Reviews (506)

Lady of The Wood · 6 January 2005 · Chapter 66: Sticks and Stones

At last! I knew it! I knew it, as soon as Faramir clocked Eomer good they'd be friends. Thanks so much. I've been waiting for that for ever so long. I loved reading this chapter. Poor Faramir and his hang over, all I can say is 'been there, done that'. Ugh. My head hurts in sympathy. The dream sequence was lovely. I was just reading one of your replies to a review. What's this about 16 more days?! Huh? I thought they were going to see each other in three? I've had my 'Faramir punches Eomer' scene and gosh darn it now I want some Faramir Eowyn smut! Please explain the 16 day delay! Thank you for updating. I checked dilegently over the last month and what a great chapter we got.

Crimson · 6 January 2005 · Chapter 66: Sticks and Stones

Hey SofH, My reply to your reply: Sorry to spoil the Eowyn-cleaning-Faramir's-rooms stuff, but I'm glad to hear we're on the same page about the comedy potential there. I remember some of the things I forgot to mention. So here's a couple more points: *I'm enjoying the quest for Faramir's Rohirric name, but please, *please* don't name him Mervin. I'm sure Merv is a perfectly respectable name, and I'm sure there are plenty of handsome virile men named Merv. But when I hear the name Merv, I'm thinking of a fat old guy with a goofy-looking goatee who produces game shows and hangs out with Nancy Reagan at the Hotel Bel-Air. *Someone should tell Arwen about the "treat your husband like you do your dog" advice. It would work wonders for her relationship with Aragorn. Don't you think? *I especially liked the subconscious allusions you planted through Eowyn & Faramir's dream romp in the Anduin; things like the fact that when she was in deep water, Eowyn realized that the best thing to do was to calmly hold on to him and trust that he wouldn't let her drown. Nicely done. I know I've said this many times before, but once again, I gotta say I really like your dream sequences. You show how her unconscious self is slowly preparing her for intimacy with him "in the waking flesh" as Faramir referred to it. *This passage struck me as odd: "[Faramir] didn’t wish to be typical, to let [his students] think all there was to their lives were inns and ale and women. There was more…is there, though, to them with their lives? His students were sons of herders, farmers, and not privileged men like himself." Maybe I'm missing something or am just reading too much into it, but I found it odd that Faramir would wonder if there would be nothing more to his students' lives because they aren't highborn. The most important element in the happy endings of practically all of JRRT's characters in LOTR is love and family. Life with love and family are in essence the "more to life than booze and chicks" that Faramir is referring to. That is available to everyone regardless of their social standing. Samwise wasn't noble either, but his reward was just as fulfilling as Faramir's (married his sweetheart, had a dozen kids, enjoyed his garden, etc.). I realize, of course, that this is a pretty insignificant sentence to zero in on, but it just seemed so out of character for him because everything he is currently doing is in order to secure his future happiness -- the thing that will make his life "more than..." -- his wife and their family. These are goals his students will someday have to tackle too. Why would he think they're somehow deprived. The most content characters in LOTR are the simplest. The more "important" a character becomes, the more miserable (think of the despair of Denethor or the melancholy of Galadriel or the burden Frodo endures when he becomes the Ring Bearer). Okay, enough stupid nit-picking. You know your work is good if the only thing I can bitch about is this trivial. *Why are you worried about what to do with Oswyn? I don't think you need to stress yourself out trying to explain his character. He's a big fat lumbering dip-sh*t bully who got his ass-kicked and has a grudge. Instead of neatly wrapping his character up, when don't you just let him keep coming back for more. It can be even more comical that way. He's like the red-neck pool-player in "My Cousin Vinny" who keeps coming after Joe Pesci's character. Or Oswyn can be like the Illinois Nazis in "The Blues Brothers" -- remember how they keep chasing Jake and Elwood. Or better yet -- Carrie Fisher's character in "The Blues Brothers"! (Hell, anything having to do with "The Blues Brothers" makes me scream laughing...) If anything, you should think of funny ways for Oswyn to continue making an ass out of himself. Maybe his grudge can become sort of a generational thing passed on from father to son (like how Biff bequeaths to his grandson his grudge against George McFly in one of the "Back to the Future" sequels.) Years from now, Elboron will be spending the summer in Rohan and will be confronted by Oswyn's son... At any rate, I don't think you need to get hung up on Oswyn's motivations. Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar, and sometimes an a**hole is just an a**hole. Think of Shakespeare's Iago. What the hell was up with that guy? I mean, you want to talk about someone with a vindictive grudge. BTW, wouldn't "Oswyn" be a girl's name? The "wyn" ending signifies "joy", right? I assumed that would make it a female name -- since the virtues are traditionally female names (Faith, Hope, Charity, Joy, etc.), but then again Aragorn was named "Hope" so what do I know. If I'm at all right though, wouldn't it be great to tease Oswyn about this? It's even better than teasing Aragorn about "Estel." Faramir can ask him, "So were you named after your mother or your auntie?" *I know I'm still forgetting something. I'll think of it later and write in again...

