A terrific chapter, better than the last two. I don't know which thread is more compelling, that of Faramir and Eowyn getting closer and closer or the Aragorn & Eomer Royal Comedy Hour. The latter is just hilarious; with Aragorn moping over beautiful, perfect, matchless Arwen and Eomer unable to keep a straight face. Get them to a pub already.
I assume that Eowyn is hearing Faramir's thoughts and thinking that he's saying them to her out loud....
More, more. please.
Author's reply
Eowyn's not sure what she heard--would you be? (well, you probably would, we're pretty used to the concept of telepaths, but she isn't)
Anyway, to the pub Eomer and Aragorn will go and more moping and mocking will proceed. :)
Fionnabhair Nic Aillil
· 10 May 2004
· Chapter 44: Lovesick Kings, Worrisome Surprises
All right I'm liking where this is going! I'm not quite sure how Éowyn is going to respond to this - I'm hpoing in a good way, but who knows. The contrast between Éomer's pragmatism and Aragorn's romanticism is still as amusing as before; and is a scenario I think everyone has been through. I wonder how on earth Arwen is going to live up to all this hype. The use of flashbacks is clever, as it allows you to introduce it backstory without it reading like a big long section of exposition. (God the story about Théodred was dreadful).
Author's reply
I know, poor Theodred. I love the flashbacks too. More will come as there's a lot of things that are revelant to both Faramir and Eowyn that made them who they are.
Arwen is actually going to be in this, shown from Eomer, Eowyn and Faramir's POV. I can't wait to do it--all three will have different takes. :)
Elendiari22
· 9 May 2004
· Chapter 43: Coming on two tales
Aww, this is sweet. I like the bit with Aragorn and Eomer on the wall, too. Poor Eomer, he's being driven insane by everyone. :)
Author's reply
I know, it's sad. But funny. I especially love the fact that he's afraid of heights. I dont know, it just cracked me up while I was writing it.
Fionnabhair Nic Aillil
· 9 May 2004
· Chapter 43: Coming on two tales
Moody Aragorn! That was just too comic! Éomer's impatience is perfectly pitched (any more and he would have seemed insensitive) Between the mystery of Éowyn's wrist and Faramir's pocket (okay that sounds bad) I'm burning up with curiosity. I have to wonder about Far4amir's observations of Éowyn's room though - I can't see her as a woman with a lot of ;clutter' but I yield to you!
Author's reply
I don't think she would have a lot of clutter, either. But, he's thinking that she would, you know, have SOMETHING. Anyway, more moody Aragorn to come. :)
Fionnabhair Nic Aillil
· 8 May 2004
· Chapter 42: Memories
Oh no - i don't think this is going anywhere good! Is it possible that Faramir and Éomer might have a reasonable conversation? The comments about the hobbits rang wonderfully true, but I'm becoming curious - what does Faramir have in his pocket?
Author's reply
Oh, they might have reasonable conversations--with other people. LOL. You'll find out the answer to the mystery soon. Hopefully it will be worth it.
Elendiari22
· 8 May 2004
· Chapter 42: Memories
Ooh, very cool! I love how you did the memory sequence!
Author's reply
Thanks, I was a little worried, but great that you liked it.
Lily Frost
· 7 May 2004
I'm loving this story so far, but don't have time to finish reading it right now. Poor, poor Faramir.
Author's reply
Poor indeed. Just wait. :)
Chibi-Kaz
· 6 May 2004
· Chapter 41: Eyes Closed
I know, two reviews on one chapter, how uncouth of me! But I've been mulling this over all day (because a download for work is taking 5+ hours!), and I have some notes.
First, I think you intended to make this more about Faramir winning Eowyn. While I find the development of Eowyn very good in here, I think you might want to start spending more time on Faramir. These 'powers' of his will be a big bonus, and you might want to have Eowyn demand to know what the HELL was going on between him and Eomer in the street this afternoon, and he'll have to explain his powers, and maybe Faramir begins to think she shouldn't have to deal with HIM for the rest of her life.....
Two, does anyone even remember that Faramir is supposed to go with them to Rohan?!? To serve in Eomer's eored? Eomer doesn't seem to - in Ch. 38 you have him looking forward to getting himself and Eowyn away from Faramir.
Three, does Faramir really have to forgive Eowyn so quickly? I mean, she tried and did basically shatter him in Chapter 40, and as intertaining as Chapter 41 is (I now know what you mean about naughty things and David Wenham!!), I would have though him a bit more rattled that you've portrayed him.
