By the Light of Earendil's Star by Branwyn
Raksha The Demon · 27 November 2004 · Chapter 12: Sticks and Stones; Rescue
Excellent chapter! Very satisfying to finally have our heroes get a break from the threat of imminent death. Loved Boromir's fight, and then his reunion with poor dazed Faramir and his gentle attempt to comfort his brother. Hirluin's desperate need to hold the dagger is very poignant; so glad he survived!
annmarwalk · 2 November 2004 · Chapter 11: Rode the Fair Horselords
Haldan had never known anyone quite like the heir, anyone who could inspire such a strange mixture of love and aggravation. That's our boy, all right! I don't know how I missed this - but got right back into the action, which you describe wonderfully with perfect detail - very easy to picture. Kudos also to your husband for his help! Ann
Author's reply
Thanks for the kind review. BTW, did anyone notice the double-meaning when Boromir says, "Lord Denethor sends this dispatch"? ("Dispatch" meaning both news and violent death, in this case, LOL). I had fun with that. ;-D Branwyn
Raksha The Demon · 21 October 2004 · Chapter 11: Rode the Fair Horselords
Another cliffhanger! Wicked, wicked Branwyn! Leave poor, wounded Hirluin and Faramir MIA, and orcs all around - not nice. But yay for the fair horselord - Hirluin stepped up to the plate and showed his quality! And I loved Boromir's grim, wild 'last stand' defiance of the orcs - very much the Norse-saga hero, and a foreshadowing of that hopeless battle he won't be able to win in FOTR. I'd like to suggest that one of Denethor's servants bring him that warm-looking black fur-trimmed robe the Steward wore in the movie, before poor Denethor comes down with pneumonia from rattling around in that cold room with the window open and not taking any food....
Author's reply
Raksha-- Thanks for the kind review! I think the servants are too afraid of angering Denethor to go anywhere near him. I always wished that the servants in the chapter "Pyre of Denethor" in ROTK had been less afraid of Denethor; I think things would have gone much better even if they had just had the nerve to send for a healer for Faramir or if they had sent a message to Imrahil. Branwyn
mirthor · 19 October 2004 · Chapter 11: Rode the Fair Horselords
I've been checking everyday for an update - I love this story & would even more so if you were able to update more often. Yet, life gets in the way of life, does it not? Your versions of Boromir & Faramir seem truer to character than most. The original characters you've created are well written, giving us reason to care for them, yet not overwhelming us, as the brothers Gondor & their father are the reason I started reading in the first place. Thanks for sharing this with us & please update soon!
Author's reply
Mirthor-- The next installment will probably not be ready until the middle of November--sorry for the wait. I feel badly that you are checking so often, but I am glad you think the story is worth the trouble. It is a relief to hear that my huge cast of original characters is not annoying or overwhelming you. I continually have to slap down Eldahil and take lines away from him; he always wants to take over the scene. This story is sort of like one of those Russian novels where you need to write out a list of all the characters so you can keep track of them. Though after this last chapter, we have a few less orcs to keep track of... :-D Regarding Boromir, I do think that he should have a touch of warrior arrogance (think Achilles) which seems (at least to me) lacking in the movie version of the character. Happy to hear that my characterizations of the brothers Mir seem reasonable. Thank you for writing! Branwyn
Galimeril · 19 October 2004 · Chapter 11: Rode the Fair Horselords
I'm loving it! Oh, please keep going and update soon!!!! Nasty Cliffhangerses, my precious!
Author's reply
Galimeril-- I am glad you are enjoying the story! Unfortunately, I probably will not be able to update until around the middle of November--my work will be getting busy for the next few weeks (mean old work!). Thanks for the review! Branwyn
daw the minstrel · 19 October 2004 · Chapter 11: Rode the Fair Horselords
A mix of hope and fear here. Boromir really is wonderful. I just can't see how you're going to get him out of this alive. Loved the image of your husband using a steak knife to explain sword work. The things we (and our families) learn in the name of fan fiction!
