The Steward's Coup by Shireling

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nijijin · 24 August 2004 · Chapter 13

<==========Frantically runs around the empty room looking for the next chapter. EEEEEEK! It's not here! "Please remove this Orc from my room..." Bwhahahaha...love that line. Enjoyed too Faramir being teased by Legolas and the admission of making a pass at Eomer. Hmmmm...was the odd feeling that someone was watching come from Legolas or was it something more sinster...like certain fired council members now wanting revenge? And what of the news from Rohan? More please and soon! Nijijin

Carrie S · 15 August 2004 · Chapter 13

Ah, so this is what non-angst is like! I had almost forgotten...and so had Faramir, I suspect. Although I don't like what that last line boded for the future... something's not the matter with Eowyn, I hope? or maybe this is a nice message. *fidgets nervously* But I am very happy that Aragorn and Faramir are beginning to work with each other, and are starting become friends. at least he is beginning to see that Aragorn is not like Denethor. I eagerly await the next post (as always)! HUGS, carrie

Author's reply

Stop fidgeting or Aragorn will bat your hand!...he can't cope with two twitchy people. You appear to be having angst withdrawal symptoms... would you like me to remedy that! I hope to update next monday when I return from vacation. Thanks for sticking with me. Hugs Helen

Bodkin · 15 August 2004 · Chapter 13

A peaceful chapter! With everyone getting on with each other!! And no pain / suffering for Faramir!!! The last line must portend a catastrophe of major proportions. I am so glad to see an understanding developing between Faramir and Aragorn. And I love the Gimli / Legolas / Faramir interaction. And, come to that, Lireal / Islin / Tomos / Faramir. Keep the chapters coming.

Author's reply

Yes a peaceful interlude and the worst he suffered was a hangover...I must be losing my touch! It was great to bring Islin and Tomos back into the picture and to give them a little happiness. I hope the wait isn't too difficult. Thanks for your continued support. Hugs

fliewatuet · 10 August 2004 · Chapter 12

Aragorn's methods of teaching his steward to be less formal are ... original. Maybe it's a good thing he does not have any children yet;-) On the other hand, Faramir seemed to be in dire need of soaking in a hot pool, a glass of wine and having an Elf massage away his tension. I only hope that he won't regret the wine come morning.

Author's reply

Fliewatuet Thank you :) I think his hangover will be nothing compared to his embarrassment! I think Arwen will protect any future offspring from their father's boisterous teasing!

Raksha The Demon · 9 August 2004 · Chapter 12

Great to see Faramir relax and enjoy himself, even if he was literally shanghaied into it. Wonderful visual of Aragorn throwing Faramir across his shoulders and then into the pool. But I wonder how Faramir will be an effective Steward if he wears himself into a frazzle during the performance of his duties. The unwitting cutting his hand until it bled, the severe headache, ducking out of a dinner where he should have been present; he does not seem to be up to the tiring routine of the Steward of Gondor.

Author's reply

Thanks Raksha, At this point, the climatic events of the last three days are the culmination of weeks of unrelenting pressure. I think now that they have cleared the air and are working together Faramir's natural talents and apptitudes will surface and he will not be allowed to sink under the weight of his own unrealistic expectations.

Carrie S · 8 August 2004 · Chapter 12

Did I leave a review at ff.net? I don't remember...I swear, I'm going senile. LOL I had even forgotten that I'd posted here, since I'd just started my 'Fire and Ice' story here recently, until I was scrolling through the author names and saw mine! =) *sighs* Well, anyway, I'll gladly leave another! I loved Aragorn's revenge--it was almost as good as Faramir's, but Faramir's was simply better because it was coming from, well, Faramir. hah--if that made any sense. And I love your Gimli--his few lines here and there have been well put, meaningful to his character and not wasted. I really don't want this story to end! I don't suppose we could expect a surprise sequel from this one too? *hopeful puppy dog eyes* Can't wait for the next! Hugs always, Carrie

Author's reply

Thanks Carrie, Reviews are like chocolate...one can never have too many! So pleased you are still enjoying the story, still have about 4 chapters to go-2 written, 2 in my head, but RL is catching up with me and I have two more Uni assignments to finish before the end of September! No plans/ideas for a sequel at the moment but who knows! Hugs Helen

Bodkin · 8 August 2004 · Chapter 12

A nice bit of Faramir bonding - in a rather male, get you wet, throw you in the water, get you drunk kind of way. Faramir needs a bit of a break now, I feel. Learn to understand he is valued. Relax into friendship with Aragorn. Comprehend that Aragorn is not like his father. Improve the condition of his shoulder. Might not happen though!

