Stories of Arda Home Page
About Us News Resources Login Become a member Help Search

A Handful of Valentines  by Branwyn 5 Review(s)
AntaneReviewed Chapter: 4 on 3/29/2008
Having recently listened to the BBC Radio adaptation for the 14th time of this scene of Aragorn calling Faramir back, I was struck again how easily and instantly Faramir loved Aragorn and what a strong bond they must have shared. Thank you for this little addition to that tale.

Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

annmarwalkReviewed Chapter: 4 on 2/26/2008
What I particularly like about this are the details about Beregond refusing to leave Faramir's side, the soot and dried blood on his face, and how he just curls up on the floor when told to rest - those are all so telling of his devotion to Faramir. After having saved him from death once already during the night, he's not about to take any further chances.
The elves found rest by gazing on green leaves or into the star-dappled heavens, and so he found new strength as he looked at his charge.
Oh, that's very lovely; after a night (all right, a lifetime) of ceaseless battle, he is able to refresh his soul by practicing his healing arts. An interesting twist to "The hands of the king are the hands of a healer..." in the dichotomy of roles. Very beautifully done!


Linda HoylandReviewed Chapter: 4 on 2/26/2008
I'm so pleased you have posted this beautiful ficlet here. Thank you again.

Raksha The DemonReviewed Chapter: 4 on 2/26/2008
Oh, I just love this one - definitely my favorite of a gorgeous handful of valentines!

Aragorn finding spiritual refreshment by checking out the recovering Faramir - definitely an inspired and credible notion. Faramir refreshed the exhausted Frodo and Sam; and is himself linked to the season of Spring. And it ties into Aragorn's considerable clout as a man who is not only the heir of Gondor's kingship, but an effective healer.

And poor Beregond - he is very believably portrayed here; and your treatment of him shows both Aragorn's compassion, Beregond's determination, and the degree of devotion that Faramir inspires.

Very well done!

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 4 on 2/25/2008
Marvelous! Just marvelous! And I love Beregond so tired he just follows the order without question. Here we see Aragorn finding his place in the new order of Gondor, rejoicing the younger son of the one who fascinated him in the last tale yet lives, and with him hope for acceptance here.

Return to Chapter List