Reviews (62)

Really expressive work belongs in comic format. Paid artist, connect with me! Discord: tripsydraws

p.s. Dreamflower probably explains the calendar much more clearly than I did in my previous review: http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=4201&cid=27457

I'd be honored to hear your thoughts. Feel free to email me. If I don't answer your email within a few days, please post in a review that you sent an email so I can look for it. (I'm sorry to say that I don't always see emails... they get buried in the avalanche, so to speak.) In the text below this paragraph, I geek out (quite possibly an understatement); but here's the short version: If you set the wedding for June 1 or later, the Travellers will have time to get to Edoras even if they start out a few days after Sam's wedding, which the Tale of Years says happens on May 1. And then, if you're trying to work within Tolkien's timeline, they'll even be able to get back to the Shire before Frodo resigns as Mayor on Mid-year's day if they give themselves enough travelling time. Let's see if I can do this right (putting a link in). In case this helps: One source I consulted estimated that it was 650 miles from Bree to Edoras. I just checked the distance again, and the AI part of the search engine calculated the distance at 425 miles. (However, the calculation doesn't quite make sense, since it only cites the web page that calculates the distance at 650 miles. So I don't know if the AI misunderstood the chart it was drawing from, or what. Frustrating!) A web search on "How far can a pony go in a day" yielded the following: A typical, average pony can cover around 20-30 miles in a day, but this can vary significantly based on fitness, breed, terrain, and weather. Highly conditioned endurance ponies or wild horses might travel 30-40 miles or more, while a poorly conditioned pony may only manage 10-15 miles. Thus, if you divide 650 miles by 30 miles/day, you get about 22 days (with no rest days) travel time. I've used the distances at that web page to calculate travel times in many of my stories. It seems to have been put together with much thought and care. I've also tried to manually estimate distances from various maps and books (for example, The Journeys of Frodo) using a ruler and known distances for comparison. I am endlessly fascinated with the level of detail Tolkien incorporated into his creation. Regarding timing, I think (but I may be wrong) that Mid-summer day would be the same as Mid-year's day – the summer solstice? (I may be wrong because I've read that "equinoxes mark the start of spring and fall, while solstices mark the start of summer and winter". In that case, mid-summer comes *after* Mid-year's day... and I am in danger of confusing myself, LOL.) Along those lines, in one of the Appendices, Tolkien says, "It appears, however, that Mid-year’s Day was intended to correspond as nearly as possible to the summer solstice." He places Mid-year's day right around the end of the sixth month and the beginning of the seventh month. (The Shire calendar inserts two or three extra days between those months, while the Steward's calendar used in Gondor does not.) But then, maybe my thinking reflects what I've gleaned from Tolkien's writings, for in his Tale of Years he has Aragorn and Arwen marry on "Mid-year's Day", while in the text he says, "And Aragorn the King Elessar wedded Arwen Undómiel in the City of the Kings upon the day of Midsummer." He seems to use the Shire calendar in the Tale of Years (the day before the wedding is called "Lithe"), so the royal wedding appears to happen on one of the extra days inserted between the sixth and seventh month on the Shire calendar. In that case, Mid-year's Day = the day of Midsummer = June 21 on our calendar or June 32 (yes, I know June only has 30 days, but I'm approximating) on the Shire calendar (and I'm arbitrarily equating "Forelithe" with "June"). (Sigh. I am such a geek when it comes to this stuff.) As a last note, Tolkien's calendar is a little offset from ours, considering that Mid-year's day (between month 6 and month 7) is the summer solstice (~our June 21), as I just mentioned; Tolkien also notes that our New Year's Day corresponds to January 9 in the Shire. At this point, I sort of give up... it gets too complicated for me to try to be precise in labeling time the way Tolkien did in his calendars, and so I fall back on the easier course of calling the sixth month "June" and the seventh month "July" even though there's not an exact correspondence. At least the calendars in the Shire and Gondor both have 12 months like our calendar, even if they differ a bit in terms of where extra days are stuck in to make the year come out right. Anyhow, the point I'm making (or trying to make) here is that "May" would still be considered "spring", and "mid-summer" appears to fall on the summer solstice according to Tolkien (or technically speaking, maybe mid-July, if you're thinking halfway between the start of summer and the start of autumn). If my reckoning is right. Numbers and I are not on friendly terms, sad to say. I find it's hard work to pin them down. Beg pardon if this is too much information.