Author's reply

I hope you're not suggesting I subject the boy to more gratuitous angst...perish the thought! (tee-hee) I might be persuaded to give him a whole angst-free chapter...but then again...

Lindorien · 8 August 2004 · Chapter 12

It worked out all right, but I'm really amazed that Aragorn would go through with his plan after seeing Faramir's mental status. He does seem on the edge of nervous collapse. I like the glimpses of good humor at the end. Is Aragorn trying to jolly him out of his depression? Men are a tough crowd. Lindorien

Author's reply

Hi,Lindorien. At this point I see Faramir as worn out rather than on the edge of collapse. He has confronted the councillors and triumphed with the King's blessing. This has taken a toll emotionally and physically and the added burden of his handicap adds to his frustration. I think Aragorn now has a pretty good idea fo his strengths and weaknesses and has the compassion to try to help him deal with his difficulties. Hugs Helen

fliewatuet · 4 August 2004 · Chapter 11

I must admit that I would have been really surprised had Aragorn not forgiven Faramir. But Aragorn had to learn this lesson, hard though it was, and he will be not so easy to trust the nobles of Gondor without proof of their trustworthyness. Though the other lesson Aragorn learnt was far more amusing, I must say. That Faramir has two Elves as allies, the Queen of Gondor among them, is a good thing for him, but not necessarily for the King. fliewatuet

Lindorien · 30 July 2004 · Chapter 11

Faramir's still lucky he didn't end up in irons. I find the self-mutilation angle interesting, Helen. Nervous habit. Happens in 'ticcy' people also. Unconcious. Numbness can almost be worse than pain. One keeps picking at the spot, almost as if trying to remind oneself the spot still exists. Lindorien

Author's reply

Thanks Lindorien. Ths was the most difficult chapter to write and the one that gave me the most headaches especially after the climactic events of the previous chapter. Helen

Bodkin · 30 July 2004 · Chapter 11

Goodness I'm enjoying this. Please have Aragorn reassure Faramir and make him one of the extended family - he needs the support. I'm glad Arwen and Legolas pointed out in such a practical demonstration just what the problem was with the dinner. They all get on so well. Make tomorrow kindness to Faramir day.

Author's reply

Hmm Kindness to Faramir day...I'm not sure I understand the concept. AH, yes, but today isn't over yet!!! and Aragorn isn't one to put retribution on hold. So glad you're enjoying the story. Thank you for your continued support and encouragement. :)

fliewatuet · 29 July 2004 · Chapter 10

Wow, that was quite an impression Faramir left! And no small feat facing the Council in that fashion after all that had transpired. I only hope that it did not cost him to dearly, and, of course, I am more than curious about the King's reaction! fliewatuet

Author's reply

He's taken his time to come into his own but I don't think they'll want to mess with him now!

Lindorien · 25 July 2004 · Chapter 10

Don't mess with Faramir. Just don't mess with him. Lindorien

Author's reply

The boy has been waiting a long time to KickButt!

nijijin · 23 July 2004 · Chapter 10

Shireling, You know that satisfied feeling one gets from craving something for an entire week and then finally getting to have it? Well, that's exactly the "ahhhhhhh" feeling I got after reading this delicious chapter. I really like the tentative relationship developing between Faramir and Aragorn. They're not so sure of each other, though they so much want to be. Love too the support of Arwen, Legolas, and Gimli. Knowing looks, reassuring touches, and gentle teasing...just perfect. Nice touch to bring back Lireal to tell her own story and that you noted how where she now is has been a positive influence. The boy has almost proven himself. I wanna see him *itch slap Lord Haralil some more...hehehehe. Can't wait for the next chapter! What will Aragorn do? And let me add my hope now, that you will continue this series.

Author's reply

Nijijin, Thank you so much...I agonised over this chapter more than any other! I have 3 more chapters finished and a couple more on the drawing board but I'm posting them faster than I can write so updates may not come quite so frequently! {{{Hugs}}}

RogerGamgee · 23 July 2004 · Chapter 10

Proven himself, indeed. Faramir has shown that he can be every bit the man his father was and then some. Now to see whether he is regarded as a hero or a traitor...well done!

Author's reply

Thank you, I'm so pleased that he has proved his mettle. Hero or traitor?...depends who you ask! :)

Blue Iris · 23 July 2004 · Chapter 10

Well done! This was a pure adrenaline rush from start to finish. Faramir with a spine is such a great read and so rarely done so well as here.