Adamas · 6 January 2005 · Chapter 66: Sticks and Stones

Well it is a very good thing your are a very talented writer, and this chapter was well worth waiting for. I had given up hope of ever seeing the next chapter. You promised us a chapter for Christmas, and I waited and waited. But it was worth the wait. And what a wonderful chapter; loved the Eomer/Faramir bonding. That was well orchestrated the way you had Faramir punch Eomer, what an icebreaker heh? I also agree with Crimson comments about Eomer's realization that Eowyn is all Faramir has in terms of immediate family. Eomer's realization that Faramir is a twisted mirror image of himself. Faramir is a cute drunk. I was worry about what would happen if he lost some of his inhibitions. I was not sure with his mental abilities what might happen if he lost control. But, it was endearing how Faramir admitted he cheated at the riddle game with Eomer. I must confess I am terrible at riddles. If I had to play the riddle game with old Gollum … he would have eaten me for sure. To echo Lackwit "If Faramir was dreaming while wrestling no wonder he lost"… reading the dream sequences I had almost the same thought. I really liked how Eowyn dreamed of her new home. Well you have lived up to your promises on this dream sharing. I really thought it was well done. And after it was over am glad Faramir remembered it. I feared him was not going to with the hangover. I am very pleased and proud of Eowyn she has matured and grow through this separation. You know the old saying "absences makes the heart grow fonder"; well I think it has help in her case. I loved the exchange of looks between Eomer and Faramir the next day that was priceless. I chuckled at Faramir's decision to have his students silently track him so he could recover from his hangover. I was very pleased when they came to his aid. What a great chapter, as I state earlier it was worth the wait. But, please don't think you can get into a habit of leaving us hanging. Thank as always for sharing your talent.

