Dreamflower
· 6 November 2005
· Chapter 21: 21: Robing
I do enjoy the fashion show. I can just see the beautiful clothing you describe, and how well they all look in it.
Again, more discussion of the hobbits going home, and the reception they will find. It's a good thing they've no idea yet how matters really stand, or there'd be no keeping any of them.
I like the discussion of mothers (and family) at the end. Of course, it's interesting to ponder the Fellowship: Gandalf, as a Maia, had no parents at all; Aragorn, Boromir, and probably Sam, had all lost their mothers; Frodo lost both parents; of Gimli, we know only a father, and no hint of a mother, and the same for Legolas. Only Merry and Pippin of the nine do we *know* both parents are living.
Interesting.
Author's reply
Yes, being a mother to a hero in Middle Earth was a hazardous business, as you've pointed out. But the wish that the family might be there, whole and joyful, must have been strong indeed. For Frodo--this has become his family, and you know I've always felt he "borrowed" those he saw as his family members.
And so glad you appreciate the description I've given of the garb worn.
shirebound
· 6 November 2005
· Chapter 21: 21: Robing
There Aragorn went forward alone to stand in sight of the whole of Minas Tirith as the sun set in glory, the new King before he went in to attend his own Coronation Feast. All could hear the calls of joy from below as songs were raised in all the ways of the city in gladness that the King had indeed come again to Gondor.
What a wonderful image. I can just see it perfectly. And you've truly captured one of the major themes of LOTR in this: “I, too, would wish that. However, that not being possible, we shall rejoice in what has been given us.”
Author's reply
Oh, am so very glad you appreciated that image, Shirebound. The whole of the city must be rejoicing tonight.
And, yes, being grateful for what one has in spite of the regrets for what has been lost is indeed one of the major themes of the whole of Tolkien's works.
Am always glad when you comment on what moves you.
Poor Galador! His world is being well and truly rocked. I hope he can adapt to all the changes. ~TF
Author's reply
It may take some time, but he'll get by. But to undergo so many changes must indeed have been difficult.
demeter d
· 6 November 2005
· Chapter 20: 20: Seating Arrangements
Lovely, Larner. Putting flesh and bones onto the notion of the Coronation from the book. Wherever did you come up with the chart, all of the colors for each house and region. Was that Tolkien, or just your own wonderful invention? And even with a grand feast attended by legends, there is still a boy and girl setting the table, just like at home! Anxiously awaiting.
Author's reply
I'll admit the seating chart and the colored pieces to represent varous houses and so on is my own invention, but it seemed a workable manner of handling the situation. And I suspect one of those charged with helping to set up for the feast ended up pressing his or her own children into helping with the napkins--always a good job for the children, I've found.
So glad you appreciate the way things would be handled here as I've imagined it.
Andrea
· 6 November 2005
· Chapter 20: 20: Seating Arrangements
Larner, this story is great! So full of details and really interesting OC's.
For example Galador, who has served Denethor for long years and now, that the new King has arrived, has to learn everything anew! He should be grateful to have Faralion by his side, who is able to give him a lot of insight in the King's life and the life of his friends.
Galador looked at the minstrel amazed. “But how can this be?”
"Tales and legends have come to life before us, my friend Galador; rejoice that it is so."
I think, he will do so, he only needs some more time!
Author's reply
Everyone is having to make great changes to custom and expectation. So glad you appreciate how I've imagined it.
Yes, the idea that legends have indeed come to life must be very diffucult to get to grips with. No wonder Galador feels somewhat overwhelmed. I can't wait to see his reaction when he sees Arwen.
Great point about soft-footed servants - Aragorn would have a knife to their throat before they could move, I suspect.
The attention to detail with the seating plan was absorbing. Chamberlains and Comptrollers of the Royal Household in the Middle Ages must have worked with something similar. I'm eager to hear more - this banquet should be very interesting indeed.
One small thing - in one or two places you refer to Galador as Galadorn, which threw me a bit! Very easily done when your are trying to keep track of so many characters.
Author's reply
Sorry 'bout that--have edited, and HOPE I got all the errors. Yes, the spelling bug gets me now and then.
Trying to figure out how seating at such an affair would be handled was interesting--had thought of him starting off with a paper diagram of the table and writing names in, but that would have been terribly awkward, I think, as we all know how multiple erasures get to making new entries almost illegible with time. Then came the image of the thin slate with grooves to fit small tiles, and--voila--there it was. Add a piece of chalk, and one can write in the names of those who aren't usually at such affairs. Something that can be used indefinitely and can be easily adjusted at need.
