Ah, Eowyn's problems seem to echo the problems of women (men, too) over the centuries. It's fun to see how you have cast Tolkien's heroic archetypes with the sexual problems that have plagued people since Adam, Eve, and maybe even Lucy, our proto-humanoid ancester in Africa 5 million years ago. Your story is delightful, even if this review sounds like it comes from one up past her bedtime. Can't wait to see more.
- Stefania
Author's reply
I am glad to hear that you enjoyed the story. I have no idea why I didn't answer this review back in July (unless maybe I was up past my bedtime when it arrived), but thanks so much for sending it.
Bodkin
· 23 June 2006
· Chapter 2: Part II
It's not much a life, being a farmer with a basket of turnips.
I'm glad Eowyn thought of someone who could help her, though. She is much more likely to find relevant information from an outspoken daughter of Rohan than some refined Gondorian who would only hint at the answers. And books aren't really going to do it for her. (I love Master Eradan. He did his best.)
Thinking of rather innocent Faramir and Eowyn bumbling through their wedding night is sweet - they would be two who have not really grasped the subtleties of l'amour. They are both a little reserved behind their competent, Nazgul-slaying exteriors.
I look forward to finding out more of their journey toward knowledge!
Author's reply
"It's not much of a life, being a farmer with a basket of turnips."
And not much of a role in the story, little better than a walk-on. :-D
Yes, books aren't going to do it for her. As a king's daughter she would have been taught to read (and didn't her grandmother come from Gondor?), but she does come from a society which is not highly literate. Her learning style would probably be more verbal and hands-on rather than based on processing the written word. And it doesn't help that she doesn't know the strange medical terms used by the author of the book!
Thanks so much for your kind comments!
Julia
· 19 June 2006
· Chapter 2: Part II
Lovely description of F/E's wedding night, passionate but not icky! So Eowyn couldn't find any help at the library, but she wisely chooses to seek counsel from one of her own countrywomen who lives in MT. I hope she gets the answers she is after!
Author's reply
I am glad to hear that the wedding night scene was not offensively graphic; I am new to writing romance/erotica (action/adventure is my usual genre) so I am still feeling my way, so to speak. :-D
Thanks for your kind comments!
Brawnyn
annmarwalk
· 19 June 2006
· Chapter 2: Part II
What a poignant chapter. You've gotten Eowyn's voice down perfectly: shy maid, proud daughter of Eorl, confuzzled bride. The cermonial rituals are very well envisioned and described, as well as the marital act itself - poor girl! All her knowledge of animal husbandry was of little use in this instance. (Though the country girl does emerge again, when she's studying the textbook: "The men bore huge members, worthy of a studhorse, and the smiling women had breasts like great, round cheeses." LOL!)
You've really made us feel for her confusion and isolation, a common experience for new brides through all Ages. I'm glad she's thought of someone who will hopefully be able to give her the understanding and guidance she seeks.
Author's reply
"Confuzzled" is a great word, and it describes her state of mind exactly! She is a plain-spoken woman who usually has no trouble speaking her mind, but she has no experience discussing these matters, and it does not help that she is married to a rather reserved and modest man. No, Eowyn's knowledge of animal husbandry would help her only on a most basic level (basic meaning "insert Part A into Part B"). Like humans, horses do have mating rituals, but they also have a different physiology which includes four legs and an estrus cycle. Eowyn might react violently if Faramir started nipping and biting at her flanks. :-D I am glad that you are enjoying this story, and thanks so much for for your kind comments!
Branwyn
harrowcat
· 19 June 2006
· Chapter 2: Part II
I am glad that she has finally found someone to talk to without damaging either hers or Faramir's reputations. This should prove interesting. And that poor farmer! *g*
Author's reply
Even calm, sensible Faramir would scarcely be pleased at the thought that his wife was discussing their sex life with his friends and acquaintances. Especially since he is not very well-versed in the secrets of the bedchamber. But, luckily, Faramir is a quick study, so he is learning. :-D
Thanks for reviewing!
Branwyn
ellethill
· 19 June 2006
· Chapter 2: Part II
Another beautiful chapter!
I loved the way you wrote Eowyn's thoughts, so well in keeping with the situation and the time she lived in. It makes sense that she would have been more of a recluse at home, and kept away from gossip that, as you said, would not have befitted her. The description of the wedding night was wonderful, you captured very well her skittishness and drew very well her thoughts.
I'm feeling really warm towards the lore-master for his quiet little 'help', and especially for keeping a straight-face; very considerate and tactful, not to mention shrewd - I liked the twitch of his eyebrow!
I like the idea that Eowyn wouldn't find the help she needed in books, after all, they aren't writen in her language, and some words she wouldn't know - the reading might prove fruitless, plus, it probably isn't her habit; I appreciated the fact that she thought of them after thinking of no other help, though - well done on that as well, portraying her pride and embarassment at approaching such a topic, how she worried about word being spread, and, finally, found an answer.
