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| Sundry Scrolls II by Raksha The Demon | 10 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Periantari | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 4/26/2023 |
| I was so touched by this . Such wonderful resolve and great description . Thank you . | |
| Periantari | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 9/11/2015 |
| I love this so much. So melancholy, so introspective, so true to the mood of making a last stand. This is beautiful! | |
| Little Dwarf | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 6/29/2008 |
| Excellent! The last paragraph captures Faramir's... essence... so well! I loved the angsty introspection, and your characterization was perfect! Author Reply: One of the things that has always drawn me to Faramir is that not only is he a man of letters, an intellectual, but he is an outstanding warrior and military leader. He may personally prefer to be gentle and gracious, but when necessary, he'll lead the charge and cut down Haradrim or whoever is invading Gondor. I wanted to capture this dichotomy, and show that Faramir, weary as he was, could draw on deep reserves of strength to do his duty; and then spare some sorrow for the music and the lore he was leaving to lead an ill-starred and dangerous mission. Thanx much for reading and reviewing, Small Dwarf. | |
| Branwyn | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/18/2008 |
| I don't agree that Denethor sent Faramir on that mission to punish him, but I can see how it might seem that way to Faramir in the circumstances. I like how you used the song about Borondir to tie the piece together. There is such a contrast between Faramir's lonely vigil in the gloomy chamber and the happy scenes with his family. His present is devoid of color--filled with images of stone and darkness--while he remembers laughter and song in the gardens. I like how, when he must, he puts aside these gentle thoughts and turns to the business at hand. Very nicely done! Author Reply: I think there might have been an element of punishment in Denethor's maneuvering Faramir into the position of accepting a desperate mission for the sake of honor and family loyalty; though I am not sure how self-aware Denethor was. And I do think that Faramir might well have interpreted the Steward's decision as punishment. The presence of Faramir's lute, and the song and the memories it invoked, came to me after I had written half of the piece and was wondering how it would continue and end. I'm very glad that you saw the contrasts between this very bleak moment and happier times in Faramir's life, and his reluctant but determined decision to put aside the gentler part of his nature and go out to do battle. Thanx for another insightful review, Branwyn. | |
| Linda Hoyland | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/16/2008 |
| I loved the way you used the lute here. you show the different sides of Faramir's personality here and his heroic courage against overwhelming odds. Author Reply: Thanx for reading and reviewing, Linda. I think music is important to Faramir, and would have played a larger role in his life if he had been born and raised in more peaceful times, or been a minstrel's son. And it took a very brave man to face what lay ahead of him at the outwalls, not only face it, but face it with pride and determination. | |
| meckinock | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/16/2008 |
| Faramir's determination and refusal to give up in the face of impossible odds really come through here. This moment in his life really crystallizes how he possesses a transcendent strength and faith that his father lacks. Author Reply: Thanx for the review, Meckinock - I'm pleased that you liked this depiction of Faramir, in one of his darkest hours. I have always thought him to be a stronger man than even his brother, as well as his father; though neither Boromir nor Denethor were weaklings. | |
| Laura | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/16/2008 |
| This is the Faramir I know and love. What a wonderful piece. Author Reply: Faramir's diversity of talents, his warrior skills as well as his more gentle talents such as love of lore and music, endeared him to me some 40 years ago. I'm pleased that you like the character as I have presented him here. Thanx for reading and reviewing, Laura! | |
| harrowcat | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/16/2008 |
| I love the mood of this place Raksha - brilliant. Author Reply: Since the mood of the story seemed to go back and forth almost of its own will as I was trying to write it, I'm glad it came out readably in the final product, Harrowcat. Thanx for reading and reviewing! | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/16/2008 |
| Fantastic, Raksha! Yes, he has reason to feel one with Borondir and Hirgon and Boromir! And love that he thinks of himself as his brother's heir. Yes, I can so see this! Wonderful story. Author Reply: Faramir stepped up to the plate that Denethor laid out for him, proudly but knowingly; to take Boromir's place and show himself as brave as Boromir. This ficlet took a different direction than the one I had planned, and ended up showing the ways that Faramir was like, and unlike his brother - but one quality that the sons of Denethor shared was courage; the same courage displayed by Borondir and Hirgon. Thanx for reading and reviewing, Larner! | |
| phyloxena | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/16/2008 |
| Am I first to review?! Great piece. For me it culminated on "choke on my angry heart". It is really hard to write Faramir in first person, since there is no introspection ITB, but in this line it rung very close. Author Reply: I always see Faramir as angry as well as hurt by his father's coldness, and Faramir's line "But if I should return, think better of me!" has always sounded like a demand as much as, or perhaps more than, a plea. I'm glad you liked this vignette, Phyloxena; and thanx for reviewing. | |