A Deck of Heroes by Larner
Kitty · 14 December 2009 · Chapter 13: 13 - When Archetypes Fight: Heirophant vs. Magician
So finally the realisation hit for Saruman what he has done and become ... Yes, now he's not much more than the mortals in Gandalf's company. He may still be immortal, but he's lost his power. Somehow very fitting that he lost what he craved most.
Author's reply
Oh, yes, indeed--the more he grasped for power, the more quickly that power slipped through his fingers. Thank you so again, Kitty.
Kitty · 14 December 2009 · Chapter 12: 12 - The Wheel of Fortune
Interesting way to look at the ones present for the Council, to have Elrond pondering their lights of being! And he was right, as usual.
Author's reply
Oh, by that time in his life I doubt that Elrond was often mistaken in his evaluation of others. And I do suspect the One was already preparing each of those who would join the Fellowship. Which is a comforting thought.
Kitty · 14 December 2009 · Chapter 11: 11 - The Hermit
Hadn't thought about Radagast in that guard function before, but you are right. Another reason why he didn't like this order to seek out Gandalf. Sometimes one has to wonder how Radagast felt when he learned he had been used to lead his brother into a trap.
Author's reply
I've always seen Radagast's primary duty to help restore natural balance, and particularly in the region where he chose to make his home. And that is an excellent thought to ponder. I may one day consider writing to that! Aack! Another plotbunny bouncing about the place!
Kitty · 14 December 2009 · Chapter 10: 10 - Justice
Laws in these times were a bit harsh, weren't they? Denethor may be annoyed that Faramir let Frodo, Sam and Gollum go, but we all know that in doing that he saved the West and set not the death of Frodo in motion, but the fall of Sauron. So it was the best decision ever to let them go. Sometimes it's a pity Denethor didn't live to see that Faramir had been right, but he would really have been a huge obstacle for Aragorn to claim the throne, so it may be better he didn't survive ... At least Faramir reaped the reward for risking his own life for this.
Author's reply
Oh, yes, that is so, Kitty. And you are certainly right about how Faramir's decision helped guarantee the end of Sauron's tyranny and terror. As for Denethor--well, you're right about him, too. And Faramir in the end knew the greater joy for his own mercy shown.
Kitty · 14 December 2009 · Chapter 9: 9 - The Chariot
Oh, it had to be very difficult for Eärendil to be able to see what happened in Middle-earth, but not being able to interfere, to help those he loved! Glad he could at least give some hope with his light.
Author's reply
I so agree. I admit to having been partially inspired by the fic posted here a few weeks ago in which we saw Earendil trying to pelt the orcs pursuing Aragorn through the High Pass, and in the end helping lead Elrond to his foster son's side by shining particularly brightly on the rocky hollow where Aragorn had hidden. And he was, after all, the Gil-estel, the Star of High Hope. Thanks so very much.
Kitty · 14 December 2009 · Chapter 8: 8 - The Lovers
Poor Frodo, it had to be difficult for him to watch the bliss of these two couples, particularly Aragorn and Arwen who were finally together after waiting so many years! It's such a shame Frodo could not have the same bliss.
Author's reply
Oh, I do so agree. No matter how blessed he was in being allowed to travel to Tol Eressea, still he missed out on part of the high joy of being sentient beings! Thank you so, Kitty!
Kitty · 14 December 2009 · Chapter 7: 7 - The Heirophant
Loved particularly that line: Look on them, Sauron, and see what you ought t’have been like, what you ought to have done with your own Ring! But there was no protectin’ nor preservin’ for the likes of you, was there? So true! To understand what Gandalf is has to be difficult, particularly for the Hobbits who don't know too much about the Valar and Maiar. But it seems Sam is coming to perceive the truth.
Author's reply
I suspect that by the time the Travelers returned to the Shire Sam had begun to better appreciate the stories he'd learned as a child at Bilbo's knee. And now he does indeed begin to truly appreciate Gandalf's true nature.
Kitty · 14 December 2009 · Chapter 6: 6 - When Archetypes Meet (High Priestess and Emperor)
Have to agree with Galadriel here - Sam is most interesting, isn't he? She has recognised that there is so much more to him than mets the eye.
Author's reply
Yes, I do believe that she saw this in him. Thanks so, Kitty.
Virtuella · 14 December 2009 · Chapter 13: 13 - When Archetypes Fight: Heirophant vs. Magician
What a powerful scene! I liked the way the POV remained ambiguous throughout the piece; a good way to represent how their minds struggle with each other.