Last (I think last), I think maybe Eomer's being more than a little pigheaded. But I've said that before (Down, Eomer! Sit! Good boy....)
Cheers,
Chibi-Kaz
Author's reply
Okay, geez, this is a lot of questions/requests! Let's see if I get them all.
--When Eowyn leaves, there will be some alone time for Faramir plus all the Rohan parts will be his with very, very little Eowyn or Eomer POV. And, no, Faramir's not going to Rohan right away. Pity. In the book Tolkien has him riding with Aragorn, and Co. to Rohan in August-so it's a break for the lovebirds. Alas, poor them.
As for the rest--PATIENCE! PATIENCE! GEEZ! Lol, but , I have to get to it!
Eomer, ah, what can one say about him? He's not trusting and doesnt have the attraction or love for a reason(obviously, if he did this would be another type of story altogether ;)LOL) that Eowyn has to begin trusting Faramir.
Okay, here's a ****SPOILER****--there will be MAJOR Faramir/Eomer bonding scenes in Rohan; that's part of the reason I had Faramir get way into his mind--it gives him a tiny bit of understanding of how Eomer works. So there, hope you're happy!!! :P
OH, BTW-I've snatched up a copy of Better than Sex, and just looking at the cover alone.......you're lucky the next chapter isn't going to be 10,000+ words on why David Wenham is my boyfriend. Hee! :D
Chibi-Kaz
· 6 May 2004
· Chapter 41: Eyes Closed
Geez! Give her half a chance, and Eowyn turns into a dominatrix! Why am I not surprised? Can't wait for more!
Cheers,
Chibi-kaz
Author's reply
LMAO! Yeah, i feel she's a strong personality, and hey, who wouldn't want to order Faramir around? Hmm? ;)
Anonymous
· 5 May 2004
· Chapter 41: Eyes Closed
omg!! awesome story!! keep writing!!
Raksha
· 5 May 2004
· Chapter 40: Lies and Truths
this story just gets more and more interesting. Faramir's now-revealed mind-reading powers add a new element and texture to everything. But how will Eowyn feel when she eventually learns that the man she loves has been viewing her innermost feelings and memories? She didn't appreciate Grima's physically stalking her; I'm not sure she would want Faramir mentally stalking her without her knowledge, even if he can't always help feeling what she feels. It would be best if he told her of his ability rather than her finding out on her own...
Author's reply
Just wait, it's coming. I'm going to address this entire problem soon. Thanks for noticing though and thinking this story keeps getting better. :D
Elendiari22
· 5 May 2004
· Chapter 41: Eyes Closed
What comming?! Agh, no cliffies!!! Please, update again soon!
Author's reply
geez, I didnt think it was that much of a cliffie. Sorry. I'll stay as late tonight as I can, but you may have to wait until Sat. I've been busy and since school's basically out I don't have my comp. lab job anymore, so it's a 45 min. drive just to write FOR YOU. ;) I'll update ASAP.
Fionnabhair Nic Aillil
· 5 May 2004
· Chapter 41: Eyes Closed
I've noticed a little detail that I like a lot; I know Éowyn doesn't fully trust Faramir, and yet it's beginning to seem that at least part of her does - the way she cuddled up to him in the last chapter, and well the wonderful loveliness of the last chapter.
(Might I register a request that bring Aragorn in a teensy bit more? I love the way you're writing him, and the dynamic he has with Éowyn in particular is very good. I really want to know if intentionally led Éomer away from her and Faramir.)
Author's reply
Aragorn's coming in soon. He'll have some Eowyn scenes too, that I think will be good. Hopefully somewhat touching. :)
Chibi-Kaz
· 5 May 2004
· Chapter 40: Lies and Truths
Woof. From breaking heart to giggles in one chapter! I'm exhausted. Faramir is lucky Eowyn didn't scratch his eyes out - that's what I might have done if he did that to me... (pauses, imagines David Wenham, melts into puddle of drool) OK, maybe not! :D Anyway, that was a hell of a gamble for Faramir to take, calling Eowyn's bluff like that.
Of course, the idea of Faramir hunting down Grima and slaughtering that scumbag like the pig he is .. such a lovely thought! Shame he won't get the chance...
Cheers,
Chibi-kaz
Author's reply
I know, I would love to write Faramir rippin Grima apart, but alas...
hehe David Wenham--ah, he makes me giggle like a wee girl. Actually, if I had a choice between Karl Urban as Eomer and David Wenham as Faramir---I couldn't decide. And, I've been thinking about this, too. I mean, in the first shot of Eomer I clearly remember going, "Helllooo Eomer! Whoo! Yeah! Take off that helmet and GROWL BABY!" but I wasn't all that impressed with our first meeting of Faramir. He was just gorgeous in his hood and cloak, with his bow....mmmmm, YES.
