PSW · 19 January 2025 · Chapter 10: Author's Notes
This story was hysterical - mostly because all of us have had to deal with just such red tape (although not with a sword forged in the depths of time)… Thx so much for sharing, I truly enjoyed!
Import Duty by DADGAD
Reviews (14)
Itarille · 24 August 2024 · Chapter 8: '... is called a Million'
How delightful! Aragirn losing patience (I like how you contrasted that to his years of working patiently towards becoming King), Faramir anticipating his lord's needs and quietly working in the background to find a solution, and letting his lord spend a morning and afternoon 'appreciating' the problems he is in,... I enjoy reading Master Angren and Thenweg's parts, too.
Larner · 20 March 2024 · Chapter 10: Author's Notes
Most amusing and instructive. We had an antiques store for a time, and found we had to be very careful in describing some certain items in our import lists that we not lose valuable glassware by describing a particularly nice vase as "lead crystal" as "lead" is a trigger word understood by import officials indicating "poisonous." The lead in such items cannot be passed into food or drink, but it still set off alarms in the beauracrats' brains. Loved this!
Author's reply
Dear Larner, thank you so much for the reviews. You were one of my favourite writers in this genre from the beginning, so it's most appreciated. I had some of your stories in mind when I wrote about the Steward(s) who had blocked Arvedui's claim to the throne of Gondor in Chapter 6. I will take note of never trying to import "Lead Crystal" into the USA. Don't think its quite as bad here, but we are paying duty on a lot more things these days.
Larner · 20 March 2024 · Chapter 9: All's Well that Ends Well (we hope)
Perhaps not....
Larner · 20 March 2024 · Chapter 8: '... is called a Million'
Clever--and well prepared--Faramir!
Author's reply
Yes, Faramir knew that he had everything, before sending Angren and Thenweg into see the King. And of course, had realised he'd need two witnesses to the signing of the new statute.
Larner · 20 March 2024 · Chapter 7: The Return of Faramir
5oo many zeros, I understand....
Larner · 20 March 2024 · Chapter 6: 'A Thousand Thousands...'
Time to rewrite the statutes, then. Heh!
Larner · 20 March 2024 · Chapter 4: Some time later... (The Meeting Continues)
Will "hand carried by owner" serve?
Larner · 20 March 2024 · Chapter 3: Forms and Complications
More a mass of Gordian Knots we have here! An ancient Dwarf from a land long under Sea forged it first, and it has passed through many hands and lands prior to its being reforged in Rivendale....
Larner · 20 March 2024 · Chapter 2: A Few Weeks Later
Ah, yes--the tangles of beauracracies. A Gordian Knot that may need Anduril's blade to cut it! Did Faramir put these men up to this?
Larner · 20 March 2024 · Chapter 1: The Council Meeting
Just as such things are about to come to pass? Sounds as if this will indeed be--interesting.
Lindelea · 10 March 2024 · Chapter 2: A Few Weeks Later
‘Well, we will just have to see’, he said, clapping his King on the shoulder, ‘let’s not worry about things that haven’t happened yet’. Somehow that has the ring of Famous Last Words. ...and then just the one. I have a sneaking suspicion. navigate between the hammer and the anvil. Clever. Sounds very naturally like a metalsmith's expression. Thorongil! Ah, lawyers. Some of my siblings and in-laws are lawyers. You've pegged their communication style quite well, I think. Looking forward to reading more!
Lindelea · 6 March 2024 · Chapter 1: The Council Meeting
damp the winter fires down... Spoken like a true Ranger of the North! (Or perhaps Thorongil?) The Lords' outrage sounds quite realistic. I'm sure they hate the idea of losing power and possibly having their wings clipped. ‘Are you quite sure it was wise to say that you, the King, would follow all duly constituted laws and regulations as well?’ Oh no! That doesn't bode well for Beregond, one of the finest Men I know. [tries not to bite fingernails] A well-practised look, combining endless patience and mild exasperation Hah! I can see this so clearly. And I'm wondering with whom he practised at such length? Looking forward to reading more. Tomorrow, I hope, or the next day at the latest.
Author's reply
Thanks Lindenlea, Yes Aragorn's background as Thorongil does play a part in this story. However you need not worry about Beregond - he's quite safe. Faramir as well. There is a potential sting in the tail in the final chapter, but I won't spoil that for you right now!
Lady Forlong · 27 February 2024 · Chapter 9: All's Well that Ends Well (we hope)
So there's no escaping red tape, even in Middle-earth LOL I can think of some politicians in this world (who shall remain nameless) who would do well to follow Aragorn's example in not thinking themselves above the law...
Author's reply
Thanks, Lady Forlong I wouldn't like to speculate who you might be thinking of, but on this Eastern side of the Atlantic, there are plenty examples of both good and bad politicians as well! All the examples of red tape/paperwork in the story are actually drawn from my own real life experiences in import/export.