The Siege Of Minas Tirith by Morwen Tindomerel
Elaine · 15 February 2005 · Chapter 26: Departure
I am loving this story... most especially because it is leading toward the story of Eowyn and Faramir's courtship. I hope this part will come soon! I have been searching the net for stories of that, and have found next to nothing. Please continue!
Author's reply
See the sequel: 'The Steward and the Queen' for Faramir and Eowyn's courtship. I hope you won't be disappointed.
pipinheart · 7 September 2004 · Chapter 26: Departure
Really loved this story especially with pippin and his thoughts in it..... Can't wait till the sequel....Great job
FantasyFan · 19 August 2004 · Chapter 26: Departure
Oh my! There's no more! Even thought he title says, The Siege of Minas TIrith, and the siege is clearly over, I wasn't expecting this to end here. Yet this was a fitting place to end it, and an wonderful ending it was. Pippin isn't the same as he had been, which is both a blessing and a pity. I can be proud of his growth at the same time mourning his loss of innocence. And such a cute joke to end it with. Very well done. I guess I'll just have to go read the rest of your stories while I'm waiting for you to write the Black Gate. Hope you get some inspiration soon.
Dreamflower · 19 August 2004 · Chapter 26: Departure
This has been a amazing read! Start to finish a gripping blend of book canon and movie-verse, plus other elements, that in spite of marking it as AU, seem to ring true to JRRT's vision. You are extremely well versed in the history of the Two Kingdoms. My congratulations to you, and I look forward to the sequel.
RAKSHA THE DEMON · 18 August 2004 · Chapter 26: Departure
I don't understand why the Steward's chair was removed? It strikes me as poor payment for nearly 1000 years of the Stewards holding Gondor together during the Kings' absence. And unless someone said something that I missed, Faramir is still Steward of Gondor, though not a ruling Steward. I liked Pippin's remarks about Aragorn's hair. Nice touch, the three ladies dressing and arming him, very ceremonial... Looking forward to the sequel.
Author's reply
Hurin had the chair removed as a sign the Stewards no longer ruled in Gondor. You understand it was not an original fixture but put up by the ruling Stewards because they would not sit on the throne. And considering that the whole reason the throne has been empty all these centuries is the Stewards' refusal to accept Isildur's Heirs as their king they really can't claim all that much credit for holding things together.
FantasyFan · 1 August 2004 · Chapter 25: Farewells
Faramir is looking closely: at Beregond, at Elessar, for signs that they despair. He doesn't find either of them looking for death, but what will he do when he sees Eowyn, who clearly is? There's a lot of high drama in this section of the book, and your chapter reflects it well. You also continue to do a wonderful job of using the movie storyline and visuals but adding the deeper richness of book canon. Such a tricky thing, and you're doing it so well. I'm eager to see the events before the Black Gate through your eyes.
Amy Earls · 24 July 2004 · Chapter 24: Recovery
Wanted to add to my earlier review: How I enjoy the rangers' presence in this and in I Have Made My Choice. Even when they're not named, they're sleeping/guarding/showing amusement in dry Dunedain fashion. The return of the king is like a marriage, in a way, not just two people uniting but two families, and in this case two cultures that have diverged quite a bit over the millenium. No wonder Aragorn is looking around for someone to oppose his claim to the throne. It seems awfully convenient that his fiercest opponent committed suicide, his greatest rival in the army died on the quest, one of the most powerful and richest lords close to the throne is old enough to appreciate his service as Thorongil, and he saves the new Steward's life. Just luck? Amy
Raksha The Demon · 23 July 2004 · Chapter 24: Recovery
I continue to enjoy your version of Arwen immensely; she seems so much more real, without having lost much of her allure, than the pale and silent Evenstar we saw in the book ROTK... Do my eyes deceive me? Idril, the Iron Maiden herself, is thawing towards Faramir? Nice that she thanked Aragorn for saving him. It wouldn't hurt her to wear mourning for her foster-father; he didn't have to take her in and give her the high estate she's enjoyed. And it seems like he tried to be kind to her, kinder than he was towards his own child. I wonder what will happen when Idril meets Eowyn. I have the feeling they're not going to become best friends... I like that Faramir instantly guessed why Aragorn was taking the armies to Mordor on an ostensible suicide mission; i.e. to divert the Eye away from Frodo and Sam...