But, in fact, I really just sat there open-mouthed the entire time, just overwhelmingly dismayed. It was the worst moment of betrayal I've ever felt from a fictional character; I was completely infuriated FOR him, not because of him being a jerk. Like he was real....sigh, Faramir come and take me away....or just mud-wrestle with Eomer and I could hose you both down. LOL :D
Crimson
· 4 May 2004
· Chapter 40: Lies and Truths
"Faramir swallowed as she glanced up and down his body. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea...
CUT TO:
Two hours later, Eowyn has Faramir naked, spread eagle, and tied to a bed..."
LMAO! :D
But seriously, great work in this chapter! I'm so glad you didn't drag it out into some melodramatic angsty thing where she left with him still thinking she didn't love him, etc., etc., etc... Been there, done that. This is much more realistic. In fact, it is eerily similar to what a good friend of mine had to go through with the woman who is soon to be his fiance. (Yes, there are gentle and patient guys out there like Faramir.) That's partly why this story is so touching as well as hilarious.
So, great work. Study hard and keep writing. BTW, I find it hard to believe that you're not a good student. You're clearly a good writer, and I've always believed that good writing and good thinking go hand in hand. Perhaps you're just not interested in the subjects you don't excel at. Or perhaps you have bad teachers. As one of my favorite authors put it: "If science is exciting and art is exhilarating, the schools and universities have achieved the not inconsiderable feat of rendering both dull. As every scientist and poet knows, one discovers both vocations in spite of, not because of school. It takes years to recover from the stupor of being taught Shakespeare in English Lit and Wheatstone's bridge in Physics." So don't be too hard on yourself.
Author's reply
LMAO! Don't be too sure she won't tie him up at some point. ;)
I'm glad everyone likes this chapter, because, man, it was HARD. I had to keep going back over it again and again before I thought it was even okay.
About my studies...I don't know, I just can't seem to CARE about them. No motivation changes it either. I have a friend that promised to send me anywhere in the world if I made a 4.0 and yet, I've got a 2.75. And she's got the money, it's not an empty promise, either. So, go figure. I really want to go, but, I can't CARE enough. It sucks.
EomerofEastfold
· 4 May 2004
· Chapter 40: Lies and Truths
I do not understand why I never calculated Grima's doings in all of this. Now every piece of the puzzle has come together and everything makes so much sense now. Brilliant bit of work. :)
Author's reply
I forgot a bit about him too. He's just so slimy ;) But, I really had a good image here, I think, with him manipulating her and (hopefully) creepily paralleling Faramir. I'm glad you liked it, I originally didn't. It was a tough chapter.
Elendiari22
· 4 May 2004
· Chapter 40: Lies and Truths
*Blinks* Intrigueing lead in to the next chapter. Please don't make it go any higher in rating. :) I like this chapter, and how Eowyn went to Faramir for comfort after trying to refuse him. Keep it up!
Author's reply
Nah, its not going any higher in rating. They're out in the garden still.... ;) I thought that made sense in a way how she went to him immediately. It showed she was really so terrified about losing him. Or maybe I'm off in my own little author world, i dunno.
Fionnabhair Nic Aillil
· 4 May 2004
· Chapter 40: Lies and Truths
All is forgiven! That was worth waiting for. Oh thank god - i got slightly frightened for a moment there that Éowyn would succeed and then we'd have to endure many chapters of angst before they found their way back to each other. I'm sure I could've borne it. The emotion was beautifully handled (something I know I find difficult - when there's a million different emotions swirling around, how on earth do keep them all defined?) and I thought it was very much in character. Yeah - I'm liking it!
Author's reply
I dont think I could handle several chapters of angst. *sniff* ;)
BKB
· 4 May 2004
· Chapter 39: In the Garden
In the fourth paragraph of this chapter, you used the combined words "commanding/asking" to put across an idea. Would "requesting" have worked in this instance? I have long felt that its connotation has more force than mere "asking". Also, a "request" is more formal which I think would also suit Faramir relationship to the natural environment at that point.
I second everyone's comments about cliffhangers and I'm waiting anxiously for the next instalment. However, please do not let your studies suffer! In a week or so after finals, you can indulge yourself and us to our hearts' content. Enough of the "wise old aunt" lecture. Good luck on the remaining finals and term papers.
