Book Learning by Branwyn
curiouswombat · 15 January 2012 · Chapter 4: Part IV
It is always such a joy to come across something I have not read before, and wonder how I missed it. (Although 'come across' may not be the best choice of words here, considering the subject :p ) I am glad, too, to think of Éowyn having another woman of The Mark to talk to about 'girly' stuff - and everything else as well.
whitewave · 10 August 2008 · Chapter 4: Part IV
Hi This is hawwwt!! Faramir and Eowyn are my second favorite mortal couple after Eomer and Lothiriel. Thanks for sharing.
Author's reply
Thanks so much for reviewing!
Marta · 23 November 2006 · Chapter 4: Part IV
Branwyn, this was delightfully delicious. I really like how you have the two characters exploring this sensitive issue within their own comfort zones, but also reaching out a bit - Faramir going to Eradan for help to finding the book, and Eowyn looking for a book before she went to her countrywoman. And the hint of eroticism at the end was just the right amount -- it gives us an idea of what has changed and some very pleasant hints as to what the night holds, but does not over-tell as is all too easy to do with this.
Author's reply
I am so pleased that you enjoyed this story; writing an erotic fic was definitely outside of my comfort zone so I wasn't sure how it would turn out. :-D I did see the two of them having different learning styles--Faramir oriented more toward the written word and sources with scholarly authority, Eowyn more comfortable with verbal and hands-on instruction in an informal setting. Thanks so much for your kind review!
Stefania · 16 November 2006 · Chapter 4: Part IV
Congratulations on finishing this tale with aplomb, Branwyn. One thing though, I wondered how Faramir could eat all that food in his, umm, condition. You'd think that...but I won't go there. Good job. You made us all life over a situation that has perplexed and pleasured all humanity, whether in fantasy or in real life.
Author's reply
Certainly he is much more interested in sex than in food at that particular moment, and he probably hurries through the meal without overeating. :-D Glad you enjoyed the story, and thanks for reviewing!
Larner · 4 November 2006 · Chapter 4: Part IV
Aha! And so the studying has born fruit, and hopefully will bear fruit indeed as the two rejoice in one another as man and wife. Very lovely, and filled with a delightful humor and delight. And trust both Ann and Raksha to help you see this tale so well told.
Author's reply
After so much grief and hardship, it seemed that these two deserved to delight in each other and to savor the pleasures of the marriage bed. And, yes, I am indebted to Ann and Raksha who did their best to keep me from going astray (though sometimes I just couldn't be saved from myself). The story was much improved by their comments and suggestions. Thanks for your kind review!
Larner · 4 November 2006 · Chapter 3: Part III
Aha, I suspect I, too, will never look at vegetables in quite the same way, having read this. And seduction via herbs and the fruits of the earth? Hmmmm.
Author's reply
About the seduction via vegetation, you will see in the next chapter. (hee) Thanks for reviewing!
Larner · 4 November 2006 · Chapter 2: Part II
Now you have me giggling. Is it the same poor farmer and the same abused basket of turnips! Poor Eowyn, and poor Faramir, both trying their best in the earliest portion of their marriage, trying to make certain they're doing it right! And Eraden must be enjoying himself hugely, undoubtedly having seen a constant stream of youths (and perhaps a few maidens) and young marrieds poring through this book over the past how many decades? Heh!
Author's reply
Yes, that is probably the most popular book in the library, bound in new covers numerous times as the old ones were worn to tatters. :-D I am glad you are enjoying the story, and thanks for reviewing!
Larner · 4 November 2006 · Chapter 1: Part I
According to my own research back when I was on college, the Khama Sutra was VERY popular in Victorian England. And of course I had to (ahem) do a bit of exploration so as to understand quite why....
Author's reply
Hee! Burton translated it, right? I haven't read it, but that must have been hot stuff in Victoria's day! Given that human physiology hasn't changed, I would guess that most of the advice would be pretty good (as long as it was based on experience and not on philosophy).
