Raksha The Demon
· 8 October 2008
· Chapter 38: Brushed By Evil
Uh-oh; does Mithrandir want Indis to risk her sanity by continuing to use the Sauron-linked Stone, or does he want to know if she is wise enough to leave it alone, or use it very sparingly? Danger all around.
Looking forward to more. I'd like to see some Faramir/Mithrandir scenes; surely they will forge a good relationship in this AU...
Author's reply
I truly don't think Mithrandir condones Indis' actions, buy cannot stop her from using a tool given by the Elves.
Ah - stop listening to my muse - Faramir will be along shortly and, thankfully, Mithrandir is still about. Though he is one to disappear without a word...
Tari
· 8 October 2008
· Chapter 38: Brushed By Evil
The thought of Indis falling victim to the power of the Palantir sends chills through me. Thank goodness her strength enabled her to resist it. Mithrandir’s arrival was well timed. Too bad he can’t lock that horrible stone somewhere forever. I, too, wonder if she will use it again. I hope this scary lesson will help her to resist.
Author's reply
You never know, Tari. Sometimes the needs of the many... Perhaps if she felt Faramir were in danger... she very well might have looked, if she'd found it earlier, when Faramir was lost in Ithilien....
Tari
· 19 September 2008
· Chapter 37: Of Brine and Bakes
A clambake. Yummy. Why couldn’t they have had them by the sea?
Faramir seems to be recovering beautifully, although I’m sure he’ll have moments throughout his life when the sadness of his losses returns to haunt him.
You have depicted the relationship between Faramir and Prince Imrahil much as I would have thought it to be. I think the Prince would have been like a second father to him.
Tari
Author's reply
Hi, Tari! Thanks for the reply.
I too think that way about Imrahil... He and Denethor were closer in age and they, I hope, were friends... He must have felt a strong sense of duty towards Gondor to have taken on the 'Stewardship' when Denethor passed. At least for the short term... until Faramir was well again.
As for our dear Faramir - there will not be a time when he doesn't feel the loss of his father and his brother.... poor little lad. But he has many who love him and will help him keep the grief in perspective!
Bless you for your faithful responses!
Larner
· 14 September 2008
· Chapter 37: Of Brine and Bakes
Clambakes are undoubtedly held in most areas where clams are easily available! What is easier than digging a firepit in the earth, then filling the coals with shellfish to bake in the covered ashes? In Hawaii, where other foods are enjoyed, they do call it a luau, is all, and cook more than fish and shellfish, of course....
A wonderful way to welcome Faramir. And already Faramir's ability to read hearts is showing itself well.
As for the suspicions of Borondir--I sincerely hope he has full reason to trust his uncle. As long as a certain wizard hasn't come here!
Author's reply
I am afraid, dear Larner, that Borondir will carry suspicion in his heart from now on. It is not an easy thing to have 'lost' his own Steward... I'm afraid the wizard is not out of the picture yet.... *shivers*
As for Faramir - Imrahil is awesome - to give the lad such a joy-filled welcome - with no others about to 'worry' over him or fawn over him - he needs a bit of peace in a 'safe' setting.
When I did a search on the word clambake - all I got was info aboutthe New England ones - DUH! I obviously shouldn't have used that term for you are correct - clambakes by any other name are still clambakes! *giggles*
Bless you and thank you for your comments!
Larner
· 30 August 2008
· Chapter 36: Enchantments and Spells
I only hope he indeed went north and west rather than south.
Author's reply
It seems a lapse in judgment that no one watched this nasty one leave... *shivers* But there minds and hearts were besieged....
Szepilona10
· 15 August 2008
· Chapter 35: The Battle for Faramir
Interesting chapter! Update soon please!
God Bless!
~Szepilona10~
Author's reply
Thanks! Working on the updates... I got laid off at the beginning of this month and could not write 'happy' (if you want to call this happy) stuff...
So I've been writing a really dark thing about Celeborn but it's too violent to put in this family-friendly forum!
If you'd like to read it, http://www.henneth-annun.net/stories/chapter.cfm?stid=7589 - but as I said, it is very dark. The violence is not shown, but the after effects are. It has a mature rating...