Author's reply
requesting probably would have been fine, maybe even better. I don't know, but I felt I was trying to put across that it was a blurry cross between the two words. Maybe it was just in my head ;) The more formal remark is totally dead-on though. Awesome :)
Ahh, old aunt lectures...hmm, I dont think I have any aunts. Finals aren't THAT bad and, to be honest, this story is itching at my brain, so its hard to concentrate on the most boring stuff alive in theatre. I have finished my English paper, though, so go me and I've got tomorrow to study for theatre and a week for my psych.( I misread my syllabus THANK GOD), so one chapter hopefully coming up today. :)
Chibi-Kaz
· 4 May 2004
· Chapter 39: In the Garden
GAAAAHHHH!!!! Please please PLEASE don't leave us hanging here too long!!! Eowyn is doing it again -- giving up her own happiness for Eomer, like she did to take care of Theoden and it isn't fair. Why is she so chicken to be with Faramir?!? I'm in AGONY here!! Please update again SOON!!
Oh, and by the way, about the siblings taking over: It's all Eomer's fault! ;) You know it, I know it, lets just face it. He is a rather overpowering personality, isn't he?
--Cheers,
--Chibi-Kaz
Author's reply
he is rather overpowering, isn't he? That's why I love him, though. ;) I'll try my best to update today. Really! I will! I was cursing all the way home because I was coming up with the best stuff! If only I didn't have to sleep....
Raksha
· 4 May 2004
Well this is interesting. So this is what is REALLY meant by Faramir's being able to read the hearts of men. Eomer had just better watch his step with both Eowyn and Faramir!
Author's reply
Yeah, I liked the idea of his ability, and I think it is interesting to have in the story. I'm glad I put it in. lol, Eomer just better ;)
Crimson
· 3 May 2004
· Chapter 39: In the Garden
Ladies and gentlemen, this is what I meant when I wrote that this writer takes "perverse pleasure in keeping her audience hanging"! Forget Grendel, I'm sending the Gorgon, the Minotaur, the Yeti after you!
Cliffhangers aside, I must say you have done something I thought was impossible. You have made me exasperated with one of my favorite LOTR characters. I feel like smacking Eowyn upside the head myself. I feel like Cher in "Moonstruck" slapping Nick Cage -- "Get over it!" Only in this case I'd say, "He loves you! You love him! Whatever your hang-up is, get over it!" Alas, this is why I would not make a good therapist...
Now, you had better update this soon or else the Abominable Snowman's coming your way. I mean it. He's on his way from Mt. Everest right now. I've decided to hold off on the Minotaur and the Gorgon, but don't press your luck.
PS - Good like on the Theatre exam. I'm sure you'll do great. You have a flair for the dramatic. :)
Author's reply
I dont take perverse pleasure!! I swear! Its just that I have to study, eat, sleep and try to get that damn scholarship! Its finals week, so have pity.
Awesome that you feel that way about Eowyn....its funny, even I didn't know she was going to do that when I walked her up to Faramir. It was a shocker to me too. Thanks for the luck, I'll need it. I need an A, B, and 2 C's to get that 4,000 dollar scholarship and unfortunately, poor me, has to study. I'm, uh, (cough cough) not a good student. ;) So, have pity, and I'll stay a while after school to type some more.
Elendiari22
· 3 May 2004
· Chapter 39: In the Garden
Fie, woman! A cliffie! Please update again soon, I can't wait to find out what happens. This is a great story.
Author's reply
I'll be updating today, after my Psychology exam and my final exam English paper. God, this is finals week and I wish I could just type on this story all day long....but, alas!
Fionnabhair Nic Aillil
· 3 May 2004
· Chapter 39: In the Garden
Oh come now that was just cruel! I've put up with all your other cliff-hangers but that last one is just too much. The song was beautiful and sad - and call me crazy but the unrequited love theme is rather suggestive. I'm really curious as to where your going to take this; please have Éowyn come to her senses!
Author's reply
sorry, it was already 9 pm and I had to get home! I'm glad you liked the song...it was rather suggestive wasnt it? Sorry again about the hanger...believe it or not, I'd rather finish than go home! But, alas, I have to sleep sometime.
Elendiari22
· 3 May 2004
This is great! I can't wait to find out what happens to the hobbits, and how Eowyn's talk with Faramir goes. And that's a very interesting ability that Faramir has. Can't wait for the next chapter!
Author's reply
I'm hoping for tonight, but I'm afraid its going to be tomorrow. It's long and, I'm tired. :( I really want to finish this!