Dreamflower
· 13 September 2006
· Chapter 19: Epilogue
I have to thank the MEFAs for bringing this story to my attention. I have enjoyed it immensely, even though I hardly ever read stories without hobbits. I'm using the MEFAs this year to stretch my horizons.
This was an excellent adventure, a "page-turner" if you can call something on a computer screen that. I found it very credible that this would be the sort of adventure that could have happened to the brothers so many years before the Quest.
In it, we see the seeds of the men they will become--Boromir, proud, impulsive, a fierce warrior, and Faramir, wise and a good judge of people, intuitive and foresighted. And yet we see characteristics that will need to be tempered, and this experience is possibly one way in which that tempering happens.
I love your OCs, especially Eldahil--he's just marvelous.
And I even found your somewhat less grim and more likable Denethor credible--a difficult feat, considering that I have disliked him for almost forty years, ever since my first reading of LotR! You made him believable, and yet you also left the seeds there for the grimmer and haughtier man he ultimately became. I found it somewhat bittersweet to see his words to Faramir about hope, when I know that in less than two decades, his own hope will fail utterly. Good job!
Author's reply
Dear Dreamflower,
You are an angel for sending this kind and thoughtful review on today of all days! I was told this morning that, due to a downsizing, I no longer have a job, after working happily for my employer for six years. This review cheered me up immeasurably; thank you so much!
When I wrote the story, I was very nervous that the OCs wouldn't work since I didn't have much experience writing fiction. So I am glad to hear that you loved Eldahil and the rest. :-)
Thanks again--
Branwyn
Acacea
· 3 September 2005
· Chapter 19: Epilogue
I’m truly sorry this has come to an end. It was a beautiful story and the last chapter and epilogue much as the rest of the story were really quite perfect. Denethor with the horses was so fine and so noble and intelligent and interesting and I loved the bit about the mail!
And the epilogue – yay for the puppy:) I really liked the outwardly calm and peaceful feeling these that just seems to percolate through the last bit.
Of course further Adventures are requested:) this story was terrific and more will be welcomed with open arms and a flower carpet… :) Really… it’s not often one gets a good story where the central action involves orcs fighting with rangers and it’s not often that the recovery phase maintains the same level of consistency and length as the earlier phase without getting boring. This story was just perfect:)
Author's reply
Thank you so much for reading and for your kind comments.
That little dog is actually a Welsh springer spaniel, but I had no idea how to translate "springer" or "spaniel" into Sindarin! Raksha (who has given me a great deal of help and encouragement with my writing) raises that breed of dog and loves them very much, so Eldahil just happened to bring a Welsh springer spaniel puppy to visit Faramir.
A flower carpet sounds beautiful (though perhaps slippery to walk on), so further adventures will be forthcoming. :-)
Bodkin
· 3 September 2005
· Chapter 19: Epilogue
A splendid story, delightfully concluded. Love the characterisations - and would be very pleased to see more stories including Eldahil and Hirluin. Not to mention, of course, the usual suspects. And the dogs.
This has been a great ride.
Author's reply
I do plan to write more stories with this crew (including the usual suspects), though maybe my next story will not be quite as long...
Thanks for the kind review! [does dance of joy]
perelleth
· 2 September 2005
· Chapter 19: Epilogue
Six chapters?! Well, it was a blessing then that inspiration hit you along the way ! It's been a fantastic, amusing, tense, well told story, with a great characterization of Denethor, something to be particularly grateful for.
Last chapter was very endearing, the father reading to his son and encouraging him to find hope in the darkest places... and Eldahil's last stand, thanks for that!
If there's a place when one can go and sign for more about these distant cousins, please indicate, and I'll go and sign!
Congratulations, and many thanks for sharing!
Author's reply
As I mentioned to another reviewer, I wrote this in response to a challenge to write a story that showed the relationship between Denethor and Faramir in a positive light. I was livid when I saw how the steward was portrayed in the "Return of The King" movie; after I had calmed down a little and stopped throwing heavy objects, I decided that Denethor needed a champion. He certainly has his flaws, but he is not the cartoon villain found in the movie and in much fanfiction.
I do plan to write more tales of the distant cousins. However, my husband wants me first to write the dreadful orc parody we dreamed up a while back (think of the play "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead" but set in MiddleEarth...)
:-D
Writing this story gave me a great deal of enjoyment (in between the spells of aggravation), so I thank you for reading along. It has been a rather long, meandering cruise up and down the Anduin, LOL!
mirthor
· 2 September 2005
· Chapter 19: Epilogue
*IF* there is further interest? Anxiously waiting…please get started. What a pleasant surprise for those of us who were not looking forward to the end of this tale.
