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| Burden of Guilt by Linda Hoyland | 181 Review(s) |
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| French Pony | Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue 2 on 3/16/2006 |
| Well, it's been a long, interesting ride. It's good to see that some good has come out of this unhappiness for Aragorn and Faramir. They've really tested each other, and they have a bond of trust that's even stronger for what they've endured. I must say, your take on these characters -- Aragorn, Arwen, Faramir, Éowyn, and Éomer -- is an unusual one. Their emotions run very high and are very close to the surface at all times. They act on their feelings and then often regret their actions later on. There's something very medieval about that style of writing, I think. It's not realism, but it makes for a very compelling story, and it's a style of writing that people really haven't made much use of for a couple of centuries. Who's most guilty? Mahrod, of course. In fact, I think he's the only really guilty one, objectively speaking. Mahrod is the only character in this entire story who acted maliciously. The others acted impulsively, or did stupid things, and often made bad situations worse by doing so, but they did not do so with malice aforethought. I think that the only thing your canon characters could be guilty of would be bad judgement and hotheadedness. And those are hardly crimes. Author Reply: Thank you so much for your much appreciated review. I have read and enjoyed many medieval sagas, the Arthurian romances and Icelandic sagas, so maybe that shows in my writing. I'm pleased you have found the story interesting. | |
| Agape4Gondor | Reviewed Chapter: Prologue on 3/16/2006 |
| “I am glad to hear that!” Aragorn replied, cuffing him playfully, “You and I we need each other if the Council is not to drive us mad!” Hi, Just started reading this and will probably forget it is here - I'm leaving on vacation tomorrow. But it has a most promising beginning. I have not read the precursor tale - just not enough time in the days... as you probably are well aware of. My take on Denethor and Faramir does not appear to be the same as yours, but I will try to remember to read anyhow... I do happen to very much love all the men of Gondor. As for the quote above... mayhap if Denethor had the support he needed, he would not have gone mad. Just a thought! Very good first chapter! Agape Author Reply: Many thanks for your much appreciated review.It's nice to meet you, as I've seen you around on the HASA list and know you like Denethor !I think the great thing about fanfic,as that so many interpreatations are possible. That is a good point, maybe if Denethor had been better supported, he would not have gone mad, I do further in the story touch on if being closer to Faramir would have saved him. Hope you have a pleasant break and will be able to read more.I intend to keep it here on the site. | |
| Lady Saruman | Reviewed Chapter: 60 on 3/12/2006 |
| Noooooooooooooooooooo! This is your penultimate chapter for this story??? This isn't good...but what is good is that there's a sequel. And hopefully there will be a sequel to that, then to that, and keep going until F.A. 120. But, it was still a great chapter. Well, it seems as if Faramir at last got over his painful shyness for the king and do things as he normally would if he were alone or with regular society and whatever his regular customs were. It might seem quite impertinant to the guests and attenders during those past few times because Faramir was hardly able to eat correctly, if he even ate at all. Now that he's normal, Aragorn is relieved because he will now believe that Faramir had truly forgiven him instead of debating whether the words that the steward says were true or just said so that he would not make the king feel guilty. Everybody of royalty (at least, the men) all toasted each other. Aragorn is certainly relieved that there is now no more tension or any hard feelings between Eomer and Faramir, and it's obvious that Faramir thinks so too. I think the reason why Eomer gave such a precious gift to Elestelle was because he might have felt a bit guilty for attacking his brother-in-law without clarifying things out at first. But a gift is a gift. The foal born to Snowdrop will certainly be an excellent gift for Elestelle if she rides as well as her mother did. But, it's surprising that some of the lords of Gondor still have different thoughts amongst themselves: After they left, the Lords of Gondor began to chatter amongst themselves. “Strange that the Horse Lord should give our Steward a fine gift and yet King Elessar who sent him to prison has not even offered an apology!” Devorin of Ringlo Vale murmured to his neighbour. “What can you expect from a Ranger from the North who goes hunting and leaves affairs of State to his Queen?” snorted Fosco of Lamedon who sat beside him."He has even invited a bunch of peasants to sit at his table!" They then noticed Imrahil’s eye upon them and fell silent. Good thing Imrahil stopped them. Otherwise, they would have gone on and on and on with things that might start appearing to be ridiculous and as the conversation progresses, the statements that each man makes will start to venture from the truth little by little, until that man's version of what happened is so far-fetched that it would lead to another terrible misunderstanding. It is good that all is well now. Nothing better than everybody in jolly spirits to end a story. I look forward to your concluding chapter and your sequel to this story! Hershey's kisses/hugs, Lady Saruman ^_~ Author Reply: Many thanks for your much appreciated review. It will be hard to say goodbye to this very long story ! I think Eomer does indeed feel guity for attacking Faramir and the beautiful foal shows just sorry he is. Faramir is at last the man he should be,healthy and confident. ARagorn and FAramir should both look out for those impudent lords as they have the pontential to cause a great deal of trouble | |
