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That Which We Are by Avon	33 Review(s)
keela	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 1/18/2005
I am enjoying your writing of everyone except Faramir. He seems a complete 180 change from his canon characterization, if that's what you're going for. Granted, it's normal for everyone to be grumpy at times, but he comes off here as very cold, selfish, and somewhat snotty. An explanation would be gladly appreciated :) Author Reply: Well, I am going for a considerable change, but not 180. Basically, without giving away too much, he's quite young (I now know just how young I still was at 23), in the ghastly stage of almost better after having been quite sick - and tied in knots about something. Thanks for the feedback, Keela.

Lackwit	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 1/18/2005
I forgot to mention that I thought Éomer's apology and Faramir's response (that's more like it! :) ) were excellently done and a good way to close the scene. The ending itself was fairly neutral; as it appears the fic is primarily from Éomer's POV you may wish to end with more of that.

Lackwit	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 1/18/2005
I have heard and used "leading reins"; as I am Canadian it could be of either American or British origin here. To respond to your questions on Faramir's characterization: My initial reactions were quite negative, so before I replied I went back and reread the chapters. Having done so, I would say that given what the reader knows it's not unbelievable but will be if it continues without a reason pretty soon. Up to now I find Faramir too surly and personally would like to see a little more of his noble side. I think he would have hidden his unhappiness better from their guests if only due to good manners. He's a little too rough with Éomer as I expect he would have easily understood that Éomer is young and feeling out of his depth. Also, while Faramir is bookish, some of his behavior and distance almost makes him appear to be sulking, even beyond Éomer's POV; Faramir is a very reserved character but not quite so much. Boromir's rebuke was painful but justified. Right now we have seen very little of the man loved by his fellows, and every time he does show a hint of it (e.g. his sympathy for Éomer's scolding) he goes on and acts like a total pill; frankly i can agree with Éomer's nasty dig. There seems to be a significant maturity gap between Faramir and Boromir or Théodred that is greater than chronological age would indicate- is that your intent? It is true that Faramir can be pushed too far so in that respect his rude outburst to Éomer (he totally did not cover himself with glory in the horse incident) is not unexpected. While I personally would find it increasingly OOC if Faramir continues in this behavior without a very strong hint soon of why he is behaving like this, outbursts are quite believable IMHO. Of course, if the reason for his behavior is potent, then in retrospect all the above would make sense. But I am not sure that revealing the reason very late is the best story design for chapter-by-chapter updates. I should note that your other characterizations are very good, which is probably why Faramir's sticks out so. Boromir (I am developing quite a passion for that man lately) and Théodred are charming. Éomer is cute! I liked the feeling with which he compared dining at home to the mannered behavior at the Steward's table; his love for Rohan comes off strongly. I hope the above makes sense. Don't get me wrong, I very much enjoy this story and its details! Author Reply: Hi, Sorry it has taken me a couple of days to reply - I really appreciate the time and thought you put into your feedback. I've got a lot of feedback from people saying that they don't like the Faramir I'm presenting and, of course, I'm taking it seriously. In fact I've spent much of the last two days thinking about it - but in the end I don't know I will change him much. To me he's not acting out of character, given how he is feeling - but clearly I need to try and find a way to let my poor readers into more of the background. I'm currently struggling wih that in chapter 4. Don't worry though - Faramir may well be both grumpy and sulky but his underlying nobility is there, and will come out later. Really, to me it does make sense, because it is his very 'highness' (in a Tolkien sense) that is making him tear himself to pieces. They do say a good soldier shouldn't think too much. There seems to be a significant maturity gap between Faramir and Boromir or Théodred that is greater than chronological age would indicate- is that your intent? I think so... partly because of the way I've set up my universe. Gondorians go off to be soldiers at around 18 - therefore when Boromir was say 20 and Faramir was 15 the age gap would have seemeed bigger because of their differing experiences. At 23 Faramir has been a captain for less than 6 months while Boromir has been one for 5 or more years - again the experiences are going to stretch that gap. I have a big sister who is four years older than me and the size of the gap has stretched and shrunk over the years. Thank you very much for the feedback - both criticism and kind words are much appreciated.