Perfect punishment for Boromir…Denethor can make his point that Boromir risked too much by searching for his brother, yet they all three get the extra time together as a blessing in disguise.
Author's reply
Perfect punishment for Boromir...
Glad you approved of Denethor's Solomonic justice; it seemed to me that everyone got what they deserved, LOL! Boromir is condemned to a summer of renownless tedium, and old Haldan gets a much needed vacation from sleeping in hedgerows and riding around in the rain. And, yes, as an added benefit, the steward will be able to spend time with his sons, and Faramir will have the company of his brother while he convalesces.
Thanks so much for all of your reviews--I have enjoyed them a great deal.
B.
mirthor
· 2 September 2005
· Chapter 18: Oft the Old Tales are True
I truly love your Denethor. I think my favorite part of this chapter was the Steward leaning into his horse’s mane immediately after the vision of Faramir with the orc. What must have been running through his mind…his heart…
“For oft the old tales are true..” I’m glad we got to see this memory of both Denethor’s, as well as his sons’, as it is really the heart of the tale.
This line…” Faramir knew this book, The Tale of Beren and Luthien, by sight. He could see it in its proper place on the shelf in his father’s library…” is an example of the insightful imagery that has me watching for your updates.
The reading of Beren’s fate is very clever of Denethor…and yourself. Certainly Faramir knew his father had purpose when choosing, though he must know the effects were for the best.
Is the year of Sauron lighting beacons in the appendices? Just curious, it’s been so long since I’ve had the opportunity to reread.
Author's reply
Thank you so much for the wonderful review!
You are right that Denethor's scary bedtime story is meant to be the heart of the tale. I wrote this story in response to a writers' challenge to show the relationship between Denethor and Faramir in a positive light. The challenge was posted on the lovely A'mael Taran website (which I still miss)in February 2004. At that point in time, I was still simmering over the vicious portrayal of Denethor in the film, so I took up the gauntlet and started writing this story. A mere year and a half later, I finish, LOL!
Denethor tells Faramir that he must trust in Providence, that the forces of good can and will prevail in the end. Of course, Denethor himself later rejects this belief and falls to despair, so it seemed more than a little ironic to have him espousing hope!
Maybe I was being too poetic and vague when I had Denethor refer to Mt. Doom as the Enemy's beacon. :-D Since Gondor maintains a line of beacons to summon its allies, I imagined Denethor looking at the light of Mt. Doom and seeing it as a beacon to gather the forces of evil to Mordor. Certainly, the glow from Mt. Doom was a sign that the Enemy was growing in power. Denethor was born in 2930 and and Mt. Doom burst into flame in 2954, so he would have been about 24 at the time, which is roughly Boromir's age in my story.
Thanks again for writing!
Raksha The Demon
· 1 September 2005
· Chapter 19: Epilogue
I share the sorrow that this outstanding story has ended.
Branwyn, this is one of the best Faramir fanfics I've read; and also the definite best Faramir&Boromir fanfic story I've read. In lesser hands, it could have been an entertaining but far less credible hurt/comfort piece. Your attention to detail, knowledge of military matters and herblore, is terrific and has added to the authenticity.
And the characterisation is just wonderful, from the Orcs to Denethor. The most vividly etched characters are Denethor, Faramir, and Hirluin, but how can one fail to fall in love with Boromir and Eldahil?
What a wonderful Epilogue! Big SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE for adorable puppy action! And it's a white and red pup with soft brown eyes; you know how that image touches my heart. Poor long-suffering Haldan, I understood his consternation at the embodiment of cheerful chaos also known as Eldahil. I could just hear Eldahil explaining to his superior officer at Osgiliath that his deerhounds were rat-catchers. And dear Hirluin, who has had to grow up very suddenly, is so cute succumbing to the wine...
Squeeing aside; the end was sheer beauty - our heroes finally having a well-deserved moment of peace, and Faramir finally feeling as safe as the rescued mariner in Eldahil's tale as he falls asleep.
I'd be delighted to see more of Boromir and Eldahil - maybe the puppy, who, if I judge her breed right, will be bossing the deerhounds around in a year or two, could appear too...But I'm holding out hope for an eventual tale of the Boromir Memorial Fishing Trip after Aragorn's coronation, with Faramir, Hirluin, Eldahil and Haldan...
Author's reply
Thanks so much for your help and encouragement over the last fourteen months. Your contributions made this a much better story (all residual lameness is my own, LOL!).
I am so happy that you thought the puppy action was adorable. SQEEE! But, for the life of me, I could not figure out how to translate "Welsh springer spaniel" into Sindarin! I am glad to hear that the red and white pup will be able to hold her own against those huge deerhounds. They seem a rather stolid breed, but I didn't know if they were agressive toward other dogs.
