 November 2007
· Chapter 3: A Young Lord Disgraced
Ah, there is always someone listening when you least expect it. LOL
Author's reply
One DOES need to be careful. They are lucky the eavesdroppers are benign, at least. Heh!
Grey Wonderer
· 30 November 2007
· Chapter 2: Royal Recognition
Beregond's fate was well received and I am so glad that he was spared. When I first read the book it was one of the things that troubled me most. I liked the fact that Aragorn spoke well of Denethor to the staff too.
Author's reply
I always suspected that Aragorn had found many things about Denethor to admire during the time he was in Gondor, and that he was wise enough not to speak badly of him to those who'd served him, but would focus on what was good in him rather than the final madness.
And that he would find such a way to honor Beregond while meeting the letter of the law I always felt spoke very well of him.
So glad you are glad that those within the Citadel should approve of this.
Thanks so for the feedback.
Dreamflower
· 30 November 2007
· Chapter 4: Lord in Question
Oh dear! It looks as if at least *one* reason Canelmir failed to appear during the War was not simply parsimony, but outright greed and dishonesty. And it looks as though he suffers badly from Lord Denethor's worst failing--pride. It remains to be seen whether he is also a coward. But he's not too intelligent if he thinks to fool the new King with a set of cooked books.
And Ivormil has well and truly fallen: for the King, for the Ringbearer and for Systerien--which is, of course, the one way for him to rise up. Yet he's not taking that into consideration, which is a very Good Thing, and speaks well for him. He's truly thinking of others first for the first time in his life.
Wonder how such a poor example of a father managed to have such a promising son.
Author's reply
One must expect his mother must have been a better example, although you will learn of her in time.
Yes, Ivormil has fallen, and in a way he will be raised up once more.
Theresa Greenfalcon
· 30 November 2007
· Chapter 4: Lord in Question
I have a feeling that Lord Canelmir is NOT going to enjoy his interview with King Elessar, or any of the others he will meet with on his visit to Minas Anor... I have a feeling he will also not be in his position much longer...
T
Author's reply
I very much suspect you are right, Theresa. He's not done very well so far at proving himself a responsible lord of the realm, has he?
EpiscopalWitch
· 29 November 2007
· Chapter 3: A Young Lord Disgraced
I admit I didn't read the summary carefully - how, I wondered, could this story be a sequal to "Vocabulary Lessons," which I certainly remembered - so I was surprised and pleased when Ivormil showed up! I like him from his first words, his question about whether she's a great lady in rags. I like Systerien, too. She may have arrived back in Minas Tirith with a chip on her shoulder, but she's melting fast. I like that she spoke honestly about her ambitions and family past to Ivormil.
Author's reply
Yes, this little nuzgul who was masquerading as another innocent plot bunny has been pursuing me almost since I wrote "Vocabularly Lessons." Aragorn brought the power of the Elessar back into the world of Men; and gave new life and hearts to many, I suspect. Both Ivormil and Systerien are learning, at least.
Neilia
· 27 November 2007
· Chapter 3: A Young Lord Disgraced
Hmmmm, a new 'friendship' in the mix? Cool! More? Hugs, Neilia
Author's reply
Yes, an almost pure romance story this time. Glad you are enjoying it, Neilia. Thanks for the feedback.
Andrea
· 27 November 2007
· Chapter 3: A Young Lord Disgraced
Why was Gandalf there, I wonder? I don't believe it was just by chance!
Poor Ivormil! He's devastated! But I think Dreamflower is right, he is overreacting due to his youth. Or is it the presence of Systerien?
I loved it that Systerien told him the truth about her father and Lord Delrond. That shows the progress she's made since she met Frodo and Aragorn. It also shows that she is seriously interested in Ivormil, doesn't it?
There's romance in the air :) I'm looking forward to reading more!
Author's reply
Gandalf is in a special way the Valar's personal witness to see that Aragorn lives up to being the Elessar and Envinyatar, I think. That he should serve to observe and so bless this meeting and the future of both only felt right.
You may be right--a pretty girl, a confused young man who's prone to overreacting at least for the moment....
And this story IS listed as primarily a romance, after all.
Thanks so for the response, Andrea.
Dreamflower
· 27 November 2007
· Chapter 3: A Young Lord Disgraced
Aha! They meet at last!