And the Lord Elessar's coming marks the end of the Eldar days, with for the first time in centuries the Eldar themselves freely coming and going between their lands and the King's court until the Elven guests finally choose to leave Middle Earth at the last. Indeed a day when tales and legends have shown themselves more history than most "rational" men might have believed.
As for soft-footed servants--am going to play with that idea, you'll see.
“Tales and legends have come to life before us, my friend Galador; rejoice that it is so.”
That's lovely. I enjoyed this conversation between Faralion and Galador, hearing them discuss the hobbits and Aragorn.
Author's reply
Allows us to realize just how strange this time must have felt to those living through the return of the King to the whole of the Dunedain.
Thanks so much for the feedback.
I do not envy Galador his job. Putting together a feast, would be like a wedding, where no one wants to eat nest to Uncle Joe, and Aunt Betty must be at half a dining hall away from Cousin Fred.
The twins were right about telling the staff not to sneak up on Estel.
Elves and wizards in the city, tale and legends have come to life, indeed.
Grey cat says hi, also left nose snot on keyboard.
Author's reply
Nor do I. Some of the lesser lords must have given fits at times, and perhaps a dowager Lady or two might have needed to be seated away from her son- or daughter-in-law to keep the strain down on those around them.
Elves, a Wizard, a Dwarf, four Pheriannath, members of the Lost--and the greatest surprise of all for many, the King Returned. A great time of upheaval of over a millennia of experience in which such things have barely been seen, except for the wizards.
Pippin the Siamese salutes Grey Cat.
Halladan in charge of the kingdom? Poor guy, he is probably much less prepared for it than Aragorn. But he will survive one or two hours, I suppose.
Elladan is right, the servants shouldn’t tiptoe in the sleeping chamber of their new King and try to surprise him with breakfast in bed or something like this. He has lived as a ranger in the wilds far too long and would be up and with a knife in the hand all too fast. And this in turn would frighten the servants to death.
As for Éomer: From a practical POV there is no reason why Éowyn shouldn’t marry Faramir. He is of a noble bloodline, being the son of Denethor and nephew of Imrahil, and he is a skilled ranger and warrior and now Steward of Gondor. Certainly a fitting match for the Lady of Rohan. I know it was quite usual to chose such fitting partners out of political reasons, no matter if the couple in question was in love or not. And Faramir is a gentle soul. But on the other hand, Éomer knows about Éowyn’s feelings for Aragorn and has to wonder about her abrupt change of mind and if she truly loves Faramir, I suppose. And as you pointed out, he is an older brother! After all they have lost their parents long ago, and now Théoden is death, so Éomer certainly feels even more responsible for his little sister. So I suppose he has a bit mixed feelings about all this.
Now I don’t know if to laugh or to feel sorry for Galador! The poor man had obviously already puzzled out the seating arrangement for the feast, and now Aragorn has his own ideas who has to sit where and the Umbaris are another unpleasant addition. But have I understood this correct – Galador has placed the Lady of Rohan opposite Aragorn and some eligible daughters of noble houses near him, too? Why have I the feeling he tries to play matchmaker in spite of what Aragorn told him? Truly, I hope you will show us his face when the future Queen of Gondor arrives and he realises who she is! The granddaughter of a legend *grin*
Oh, by the way, the board for arranging the seats is a nice detail! Quite useful thing, I think.
Author's reply
Am playing with the soft-footed servant in a future chapter. And, yes, Galador truly thinks to try some matchmaking in spite of assurances the King has that problem in hand. Maybe, as someone else commented, he thinks the King will bring in a rustic northern Dunedain maiden and hopes to provide the King with "suitable" alternatives; and clearly Eowyn is the highest ranking eligible royal available at the moment. He's probably just realizing that Eowyn is already taken now and is most disappointed. Oh, well, he CAN seat her by what is obviously her intended, and it is still an excellent alliance for Gondor (and probably at the moment a much prouder one, for Faramir is already well known and loved both in the city and throughout the realm.
And the coming of the Queen is going to surprise more than just four Hobbits, I think. More tales and legends indeed, I think....
Glad you like the idea of the feast hall seating chart.