Raksha The Demon	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 1/17/2005
<> As a devout Faramirist, I am enjoying this story. I do find Faramir's exasperation with Eomer during the dinner, and his angry retort ('what would you know' I think it was) in this chapter to be unusual - even at 23, Faramir should be more of a well-mannered host to their guests, especially when Eomer is very young and inexperienced compared to him. I don't understand why Faramir is riding the gentle mare while the others are showing off fiery stallions - Faramir will be known later for his skill with horses. Is he so physically fragile that he can't control a more feisty horse? Why would Eomer think him weak; do men of the Mark jump up on their stallions to show off while recovering from fevers? And was Faramir relieved of his command; he's very touchy about it? The writing is very good; so I'm hoping that Faramir's unusually prickly/immature behavior will be explained later. He's enough of his usual intelligent and deep-minded self that he's far from unbelievable. I will read future chapters, and try to have patience. Oh, as cute as the image of Faramir reading a book while the others saddle up is, isn't it rather a rude thing to do when one is out with guests? Author Reply: Thanks for the feedback - I'm finding this fascinating not just in terms of the story but also in how people see manners etc. even at 23, Faramir should be more of a well-mannered host to their guests, especially when Eomer is very young and inexperienced compared to him. I guess the problem is that to my mind it is Eomer's very youth that makes Faramir feel able to speak to him with such freedom. He isn't an honoured guest, just the kid brother of his big brother's mate. However, obviously this isn't how my readers see it so I need to rewrite in some way. Thanks for letting me know how that comes across. I don't understand why Faramir is riding the gentle mare while the others are showing off fiery stallions Ah well, significant plot point. More will be revealed on that point later on. In essence though, Faramir is riding his comfort horse. Faramir is also, underscoring his unwillingness to play some of the more macho games (bet modern day Faramir wouldn't have spoilers on his car and a sound system that made your ears bleed - far more likely to do his research and choose a car that handled well, kept its resale value and had good fuel economy - IMO!) Why would Eomer think him weak; do men of the Mark jump up on their stallions to show off while recovering from fevers? Well, Eomer certainly would! ;-) IMHO, of course. I don't want to provide too much explanation at the moment because they are then spoilers for you if you keep reading. Sufficient perhaps to say that Faramir's belief that others see him as weak is also a significant plot point. Oh, as cute as the image of Faramir reading a book while the others saddle up is, isn't it rather a rude thing to do when one is out with guests? grins Well, I would! (See what I mean about learning how people see different things? It's really interesting.) I honestly don't see it as rude to wait elsewhere for them to get ready - Boromir just chose to do so because he likes people. Thanks, Raksha - you've given me some very interesting things to think about.

Nienna Elanesse	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 5/21/2004
My last review sounded "arch" I fear. I will try to do better with this one. Ah yes, 15-yr-old boys -- Especially those who are named "famous horseman"! -- They don't know whether they are fish or fowl. It sounds real. Characterisation is great. The merry banter between B & T is spot on. Theodred is not a rube. Nor is Eomer, 'though he has some sorry experiences in the future that will test his soul and his courage. Must break off and return to my responsibilities. ha ha Author Reply: Nienna, I'm so sorry these two reviews didn't get answered before. It wasn't intentional, I was just busy and disorganised. Sorry! The merry banter between B & T is spot on. Very pleased to hear it - I see conversation as one of my biggest weaknesses so this story is being a revelation (I think there's more talk in it than most of my stuff added together!) And oh yes - I'd totally agree poor Eomer doesn't know yet if he's fish or fowl. Growing isn't always much fun. ;-) Thanks, Avon

Nienna Elanesse	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 5/20/2004
How old was Eomer when he met a 41-year-old Faramir as his brother-in-law? 36? Chuckle :) He can't sense that Faramir asks about Rohan's legends and myths because he is curious and because he is trying to make his guest feel comforted, if not comfortable. At first I thought you were pushing the "scholarly" aspect of Faramir a bit far. But then you mentioned his age. Click! everything fell into place. Where else and in who else would he find comfort? In books and in Boromir. Interesting portrayal of Theodred, btw.