Crimson · 6 January 2005 · Chapter 66: Sticks and Stones

Dear SofH: At long last, here is my promised review. Please forgive its tardiness. 'Tis the season you know...holidays, travel, and now I'm recovering from a monster chest cold. Remember the scene in the movie "Outbreak" when the first guy hit with the virus staggers through Logan airport and collapses in the arms of his girlfriend? That was me at LAX last Sunday -- only in my case I collapsed on an unfortunate stranger in the backseat of the Airport Shuttle Van. Now I'm at home hording boxes of Kleenex and looking for a 12-step program to overcome my NyQuil addiction. Because I'm still hearing sleigh bells in my head (and hacking up reindeer-sized...never mind), this review will most likely be a little slipshod. I figured if I miss anything, I can always write again. The problem is every time I'm about to post a review, you post another chapter, and so I never seem to get caught up. But that stops now. Here goes... First, let me just say that Faramir is going to be the coolest dad on the block. I can already hear Elboron bragging, "oh yeah, well my Dad can make his own weapons from rocks and leap from tall trees and talk to snakes!" Faramir will be Boy Scout Leader of the Year! Now I admit, I've always found boy scouts kinda cute, kinda sexy (I guess it's that whole man in uniform thing). A guy who helps little old ladies cross the street and knows how to track grizzly bears and make suntan lotion from tree bark is a turn-on for me. (This is, of course, way more information than you needed to know. Remember what I said about slipshod.) Anyway, I think Faramir is looking good in these chapters. I imagine Eowyn will think so too (as soon as she gets to see the poor guy). She's probably going to jump him the minute he alights from ol' Thorny. After reading your latest chapter, I'm certain of this. Speaking of Eowyn, all I can say is -- at least it wasn't a home perm. A natural blonde dying her hair brunette? I didn't think such a thing was possible. But then I remembered Paulette Goddard (old screen actress, former wife of Charlie Chaplin, came within inches of being cast as Scarlett O'Hara -- speaking of whom, I bet there were a lot of blondes in 1938 who went brunette to get that part.) So, I suppose our poor Shieldmaiden isn't alone. And at least it goes away... right? Poor Faramir. Haven't you noticed that when a man loves his wife's hair, he hates it when she does anything to it; goes apoplectic when she trims even an inch. Well, I don't suppose she's going to be all that joyous over the bruises and black eyes he's acquire from playing Rohirric rugby/field hockey/football. Dear God, he'll come back looking like Quasimodo and she'll look like Peg Bundy from "Married With Children." What a couple. Speaking of Rohirric rugby/field hockey/football, I loved it! Hilarious. 'Nuff said. Speaking of Rohirric culture, I loved your emphasis on their anti-hierarchical nature. It looks like chaos to Faramir, but everyone seems to know their role. In showing us the differences between Gondor and Rohan, you've been able to draw upon some real world cultural differences between --well, let's just say between the cowboys and the more genteel fancy boys on the side of the Pond (oh, I suppose there's a tad bit of cultural bias in my choice of descriptors....but, hey, at least I didn't call them cheese-eating fancy boys.) You've done this without falling prey to an all out allegorical rendering of these cultures. Good job! Instead of allegory, we have applicability. Speaking of literature, I loved the scene where Faramir explains to Gaer the beauty of reading. I interpreted Gaer's reaction as being more than just wounded feelings from a supposed slight to Rohirric culture. I think he was a bit wistful -- as if he suddenly realized how much bigger the world is and how little of it he knows. And I read his desire to go to Ithilien as his way to satisfy that longing to see this other world. (And it's a practical decision too. He's a lousy Rider of Rohan. But he's one hell of a friend. I'd want someone like him around in a pinch. Even if he can't shoot straight.) Speaking of Faramir's new friends, I love that he at one point begins to see this excursion as a holiday -- a sort of hunting trip. I wonder how many years of married life it'll take before Faramir gets into the habit of telling Eowyn that it's his solemn duty to go out with the eord for two weeks every summer. "Yes, dear, I'm going on a hunting trip with my Rohirric drinking buddies for a fortnight and I'm doing it all for you! It's my way of honoring your culture--really!" Speaking of Faramir's duties, I think it's wonderful that you've made him a natural teacher. Just like the good professor who claimed that this character was the most like himself. Tolkien was said to be a wonderful tutor, but a terrible lecturer (apparently he had a tendency to mumble, which made it difficult to understand him. But W.H. Auden once said that if you paid close attention, his lectures were brilliant and quite funny.) Speaking of funny, I think there is massive still untapped comedic potential in Eowyn's mission to go to Gondor and ready a home for herself and Faramir. This could be truly hilarious. I envy you how much fun you could have writing this. Can you imagine what it will be like for her trying to clean up his disgusting rooms (ham sandwiches under the sofa, moldy socks, Godzilla-size dust bunnies). I bet at first he'll love what she does -- that is until he sees what she did to his desk. You see, messy people have what they call a "system," and that "system" might look like an ugly pile of randomly strewn papers to you, but it's a "system" to them. Heaven help the woman who messes with a man's "system" of organization. This has frequently been the casus belli of many a young couple's first fight. The "first fight" is traditionally about something mundane and infuriating at the same time (like not putting the lid down on the toilet seat or the cap back on the toothpaste bottle, or not cleaning the sink after you shave, or not rinsing your cereal bowl before you put it in the dishwasher, or not replacing the empty ice tray, or drinking right from the milk carton, or trailing dirt on the carpet, or simply being an obnoxious morning person, or...I could go on, but I'll spare you. You get the point.) It's these stupid little arguments that reveal a couple's