I love Galador's toys! Sorry, pieces designed to help him organise the seating at banquets. And the idea of the eligible maidens being moved away from the King to make way for diplomats is delicious. And, I'm sure, a great relief to Aragorn.
To those unaccustomed to elves and dwarves, the idea of 6000 year old legends making their way back from mythology into history must be somewhat disconcerting.
Author's reply
Yes, Galador must have had loads of entertainment and reassurance from being able to play with his blocks--colored tiles symbolizing houses and alliances, I mean. ;-) And now he has to put down the idea of matchmaking in spite of the King and deal with disturbing Umbarian lords. Must be a letdown. So glad you appreciated that detail.
And as Galadriel says in the prologue to the movie, "History became legend, legend became myth..." and now the process is reversing itself in Gondor.
So glad you enjoyed it, Bodkin.
A lovely view of life at court. Poor Galador! I am glad that he is getting to discover more about his King. Eligible daughters indeed!
ME had smiths but I assume they didn't have horse shoes. Great detail Larner.
Author's reply
I'm not certain whether or not they'd have had horseshoes; I know that Sutcliff indicated the Saxons shod their horses in the seventh century A.D., but am not certain whether or not that was true (am rereading "Dawn Wind" and this is a reason given for the acceptance of hospitality of one Saxon farmholder by another, as the smith won't be able to right things until morning). BTW, in case you didn't know it, Rosemary Sutcliff is ONE of my very favorite authors.
Also wasn't certain whether or not ME had horseshoes, anyway, so I used the image of the child's drawing instead just in case....
And glad you, too, got a chuckle out of the eligible daughters fated to sit by their families after all.
periantari
· 5 November 2005
· Chapter 11: 11: Before the Wind
One of the most intriguing things about this story is the multi-layered take that you give to Frodo's healing. INdeed he would feel responsible for anyone not making it in the war, questioning his lateness getting to Mordor, questioning whether or not he really failed or succeeded. To the extent that you mention a bit of history of Aragorn and about Denethor really marks you as very well read in Tolkien's work and also very detailed in everything of how and what would it take for Frodo to "accept" or not accept his fate and the circumstance.
I loved the passage about the stars and the light that Frodo and Sam had.
He remained unaware that the others were aware their own Lights were beginning to shine in response to Frodo’s own, and that they saw that Sam’s own Light glowed visibly as he watched from where he still sat on his own bed, clutching his own mug. Sam also really has his own light as well, and so glad you mentioned it. :)
Will try to catch up but this fic is going very quickly in the number of chapters~ am enjoying this very much though. :)
Author's reply
Yes, the healing of Frodo Baggins was anything but simple and straightforward; and finding peace is complicated by the fact he is not well physically, creating a vicious circle of problems each making the next worse.
I've always thought of Sam as having his own Light, which has only grown stronger as he has gone on this journey with his master. Together they finished the journey, together they saw the end of the Ring, together they waited to die, together they were rescued and brought back. The end of the Ring did take all three--Frodo, Sam, and Gollum. They and Aragorn together have been the hope for the future.
I've been reading Tolkien's works for over forty years, and love to explore them and extrapolate them. Tolkien indicated that Aragorn as Thorongil was aware of the growing suspicions Denethor had of him, which was part of why he left the service of Gondor when he did; the details are my own as to what might have started that suspicion.
I try to post daily, or every two or three days at times; sorry if it gets ahead of you. However, am glad you are persevering.
Linda Hoyland
· 5 November 2005
· Chapter 20: 20: Seating Arrangements
What a nightmare getting the seating right,I'm glad I wasn't in charge !But how wonderful to see those names out of legend appear !
Author's reply
Am so very glad you appreciate Galador's job, Linda! It could be a thankless task, I suspect.
And I'm glad you like the names out of legend appearing, as I've enjoyed seeing them included here as well.
Looking forward to your next chapter.
I imagine that Halladan would have some qualms about being left in charge of things for awhile - if Aragorn was slightly overwhelmed (though hiding it well) I would think that Halladan would be even more so. Everyone's role has changed so much in such a short period of time and he has only recently come into the stewardship with the death of Halbarad.
