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Bound by Duty; Bound by Joy  by Mirkwoodmaiden 3 Review(s)
FimbrethilReviewed Chapter: 4 on 11/1/2025
LoL how old do you think Eirik is? And Telion, too, for that matter? I am not sure if I like Eirik or Bergil more.
“Faramir chuckled quietly, but only after Eirik was out of earshot for he minded to spare the young boy’s dignity.” Of course.

Faramir, who after slightly arching an eyebrow, accepted and Merry said, “Good Man! Pippin said you were a good man. And if he says so it must be true. I can see that myself. Always trust a man who is willing to sit and smoke with you!” Merry said as he lit Faramir’s pipe.
“Pippin said that?” Faramir asked, after puffing a few brief, beginning puffs, coughing a bit as this was a new experience for him. He unexpectantly felt a rush of good feeling that Pippin, who had found a soft spot in Faramir’s heart with his stout ways, had spoken so.
“Yes, he did.”
Faramir had been told of what Pippin had done to save him. He would never be able to repay the debt of honour to the hobbit. That Pippin had spoken so well of Faramir made him very glad indeed.
“He is a good man himself,” Faramir avowed and as they both looked east, each offering an unspoken but no less heartfelt prayer to keep one Peregrin Took safe and out of harm’s way.” Hoho Faramir smokes now does he? And dear Pippin.

periantariReviewed Chapter: 4 on 11/1/2025
Loved the Merry dialogue! I think i wrote something similar to your story but i really enjoyed your version more. I like the details of how Faramir and Merry are talking with each other and how Merry also wants Eowyn healed is a great detail.

Her valor, her sadness, they spoke to him. He had known pain, grief, misunderstanding, doubt within his own life. He could well see it hers.


NO wonder they bonded so quickly. I had to do some rereads before I really appreciated Faramir/Eowyn and i find myself more and more fascinated by them being together, making one of my fave couples in fandom.

LindeleaReviewed Chapter: 4 on 2/3/2025
This wonderful chapter left me smiling. The perfect bedtime snack!

This character study of Faramir rings true. Quite insightful. The Warden looked at his Steward curious at the stumbling of his words. He had known Faramir for most of the younger man’s life. Faramir frequented the Houses of Healing as a young boy and later as a young man seeking refuge from his father’s sharp tongue when his older brother was away. He had a thirst for knowledge and an intuitive heart. He was drawn to the healing arts. He was an intelligent and kind-hearted man and would have made a good healer had he been born to another man and not the Ruling Steward. He had often mused that Faramir was indeed drawn to the healing arts to bring healing to others because he could not heal or salve his own father’s hidden pain. An intuitive child wishing to help in any way he could. The Warden sighed, Denethor never understood his second son, always doubted his motives; always questioned his actions. He never understood that Faramir, in his heart, only wanted to heal and protect. He could not protect his father from himself so he would try to protect all of Gondor in his stead.

The Warden is an observant Man, I think.

And Merry! I'm always happy when a hobbit comes on the scene. The two of them smoking together makes the scene work, and Merry's remembrance of Théoden is poignant.

And, of course, the ending is so hopeful-sounding, even though the future is still uncertain.

Author Reply: Lindelea!

In my imagining of Faramir's childhood I think he must have others who showed him love and compassion. He grows into an compassionate man and leader all the while still being traumatized by the largest influence, his father. He had Boromir and in Dol Amroth he had Prince Imrahil and his family. Because of these influences he sees empathy and compassion. And with his own natural inclinations not blunted by ill treatment by all he can see his father's pain but also realises that he can do nothing about it. And it makes sense to me that the Warden of the Houses of Healing would be a person who he would visit and the warden would see his caring and loving qualities. And yes the warden is a wise and observant man!

About Merry, I am complimented by what you say because you write the hobbits so well. I'm glad it works. I do really think that Merry would just sit himself down and pulls out his pipe in the "unabashed way of hobbits!"

Thanks for writing!

(((hugs)))

MM

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