weird personality differences. I'm sure that her "redecorating" will also delight him. Although he had a hard time seeing her "femininity" in her rooms, I bet he will see it once her things are added to his room. She may not be the pink-flowery type, but she is definitely feminine in her own way. I also think he'll enjoy being "taken care of" as she makes his home more homey. He hasn't had much mothering in his life, so I'm sure he'll relish it -- at least some of it. [A very wise friend and loving dog-owner once explained to me that husbands are happiest when you treat them like you do your dog -- you make sure they're well fed, warm, comfortable, and, most important, are petted and praised daily. It's true. It's as simple as that.] In the process of making their home in the City their own, she will also be chasing away the unhappy memories of Denethor which undoubtedly linger in Faramir's house. Perhaps this also gets her into trouble. Maybe she decides to reorder the rooms and moves Faramir's work area into the study his father once occupied or does some other such thing that unintentionally causes him distress. She would think she was being helpful and would be dismayed by his reaction. Maybe she decides to hang his artwork, which at first he likes -- until he sees that she's framed his sketch of Boromir which he doesn't want displayed because it is too personal. Maybe he gets mad at her for spending too much money on redecorating. Or maybe he simply gets mad because he's embarrassed that she's see all of his messy rooms. I'm just having fun throwing ideas out. Use some, all or nothing. Speaking of ideas, does Eowyn have any idea where she's going to be staying when she's in the City before the actual wedding? Speaking of weddings, what's this you said in a comment to a review some time back about nothing happing on their wedding night? Oh dear. Poor Faramir. Speaking of frustrated husbands, I'm surprised that you resolved the Aragorn & Arwen conflict so quickly after all the build-up. We don't need anything huge, and we certainly don't need you to shift POVs from Eowyn, Eomer, and Faramir (which you have been sticking to with admirable consistency. More on this later), but it would be nice if we saw more of how Aragorn and Arwen are relating to each other now that they've somewhat resolved their problem. You can use one of your three POVs to show us. (But since they are a couple, I would recommend Eowyn and Faramir's POVs.) Does this make sense? I'm not sure if I'm making sense any more. It's getting dangerously close to NyQuil time. Speaking of time, I don't think you gave much time to Faramir's farewell to Gandalf. It seemed obligatory and no more. It's almost as if it would have been more poignant not to show it (just as JRRT doesn't show Elrond's farewell to Arwen; he just describes it). But that's just me. Ignore me if you disagree. Speaking of disagreements, remember how some time back in one of my reviews I wrote that Hugo Dyson once shouted, "Oh f**k, not another elf!" one night when Tolkien was reading his rough draft of LOTR to the Inklings. In the opening of this chapter, I said, "Oh f**k, not another bar scene!" Well, Hugo was wrong and so was I. I liked how this bar scene ended. However, as far as Faramir and Eomer are concerned, I think the scene where Faramir finally tells him off was the emotional climax. Eomer's climactic realization was much more subtle. I think it was the moment in this chapter when he realizes that Eowyn is all that Faramir has as well (a point which I kept wondering why Faramir never made obvious before -- "She's all you got? Guess what, pal, she's all I got too!") Any emotional dickering between them seems anticlimactic after this (indeed, it seemed anticlimactic after the scene where Faramir tells Eomer off -- a scene which I loved BTW!). I think it would take years before Eomer would feel comfortable even admitting to himself that he thinks Faramir is an okay guy. It's the sort of thing that would strike him ten years from now when he's visiting Eowyn and Faramir and holding his third newborn niece or nephew and thinking to himself, "you know, for a skinny boring Southern guy, he did pretty good by my sister." Speaking of Eomer, I think that barmaid should have handed his ass back to him in a sling. What an obnoxious dope. He kind of reminds me of one of my older brothers. He met his wife while he was in dental school. He strutted up to her in the cafeteria, introduced himself, and announced that he was going to be a dentist and make lots of money. She looked at him expressionlessly and said, "so what?" They've been happily married now for 14 years now (3 kids and a dog). Eomer needs a gal who can smack some humility and sense into him (and still love him for who he is). Eowyn does this for him now, but she'll be gone soon, won't she. Oh Lothiriel... Speaking of Eowyn again, I really like how you've portrayed her attempts to better herself for Faramir. It's charming and shows that she's trying to give back to him what he is giving to her. Speaking of giving, I loved your mysterious final gift from Faramir -- the one Arwen discovers in the bag he gave Eowyn to safeguard. It took me awhile to figure it out, but when I did, I howled. Damn clever riddle. Speaking of riddles! Did you come up with the riddles in the latest chapter yourself? I'm impressed! Speaking of being impressed, I'm also impressed by your use of POVs in this story. Your style has developed and become more sophisticated as the story has progressed. Each character's voice is unique and distinguishable, and your transitions between them are more and more seamless. I'm thinking of narrative POVs today because I was rereading Flannery O'Connor's short stories in "Everything That Rises Must Converge." She was a genius with her narrative style. She could maintain a distance from her characters with her omniscient narrative voice, but also create a limited or even biased narrative voice for each character. One of my first writing instructors encouraged me to read and study her work. That was and is still good advice. Speaking of blatant attempts at proffering unsolicited advice to young writers... well, I actually have nothing more to say about that. Speaking of having nothing more to say, I think I've said it all. I love your work. I'm enjoying it. If I think of anything else I've forgotten, I'll be sure to post another review.