Author's reply
Thank you so, Virtuella! To realize he was no longer counted among the Istari and could no longer count upon the power of his former position held in his staff must have been quite the shock to Saruman, whether he lost it due to having wasted it as I postulat or due to the physical destruction of it as a reasonable alternative. Thanks so very much!
shirebound · 13 December 2009 · Chapter 13: 13 - When Archetypes Fight: Heirophant vs. Magician
Oh my, what an encounter. What was seen on the outside was but a fraction of what was going on between these two beings.
Author's reply
I like to think that at the moment the two of them saw one another Maia to Maia. Saruman had spent almost all of his potential by this time, after all. The breaking of his staff was merely a formality, I suspect.
Dreamflower · 13 December 2009 · Chapter 13: 13 - When Archetypes Fight: Heirophant vs. Magician
I think this confrontation between Gandalf and Saruman is my favorite of these so far! Indeed, what Gandalf "said" to him silently sounded very Gandalfian! And the idea that Saruman's staff was now powerless is a good one! I am enjoying these very much.
Author's reply
I'm so glad it does sound like Gandalf. Thanks for letting me know it worked! This must have been a shock to Saruman to realize just how low he had sunk. Thanks so very much, Dreamflower. These have been so interesting to write!
Virtuella · 13 December 2009 · Chapter 12: 12 - The Wheel of Fortune
This is a great idea, the way you have Elrond lookign around and perceiving the qualities of those seated there. Very well done.
Author's reply
Am so very glad you think so. I have Gandalf invoking his greater power to examine changes he detects in Bilbo as they return from Erebor in "Fostering," and suspect that Elrond from time to time did similarly. Thanks, Virtuella.
Linda Hoyland · 12 December 2009 · Chapter 11: 11 - The Hermit
Just wanted you to know that I'm enjoying these very much. So far my favourites are the Faramir one and the Galadriel one.Sorry I'm very behind with reading and reviewing, but I do appreciate your stories.
Author's reply
I suspected you would like the one including Faramir and his father, and am so pleased you appreciate the ones involving Galadriel, too! And I so understand being behind--believe me!
Dreamflower · 12 December 2009 · Chapter 12: 12 - The Wheel of Fortune
"A ring about a Ring". Indeed. It looks as though the Fellowship was already forming even before Frodo made his announcement. And I loved this: "and a warm glow about Bilbo that the influence of the Ring appeared to leave untouched..." Beautiful! That's our Bilbo.
Author's reply
I think that those who would take part in the Fellowship would be prepared in some way by the One, each for his role to come, already sensitized to the needs of the Fellowship. Bilbo was affected by the Ring, we know; but he had carried it for sixty-one years without serious harm to his spirit. Even now his concern was more about setting things right than in anything else--on the surface, at least. I think they'd need to look pretty deeply to see the Ring-lust beginning to renew itself. But mostly he remained our Bilbo! Thanks so, Dreamflower.
shirebound · 12 December 2009 · Chapter 12: 12 - The Wheel of Fortune
I like seeing this 'ring' through Elrond's enhanced vision. Wonderful.
Author's reply
Wearing Rings of Power themselves must have given Elrond, Gandalf, and Galadriel some awareness of the auras of others, I'd think. And the presence here of two of the Three and the One Itself would have made things--interesting--or so I'd expect. Thanks so, Shirebound.
Virtuella · 12 December 2009 · Chapter 11: 11 - The Hermit
Yay for Radagast!
Author's reply
I agree! Hail to the honest Hermit!
Virtuella · 12 December 2009 · Chapter 10: 10 - Justice
Good characterisation of both Denethor and Faramir!
Author's reply
Am so glad you think so. It's a balancing act, writing Denethor, or so I've found. Trying to keep him from becoming a caricature of madness is not always easy.
harrowcat · 12 December 2009 · Chapter 11: 11 - The Hermit
This is going to be a nice set to save and read all together by the time you have finished Larner. Radagast as the hermit is a logical choice.
Author's reply
Am so glad you feel that way, Harrowcat. It's been most interesting trying to figure out who fits each card as it's posted. And I'm glad to have been able to include Radagast in there.
Anonymous · 11 December 2009 · Chapter 11: 11 - The Hermit
Completely unclear. I thought Aiwendil = Radagast, and it sounds like he wants to talk to himself?
