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| Sundry Scrolls by Raksha The Demon | 10 Review(s) |
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| Little Dwarf | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 6/29/2008 |
| Couldn't help and just read it again. And, again, it brought tears to my eye. I failed to mention this in my first review, but this paragraph is paragraph is a perfect example of beautiful prose: "The trees rustle in the soft summer wind, and Faramir can hear the voices; glimpse some who passed through these gardens: his own White Lady, standing by the marble statue of Felaróf and eagerly beckoning him; their daughter Cynwen lost in childbirth, now sits against the oak tree with her fair head bent over a book; and is that Imrahil walking there, or just a trick of the sunlight on the fountain?" - the description is so well created that I can almost see them myself... And how evocative to have Eowyn stand by a statue of Fealof!!! If I'd had an "Add to Favourite Stories" button here, this wonderful piece will go directly to the top of my list!!! Author Reply: Of course Eowyn would stand by the statue of Felarof; I'm sure it was made for her and she appreciated it. Thanx for your kind words; Little Dwarf, I wanted to let Faramir see between worlds there - I don't know for sure whether he saw memories or spirits; only he would know that, but he did see the people he loved. And death and life are not so firmly separated in Tolkien's Middle-earth... | |
| Little Dwarf | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 6/29/2008 |
| This brought tears to my eyes. Literally. And I don't normally cry when I read fanfiction, mind you! I've thought of Eowyn's death and how it would affect Faramir, and I've also imagined Faramir as an old man, but I've never read or imagined his own passing. So I think that, from now on, this ficlet of yours is canon for me! It was heartbreakingly expressive, every word in it held so much emotion! I don't have to mention the perfect writing, but the appearance of the deceased ones are so beautifully drawn! Excellent job!!! And I think it is only fitted, if Aragorn willingly takes out his crown and goes to lie on his funeral bed, that, by contrast, Faramir should pass away almost imperceptibly, in the middle of his garden... *sniff* Author Reply: This story flowed out of me, unanticipated. I hadn't intended to tackle Faramir's passing for awhile. But there was a "Summer in Ithilien" challenge, and this was my answer. I think Faramir would have a relatively peaceful old age; and not even feel or show his physical age that much until maybe the last five or ten years. I'm not yet at the point where I want to write about Eowyn's death; I think it would devastate Faramir, but he would carry on, surrounded by friends and family, and continue to be a good Steward and Prince; though perhaps he might delegate one of those chores to Elboron..or not. It is quite a compliment that you consider this story to be comparable to canon for you - thank you! | |
| Khorazîr | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 1/7/2008 |
| This is a very touching piece. Like the other reviewers have mentioned before, this peaceful end is very appropriate for our Prince. Also, it's interesting that he should die in his gardens. I've always pictured that, too. Somehow, it doesn't seem right to have him die lying abed, him having been a ranger after all. Author Reply: I'm glad you liked the story, Khorazir. Faramir, and his love for Eowyn, have associations with fertility/renewal/nature; I could really see Faramir delighting in the blooming of all Ithilien, even after Eowyn is gone; though he would miss her terribly. And I kept seeing him sitting in a favorite chair in the famous gardens, the center of love and attention, from king, family and friends. | |
| Bodkin | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 1/5/2008 |
| Faramir, if anyone, deserves a peaceful end - with the presence of those he loves, both before and after the event. Bade farewell by Aragorn and Legolas, his descendants and theirs - and, ahead of him, those he has loved and missed. Author Reply: Thanx for reviewing, Bodkin; this piece is close to my heart. I did want a good send-off for Faramir; and by then, he would be missing a lot of people. And both Legolas and Aragorn had to be there; Faramir would have had strong connections to both of them. | |
| meckinock | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 1/2/2008 |
| I have tears in my eyes reading this, Raksha! What a lovely end for Faramir; one he well deserves. Author Reply: I'm so glad you found the ficlet a moving one, meckinock. The story just kind of flowed out of me; especially that he finally got to take the journey with Boromir. Thanx for the review! | |
| harrowcat | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 1/2/2008 |
| This is brilliant Raksha. What a gently perfect way to go. Author Reply: Thanx for the review, harrowcat; I did think Faramir would have a relatively gentle leave-taking; perhaps a reward from the Valar, or just fate. | |
| Linda Hoyland | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 1/1/2008 |
| A haunting and deeply moving story. I liked it that Aragorn obviously cares about Faramir.It was a lovely touch that Faramir sees his lost loved ones. A sad story,but ultimately uplifting. Author Reply: Well, you know that I agree with you that Aragorn and Faramir shared great mutual esteem and friendship. Yes, the curtain was starting to roll back for Faramir, the bounds between death and life blurring. And of course, I believe he was reunited with Eowyn and their daughter and Boromir and Finduilas and Denethor and Imrahil, etc. Thanx for the review, Linda! | |
| Branwyn | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 1/1/2008 |
| Raksha shows us the peaceful close of Faramir's life. Like the ancient Numenorean kings, he seems to choose the moment of his death, leaving when he is in a summer garden, surrounded by his surviving family. The prose is lovely, and the final line is perfect--conveying (to this reader, anyway) the transience that shimmers behind a summer day. Well done! Author Reply: Thanx for reading and reviewing, Branwyn. I didn't really think of whether he chose the moment of his death; it seemed to me to be more of recognizing that this was the time to go rather than try to stay. But that's a very small difference; and Faramir does go out gracefully like the proud Numenorean he always was. And I'm pleased that you liked the prose and the final line; I really wanted to do justice to these last moments of Faramir's life. | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 1/1/2008 |
| He goes, and gladly, for Eowyn and his brother and daughter and mother--and hopefully his father as well--all await him. Excellent look at the death of Faramir, blessed, quiet, and in the midst of those who love him on both sides of the Veil. Author Reply: Oh, I'm sure that Denethor is awaiting Faramir; so much so that I originally had a different tale in mind, and might still get it out someday. Faramir didn't see Denethor in his vision because that vision included only those who had walked in the gardens of post-War Emyn/Arnen/Ithilien. I tried to make it clear that Boromir, who came after Faramir saw so many of those lost loved ones, was not quite part of that initial vision, but a summoner and at last a fellow traveler. Finduilas wasn't included because Tolkien implied that he barely remembered her; and she wasn't a strong influence on Faramir's life except genetically, having sadly left him too soon. Thanx for the review, Larner; I'm glad you liked the piece. | |
| Jay of Lasgalen | Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 1/1/2008 |
| This is lovely - not at all sad, despite the subject, because Faramir feels such joy in being reunited with all those he has lost. Beautiful! Jay Author Reply: Thanx for the review, Jay - I meant the piece to be bittersweet; in that all Faramir's surviving friends and family will miss him, but that he is ready and glad to take the final journey. I'm glad you thought it beautiful; I wanted to give my favorite of Tolkien's Men a good send-off. | |