Elendiari22 · 5 January 2005 · Chapter 66: Sticks and Stones

How much do I love this chapter?! Faramir has to be the sweetest, cutest drunk ever. I love how he punched Eomer out, too, and the way Gaer and company had to make him throw up. Poor guys, all of them. Truly hilarious! I think that Eowyn has a very fatalistic view of life in Gondor, and that she will be surprised when she actually gets there. Somehow I can't see it being as bad as she thinks, especially when Arwen introduces her to Lothiriel. I hope she openes up and asks Arwen her questions soon. As for Faramir's students, I love them dearly. It was brilliant how they attacked Oswyn and Co. to save their beloved teacher. See, the ranger skills they're learning came in handy. I'm looking forward to the next chapter, and I hope it comes soon!

Lackwit · 5 January 2005 · Chapter 66: Sticks and Stones

Ok, I'm a loser- I've heard the onion one and still didn't get it :( Didn't get the shell one either ;_; I am not on a good streak here- I don't entirely understand Oswyn's hate either. Is that going to show up later? Dislike I can understand, but not hate. Éomer's guards aren't going to be all over Faramir for punching the king, are they? Very good bonding scene. Because he is king I do tend to forget that he is quite a bit younger than Faramir and in fact is still a young man. Having Faramir behave as an older man to a younger was an excellent reminder. Éomer is quite endearing; I like that he seems to need the affectionate bonding with an older brother figure. Sweet how he sees Faramir as he did Théodred. If Faramir was dreaming while wrestling, no wonder he lost :)

Raksha The Demon · 5 January 2005 · Chapter 66: Sticks and Stones

Awww. Faramir is the sweetest, most endearing drunk. Bad, bad Eomer! Very sad that Faramir thought of Minas Tirith as the city that used to be his. Minas Tirith still is his city, probably in a way that can never be Aragorn's; but Faramir does need some stuff that is completely his own, like Ithilien; and Eowyn (though she's not "stuff"). I hope that Faramir thoroughly thrashes Oswyn again. Someone like that isn't gonna stop because a bunch of kids get between him and his quarry.

BKB · 23 December 2004 · Chapter 65: A Breakthrough

I would never have guessed a sea shell! I' really rotten at guessing games.

Elendiari22 · 20 December 2004 · Chapter 65: A Breakthrough

It's a conch shell. Yes, it was a pretty easy guess. No wonder Arwen wants to play with it. :)

elisa m. · 20 December 2004 · Chapter 65: A Breakthrough

good chapter...i want to take a guess on the gift, is it a sea shell? you know hear the sea and play with it...i dont know. keep writing been loving ur story cant wait for your next chapter:)

Elendiari22 · 18 December 2004 · Chapter 65: A Breakthrough

Can I venture a guess at what I think the surprise in Faramir's bag is? I read the note with the clues you left BKB, and I think I know what it is. :)

BKB · 18 December 2004 · Chapter 65: A Breakthrough

Unfortunately, I not good at guessing games and don't really like them. However, I'll leave your clues at the back of my mind and wait for something to turn up. i hope that your finals went well.