It's clear that Ivormil has taken his lesson truly to heart, though as is the way of the young, he's overdoing it. He's thinking now that he has no future at all due to his own foolishness and his father's--well, we don't know yet--caution? cowardice? parsimony? I do wonder why his father didn't send more men, especially since his son does not even seem to know...but anyway, Ivormil is busily flogging himself for his misdeeds when he should be putting them behind him now.
I do like though, that he's still got a sense of humor, even if a bit self-deprecating at the moment. And I loved his wary inquiry of Systerian--he won't make *that* particular mistake again.
And I like Systerian's decision to be frank and honest with him. The influence of the King and the Ringbearer have already begun to make changes in her own heart.
Now, the question is, did Sam, Gandalf and Dalrod set that up--or were they just enjoying the sight of a couple of young people beginning to make their first hesitant approaches to one another...
Author's reply
Ah, yes--young folk are always in the throes of pathos or mania, it seems. You'll shortly see more of his father and a family cousin, and I'll leave you to make of them what you will.
Yes, he does have a sense of humor, which is necessary for the perspective we need to make it through this life given us. No, he's NOT going to make THAT mistake again--that's true.
King and Ringbearer helped transform the realm, and oftentimes one person at a time.
As for your story, no, I think they were just fortunate onlookers.
Radbooks
· 27 November 2007
· Chapter 3: A Young Lord Disgraced
Ah, very nice chapter here, especially when we find that they are being overheard!! I'm glad that she was honest with him about her father and about why she was there, and that he is finally coming to realize the truth about himself - and asking questions about his father. I'd like to meet him!! :) Looking forward to more.
Author's reply
I agree, Radbooks. They don't realize the wizard is anywhere about, and haven't realized how keen are the ears of Hobbits. But word will be taken back to the King that perhaps this Ivormil has even more promise to him than he'd seen so far. Aragorn did wear the Elessar stone, after all, and was named anew "Envinyatar." Those capable of renewal would begin doing so within his presence, I think.
Kitty
· 27 November 2007
· Chapter 3: A Young Lord Disgraced
“Are you a great lady in but simple dress, or are you indeed one of those who serve the Citadel?” *snicker* I see our good Ivormil is being much more cautious now!
I have to admit that I like this new Ivormil much better than the arrogant fool from the beginning. He made a huge mistake, but he at least is honest enough with himself to realise his faults, and I am impressed he told Systerien so frankly about it. Now he seems on the path to improvement.
And I have to admit, I'd love a romance between these two. Both would mor or less get what they want, wouldn't they?
And you KNOW part of the reason this was written was because you wished to see more of Ivormil's development. Hope you enjoy what comes of it. Oh yes, I do! You know, if you're writing everything I would like to read, you'll be busy forever ;-)
Author's reply
Yes, he's definitely becoming more cautious now. He's had a great embarrassment, foresees the loss of his father's office, has no idea what will happen to himself, and is looking at himself perhaps for the first time in a long while and not particularly liking what he sees. I like to imagine he has more of his mother to him in the end than his father.
Today was working more on "Stirring Rings," getting Gandalf and Elrohir past the Barrowdowns, and if another plotbunny didn't catch me in the midst of that. Don't know when I'll post it, but some of these bunny attacks are becoming a bit frightening! Heh!
Linda Hoyland
· 27 November 2007
· Chapter 3: A Young Lord Disgraced
I'm glad Lord Ivorwill has seen the error of his ways.Do I detect romance in the air?
Author's reply
Ah, this one is listed as a romance, after all. And young Ivormil is growing up rapidly--and not as his father had expected of him, I fear.
Linda Hoyland
· 27 November 2007
· Chapter 2: Royal Recognition
Interesting that Systerien could see the lights. It was fascinating to see Aragorn through her eyes.
Author's reply
I suspect Systerien doesn't realize just how perceptive she actually is. Once she gets some perspective she'll make someone a very good wife, I think.
harrowcat
· 27 November 2007
· Chapter 3: A Young Lord Disgraced
Very good for each other these two! Sorry got to dash now I am late for work!
Author's reply
Yes, a bit of reality for both of them, each coming to terms with the need to be where you are rather than counting on status or some other artificial measure of worth to define you.
Hope your day was a good one.
Theresa Greenfalcon
· 27 November 2007
· Chapter 3: A Young Lord Disgraced
He's finally learning humility! It's a pity that more "of the upper crust" -ish types in the real world don't learn the lesson of Ivormil... Again, wonderful installment to your story!
