Fimbrethel! · 3 February 2025 · Chapter 50: News
Great story! Only one note: Boromir and Faramir are five years apart and Boromir was 10 when their mother died.
Under My Wing by Edoraslass
Reviews (70)
Larner · 6 October 2008 · Chapter 41: Thoughtful Company
How wonderful to overhear this conversation between Faramir and Gandalf. One wonders how much the wizard foresees of what awaits Denethor's sons, particularly this one. Very nicely done.
Larner · 17 December 2007 · Chapter 47: Exploring the Wild NEW 1.12.07
Ah, how typical a day Rangering they've had! Love it!
Larner · 17 December 2007 · Chapter 47: Exploring the Wild NEW 1.12.07
Ah, how typical a day Rangering they've had! Love it!
Denise · 31 May 2007 · Chapter 50: News
Oh, Edoraslass, this series was such a delightful read! I admit that I began paging through these casually, because I know you write a wonderful Imrahil (Fruition notwithstanding...) and I hoped to find a bit of him in here. But I was almost immediately drawn in by your stories of Nanny and Boromir, and soon found myself intensely reading and enjoying each one. You write children very well. Boromir and Faramir are both excellently portrayed here, and the influence of their down-to-earth Nanny is easy to see in the men they will become. I love your Nanny's character - practical, intelligent, sensible, honest, and sensitive to the relationship between her charge(s) and parents. I also loved the glimpses of Denethor and Finduilas's adoration of their children; I especially liked the tenderness that you showed in Denethor when Faramir was young. These and other sweet moments were just perfectly done - touching my heart, never saccharine. I lost count, too, of the many, many times I laughed aloud ("tavern witches", "not sea-oysters" and Faramir-the-cat jump immediately to mind *chortle*). I noted in one place where Nanny comments that Denethor is much more accommodating of Boromir's boyish whims (like not wanting to learn sewing) than he is of Faramir's. Why do you think that is? And the final ficlet, when Nanny learns of Boromir's death - oh, my. It brought home with a vengeance just how much these two were like her own sons. Does she end by marrying Dúrvain? How many children does she have (after her beloved charges)? Of course, since I came here looking for him, I would be terribly remiss if I didn't mention that I adored your Imrahil, as usual, and particularly loved this description (and the entire paragraph it started): "...truth be told, Lord Imrahil made me uncomfortably aware that I was female." Oh, my, yes! Thanks for such a wonderful series, and I'm looking forward to any new additions!
Author's reply
Hiya, Denise! I've ignored Imrahil shamefully lately, but I'm glad the little ones were a satisfying diversion! Boromir and Faramir are both excellently portrayed here, and the influence of their down-to-earth Nanny is easy to see in the men they will become. Thank you! I think it's fun to look at the men they became, and try to somehow try to figure out how those characteristics would have manifested when they were children. It's interesting, sometimes, and for me, it often gives me insight into them as adults. I also loved the glimpses of Denethor and Finduilas's adoration of their children; I especially liked the tenderness that you showed in Denethor when Faramir was young. I have to admit that I have my issues with Denethor; he and I get on a LOT better before Finduilas dies. He's just much more accessible. When Nanny learns of Boromir's death - oh, my. It brought home with a vengeance just how much these two were like her own sons. And she was so young when she started taking care of them, they were something like little brothers, as well. Does she end by marrying Dúrvain? How many children does she have (after her beloved charges)? I actually have a co-written story addressing those questions, I just haven't managed to post it yet. Perhaps I'll do that very thing tonight. There should be some Imrahil in the post with all my almost-drabbles, and I'd thought I put up another thingie here which is exclusively bits about Imrahil or Theodred, but I don't seem to have ever gotten to it. Hmmm. Thank you so much for all your kind words!
A. Meril · 18 March 2007 · Chapter 50: News
This is what I get for posting here, and deciding to browse through the Nannystory after uploading First Meetings, and, and... *copious sniffles* I don't know how I missed this one, EL! It's beautiful and tragic and... Great "distancing" on Nanny after she's been told, as if it's not happening to her, as if she can't feel anything physical because she's so trapped in her thoughts.
Author's reply
You're right, it is a bit like it's happening to someone else - she's tried to mentally prepare for this exact moment since she was 18 years old, and it still doesn't feel real to her at all. Thanks, Allie!