Author's reply
Hullo, Daw-- Thanks for the review! Hope you didn't spot any grievous semicolon abuse; though I notice my grammar is getting sloppier as I go along... I saw that list of "ten common plot problems" on the Arda mailing list. I have already committed most of them in this story, though I am saving a few for later chapters. :-D My husband is a student of the sword arts so there are swords of various types scattered around the house, but the steak knife was handy for his demonstration and it sure did make me laugh! Branwyn
FiliKili · 28 September 2004 · Chapter 10: Of Snowflakes and Swords
What a great story! So much excitement! Poor Faramir, snatched and bullied by Varag the orc! Hope that Hirluin kills Varag and can get Faramir out of harm's way...
Author's reply
Thanks for the kind review! I do wish I could just send Boromir over to whack off that darn orc's head, but unfortunately Boromir is otherwise occupied at the moment. ;-D Branwyn
mirthor · 27 September 2004 · Chapter 10: Of Snowflakes and Swords
My first time reviewing fanfic - just wanted to say I've read this since it's beginning & look forward to every update. The descriptions are vivid, the action seems realistic, the story is exciting and not rushed (though it'd be great if you updated more often). I also appreciate that you haven't bashed Denethor - while I understand many see him as a villian & assume, by Peter's Jackson's version, that he was abusive and neglectful, I do not believe that is the man Tolkein intended, nor that any of Tolkein's information has given us. Yes, he may often have been displeased by his youngest, but that does not mean he was a tyrant to him all his life, as so many write him to be. You haven't done much with Denethor yet, but what's been hinted so far seems refreshing to me.
Author's reply
Mirthor-- Thank you for writing, especially since this is your first review! Regarding the action scenes, I have tried to write them realistically, so I am extremely happy if they seem convincing. I do have an interest in military history, plus I do some shooting with a bow. And I have the services of a "military advisor"--my husband, a long-time student of the martial arts. He answers my questions about arms and armor, and he offers suggestions for my fight scenes; when I need to visualize a fight, he gets out a shield and wooden sword (he used to do medieval re-enacting) and we walk through the moves. If I need a sneaky trick for someone to use, I just ask him! Sorry I can't update more often (but glad that you see that as a bad thing!). I just don't have enough free time [sigh]. Perhaps I should try to write shorter chapters? Regarding Denethor, I agree that Peter Jackson distorted the character almost beyond recognition. Denethor treated his second son very unfairly and he was not a particularly kind or pleasant person, but he was not the villain portrayed in the film. People forget that by the time we actually see Denethor in the book, he has just lost his oldest son (only three weeks before, I believe) and he is already losing his sanity. Yes, Denethor does play a bigger part in future chapters of my story (hope that doesn't scare anyone away--it will be OK, really!). Thanks again for writing! Branwyn
Raksha The Demon · 27 September 2004 · Chapter 10: Of Snowflakes and Swords
A great cliffhanger chapter! Eldahil and Haldan are in terrible danger, either dead or soon to be dead. Faramir's courage in making Hirluin hide while Faramir faces the terrifying enemy wounded and helpless is well-written. The horror of Faramir's recapture is particularly gripping. And Hirluin steps out with a vengeance; he shoots, he scores! Faramir's nightmare, and the concept of Varag as the werewolf from Denethor's tale are well done.
Author's reply
Thanks for writing! Hirluin has definitely come out of the stands and onto the court, LOL. It remains to be seen if he will win the game or go down in defeat....but he is a stubborn sort, so it won't be for lack of trying! I am glad you caught the reference to Denethor's storytelling to his young sons, which was way back in Chapter 3 (written almost six months ago).
daw the minstrel · 27 September 2004 · Chapter 10: Of Snowflakes and Swords
"So like my noble cousin to charge off to die with glory, while the rest of us just get to die. " I love this kind of cynical comment. And the shifting battle scenes were tense as always. I really felt for each soldier and you focused in on them.
Author's reply
Hullo, Thanks for the review (my first for this chapter--yay!). Note that Eldahil very rarely says those little asides out loud, and though he curses like the proverbial sailor (no coincidence there), he is far too well-bred to curse out loud. ;-) Branwyn
daw the minstrel · 31 August 2004 · Chapter 9: At the Farmhouse; Under Siege
Oh an update! Excellent! I've been away and am looking to see what I missed and found this. I was amused that Haldan sees himself as forced into a heroic death by Boromir. Actually, Boromir is very interestingly rendered in this chapter. He's plainly younger than Boromir of the Fellowship and he's more reckless ("noble but insanely reckless" as Eldahil thinks). But he's so clever and writers don't often give us a clever Boromir. I liked watching him think about how soldiers -- be they men or Orcs -- could become too well-disciplined. I also really felt for his horror at losing men to the orcs. I liked the little detail about not looking into the fire when you know you're going to have to shoot into the dark. I'll have to remember that. With your permission, I may find use for it.