Drake · 14 December 2004 · Chapter 65: A Breakthrough

Great chapter! I'm glad Eomer and Faramir are making small steps toward being friends. And I love the game Faramir had the kids playing. I, too, am trying to figure out what in the world was in Faramir's pack without letting my mind wander into the gutter. That's just wrong how you left us guessing like that. :P Can't wait for the next chapter with the tavern scene.

BKB · 13 December 2004 · Chapter 65: A Breakthrough

You little rat fink! Again you're introducing a mysterious object and giving us all sorts of ambiguous clues and let our dirty little minds work over time. I keep wondering how you've set us up this time. Will it be another innocent object as in chapters 46 & 47, or will it actually be something risque. "Only her hairdresser knows for sure." ;) (Have I managed to date myself with this "commercial allusion"?) I have notice again (though I probably haven't mentioned it before) how well you make the distinction between two types of physical contact and longing - the sexual and the affectionate. You make both feel perfectly natural in the relationship Eowyn and Faramir.

Adamas · 12 December 2004 · Chapter 65: A Breakthrough

Well, I reread the chapter again. I'm very interested in the upcoming tavern scene. I know that Eomer is just waiting to see if he can drink Faramir under the table… But, I have a feeling that you have something up your sleeve. After all you are very gifted and this kind of character interaction. Somehow I think that Faramir can hold his own when it comes to drinking. I also liked your foreshadowing of Lothriel. I could not help the big grin on my face when I read Eomer thoughts about Faramir's woman relatives. Eomer is not going to know what hit him. I still think with your talent, you should do a whole spin off tale just for Eomer and Lothriel. You really do have a gift for Character development and interaction. And I think in order to really do these two justice they need their own story. So this is must my opinion, you don't have to listen to me. Introduce the relationship in this story then develop it in their own story. I have ulterior motives; I just want you to keep spining your tales. The thought of this coming to an end is unthinkable. I also thought your comparison to Theodred was very clever, and it will make it easier, I hope, for Eomer to find commonality with Faramir. As for Eowyn and Arwen … The courts of Gondor do know what is going to hit them. It is almost like Lucy and Ethel turned loose on Gondor. LOL [Author Reply: Hmm. Well, Eowyn and Faramir are pretty far away--4 hours on horseback--but would you be satisfied by a shared dream/thing? I'm planning it.] So you're planing a dream sharing? I can't wait, you have hinted at so many good things to come. I feel like a kid waiting for Christmas. I want very thing now… : 0) All I want for Christmas is more characters from SoundsofHorns. Please, Please, Please!

Jen · 10 December 2004 · Chapter 65: A Breakthrough

A really enjoyable chapter. I'm glad that Faramir and Eomer are starting to bond. Michelle's favorite part was my favorite part too. Had a big smile trying to imagine Eomer learning elvish while trying to stand on a boat.

lmw · 10 December 2004 · Chapter 65: A Breakthrough

As always, this was worth the little bit of wait. l really like how you write your characters - very 'real', emotional people. Eowyn and Arwen were totally amusing - I can just see them running around doing their 'things'. Looking forward to more.

Michelle · 10 December 2004 · Chapter 65: A Breakthrough

This was my favorite part: He laughed under his breath and was thankful Faramir had no womenfolk, attractive or otherwise. Little do ye know, Éomer. Little do ye know. :-)

Lady of The Wood · 9 December 2004 · Chapter 65: A Breakthrough

Hooray for updatey goodness! Thanks. I love the comparison of Faramir and Theodred. Nicely done. Since we don't really know Theodred you can make him into any type of person you want. I'm very much looking forward to the pub scene. I think I've been waiting for that for many chapters. Looking forward to more. LOTW