Bodkin · 18 January 2007 · Chapter 48: A Thankless Task NEW 1 12 07
I hope Boromir is made to do his own mending when on campaign. I can just see him handing the task over to his Gondorian equivalent of a batman - and feeling smug that Nanny had been wrong. Or there would always be someone willing to boot-lick the Steward's heir by darning his socks! Good move on Nanny's part to send Boromir to speak to Denethor - and I'm not happy to see her picking up on his father's lower tolerance level of Faramir's wishes. Or, come to that, that Faramir will lose Nanny's support when he hits twelve. Twelve is too young to become a man. True, he won't need a Nanny then - but he will continue to need the love and support of a mother-figure. Faramir is a clever boy - and he will benefit (in the end) from his love of learning whatever there is to learn. While Boromir ... Nanny knows him better than anyone. Poor little duckling.
Author's reply
*giggle* "Batman." I do know it's a proper term, I'm just a dork. :) I think I'll have a follow-up to this, though who knows when, because Boromir at least does learn to sew a straight line. I'm not happy to see her picking up on his father's lower tolerance level of Faramir's wishes. Honestly, I don't think she could avoid it. Of course she's very protective of the boys and gets annoyed if they're treated in a way she doesn't approve of by anyone, but she also doesn't get along with Denethor well. I think she's a bit hyper-aware of things he does with regards to his sons, and so probably couldn't miss Denethor cutting Boromir a bit more slack, in any measure. Thanks, Bodkin!
Linda Hoyland · 16 January 2007 · Chapter 49: A New Friend
Faramir is such a caring boy.I loved this glimpse into his character.
Author's reply
Thank you! I can easily see him as one of those kids who honestly enjoys listening to older people. It's not as if he had grandparents who were around, after all.
Linda Hoyland · 16 January 2007 · Chapter 48: A Thankless Task NEW 1 12 07
I can just imagine Boromir not wanting to sew !A pity Denethor is already starting to favour his eldest.
Author's reply
Hee, yes, it is hard to imagine Boromir sitting still long enough to sew! Thanks!
Linda Hoyland · 16 January 2007 · Chapter 47: Exploring the Wild NEW 1.12.07
THis must have been a difficult day for nanny as the boys are growing up. I enjoyed reading about their adventures.
Author's reply
Yes, she wasn't too happy about giving the care of them over to someone else, even for just the day. They might do it wrong! :) Thanks!
harrowcat · 15 January 2007 · Chapter 48: A Thankless Task NEW 1 12 07
Almost as thankless a task as trying to teach me plain sewing! Fancy stuff I do but darn my socks? *Shudder*
Author's reply
Well, I can sew a straight line and put on buttons, but I can't imagine doing anything more complicated! Thanks!
Bodkin · 14 January 2007 · Chapter 47: Exploring the Wild NEW 1.12.07
Beautiful. I love the excited, bouncy loud boys - having the most wonderful day of their lives in the company of real Rangers, and with their own favourite guard to watch over their sleep. I love it that Denethor is out there himself putting up their tent - and that he won't let Boromir get away with arrogance towards Nanny. He goes up in my estimation enormously! Then - Faramir's need for his rabbit is just so typical of a small child ... and his need for Nanny to settle him to sleep. And, come to that, his literalness about trench foot! Yet another absolutely gorgeous episode in the life of Nanny and her charges. And, sad to say, a sign of times to come. I hope you are inspired, one day, to write about a Nanny whose boys have grown up. And about her meeting with Faramir after the war. And .......
Author's reply
Kids who are bouncing off the walls in excitement can be so cute and funny, especially if you can just let them enjoy themselves. his literalness about trench foot Honestly, that may be my favourite bit. The literalness of little kids is something that amuses me endlessly. I will, one day, write them all grown up with Nanny. :) Thanks, Bodkin!
harrowcat · 14 January 2007 · Chapter 47: Exploring the Wild NEW 1.12.07
Ooh a first step into a much wider world. I well remember my first camping trip and you have brought back many fond memories. Lovely to see a softer side of Denethor willing to spend time with his boys.
Author's reply
Yes, that first time camping is always exciting, even if you're just in the backyard. :) And Denethor just kind of shoved his way in there! Thanks!
insignia · 17 December 2006 · Chapter 49: A New Friend
Hi, I am enjoying this series, but wonder if you have looked at this chapter recently? The last section is full of typos. Having said that, the whole series is quite charming, and I am looking forward to your next update.
