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| Cities and Wilderness by Larner | 62 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| UTfrog | Reviewed Chapter: 19 on 6/20/2026 |
| This is lovely | |
| Fimbrethil | Reviewed Chapter: 19 on 6/15/2026 |
| Nice! I haven’t read one of these where Faramir goes to plan his house before, or at least where he scouts out the ruins. It was very nice. | |
| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: 19 on 6/2/2026 |
| Denethor's insistence on carrying 8yo Faramir on his saddle is a lovely picture of a father's love and care, so different from the glimpse we have of him at the end of his life, consumed with grief and bitterness, and burdened by worry and impossible responsibility. (I love Faramir's forethought for Éowyn's comfort in her new home-to-be.) The signs (and Pippin's explanation of the scouts' arrow "code") that Legolas and Aragorn left to mark their trail for the other members of the Fellowship – what a clever idea! It really is amazing that Frodo survived the Morgul knife. Whew. I am fascinated at the idea of the ruins of the old fortress. I could – and often did! – spend hours exploring old castle ruins in some of the places we visited over the years. I can clearly see in my mind's eye, Legolas lounging on a branch that would not be likely to hold the weight of a Man. The "recently swept" floor is a nice touch. I was able to form a mental map of the layout from your descriptions. Well done! I can understand why hobbits would not be so fond of granite hills – much harder to delve, I should think. The ending is perfect. | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 19 on 6/2/2026 |
| as he slept, Pippin seemed to hear others join him in his song, and he smiled in his dreams, knowing that Faramir and the Lady Éowyn and whatever children they gave birth to would be very happy here. That's lovely. And the detail about Legolas sitting so lightly on the branch is a nice detail. | |
| Fimbrethil | Reviewed Chapter: 18 on 5/18/2026 |
| “and perhaps one of the most responsible of Hobbits” *I immediately think of the Bree incident, and just now while typing the Maggot Farm incidents* :) “From the sounds of it, most of them didn’t find it particularly funny, although it must have been eminently diverting. “Ah, Hamfast, my good fellow—there you are!”” heheh, sneaky Bilbo. He is not completely responsible either, is he? “Well, as the Dwarves said so long ago, Dark for dark business. There are many hours before dawn. I must away and quickly” ohhhh THAT is what the title is from. I couldn’t think of it. “and then the Thain and his party. Probably a good thing that Missus Lalia hadn’t come with her son that evening, the Gaffer thought wryly” oh, yes, and I forgot the Thane would be there! It is not Pippin’s father yet, is it? “Dark for dark business, I suppose, as Mr. Bilbo used to say. I’d say as it’s time t’ put them barrows as was hired into service, considerin’ as how many Hobbits I see here and there under the tables, sleepin’ it off. Well, I’d best be to it, then. It’s part of what stewards is supposed to see to, after all.” heheh, yes, Sam is right. Nice view of events! | |
| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: 18 on 5/16/2026 |
| I've never thought about the Party from the Gaffer's perspective. Brilliant! I love the little details, especially Hamfast's observation that Bilbo hasn't visibly aged. (I wish I felt half as spry as a 30yo, myself...) | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 18 on 5/14/2026 |
| This is a wonderful point of view for this momentous event. The Gaffer's a keen observer, even if he doesn't always have (or seek) all the clues to piece together a mystery. | |
| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 5/4/2026 |
| I remember, more connected with watching ROTK than from reading the book, wondering about Aragorn's change from a Ranger's garb to that of a Gondorian. (Boromir's vambraces were a nice touch, which I seem to recall came out of the film though I don't remember whose idea it was.) Perhaps in Mandos Denethor will learn better. In my version of his story, the scales fall from Denethor's eyes (in a manner of speaking) upon reaching Mandos, and he sees all things truly. Certainly, he remains in the Halls of Mandos contemplating his choices and deeds, along with his failings, including his pride, but the "learning better" part happens early on. The details regarding Meneldil's armor are fascinating, including the possible fire damage to the right gauntlet, as well as the incredible state of preservation of (most of) the original leather components. “When we meet one another in Námo’s halls?” Aragorn hazarded, checking to see whether he could easily reach his dagger. Okay, now I'm curious about the identity of the armorer. Alas, poor lonely Merry! I love that the chapter jumps forward to and finishes with the Coronation. Faramir's flash of foreknowledge and his recognition of Boromir's vambraces, along with the suggestion of Boromir's conveying reassurance to his younger brother from beyond, are well done. Lovely story! I read it on my phone yesterday, and came back to the laptop today to re-read and convey some of my thoughts. Nicely done, and I hope to read more from your keyboard soon. | |
| Fimbrethel | Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 5/2/2026 |
| "Oh, no Steward of Gondor ever wore this set of armor, or at least not in sight of anyone else. No, it was the set of armor said to have been worn by Meneldil when he was crowned sole King of Gondor by his Uncle Isildur.” Faramir straightened in surprise. “Meneldil’s armor? But it is said in the annals of the city that he wore that set of armor but the one time, and that it has not been worn since that day!" Wow! That is some historic armor! Great idea as to how Aragorn came by it! I forgot Hurin is written so well in fanfiction. He is my favorite here...though of course Faramir is a close second. Ha! And there is room for Boromir's vambraces! :) Meneldil's statues were shorter than he was? (from Aragorn saying he must have been taller than the statues led him to believe). LOl, Aragorn would strike a pose to check the fit. ..."I shall wear Boromir’s vambraces,” Aragorn said. “I promised him that I should lead our people to victory, and I would have his own love for Gondor represented before all.” Gandalf nodded. “Most appropriate, and I am certain that he approves, my friend." I knew it! Faramir recognized the vambraces from that far away? Wow. But I am glad Boromir spoke to him in spirit! | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 4/30/2026 |
| What a beautiful gap filler. I remember the wearing of Boromir's vambraces, but never once wondered where the rest of Aragorn's kingly garments came from! | |