Just reading the title brings a smile! The letter from Faramir and Éowyn sounds so cheerful and hopeful! And at least Edoras is not quite so far to travel as Gondor or Ithilien would be. But oh dear! Such a difficult decision! I suppose if Rosie goes with Sam, it could be considered a honeymoon... Reading on to see how they work it all out. (Some of the timing is confusing to me. A week to go from here to there! They will have to ride hard and fast, I think, from studying maps of Middle-earth to try and grasp the concept of distances, which has always been a struggle for me. And mid-May is Mid-summer's day? But then I remind myself that maybe the Gondor/Rohan calendar is different from the Shire calendar.) I love the idea of multi-day wedding celebrations both in the Shire and in Rohan. The wedding preparations sound beautiful and are filled with joy and promise. Faramir's mixed emotions are understandable. I'm so glad Imrahil notices and speaks to him about it. The description of the wedding, especially the vows they speak to each other, is wonderful. It seems very fitting that the ceremony includes honoring the dead. Faramir's dream, followed by his conversation with Frodo, is interesting. Like Faramir, I wonder if anniversaries will be easier to bear with the passage of time, the strengthening of their bonds, and the birth and growth of their children? Is Frodo foreseeing Faramir's future, just as Faramir's dreams have foretold Frodo's choice to sail? They seem very alike in spirit at this moment. This goodbye is so poignant. Sigh. I'm glad to see "TBD" at the end of the chapter. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next!

What a marvelous event, and a very moving leave-taking between Faramir and Frodo. They had bonded strongly from the very beginning. They know and would be happy for you, believe me. It’s time to make new memories now A perfect thing to say!

The chapter begins with a cheerful reunion which I enjoyed reading, followed by a busy, productive time that promises healing and hope for the future. But then a change in the weather comes and seems to be a factor in bringing Faramir down. His realization that he should not drink alcohol at such times reminds me of when I learned that alcohol can act as a magnifier of your emotions – if you're happy, it intensifies your enjoyment, but if you're depressed, it pulls you further down into the depths. And by November, the hobbits are back in the Shire with troubles of their own (chasing the last of Lotho's ruffians out), so they won't be able to help. I don't know if Faramir perked up at all at the mention of seeing Beregond, but I certainly did! I love Elessar's concern and practical advice and care. Faramir's plans for the new home and gardens sound beautiful and inviting. Legolas will send elves to help with the gardens? What could be better? (Answer: Nothing that I can imagine!) Holidays are so difficult the first few years after losing a loved one. Poor Faramir. Perhaps he ought to spend the winter holidays in Edoras? Going to Dol Amroth also sounds like a good plan, especially considering Imrahil's care and concern and affection for his nephew. I smiled when I read Remember this is your home too. Never be a stranger here. The description of Faramir's time in Dol Amroth sounds pleasant, restful and healing. (I wonder what the travel time between Minas Tirith and Dol Amroth might be?) (I think something might be missing here? Faramir thought it was strange Aragorn would ask- he had been headache and nightmare free for a while thought he still had some dreams that involved his father but they were not too vivid to make it worth mentioning. Aragorn just asked how the house-building was going, and Faramir answered him, but where does his friend and King ask about the headaches and nightmares? I'll admit, my eyes are tired and are giving me some trouble [I've only been reading for a couple hours but I'm going to have to quit soon for the day], and he might have asked at an earlier point in the conversation, in which case I missed it.) I want to scold Faramir! Aragorn warned him about keeping his dreams to himself! At least he's using the teas and avoiding alcohol. Ah, Beregond. How nice to see you and how you exert yourself to take care of Faramir. Keeping his thoughts centered around Éowyn is a wise strategy. I also love the way you tell part of the story through the letters you include here. I am a little worried about the timeline, though. March 15 could be a difficult (and even dangerous) anniversary for both of them!

