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Through the Eyes of Maia and Wizard  by Larner 8 Review(s)
AntaneReviewed Chapter: 3 on 5/7/2012
An interesting, thought provoking ending. Love the idea of Faramir being cherished.

Author Reply: I'm so glad this one has indeed proved to promote thought. Thanks so, Antane!

VirtuellaReviewed Chapter: 3 on 4/7/2012
Very powerful!

Author Reply: Thank you--apparently this was how many saw this piece.

Agape4GondorReviewed Chapter: 3 on 3/12/2012
This was so incredibly heart-breaking, as a fan of Denethor, to read.

The truth seemed to flow from it and the realization that Denethor might have known what he was doing all along....

I was blown away and wept.

Thank you for sharing it.

Author Reply: Oh, I do know how well you love Lord Denethor, and I do like to think that somewhere inside him he did realize just how disasterous it could be had he tried remaining should the battle be won and Aragorn came to claim the Winged Crown and the Throne at last. I'm so glad you appreciate this, Agape.

AiwendielReviewed Chapter: 3 on 3/8/2012
A grim but critical moment to display... and very interesting interpretations on what surely was in the mind of the White Wizard at those moments. Sometimes mercy and restraint are one and the same...and oh so very difficult. And to think, that stubborn Took was watching it all, too!

Author Reply: I so agree, Aiwendiel. Denethor had lost his hope completely and chose to flee the torture he was certain they'd know at the hands of the Enemy; but what a death he chose for himself and his son! But we know he also was refusing to submit himself to Aragorn's rule. Considering his last words to Gandalf, wouldn't these thoughts have been considered by the Wizard? And of course the stubborn Took was watching, and listening as well.

Thank you so!

harrowcatReviewed Chapter: 3 on 3/7/2012
Great analysis Larner, especially that Denethor's final act freed the way for Aragorn. My mind's picture of Denethor's end has always made me shiver and PJ's rather gruesome, if improbable, dramatisation made it worse. You last line has soothed the shivers somewhat - thank you.

Author Reply: It's satisfying to know that again my explorations of situations has helped others find more hope than the original offered them. Thank you so, Harrowcat!

EllynnReviewed Chapter: 3 on 3/6/2012
Wonderful story, Larner, and I find the end so special and touching. Indeed, that's one thing Gandalf could (and would) do for Denethor. Beautifully written.

Author Reply: Thank you so, Ellynn. And I do not believe Gandalf would have wished Denethor to suffer overmuch, and would seek to ease his death as he could.

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 3 on 3/6/2012
watching the unfolding of history

I like that line very much. I suspect Gandalf sees much of what goes on about him in that way.

Author Reply: I'm so glad you agree, Shirebound. He's seen the history of Arda from its beginning, after all, and a good millennium and a half of it in his current form, after all.

eilujReviewed Chapter: 3 on 3/6/2012
Oh, very interesting motivations on both Denethor's and Gandalf's parts. Particularly the issue of self-will and Denethor's reaction to Faramir being saved.

I'm not quite persuaded Denethor thought the battle was winnable at this point, though.

Author Reply: Yes, you are right. But perhaps that small bubble of sanity of which I wrote did realize that there was still a slight hope that, unlikely as it appeared, still might prove successful in the end. Thanks so!

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