Royally Screwed
Challenge Details
Thorongil left Gondor suddenly and mysteriously, most likely to avoid conflict with Denethor, who was about to become Steward. (Yes, we know that Thorongil never directly contested anything with Denethor, but the fact remains that Denethor felt thoroughy threatened by him-- and with reason.)
Forty years later, Aragorn is contemplating a return to Minas Tirith.
Surely he cannot expect that Denethor's simply not going to recognize him. He must anticipate that Denethor's going to pick up roughly where they left off, with compounded interest.
In short, he's royally screwed. He can't possibly know that Denethor is going to self-immolate in a wonderfully convenient plot twist.
The challenge is simply to give Aragorn a moment's reflection at some point, to contemplate how on earth he's ever going to get past his old rival to get into the city.
(Title suggested by Gypsum's initial response: "He is so screwed.")
Forty years later, Aragorn is contemplating a return to Minas Tirith.
Surely he cannot expect that Denethor's simply not going to recognize him. He must anticipate that Denethor's going to pick up roughly where they left off, with compounded interest.
In short, he's royally screwed. He can't possibly know that Denethor is going to self-immolate in a wonderfully convenient plot twist.
The challenge is simply to give Aragorn a moment's reflection at some point, to contemplate how on earth he's ever going to get past his old rival to get into the city.
(Title suggested by Gypsum's initial response: "He is so screwed.")
Entries with Stories
The following authors have entered a story in the Challenge.
- Aliana - Proper Course of Action, A
- General Audience
- Last Updated: 26 Jan 05
- Over dinner at Dunharrow, Aragorn and friends discuss the Denethor Situation.
- Anglachel - Black Wing
- General Audience
- Last Updated: 01 Aug 10
An AU short story that ponders what might have happened if Denethor had not died on the pyre. Based on Hands of the King, and using characters from that novel. Told from Pippin, Faramir, Imrahil and Aragorn's perspectives in turn. Borlas is borrowed from Nath's story, Unto the ending of the world.
- Gandalfs apprentice - The Summons
- General Audience
- Last Updated: 07 Dec 06
- Three vignettes from the journey of the Fellowship: The Heir of Isildur discusses the Denethor situation with Gandalf; Boromir makes a discovery about a hero from Gondor's past; at Amon Hen, death takes a son of Gondor. MEFAwards 2006--First Place--The Great Years--Best Fellowship.
