Reviews (271)

UTfrog · 1 November 2015 · Chapter 5: Summoned

You managed to keep us from the long awaited meeting with Ecthelion, but still managed to give us valuable information concerning the people and the city. You are a very skilled writer. Thanks

DoggieGirl · 1 November 2015 · Chapter 5: Summoned

I really liked Jamon's charachter and hope that Thorongil and he can have more interaction. If he has skills to bear it forward, Thorongil would definitely see him promoted if he was to become commander. He seems like a genuine sort. thorongil is seeing the city from its lowest perspectives and this will be invaluable later. Poor Thorongil is still thinking has no hope for Arwen. Poor guy. Look forward to meeting with the Steward/

Celeth · 1 November 2015 · Chapter 5: Summoned

Oh, finally, Thorongil gets to meet the Steward himself. Although I feel apprehensive because Denethor will probably be there to interrogate him again or at least watch for more clues about his person. I never knew that Denethor had other siblings, and Anaiwen makes the second we've met so far. How strange to think of him as a brother to someone. I always thought he was cold and aloof partly because he was an only child (don't ask me how I got that strange idea haha). I just love the way you flesh out and provide details that blend seamlessly with the original stories of Tolkien. I'm so excited for the next chapter. Oh, I understand you'll be busy during the holidays. We'll be busy too, but I'll still be looking forward to each new chapter. Thanks again, Canafinwe =)

shirebound · 1 November 2015 · Chapter 5: Summoned

I send him to the aid of a great friend – and a friend whose need for such a man is far graver than my own. Thengel King is a noble and good friend indeed, to part with one of his greatest treasures. I'm eagerly awaiting Thorongil's meeting with Ecthelion.

Matt · 1 November 2015 · Chapter 5: Summoned

Two great chapters. Your posting velocity is high enough that I didn't see ch4 before this one came out. I liked greatly the interaction between Thorongil and the captain of the Tenth Company. Also the scene between the Steward and his daughter was very well done. Looking forward to the forthcoming meeting/interrogation and thankful as always for your hard work on this.

someone · 1 November 2015 · Chapter 5: Summoned

This is the first story I've read in which Denethor has such a young sister. She seems like a nice young lady (with a habit for fetching mares down from a mountain, apparently). And Anaiwen knows her brother well, as her first guess is that Denethor doesn't trust the newcomer! I hope that Jamon will take Thorongil's offer. It might be easier to placate the future father-in-law, if the man his daughter means to marry is literate. He doesn't sound ambitious, but the ability to read might advance him in the Company, too. It is a bit ironic that Thorongil starts his career with causing trouble to Denethor, just because of bad luck. Denethor did forget the letter, but it was understandable. I hope that Ecthelion is not too unhappy.

Aromene · 1 November 2015 · Chapter 5: Summoned

I'm glad they met! I'm sure this will play out interestingly, as it's a bit of an unlikely friendship, but all the same, perhaps Aragorn can be a good friend to Jamon. Although I doubt Denethor will appreciate that at all. And a summons....ooh! Looking forward to the next chapter.

Cimarron's Girl · 31 October 2015 · Chapter 4: The Measure of a Man

Oh, I am so excited to finally be reading this story! Thank you for the rapid updates! I must say I am really impressed with your portrayal of all of the characters in your tales, but most of all the image of Denethor that your create. His relationship with Thorongil/Aragorn is absolutely fascinating to me; they are two men so alike, at least in appearance, yet they were "unfriends" from the very beginning of their relationship. However, it is important to remember that Denethor is not an evil man, despite his differences with Thorongil; he is a complex character, ultimately misguided in his intentions, but not evil. I think you capture the essence of this very well, particularly in the moment where Denethor is conniving to prevent the marriage between Jamon the Easterling and a Gondorian woman; Denethor's thought "It was not in the best interests of the merchant’s daughter to wed this swarthy stranger. He had only to help her see it" is a perfect example. I also appreciate your demonstration of Denethor's keen mind - he has a sharp mind indeed to immediately note Thorongil's use of the phrases "that name" and "the men." Aragorn will have to watch his tongue very carefully to outwit Denethor! You really capture Aragorn well in this instance too - he is quick to respond in a manner that is both polite and evasive to questioning, and he remains humble and willing to endure the indignities of a common soldier despite his former position as an Undermarshal. Seems perfectly in-character with the noble Aragorn that we see in the books! I'm really eager to see what will happen when Ecthelion finally opens Thengel's letter; I wonder if it will precipitate an introduction between the Steward and his future captain. I assume Thengel wrote a glowing letter of character, and I can't help but imagine how everyone will respond. Also, I already love Minardil (he seems like and kind and fair captain) and I'm intrigued by the case of Jamon the Easterling. As always, I can't wait to see how all this saga unfolds!