Loved Elladan and Elrohir's comment about making sure the servants didn't wake up Aragorn the wrong way and accidently get stabbed. :)
Galadorn having to plan where people have to sit and having it all changed like that. I am sure that it was all down to a very precise science by that time - who was higher on the social scale and deserved the best seats, etc. I loved the fact that he had to remove the eligible daughters from the table... I think Aragorn should appreciate the men from Umbar just to spare him from that! :)
Interesting how Faralion now knows so much about the king and can pass it on to others and yet still can't really 'see' him. In the sense we've talked about before and becoming a friend with Aragorn. I loved the part where Galadorn doesn't believe in Earendil and Elwing and Faralion tells him that the twins are their grandchildren. :)
My chapter is up, however the alert system at ff.net doesn't appear to be working.
Author's reply
Coming to terms with the new world order is going to take everyone time to deal with; and you are undoubtedly right about Halladan's own confusion, as he's only just been promoted to Steward of Arnor himself.
Am going to play with the idea of waking Aragorn soon--hope you enjoy it when it comes. But for one newly come from the battlefield where there was still a threat of orc incursions, I think Aragorn would need some transition time to get used to living in civilian mode.
Glad you appreciated Galador's frustration at possibly focusing the King's attention on possible brides in spite of what he was told in the conference before the coronation. And if Aragorn realized Galador had such thoughts, I think you are right he'd actually be glad those from Umbar turned up.
And Faralion still is trying to come to terms with the new regime himself. But what he thinks the descendant of Elros ought to be like is anyone's guess, I suppose.
I'll see if I can get to your story. Haven't gotten my notificaton this chapter is up at FFN, either.
French Pony
· 5 November 2005
· Chapter 20: 20: Seating Arrangements
It's a good thing that Galador has his seating charts to keep him busy, for he seems to have been thrust through the looking glass into a new world where there are kings who are descendants of legends. I wonder if he's realized that the new Queen will be the granddaughter of those two legendary figures whose existence he doubts.
The detail and work of the seating chart is truly dizzying. I'm glad I'm not in charge of such a thing.
Author's reply
How to seat folk at a formal feast is always a question. I know that in most of the medieval world a feast would have the High Table where the Lord and special guests would sit, then the lower tables for others, usually with the more notable still not seen worthy of sitting at the High Table sitting at the tables closest to the Lord, the Lord's men next, then the women and household folks, and those who just happen by and beggars and such at the tables closest to the doors (and the draft!); but for the descendants of Numenor I decided a slightly more eighteenth century arrangement might be more likely; but at a formal feast for the realm one single long table just didn't seem to work, so I came up with the open-ended oval shape I've envisioned instead, with two chances of sitting closer to the Lord of the Feast.
So glad you like the idea of the seating chart; puzzled for quite a while trying to figure out how the Master of Protocol would handle such an affair.
And, yes, Galador is having to wrap his mind around the realization that in the renewed world of the King's return legends can end up holding more truth than mere protocol and customary behaviors.
Poor Galador! I think Farolian is getting a little bit of a kick out of astounding his friend with his information. Not that *he* was ever astounded, oh no, ;-) not him...*grin*
Author's reply
Gack! Just wrote a very lyrical response and hit the BACK button instead of POST. HATE THAT!
Yes, Galador has sought to keep the past alive by keeping the protocol straight within the Citadel--only to realize he's dismissed the very past he professes to honor; and the defender of historical and political actions is instructed by the weaver of tales and keeper of the traditions of the imagination. And now the imagination has proved truer than who bows to whom.
“But Eärendil and Elwing are but the stuff of legends!”
Faralion shook his head. “Say no such thing to the Peredhil, I will warn you; for they are the sons of Elrond, who was himself son to Eärendil and Elwing, alongside his brother Elros, from whom our King is descended.”
Galador looked at the minstrel amazed. “But how can this be?”
“Tales and legends have come to life before us, my friend Galador; rejoice that it is so.”
Who can say how any of us would react if "tales and legends" came to life before us? What a transition these Men of Gondor are making, and they have such a short time in which to do so.
Author's reply
I wrote a very lyrical response to this one as well, but was very busy last night hitting the back button instead of the post reply one, I see. GAACK!
It is not long over a month since most of Gondor was aware there was a candidate out there eligible to become King; now they are seeing that Elves are willing to walk at that King's side, that Halflings are real and here are four of them, and what's more two of them made it all the way to Mount Doom and saw the end of Sauron's Ring and thus Sauron as well, and that Dwarves and Wizards are also equally familiar with their new Lord, who carries a legendary sword as well as wearing the Star of Elendil and displaying Elendil's tokens on his standard.
