Celeth
· 8 December 2015
· Chapter 14: Needful Work
Its too bad that if he had his way, Denethor would never ever allow a lowly foot soldier within a stone's throw of his sister, not knowing that this particular foot soldier turned waterboy might be the only man in all of Gondor who has the skill and the gift of healing to help her. But then again, some illnesses really have no cure.
Still, I wish that Thorongil would be given the chance to help Telperiel. Not just for her sake, but for Ecthelion's as well. I love the gentle old man already. I wonder what scenarios would be needed to get Thorongil into the home of the Steward's own daughter?
Author's reply
I have to say I can certainly see Denethor's point of view on that one. Who could possibly guess that a young soldier of fortune would be one of the most gifted healers in the world? And of course, he who can disperse the Black Breath must surely have some talent in easing less unnatural melancholy.
I'm so glad you love Ecthelion! I always have, and it is so exciting to finally write him. Cheers!
Sneha
· 8 December 2015
· Chapter 14: Needful Work
I enjoyed the little excursion! Midhon is an interesting character, I wish him well but you do draw out the meekness in his character well. It was well that Aragorn held his tongue, asking about Denethor's sister would have just made things worse. I do like your Ecthelion, his nobility come out but dare I say there is a softness to him and that is just how I think he would have been. Aragorn himself is kind but he will acquire a hardness to him later.
Again I love how you weave Arwen in your chapters. "Once, long ago upon a night of wonder unrivalled.." had me smiling. It is like she is always present at the edge of his mind. I am curious to know your opinion on why you think no one spoke of Arwen during his childhood?
I like your view of Gondorian society, confinement does seem counterintuitive. I am glad the two sisters will be together. Aragorn rightly deems it nonsensical but how much worse it would be for his wife when she would be bearing the heir of Gondor, that too after years without a king! That would make an interesting read! As always I await your next chapter!
Author's reply
Thanks! Glad you liked the outing, and that you find Midhon interesting. Yes, Thorongil would have been ill-advised to press the issue further. It's lovely to know you concur with my take on Ecthelion.
Ah, how wonderful that you picked up on the allusion to Arwen! I think the reason she was never mentioned during Estel's boyhood was natural rather than intentional. With the situation in the Misty Mountains (recall how difficult it was for Gandalf and his party of fourteen to cross them!), no one would have risked Arwen on such a journey after what happened to her mother. This implies that she was in Lothlorien for a very extended stay -- quite likely a couple hundred years at least. After such an absence, there would be less call to speak of her in the course of daily conversation. And it would not occur to anyone to tell Estel of her specifically, really. After all: they might never meet!
Ooh, I've considered writing a piece on the topic of Arwen's first pregnancy! Very tempting for just that reason!
Matt
· 8 December 2015
· Chapter 14: Needful Work
I always enjoy the views into Ecthelion's family life most of all of the scenes in your story. Thexploration of Thorongil's interadction with his fellow soldiers is also well done, though I think the scene with the young healer is possibly a little too long. Thanks as always for your hard work on this, looking forward to future installments.
Author's reply
Thank you! It's very good to know that you like the family scenes. I enjoy writing them. Thanks, too, for the feedback about the length of the last scene. I'll keep that in mind as I move forward. Cheers!
someone
· 8 December 2015
· Chapter 14: Needful Work
Well, for once Thorongil did not tell the truth (I would imagine that the Lord of the Dúnedain is not "no man´s lord"). I'm rather curious as to why he really wanted to visit the village; was it just curiosity? At least he made a good impression on the charcoal burners, and any knowledge might be useful later while working as an adviser (or a king). It was really interesting that though Thorongil's clothes were of an inferior fabric and dye, the young man called him a lord. Did he see through the disguise or was he just being polite?
I almost laughed at Midhon's innocent comment about the poor not affording to go into confinement. Well, I doubt that there were many pregnant elves in Rivendell at that time, so perhaps the comment was not so wrong among the dúnedain. Or it is just a cultural thing.
Midhon seems to be another underdog that the undercover king will take under his wing, almost like Jamon and Minardil (though Minardil was in a better position to start with).
Ecthelion seems often to be almost unsure of what to do, far more so than his son. Perhaps it's good, at least he will accept other opinions. The idea that Anaiwen could keep Telpiriel company sounds like it could work. And if it does not, it is nicer to be miserable together.
Author's reply
Well, he did add the qualifier of "here". :-)
The young man addressed Thorongil as a lord for a couple of reasons. First, although his garments are indeed of inferior make by the standards of Minas Tirith, they are quite luxurious to these men on the lowest rungs of society. Second, Thorongil's manner is that of a lord: courteous, well-spoken, generous.