Adamas · 9 December 2004 · Chapter 65: A Breakthrough

I thought you would never update. I know you have been in the middle of finals and I hope everything went well. I feared we would not get a new chapter until the New Year. I was very excited to see you had posted a new chapter. I agree with Elendiari22, I wish it were longer. Ah, well I will take what I can get. I really liked the scenes with Arwen and Eowyn. I have not decided yet if I like the hairdo. I really liked how Eowyn mentally called out to Faramir. I only wished he somehow could have heard her. I am wondering if later in the chapter when Faramir was thinking about her if he somehow did sense her calling? But, the time was different so I dismissed it as my own wishful thinking. Thanks for the chapter. I am going home to read it again. Please don’t keep us waiting to long for the next chapter. Do you think we will have a new chapter before Christmas?

Elendiari22 · 8 December 2004 · Chapter 65: A Breakthrough

I abandoned all hope of doing homework when I saw that you updated. My one complaint is that the chapter is too short! I love what Arwen did to Eowyn's hair. Can henna and red wine actually do that? Seems a better way to go than hair salons, lol. Eomer needs to lighten up. The poor man is certainly xenophobic; he needs to learn that different cultures value different things. I can't wait until he meets Lothiriel, things will certainly get even more amusing. I can't help pitying him, but he really needs to lighten up. Faramir is doing fairly well under such pressure. As always, I like what you have him do with his students, and if Eomer wasn't so intimidating, I think he'd come to see how much the lads love Faramir. Maybe there could be a scene where they prove that Ranger tricks are useful? I hope that the next update comes soon. I keep remembering last spring, when there was an update every day. Keep up the good work!

Adamas · 1 December 2004 · Chapter 64: Beginning of the End

I’d loved to enlighten your English professor, but haven’t you learned yet that college is not about becoming an “independent thinkers”. Most professors become professors so they can hear themselves talk and puff themselves up by requiring their students to regurgitate their philosophy. There are a few rare professors that will encourage and enjoy differing ideas, but they are rare. You will get farther and better grades when you learn to play the game. Take my word for on this, I come from a background of educators…Father, Uncles, Cousins etc… Besides, you want to talk about “independent thinkers”, Bill Gates is a Billionaire and he never finished college, but he did create and built an empire.

Drake · 1 December 2004 · Chapter 64: Beginning of the End

Why, thank you! I don't think I ever finished telling you about the other one. I've always thought it the better of the two, but I'm certainly glad you like one of them. Maybe I will try to write it up sometime in the near future, so long as you promise to read it. :) "Must. Write. Slashy. Dialogue. lol" ROFLMAO!!

Drake · 1 December 2004 · Chapter 64: Beginning of the End

I second Adamas about you becoming a profesional writer, though I believe I already stated my opinion on that matter. I still think you are a brilliant woman with a gift for description, plot, and dialogue, and I would love to see some original work coming from you in the next few years. HeHe, I'm willing to bet your first story is going to be in the top ten for months while mine sits down at the bottom. :) Can't wait to see the next update. You torture us all, lol. Don't you know I have nothing to do other than read your marvelous work? :)

Adamas · 30 November 2004 · Chapter 64: Beginning of the End

I hope your finals are going well. I would not want you to become stressed out and unable to finish this story. Checking for updates and reading your reviews has become a part of my daily routine. What would I look forward to every even? I would like to take this opportunity to say again, that you are very talented. During the long waits between your chapter updates I search other sites for other stories to read about my favorite Middle-earth people (Faramir/Eowyn, Eomer/Lothiriel). Being a diehard Tolkien fan, I prefer to read things that are true to Tolkien. What I have found is that there isn't an abundance of quality stories out there. You're work is consistently superior work. You take time to review your words, spelling, dialog, action, character development, and story plot. You truly are very talented. And although, I usually do not approve of writers who are not true to Tolkien, you have taken his characters and made them your own and have done it very tastefully. I guess what I am saying is you have a true gift and talent. I would hope that your are seriously considering a career in writing, you are that good. I look forward to seeing some original work from you in the future. I only hope that in your book cover you make reference to your sue-doe name "SoundofHorns". Thank you again for your talent. And please update soon. Spare me the agony of having to read mediocre material.