Author's reply
Thank you for the review! I am trying to portray Boromir as extremely intelligent, so I am glad you think he is clever in my story. While Boromir lacks the sharp insight into human nature which Denethor and Faramir possess and he does not share their love of languages and lore, this does not necessarily mean that he is unintelligent! It mystifies me that some writers portray him as a complete chucklehead. (Actually, I recall Tolkien saying that Boromir WAS interested in ancient lore--as long as it involved battles and head-bashing!) After years of experience as a soldier and commander, he has developed "battlefield intuition" (coup d'oeuil is the actual name for this)--the ability to quickly analyze a situation and seize on an effective course of action. When he was younger, I think Denethor would have made him sit in on strategy sessions and debriefings and then asked him afterwards, "Why did they do that? What would you have done? Why?" Sort of a case study approach to learning tactics and strategy. However, this being Boromir, I do think his heart would occasionally get in the way of making the most rational decision...but that is why we love him! But I ramble! (Sorry, I do have some strong opinions on this...) Sure, I wouldn't mind if you had the people in your story keep their backs to the fire so they don't lose their night vision! Just be sure to kill a few orcs for me. Regards, Branwyn
Galimeril · 31 August 2004 · Chapter 9: At the Farmhouse; Under Siege
Awww! Don't stop now! This is all that's keeping me going, as school starts tomorrow. :( What ever am I to do? This is a really great story and I'm thouroughly (sp.?) enjoying it. I usually don't read pieces with Boromir or Faramir, but this is quite the exception to the rule! Update soon! Galimeril ;D
Author's reply
Galimeril-- Thanks so much for letting me know you like this! I don't have much free time to spend on writing, so the next chapter won't appear until near the end of September. Sorry about the slow updates. But I can hardly wait to publish this next one! *evil grin* Good luck with school (I can't believe the summer is over...) Branwyn
RAKSHA THE DEMON · 29 August 2004 · Chapter 9: At the Farmhouse; Under Siege
You really didn't need much help with this! Great chapter; the last paragraph is particularly scary; excellent visual of the orcs closing in, their eyes like those of wolves...
annmarwalk · 31 July 2004 · Chapter 8: Of Milestones and Journeys
Branwyn: Please park yourself in your writing chair, with your lucky writing hat and socks on, and lots of tasty caffeine or golden beverages, and a goodly supply of fortifying snacks, and don't move until this is finished!
Author's reply
Ann-- I will do my best to hurry, but I write really sloooowwwly (and then there are the many, much-needed rewrites....). I started on Chapter One back in the middle of February. But now I know the problem--I do not possess a lucky writing hat! With so many of the characters in this story carrying around sharp pieces of steel, I do feel a little uneasy about drinking and writing--someone might get hurt. However, I did just pour myself a nice cuppa coffee, so that should help. With luck, Chapter 9 will be out there before the last week of August. Thanks for writing, and I am glad you like the story. Regards, Branwyn
daw the minstrel · 31 July 2004 · Chapter 8: Of Milestones and Journeys
Yay! They're doing OK so far. I fervently hope that everyone you've introduced us to will survive. I like Boromir's determination not to leave the wounded man.
Author's reply
Daw-- Yes, Anborn has been out in the woods with the orcs just a LITTLE too long. Please don't think I am implying that all rangers would act similarly; however, I do think there would be a few rangers like him. It would be difficult to fight such a ruthless foe without becoming equally ruthless. This man has gone over the line from being a soldier to being a partisan; at this point in time, he is following his own set of rules. It could be argued that he is acting correctly (and mercifully), but I don't think so and Boromir doesn't think so. Branwyn
Eilenach · 31 July 2004 · Chapter 8: Of Milestones and Journeys
You are writing a great tale! In this chapter, just as I think you are going to wrap things up, events turn for the worse again and you ratchet up the tension level. I'm looking forward to the next chapter!