I also felt soory for the poor farmer (and snickered all the way) - very nice parallel with the first chapter.
Can't wait for more!
Author's reply
I struggled to make Eowyn's thoughts those of someone who, though inexperienced in sex, is still very much an adult. After all, Eowyn is about 25 at the time of the marriage, and she has certainly carried the burdens of a grown woman for many years. Though she is very nervous about the wedding night, I tried to have her bring an adult's sense of humor and perspective to the situation. I am glad that you enjoyed that scene.
No, I don't think she is a frequent visitor to that library, and when she shows up immediately after Faramir's perusal of THE most popular chapter of the "Treatises on the Art of Healing," the loremaster doesn't have too much difficulty putting two and two together. After all, Faramir and Eowyn have been married only a few weeks. :-D (Though Master Eradan might assume that the Steward's lady is searching for hints on how to conceive a baby, LOL!)
Thanks so much for this review--it is very encouraging!
Branwyn
Raksha The Demon
· 19 June 2006
· Chapter 2: Part II
Dear old loremaster Eradan should be applauded for keeping a straight face. He seems wise enough to know what's going on here, and to keep quiet about it.
The poor farmer - that's the same one who Faramir collided with last chapter! Will he ever get his basket of turnips delivered?
Wonderful description of the wedding night from Eowyn's POV. She's just as clueless as Faramir; but this is late Third Age Gondor, not the 20th or 21st century - it wouldn't occur to either of them to talk to each other about conjugal misunderstanding. At least not yet.
Eowyn's characterisation is excellent - she loves Faramir, is wise enough to realize she's missing something, and smart enough to set out to find the answers without endangering Faramir's reputation. And the image of her in earlier years, to proud to sit and giggle with women of lower rank as they talk of womanly matters, is on target - she was conscious of her position as a daughter of the House of Eorl, and the ranking Lady of Rohan.
Looking forward to the next chapter!
Author's reply
Librarian friends have told me about the strange requests you get when you are working the reference desk, so I suspect that this loremaster has had years of experience dealing with patrons who either can't articulate what they are looking for or don't want to admit what they are looking for.
Regarding Eowyn's isolation from the women at Edoras, as the daughter of a king she should have had a group of high-born maidens and older women to keep her company. However, as Wormtongue's influence grew at court, it seems unlikely that most noble families would have wanted their womenfolk to remain at Edoras (where they could be abused by Wormtongue or used as hostages). Eomer can't have been the only one to see through Wormtongue's act. I imagine Eowyn's circle of female companions growing smaller and smaller over the years.
This weekend was too busy, but I hope to update in a few days. Thanks so much for the wonderful review!
Bodkin
· 13 June 2006
· Chapter 1: Part I
Sweet Faramir. He would count on a library being the place to find the information. Others might seek out someone who would know ... an expert in the field - but not him! Perhaps Eowyn needs to take him in hand a bit. I'm sure Arwen could provide her with all she needs to know.
Author's reply
I think he would prefer to talk with someone (though it would be an embarassing chat for him), but unfortunately, the people he would feel comfortable asking--Boromir, Imrahil, his Dol Amroth cousins--are not available. Don't worry--in the next part, Eowyn takes to the field.
Thanks for your kind comments!
Stefania
· 13 June 2006
· Chapter 1: Part I
Hi Branwyn -
What a sweet and funny tale this is. Like your other reviewers, I trully enjoyed the description of the pages from the instructional manual. Did they have such things in Middle Earth? Hmmm. They certainly had, ahem, "instructional" wall murals in Ancient Rome, and as for the pots in Ancient Greece, well ...
I'm of the school of thought that Faramir is fairly experienced in sexual matters, due to his long duration in the military. That's just my take, however. Faramir's relative innocence works well in your story, especially since your goal seems to give him a well-rounded education :) I can't wait to see how you are going to educate him.
Very good job.
- Steff
Author's reply
Hi Stefania--
I apologize for making such a late reply to your kind and thoughtful review. One of the cats became ill, and I spent a great deal of time last week at the veterinary hospital.
Before starting this story, I did do a little research on medieval sex manuals. There were books which gave advice on the proper food, clothing, and activities for a healthy life (a bit like some modern women's magazines). If you want to see an example, search the Internet under Tacuinem Sanitatis, the name of a 14th century lifestyle guide. Some of the advice does relate to sex. Medical experts of the late Roman era and early Middle Ages regarded sex as a necessary and even beneficial bodily function for both men and women. Having frequent and enjoyable sex was seen as good for your health (hee...). Medical advice on specific sexual practices seems to have been geared more toward procreation (what is most likely to produce offspring) and prohibition.