Confinement: definitely cultural! I'm certain the Eldar do not observe it, either. :-P
Thank you as always: its a lovely treat to read such feedback!
shirebound
· 8 December 2015
· Chapter 14: Needful Work
Another very thoughtful and interesting chapter. I especially like this:
Seek out those who value what you have to say, and who take your honesty at its true worth.
Author's reply
Thank you! It's always lovely to know what struck you, and I appreciate your feedback so very much.
UTfrog
· 8 December 2015
· Chapter 14: Needful Work
Thorongil is so very right but everyone needing to appreciate all honest labor. He is building the strengths that will make him such a great commander and King by learning all he can of his subjects.
Author's reply
I'm glad you feel that way. I think it's very true!
Aromene
· 8 December 2015
· Chapter 14: Needful Work
Oh, I loved the little side foray, and Aragorn's reasoning for it. I know nothing about charcoal production, so it was interesting to get bits and pieces of that. And to have Midhon open up about his past. I hope he and Aragorn can become something of friends!
So many story lines...I wonder when (and how) they're all intersect. :D
Author's reply
So glad you liked the excursion! Yes, there are quite a few threads floating around, aren't there? I hope you enjoy how they come together.
obsidianj
· 6 December 2015
· Chapter 13: Confrontations
For once Denethor shows his good capabilities. Praise where praise is due. I like Minardil and I can understand his discomfort at taking praise for Thorongil without revealing where the tactics of the battle came from. My estimation of Jamar raised a notch when I read the description that even the mighty Thorongil feels the strain of carrying the water buckets day-in day-out.
If my guess is right and Thorongil will eventually help Telpiriel deliver, then Denethor's discomfort and animosity will reach new heights.
Author's reply
Yes, Denethor has it in him to be a good General, if never a great Captain. I'm glad you like Minardil, and his discomfort: poor honest man! And Jamon... yes, he's a man of some mettle. He'd have to be, really, to desert Sauron's army for Sauron's greatest (martial) enemy!
Prediction duly noted. No spoilers! ;-)
Cimarron's Girl
· 5 December 2015
· Chapter 13: Confrontations
Another intriguing chapter! I wonder how long it will be before Denethor discovers Thorongil's ingenuity as a tactician... Although I'm shocked such a clever fellow would dare to duck in between a frightened horse's legs! What an ending that could have been for Isildur's heir!
As always, I eagerly await the events of the next chapter and the revelation of Thorongil's latest scheme. He actually would have made an excellent spy, although he was not.
Cheers!
Author's reply
Ah, yes! Our young Chieftain-in-disguise is still a little bit of a cocky young fool, even if he only shows it by ducking under the occasional warhorse.
Thrilled as always to have you eager for more! He *would* have been a good spy: no wonder Denethor is suspicious.
Marianel
· 5 December 2015
· Chapter 13: Confrontations
Feels so good! The tenth seems a force to be reckoned with after all!💪🏽👊🏼. Denethor surprises me with his good will and praise and he rose a notch in my eyes.Praise be where it should😌
Poor Estel in his misery of heavy waterbuckets and harrying men to stop his way with the water! I see him before me .I laughed at his endurance.Hes indeed a remarkable person with humility and patience surpassed only by an old elf and even they can lose patience which says a big bit!😂I also adore your Captain Minardil .Hes wise in his own small ways. I actually think a little bit of both Legolas, Faramir and especially your own Losfaron( from a Long and weary way good readers of Cana) when you write of Minardil. I hope you dont mind that likeness. Minardil is my new fangirl fancy currently hahaha! Minardil seems young but he has a good head on his shoulders and he will learn. No - I still haventt forgot Losfaron!
I truly enjoyed this chapter too.Arrh you must tire of my lengthy reviews.Im so sorry I cant help myself, my head full of pictures from your stores!
Author's reply
Yay! Glad it felt good. Denethor is a hard man, but he tries not to be a hypocrite: praise where praise is due.
Estel's impatience always awed me. Just looking at how much it takes to break it... wow. I mean, Ioreth and the Herbmaster weren't sufficient.
It's wonderful that you like Minardil! Thank you. Your reviews are lovely: don't be self-conscious! I'm thrilled you're enjoying the story so much.
Camp6311
· 5 December 2015
· Chapter 13: Confrontations
I'm with Minardil on this one. "‘How are you to show your worth if you will not let your achievements be seen?’"
Author's reply
Wise Captain, wise reader.