Yes, changes are coming thick and fast, and some are still trying to realize the kingdom is still whole in spite of all the power Sauron threw at them. The realization the promises of the future now have a chance of being made manifest must still be a shock for them to deal with.
Radbooks
· 5 November 2005
· Chapter 19: 19: A Fresh Wind in the Citadel
Older elven brothers can be quite insistent at times! :) And downright embarrassing telling tales on Aragorn as a seven year old. But they do have good hearts and want the best for him.
I always wondered if Gandalf was anxious to go back to Valinor. He had been in Middle-earth now for so long and yet Valinor was his true home and where he could live as he was meant to live and in his 'natural' state. I suppose anxious isn't quite the right word, since that would imply he was impatient, but I would think he would long to see his home again.
I like how you are showing Eomer's uneasiness about Eowyn and Faramir. There should have been a measure of reluctance on his part about the two of them as he was well aware of her attraction to Aragorn and he would have to wonder if this was just another similar thing and she would, as quickly, get over Faramir. And he did not know Faramir and I would think he would want to get to know him personally before deciding to allow them to wed.
My beta said she would have her notes back to me today, she had a busy week, so hopefully the chapter will be out tonight!
Author's reply
Big brothers often love to tell tales on smaller ones, and I think that they'd enjoy, now and then, embarrassing Aragorn when they thought it would do him good. So glad you appreciated that.
To go from being a mover and shaker in Middle Earth to a servant again in Valinor might not be as attractive an idea as one might think--I like to think that this was part of what helped lead to the downfall of Sauron and Saruman, that both decided "better a ruler in hell than a servant in paradise." But I agree, for one such as Gandalf there is a strong probability that he wished to go home and be Olorin again after years of being Gandalf or Mithrandir.
Glad you appreciate the reluctance of Eomer, for there are some who don't think it would have happened that way. So glad to see this has gone over well. But I know when my Big Bro learned my husband-to-be was a recent divorcee he was concerned for my happiness and looked him over pretty closely, not wanting me to be unhappy in my choice. Wish he'd given us the same privilege, myself, as his first wife was anything but worthy of him.
And am looking forward to the next chapter of your own story. Thanks for the heads up.
shirebound
· 5 November 2005
· Chapter 19: 19: A Fresh Wind in the Citadel
"...the longer I linger, the stronger the desire to order things in accordance with my own understanding grows. It will come to no good if I have fulfilled my commission in bringing all to stand against the tyranny of Sauron and the proposed tyranny of Saruman if I but seek to take their places in the end.”
How fascinating. I have my own ideas on what went into Gandalf's decision not to "linger" any longer, but I really like your 'take' on it. Even now, he fears being "tempted", and continues to recognize a flaw in himself to which he would succumb if he ever once let it take over. Saruman seems not to have been so self-examining... or if he was, he thought himself strong enough *not* to succumb.
Author's reply
Oh, I'd love to hear your reason(s) why Gandalf left so soon; Radbooks suggested he might be eager just to go home to Valinor and be himself again after having had to cling to the form of an aged man for so long.
Am so glad you appreciate this vision of him; and I certainly agree about Saruman.
grumpy
· 5 November 2005
· Chapter 19: 19: A Fresh Wind in the Citadel
Nothing like older brothers telling you it is time for a nap, even when you are 88 years old, the brothers think one may fall asleep in one's soup bowl.
I love that part about Eomer standing bewteen his sister and Faramir. Faramir what were you thinking, when you told him about holding her in your arms. But what Faramir said was all lovable.
I also liked what Faramir said about the windows and getting rid of the bad air.
Author's reply
Siblings always seem to embarrass us with tales we'd rather be forgotten, I've found, and so here we get glimpses of what they remember of Aragorn's childhood. But I think he does need a nap--doubt he got much sleep last night; suspect he was keeping a vigil of sorts.
Yes, I think that until he came to know Faramir better and was certain this new love of his sister's wasn't just a rebound effect, Eomer would be quite protective of her; but I think that Faramir's declaration of love would have gone a long way to winning him over.
And am glad you like Faramir's closing statement. So glad that was appreciated as much as it was.
Kitty
· 5 November 2005
· Chapter 19: 19: A Fresh Wind in the Citadel
*lol*
Trust older brothers to come up with embarassing childhood stories at the most inappropriate moment and to send the High King of Gondor (and soon Arnor) to bed as if he's a little boy in front of all the nobles! That was fun!