After what I put him through in this story, poor Faramir deserves an unreservedly happy ending. :-)
Since Eldahil is organizing it, the Boromir Memorial Hunting and Fishing Trip would involve gourmet campfire cooking and more than a few cases of good Lossarnach wine. In fact, they take along enough gear and food to provision a small village. The pup is honorably retired from hunting by then and spends her days dozing in the sun, but her offspring go along in her stead. With a sidelong glance at Eldahil, Eowyn tells her husband to have a safe trip and stay out of trouble...
Thanks for writing!
Raksha The Demon
· 1 September 2005
· Chapter 18: Oft the Old Tales are True
I really didn't have to do much beta-work; as always, the chapter was very well-written.
Lovely scene with Hirluin and Denethor; and then, in a bittersweet counterpoint; the scene with Faramir and Denethor. Both young men have survived a harrowing ordeal and have reacted to the terrible experience in different ways - Hirluin by devoting himself to Faramir's welfare; Faramir by feeling deep guilt over the fates of the men he led and could not save. Denethor tries, in his way, to be kind to both of them. The Denethor/Faramir interaction is very touching, in a subtle way; they don't seem to be able to speak directly, which is understandable, as Faramir feels less at ease with his father than he does with Boromir, yet Denethor understands his son and they do communicate through the telling of Beren's story.
And thanks for having Denethor mention Faramir's skill with critters, such that his less flashy horse could beat Boromir's when they raced. (a sort of metaphor for the course of the two brothers - Faramir is more quiet and less flamboyant, yet he will outlast his older brother in later years and pass the test that Boromir fails.)
Author's reply
My thought was that Denethor finds it much, much easier to talk with Hirluin than with his own son. He can anticipate with some certainty how Hirluin will respond (because he can read the poor kid like an open book), but he is not sure if Faramir wants to talk about his grief and sense of guilt. So the steward tells the tale of Beren, hoping to draw a reaction from Faramir. It is a diplomatic move because, if Faramir does not wish to talk with him, they can both pretend that Denethor's story-telling is nothing more than an evening's diversion.
I do not think that Hirluin was as badly traumatized as Faramir was. For two reasons--first, he was not the leader of the patrol so he would not feel personally responsible for the deaths of the other men, and second, he got to work through some of his grief by slicing up that orc--highly therapeutic, no doubt. :-D In the end, he had a chance to fight back, and I think that would leave him less vulnerable to psychological damage, though of course he was still badly shaken by the experience.
Of course, Denethor's ulterior motive for praising Faramir's skill with critters is to win Hirluin's confidence since Hirluin obviously worships Faramir, LOL! However, you are right that I was trying to sneak in an example of how their leadership styles differed, with Faramir being more patient and, in the end, more effective than his brother. In ROTK, Beregond says of Faramir, "Less reckless and eager than Boromir, but not less resolute."
Thanks so much for reviewing!
annmarwalk
· 1 September 2005
· Chapter 19: Epilogue
Oh, this is so very lovely - I can't begin to tell you how much this chapter pleases me (even as it saddens me, for being the last.) The image of sleepy Faramir, drowsing contentedly while surrounded by his beloved brother, loyal bodyguard-to-be, kinsman, and friends is so perfectly delightful. Add in a secret picnic, storytelling, a puppy (!), and its all too wonderfully, ah, wonderful.
Thank you so much for the pleasure this story has given me over the past 14 months! Your characters are realistic, engagingly written, and memorable. I would love more than anything to read more of them.
Author's reply
Thanks for reading along and giving me much-needed encouragement as I faltered, wandered, and, uh, whined. :-D
Poor Faramir seemed to deserve a proper happy ending after so much angst and suffering. My husband is already asking me if I have started my next story, LOL!
annmarwalk
· 1 September 2005
· Chapter 18: Oft the Old Tales are True
Simultaneously, "Hurray!" and "Oh,no! I'm so sorry to see it end!"
This chapter alone is extraordinary, and contains the most vivid, thoughtful, and realistic portrait of Denethor I have ever read. This Steward is not a madman, but a loving and devoted father, even if he cannot communicate comfortably with his son. (I understand perfectly - I have a similar relationship with one of my children.) This is most definitely the Denethor of "Spring Planting", who has had to let his younger son grow, learn to face danger and pain and defeat, heartache and responsibiity.
I was also particularly moved by the portrait of Denethor as one who reads the hearts of men so shrewdly that he would know how to calm a skittish young man, gentling him to his own will, in order to win the knowledge he seeks. That scene alone will live in my memory for a very, very, long time. Exquisitely written. Bravo!