Amy Earls · 23 July 2004 · Chapter 24: Recovery
So much to savor in this chapter, incl.: Faramir talking about his father's death in a reasonable way (the dreams wouldn't be so easy to be rational about) his surprise at Aragorn's being married and at once asking about an heir upon learning the last stand in the war crimson and gray robes: cleaned-up!Aragorn (but please, not the wig from the movie!coronation. I dislike Aragorn's king!armor, but that coiffed wig really freaks me out. If Strider!hair isn't allowed after he claims the throne, I could settle for the braids, but not the wig) the women dealing with the city Don't have time for more, but wanted to let you know that I really appreciate this chapter. Thanks for sharing! Amy
Raksha The Demon · 13 July 2004 · Chapter 23: The Palantir
I'm not going to share Idril's belief that Faramir was responsible for his father's death. The only thing Faramir should feel guilty for perhaps is the loss of his men on an ill-advised mission; and for that loss Denethor is also responsible. <"I told you didn't I?" she said to the unconscious Man. "I hope you're satisfied, Brother. You may have ruined us all!"> Castigating an unconscious man for following his father's orders seems to go beyond even the premise of conveying an 'I told you so' to him. Idril seems to me to have inherited Denethor's bitterness although she is not his blood. If Idril's premise is that Faramir was responsible for his father's madness and death because he put himself in a situation where he was likely to be injured or killed and so send Denethor off the edge, then Denethor was already pretty far gone. Everyone in Minas Tirith had a pretty low life expectancy at the time Faramir left for Osgiliath, and if Faramir had held himself back from all danger so as to protect his father, he would have been cowardly and a poor example to the rest of the City, where there were plenty of other young soldiers in harm's way who might also have had worried, aged fathers. I am not sure whether you're trying to say that you believe Faramir caused his father's death and are using Idril to express the viewpoint in the story, or that Idril believes it. If Idril does succeed in pushing Faramir to say that she was right, then he's an even weaker man than the movie-version seems to be. Denethor chose his own death. Plenty of other people in Minas Tirith lost loved ones, believed hope was lost, but did not abandon their responsibilities. If I had been in Faramir's position, I would not have judged Denethor totally incompetent/verging on madness when he gave the order to retake Osgiliath, just wrong. And a Captain in Faramir's position could not refuse such an order just because he disagreed with its merit. In any case, I'm not going to agree with Idril, and find her insistance in the matter rather vicious and ultimately quite sad. I am enjoying all other elements of the story, especially Pippin's role, and look forward to future updates.
Author's reply
Opinions expressed by characters in my stories do not necessarily reflect those of the author ;D Idril *is* bitter during the siege, in her eyes her menfolk are failing both her and their City in its hour of need. This may not be a reasonable pov, but an understandable one. There were good arguments for the attack on Osgilliath, as Faramir points out in his conversation with his sister. There were also some damn good arguments against, as Idril says. Basically she she turned out to be right because the Orcs used a new tactic, massed bows, which nobody expected. It could have gone the other way. Idril thinks Faramir should have stood up to Denethor and not only refused to lead the attack but refused to allow it to be made. For the sake of the two thousand Men as well as D's sanity. She may have an unrealistic idea of what military discipline would allow, however she does claim that Boromir would have done so - and presumably had seen him argue their father into better strategy on other occasions. And my reading of the book's council of war suggests that the council could have legally overruled the Steward but didn't. It should also be said that Denethor apparently comes to agree with Idril's opinion when he blames himself for sending his son into needless peril. Never the less, as I said the whole issue is very iffy - as issues of strategy in war usually are. Denethor's sanity *is* fragile, as he proves in both book and movie by his reaction to Faramir's apparently mortal wound, and his daughter knows it. But in all justice to D his shattering grief for Boromir's death and what he sees in the Palantir are major contributing factors. He could probably have delt with any two of these traumas but all three were too much for him. Maybe Idril is being mean and unreasonable, or at least overly harsh. But that's the way she feels and Faramir is going to have to deal with. And he will, never fear, he knows very well how to get the better of his sister. Thank you for caring enough about the story to comment at such length and with such vigor. And feel free to disapprove of Idril - she certainly isn't what I'd call likeable!
