someone
· 15 April 2016
· Chapter 19: Sober Homecoming
"Thorongil did not flinch, but something black as the night Sea flashed through his eyes. Now it was Minardil who found himself retreating a pace." Not quite what would be expected of the new, painfully polite man!
Now we know what it is that is needed to anger Thorongil. Apparently, petty behavior from men in lower places is not enough, but Denethor's is. Perhaps it is because of their near equality; Thorongil has strong opinions on how people in charge should behave and he cannot approve of Denethor's way of doing things? Interesting.
Minardil and Denethor are not the only ones feeling frustated, I am too! I would love to see Minardil hear the truth about his new soldier, but unfortunately it won't happen for the next fourty years in this story. And most likely there will be other stunned and curious people by the time the healers find out about the repair to the leg. Minas Tirith is indeed not the only place of learning in the western world...
Thorongil was so subtle in driving the people away from the tent that I didn't realize what was happening until he turned back to Mallor and started to call him back. It would have been a little too much if he had succeeded at once, but I was hoping for it anyway. It is a bit more difficult to get a chance to try that again, when Mallor is in the Houses of Healing.
There were so many good things in this chapter that I'm not going to go through them all. What I really like in this entire story so far is Aragorn as Thorongil: clearly younger and more naive than by the time of LotR, brilliant in a slightly theoretical way and curious about everything, and still inclined to believe the best of people until shown otherwise. There is something almost endearing in the way he overanalyzes situations! And the way he hides his temper behind politeness fits the character, in my opinion.
Aromene
· 14 April 2016
· Chapter 19: Sober Homecoming
What a wonderful, but heartbreaking chapter. I was very sad, reading the part where Aragorn could not call Mallor back (though I hardly blame Mallor for not wanting to deal with that pain!) But despite that, beautifully written emotion all around.
shirebound
· 14 April 2016
· Chapter 19: Sober Homecoming
What a beautifully imagined and crafted tale. I was especially moved by this:
Would there ever come a day when the shades and dissemblings might be cast aside, that he might walk in the light of day and know the sound of his own name?
bookworm
· 14 April 2016
· Chapter 19: Sober Homecoming
my heart, it is broken. Such well written grief and comfort.
obsidianj
· 20 March 2016
· Chapter 18: In the Wake
Can I punch Denethor? He lets his antipathy against Thorongil get out of hand. Has he that many skillful men that he can waste a good man just because he doesn't like him? His behavior is not worthy of the son of the steward. He doesn't even try to befriend Thorongil. His condescending attitude shows in his men. The way his messenger orders Thorongil and Minardil to come to Denethor shows how much(or not) Denethor values them. I commend Thorongil for his patience. Denethor needs to be taken a notch down.
Matt
· 16 March 2016
· Chapter 18: In the Wake
Great to see you writing on this again! I like how Thorongil's deception comes to light and think Denithor very much in character in those scenes. Thanks loads for your hard work on this, definitely looking forward to future installments whenever they may come.
WindSinger
· 16 March 2016
· Chapter 18: In the Wake
Yeah! Another chapter. Poor Thorongil! Nothing is going right for him. I am not sure how you are going to dig him out of this hole unless Lord Ecthelion steps in. Very nice!! And it makes total sense that Denethor, proud as he is, is very put out that he did not have all the information he thought he needed and, therefore, perhaps one he thought was just a lowly soldier is actually more. What a slap to his pride!! Good job, nice, love it!
someone
· 16 March 2016
· Chapter 18: In the Wake
Finally I had time to savor this chapter! I only managed to skim it last night. Poor Thorongil, everything is coming crashing down, and the worst thing is that Denethor doesn't even know about everything yet. It is going to be spectacular when he learns about the undermarshalship (is that even a word?) and the patched artery, unless Thorongil manages to talk to Ecthelion first.
One thing confused me. How did Thorongil deceive Denethor about having been a captain and how could Denethor accuse of having deceived the Steward, when in chapter 10 Ecthelion had clearly told Denethor about that? It couldn't come as a surprise, unless Thorongil thought that Ecthelion wouldn't tell his heir. What am I missing?
I was so sorry to learn the wounded man was Mallor. He sounded like a very nice man, I hope he will live. The bright spot in that scene was Thorongil's appreciation of the good needle.
