A Treasure Restored by Larner
Elizabeth Wherry · 9 September 2009 · Chapter 1: A Treasure Restored
Hey! I love this! Well written as always, yet a short and easy read!!!! Love it larner! :) God Bless, Elizabeth Wherry
Author's reply
Oh, thank you so, Elizabeth! Hope all is going well with and for you, and that you remember you are ever encompassed about with love.
Antane · 9 August 2009 · Chapter 1: A Treasure Restored
Sorry, I've gotten so behind on stories here but I love that Faramir would have had a book transcribed by a hobbit and given by Gandalf and the reason why the wizard gave it. Always nice to see more about my favorite hobbit-at-heart. :) Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
And I rejoice to offer a tale containing him. Thank you so!
Kitty · 4 August 2009 · Chapter 1: A Treasure Restored
So Faramir kept these two books hidden in Henneth Annun because of his father? Well, he was forewarned ... Would not have thought of connecting these books with the Palantir – interesting idea! Of course, now Faramir understands so much better what these books mean! It was nice that he returned them, though I was glad Aragorn gave him the one back. I'm sure Faramir will treasure this memento of Mithrandir. And I think in regards to books these two men are kindred spirits. Have to admit that I am glad it was probably the page who stole it. I certainly don't want Denethor to have sunken low enough to take the book from Thorongil's room! And I am glad Lynessë gave both books back to Faramir.
Author's reply
There was no "returning" the storybook, as it was never Aragorn's to begin with. It was commissioned with Faramir in mind, as Aragorn had his own copy bound for him by Bilbo himself. I'm with Aragorn--there was no reason for Faramir to have ever considered surrendering it to him. Kindred spirits indeed! And I, too, am proud of Lynesse. Thank you so!
Rani · 2 August 2009 · Chapter 1: A Treasure Restored
I can totally see the new King and his Steward bonding over books and lore. And I loved the mention of Hurin, he's one of my favorite fanfic OC from your other story.
Author's reply
I am honored, Rani. Yes, a love of books and lore is shared by these two, as it was between Aragorn as Thorongil and Denethor. Hurin is not precisely an original character, although how I perceive him is original, I suppose. He's appeared now in a few stories I've written, from "The Keys of the Realm" and "Ways Round, Ways Through" to "Or Perchance, as the Last Little Star...". "Or Perchance" was originally to be quite a different story, one that refused to be written as I'd begun it with Frodo, Sam, Hurin, Lynesse, and their daughters sharing embarrassing memories together under the cherry trees in the Citadel gardens. Instead, that story split into "New-fangled Ideas" and "Or Perchane," which refuses to allow me to end it before it finishes itself! Heh! Thank you so!
GRUMPY · 2 August 2009 · Chapter 1: A Treasure Restored
What a great story. I like it that Gandalf had a book made for each Aragorn and Faramir, made by Bilbo too. And that Aragorn fimally has his book from Elrond returned.
Author's reply
Am so glad you appreciate the idea, Grumpy. And how wonderful to hear from you again! Thank you! And certainly Aragorn deserves to have the book Elrond gave him back again.
utfrog · 1 August 2009 · Chapter 1: A Treasure Restored
Absolutely beautiful story still and this was my fourth reading. As a librarian, I treasure the power of books and memory of those who love them. Thank you.
Author's reply
I am so honored, Utfrog. I'm not a librarian myself, but AM a bibliophile, and I so understand what you're saying! Oh, yes!
Raksha The Demon · 1 August 2009 · Chapter 1: A Treasure Restored
Ooh, a lovely Faramir-and-Aragorn story - I can so see them enjoying books together; perhaps even, at some point, playing hooky from duties of state to hang out and read in either Faramir's library or Aragorn's... I'm not totally sure why Faramir decided to give one of his childhood treasures, the book given to him by Mithrandir, to Aragorn - perhaps he thought that since he owed Aragorn his life, a book was one gesture he could make to show his thanks? Now you've got me wondering if Denethor had heard of the Burglar of Erebor from news he had of Dale, and had heard that it was a hobbit, and when, that is if, he connected the story (which he might not have totally believed) to Faramir's dream mentioning the Halfling... Very nice vignette! It's so great to have a long-lost book back.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you like it! Thank you so for the inspiration to see it written, Raksha. And you throw yet MORE plotbunnies and nuzguls! Heh! Again, am so glad it pleases you. And I certainly know how wonderful it is to have books returned or replaced.... Joy to you in the new month!