Raksha The Demon · 6 July 2004 · Chapter 23: The Palantir
An excellent and riveting story. You've done a great job of investing Arwen with a strong character and credible history. I find myself both admiring Idril and being repelled by her; she reminds me quite a bit of Denethor as he must have been in his youth; strong, honorable, and intolerant of the failings of others. I wonder if she will reconcile with Faramir; she seems determined to blame him for their father's death. She had said that if Faramir got himself killed, his death would destroy Denethor - and she was right; but I don't think it is fair to blame Faramir for it. He could hardly have sat out the Siege hiding himself away from danger to save his fragile father's sanity; everyone in Minas Tirith faced death, the Captains (such as Faramir) had the greatest duty and the greatest risk of danger. It was not Faramir's idea to retake Osgiliath, and he did protest, but Denethor insisted; I doubt that Faramir could have dissuaded him, and he did not want to be thought a coward. Faramir was trying, despite his own considerable sorrow, to be the son that Denethor wanted, as well as a loyal Captain. He was not spineless, he had already broken Denethor's command to slay all intruders in Ithilien, and released the Ringbearer although he knew (in the movieverse) that his father wanted the Ring. Denethor himself, with some assistance from Sauron via the Palantir that Denethor chose to look into, was responsible for his own death and the attempt to kill his son. Idril does not seem particularly happy that Faramir is alive and well; in this chapter she seems determined to punish him. She should either have it out with Faramir, forgive him, or leave him alone. I liked Faramir's recognition of the harm that Denethor did, though I think it was not deliberate, to Pippin. Pippin has lost his innocence; and I think more so because of his experience with the late Steward than by Palantir-wrestling with Sauron. Though I have to wonder, is Faramir's pity for Pippin's ordeal and lost innocence totally for Pippin, or tinged with Faramir's own anger and sorrow over his own relationship with his father? I think that Faramir genuinely admires Pippin and regrets the harm done to him by his involvement with Denethor, but Faramir wouldn't be human if there weren't some emotional leakage from his own feelings towards Denethor...I would think that at this point, Faramir's own feelings are too raw for him to deal with them comfortably. And although he's introspective, he's not one to wallow in self-absorption or talk endlessly about those feelings. I wonder what will happen to Idril after Sauron's defeat...Please update soon!
Author's reply
I find myself rather ambivalent about Idril myself, she does seem to be mostly sharp edges - but then living with Denethor these last years has *not* been fun, his sons could escape to the relative peace of the battlefield but she's been stuck in Minas Tirith running D's household and acting as his hostess. She is glad Faramir's alive, but that doesn't mean she's going to let him off the hook, she warned him and he didn't listen and she will get in her 'I told you so' if the heavens fall! :D All he has to do is admit she was right and she'll drop it. And you're right about Faramir's anger at his own treatment getting mixed up with his feelings about Pippin's ordeal. It's going to take both Faramir and Idril a while to forgive Denethor.
pipinheart · 14 June 2004 · Chapter 22: After the Debate
Really good story! Please continue it....
FantasyFan · 2 June 2004 · Chapter 22: After the Debate
I'm glad to see that Gandalf recognizes Pippin's courage, even if he didn't himself. Gandalf has to be the most terrified, as more than anyone he knows the big picture, and the fullness of what is at stake. And I'm gald to see Merry up and about, and hopeful for the future, even if he cannot convince Eowyn. And now Aragorn gets show his courage by doing what he greatly fears. Beregond's tale of Denethor's fall is a flat warning against having too much pride in your own strength, which Aragorn would do well to heed. When the mighty fall, they fall far and take many with them. He must be careful now, so near the goal, not to falter. (Good thing I know how it ends.) I really missed this in the movies. Denethor's madness was much more random without the Palantir, and we missed a great chance for Aragorn in the scene I'm anticipating you'll show us next.
Author's reply
And I'm whimpering at the challenge of writing it. Even the Professor shied away from showing Aragorn's confrontation with Sauron directly, who am I to run in where he feared to tread? But I've pretty much committed myself to do so - yikes!!! Thank you so much for all the lovely feedback - *very* encouraging. :D BTW Aragorn and Arwen's wedding is in 'I Have Made My Choice' along with how she comes to be in Gondor in the first place.
FantasyFan · 2 June 2004 · Chapter 21: The Last Debate
Merry and Pippin's conversation is quite hobbity. They discuss great matters in a very lighthearted way, over a cup of tea. I do miss the wonderful teasing of Aragorn from the books, but I did enjoy the explanation of how Merry got from next to Eowyn to under a Southron. And their quiet confidence in Frodo is nice - he usually knows what he is doing, and that is enough for hope. The men of the city put their hope in Estel. There is a nice balance here of Aragorn's reluctance to press his case untimely, and the clear power that he posesses which is recognized by everyone. It seems right though, that he does declare himself here. After Denethor's death, what the people need is leadership, and he can give them that. Pippin's courage is welcome as well. He's not a child any more, and he steps up not by accident, but in full knowledge of the circumstances. Go Pip! I am going to have to look up your other story sometime. Seems I've missed a wedding too, and I do so love to cry at weddings.
FantasyFan · 2 June 2004 · Chapter 20: The People and Their King
Shorter reviews for the rest of the chapters I have to catch up on, I think. The people of Gondor have to accept or reject Aragorn as he is - dusty and foreign, and not splendid as they imagine he should be. But once they decide to over look that, they get the good along with the ugly, and he is allowed to prove himself and heal the city. Trust goes both ways - a good sign for the times to come.
