Reviews (142)

Fimbrethil · 29 December 2025 · Chapter 17: Ripples

“But for the word of a boy, Denethor and Boromir would yet live.” Wow. And this Angbor is the one in the LotR. Now I have to reconsile that he is younger than Imrahil here.

Fimbrethil · 29 December 2025 · Chapter 15: A Prince's Fury

No! Baranor!

Fimbrithil · 29 December 2025 · Chapter 9: 'Twould Seem Folly

“These are only rumours; there is no fact behind them. There is no healer in the north! Faramir will not be able to survive the trip, never the mind its total futility.” Oh! oh! There is hope now! She will go with Listöwel and Éomund. …What of Théodred? I see, he will go of course. And Siriondil. “I have men who chafed at their forced retirement from Gondor’s service. Though I have placed them in areas of need, your need is greater. I will send Gildor, Gorlim, and Baranor with you. Though older in years, the blood of Númenor flows through them. They have strength enough, and wisdom, to protect you. If you do not accept them, I will bar the gate and you will not leave.” His voice had risen, firm and strong, and she knew she could not gainsay him.”

Fimbrethil · 29 December 2025 · Chapter 8: In The Wizard's Den

I loved the section in Gondor.

Fimbrethil · 29 December 2025 · Chapter 7: Dreams Abound

“She cringed, tears glistening in her eyes. “Faramir is Steward?” “Aye, my Lady. These past ten years.” ‘Ten years!’ she thought. ‘Ten years. Where have I been? What have I been doing?’” What? What happened to Aragorn, Théodred, Théoden, Éomund?! Wow, these nightmares are something! And Elladan too!

Fimbrethil · 29 December 2025 · Chapter 5: Brothers United

“Which path will you take?” “I was planning on going past Angrenost. Then, through to Edoras. The Rohirrim will lend me another horse. I will leave yours with them until I can claim it again. Then, on to Minas Tirith.” “May we ride with you at least to Tharbad?” Estel turned quickly and looked at the sad faces of his brothers. “We would be no bother, we promise.” He smiled warmly. “I would be most pleased to have your company.” hmmm Saruman won’t do anything to him will he? “And his mother died in peace in Imladris” She died in 3007 among the Dunedain. “Though I bitterly fought such things while I was in Thengel’s service, and Denethor’s.” ah. I suppose. “We reach Angrenost in a short time, Estel. Will you visit the wizard before we pass?” hmmm.

Fimbrethil · 29 December 2025 · Chapter 4: Sorrow Untold

Good writing. At last Indis and Théodred will have some rest.

Fimbrethi · 29 December 2025 · Chapter 3: An Elvish Reunion of Sorts

“Walking to the window, he slammed his hand down hard upon the nightstand, shattering it. He bowed his head, put his hand over his eyes and wept bitterly” that seems like a very fragile nightstand… “I am sure he did, Aragorn. But you must hear me out. You are needed in Gondor. I carry even more fearsome tidings. Faramir, Denethor’s youngest, has fallen into a death sleep. He saw his brother murdered before him. He woke once, after the foul deed, but has since slipped away.” Aragorn strode forward, wrapped the remnants of their meal in a napkin from the table, hitched his sword to his side, and ran out of the room.” Wow, first Aragorn heals Faramir here, and secondly, he really is in a hurry to get to Gondor! At least he remembered food, lol :) “Three nights later, Aragorn found himself at the base of Weathertop. He camped for the night, pulling out the last of his food from the inn. He would have to hunt tomorrow, a prospect he did not look forward to. Time was too short. Tears stung his eyes again as he collected wood. ‘Would that I could have spoken to Denethor one last time. To have assuaged his fears, to have told him of my love for him and for Gondor. He wiped his right eye with his free hand, trying to stop the tears that fell. ‘I cannot go back. I cannot speak with the Steward again,’ he thought, ‘but I can save his son. I must speak with Elrond first, find what herbs I need, and then head east.’” hmmm. Things a getting interesting.