Julia · 4 November 2006 · Chapter 4: Part IV
Nice to see that they *both* got a happy ending! Good job writing a story that manages to be funny and sexy without being too icky or graphic.
Author's reply
Yes, they both get a happy ending (after Faramir is very, very surprised; luckily, he is young and has a strong heart). Glad to hear that it wasn't overly graphic because I did try to avoid that in favor of letting the reader fill in the blanks. Thanks for your kind comments!
Bodkin · 4 November 2006 · Chapter 4: Part IV
A pair of fair scholars ... although I suspect Eowyn gained more value from the training imparted by Freya Freawine’s daughter. I love the way Faramir thinks he should have made notes on the information provided by the Treatise. I can assure you, Faramir, practice will be much better than notes. A delightful outcome! I hope they had more fun - after all, all those carefully chosen foods should have been of some value!
Author's reply
It is difficult to teach yourself a physical activity from a book, so I agree that Eowyn's training, where she had the benefit of visual demonstrations (well, with veggies, anyway) and an instructor to answer her questions, would have been more beneficial. And, yes, practice makes perfect, as they say. :-) That poor Cook must have been choking with laughter at the menu that night. I am glad you liked the conclusion, and thanks so much for reviewing!
Edoraslass · 3 November 2006 · Chapter 4: Part IV
Poor Faramir, trying to keep his mind on work all day long! Then trying to convince himself it's just coincidence that everything served at dinner is an aphrodisiac -- along with the note-taking, it's all terribly endearing. I like the fact that Eowyn takes the lead; she's not any more experienced than he is, but she doesn't appear at all hesitant, though it's likely she's wondering how he'll respond. :) And this A handful of acorns rolled across the coverlet and rattled to the floor. Are there squirrels in the bed? he wondered, but he decided it wiser not to ask made me giggle. Mainly because I was picturing actual squirrels leaping out of the rafters. This is very warm and affectionate, and they seem so happy and content. And spicy, as well! And humour in this situation is always welcome. Very nice, Branwyn!
Author's reply
Freydis probably didn't mean for Eowyn to try ALL of her suggestions at once, but Eowyn doesn't seem like one to do things by halves. The kitchen staff must have been falling over with laughter at that evening's menu. She does take the lead, but she is used to being in command--as the senior noblewoman at Edoras, she would have run the household, and Theoden has no compunction about leaving her in charge when he rides to Minas Tirith. However, when she wants to take the lead in their lovemaking, I do have her address Farmair as "lord husband" to soften her unusually forward request because, no, she wouldn't be entirely sure how he would respond. I didn't think of squirrels leaping from the ceiling--too funny. After all the misery that Faramir has inflicted on him by Tolkien and by fanfic writers (including me), he deserved to be in a happy story for a change. :-) Thanks for the kind review!
Imhiriel · 3 November 2006 · Chapter 4: Part IV
Oh, I adore this story! I already commented in the MEFAs, but I just had to say something here, too, because for the awards, I reviewed before the last chapter was posted, and I wanted to say something about the final chapter. The story is so endearing and sweet. The humour is heart-warming and gentle, and somehow glowing. And added to that there are those marvellous little "historical" details about everyday life, depicted so very subtly and flawlessly, right down to the food (which make me hungry!). I love the characterisation of newly-wed Faramir and Éowyn. Both so endearingly nervous, and so very much in love. He knew just what he would start with, that caress in the second page of the chapter. *LoL* But the best line of all was: Faramir wished he had taken notes. If that isn't the tale all in a nutshell... *g*
Author's reply
I am glad you enjoyed the story, and thanks for the very lovely review!
Livilla · 3 November 2006 · Chapter 4: Part IV
You updated! I was so glad to see this story finished. I really am in AWE of your ability to balance the flat-out funny with the straight-up sexy. I hope you plan to write more Eowyn/Faramir stuff - you do it really well.
Author's reply
I am sorry it took me so long to finish, but I am glad you enjoyed the conclusion to the the story. I have a rather broad sense of humor, so I kept wondering if anyone else would actually think it was funny. *grin* Thanks for your kind comments!