| Bodkin | Reviewed Chapter: 60 on 3/12/2006 |
| Good as it is to see Faramir recovered and Aragorn happy - not to mention everything going well with Arwen, Eowyn and Eomer - they really show their inexperience in this ruling malarkey at times. Denethor would've been onto the Council rumblings like an Argonath. Hammered in the harmony between Aragorn and Faramir and chopped the legs out from under them - and then sent the worst troublemakers off on some unavoidable duty in the post most likely to have them a victim of local politics. Shame Imrahil's been out of town for a while. He would probably be the best person to let Aragorn and Faramir in on a few of the secrets of keeping people in line. Author Reply: Many thanks for your much appreciated review. For once, I wish that Aragorn were more like Denethor as I fear these imputent lords are going to cause him a great deal of trouble in future, but at least Faramir is now recovered and totally loyal to his King. | |
| Raksha The Demon | Reviewed Chapter: 60 on 3/12/2006 |
| Excellent description of the feast, especially the food. I wonder if Aragorn will outdo Eomer in his "surprise" - a Meara foal is hard to top. Nice bit about Arwen's love for her husband, despite the snoring. Author Reply: Many thanks for your much appreciated review.It was fun planning the feast and the menu,as well as the clothes. I doubt that anyone could outdo the foal, but then EOmer, I think had more to make up to Faramir,though I can never decide who is the most to blame in this tale ! I only wish I Found Faramir and Eowyn as easy as Aragorn and Arwen to write,even though I don't think Faramir snores ! | |
| French Pony | Reviewed Chapter: 60 on 3/11/2006 |
| Well, the Lords of Middle-earth certainly know how to party. The clothes sound completely eye-popping, and I'm sure that these already handsome people are just stunning when they're all dressed up. The feast intrigues me. I think that Gondor must have been doing some trading with Harad in order to acquire dates, for I don't remember that Gondor owns much territory where dates would grow. That and the abundance of meat tells me that this is the ultimate in rich, prosperous living. Aragorn is really putting it all out there to celebrate. And Eomer's gift is absolutely kingly. He really does know how to be a good ruler. Author Reply: Many thanks fr your much appreciated review. I had fun dressing the characters for this chapter. I feel that Aragorn has made trade agreements with Harad as they have silk as well as dates and I feel Gondor would flourish under his rule.Of course he is pulling out all the stops for this banquet to celebrate so many things ! Then Eomwer provided a wonderful finishing touch that no one could have guessed ! | |
| Bodkin | Reviewed Chapter: 59 on 3/9/2006 |
| Good to see Faramir is back on his feet - but maybe he and Aragorn are so busy building their own friendship that they are not paying enough attention to the rest of the council. Aragorn soared to power on a huge wave of popularity - it's more than likely that once the gilt has worn off, there will be a bit of a backlash. Still. One thing at a time! It's time to celebrate. Author Reply: Many thanks for your much appreciated review. You have a good point about Aragorn and the Council, he needs to watch his back with some of those lords ! | |
| Lady Saruman | Reviewed Chapter: 59 on 3/6/2006 |
| Ah, nothing like an Elven massage. I really need one right now. I'm glad that Faramir is okay, even if partially. Well, it just shows that Faramir is very forgiving and Aragorn way too reasonable. He just won't forgive himself even if Faramir does, because he keeps bringing up that subject. I appreciate being a reader of this excellent story. =) Author Reply: Many thanks for your much appreciated review. I would send Aragorn to you but he is somewhat tied up with hois troublesome Council in the sequel I'm working on at present !Faramir does indeed have a sweet and forgiving nature and hopefully willeventually convince Aragorn that he must stop blaming himself.I'm so pleased that you are enjoying the story. | |
| French Pony | Reviewed Chapter: 59 on 3/6/2006 |
| I want Aragorn to come give me a back rub! Well, it certainly took much time and effort, and many tears, but it looks like Faramir is all better. Aragorn was right; he really did need to get back to the Council. Those poor Council members, they're not bright enough to go figure out for themselves what's been going on over the past few weeks. They really do need Aragorn's leadership. Author Reply: Many thanks for your much appreciated review. I would send Aragorn to you but he is somewhat tied up with hois troublesome Council in the sequel I'm working on at present ! | |
| Someone | Reviewed Chapter: 59 on 3/6/2006 |
| Well,up to this I meant. I'm glad Aragorn kept his mouth shut this time,it could have caused trouble.Faramir is still that loyal and forgiving guy he always is.=) | |