Lori · 30 October 2015 · Chapter 4: The Measure of a Man

One thing that seems to always be true about Aragorn is that it takes only a short amount of time before the people he is with come to love him based on not who his ancestors are but on who he is as a person. Already his fellow soldiers are beginning to like him I think. For the man Thornogil defeated to not show any resentment and almost seem to deem it a pleasure to be beaten by someone such as Thorongil is really telling about how Aragorn deals with people, especially those who he may be superior in skill to. Denethor is skilled and talented but treats people disdainfully that fall short of his mark and saps any pride of their work and psychologically discourages ever hoping to better it. Aragorn inspires men to be proud of their hard work and to achieve even greater feats. Two very different approaches by two very different men. Wow, that was quite the encounter with Denethor! Thorongil is truly respectful and willing to serve Denethor and to humble himself to do so, but is more than a match for Denethor in terms of will. It is amazing how he can simultaneously be kneeling in the dirt in complete and sincere humility and service and yet show the character and indomitable will of a future king and leader of men and refusing to be cowed by Denethor's demands (albeit respectfully). Can't wait for more. I really appreciate how fast you are putting these chapters up. I know it must be tough as a writer. But As a reader, I can't say how much I look forward to checking everyday to see if you have updated. Keep up the great work.

Sneha · 30 October 2015 · Chapter 4: The Measure of a Man

Finally they meet! It is sad that they could have been such a powerful force together but Denethor chose to be envious. I am very happy that Aragorn got to eat finally! I love your writing, it is so genuine and you convey your intent well without using modern words.

shirebound · 30 October 2015 · Chapter 4: The Measure of a Man

This is a beautifully conceived meeting between Thorongil and Denethor.

Aromene · 30 October 2015 · Chapter 4: The Measure of a Man

I admit, I get a certain amount of pleasure out of Denethor being on an uneven footing with Aragorn. I loved how this meeting played out, and I think it's very true to both of them. I wonder what Denethor will think when he learns the contents of the letter?

UTfrog · 30 October 2015 · Chapter 4: The Measure of a Man

So even before Throngil met the Steward, Denethor judged him a danger. Such shortsightedness in a man supposed to be brilliant. Sad since Gondor could have prospered under those 3 men. You are doing a great job with this. Thank you.

someone · 30 October 2015 · Chapter 4: The Measure of a Man

A lovely chapter, Thorongil got some food and met friendly people! Or not friendly, in case of Denethor. I can just imagine Minardil's face when this strange new recruit, face filled with joy, brandishes a rusty, old sword! The sword and the man fit together; both hidden beneath superficial dirt. It is nice to see how Thorongil's real... being, for lack of better word, shines through. The way he behaves with the tailor and Denethor doesn't really fit his image, and Minardil must be very confused by now. He seems to be a very intelligent man, but Thorongil is someone beyond his experience to understand. And last, thank you for the vocabulary in these stories. It is not that often that I need a dictionary these days, but you seem to send me looking for strange words quite frequently ("genuflect" this time). It is nice to learn new things.

Aranadhel · 30 October 2015 · Chapter 4: The Measure of a Man

Mellon... I will say it now. I have read a lot of LOTR fanfictions these past few years and no one... I repeat no one in my humble opinion comes close to how you write about Estel. So so much like in the book and you are continuing the Professor's work as it were his own handwriting. I look forward to all your future stories of Estel. The loyal Malaysian fan.

Larner · 29 October 2015 · Chapter 4: The Measure of a Man

Aragorn's breeding and early training in Elrond's house stands him perhaps too well for Denethor's comfort, but well enough with Minardil, at least. He shows his quality for those whose discernment is trained, and he makes Denethor feel perhaps less well than he would see himself, I note. And my question about the letter is answered--delayed not by spite but by careless forgetfulness, I note.

Celeth · 29 October 2015 · Chapter 4: The Measure of a Man

I must thank you for the frequent postings. Its such a wonderful surprise to open this website and find a new installment chapter of my newest favorite story. Knowing that you have your own work, I appreciate it all the more that you still make the time to write a new chapter. And such lovely and lengthy chapters too! Its a relief that Thorongil's Captain seems to be an understanding man, and it seems that there will be a good relationship between them. I particularly like that scene where Thorongil chooses his sword. And that dramatic scene where Thorongil kneels before Denethor, and the Heir paces around him, trying to figure him out. I could almost see the scene playing out, like a movie in my mind. Can't wait for the next chapter!

DoggieGirl · 29 October 2015 · Chapter 4: The Measure of a Man

I am really starting to like Minardil. Thorongil needed someone to treat him fairly for a change. I loved his explanation for why he didn't bring his sword with him and his almost slips in revealing that he was a captain of men not just lowly grunt. Makes me wonder when or if his captain will find out who exactly is under him. Can't wait to see more of their interactions. The ancient sword was very fitting. I am sure it will become a coveted blade soon enough with Thorongil faithful attentions to restoring it. Well, Denethor and Thorongil's first meeting was ... interesting. Denethor picked up on "under that name" faster than I would have predicted, but goes to show how observant and intelligent he is. I am definitely waiting to see when Thorongil will get to show his skill with the blade. I think Denethor is beginning to realize that this sell sword without a sword could be a lot more skilled then he first supposed. Although it might totally surprise everyone else the brushed Thorongil aside as an unskilled nobody over exaggerating his skills. Can't wait for more. I am always super excited to see that your story has been updated. It really makes my day.

