Reviews (271)

Celeth · 12 November 2015 · Chapter 8: Undefeated

Oh, poor Jamon! I do hate Denethor so much! What a calculatingly hard and heartless man he is. No wonder it was so easy for Sauron to prey upon his mind. The swordfight between Minardil and Thorongil was fascinating! So it turns out that it was much more interesting than the Captain testing his new recruit's skill, after all. Champion of the Guard! Still, he would be no match for Thorongil's own teachers and trainers: the legendary Glorfindel and the Sons of Elrond, not to mention his experience fighting among the Dunedain and the Rohirrim. I really hope Ecthelion gets to re-interview Thorongil alone, before Denethor arrives and hears of the "famous swordfight." They will both be more relaxed without his presence hovering like a thundercloud in the background, or more like a thunderstorm, and not in the background, either! If Denethor was sleepless before he left, it will be even worse when he gets back. Oh this is getting more and more exciting! I can't wait for the next chapter.

DoggieGirl · 12 November 2015 · Chapter 8: Undefeated

I loved how Minardil acted all innocent about the fact that he was Champion of the guard. Oh didn't I mention that bit :) I knew that he seemed like an above average dedicated, skilled, and competent captain. But of course, we all know who trained Thorongil and how good he is so the end result was not much doubted. But you wrote a fun and enlightening way to get to that end. I liked how you explained how Thorongil tried to prolong duel bouts both not to completely humiliate the other person but also the see how he could help them get better. It fits his character perfectly. Minardil and Thorongil will get along so well together. But like Minardil, we know that Thorongil won't stay under his command for forever or even a terribly long time it seems. I can't wait for you next update. I always get so excited when I see you have posted.

Larner · 12 November 2015 · Chapter 8: Undefeated

Thorongil's training is extraordinary, as WE know, so I'm not surprised at his win, of course. Denethor's antagonism against Jamon demonstrates the vindictive nature he lets loose perhaps too often. I don't think he will like the news awaiting him on his return, particularly if he learns his father has again called for Thorongil so as to speak with him.

Sneha · 12 November 2015 · Chapter 8: Undefeated

Finally a test of skills! You wrote the sword fight so beautifully, I wonder at your knowledge! Denethor is such a bully, he is so narrow and prejudiced. "Guilty until proven guilty" is probably his own train of thought or just plain "guilty"! I like Anaiwen, it will be interesting to see her interaction with Thorongil and Denethor. I can't tell you how excited I am about this story, so many interesting situations to come and I am so happy that you are writing it! When the first chapter came out, I was ecstatic for a long time. Thank you so much for your effort, your time and the beautiful stories you create! Best wishes!

UTfrig · 12 November 2015 · Chapter 8: Undefeated

Good for Aninwen. She is an intriguing character. Great fight scene, too. Thanks

Celeth · 10 November 2015 · Chapter 7: Tread With Care

I really look forward to the match between Minardil and Thorongil. I wonder if Minardil is ready to take on all the Elven training and experience behind Thorongil's sword-arm, but it will be exciting to "watch." I just love the way you flesh out your characters, specially the ones who had little or no speaking parts in LOTR: Ecthelion and his family especially, and even the one I love to have: Denethor.

Sneha · 8 November 2015 · Chapter 7: Tread With Care

I wonder if the Steward will find the truth about the brooch. Aragorn's plan of blending in has not worked very well, he still has much to learn! Denethor is being mean as usual, you write him beautifully, I do see how being the only son might have added to his coldness and pride. With him away, perhaps the regard between the Steward and Thorongil will grow.

Cimarron's Girl · 8 November 2015 · Chapter 7: Tread With Care

Ah, the long-awaited meeting between Ecthelion and Thorongil has taken place! Such a shame that Denethor has already decided that Thorongil is some manner of opponent. Minardil sounds like a kind and noble captain for his men; I would not have thought that an officer in charge of nearly a hundred soldiers would trouble himself to accompany one of them upon a summons from the Captain-General. I hope we will see lots more from his character throughout this tale! And I would like to know how the sparring match between him and Thorongil went, although I can probably already guess who won. I also really enjoyed the interlude of Ecthelion's perspective. I wonder if he will ever determine about the origins of that silver star. Of course, if Ecthelion is near to divining something about the star, I can only imagine what Denethor will eventually decide. I can't wait to hear about how Denethor will assess Thorongil's skills - whatever happens, I doubt it will make Denethor value the "meek-mouthed braggart" more. As always, your writing masterfully captures the images of Tolkien's world and breathes new life into them! I think you could write a successful novel of your own. :-) Cheers!