Laerien · 3 November 2006 · Chapter 4: Part IV
I love this story. Simply adorable! :o)
Author's reply
Hi, Laerien! *waves* Thanks so much for reviewing.
annmarwalk · 2 November 2006 · Chapter 4: Part IV
I absolutely love your imagery of Faramir as the eager young bridegroom, so distracted by thoughts of his bride that he has to hurt himself to break loose of his fantasies! And I can just imagine his frutration and impatience as he hurries home, only to be continually thwarted and waylaid. Only a shieldmaiden could sing such a bloodthirsty song while tending to a mundane, housewifely duty. "Tuneless cheer" - what a description. The whole dinner scene is just so funny as it plays out in my head - Faramir alternately surprised, stunned, and amazed by the delicacies set out for him. And then..... YAY Eowyn! Showing her husband that he's not the only one who can learn useful things from books. And other places, as well. Wonderfully done!
Author's reply
Thanks for the lovely review! That song is there to remind the reader and Faramir that she is, well, a little different than your typical Gondorian housewife. :-)
Raksha The Demon · 2 November 2006 · Chapter 4: Part IV
The sitting room opened onto their bedchamber, and from his seat at the table, he looked with longing at the curtained bed and tried to remember every touch and every twining from the “Treatises.” Faramir wished he had taken notes. Snork! Typical Faramir, to have so thoroughly researched and wishing to have taken notes, but it's just as well he didn't. You can't relax and enjoy so much if you're checking your notes. Faramir really needed to relax, his instinct for perfectionism was interfering with marital pleasure. And besides, checking his notes as he and Eowyn -ahem- progressed - would have been quite awkward. And Eowyn is indeed a fair scholar, both beautiful and industrious in her pursuit of knowledge. Let this tale be a valuable lesson to all readers about the importance of good research! Heeeee! A lovely ending to an outstanding Faramir/Eowyn story. Thanx for such a wonderful gift!
Author's reply
Yes, good research is very important. :-) I am glad you enjoyed it (especially since it was written for your birthday) and thanks for reviewing.
Agape4Gondor · 2 November 2006 · Chapter 4: Part IV
I'm very glad I put this on my list of stories to watch for. What an incredibly wonderful last chapter. Book scholars, huh! Wow - thanks for sharing - though it was a little difficult reading it on my break! LOL
Author's reply
Thanks so much for reviewing!
White Gull · 2 November 2006 · Chapter 4: Part IV
Wow. That was ... enjoyable! Um, yes, enjoyable. :) What funny, descriptive, and scorching hot words you weave! Well done indeed. WG
Author's reply
I am glad you liked it. This was my first venture into writing erotica. Based on reader response, I don't think I will quit my day job, lol...
Livilla · 10 October 2006 · Chapter 3: Part III
Are you going to update this? Please? It's sensual and SO funny at the same time. I love it so much.
Author's reply
Dear Livilla-- I apologize for leaving poor Faramir and Eowyn hanging for so long! (Especially poor Faramir, lol!) I do mean to finish it but have been distracted by upheaval in my real life. Thanks so much for reviewing!
Stefania · 27 July 2006 · Chapter 3: Part III
Branwyn, your story is not only sexy (its theme, of course) but it is also really funny and sweet. When Eowyn shows up with the vegetables, will Faramir naturally assume that she is preparing a vegetarian dinner? If she was film Eowyn, they would have hired a cook, so no chance of that. I can't wait to see what happens now that Eowyn has had a useful lesson. - Steff
Author's reply
As you will find out if you read the fourth part, they have a cook so Faramir is spared having to eat Eowyn's homecooking. Though she does come up with a very special menu for their evening meal. Thanks for your kind comments!
Bodkin · 7 July 2006 · Chapter 3: Part III
I love Freydis! She certainly picked up on Eowyn's naivety and her desire to learn! And who better than a practical woman of Rohan, with two husbands to her name and a selection of very strong-minded, larger than life, half-Rohirric, half-Gondorian, half-troll children to her name to educate Eowyn on the pleasures of the bedchamber! Faramir will be very surprised. Eowyn has certainly learned things he won't have picked up from his book!