quodamat · 29 October 2015 · Chapter 2: Detained

This is such a well-crafted chapter. Since others have mostly commented on Thorondil's scene, I'll say that the section on Denethor was brilliantly done. You actually got me feeling sympathetic for him at first,insomnia being an old nemesis of mine, and then it just drained away as he demonstrates such harshness toward even his own people and then that horrible contempt and malice against foreigners. Regarding the former, namely the poor, freezing guard, I kind of wanted to yell, "maybe you ought to supply your men with better winter gear, oh mighty steward's son, standing there snuggling with your fur!" Granted, there are always those bitter nights that no ordinary winter wear can defend against, but still! ... Wow, only a couple chapters in and Denethor is already getting my inner radical all riled up. ;) Oh a completely different note, I loved your description of the frosty windows: "They seemed to glow with the diffracted moonlight spreading through a thick crusting of frost that coated the bottom of each pain, leaving a U of bare glass through which the night was still dark." So evocative, and accurate - I can picture exactly what this would look like, and it's lovely.

quodamat · 29 October 2015 · Chapter 3: Petty Indignities

Indignities indeed! Yikes. You certainly captured the extreme awkwardness of the "strip and let us poke at you" aspect of proceedings: I was shuddering and twitching just reading it! I was very struck by the contrast between this scene and the post-journey check-up from Elrond near the end of "A Long and Weary Way." What a difference compassion makes! Speaking of which, something I deeply appreciate about your writing is the empathy for suffering and (for lack of a better term) downtrodden people that is woven throughout your stories. For example, Thonongil's thought about how awful this ordeal must be for those who don't know the language was very poignant. I've sometimes thought along similar lines when dealing with things like airport security and customs/immigration processes: things that are stressful and sometimes confusing for me, though they're in my native language - I can't even imagine how gut-wrenching the same things must be for speakers of other languages. I find it very humbling. Anyway, thanks for writing stories with a moral dimension that make me think and reflect on real life.

Celeth · 29 October 2015 · Chapter 3: Petty Indignities

"More fodder for the Enemy's vanguards" indeed! What a heartless way of looking at the poor weary soldiers who stand between Gondor and its Enemy. And so sad that some leaders, even today, have this attitude. So starkly different from the compassionate way that Aragorn treats everyone, even his captives. And speaking of Aragorn...too bad Denethor doesn't have a dash of the foresight that is one of the gifts of the children of Luthien. Then again, it was fortunate for Aragorn that Denethor didn't know who he really was at this point. Poor Aragorn, having to undress before so many people, and in such circumstances. I hate doing it in the relative comfort and privacy of the doctor's consulting room. Having to do it in front of an indifferent Captain and so many prying eyes would be a hundred times worse. I am sorry if I sounded impatient for the story. If you must know, I check this website about two or three times a day, hoping for a new story, or even better, a new chapter of my favorite stories =)

Larner · 28 October 2015 · Chapter 3: Petty Indignities

I do hope that Denethor does not withhold the letter overlong. As for the treatment offered to Thorongil--it is rather shameful, if at least somewhat understandable. But I agree--not to bring his own sword when offering to become a mercenary is unusual!

UTfrog · 28 October 2015 · Chapter 3: Petty Indignities

So Denethor besides disliking sell swords on principle also is suspicious of Throngil due to the letter. Poor Throngil can't catch a break. I do hope he gets breakfast soon. Thank you.

someone · 28 October 2015 · Chapter 3: Petty Indignities

I've been waiting for Thorongil and Denethor or Ecthelion to meet for a while now, and will apparently have to wait a chapter or three more. It is realistic that a strange wanderer is not brought to see the Steward at once, but just a little bit frustating for a reader! Anyway, I'm looking forward to what is in the letter (perhaps that will bring Thorongil to the citadel...) and seeing if Thorongil's new comrades in the Tenth Company are as pleasant as the soldiers in Rohan. The chapter title was very fitting. There was no reason to humiliate Thorongil in front of the soldiers, and there was no real need to send the Easterling's company away from the city. I'm quite surprised that Thorongil is not even more upset, but, as you said before, he is a patient man. Even when he is suspected of stealing silver spoons. It must be quite different from life in Imladris and among the dunedain. Telpiriel sounds like an interesting woman, and I have suspicions that we are going to see more of her and her unborn baby in the future. Poor, hungry Thorongil. Are you going to feed him soon or will there be more petty indignities before that?

Matt · 28 October 2015 · Chapter 3: Petty Indignities

Wow, nice story and moving forward rapidly at least where posting is concerned. I think you overplay thorongil's lowliness at first, something which I believe is at least partially fanon, but you do soften it with the letter he carries. Given the way you have him arrive, his treatment seems very "reasonable" given the time and the kind of people our mysterious sell-sword is dealing with. Thanks for your hard work on this, looking forward to future installments.