Author's reply
Wow, that's some messed-up formatting. Wonder what happened -- I haven't touched this chapter in ages! Anyhow - thank you! This whole thing really is one of my personal favourites to write. And definitely thanks for pointing out the screwy..whatever that was.
Bodkin · 15 December 2006 · Chapter 46: Foreshadow
Lots of delicious new chapters at once ... it feels like Christmas! Oh, hang on a moment ... I do so enjoy these stories of Nanny and her charges. She is definitely responsible for turning them out the mature, kind, loving, responsible adults they were. I enjoyed her first sight of Thorongil - I wonder what she thinks when she finally meets the King Returned - and Faramir's clear sight was obvious in him from early youth. Such a treat.
Author's reply
I don't know how I missed this comment - sorry! Heh..actually, I do have the vague plannings of Nanny meeting Aragorn one day, but not any time soon. So many things to write! Thanks, Bodkin!
irene · 12 December 2006 · Chapter 1: Soon to Be Parted
Finally, I've found the beginning of your wonderful tale! I've savoured every chapter I've read until now and I can see now how many are missing. -- What an original and exclusive idea!I love it. I am no native speaker but would say your language and writing are wonderful. Thank you!
Author's reply
Thank you! I really enjoy writing this one; it seems to come so easily. And sorry it took me so long to reply - I don't know how I missed your comment.
grumpy · 11 December 2006 · Chapter 44: A Useful Skill
Great scene between Denathor and Faramir, very usefull to know how to sew.
Author's reply
Thanks! Yep, easier to sew on your own buttons than try to get someone else to do it.
grumpy · 11 December 2006 · Chapter 41: Thoughtful Company
Loved Faramir's reasoning on how the dragons got their treasure back. Piling it into a wagon and then taking the wagon is a good idea.
Author's reply
Honestly, that's the only thing I could think of when I was pondering the question myself. :) Thanks!
grumpy · 11 December 2006 · Chapter 9: First Impressions
Loved the first meeting of Thorongil and Boramir. Good try on Boramir's part, trying to get the star. Never hurts to ask.
Author's reply
Never hurts to ask. At least he didn't try to pull it off Thorongil's cloak, as some kids I know would have! Thanks!
daw the minstrel · 11 December 2006 · Chapter 44: A Useful Skill
It's interesting to see Faramir figuring out what it means to be a man, a soldier, a son of Denthor and how those things might sometimes operate by different rules. I also liked seeing Denethor as an affectionate (if low key) father.
Author's reply
It's interesting to see Faramir figuring out what it means to be a man, a soldier, a son of Denthor and how those things might sometimes operate by different rules Yes, it's a bit sad, too, I think, that he'd already be realizing he'll be held to different standards than other children (including his brother), by not only his father, but the whole country. Thanks!
daw the minstrel · 11 December 2006 · Chapter 9: First Impressions
I enjoyed the meeting with Thorongil, but I have to say what amused me most about this was the way you captured Boromir's speech. "Hello, guards." "Star, please." LOL. What a nice little boy. See, he says please! You really do have a way of writing children, Edoraslass.
Author's reply
See, he says please! The little rascal has already figured out that you're more likely to get what you want if you smile really widely and be polite. :) Thank you! I do really enjoy writing the little ones.
harrowcat · 11 December 2006 · Chapter 46: Foreshadow
Ooh! *SHIVER*
Author's reply
Thank you! :)
harrowcat · 11 December 2006 · Chapter 44: A Useful Skill
Ooh, I am glad that Faramir got in his explanation before Denethor jumped down her throat! There is a nasty streak in Denethor that only seems controlled when around his family and, later, only with Boromir. Even here, once he remembers that this is a necessary skill, his first thought is to ensure that Boromir knows it too.
Author's reply
Yes, much better than Faramir calmed down his father than having Nanny try to. Because sometimes she can be...um..impulsive in her speech, especially if the boys are involved. :) Thanks!
harrowcat · 11 December 2006 · Chapter 41: Thoughtful Company
Yes, Mithrandir would have been very touched I imagine. He has always struck me as the only one of the Wizards to allow 'people' near enough to touch his heart. A dangerous and wonderful thing to do.
Author's reply
Yep, and it seems like such a natural friendship, too, once you think about it. I'm sure it did Gandalf a lot of good, as well as Faramir. Thanks!
harrowcat · 11 December 2006 · Chapter 18: Not Impressed
You have a knack with your titles! Loved this.
Author's reply
Thanks! That one took me forever to come up with, actually. :)