I love reading letters between our beloved characters. And it's so helpful for Faramir to have delightful future plans to keep his mind and heart occupied.

Awww...usually we see Imrahil the knight, but today we see Imrahil the caring uncle. I suspect he is similar in uncle was attitude to Théoden. But maybe not, because Éomer and Éowyn actually lived with the king, and I suspect that after Théodwyn and Éomund died, and Théodred was 24, that Théoden didn't go to many battles, even before Wormtongue came. Sorry this turned into rambling about Théoden, but I had thoughts.

Many, many thanks for including these scenes with Beregond! He has been my favorite Mannish character since my first reading of Tolkien's marvelous story as a young teen. It makes a lot of sense that he would have been sent ahead to prepare for Faramir's coming to Ithilien. In addition to finding a dwelling place at this point in time (and not just for Faramir but I imagine for a garrison – the White Company – as well as the people who will be living there), are they still scouring out enemies that might be lingering in the land? Besides the Easterlings mentioned, might any Orcs be hiding? You show Beregond's devotion to his Captain very clearly! Seeing Faramir through Beregond's eyes also underscores the general concern about Faramir's condition and recovery. I also love getting a glimpse of Imrahil (I've come to like him very much in your chapters) and the hobbits (I am always happy when the hobbits appear!). And the mention of Borlas, his younger son, also makes me happy for some reason. (I am quite fond of Bergil, but I haven't thought a lot about Borlas except to explain his absence from some of the stories I've written about Beregond and Bergil.) I didn't know Faramir preferred the forest! What an intriguing detail! "You are not there yet" – spoken like a loving, caring uncle. The private conversation between Beregond and Pippin is quite believable. And probably necessary! Especially if Faramir is downplaying his illness. ("overworked – no need to worry" Hah!) I wonder if it would be healing or distressing for Faramir to hear more about how Beregond fought to save him? Even though Faramir knows the bare facts of the matter, I'm thinking it might be healing (for both Beregond and Faramir, actually) for Beregond to tell more of his story to Faramir: how Pippin came to find him and beg his help, how he made the impossible choice between death for Faramir or his own death (and maybe if Beregond talks about the reason why he chose to fight for Faramir, he might give Beregond's Captain some food for thought). He might confess to Faramir about being haunted at striking down the porter at the gate and the two servants in the hallows, and maybe Faramir might have some words of wisdom or comfort to offer Beregond? (And maybe Faramir would realise later that the words apply to himself as well?) Don't mind me... I'm just rambling – maybe the word is "spitballing"? – because I love these characters so. I do appreciate how Beregond reminds Faramir of the effect of the palantír – Denethor was not in his right mind but under Sauron's influence. And even though Denethor's actions reflected the darkness that had overshadowed his mind, his love for Faramir shone through the darkness. (And now I wonder if Denethor might have been trying to resist the impulse to destroy his son. As soon as Gandalf entered, he might have snatched a torch. Or when he stood by the bier, he might have stabbed Faramir without warning, but he turned away and picked up the palantír instead. Touching the palantír would have sealed his fate, overcoming any internal resistance he might have been exerting. ...and here I go again, rambling. I think I need to go in search of some protein or a cup of tea or something.) I appreciate Beregond's diligence and obvious concern for his Captain that shines throughout the newly added part. I think I already reviewed the part about Belegion, and my eyes are getting tired, and this review is threatening to grow as long as the chapter, so I will wish you well and stop typing now.

I miss Grey Wonderer's stories so much! Please convey my best regards to your friend.