Fimbrethil · 29 December 2025 · Chapter 2: Friends of Gondor

…Indis sounds like Lady Macbeth, sleepwalkin, and she didn’t do anything. “Once, she had found a shard from his tunic, lying in the bottom, and she had screamed his name and swooned. Éomund had rushed to her side, he was ever near, and lifted her gently in his arms. Waking, she struggled; he whispered her name over and over as he carried her to her chambers. Ragnhild had been called; she brought sweet tea and cold compresses. Indis had slept that night. None since had she slept through.” Hmmm what happened to Théodwyn and the wedding? What happens if he marries Indis? Ah Théodred is still worried about Faramir. Imrahil liking Denethor is weird, but I suppose it hadn’t been that long since Fin died. The new guards are interesting. I must suppose Baranor is to be the father of Beregond. Théoden must return, but Théodred, and Éomund will stay? What of Théodwyn? Right that Grimbold, and Elfhelm’s sons are dead. Are they the Grimbold and Elfhelm? I don’t remember, but I suppose not.

Fimbrethil · 28 December 2025 · Chapter 1: Gandalf's Ill news

Aragorn?! 20 years ago wouldn’t he have been in the South? “Aragorn had discovered that Mithrandir seemed to have adopted some Hobbit habits – especially expecting to eat before discussing anything of import. So they ate and Aragorn kept silent.” LoL. Well, this is a nice summary of the first book.

Tari · 29 January 2008 · Chapter 99999: Cast of characters in order of appearance

Since I couldn't remember if I read the entire story or not, I decided to read it again. I'm sooooooooooooooooo glad I did. It's wonderful. Now I will start reading the sequel. Tari

Fiondil · 3 July 2007 · Chapter 12: Trials

Hi Agape, I decided I would read a dozen chapters at a time and leave a review on those chapters. Time constraints prevent me from reviewing every chapter. Sorry. What I like about this story so far is that you've brought in Aragorn and the twins. Aragorn obviously has some feelings toward the House of Húrin that goes beyond the fact that he once served under the Stewards as Thorongil. I think he has paternalistic feelings towards Denethor's family as their king even though they are not aware of his existence as the Heir of Isildur. I loved how as soon as Mithrandir told him the news he was rushing out the door. I suspect that Aragorn often fantasized about returning to Minas Tirth as king and having Denethor welcome him and now that fantasy is dust and ashes. It must have been heart-breaking for him, so it's no wonder he wants to rush off to save little Faramir. The boy is now his Steward after all. Elladan and Elrohir are much as I imagine them with their light-hearted older sibling banter and their obvious love for Estel. They are good companions for him and I think they are good for Aragorn on other levels, because they help keep him from taking himself too seriously. Indis is an amazing woman for any age and it's a pity more people aren't like her, whatever their gender. She's loyal and resolute in her love of Faramir, thinking only of him and never of herself and her own dignity and self-worth. I wonder in our own world and history how many good men and women were destroyed (spiritually and/or emotionally) by other people's lack of respect for them and their abilities because they were the wrong gender, or the wrong social class or didn't have the proper pedigree. It's nice to see that someone like Imrahil (whom I have always admired for his obvious nobility) respects Indis enough not to patronize her or tell her to not to interfere in matters beyond her understanding. The Rohirrim, given their culture, were more patronizing towards her, even Théoden to some degree, but at least he and Éomund are willing to learn from their mistakes and trust that Indis has a brain and a will no less worthy of respect than theirs just because she's female. Young Théodred and Targon are adorable (as much as 13-year-old males can be) and it saddens me that they have to grow up so quickly. We speak of "crimes against humanity" and I think the worst crime is when children are brutally robbed of their innocence. We must all lose it to one degree or another as part of the maturation process that allows us to function as competent adults, but it's one thing to lose that innocence naturally through the normal experiences of growing up, but it's another thing when that innocence is stolen or ruthlessly destroyed. It was one of the themes I tried to explore in RETRIBUTION. The description of the visit to Isengard set my hackles up. Saruman is so slimy and I could easily see Christopher Lee playing this; he does "slime" very well. Aragorn and the elves had every right to feel that something was horribly wrong and it is a pity that they had no choice at first but to trust in Mithrandir and Elrond's own trust in Saruman, though, really, I often wondered how Mithrandir could have been so bloody stupid... not to mention the Valar. Do you realize, when taking into account the tale of the Wizards in UNFINISHED TALES that both Sauron and Saruman were originally servants of Aulë? That poor Vala must wonder if he's cursed or something to have two of his most trusted Maiar fall into Darkness. The "spell" under which Aragorn fell was frightening, all the more so because alll three of them have to wonder if Elladan and Elrohir have also been affected. If nothing else, even if there are no further manifestations of the spell occurring, the doubt alone will set them second-guessing themselves at critical moments that could spell doom for them all. And now the journey has begun... for all of them... but to what end?