Author's reply
Thanks for the catch, although when making such a basic correction there is no need to fear from an angry response, not at least from me. I do prefer that folk not do anonymous responses. And I do so appreciate those who offer such proper corrections. Thanks again so!
eiluj · 11 December 2009 · Chapter 11: 11 - The Hermit
Sorry. I am confused. Too many “he’s” in the last paragraph: "But, if Curunír desired to speak to Gandalf, he (1) supposed he (2) must go westward over the mountains. Perhaps he (3) could stop to speak with Aiwendil while he (4) was abroad...." I understand that you are trying avoid using Radagast’s name. Since the first paragraph is plainly from Radagast's point of view, (1) and (2) in the second paragraph also seem to refer to him (though technically the antecedent for both is "Gandalf"). But exactly who is it who might perhaps stop to speak with Aiwendil? The last two "he's" -- (1) and (2) -- have referred to Radagast, so my first assumption was that (3) is Radagast also -- until the mention of "Aiwendil” threw me for a loop. Radagast can speak with Aiwendil (i.e., himself) without leaving Rhosgobel, so (3) must be someone else. If (3) is supposed to be Gandalf, I think it would be better to use his name there. The antecedent to (4) is technically Aiwendil. Well, both Radagast and Gandalf are "abroad," and I spose it doesn't really matter which of them (4) refers to, as long as we can be certain that (3) is Gandalf. Admittedly, Saruman's logic in sending Radagast from Rhovanion to look for Gandalf *somewhere* in western Eregion (though really Gandalf might have been anywhere in western Middle-earth!) is a bit odd to begin with. Saruman being Saruman, ordering people around to do his (literally) dirty work, I guess. [If you haven’t read the later chapters of Canafinwe’s “The Valley Is Jolly,” they feature a really *poisonous* portrayal of Saruman at his pre-War of the Ring worst.]
Author's reply
Sorry, eiluj, I didn't make it too clear, did I? I do apologize! And I did manage to use the wrong proper name, too, didn't I? Gads! Am batting a thousand today! Did the proper correction of the name for the last responder, but hadn't read your note as yet. Will think on redoing this one, then. Yes, here the use of Radagast's name would help that second paragraph. As for Saruman's reasons for sending Radagast, I must suppose it was his attempt to sow suspicion between his two surviving brother wizards. "Divide and conquer" has long proven an excellent strategy for taking power over others, after all. Now I MUST return to writing "Stirring Rings"--thinking of Saruman and all! Heh!
Dreamflower · 11 December 2009 · Chapter 11: 11 - The Hermit
*grin* Somehow, I just *knew* that "The Hermit" would have to be Radagast-- I'm so glad you did not disappoint!
Author's reply
It would be either Radagast or Bilbo, I think; but in the end Radagast was the most logical individual. Thanks so, Dreamflower.
Dreamflower · 11 December 2009 · Chapter 10: 10 - Justice
Oh, poor Faramir! I'm so glad he was wrong. An excellent conversation-- their voices seemed just right.
Author's reply
I, too, rejoice that he was wrong. Not that the last time he had any certainty he would return to Denethor's presence alive himself. And I'm so glad, Dreamflower, you feel I caught their voices. Thanks so!
eiluj · 11 December 2009 · Chapter 10: 10 - Justice
Very, very canny handling of Denethor by Faramir! "by sending him onward I have merely assured that in the end he will suffer the death that is to be the fate of strangers within Ithilien" -- Ooh: never heard that one before. Kudos.
Author's reply
I hope father and son had a private moment together before Faramir returned to the outer defenses. And I'm certain that Faramir realized that Frodo would probably not return, and would see that as a grim response to his father's anger. Thanks so, eiluj.
shirebound · 11 December 2009 · Chapter 10: 10 - Justice
Perhaps I have not administered your justice directly, but I have set it in motion, I fear Oh my, what an interesting way to view this event.
Author's reply
Faramir may have done the honorable and certainly the needful thing in allowing Frodo to continue his journey; but he also must have realized that Frodo's was in the end a suicide mission and one that would, even if it succeeded, cost the Hobbit and those who accompanied him all. Thanks so, Shirebound.
ellie · 10 December 2009 · Chapter 9: 9 - The Chariot
poor earendil - so powerless and yet so powerful. It must be tough to be him...
Author's reply
Indeed so--he cannot be physically present, yet finds ways to indicate that hope yet remains. Thanks so, Ellie.