Mairi · 1 August 2009 · Chapter 1: A Treasure Restored
I loved this. I'm not sure exactly what it is that makes it so good, but I know that Faramir seems like Faramir and Aragorn seems like Aragorn. Also, the discussion of Bilbo made me smile.
Author's reply
Oh, I am so very glad that you feel the characters are written as they should be! Thank you so! And I love slipping Bilbo in when I can, even if it's just mention of him!
Andrea · 31 July 2009 · Chapter 1: A Treasure Restored
So, that's how Aragorn lost the book. He must have been happy indeed when it finally came back to him! And Faramir once again proved that he is not only a good steward, but also a true friend to him. I absolutely agree with you that Denethor was "a worthy Man in his own right". But did he really have to burn the chest that once belonged to Thorongil?
Author's reply
Yes, it would appear he lost it that way--certainly he has indicated that's how he's decided to think on it. And I suspect he feels as if a piece of his own history has been returned to him, along with an acceptance he'd looked to know from Denethor but hadn't received for a long time. The tale of the chest Denethor had burned was told first in "The Acceptable Sacrifice." No matter how worthy Denethor was, I strongly suspect he had his petty side. Was he seeking to punish Thorongil for having left Gondor and Ecthelion's service so unexpectedly? Was he celebrating the apparent retreat of a rival, or issuing a warning against the return of the one who might seek to supplant him in the rule of Gondor and the hearts of its people, or expressing his outrage that the one he'd at one time thought to enjoy as a near-brother had abandoned him before he had the chance to reconcile once more--or all of the above? Hard to say. However, Belvaramir saw to it that Thorongil's gear was not lost, and was ready to return to him once he finally returned. As for Faramir--well, there's good reason why he is probably the best loved character in the whole of The Lord of the Rings--no matter who our favorite characters are, everyone appears to particularly love Faramir at least a close second!
Celeritas · 31 July 2009 · Chapter 1: A Treasure Restored
Thank you so, so much! It was really fun getting to read about the history of these books and of course the places that they eventually ended up. My inner archivist is most satisfied and grateful. Oh, and--I liked getting to read the personalized inscriptions for each book, and to hear of Faramir finally learning what exactly they meant!
Author's reply
Well, I'd intended to get this there before noon the other day, but with one thing and another--well, just be grateful you got it! And my own inner archivist was very pleased to find this story writing itself under my fingers on my computer! Heh! And now Faramir does know, and is relieved and happy, I think, to appreciate the histories of the two books and their ties to those he now knows and honors. And congratulations on your anniversary as a contributing member of the fandom!
Grey Wonderer · 31 July 2009 · Chapter 1: A Treasure Restored
I enjoyed this very much. Bilbo and books do go together always. I like the connections here.
Author's reply
Oh, I so agree, and am so glad you approve! As Gandalf knew both north and south, I can so easily see him wishing to give Faramir such a gift, managing to connect him tangenitally to the Shire and Rivendell. Thanks so, GW!
Tigger · 30 July 2009 · Chapter 1: A Treasure Restored
Oh Larner...This is so very lovely. I was hoping you'd let us know just how those books ended up in that room where Lynesse found them. The one gifted to Faramir from Gandalf, well we all know what Denethor thought of Gandalf and his motives. The one of the Lay of Leithan however...This explaination fits so very well. Faramir truly was a treasure and for him to want to return the book to Aragorn as a "Wedding Gift" just so fits him and his character. I also love that Elrond and the Twins were also there to see what had been lost returned to the one who cherished it. Not only for the contents, but for the memories that goes along w/it. Lovely, lovely, lovely. I've read your latest update to Lynesse and Hurin's story, but things have been hectic and...Turbulent around here lately. So my reviews and comments over at LJ have slid the last week and a half due to all of that. Regardless, I loved it and I love this!! Thank you so much for answering what had been going through my mind after reading the last chapter to Perchance.... Did Aragorn ever end up being given back his book or not. Thanks again for a wonderful little filler!! :o)
Author's reply
I know how it goes, having too much on your plate at a time. And it was pleasant to have such an event as the anniversary of Celeritas's arrival in fandom to write this story and give some further back- and future-story to the two books! Thanks so very much, and hope the hectic pace lets up soon! Thank you again!