Author's reply
My story is set many years before Denethor sends his remaining son on a deadly errand. Subsequent events and his own choices will warp him into a different person. I am glad you thought I drew a realistic portrayal of the steward. When we meet him in ROTK, he is embittered and already close to madness. Remember that Imrahil says that his kinsman's "mood has been strange since his son was stricken down"--we never see his normal personality, so writers are forced to extrapolate it from his psychotic state in ROTK. Sheer guesswork on my part. :-)
For the scene between Denethor and Hirluin, I looked at Denethor's reaction to Peregrin in ROTK (the book). Though the steward is overwhelmed by grief and worry, he is still amused and (to some degree) disarmed by the hobbit's naivete. It seemed reasonable that he would react similarly to Hirluin and would treat him with unwonted patience and care.
Thanks for the kind words!
daw the minstrel
· 30 June 2005
· Chapter 17: The Bonds of Fealty and Kinship
No! No! I'm thinking of Boromir as Denethor's metaphorical fair-haired boy.
Author's reply
Ah, as in
Golden lads and girls all must, As chimney-sweepers, come to dust.
Alas for Boromir!
daw the minstrel
· 30 June 2005
· Chapter 17: The Bonds of Fealty and Kinship
What is wrong with your husband? Surely he can see that this chapter includes Eldahil and thus is all anyone could wish for? I'm so relieved that all of our heroes seem to be coming around. And Denethor appears to be learning something about his fair haired older son.
Author's reply
Thanks for writing! Though you have me worried -- the only blond person in the story is Hirluin so I must have really blown it somewhere in my writing....
perelleth
· 30 June 2005
· Chapter 17: The Bonds of Fealty and Kinship
Yesss! your updates, too, are received with a dance of joy! I was remembering this story just the other day and wondering how poor Eldahil was faring in that dungeon... thanks cousin Boromir came to the rescue... only to put him in more danger.... " One-armed, unarmed, and vastly outnumbered, Eldahil looked wildly about him then ran for cover behind his tall cousin" I was laughng for a long time after reading that! that sums Eldahil up almost perfectly.
Everyone is perfectly in character, but I particularly like your shrewd, stern, knowing and just Denethor, who would speak of lore with his injured son as an unspoken truce... Good point there! No other thing could be in truth expected from him, i'd say!
And I loved his thoughts and words when he presented Eldahil with that beautiful sword . The "...young swan clad in sombre plumage" revealed a certain fondness for the errant captain. I was stunned, too, by the beautiful gift, which seemed so appropriate for the "distant" cousin. A noble sword, and bearing a swan. Fitting, indeed.
Lovely, funny, very much in character and seamlessly writtten. We don't mind waiting so long for such wonderful chapters! ;-)
Author's reply
Thanks for the wonderful review! [Bounces up and down in the review happy-dance.]
I managed to sprain my wrist in the middle of writing this chapter, so I was feeling very sympathetic toward Eldahil as I typed away with my wrist in a splint and sling. I think I was practicing "Method" writing (similar to Method acting)... :-D
The gift of the sword served two purposes. Though I wrote it for laughs, Eldahil being treated like a felon would not be a small matter to him and his family. The steward thanks him in public and presents him with an heirloom weapon to restore his honor and reputation (such as it is...). And Denethor is being a little manipulative. Have you ever heard the expression "you can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar"? Denethor knows full well that Eldahil is bright and capable; if Captain E. would ever settle down, he could be very useful to the steward. So, Denethor is taking this opportunity to praise and reward him, in the hope that this will inspire Eldahil to put his mind to soldiering instead of his various extracurricular activities.
Good to hear that you are not put off by the interminable wait between chapters. Thanks again for writing!
mirthor
· 30 June 2005
· Chapter 17: The Bonds of Fealty and Kinship
I just love your Eldahil. His slightly dramatic thoughts and impromptu acting jaunts to influence Boromir are priceless. His very humble acceptance of Beregond's sword was a pleaasure to read. I could see the gleam in Denethor's eye, the satisfaction of having shocked his kinsman, of proving him wrong.
Boromir's brashness of springing Eldahil spoke volumes of both his honor and his youth. Denethor studying him as he defended Eldahil was s small moment that stood still, in a way.
Good call in including the robin making the nest - Faramir remembering the soldier's scalp that caught in the trees after the orcs had butchered him. I can't recall the man's name, but this seems a very real memory for him, one he will doubtless carry all his days.
I must admit, I was a tad disappointed, when Denethor strode into Faramir's room & they talked of astrology & such. I was hoping to read that dialogue. I'm guessing words between the two will come later? Will we see some of Boromir's trip to the homes of the fallen rangers? Will he be punished for launching the rescue? Looking forward to Hirluin's meeting with Denethor, as well as how Haldan may be honored.
