Stories of Arda Home Page
About Us News Resources Login Become a member Help Search

Of Hearth and Home  by Itarille 41 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!

PeriantariReviewed Chapter: 5 on 3/16/2025
(that was me in the last review) sorry for pressing send without signing.

Author Reply: thank you again!

Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 3/16/2025
Loved the last part so very much because those are all such valid worries and thoughts to have.
Loved that Eowyn was worried for Faramir and the beginning scene was so tender and so well thought of as something that might happen because i can see Faramir not wanting to open up in the beginning with Eowyn all that is on his mind.

THe touch of lavender oil was so well thought of. It was nice of someone in the household to care for the Steward as such. :)

For some time the tempest in his mind continued, but he made no effort to quiet it. He had come to terms with his thoughts, like one who lives by the sea accepts that every now and then the waves will crash upon the shore.

so beautifully written

Author Reply: Thank you!
It's very generous of you to read my stories while you're writing about the same characters in the same setting.
I must admit, I usually avoid reading "similar" stories while I'm working on mine.

I'm so glad that you found Faramir's worries and thoughts valid.
The opening scene, where Faramir wordlessly places his forehead on Eowyn's shoulder, is my favourite.

periantariReviewed Chapter: 4 on 3/16/2025
Such a great dialogue between Eowyn and Faramir. It is really necessary to extend their time in Houses of Healing and know how they shared these details of Eowyn's reason to ride out.

“Nay, it does not,” he said firmly. “But neither does your rash decision—if we may call it that—diminish your valour and the great deed you accomplished. Console yourself with the good that came from your riding here. And you can still make amends for leaving your post.”


<3 perfect

and i like how Eowyn is protective of Faramir and what would happen to his authority and role when Aragorn is king.

Author Reply: Dear Periantari,
Thank you!
I'm glad you enjoyed the scene with Faramir and Eowyn.
As for Eowyn being protective of Faramir, I imagined that once people got to know Faramir (seeing past the composure he always shows), they would be rather protective of him. Not out of pity, but out of respect and love.

periantariReviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/16/2025
It is always good to see how authors write about Faramir coming home. And yes, i read Altariels' fic too. I liked seeing your differences and how you handled conversations with him and his servants.

Faramir clasped Húrin’s hand between his own and looked into his eyes. “Thank you, Lord Húrin.”

Húrin placed a hand on Faramir’s shoulder. “You have done very well, Faramir.”

Later, when the house had grown quiet and the night pressed close, Faramir sat in the stillness of his room. He opened the box again and took the ring in his hand, studying it for a moment before slipping it onto his fourth finger. He gazed at it again, tracing the burn marks slowly. He blew out the candle on his bedside table. Then, in the blessed darkness of the night, he kissed the ring reverently, and let his tears fall as he quietly remembered his father.


MOst heart-breaking part and i think it was excellently and thoughtfully written.

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!

LindeleaReviewed Chapter: 5 on 1/31/2025
"Stewarding the Steward" – the chapter title promises care and comfort. I'm looking forward to reading more.

Alas for the baggage that shoves a wedge in between them.

Talking to Ioreth = sharing her concerns for Faramir with the whole city, eh? Sounds about right.

That final thought of the Warden's: I agree completely. Quite perceptive of him, but I would expect no less.

Seeing Bergil as an errand-lad always reminds me of RabidSamFan's excellent story. The boy's eagerness and diligence and obvious love for his lord make me smile.

I find myself very glad at Meldis's hint to Húrin, and Húrin's letter to Éowyn!

Author Reply: Lindelea,
You are still reading this story! That made me very glad.
Yes, care and comfort were what I hoped to convey.
Eowyn knows Ioreth well :)
Bergil is endearing, isn't he? I hope to write more of him.
I've never read RabidSamFan's stories--will check them out.
This chapter is one of my favourites, along with "After the Council".
Thank you for leaving a review!

Is the email address linked in your Author Bio still in use? Before Christmas I sent you an email, not sure if you received it. It wasn't much, I just wrote to say that it might be easier to use email for back-and-forth conversations.

PSWReviewed Chapter: 9 on 1/19/2025
I love this story so much - it is really lovely. And, gap-fillers are definitely my thing, I love writing those S well. Thx so much for sharing!

Author Reply: Thank you so much for reading and leaving reviews!
I'm glad to have found another person who loves gap fillers.

PSWReviewed Chapter: 8 on 1/19/2025
That’s several times you’ve mentioned how someone would not have felt so much for him if he had complained or been bitter. Such is the draw of an honorable, dutiful man. Love it.

Author Reply: Twice: one from Imrahil's perspective, another one from Eowyn's. I hope that's not too many.
It's great that you noticed this!

PSWReviewed Chapter: 7 on 1/19/2025
“She loved bold Faramir.” Me too! <3

Author Reply: Who doesn't? <3

First Page | Previous Page | Next Page | Last Page

Return to Chapter List