Denethor is clearly in his element on the battlefield. I really liked how he had to read the trail himself (and that he knew how to!) and that he has had no trouble with taking charge of the whole unexpected attack. And that he had the sense to order the wealthiest houses to provide for the soldiers, not just anyone in the villages.
Minardil really shone in this chapter. Not even Denethor could question his competense in arranging the camp, and he had the guts to stand with Thorongil in the end. And he also had the courage to ask for Denethor's tent! He makes an excellent officer, as long as he doesn't have to come up with strategies for battle.
Some lovely details: how the surplus flour turns out to be useful, how almost no one knows how to make any kind of soup and how Forgil seems to have a sense of humor.
Elentarri
· 16 March 2016
· Chapter 18: In the Wake
Can you PLEASE get Denethor tossed into the nearest River - one with leaches and lots of muck?
Aromene
· 15 March 2016
· Chapter 18: In the Wake
Yay, a new chapter! I feel very sorry for Minardil; it's really not his fault.I kind of want to punch Denethor, is that okay? Really, really, punch him.
Larner
· 15 March 2016
· Chapter 18: In the Wake
That final pettiness is far beneath the dignity of the Steward's son and heir, I must say. And to be forced to give up the sword Aragorn has rescued from being forgotten and has refurbished, much less seeing Minardil forbidden to offer what he knows as to how such a weapon came to be amongst those offered to the new man's choice, must be truly frustrating for this "sell-sword." (As Thorongil arrived without a sword, shouldn't he be referred to instead as a "sell-arm"? Heh!)
WindSinger
· 20 February 2016
· Chapter 17: Field of Glory
Well, I have finally had time to find this latest chapter and, although I often do not take the time to review, I wanted to let you know how very much I am enjoying your tale. When I make time to scan the new fan fiction postings, I first look for yours. You have such a wonderful gift of creating a reality I have no problem sinking into. Wonderful characterizations - very believable while also being enviable. Kudos! And thank you so much for sharing!!!
someone
· 31 January 2016
· Chapter 17: Field of Glory
Poor Minardil, he's nearly like a fish out of water in the confusion of the battlefield. Nearly, because he is able to hold the men together, but can't make sense of the situation. And now Denethor is most likely furious with him. He really didn't choose a good moment to tell who is the strategist of the Tenth. I think that Denethor got some of his sharp tongue from his mother...
Nelior hasn't been an exactly sympathetic character until now, but he clearly knows how to do his job. And Denethor is really impressive on battlefield! It was a nice touch to put a little humor in the middle of the battle ("Which way’s southwest in this soup?").
Thorongil clearly knows how to make an entrance!
I like the little details you have put in this story, like the not-pretty knife of Noldorin steel. And now I'm curious as to why Thorongil has been so glad of his plain-looking knife.
Midhon didn't get his wish of seeing as few injuries as possible. I'm not at all surprised that he seems to be a little hysterical. And now, Thorongil intends to patch an artery in the middle of the field? I hope he succeeds, but it doesn't seem likely. And it is good that there is an impartial witness (Herion), in case no one believes that Thorongil was the one to do that.
Camp6311
· 27 January 2016
· Chapter 17: Field of Glory
Wow,excellent battle scene!, rich in detail, centered on the main characters, but not overly done, I was captivated through the whole thing. From Minardil's battle: "when Minardil lopped off the arm of one dour warrior he gave a cry of torment to chill the blood." I'm assuming this was the cry that alerted Aragorn, details like this are so helpful in keeping a timeline of all the action that is going on. (I was also glad it wasn't a Gondorian)
If you are keeping a poll, I would vote updates over replies any day! The effort you put into sharing this story with us is truly appreciated.
quodamat
· 24 January 2016
· Chapter 17: Field of Glory
Wow...what a chapter! As usual, your writing is richly atmospheric and vivid, and I loved how you showed how different characters reacted to the dire situation.
This chapter really let Minardil "prove his quality" in his compassionate attitude even to enemies. I love how you write this character, especially how you portray him as heroic but not omnipotent, and humble enough to acknowledge his lack - for example, he keeps his head all through the battle, but is horrified when Denethor expects him to show off his strategy. That was a really interesting way to develop the plot: I have a feeling that moment will come back to haunt Minardil, and I think Thorongil may owe him a big apology for putting his captain in a position that was not only personally uncomfortable, but potentially dangerous.