Sneha
· 4 December 2015
· Chapter 13: Confrontations
My eyes shone when I saw the two new chapters! I am sorry to have missed the last update. How wonderfully detailed you are! I felt like I was in the battle in the last chapter, not too much details but just enough. I love the conversation between Denethor and Minardil, he does seem genuinely appreciative even though there is still that tinge of condescension. But he would not be Denethor otherwise,
I can't wait for the next chapter and see what the surprise is! I think my favorite part of both chapters is the image of Aragorn you left me with, writing on the ground and strategizing for the next day! There is something so hopeful, so sincere about that gesture, He truly is a wonderful leader of men!
I love the bit with the Steward and his daughter! I am so looking forward to read how it all comes together.
Finally, thank you for replying to my query! I also live in a english speaking country in the western hemisphere and recently started working in healthcare!I I do hope you will realize your dream someday of writing, I will definitely buy your book! Take care and best wishes!
Author's reply
I'm glad the details aren't *too* overwhelming. I confess I do love them...
It's hard to imagine who would be above Denethor's condescension, frankly. :-D
How lovely to know you like that image of Thorongil drawing in the dust. Hopeful and sincere: how well you describe him!
Cheers!
WindSinger
· 4 December 2015
· Chapter 13: Confrontations
Just wanted to let you know how much I am enjoying this tale. I really appreciate your attention to detail and the fleshing out of your characters. I can truly loose myself in each chapter and am dismayed when I reach the end. Sometimes I wish I would find these really good stories after they are done so I can read them from start to finish with no interruptions. Very nice. Thank you so much for sharing and I look forward to the next installment.
Author's reply
Thank you so much! The praise and encouragement are so very much appreciated, and it means a lot to know you like my characterisations. Thank you!
someone
· 4 December 2015
· Chapter 13: Confrontations
It's understandable that Minardil feels a little awkward, having to take the whole credit for the victory. What is surprising is Denethor's attitude. He's genuinely happy (or at least, looks like it) and impressed, and also lets Minardil know it. For once, I like his attitude, at least compared to that of the captain of the Second Company. The captain seems a bit... bitter, both at having lost and having someone take him down. Perhaps the latter was even worse from his point of view.
A little glimpse at Aragorn's life in Imladris with the horse, what has he been doing if he was told often to not duck under a horse! I must agree with Gilraen and the captain, it was foolish. The heir of Elendil, killed in a mock battle while taking a shortcut between a horse's legs... That would have been an embarrassing end. It is amusing to see how surprised Thorongil is every time someone comes close to his own height, and how he almost overanalyzes every comment.
Apparently, the newest generation of the house of Mardil is a rather temperamental lot. As Ecthelion seems to be a calm man, did they get it from their mother?
Author's reply
Well, Denethor is a hard man, but he does appreciate success and the Tenth's success is ultimately good for Gondor. He also gets to enjoy the feeling of being the benevolent lord handing out praise to his good and loyal Captain. ;-)
Haha! What indeed? Estel was a handful in his own way. It would have been a sorry end to the line of Elendil, wouldn't it?
As someone considerably above average height, it *is* a bit surprising (and disconcerting) to come up on someone taller. Thorongil, having spent almost a decade in Rohan, is definitely NOT used to it.
UTfrog
· 4 December 2015
· Chapter 13: Confrontations
A new chapter is a great way to begin my Friday. I am so sorry for Ecthelion's daughter. Her frustration is understandable. I also liked the way her father tried to help. So Denethor has something sneaky planned. Why is that not a shock? Looking forward to the next mock battle. Thank you.
Author's reply
So pleased you liked the scene with Ecthelion and Telpiriel. Aaaaand Denethor... *shrugs*
Larner
· 4 December 2015
· Chapter 13: Confrontations
The chance that Denethor suspects the antecedents of Thorongil as the northerner described to Minardil is, after all, quite strong. It is more likely that his frustration is primarily fed by Thorongil's unwillingness to give more precise detail and the natural attitude of command Thengel's former captain demonstrates, however. There is a natural nobility in Thorongil that Denethor finds disturbing--that is certain.
Love the interlude between Ecthelion and his daughter, by the way. I can appreciate her frustration at not being able to stir beyond her bedroom and having to submit to being ministered to around the clock when she'd rather be up and doing. Why do I suspect that eventually Thorongil will have the chance to minister to her in his role as a healer? Heh!
And the Tenth Company has good reason to feel good about themselves today!
Author's reply
That's it exactly: the insistence upon secrecy coupled with Denethor's recognition that Thorongil is very much more than he seems are the crux of the problem. He's ascribing dark motives where none exist, but he *is* right that this "humble" recruit is hiding something enormous.