someone · 8 November 2015 · Chapter 7: Tread With Care

Internet ate my first review, hopefully this will go through... Minardil clearly knows commander well, as he doesn't want his soldiers to meet Denethor alone. And I was really happy to find mention of him while browsing LWW, it seems that there is a good chance for him to be alive during the war. He must be surprised to see the new king! Thorongil's plan to arrive in Gondor just like all the other sell-swords clearly failed, as Ecthelion saw right through the humble appearance. Aragorn, having lived in Imladris among even more intimidating people, just didn't know he wasn't supposed to be able to look the Lords of Gondor in the eyes! He has nothing to fear from the people of his own southern realm, at least not yet, and it shows. If Ecthelion already knows that the star is somehow familiar, it is only question of time that one of the loremasters recognizes it. That might be awkward for Thorongil. Also, I think I already like Anoriel. She has apparently common sense in not expecting too much from someone who has been in the city for only a week.

Lori · 7 November 2015 · Chapter 7: Tread With Care

I love the personal conversations Thornogil has with the people around him. I like all the rest too, its just conversation often personalizes and draws you in. Can't wait to read more. Will we get to see Thorongil duel his captain? I really like his captain. As long as he doesn't tragically die along the way, i wonder if his captain just might become thornogil's future lieutenant (so to speak) as thorongil's rank will rise. I switch in places.

UTfrog · 7 November 2015 · Chapter 7: Tread With Care

You write Denethor so well that I really want to knock some sense into him. He could have accomplished so much! Great story

Larner · 7 November 2015 · Chapter 7: Tread With Care

Methinks that Denethor has a conscience that does work, but whose disturbance he will discipline as he will the Men under his orders. Interesting, the manner in which he subtly seeks to diminish Jamon in the eyes of his betrothed.

shirebound · 7 November 2015 · Chapter 7: Tread With Care

He could not pinpoint the fact, but the feeling… the feeling was one of respect and quiet marvel What a lovely description.

Matt · 6 November 2015 · Chapter 6: The Steward and the Stranger

Really nice job on this. I like the immediate conflict between Ecthelion and Denithor. Some have thought the enmity between Denithor and Aragorn took a while to develop, others thought it started right away. Your framing of right away works very well. Thanks loads for your hard work on this, looking forward to the next installment.

Sneha · 6 November 2015 · Chapter 6: The Steward and the Stranger

I wish Thorongil could just challenge the Heir to a duel and pound him into the dirt! How uncourteous of Denethor! He is stern and proud, probably someone of impeccable character who has little human warmth and little understanding or compassion for human faults. I wonder how he turned out that way, his father seems wise and kind. I wonder if he would have ever yielded the throne to Aragorn had he revealed himself, probably no proof would have been enough for him unless Elendil himself decreed it so! I am waiting to see the coming of Finduilas, perhaps she would soften him a bit. I woke up at 4 am a couple of days ago and reflexively checked to see if you had updated, read the new chapter peering into my phone and fell asleep after I was done. The story weaved into a dream and it was a blurry mess after I woke up! I thought it was a dream until I checked again today! Looking forward to the next chapter!

Freyalyn · 5 November 2015 · Chapter 6: The Steward and the Stranger

Just a thought - in your telling, is Gondor completely unaware of the survival of the Northern Kingdom? Because surely the odd ranger out of the North has turned up in Gondor before now? But Denethor is really getting my back up. Really, if it had been left to him there would have been no defence against Sauron at all, and Denethor would have been surprised because surely his beautiful pure breeding and education would have been enough to send the orcs running...

shirebound · 5 November 2015 · Chapter 6: The Steward and the Stranger

There was truth in his eyes, and in all of his words. It's to Ecthelion's credit that he trusts his own judgment in this. I like him very much.