Author's reply
I was nervous about including the character of Eldahil in this story--I was afraid that readers would consider him the "annoying comic relief guy" and hope for his early death (and exit from the story). But he seems to have his partisans. :-D
We don't get to see Boromir and Denethor together in the books, but in my opinion, Boromir does not feel obligated to listen to anyone in the world except Denethor. He may choose to take advice or orders from other people, but he does not feel required to. And Boromir is much more impulsive than Denethor. So Denethor may not realize how difficult it can be for other people to deal with his elder son. Hence, the steward's thoughtful look at Boromir, as if seeing this aspect of his character for the first time.
Yay!! You caught the reference to the scalp in the branches, from way back in Chapter 2!
Yes, Denethor and Faramir do have a talk in the next chapter (which is why there wasn't dialogue between them in this chapter). Thanks so much for writing!
annmarwalk
· 29 June 2005
· Chapter 17: The Bonds of Fealty and Kinship
What a great delight to see a new chapter, so soon after the last!
The first element that struck me here was the continued references to the rain, as though Haldan, Eldahil, Hirluin, and Faramir are trapped, imprisoned, not only by the rain, but also literally and figuratively by their circumstances or injuries. And a lovely detail for Boromir, in his elegant though somber dress uniform, headed out into the rain to share the sorrow of the bereaved families.
As always, some of your turns of phrase had me giggling: "One-armed, unarmed, and vastly outnumbered, Eldahil looked wildly about him then ran for cover behind his tall cousin." *chortle*; and poor Haldan wondering "if the lord was aware that his elder son was no longer a child."
Young Hirluin is quite appealing in his hero-worship of Faramir, and rather droll in his understated descripion of the teasing he'd endured. I hpe the Steward is not planning a reward that will take Hirluin away from his beloved captain - I like seeing Faramir inspire the kind of loyalty and devotion that his brother receives as a matter of course.
A lovely gift for Eldahil, finally surprised into silence!
Author's reply
Thanks so much for the wonderful review!
I did originally include a little section where Faramir imagines Boromir riding through the townlands, with the pearly spire of the White Tower rising behind him. At a pile of white stones, Boromir turns the horse down a lane and rides toward a farmstead, bowing his head in the rain. :-(
Regarding Denethor being unaware that Boromir has grown a beard, is over six feet tall, and weighs a good fourteen stone, some parents seem to have this fixed mental image of their children, which over time becomes more and more out of synch with reality as the children grow up and change. (I think my own father believes I am still about sixteen years old, LOL.)
No, Denethor will not send Hirluin away from Faramir. For one thing, the kid has already appointed himself Faramir's bodyguard, LOL! (I assume that there was someone in Faramir's patrol who was in fact acting as a bodyguard for him, similar to how old Haldan was given the unenviable take of babysitting Boromir. However, Faramir's bodyguard was killed during the attack.)
Thanks again for writing!
Raksha The Demon
· 29 June 2005
· Chapter 17: The Bonds of Fealty and Kinship
Another great chapter! While I'm glad that our heroes have all survived their ordeal, I'm saddened that this marvelous story winding down towards its end.
Eldahil proves this chapter that he can do great comedy, unwittingly, with Boromir as well as Haldan - Boromir and Eldahil's flight to the White Tower was very cinematic, and I could just see Eldahil seeking cover behind Superman-er-Boromir The Tall. The bit about the still-jailed Eldahil beginning, reluctantly, to write an explicatory letter to his father, was quietly amusing.
Three more somber elements balanced Eldahil's antics - Haldan's reference to Denethor's "grey wolf eyes" made me shiver, since it's a reprise of Faramir's fear of the 'grey wolf eyes' in the story his father told him as a child and his remembered fear of the Orc who nearly carried him off to an unspeakable fate - and we all know that Denethor will one day carry the helpless Faramir off to an unspeakable and narrowly averted fate...Also, Faramir's brief horror at the sight of the grass lifting like hair reprises that horrible image in (I think) Chapter 2 when Faramir saw something that will haunt him for the rest of his life. Faramir's own grief and guilt over his performance as commander of the ill-fated group of men is not justified (the grief is justified, the guilt is not), but natural, I would think that most officers new to command would suffer guilt if they were faced with what Faramir has endured. Hirluin's devotion to Faramir is written very well; through Hirluin, who is a delightful and unique character on his own, we see Faramir's ability to inspire love and respect in the men he commands, even in the worst of circumstances.
I can't wait to see Hirluin's tea with the Steward!
Author's reply
I am glad you liked the scene where Sneaky!Boromir rescues Eldahil. I think that letter would not be the first letter that Eldahil's father had gotten which began with an excuse!