Author's reply

Thank you, It is a relief to be able to show Faramir in his true colours. I'm so relieved that this came off well. Hugs

Bodkin · 23 July 2004 · Chapter 10

Wow! Go, Faramir. What a powerful performance. I hope he hasn't ripped up any proof, though. Aragorn should be hugely impressed - I think he will find Lineal's word the most moving. The relationship between King and Steward will now hopefully become a partnership. Especially as it will now be the two of them, shoulder to shoulder, against all the trouble that the now ex-Council will be able to make. Cells would probably be the best places to put them until they have been thoroughly investigated. Not as good for the story though.

Author's reply

no he hasn't ripped up the proof...they were only copies! It will be a partnership if he's not clapped in irons first!!! Hugs

Arwen Baggins · 15 July 2004 · Chapter 9

Uh-oh! This is getting intersting! Very interesting!

Author's reply

and about to get more so!! Look for cover.

Lindorien · 15 July 2004 · Chapter 9

Well. That's an interesting turn of events! Faramir should count himself lucky he didn't end up manacled before Arwen had chance to explain!

Author's reply

Interesting! Huh!! Arwen is certainly bringing out other facets of Faramir's character and I wanted to lighten the mood slightly...unrelenting angst gives me indigestion. However, the difficulties are not forgotten and the council meeting is looming! Hugs

Blue Iris · 15 July 2004 · Chapter 9

Oh I like prickly/thorny Arwen!!!! This is a rare treat indeed. To often she is written as nothing more than an ethereal cipher. This woman has the brass ovaries, and it is great. I am still laughing over the king soon to be kippered...

Author's reply

Faramir and Arwen make quite a wicked combination!...but don't rule out Aragorn..he has a core of steel.

Nijijin · 15 July 2004 · Chapter 9

All Right Arwen! I don't know why I'm getting such perverse pleasure from your characters telling Aragorn off. It's as if they are saying everything I've ever wanted to tell my boss and couldn't. Your Faramir breathes such life. You have fleshed him out to being more than a 1 dimensional character on paper. By the by, I for one, happen to love Kippers! Nice for Faramir to get Aragorn off balance. Best part for me? The idea of Gimili biting a cushion to keep quiet. Bwhahahaha. Shireling, thank you for getting this part to us earlier than usual. I can't wait to see Faramir take on the Council! Nijijin

Author's reply

Thank you so much. It is really important to me to try and make my characterisations believable, that they can be happy and sad, irritable and understanding, joyful and full of doubt. Their relationship is developing slowly but Arwen seems to be helping them in the right direction. Best to keep hold of Gimli's cushion...you might need protection when Faramir confronts the council!

RogerGamgee · 15 July 2004 · Chapter 9

Shireling, I love this chapter....Faramir did a wonderful job of setting Aragorn up using the fish. I wonder what sort of 'revenge' Aragorn has planned. Well done!

Author's reply

It was great to set Faramir's sense of humour loose! though he'd better watch his back! Thanks for your review

Bodkin · 15 July 2004 · Chapter 9

Go, Arwen! Lay it on the line - Aragorn is being rather dense. He clearly needs what is going on pointed out in words of one syllable. The observatory was beautifully done - I think Faramir and Arwen would have a lot in common actually, and she would probably find him a good friend. Like the kipper. As Legolas observes - Arwen has not lost her touch. Payback time, King of Gondor.

Author's reply

Poor missunderstood Aragorn!!! He doesn't stand a chance with Faramir and Arwen on his case.! I'm sure revenge will be sweet.

Nijijin · 9 July 2004 · Chapter 8

WooHoo Tamir! You go guy! I love the line - "And what of me personally? Can I not claim your respect? Have you earned it, Sire?" You can't imagine how many of my bosses I would love to say something like that to. This story is just too delicious. And now that Arwen is starting to catch on, I'm betting Legolas won't be far behind. I'm looking forward to Faramir's and Aragon's final showdown when the truth is out there. Awww...shireling do I have to wait another week for the next part? Nijijin

Author's reply

Quite brave of him to face off to the King but it just goes to show the kind of loyalty that Faramir inspires. Arwen has pretty much taken the role I had envisioned for Legolas but he still has his part to play. (SSHHHH...don't tell everyone but I sense a confrontation looming!!!!!!) shireling

Lindorien · 9 July 2004 · Chapter 8

That Tamir is one interesting character! I continue to read. I continue to find this fascinating. Lindorien

Author's reply

Greetings Friend, Tamir is beginning to take on a life of his own! Faramir's cicrle of friends grows larger, now we just need to sort out the King!!!!