Thanks again for always commenting. Most appreciated. BTW - it's almost time for another posting of 10,000 Years... but I'm working on the Battle of Osgiliath with Boromir and Faramir and it requires a lot of research!
Tari
· 13 August 2008
· Chapter 35: The Battle for Faramir
What a women Indis is. Her strength in the face of the evil that is Curunir is a wonder to behold. It seemed he was close to breaking her down, but she prevailed in the end. Good for her.
Tari
Author's reply
Thanks, Tari!
I do so love Indis, but she gets put on the back burner sometimes due to Faramir's needs....
Tari
· 8 August 2008
· Chapter 34: The Bitterest of All
Even at seven years of age, Faramir knows the evil that is Curunir. How wise he is already. Being parted from his beloved Amma will be so hard for him, even if it is only for a month. At least the darkness that held him captive is gone.
I'm glad Turgon went along. He will be able to keep Faramir from missing his home so much. He is definitely a diversion. I hope they don't get into trouble.
Tari
Author's reply
*giggles* I can't see how Targon and Faramir can stay out of truble!
Larner
· 7 August 2008
· Chapter 35: The Battle for Faramir
I hope the cost of defying him does not prove too high. Now, to get his greying tail out of there and make certain no spell lies on her.
Excellent descriptions of the perceptions she has of the foolish Saruman.
Author's reply
Many, many thanks for your compliment. This chapter was truly difficult to write. I knew the audience would be horrifying... but I wasn't sure I would be 'up to' getting that feeling across.
Bless you!
Larner
· 5 August 2008
· Chapter 34: The Bitterest of All
Now on his way, and wise they all prove. Now to see what other tricks Saruman has up his commodious sleeves!
Author's reply
They were all pretty wise for the moment... I'm not sure how the 'meeting' will go tho - nobody tells the author anything!
Larner
· 5 August 2008
· Chapter 33: The Beginning of Fare Well
Nay, but a beacon away! And his aunt must face the White Wizard again tomorrow. I remain glad that the Rohirrim realized they were being bespelled and were able to throw it off. And he'll be away and out of reach for the renewal of the spell. Which leaves his aunt and regent alone, but I hope not too vulnerable herself.
Author's reply
I just loved that phrase when Eomund told me - but a beacon away - bless him!
The A/N makes it pretty clear that Saruman's voice spells could last moments or even longer... at this time, he didn't need to have it last long.... he got the results he wanted by the Rohirrims' support... Then he dropped them like a hot coal... LOL
Faramir will be safe in Dol Amroth - if the wizard doesn't find out where he is - I am concerned for Indis... *shivers*
Tari
· 4 August 2008
· Chapter 33: The Beginning of Fare Well
Your portrayal of Faramir as a child is how I imagined to him be. He is definitely wise beyond his years and also compassionate and loving. I see the strengh in him that he will need later.
If Balan was able to see thru the wizard, perhaps others will too. One can only hope this to be so.
Author's reply
Glad the child Faramir sits well with you. Couldn't you just hug him sometimes???
Raksha The Demon
· 2 August 2008
· Chapter 33: The Beginning of Fare Well
Just when Faramir is finally recovering from the nasty spell, not to mention his father and brother's deaths, he's got to leave again. Drat that Saruman!
Since Faramir is chummy with Eomund in this reality, I wonder if he'll befriend Eomund's children before 3019. Or perhaps might Eomund live longer in this AU?
Author's reply
I'm beginning to feel very sorry for Faramir, yet, a stint with his uncle will do him good... It's funny to think of Elphir as being only 3 years old and Erchirion just born.....
Can't answer those questions yet, Raksha... it would be nice to see Eomund live - for his children's sake - as for Saruman - Drat him is right.
By the way, thanks for the review. I am honored that you are still reading this.
Tari
· 25 July 2008
· Chapter 32: Friendship Reforged
I fear Curunir’s evil far exceeds that of one hundred Orcs.
Indis reacted to Ragnhild and Eomond’s confession just as I knew she would. She knows the true meaning of friendship. It is not something to discard just because someone made a human error.
Now all I can hope is that Indis’ plan succeeds.
Tari
Author's reply
Yup- you got that right, Tari - Curunir is definitely someone tob e afraid of...
Ah - I do so like Indis...