Way back in Chapter 1, Haldan thinks that Boromir has the look of a wolf, so I liked the idea of him describing the father in those same terms. Also, I imagined Denethor having an intense, emotionless stare, like a wild animal, when he is trying to "see" into another person's mind. And you are right that I was thinking that, to a certain degree, Denethor does share the ruthlessness of the orcs (with their strange, wolf-like eyes). He is good and noble and well-intentioned but, in the wrong circumstances, he can be vindictive and unreasonable.
Yay! Both you and Mirthor noticed the reference to the scalp from way back in Chapter 2 (which was posted many, many months ago).
What a terrible punishment for poor Hirluin--to have to eat cakes and tea with Lord Denethor! Possibly more terrifying than the orcs. :-D
Galimeril
· 12 May 2005
· Chapter 16: On A Knife's Edge; Letters
O great Branwyn, I lay all due acclaim and thanks at your feet! I need this update, and I just loved this chapter! It was a great insight into how so many usless cures for the hangover there are! Hehehe! I love Eldahil's flair fot the dramatic! He reminds me of some people I know! This Ch. made me laugh and I enjoyed finding Faramir relatively healthy! Update soon!
Galimeril ;D
Author's reply
Galimeril--
My thanks to you for this most undeserved praise!
There are websites and books devoted to hangover cures, but I wouldn't recommend trying any of them (the cures, that is) at home. And those poor soldiers will be teased until the end of their days about running around buck naked when they were drunk. Because it doesn't matter how much good you do in this world, your friends and family will always cherish the memory of the one outstandingly stupid thing you ever did. :-D
Poor Eldahil is just feeling a little frantic after being locked up for four days.
I am glad you liked this chapter, and I hope to update by early June.
Branwyn :-)
perelleth
· 12 May 2005
· Chapter 16: On A Knife's Edge; Letters
May I say that Eldahil and Haldan are stealing away the show? Not that your portrait of the steward's family is not accurate, but these two are growing on me too much! Haldan's thought that he would keep Eldahil away from any misdeed while impriosned was endearing, and Eldahil's despair is quite amusing. I love how he manages to combine outrage and his court manners. He's a great Oc. The letters are so well done, they clearly reflect their personalities..."dull prision" changed into "foul dungeon" was hilarious, as well as “However, you will agree that I spend my days eating meat pies and playing chess with Captain Haldan does not sound so very desperate.” I'm still laughing.
Go on, no matter how long it takes you!
Author's reply
Thank you for your kind review!
And I am very happy that you like the original characters. While I was writing Eldahil's "letter," I could almost hear him ranting on and on about his maltreatment, LOL! He has gotten a little wound up after four days of inactivity.... Though Haldan does sincerely like Eldahil, I think he also acts from herding instinct--he has been an officer for so long and has spent so much time keeping young cavalrymen out of trouble, that it is almost second nature for him to look after Eldahil. :-)
Thanks again-
Branwyn
Acacea
· 12 May 2005
· Chapter 16: On A Knife's Edge; Letters
Ooh... that was nice! I loved your descriptions all through, particularly of the water dripping from the eaves and the smells... and the quiet almost despairing situation of Denethor and Boromir's wait. poor Eldahil though... incarcerated in a foul dungeon for no fault of his own. I'm thinking his conversation with Denethor should be interesting to read!
I have only 2 cribs.. Faramir didn't get nekkid enough!!! I hope the female healer was around! And poor flowers!!! though I did love the parallel between the petals and drops of blood. Boromir the flower slayer - you should make an icon of that!:)
Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
Thanks so much for writing!
No, Faramir wasn't nekkid for very long, but I am sure that the female healer was in attendance (great idea, Acacea!). :-D However, do I get some credit for including three rowdy, drunken, nekkid soldiers in this chapter?
After Boromir did his impromptu landscaping work, the gardeners were left wondering, "So, what happened here?"
In the next chapter, the shy Hirluin faces the terror of an audience with the Steward. Teehee... Can't wait to post that...
mirthor
· 11 May 2005
· Chapter 16: On A Knife's Edge; Letters
Mag the cook! What a pleasant surprise.
I can't tell you how pleased I was at seeing the update. It seems as though Boromir and Faramir have grown even closer, if that's at all possible. I can imagine Boromir to have a few nightmares of his own now, as well as Denethor. D & B's reluctance to leave the room was done well - worried for Faramir's pain as much as his survival. I admit I was a bit surprised Boromir left willingly.