LKK	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 3/19/2004
Poor Eomer. What a way to spend your first evening in Minas Tirith -- sitting between Denethor and Faramir, trying to understand why Denethor and your beloved cousin are having some verbal battle. You really made me feel for the young lad, Avon. Nicely done. Your characters are starting to firm up; become more defined. Faramir is still something of a mystery though, at least when seen through Eomer's eyes. I am interested in seeing if the youngster eventually comes to understand the underlying tenses within the Steward's family. A well-written chapter. The dialogue at dinner, filtered through Eomer's ears, was especially good. LKK Author Reply: Thanks, LKK. I feel very sorry for poor Eomer, I must admit. I think we've all been there - even if in not quite such an extreme fashion - when we were teenagers. Your characters are starting to firm up; become more defined. Faramir is still something of a mystery though, at least when seen through Eomer's eyes. I am interested in seeing if the youngster eventually comes to understand the underlying tenses within the Steward's family. Yeeees, this is the problem - I know all about poor Faramir, but getting that across to my readers is proving somewhat difficult. Some people have, reasonably enough, objected to my portrayal of him. All I can offer at the moment is that 23 is not really very old and he has been sick; just think how scratchy one feels when getting up from the flu. Thanks again, Avon

eokat	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 3/19/2004
Avon, this was so intense. I almost felt like I were dining in that ungodly room with them. Poor Eomer, he is at such an awkward age, feeling himself unworthy. I loved the desription of a Rhorriric dining hall with dozons of folk around, just as I had imagined it to be. Theodred is such a strong character, so underused in many fanfics. Loved it. Looking forward to the next one. Author Reply: Thanks for the feedback, Eokat. I'm really pleased I apparently managed to convey the atmosphere to you - I got very interested in trying to work out how different Rohan and Gondor would be. I had never really considered Theodred until I started to write this - but now I've fallen for him and I'm tempted to go further back into his and Eomer's life. Avon

Layangabi	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 3/17/2004
Avon--- Lack of plot is so not an issue. This is wonderful. :D I love your easy-going depiction of Boromir, the easy camaraderie between him and Theoden, and of course, Eomer's hero-worship of Boromir and his misunderstandings regarding Faramir. (sad...but understandable. And hopefully, this will change very soon...they're going to be brothers in law in the future, after all) And Faramir's a special favourite and you write him so wonderfully. ;) How my heart clenched just before they joined Denethor and later when he burst out at his older brother. ;-; Hopefully, this will be a very long story, yes? :D Author Reply: Thanks for the feedback, Layangabi. I never know what to say when people say such nice things - but thank you. his misunderstandings regarding Faramir. (sad...but understandable. And hopefully, this will change very soon...they're going to be brothers in law in the future, after all) Weeeelll, maybe more eventually than soon but I don't think I'd be giving away too much plot if I said that Eomer will undoubtedly eventually realise what a lovely person Faramir is... I do think though that they will always remain very different kinds of people. And Faramir's a special favourite and you write him so wonderfully. ;) Thank you! I find that reassuring because while I love Faramir I'm not currently presenting him in his best light and some Faramir fans are not very keen on that. I figure he's little more than a kid and not well and he's allowed to be not perfect. Hopefully, this will be a very long story, yes? I'm begiing to think it will! I write short, short LOTR fic, generally - but these guys just won't shut up. ;-) Avon

Carol	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 3/16/2004
This was fun... I would like to write more. There aren't many stories about Eomer, and I think this is the first one I've ever seen to portray him when he was younger. The cameraderie between Boromir and Theodred comes to life quite vividly. So does Eomer's adolescent tendency for everything to be a crisis. Author Reply: Thanks, Carol. I have no idea how many more chapters there will be - but given I can't get Boromir and Theodred to shush up I reckon it could be a few. (It is beginning to occur to me that perhaps I should get some planning done - but I'm not very good at that ;-)) I have seen a couple of younger Eomer stories - but they were younger again, back when he came to live with Theoden. The cameraderie between Boromir and Theodred comes to life quite vividly. I'm very pleased to hear that - somewhere in the story I'm going to need to explain it but certainly I see it as being definitely there. So does Eomer's adolescent tendency for everything to be a crisis. grin Poor kid - still at least being 15 is something you do tend to grow out of. Cheers, Avon

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