Author's reply
I would think these particular qualities would mean a great deal to Aragorn. As for the real world--when we value public image more than substance in our political leadership, we end up with shallow leaders without a real handle on their duties to those they are supposed to be leading.
Thank you so for the response.
grumpy
· 26 November 2007
· Chapter 2: Royal Recognition
Oh, my a lady named Buttyfly tried to catch the king's eye. Well it was worth a shot. But Aragorn is much to smart for that, plus he has his own love life plans.
Author's reply
Well, I had to offer my tribute to "Yours to Command," you know! And, yes, I suppose she thought it would be worth a shot, although it ended up putting her down in the opinion of the King. And you're certainly right about Aragorn.
So glad to hear from you, Grumpy.
Antane
· 23 November 2007
· Chapter 1: A Late Return
"...you can see the horrors hiding at the edges of their silences, seeking to present themselves yet again.” And hiding in those very beautiful eyes too and those lovely hearts of all four of them. What a wonder they are to all, including us.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Every one of the Hobbits directly faced the Evil Sauron had wrought--Merry through the Black Breath repeatedly, particularly that last time when it almost took him; Pippin through facing Sauron directly through the Palantir, feeling as if his very mind had been ravished; Frodo and Sam through wearing the Ring and having It mess with them and having to face the direct effects of his devastation on land and creatures; Frodo through having to constantly deal with Its thoughts, chidings, plans, images, suggestions....
Yes, a wonder each of the four proved to be, as were those who did all they could to protect and succor them.
Halrohir
· 23 November 2007
· Chapter 2: Royal Recognition
And once again, Larner, you have not failed to dissapoint!
You have established the characters of Systerian and Airen very well, and their chance meeting with Elessar was quite well done.
I also enjoyed the bird's-eye seat you had on Faramir's investiture, and Beregond's judgement. As before, I am eagerly awaiting the next installment!
Again, As Always,
HALROHIR
Author's reply
Thanks again, Halrohir. Aragorn's elevation to King had to have had a tremendous impression on everyone within Minas Tirith, and particularly on those within the Citadel itself. That a person such as Systerien should go from being dismissive of Airen to becoming her friend would show part of how Aragorn's and Frodo's influence would have helped transform the lives of those they met. And it's fun to think that the servants would have their own place from which to watch important audienced.
Faramir appears to have been very well beloved within the capital; that those who worked in the Citadel would be particularly interested in what happened to him and a former Guard of the Citadel just seems so likely.
Hope to post the next chapter Monday the 26th, God willing and the creek don't rise!
Halrohir
· 23 November 2007
· Chapter 1: A Late Return
Greetings!
I am so pleased to read your work!
Your story starts from the perspective of the folk of Gondor, after the events of the War and the Coronation. I enjoyed the detail you wove into it - the hierarchy of the servants of the Citadel; the events leading up to the siege of Minas Tirith; and the reactions of common folk to the heroes of the epic. I acan appreciate all the care and attention you have put into this piece!
I am enchanted by the tale, and not only hope you write further along this story arc, but I heartily encourage you to do so. And, I eagerly await more!
Respectfully, I Am
HALROHIR
Author's reply
When there are servants, there is always a hierarchy to them, so it was interesting to examine what it might be in the case of the Citadel of Minas Tirith. I love imagining how various details would be handled in different situations, which tends to lead to why I write as I do, I suppose.
Thanks for the comments, and I will be posting about twice a week until the whole tale is completed.
Thanks, Halrohir.
Baggins Babe
· 23 November 2007
· Chapter 2: Royal Recognition
I'm really enjoying this story, Larner. I love the way you write about OCs and how their perceptions are changed by our favourite King and his friends.
The fact that this girl can see the Lights of Being suggests she is not as shallow as she first appears, and I'm really looking forward to seeing how this continues.
Author's reply
I suspect the fact Systerien isn't as shallow as she's appeared is as much a surprise to Systerien herself as it is to everyone else. The presence of the Elessar stone borne by Elessar Envinyatar would have a tremendous influence on everyone about him, particularly during the time Frodo is also partially in residence within the Citadel, I'd think.
harrowcat
· 23 November 2007
· Chapter 2: Royal Recognition
It must have felt strange to be offered a choice about where to serve. I am glad that she is still uncertain.