Author's reply
Freydis just barged her way into this story, and who was I to stop her? Especially since she is a good six inches taller than I am. :-D I was very nervous about writing an OFC (and a housewife and mother, to boot), so it is reassuring to hear that you like her and her unruly children. Yes, Faramir is going to be very surprised (hee, hee). Thanks so much for your kind comments!
Julia · 4 July 2006 · Chapter 3: Part III
Heeheehee, cucumbers indeed! I like Freydis, and I'm glad she was able to give Eowyn good advice. My only question is, shouldn't she have said her boys were 1/3 Eorling, 1/3 Gondorian, and 1/3 troll, rather than half of each as 3 halfs equals 1.5 boys? Or do we just put it down to the fact that she is not as good at arithmetic as she is at giving sexual advice?
Author's reply
...3 halfs equals 1.5 boys? Freydis is quite good at doing sums in her head (how else can she tell if the merchants are cheating her?). However, in this case, she is joking that her children are so impossibly wild that they must have some troll blood, and since the children are clearly half Rohirric and half Gondorian, the impossible arithmetic is part of the joke. (I think I might be inflicting my (US) Midwestern sense of humor on unsuspecting readers; Raksha, who lives on the other side of the country, didn't get it either.) Thanks so much for reviewing!
Radbooks · 4 July 2006 · Chapter 3: Part III
This was a fun chapter! Eowyn has so much to learn and it is wonderful that she has someone to turn to there in Minas Tirith. I could just picture the two women sitting there at the table using vegetables to *cough* describe various activities. I also enjoyed the image of the two boys and Eowyn thinking how her children might look much the same. Nicely done all the way around.
Author's reply
This chapter was fun to write, though I wasn't sure about the reception it would receive, what with the indecent acts with vegetables and all. :-D For Eowyn, seeing those children would also be a reminder of years which were wasted as she stood beside Theoden's chair. Her people are not as long lived as the Gondorians, so I think that most Rohirric women of her age would already have married and borne children. Thank so much for your encouraging review!
harrowcat · 4 July 2006 · Chapter 3: Part III
TBC.....yes, yes, soon....soon....!! Eowyn isn't the only one who isn't going to look at vegetables in the same way again. An experienced friend is much better than a book.
Author's reply
An experienced friend is much better than a book LOL! That pretty much sums up this chapter. I am glad to hear that you continue to enjoy the story and were not offended by this rather earthy chapter with its scenes of vegetable abuse. An update (actually, the final part) should be posted around the end of July or beginning of August. Thanks so much for reviewing!
Raksha The Demon · 4 July 2006 · Chapter 3: Part III
I may never look at cucumbers the same way again - heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!! Seriously, a wonderful chapter. Eowyn's innocence is touchingly and humorously exposed even more, by way of her surprise at even the idea that the male sexual partner doesn't have to be on top. And I giggled at the notion of pole-axed newlywed Faramir, besotted by his bride, but Freydis is right. And her and Freydis' conversation is just what Eowyn needs, and it makes Eowyn's lack of mother or sisters even more obvious. Of course, I like Freydis, who is far more relaxed than Eowyn, though not, I think, much older, and has a kind heart as well as a sense of humor. I almost feel sorry for Faramir, what with all the surprises Eowyn is gleefully planning. But then, maybe he has a few of his own for her! Can't wait for the next chapter!
Author's reply
This chapter is rated R for indecent acts with vegetables. :-D Poor Eowyn doesn't have Dr. Ruth Westheimer or R-rated movies to enlighten her about sexual matters! Yes, Freydis is not much older than Eowyn, just much more experienced. Eowyn would be 25 years old at the time of this story, and Freydis is around thirty. I am relieved that you liked my earthy Rohirric housewife. I was a little nervous about including an OFC since I had never before tried to write one. Thanks again for your skillful beta assistance, and I am glad that you are still enjoying your birthday present!