Your descriptions again are marvelous, placing me in the herb garden, upon the dungeon windowsill, and wondering where the fluids from the trenches in the surgery room empty out to ;)
I loved the difference in the letters: Haldan's concern for the brothers coming first, Eldahil's barely mentioned - so true to their characters & they have become endearing OCs. Wasn't Haldan hand-picked as Boromir's (bodyguard in reality) by Denethor? So, either Denethor is furious at Haldan, assuming he caused this mishap, or he wants the time alone with him as a courtesy for years past.
Looking forward to the update!
Author's reply
Thank you so much for writing!
I admit I was a bit surprised Boromir left willingly.
Actually, it had not occurred to me that he would demur when asked to leave. He and Denethor staying would have made those poor healers incredibly nervous. Also, I envisioned him watching what his father did and then following Denethor's lead (which, in this case, meant leaving when asked). In my opinion (and that's all it is!), Denethor is the only person whom Boromir feels obligated to obey or even listen to. He may choose to pay heed to others--or not, depending on the circumstances... :-)
Regarding the drains, I recall that Tolkien mentions an aqueduct of some sort carrying water down from the mountain slopes to the City, and he also mentions that the Numenoreans were skilled stoneworkers. Based on that, it did not seem farfetched that the City would have a simple sewer system. Similar to the system in ancient Rome, it would serve public facilities (baths, public toilets) but not private dwellings (which would have to maintain a cesspit). Where would the waste empty out? Gravity would carry it downward; the river is not too far off so it could be channeled there (not very eco-friendly, but it is what was done in Rome) or perhaps the waste could be carried to a rocky location well downwind (a leachfield for the waste to soak into).
Yes, Haldan was given the dubious honor of keeping Boromir safe and out of trouble (as much as possible, anyway); so he is, in effect, his bodyguard. Since Boromir might bridle at having an actual bodyguard assigned to follow him around, Denethor instead gave him this captain as his second-in-command. And besides, anyone who has survived as many battles as Haldan is bound to know some useful stuff to teach to Boromir. :-D
Thanks again for writing!
daw the minstrel
· 11 May 2005
· Chapter 16: On A Knife's Edge; Letters
I liked Denethor's thought about how Boromir had never picked up a stick without it turning into a sword, although I think maybe the same thing could be said about every little boy in my son's nursery school. However, I did not like the look of that try of instruments any more than Denethor did! Ick. Thank you so much for sparing us that and giving us only the aftermath!
But what a contrast when we get to Eldahil. Poor guy! A bucket and some drunken snorers in the next cell. My stomach flip flopped just hearing about the cures for hangover. Of course Eldahil carves his name: "Eldahil was here."
"Boromir, do you plan to rescue me any time soon?" LOLOLOL
But what's up with Haldan and Denethor?
Author's reply
Thanks so much for your kind comments.
Yes, it seemed better if everyone (me, readers, Faramir) remained oblivious during his surgery. I swear that in the next story only pleasant things will happen to Faramir. :-P
Back in my younger days, I remember people sharing their tried-and-true hangover cures, each one stranger and more repulsive than the last. I almost fell off my chair laughing when I discovered that people back in the Middle Ages had invented their own bizarre nostrums. People don't change, do they?
:-D
I'll bet that Eldahil was also carving a mark on that bedstead for each day of his imprisonment...
But what's up with Haldan and Denethor?
You will find out...
annmarwalk
· 10 May 2005
· Chapter 16: On A Knife's Edge; Letters
Another excellent chapter! The thoughtful details of the surgery chamber, implements, techniques, and medicinal herbs demonstrate tremendous research and dedication - thank you for your devotion and respect for your readers!
The vision of Denethor as an anguished father, keeping vigil at his child's bedside (and giving in unwillingly to his own exhaustion) is very vivid - every parent will empathize with him, a nicely realistic depiction of the Steward, rather than the madman of the films.
Small details, like Boromir wacking off the flowerheads (LOL!), and Denethor recognizing his own nervous habits in his son, were very lovely.
The comic relief of the dungeoun scenes were a wonderful contrast.
"“However, you will agree that I spend my days eating meat pies and playing chess with Captain Haldan does not sound so very desperate.” - Too funny!
Mag the Cook thanks you kindly for the ssp *Mag curtseys*
Ann
Author's reply
I am very happy if the details added to the story. I did some quick research on late Roman medical practices (and was very surprised at the sophistication of the treatments and the reported rates of success--which were not exceeded until modern times). One of the advantages of using cautery was that the heat sterilized the instruments and the surface of the wounds (though, of course, the Romans didn't know this).
Those poor flowers--the gardeners will show up the next day and wonder what happened. :-)
Thanks for letting me borrow Mag the Cook; everyone in the story was badly in need of some comfort food (or in this story, would that be "hurt/comfort food"?).
Raksha The Demon
· 10 May 2005
· Chapter 16: On A Knife's Edge; Letters
Another great chapter! I really was impressed by the convincing details of Gondorian medicine; it seemed very real, flowed with the narrative, and was credible.