Celeth · 5 November 2015 · Chapter 6: The Steward and the Stranger

Oh, the "low-born, meek-mouthed braggart...must guard the flour." Poor Thorongil. Then again, this was the way he wanted it, and it looks like Denethor is going to give it to him in full measure, and then some. But I am excited to read more about Thorongil's relationship and interaction with Ecthelion. It's so heartwarming that the Steward already likes him. Looking forward to future posts....

UTfrog · 5 November 2015 · Chapter 6: The Steward and the Stranger

"As would I". You capture Denethor's cold sneakiness perfectly. Lovely introduction to the throne room. Thanks

someone · 5 November 2015 · Chapter 6: The Steward and the Stranger

"Meek-mouthed braggart"! Denethor is a joy to read with his sceptism and prickly personality. He won't make life easy for Thorongil. Over ten years of that and it is no wonder Aragorn would rather end up is he is in Tailings and Tales. Ecthelion is a little too trusting, if he would have let a stranger start his career in the guard of the Citadel. He is considerably kinder than Denethor, which must have been a relief to Thorongil/Aragorn. And clearly he knows nothing about the treatment of the newcomers. It was nice to see the love Denethor and Ecthelion have for each other, I do hope Thorongil's coming won't destroy it. Aragorn's upbringing in Imladris was useful here, it must have made some impression on both Ecthelion and Denethor. Somehow I doubt that soldiers of Rohan behave always like that.

Larner · 5 November 2015 · Chapter 6: The Steward and the Stranger

Alas that Denethor is already so full of suspicion he is unwilling to accept Thorongil upon his own merits, reserving judgment until the newcomer proves himself one way or another. Does he already begin to suspect in the depths of his being just who this one is and what he will become to Gondor one day? Does he already fear displacement in the heart of his father and the rule of Gondor he hopes to inherit? And to immediately think of sending Thorongil to Ithilien as sending him deliberately to his death is unworthy of him. Aragorn mostly did well in his first interview with the Steward.

Lori · 2 November 2015 · Chapter 5: Summoned

Thorogil is making friends without prejudice and is unable to hide his concern for the less fortunate. Jamon sounds like he could be a mine of information about the treatment of those outside Gondor by Sauron. It just might create a bit more curiosity about those other countries and open his eyes even more then they already are to how some of the people in those countries feel about Sauron. I am sure we haven't seen the last of these two's paths crossing. Jamon doesn't know it yet, but Thorongil might be his best ally in the city. Ecthelion's daughter, Anaiwen, is a delightful and joyful character. I wonder what part of this epic she will play. She seems so nice, yet for some reason I am almost wary what part such a lovely young girl like her could have in this suspicious, wit matching war that has just commenced. When Jamon started chatting up about his lady love, he felt bad for Thorongil. During this time of his life, that would have been such a painful issue. To love someone and to think that they either didn't return your regard at all or didn't care for you in that way must have hurt. But even more than that, Aragorn never does anything by halves. He gives his heart completely and cannot find it in his heart to ever love another. All I can say is that his loyalty and devotion to one for whom he had almost little hope is truly amazing. But painful to hear of others in their joy, no matter how much you wish them joy. Cant' wait for more.

jgmsccc · 2 November 2015 · Chapter 5: Summoned

Just wanted to let you know how much I am enjoying this story.

Sneha · 2 November 2015 · Chapter 5: Summoned

I love Denethor's sister! A neat idea, he surely must have had siblings. I really liked the description of the city, I could feel the cold and the bleakness of the picture when the poor came for scraps. Poor Aragorn, betrothals must be a painful subject. I can't wait for the meeting with the Steward!

Larner · 1 November 2015 · Chapter 5: Summoned

Ecthelion is apparently swift to make right such a delay as was evidenced by the prolonged stay the letter made on Denethor's desk. Too bad it is causing some anxiety in Thorongil. I like what I see of both of Ecthelion's daughters, and particularly the younger one. Bright and saucy indeed! Denethor will be annoyed to be brought before his father due to the lateness of the letter's receipt, and that's only to be expected. But I doubt Thorongil will remain long in the eleventh company, not that Thengel's letter has reached its intended recipient. Sorry, Denethor!