Larner
· 24 July 2008
· Chapter 32: Friendship Reforged
Excellent--they themselves have detected and thrown off the spell! And Saruman gets to travel home by himself!
Author's reply
Thanks, Larner... I don't think they are quite out of the woods yet. Saruman hasn't left quite yet... Indis has one more meeting with him, but she's fairly certain she will be protected. I do so hope she is correct!
Tari
· 21 July 2008
· Chapter 31: A Wizard's Charms
And therein lies the problem. Saruman has been counseling Theoden far too long. Does he have such a spell over Rohan that even Eomund does not see the fork in his silver tongue? I’m thinking it’s just a spell of the moment.
I’m certainly glad someone beside Indis is thinking straight and can feel the evil filling the room. It's amazing how some can resist his sickly sweet voice and yet others are captivated by it. Faramir is in great danger from Saruman. The poor little one has been through so much already and now this. It’s so sad that he must be parted once again from Indis.
Tari
Author's reply
Ragnhild's and Eomund's response is exactly as the footnote states... they spoke to make themselves seem wiser... I think they will both be very angry with themselves once Saruman leaves the room!!!!
I'm telling you, Tari, I almost yelled at the Muse when she said Faramir had to go to Dol Amroth... but she's right - can't have him fall into the wizard's wicked hands!
Edlyn
· 21 July 2008
· Chapter 31: A Wizard's Charms
Brrrrrrr. This was absolutely chilling, meldenya. I recognised what had happened with Ragnild and Eomund immediately. Of course, Saruman wants Faramir to come with him to Isengard! It would be so easy to either kill him or even better turn the boy into his puppet so Saruman could rule Gondor. Knowing what kind of corrupt being Saruman has become I would be willing to say that getting Denethor's children into his clutches was his original intent all along. Boromir's untimely death was just an unexpected benefit since Faramir (as the younger child) would be considered much more malleable to his intent.
I wonder why it is that the Rohirrim seem more suseptible to Saruman's "gift"? Perhaps it is because as a culture they are traditionally more open and honest--I hate to say naive--in their dealings than the more sophisticated culture of Gondor (which has had more than its fair share of internal and external corruption over the ages). In any case, That Istar has a lot to answer for!
The tension in this chapter was well developed and Indis' sorrow and distress are so palpable I want to wrap my arms around her shoulders and offer her reassurances that things will eventually be well. But despite her distress (she only got Faramir back and now must send him away again) she knows what must be done and refuses to put aside her duty to the kingdom. She is a redoubtable woman and Gondor is lucky to have her as Regent.
And she is lucky to have you as her bard.
Eru bless,
Edlyn
Author's reply
Oh my, Edlyn.... I never thought that the wizard had plans for Boromir - but you are right! Maybe you should be writing this... you always seem to 'see' plainer than I do... I'm grateful you think this bard is worthy.........
I do think the descendants of Numenor were 'sharper' than most men... a gift, perhaps, from the Elves and/or the Valar? And the Rohirrim do seem to be a wee bit naive... I think the Gondorians (those of purer blood) would have found it easier to fight Saruman's 'voice.'
As for Indis... bless her heart - she is sorely pressed, to have just lost her beloved husband, her big brother, her best friend, and Morwen - all at the same time - and then - horror of horrors - to watch her own nephew die and to be assailed constantly since then.... I don't know how the woman does it... but her bard will stay with her to the bitter end.
Bless you too!!!
Larner
· 20 July 2008
· Chapter 31: A Wizard's Charms
Ah, yes, that poisonous voice! Not a pleasant thing to face, particularly when one realizes it has friends under its sway.
Author's reply
I'm pretty sure the Gondorians were - not immune - but not as susceptible as the Rohirrim.... but I really have nothing to base that on except for Faramir's statement that Gondor is starting to 'fall' and become more like the Rohirrim... In TTT I think....
Raksha The Demon
· 19 July 2008
· Chapter 30: More Questions, Not Less
Good to see Faramir in such high spirits! Let's hope that Sinister Saruman is kept away from him!
Update soon!
Author's reply
I've been trying to tell Indis that all morning, Raksha... get the kid away from the nasty wizard......