Elphir's reasons to go and meet the Umbar delegation was a fascinating insight in the delicate subtleties of diplomacy. Truly, I look forward to hear more about these newcomers and how they are being put in their place.
So Imrahil knows Aragorn reminds him of someone? Well, he will have to wait for some years and to a certain visit in Casistir to know why :)
And poor Éomer - he hasn't any say in the matter of Éowny and Faramir, hasn't he? All others have given them already their blessing. Though it is nice to see him as the protective older brother who wants only the best for his little sister.
Author's reply
That is what siblings are for--to put us in our places, no matter how many grandchildren we have (or so my Big Bro is convinced).
Am glad you appreciate the diplomacy game being played with Umbar; and they will have even more played with them before they head home--although they intend to play their own games as well, of course.
Yes, it's going to take a bit for Imrahil to be reminded at last whom the King reminds him of. And it's like an in-joke, as someone commented in a previous chapter, knowing when and under what circumstances.
And am so glad people appreciate the handling of Eomer here, as there are some I've spoken with who felt he'd have no reservations. However, remembering Big Bro before my wedding (and his expression in our wedding photos--VERY protective) I truly thought Eomer might indeed respond this way.
Thanks so much for the feedback.
Baggins Babe
· 5 November 2005
· Chapter 19: 19: A Fresh Wind in the Citadel
The detail in these chapters has been mind-boggling - all the things we tend not to think about, such as Aragorn having to prove his right to the throne (despite Ioreth!) and the completing of the Rolls of Arnor and Gondor. And yet Aragorn still finds time to make arrangements for Frodo and Sam and for the Fellowship's lodgings. No wonder he needs a nap!
The banter between the Twins and Aragorn was perfect, and it is a good thing they are there to stop him taking on too much. He even makes arrangements for the seating at the banquet, and I'm looking forward to seeing how their reception unsettles the Umbarians.
So much to look forward to in the next chapter.
Author's reply
That Aragorn even KNOWS about the Roll of Kings, much less has possession to its mate and that each serves the same purpose must be a further reassurance to all that, yes, this is indeed the man intended to be King.
We all need reminding at times not to try to take on too much at a time, and this is indeed the reason the twins tease their younger foster brother; and we'll see plenty of those from Umbar in the next few chapters.
The next chapter is posted, and hope you do enjoy it.
Dreamflower
· 4 November 2005
· Chapter 19: 19: A Fresh Wind in the Citadel
Poor Eomer! What a surprise it must have been to find his sister as much as engaged when he returned from battle. It will take a bit of getting used too...
Author's reply
Yes, it must feel odd to just realize that Aragorn feels badly he can't return Eowyn's love, and then find out she'd fallen in love with the one who will be Aragorn's lieutenant now that he's king and as good as engaged. I'm glad he appears to have taken it well, though.
Dreamflower
· 4 November 2005
· Chapter 18: 18: Amending the Rolls of the King
Another chapter of delightful details.
One thing I loved in this was the banter between Aragorn and his foster brothers--that line about people having trouble keeping up with two generations, LOL! And then reminding Aragorn of falling asleep with his face in his plate.
Yet I think at this point, Aragorn is *almost* in danger of falling into the trap of micro-management--the insistence that he rest and the little jabs from his foster brothers, will I think, help head some of that off at the pass, so to speak.
On to the next chapter...
Author's reply
Yes, older brothers have the habit of remembering embarrassing details we wish would go on unspread, while they remind us that we do need to rest from time to time, and are surrounded by love and caring even when we think we're doing what needs to be done.
And am so glad you like the details.
Linda Hoyland
· 4 November 2005
· Chapter 19: 19: A Fresh Wind in the Citadel
I like the touch of the open windows. Poor aragorn,he must be worn out,but at least you don't have him doing reams of paperwork on the day he was crowned as I did !I am fed up with the other site,it is down just as I was hoping for some interest in the last crucial chapter !I'm glad to have your story here to enjoy.
Author's reply
So glad you have something to entertain you. I just posted this on that site, so it's open at the moment, at least through our access points.
No, not reams of paperwork--that is coming, though. Although I suspect he'll use a good deal of Faramir's experience in dealing with a good deal of it, particularly at first.
And I think that Faramir would feel freed by the new regime after watching his father grow more suspicious and insular over the years.
Thanks so much for the feedback.