Well mum is packed and ready to go. I just hope that she enjoys and makes the most of it.
Author's reply
Oh, I suspect you're completely right about how odd it must have felt to have such a choice offered to her. She eventually seeks to make that choice, of course.
Hoping your mother is enjoying her time in the respite facility. And hope your dad and you are finding new strength to face what comes next.
One of my best friends has MS that has remained stable for some years; the mother of another recently died of hers. It is such an odd, individualistic disease. My prayers continue with you and yours.
Kitty
· 23 November 2007
· Chapter 2: Royal Recognition
Oh, I’d not expected that Systerien, of all people, would be able to see the Lights of Being. It changed my look at her favourably; after the first chapter I was not completely sure what to think of her.
Nice look at Beregond’s judgement and how people reacted to it; it is good to know that he and Faramir both are held in such high esteem among the people.
Author's reply
Many folk appear shallow until they are challenged in some way; and I strongly suspect that Aragorn's presence, and that of those with him, posed just such a challenge. I suspect a good number of folk who came into contact with the members of the Fellowship found unsuspected depths to their characters!
The fact that Beregond was seeking to save the life of the beloved Faramir would itself make the judgement of the man of more interest to all kinds of folk, and particularly to those who knew Faramir best, including those who'd been serving Faramir directly for some time, or so I'd think.
And now both are publically honored in a manner no one can dispute!
Kitty
· 23 November 2007
· Chapter 1: A Late Return
Ah, this promises to be funny and interesting both. Somehow I find the image of these maids throwing herself at poor Aragorn rather hilarious. Poor guy, he did probably get more than his share of that from the female part of the nobility already! And to see the change in rule through the eyes of the servants is certainly intriguing.
She had thought perhaps I might catch the eye of Lord Delrond when he came home, but it appears he is now crippled, and she would not ally me to someone who cannot sit a horse Hmmm ... somehow I doubt Aragorn would be pleased with this ...
Hm ... so Systerien got to meet some of our dear Hobbits. Obviously they made quite an impression – but then, who would not be impressed?
As I am one of these who wanted to know how Ivormil is turning out, I’m happy to get this wish fulfilled! Thank you so much!
Author's reply
To make something of ones life in a land such as Gondor, particularly for someone wishing to come to an advantageous marriage, one must be willing to go where those who are important are likely to be found. What better place for that than the Citadel of Minas Tirith, then?
Yes, Aragorn does get more than his share of foolishness thrown his way, which I'm certain he sought to allay by making certain those who served him regularly weren't likely to seek to importune or beguile him. And I had to find some way of introducing Lady Wilwarin from "Yours to Command" here--one of my favorite Lothiriel and Eomer stories.
I agree about Aragorn not likely being impressed by the shallow reason for deciding against trying to have Systerien try to catch the eye of Delrond.
And you KNOW part of the reason this was written was because you wished to see more of Ivormil's development. Hope you enjoy what comes of it.
Andrea
· 23 November 2007
· Chapter 2: Royal Recognition
Great chapter, Larner!
I liked the different reactions of the audience to the King's actions.
As you said, some of them have seen Faramir grow up and some have grown up with him. He's "their" steward. And now he is the Prince of Ithilien! If that's not a good reason to cheer.
It's totally different with Beregond. The situation is grave, there are rumors of course, but they might prove to be just that - rumors. And then the King banishes him from Minas Tirith but honors him by appointing him Faramir's guard. And the crowd claps! I think they chose to do that out of respect, to honor their King and Beregond. Cheering would not have been appropriate.
But he still gets his cheers - from his companions, the guards of the Citadel! How wonderful!
Last but not least I was as fascinated as Systerien to see the lights of being of Frodo, Sam, Aragorn and Gandalf through her eyes. Beautiful description! I especially liked Gandalfs "light", a shining flame of purest Fire in his heart as he stood there.
Thank you :)
Author's reply
Gandalf was the Servant of the Secret Fire, after all; what better True Shape for her to see than that? Stars and Sun and even Moon this time were there as witnesses. And you are so right--the justice offered to Beregond was one not for those within to cheer for--this is Justice, not mere following of the law. They have heard a doom and a blessing granted, as much as is given to a mere king among Men to grant; but for his own, outside before the Citadel--that's something different.
And am so glad you approve of the response to Faramir's elevation to Prince of Ithilien.
Thank you so for the comments, Andrea.