Vanadesse · 30 July 2009 · Chapter 1: A Treasure Restored
How beautiful! I wondered about a possible reaction or explication from Aragorn about these books... thank you!
Author's reply
I am so glad to have answered your questions so well, then. Thank you so, Vanadesse.
nancylea57 · 30 July 2009 · Chapter 1: A Treasure Restored
that lay must have been quite a family code word...imagine all the times they prayed for a happier ending the nest time.
Author's reply
And this time it was a happier ending for bride and groom--until the groom allowed his own end to take him and the bride learned the depths of grief. But I suspect that Aragorn felt strongly tied to the lay. Thanks, Nancy.
UTfrog · 30 July 2009 · Chapter 1: A Treasure Restored
Wonderful story! I am enjoying the Hurin tale tremendously so this "continuation" is lots of fun. Beautifully written. Thanks
Author's reply
Thank you so, ITfrog! I am honored.
Dreamflower · 30 July 2009 · Chapter 1: A Treasure Restored
Oh, I'm so glad to find out about those books, and to see Denethor absolved, at least, from taking them! And I was glad Faramir got to keep the one Gandalf had made for him! *grin* Someday, perhaps, we will see him reading from that one, with little Elboron on his knee.
Author's reply
Denethor apparently didn't take the second one, at least. And I would hate to see that book leave the Steward's family at this time myself. As for the future--well, that IS in the future yet! Heh! Thanks so much, Dreamflower!
Cairistiona · 30 July 2009 · Chapter 1: A Treasure Restored
A lovely vignette... I enjoy thinking about how much Aragorn might have loved books and this story touched on that perfectly. I especially liked the picture of Aragorn hugging a book to his chest in delight. Very nice tale!
Author's reply
Oh, am so glad you like it, Cairistiona. Having grown up in the home of the one considered the greatest loremaster remaining in Middle Earth, I bet he LOVED books! Thank you so very much!
Linda Hoyland · 30 July 2009 · Chapter 1: A Treasure Restored
I just loved this.I'm glad Denethor wasn't the likely thief too.I agree it is so sad Gilraen did not live to see her son crowned.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you are pleased, Linda. Yes, Gilraen missed out on such joy! Thank you so very much!
Fantasia · 30 July 2009 · Chapter 1: A Treasure Restored
It is good to know that Denethor didn't take the book, why people will always think the worst of him? I really feel for him, such a great leader, such a tragic life and death and it seems that not many people appreciate his efforts. At the end, he kept the city standing for Aragorn on the worst period of their recent history.
Author's reply
It is a reassuring conclusion to draw--you are right there, Fantasia. And there is no question that Denethor was a truly capable Steward and a worthy Man in his own right. Thanks so very much!
Sunny · 30 July 2009 · Chapter 1: A Treasure Restored
Aragorn is evidently delighted to see this particular treasure restored to him. Now, books are all treasures, but this one would be more so than most.
Author's reply
I am certain he would truly treasure this book, and now even more so, now that his own desired treasure is finally being surrendered to his keeping, he knows the presence and approval of the father of his heart in spite of what he takes from Elrond, and it is restored by the young Man who has at least some reasons to resent him for having not saved his brother and for taking the rule of the land from his family. Aragorn has several treasures given him at this time, actually. Thanks so, Sunny!
shirebound · 30 July 2009 · Chapter 1: A Treasure Restored
Treasures indeed! Books would be so precious there, especially those carrying fond memories with them. Faramir shows his quality once again in being able to part with these treasures, and with such gladness of heart.
Author's reply
You are so very right about Faramir showing his quality once more, Shirebound. Thank you so, Shirebound!