I am glad you thought his relative inexperience was believable in the context of the story. I did agonize over that. Because Faramir is hott and adorable (and the son of the Steward). When he was not slogging around in the woods, he would have had women throwing themselves at him. However, I do not doubt that Tolkien would say that Faramir was a virgin when he was married. In part, this is probably because Tolkien himself was a virgin when he was married. However, JRRT was wed at a young age; poor Faramir is about 37! My compromise was to allow Faramir a one-night stand with a tavern maid, so he isn't entirely inexperienced.
Thanks again for reviewing!
Branwyn
Author Reply: Oops, spelled that wrong--
Tacuinum Sanitatis
annmarwalk
· 12 June 2006
· Chapter 1: Part I
Oh, this is lovely, and so wonderfully in character for Faramir. Never having had the opportunity to watch loving parents playfully and gently interact; with a brother who, for whatever reason, had little interest in such things; deprived of the steady companionship of a cousin who could have answered his questions thoroughly and honestly; of course Faramir considers himself woefully inadequate in the area of amorous arts! So he goes to the Source of All Knowledge, the Library.
Your passages from the book are priceless - exactly what would be expected. I can just imagine the illustrations! (I actually searched the Chester Beatty Library for something along those lines, to send you, but to no avail - they must keep those things locked up to protect the young and innocent of all ages). It's difficult for us, in these lascivious days, to understand how truly shocking that text must have been. I can just imagine Faramir's ragged breathing, his sweaty palms, even as an adult and completely within his rights to peruse such a book. The librarian's dry comment, stunning Faramir,is an absolutely perfect finish to the chapter! Very, very well done!
Author's reply
Yes, cousin Eldahil would have set him straight. Though it might have taken several bottles of wine to get the conversation going. "The Source of All Knowledge, the Library"--LOL! Being a rational type (for a medieval man), Faramir goes straight to the most scientific source of knowledge available, the healers. Someone at ff.net suggested that, if I were evil (mwahahahaha!) I would have the treatise give him incorrect information. However, Tolkien says that the healers of Gondor are quite skilled, so that book is probably a reasonably reliable source, even if certain parts of the illustrations are a bit out of proportion. Did you really look for a medieval medical text for me in that Irish museum? :-D Anyway, thanks so much for the wonderful review!
Lianna
· 12 June 2006
· Chapter 1: Part I
Poor Faramir. No father or older brother to ask about such things.
Author's reply
It is very sad--he has lost his entire family, though at least there seems to be great love between him and his uncle Imrahil.
Thanks for reviewing!
Branwyn
Julia
· 12 June 2006
· Chapter 1: Part I
Trust Faramir to turn to the library for help even with *that*!
Author's reply
Though he might have learned just as much reading graffiti on the City Walls. :-D Glad you enjoyed the chapter!
Branwyn
ellethill
· 12 June 2006
· Chapter 1: Part I
I really like how this story is written - it makes great sense, and it has an appropriately delicate approach to a delicate subject. I couldn't stop grinning, while all the while feeling for Faramir.
I am eagerly looking forward to reading more!
Author's reply
This has been great fun to write so I am glad that you are enjoying it. Though Part II takes a somewhat less delicate approach *cough*
Thanks for your kind comments!
Branwyn
utfrog
· 12 June 2006
· Chapter 1: Part I
This is hilarious. PLEASE keep going with it. As a librarian, I am pleased our Faramir thought to look in books, but some practice would also be a great idea.
Author's reply
The application of Faramir’s new-found knowledge comes later in the story, but at least he now has some grounding in the theory. :-D
Thanks for reviewing!
harrowcat
· 12 June 2006
· Chapter 1: Part I
Oh poor Faramir. In need of Fatherly advice and having to turn to a book to get it!
Author's reply
Though I am not sure how much advice he would have gotten from his father:
"Son, you need to learn the facts of life. Do you know where you and your brother came from? Your riding lessons in the stable? No, I mean how you were born. How dynasties are perpetuated and domestic tranquility secured. I marked the pages in this book, "Treatises on the Art of Healing." Just read it and let me know if you have any questions."
:-D
Thanks so much for reviewing!
Raksha The Demon
· 11 June 2006
· Chapter 1: Part I
Good to see this delightful story posted at last! Faramir's dilemma is sensitively written here; he's in a situation where his self-sufficiency works against him, rather than for him; as a new bridegroom who is ignorant of the pleasures of the flesh, and has no nearby male kinsman who can give him some useful advice.
Faramir's quest to find more information on sexual pleasure in the Minas Tirith library is funny, and poignant.
I am very much looking forward to seeing more of this story!
Author's reply
I am glad that you like your very late birthday present (just think of it as a birthday present on the installment plan). Yes, from his experience as a ranger, Faramir would be used to solving his own problems and keeping his own counsel; also, I think that even Faramir, the most sensible of men, would not want to have to admit his inexperience in matters of love.
Thanks for reviewing!
Gandalfs apprentice
· 11 June 2006
· Chapter 1: Part I
This is wonderful! When will there be more?
Gandalfs apprentice
Author's reply
Thanks--I am glad that you liked it! Part II should be ready next Sunday.