FantasyFan · 2 June 2004 · Chapter 19: The Houses of Healing
Sorry that it's taken me a while to get to reviewing these chapters. Ioreth is an annoying character in the books, but you've managed to make her the funniest thing in this chapter. Amid all the angst and high drama, there's Ioreth trying to worm out of Beregond why Faramir is covered with oil, and Ioreth's wagging tongue going to spread the news of the king as fast as she can talk. *giggle* And speaking of drama, I loved it how Beregond's blood recognizes Aragorn as king, and how he (and maybe Imrahil) can hear Aragorn mentally calling for Faramir, and recognizes his power. And I continue to be delighted by the way you are weaving together key points from the books with images and lines from the movies and your own imagination. This is really well done.
FantasyFan · 16 April 2004 · Chapter 18: A Battle Won
"We did win didn't we?" "Oh yes." the Man looked grimly around, added quietly. "The only thing worse than a battle won is a battle lost. And sometimes it can be hard to tell the difference." This is a heartbreaking comment on the horrors of war. So much death - so much lost. Even in this war, which was necessary, it is still tragic. It's an interesting movie choice to have Pippin find Merry on the field of battle, and for you to have Aragorn carry him into the city, right after arguing six ways to Sunday that he won't go in. I'm glad you changed the line back to "Are you going to bury me?" because it's so heartbreaking, although I lament the loss of Merry's comments about being small and how it isn't always a bad thing to be overlooked. I do like Eomer's reaction to being named king, here in its different setting. In the heat of battle on the field of Pelennor, wrath and a cry of Death was appropriate. Here, after the battle is finished, it seems better for him to express sorrow and a little bitterness at the unfairness of Theoden's death, after so many other deaths, so soon after he had fought off the poison of Saruman and Wormtongue. I'm glad you gave fitting honor to Halbarad, but you mention 'Aragorn's Elvish lady'. Is Arwen there? How did she get there, or when? And how do the people in the room know who she is?
Author's reply
The 'only thing worse than a battle won is a battle lost' quote is not original but a paraphrase of a comment by the Duke of Wellington after the Battle of Waterloo. He was certainly in a position to to know. I like 'are you going to bury me' better myself which of course is why I put it back. I'd forgotten about Merry's lines on being overlooked, maybe I'll manage to squeeze them in later. All indications are Eomer loved his uncle and probably rather hero-worshipped his cousin in a younger-brother sort of way, (rather like Faramir and Boromir). It seemed to me he'd be bound to feel their loss bitterly when he finally had a chance for some quiet reflection. And it must be a little intimidating, not to mention disorienting, to suddenly be king when he'd been perfectly happy serving his uncle as lord of Eastfold and Third Marshal, and expected to do the same for Theodred. As for Arwen...Ouch! Shortly after publishing the story it dawned on me that those who haven't read 'I've Made My Choice' aren't going to have the faintest idea how she got there! The two stories are converging you see - somehow I'm going to have to work in that Arwen accompanied the Grey Company to Dunharrow. Eomer also meets her on the battlefield after the host of the Dead sweeps over him and his men.
FantasyFan · 16 April 2004 · Chapter 17: Day
Oh, I love it that Aragorn's coming brings hope to all the people in the city, whether they know who is is or not. He is certainly well named, isn't he? And Imrahil's reaction to the name of Thronogil is perfect. Idril isn't terrified of the shades of men - good for her!
FantasyFan · 10 April 2004 · Chapter 16: Night Passes
There is quite a masterful blending of book and movie canon and a bit of au in your story. I very much like the way you've included scenes we hope to see (when the witch king confronts Gandalf) in the EE and some of the book story to make the madness of Denethor realistic, understandable, and to a degree, pitiable. He almost comes back, several times, but his end is inevitable, and strong emotions are invoked by your writing. I am eagerly looking forward to see what you do with the scenes of Merry and Pippin's reunion. Do you have future plans for the palantir, as Beregond has rescued it so it remains usable?
Author's reply
Well, yes, maybe. Frankly it depends.
Envinyatar · 9 March 2004 · Chapter 13: The Defense Of Minas Tirith
Well-written and vivid, as always. You bridge the gap between book- and movie-Pippin very well, providing more convincing explanations for some of the action than PJ did. Looking forward to reading more.
Anso the Hobbit · 9 March 2004 · Chapter 13: The Defense Of Minas Tirith
This is a very interesting look into the gaps that the movie leaves. Very well written!
Grey Wonderer · 6 March 2004 · Chapter 9: Dinner and an Outing with Friends
Still enjoying this story very much. Hope you continue soon.
Grey Wonderer · 6 March 2004 · Chapter 7: New Friends
I look forward to more of this one. Am enjoying seeing all of this through Pippin's eyes. Faramir is very well done, as is Gandalf. This fills in a great deal of the spaces from the film very well.
Grey Wonderer · 6 March 2004 · Chapter 1: Arrival
This is a very interesting beginning. Love how Pippin comes in and out of the conversation, missing some parts and catching hold of others. Look forward to the next chapter and so I am off to read!