Even before beginning to read, I must tell you, I really like the title of this chapter. It sounds poetic and bittersweet. It's interesting how smells can have an effect on the emotions. I can still remember the smell of my grandmother's house, a kind of fairyland of hidden treasures, at least in a small child's eyes. I'm glad to see Faramir's progress in healing. It's also lovely to see him bolstering Éowyn in her own fight against dark memory and the Black Breath. You did an excellent job of describing the effects she felt, including her sword arm going cold and numb. (I'm with Éowyn in that Gríma always makes me shudder. I can't imagine how awful it would be to have real memories of him.) “Let us not linger in the past….” Both of them express the idea of remembering that the shadow was defeated and it is now time to look to the future, which seems wise. It will be lovely to see Belegion again! (Might I put in a small request to see Beregond interact with Faramir and, perhaps, Éowyn? He is, after all, the Captain of the White Company serving Faramir now. Beregond is my favourite Man amongst the Men of Gondor for various reasons, including his fierce loyalty to Faramir, his eager curiosity about other lands, and his fast friendship with Pippin.)

They talked more about the future then, their hearts craving healing more than despair of the past. That's so lovely. Much of what you write applies to your readers (like me) as well as your characters. Paths to healing are those we should all be taking. :)

Trust Merry to fill in the missing details! (I love that hobbit. And I love Faramir's promise to credit him with the role he played in bringing Éowyn and Faramir together.) (Was Aragorn not worried about Éowyn having lingering effects of the Black Breath in a similar way to Faramir?) Finally! The hobbits are on their way back home! Took them long enough! (And it will still take them too long! If I'm remembering right, they meet Saruman on the road, on his way to the Shire. How much damage could have been prevented if they had got back to the Shire before he did, or at least some weeks earlier than they did?) Oh, yes, Faramir! Visit them in the Shire! You'll love it! (At least, I think he should love it.) And of course Pippin is always looking forward to the prospect of another party. Very believable. “I will cook coneys and think of you,” said Sam as Faramir guided him into a hug. Sam’s face was red again but he was glad for Faramir’s hug. He would miss him very much as Faramir had become his favorite big person aside from Strider. His down to earth ways and wisdom was second to no other Big Person he had ever met. Awww. Sam is so sweet here. I love the rest of the conversation between him and Faramir, too, and that Faramir honours him as a gardener. "strong ally and friend" (happy sigh) Hmmm. Another dream, and the King is away for some time. I'm glad Imrahil is there. (And they're in Edoras! Isn't Éomer's future bride Imrahil's daughter? Is she there too?) I can relate to Faramir; some mornings, all I want is coffee, too. The remembering at the end of the chapter is sweet and bittersweet. Lovely chapter.

It’s a long road to recovery with many setbacks, but with Eowyn and Imrahil on the job Faramir will be well looked after… Thx for sharing!

He’ll be so glad to be with Eowyn again - hopefully once King Theoden is laid to rest they will be able to take up the business of celebration. Perhaps this will lift Faramir’s spirits.

I’m sure his trip was such a comfort. Without seeing the death, with no body to mourn, some physical reminder surely helped things settle in his mind. It was good of Aragorn and the Hobbits to go - as well as Legolas and Gimli. Who better to have when building a memorial than a Dwarf? :-D

“You can anchor him in the present That's wonderful advice for all of us. Such heartfelt farewells! :)

I enjoyed the descriptions of the landscape as they travelled, as well as the remembrance and the announcement of Faramir and Éowyn's trothplighting. (And the hobbits' reactions! Lovely.) The private discussion between Faramir and his love at the end of the chapter was satisfying, but it also revealed that Faramir still appears to have some lingering demons to wrestle and healing to do. Still, he has Éowyn to give him hope, and he recognises that fact, which bodes well for the future. I'm glad you put "TBC" at the end of the chapter because it means I can keep looking forward to more!

What a lovely betrothal! seeing you again is energy for the soul I can't think of a nicer compliment to give.

A wonderful chapter! I'm looking forward to the wedding almost as much as the happy couple. This new beginning for them both will be as healing as anything that's come before.