I also really liked what you did with Midhon. I hope you continue to develop this character, as I'm finding his story arc very compelling. This was such a baptism by fire for him - he's come a long way from checking foreigners for lice at the city gates. Like Minardil, you write him with a moving combination of courage, competence, and human frailty.
It was also interesting how Denethor actually comes across better in this chapter than he does in most. It kind of makes me think that he might have been a much better leader if he'd ruled Gondor in a time of open war or some other grant project, rather than being on the defensive for so long. It's clear that he's a man of action, like his first son, and - again like Boromir - seems to be at his worst when he has too much time to sit still and think and worry. I've definitely encountered people like that, who seem made for action rather than contemplation - and vice versa. So much hinges on whether someone is suited to the role history assigns them. Then again, there's also the need to recognize one's strengths and weaknesses and act accordingly, and to cultivate the virtues needed in the circumstances one finds oneself in...but that's another issue! Anyway, I think much of the depth of this story comes from the way it examines different types of leadership. You have an incredible gift for injecting your stories with psychological and even sociological insight!
Final note: I love the little dashes of humour you include even in this very dark chapter. I think my favourite was the aside about Thorongil's knife. I can just picture Gandalf laying into the smiths at Rivendell who want to make it far too pretty!
Sneha
· 24 January 2016
· Chapter 17: Field of Glory
So now Denethor knows the truth, I can't wait to see how this plays out! It was interesting that Thorongil chose to save the Easterling, I don't doubt that Aragorn in later years would have done it too but he might come off across as less naive, I don't know how you managed that! It is wonderful to see you write again! Take care and best wishes!
obsidianj
· 24 January 2016
· Chapter 17: Field of Glory
Thorongil showed all his colors in this battle. From warrior to healer. There is no hiding any more. Too may witnesses. Loved the battle description with the mist and the chaos surrounding our heroes. Not knowing how many foes there are, just trying to survive.
UTfrog
· 24 January 2016
· Chapter 17: Field of Glory
Being snowed in, I saw this new chapter and yelped in pleasure. Sorry for life overwhelming you. We all totally understand.
Fantastic chapter and well worth the wait! All the major characters did their jobs well.
Thank you so much.
Ryanwe
· 24 January 2016
· Chapter 17: Field of Glory
Hi Canafinwe, finally I have my account on Stories of Arda! I'm really happy you've updated despite the difficult period. I particulary liked this line: "He was without mail or helm to cover him, and his dark hair flowed and rippled loose in his wake. So swiftly he moved that the fog could not escape him: it swirled in eddies and tendrils about him as his long sword found its mark again and again and the bright blade grew black with blood." What a wonderful description of Denethor! The description of Minardil's impressions at his first battle against the armies of Mordor is very realistic, I actually could feel his confusion and fear. Thanks for writing.
Matt
· 23 January 2016
· Chapter 17: Field of Glory
Just glad to see you writing at all, one always worries that when an author goes silent that other, even worse, things are happening. Good to see that this is not the case. Great battle scene, and although I disagree with the ethics of Thorongil's choice in saving the Easterling the military logic can't be argued. Looking forward to future installments and really glad to see this one.
shirebound
· 23 January 2016
· Chapter 17: Field of Glory
It's impressive to see our healer-warrior tending friend and foe alike, and setting such a good example for the men.
Larner
· 23 January 2016
· Chapter 17: Field of Glory
Elrond's teaching is saving the lives and capabilities of many this day. Thorongil is finally showing all of his qualities, whether or not he'd intended to do so as yet.
Hooray!
obsidianj
· 22 January 2016
· Chapter 16: In the Mists
What a cliff-hanger. I hope you update soon. I love the description of the battle in the mist. Doesn't matter if it's a mock battle that turns into the real thing. Thorongil seems to do everything right, but then you throw in little things like how come he is the best at following the hunch about the pitch scent, although he came from Rohan. Little things like these make Thorongil believable and real.
Lauren
· 20 January 2016
· Chapter 16: In the Mists
I'm a terrible lurker who never comments, but I just wanted to say I have slowly read all of your stories and I absolutely love them. The depth of characterization of Thorongil is absolutely wonderful and I am so enjoying reading this story. I check back fairly regularly for updates, and I'm dying to know what happens with this cliffhanger! Hopefully even with dull blades, the men are able to do some damage to the orcs!
lr6dnjaadHLS
· 12 January 2016
· Chapter 15: War Games