Eilenach · 31 July 2004 · Chapter 2: Hope Fades; Stealing Away
Well, I'll admit, I had a problem with this chapter because of Boromir's actions. I do see your point that if Boromir was desperate enough to take the Ring, he would show this quality earlier in his life also. On the other hand, I would argue that the Ring itself had an effect on Boromir that would not be present here -- in the book, Boromir recognized after Frodo escaped that he had been suffering from a sort of madness, but that it had passed. I just think that Boromir would have appealed to his cousin with the truth first, and then escalated from there if he was still denied. Other than that, your story idea is definitely gripping!
Author's reply
Maybe after Chapter 3, this chapter will seem more reasonable (I hope so, anyway.) A couple of things to keep in mind in this chapter. First, Boromir does not know this cousin very well. I tried to make that clear in the narrative (but may or may not have been successful, LOL). Also, as you find out in the next chapter, Boromir does not have a very high opinion of Eldahil. Since he is not sure this cousin is to be trusted, he doesn’t want to let him in on his plans. Second, Boromir is close to losing control at this point—he has to get out of Osgiliath very soon (if any of the higher-ups find out about this, they will stop him) and his cousin has the misfortune to be in the way. He does not feel he has the time to talk Eldahil into volunteering, and he (unfairly) doesn't think it would work, anyway. I don't see Boromir as regularly strong-arming people to get his way, but in this case, he is very, very upset, in a big hurry, and at his wit's ends. Gandalf describes Boromir as a “masterful” man; to me, that means someone who is used to being in control and having his way in all things, even without the influence of the ring. Thanks for writing! Branwyn
Raksha The Demon · 31 July 2004 · Chapter 8: Of Milestones and Journeys
Hooray! A new chapter. Loved the fight scenes, the plot thickens, and poor Faramir is in peril - if the orcs don't get him, the fever might.
Bodkin · 30 July 2004 · Chapter 7: Lessons; In Harm's Way
No!!! Save them!! Get them back to the river away from those nasty orcs! I know Faramir and Boromir have to be all right - but don't hurt their cousin the deer hunter, or poor Haldan, who has spent the best years of his life trying to keep Boromir's head on Boromir's shoulders. I'd say Denethor to the rescue - but it seems a bit out of character for him to do anything so . . . proactive. Update quickly please - the tension is too much.
daw the minstrel · 30 July 2004 · Chapter 7: Lessons; In Harm's Way
Oh, dang. Just when I thought things were getting better. In truth, I like the fact that Boromir knew what Haldan was doing and would have none of it. But now I wonder how you're going to get them all out of this.
rikki · 30 July 2004 · Chapter 7: Lessons; In Harm's Way
What a teeth gnashing chapter. No medical supplies, no healer, 2 days away from help. Poor Faramir and Hirluin suffering some serious PTSD and medical emergencies. The rest of the soldiers seem to be unaware of the enemy coming at them over the hill. Outnumbered 4 to 1 and the men are using orc weapons as they have run out of arrows. Argh!! The saving grace may be the attacking orcs are as unorganized as the men and hopefully are not as good fighters. Looking forward to the next chapter to see if Boromir can rally the troops.
Raksha The Demon · 29 July 2004 · Chapter 7: Lessons; In Harm's Way
Uh-oh, things look bad for Boromir. I can hardly wait for the next chapter. This story is quite a treat; a thinking person's LOTR action/adventure with the Brothers Mir. You characterize Faramir and Boromir very well.
LOTRFaith · 29 July 2004 · Chapter 7: Lessons; In Harm's Way
lol.. I liked that one part "Deer hunting again?" "I will never live that down."" That was great:-) So Faramir is 'safe' with his brother but Boromir is not so safe now. Poor siblings... I half hope that Denethor will race out to slaughter them all! (blood thirsty laugh) But then again Denethor is a couple days away... Hmmm.. But I sincerely hope everything will turn out right! Please post soon!
daw the minstrel · 29 July 2004 · Chapter 6: Red Was the Sunset
Grim chapter but a happy outcome, thank goodness. If you killed the other ranger, I think I might not have recovered. I liked Boromir's thought about how Faramir was his ally etc. And I liked the details about thinks like how the mounted troops needed shorter bows. That was cool.
LOTRFaith · 29 July 2004 · Chapter 6: Red Was the Sunset
Hello! I love your story! Please, please please please post soon!