You know that Faramir is gonna experience serious pain when Boromir actually chokes back his tears before the operation. Faramir was lucky to faint relatively soon into the procedure; it sounds ghastly, though necessary to save his life.
I see that Faramir has a fan club in Minas Tirith, all those presents! That makes sense; not only is he adorable, he's a well-connected Steward's son...
And Eldahil had me rolling on the floor! He and Haldan make a wonderful Odd Couple. Eldahil's letter, with his plaintive complaints attempting to convince Boromir that he's being horribly maltreated (well, he's not been treated fairly, but as dungeons go, it's a four-star Hilton), is hilarious! And Go, Boromir - can't wait to see him confront his father and 'fess up to having literally dragged Eldahil into the adventure, not to mention Haldan.
Author's reply
Thanks for your kind comments.
I see that Faramir has a fan club in Minas Tirith, all those presents! That makes sense; not only is he adorable, he's a well-connected Steward's son...
And the older people in the City have known him since he was knee-high to a grasshopper and, even though he is now a young man, they probably still feel a little protective toward him. :-)
I am glad you liked Eldahil's pathetic plea for rescue. You know, there wasn't supposed to be ANY silliness in this story, but Eldahil keeps putting his oar in...
Isilmë
· 9 April 2005
· Chapter 15: Of Laurel Wreaths and Poppies
Hello again! : ) I commented a long time ago, but i have been keeping up with your story, and i must say, the imagery throughout this chapter is absolutely wonderful!
As always, your characters show the perfect amount of emotion, and feel very much alive. Thank you for taking the time to make a Lord of the Rings fan very happy!
Namarië!
~Isilmë
Author's reply
Isilme--
I am feeling more than a little discouraged with fandom at the moment, but this cheered me right up. Thank you for taking the time to make a fanfiction writer very happy!
Everyone in this story is older or younger than me, not to mention a different sex, so it is a relief to hear that the characters seem credible and not too overtly emotional. Many flowers in this chapter because, when I wrote it, I was watching the snow fall and longing for spring!
Chapter 16 has been slow going due to real life commitments and (believe it or not, LOL!) a panic-stricken spell of writer's block. So, I hope to post it by the end of April, but it may be a little later than that.
Thanks again for writing.
Branwyn
fliewatuet
· 6 April 2005
· Chapter 15: Of Laurel Wreaths and Poppies
To the esteemed, if chained, Lord Eldahil of Dol Amroth
Dear lord,
I thank you for your kind reply and apologise for the long delay. I assure you that our conversation is not known to my father. Furthermore, he is neither constable nor blacksmith, so there is no need for you to fear his wrath. It is, however, the wrath of the Steward that you have to fear. I was most aggrieved to learn of your arrest and the unbeseeming treatment you were forced to suffer at the Steward's behest.
As for your question regarding the "fan club": Though a gathering of most reputable people who share a high regard for a certain Lord or Lady or even minstrel, a "fan club" can indeed be turned into a weapon of war when those good people are rallied by a common cause. Your unwarranted arrest and treatment like a common ruffian is such a cause, and I am certain that many will stand up against Lord Denethor and demand your immediate release (and that of Master Haldan, of course, though he failed to display proper gratitude for your attempt to spare him the humiliation of entering Minas Tirith in chains).
I am certain that your imprisonment will not last long and that the Steward will have to bow to your admirers (and those of his sons) and display proper gratitude for your part in the rescue of his younger son.
Should you speak with your esteemed cousins, I kindly ask you to deliver my warmest greetings and my sincerest wishes for the Lord Faramir's speedy recovery.
With fondest regards,
fliewatuet
Author's reply
To the fair and noble Lady Fliewatuet doth Eldahil of Dol Amroth send greeting.
Dear lady--
With scant patience do I endure this harsh imprisonment, shut away from the light of day and having none for company but thieves and drunkards and the worthy Captain Haldan. Yet I am comforted to know that you and even others think kindly of me.
Though you mean well, I doubt that the lord Steward would be swayed by your pleas; it is said that he listens to counsel then follows his own mind. With the greatest reluctance, do I put my trust in my noble kinsman Boromir. He is the most well-meaning of men if not the most subtle.
Still, a file or small knife might be baked within a cake so that it is well-hidden. Then the cake could be sent as a gift to a nobleman in prison. A clever ruse, though we must pray the guards are honest men and do not steal a bite.
My thanks to you for the hopeful missive; it leaves me greatly cheered.
Your obedient servant
Eldahl
Postscript--Honey cake with almonds is my favorite.
These words written in The White Tower,
Minas Tirith