Pearl Took · 21 May 2007 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue

Well ended, Agape! An oath fulfilled, a life saved and a new love. Well and beautifully written :-) I'll be looking for your new story!

Larner · 21 May 2007 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue

A fitting ending for the saga, and I look forward to the third portion of the story once you begin posting it. Thanks.

Raksha The Demon · 21 May 2007 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue

So this part of your saga is finally over. A commendable effort, the juggling of so many plot threads and characters in a coherent narrative is no easy task. I look forward to the sequel and seeing what you do with the future of this AU.

SurgicalSteel · 21 May 2007 · Chapter 9999: Epilogue

Lovely story. I'll be looking for the sequel!

Pearl Took · 20 May 2007 · Chapter 47: There Is Comfort Here

Wonderful!! I'm so happy for Ragnhild and Borondir :-) And Faramir is waking! *sigh :-)*

Raksha The Demon · 20 May 2007 · Chapter 47: There Is Comfort Here

Finally! Interesting that it was a lullaby sung by Thorongil and Indis that brought Faramir back. I would have thought that Aragorn might have psychically called him, with a king's healing voice and power. What's to prevent Faramir from slipping back into a coma under the stress of his bereavement - we saw him wracked by nightmares earlier in the story; he needs to be strong enough to withstand them now. I'm so glad you didn't kill off Eomund! Bad enough to see Beregond's father die! In answer to your reply to one of my earlier reviews - I do hope you will have Faramir in Henneth Annun when Frodo and Sam and Gollum are abroad in Ithilien in 3019 - don't take Faramir's contribution to the Ring quest away from him. As Steward, it would have been his right to visit his troops, and he would have had considerable military training and probably experience. There is no reason to send Imrahil or any Swan Knight to Henneth Annun - they would be out of place there in 3019, there would be too much need for them in Minas Tirith anyway. I hope Faramir will still have the dream of the sword that was broken. As Steward, he cannot go to Imladris itself, but he could send another. My vote is for Hirgon, who bore the Red Arrow to Theoden (with others I think) in the book and who physically resembled Boromir. I believe it's said in HoME that Tolkien originally meant Hirgon to be Denethor's nephew; in your AU, he could be a more distant cousin.

Viresse · 18 May 2007 · Chapter 47: There Is Comfort Here

Good that Elladan is now awake - at first I thought he may somehow fall into the same spell as Faramir, as he is not responding to anyone even Elrohir can't find any wounds. And his condition can fightened his twin brother so. Elladan seems well enough in this chapter - or is he really?

Larner · 18 May 2007 · Chapter 47: There Is Comfort Here

Hooray! And all comes right with the world! How very wonderful to see all finally come to their proper place, and with the proper one beside her--or him. And in your version it was Ecthelion who sought to engineer the rift between Aragorn and Denethor? Ah, that is too very bad. I rejoice that Minastir is defeated and Faramir awakes in Aragorn's arms with his hand being held by his beloved aunt, and that Elves and Men are able to find peace before they come to unwarranted blows.

Larner · 18 May 2007 · Chapter 46: Friends Reunited

Will they fetch in the prisoner they took outside the cave now? At least they have the reassurance that Faramir is alive and in the best of hands, and that the same is now true of Eomund as well. And Indis herself is recovering. Yet it is a horrendous tale that Thorongil must hear.

Pearl Took · 10 May 2007 · Chapter 45: In The Arms of Friends

This is tense! We've one oddly downed and another who we now know will be fine, and only two more chapters!! Awk! I'm glad Borondir and Ragnhild are in love :-)

Larner · 10 May 2007 · Chapter 45: In The Arms of Friends

Proper resolution is now beginning. Excellent. And Erkenbrand and Elrohir managed to overwhelm Elladan's guards without causing more hurt and mayhem along the way. Definitely to the good, once they realize they are facing allies and not enemies.

Larner · 5 May 2007 · Chapter 44: To The Rescue

I take it Elladan is the one the Gondorians managed to overpower outside the cave? Now, as long as they don't act precipitously inside it. And Ragnild still lives! Hope is there, then.

Pearl Took · 5 May 2007 · Chapter 44: To The Rescue

Relief and a cliff hanger all in one chapter! Well written, Agape :-) I loved the response to the lullaby - if it were a trap, wouldn't a bawdy tavern song have been better! LOL