How wonderful it must have been for Aragorn to anticipate Arwen's coming now that he had fulfilled Elrond's conditions! (But also how hard it must have been for him to wait!) I loved the detail about all the lights, one for every year they'd waited. And of course Faramir would have known the story of Lúthien. That makes perfect sense. And of course Arwen can see into Faramir's and Frodo's hearts and minds and offer sage advice and help. (And I wonder if Éowyn might be less affected by the darkness because she's further away? Or does she just hide her own fight against shadow fairly effectively from her brother?) Ha. As for "fast attraction", I'm now wondering when Éomer will meet Lothíriel, and just how fast that attraction might be? Or will they strike sparks at first and only gradually come to an understanding? For she is of the Sea People, if I'm remembering right, and he is of an inland group, so it may seem at first that they don't have that much in common. Alas, poor Frodo. I like the description of him as having an Elvish air of wisdom. I love Pippin's young, bright spirit, his excitement and enthusiasm, and the wisdom he's gained. And I'm glad that Aragorn is keeping tabs on Faramir and roping in others to help! This is a wonderful turn of phrase from Galadriel: Do not worry about the past if you are to rebuild the future.

Returning to Amon Hen would be so emotional, and each will experience it in their own way. I'm enjoying these wonderful letters!

Hurrah! I'm glad I checked SoA before heading off to bed, for I'm rewarded with a new chapter of this story! Turning to Merry seems like a promising strategy. The two of them bonded, not only in banishing the Witch King together but on that long ride together that neither of them was supposed to take at all. Pippin is very smart here. It's hard to believe he's still only a tween! Good for Sam! I'm sure he learned many pearls of wisdom at the Gaffer's knee before his dad was even an old gaffer. (And I'm glad Frodo puts his tuppence in, but I'm also worried about his hiding his troubles from the others.) Oh! You've explained (in exploring Éowyn's thoughts) why Faramir is suffering worse effects. The lack of closure is indeed a heavy burden. The memorial was thoughtfully told. Hopefully it will bring healing to everyone who was there, including Faramir.

Oh darn. He didn't finish the letter, even the version that doesn't mention the Black Breath. I'm glad Elessar appears to be a lot more stubborn than his Steward. The fever even interferes with him reading? How miserable! (I've been there. Luckily, the last time it happened, I was still able to play an audiobook and listen some of the time and doze the rest of the time. Maybe someone should be reading to Faramir to give him ease...?) I agree; riding is good for the soul, especially riding through the countryside, surrounded by nature. Not even halfway through the year... ah, but things are looking up. The coming months promise to be much brighter than the past decades. And he knew he had things to look forward to despite the sorrow that had embedded in his heart. He just had to keep hopeful. In my stories, Frodo and Merry have much the same battle to fight: the constant need to focus on joy and hope and gratitude in order to fight off the return of dark memories. Imrahil's dry wit made me chuckle aloud: You are part of the committee to feel better. He finishes his letter! Good! (But still no mention of the Black Breath. Perhaps that would be better as a topic of discussion, face to face, where they can share their experiences and bolster each other in real time without the delay that comes with writing letters and waiting for replies. Uh-oh. Frodo was more quiet than usual. Is something going on with him? (Now I'm worrying about Faramir and Frodo!) But Gandalf being "just his usual wizard-self" made me laugh! Oh no! What an awful dream! But hurrah! Hobbits to the rescue! And yay! Merry! Talking about his own fight against the Black Breath! I'm sure that must be helpful, somehow. So many debts... but so many blessings, too...

I'm so glad the hobbits went to find him! (And that they found him!) Merry, the worrier... I write him that way myself, as a lingering effect of the Black Breath combined with his detail-oriented, planning personality. It seems as if the dreams are improving, as if light is creeping in to drive away the darkness? (As Faramir himself seems to confirm.) Aragorn sounds a bit like a mother hen here. (Not a bad thing. Faramir certainly seems to want looking after.) He was lucky indeed to have hobbits! (I fully agree. And I am almost always cheered by their company, except for times when they do absurd things, as Gandalf put it in "Many Meetings".) Hmmm. He doesn't want to talk about the Black Breath to his beloved? Seems to me as if he should really have a heart-to-heart talk with Merry about the Black Breath, and that he needs to be reminded that Éowyn has had her own experience with the Black Breath and the ups and downs of the recovery process.