Larner
· 18 July 2008
· Chapter 30: More Questions, Not Less
Very nice--the spell broken and Hurin warding Indis about from Saruman. Now, if they can only keep the creep away from the boy and from laying on any more spells on others!
Author's reply
Dratted spells... Yes, at least one is broken and Faramir is free, for the moment...
Thanks for reviewing!
Tari
· 18 July 2008
· Chapter 30: More Questions, Not Less
"Faramir blushed. “I forgot. It pulled me from the water. Are there any more cookies?”'
Isn’t that just like a child? First they tell you Eagles rescued them and then immediately ask for food as if the incident was immaterial. His enthusiasm has returned along with his appetite. That’s great.
It seems that Saruman has been making enemies already. Too bad Eomund can’t save Theoden from his grasp.
Tari
Author's reply
*giggles* glad you enjoyed the eagles and cookies story!
As for Saruman - Eomund better watch his back!
Edlyn
· 18 July 2008
· Chapter 30: More Questions, Not Less
It is so good to see Faramir acting like a normal little boy asking for more cookies. But at the same time he is still aware of what things he can and cannot say. I enjoyed this very much. But I'm worried about Saruman. That particular Istar scares the daylights out of me and his presence definitely doesn't bode well for anyone in Gondor or Rohan. Why do I think that the time between now and Strider/Thorongil's return is likely to be fraught with trouble caused by the wizard? Very good chapter and excellent writing, particularly the conversation.
Eru bless,
Edlyn
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Edlyn. I'm glad that Faramir is healed... He is a smart child and quick thinking, that's for sure....
As for Saruman - Indis is a strong woman - I'm hoping she'll come away from her time with him intact!
I am very afraid for Eomund!
*blushes at the compliment* Thank you!
Tari
· 1 July 2008
· Chapter 29: Sharing Stew and Other Things
Faramir is bouncing back with the resilience only a child can show. Becoming an esquire is a big step. I fear he will have to put aside some of his childhood. I think perhaps children in his time would have had to grow up too soon anyway.
I’m wondering how Indis feels toward Thorongil given Denethors animosity towards him. I think she should feel deep gratitude, as I’m sure she does.
Author's reply
I'm sad to say you're probably right about Faramir and his childhood... though what could be more fun than running around Lossarnach with Aragorn! I'd do it in a moment!!! *giggles*
I truly don't think there was as much animosity as some fanfic writers make it out to be... Thorongil was Ecthelion's favorite - that cannot be disputed - but I'm not how Denethor would have reacted to that...
As for Indis - she loved Thorongil in My Sword Sings as a friend... she was hurt by Ecthelion's treatment of Thorongil over Denethor... but Thorongil saved Faramir in My Sword Weeps... so I'm sure she is very fond of the man... It's the blasted wizard that she has to be concerned about!
Neilia
· 28 June 2008
· Chapter 29: Sharing Stew and Other Things
What a lovely comfort for Indis to think that Thorongil still watches over Gondor. Faramir is surely surprising some of the adults around him. :) The little lad will be well taught once he is with our king-to-be. Indis is the one to convince, though...hmmm it may not be too hard. Hugs, Neilia
Author's reply
Ah ha! Hugs here too - wow! Thank you....
Yes, Indis would assuredly need the comfort of knowing someone else is behind her, helping her with the task as Regent before her. And Faramir has to grow up quickly, I'm sorry to say, though his Amma will certainly try to give him opportunities to play!
As for convincing Indis... naw!
Fiondil
· 27 June 2008
· Chapter 29: Sharing Stew and Other Things
Indis, and all those present in the room, drew in a breath. “Thorongil,” she whispered. “Thorongil still watches over Gondor.”
That is such a neat statement! And so very true. He does indeed watch over Gondor, for is he not her king though none know it or would necessary recognize it at this time?
Faramir is cute here as he devours two bowls of venison stew and chocolate chip cookies (great combination, btw *grin*). I'm looking forward to Ethuil and seeing how Aragorn begins his training.
Author's reply
Chocolate cookies go with anything!
As for Thorongil - he was ever an entity to reckon with... and I could not see him 'leaving' Gondor to its own devices.... Though not 'actively' taking part in her governing, I'm sure he watched closely.
I'm looking forward to Ethuil too, but the wizard must be dealt with first! And that blasted stone................ *shivers*