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Of Hearth and Home  by Itarille 5 Review(s)
PeriantariReviewed Chapter: 6 on 3/16/2025
When Faramir was twelve or thirteen, he once confided in Imrahil, troubled by his father’s preference for Boromir. Not knowing what to say—since it was true that Denethor favoured his heir more—Imrahil resorted to some wise sayings: that one cannot choose his station in life, but can always choose how to live; that one can decide whether to be miserable or make the best of what is given.


That is such wise advice from Imrahil.


Author Reply: Imrahil is wise.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts!

LindeleaReviewed Chapter: 6 on 2/3/2025
It is indeed instructive to observe the reactions of the Council through Imrahil's eyes. In all honesty, I'd never given Imrahil much thought before reading about him in your stories, but I went back and found what I could in JRRT's writings, and he definitely seems worthy of respect and honor.

(I looked back a chapter or two to see if anyone in the Council argued against extending the crown to Aragorn, but I don't think it was mentioned in this story. I've read so much fanfic this past week, I can't remember if I read such a thing or only imagined it!)

I've been pondering words that describe Faramir, his attitude, his approach to life, his essence... and after some contemplation, combined with Imrahil's memories of how Faramir reacted to the platitudes he offered, the term "grounded" comes to mind.

I'm not sure how easily available RabidSamFan's stories are these days, but her Bergil story, The Errand Lad, is still online. At least, the link I bookmarked for the first part of the story still works:
https://rabidsamfan.livejournal.com/149289.html

(If you go to that link, an "adult themes" warning may come up, requiring you to indicate that you are over 18, but I seem to remember the Bergil story as being G-rated. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Now I feel the need to go back and read it again.)

Author Reply: This story doesn't include a scene of the Council discussing Aragorn's claim.
I wrote about it in my other story "Of Claim and Councils" (chapter 2), but even there, there was not much debate against extending the crown.

I liked Imrahil since the first time I read LOTR. He had me at "Amroth to Faramir!"

Grounded--I've not thought of that, but I think you are right.

Will google RabidSamFan when I have time. I like Bergil.

Thank you for leaving a review! I really appreciate it!

PSWReviewed Chapter: 6 on 1/19/2025
I suspect Faramir and his sense of honor and duty were far more suited to be Steward during this brief time than most others…

Author Reply: If we believe that Gondor is meant to have a king, then, yes, Faramir is the most suitable Steward to usher in that transition.
If we take another perspective, that the Ruling Steward is perfectly capable of ruling Gondor, as they had proven for >900 years, then, what a pity that Denethor could not hold on just a little longer.
It's clear which perspective is the Professor's. Yet there is a certain dignity (albeit twisted) in the way Denethor declared "I am the Steward of the House of Anarion..."
Ah well, I admit, I am partial to Denethor.

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 6 on 1/4/2025
That's a wonderful letter, and Imrahil is a wonderful friend and mentor.

Of course I'm delighted to see the hobbits mentioned. :)

Author Reply: Thank you, Shirebound! It's always a delight to hear from you.
I'm glad you like the letter--I'm rather fond of it myself
I'll strive to feature the hobbits more. After all, they are the main stars of the Lord of the Rings.

periantariReviewed Chapter: 6 on 1/3/2025
I love Imrahil and Faramir scenes and this is no exception. I really hope to read more of their dialogues together. :) I'm glad Imrahil is there for Faramir as well.

Author Reply: Thank you for taking the time to leave a review!
I like Imrahil. I'm glad you like this scene of Imrahil and Faramir together.

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