Poor Telpiriel: "she'd rather be up and doing" is the perfect way to phrase it! Worse still, the boredom only invites more worry.
gf9PEQHEb
· 2 December 2015
· Chapter 4: The Measure of a Man
salam fogholade bood katshe nabashid faghat ye khahesh man sale3vome dabirestanam va darbareye fizike kooantomi faghat dar hadde hamin videoi ke alan didam etela daram mishe esme chandta ketab ro bazekre nevisandehashoon behem begin ta betoonam bishtar motale sham ??bazam mamnoon
DoggieGirl
· 29 November 2015
· Chapter 12: The High Ground
This was such an awesome chapter. Like the men of the tenth, I was not surprised that Thorongil and Minardil are the only ones that were left standing devastating the enemy (excuse me opponents) sent against them. Thorongil has that amazing ability to inspire belief in the impossible. I even belief that Thorongil might be right that together they could have taken on forty guardsmen.
Inspiring the men, carrying all the water for his men, scoping out knowledge from the opponents camp, fighting to almost the last man, re-inspiring the captain, and offering expert military council - all in a day's work for Thorongil.
The whole mock taking of the hill and the victory was so rewarding to see. The tenth company's mounting excitement and the second's shock and surprise was so well played. Of course, Thorongil had to take out the second's captain. His eleven training with animals must have helped him there. I really enjoyed the fact that the last man dramatically "died." It shows that at least some of the second's company truly are good natured about their defeat. I loved it.
Denethor's must have almost choked on his wine as he saw the sudden change of fortunes. His humiliation for the tenth company could very well backfire into the humiliation of second company. I wonder exactly what Minardil will say about Thorongil's role in this. I foresee that Denethor's enjoyment of the proceedings is about to dramatically decrease.
Author's reply
I'm glad you liked the chapter! It is always wonderful to see Thorongil inspiring those about him: this is the gift that brought the Grey Company through the Paths of the Dead and inspired the six thousand to march upon all the might of Mordor. I think you may be right about taking down the forty, too: it would have been a very frantic fight, but they might have done it!
Yay for the Last Man Standing! Yes, he's got the spirit of the thing: it's only a game, after all! Writing the death throes was fun, as was Thorongil's handling of the mounted Captain. Poor old Denethor: such a surprise!
obsidianj
· 29 November 2015
· Chapter 12: The High Ground
Heh, heh, that was a well-earned victory. I just hope Denethor will not learn too soon that it was probably Thorongil's battle plan. Let him think Menardil came up with this idea. At least now the playing field is a bit more leveled. The second company will now be more wary of the tenth and not just think they are cannon fodder.
Author's reply
Very true: no more underestimating this opponent! Glad you enjoyed the Tenth's victory: well-earned indeed.
obsidianj
· 29 November 2015
· Chapter 11: In the Field
I think Denethor is in for a, in his mind, nasty surprise. If he thinks Minardil is a fool and easily trounced by the second company, he forgot the new recruit. Someone needs to take Denethor a peg or two down. He is overconfident and only sees what he wants to see to the detriment of his forces. Having this water-collecting duty thrust upon 3 people for 2 weeks just to spite someone is not the mark of a great commander. These people become a liability when the going gets rough and they are overtired. Unless Denethor thinks he can waste these people.
obsidianj
· 29 November 2015
· Chapter 10: Come In, Go Forth
That will be an interesting outing. Denethor has something in mind and I think Minardil is not too far off the mark that it looks like they are set up to fail. But if I remember right the extra flour on the first outing was added just so Denethor could get Jamon to bear the tent. But Thorongil is also right, a little extra precaution is never amiss.
Marianel
· 29 November 2015
· Chapter 12: The High Ground
Yes! That should teach them! 😎💪🏽I just hope the young gentle captain wont fare too bad from Denethor from this.😆😁Lovely hopeful refreshing chapter !
Author's reply
Thank you! So pleased you enjoyed it. We've all earned a refreshing chapter, I think.
shirebound
· 29 November 2015
· Chapter 12: The High Ground
This is wonderfully described. I felt like I was there!
Author's reply
Thanks! That's the effect I always hope to give.
obsidianj
· 28 November 2015
· Chapter 9: Well-Meant Counsel
Denethor is a piece of work. I love it that his sister knows him and calls him out on his faults. The scene between Ecthelion and Thorongil was great while they were alone and was in stark contrast the moment Denethor entered. I loved the name of the village Thorongil was brought up in "home". What a nice name and so uninformative when it comes to locating the place. It must gall Denethor.
obsidianj
· 28 November 2015
· Chapter 8: Undefeated
Denthor's peace will not be long lived. I can imagine his reaction when he comes back to hear all the talk about Thorongil and most in his favor to boot. He will not like it one bit. Poor Jamon, he thought he escaped the slave labor in the East only to come under a cruel Gondorian Captain. Did Denethor treat the "spy" like this? Then it would be no wonder that the guy turned traitor.
I loved the scene between Anaiwen and her father. She is quite a smart Lady.