Hearts in Stone by Raksha The Demon

Reviews (11)

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Estelcontar · 21 September 2009 · Chapter 0: Hearts in Stone

Raksha, this is a beautifully touching and poignant vignette, and a most perceptive portrayal of both a loving and passionate marriage and a strong friendship. You've done great justice to Éowyn, Faramir and Aragorn.

Author's reply

Thanx for the review, Estelcontar. I do think that the marriage of Faramir and Eowyn was a passionate one. I'm pleased that you thought I did justice to Faramir and Eowyn and Aragorn; they're such great characters.

Lady Bluejay · 21 September 2009 · Chapter 0: Hearts in Stone

Absolutely lovely. A masterly portrayal of Ewoyn through Faramir's eyes. LBJ

Author's reply

I'm glad you liked the story, LBJ; I think Faramir loved Eowyn very much, throughout her life, old age as well as youth, etc. Though I doubt that the marriage was always easy...

Antane · 20 September 2009 · Chapter 0: Hearts in Stone

I love the description of the memories of his beloved - shining and stinging. And even more that Aragorn holds Faramir while they both cry. Such a worthy king to love his people that much, like the care he gave to Faramir's dying brother. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

Author's reply

Thanx, Antane. Memories of a dead loved one are lovely, and painful too, aren't they...I think Aragorn admired and liked Eowyn and would have mourned her passing, even if his grief wasn't as deep as Faramir's.

Ellynn · 20 September 2009 · Chapter 0: Hearts in Stone

This is such a beautiful story, with perfect description of Faramir's grief. I also like very much the "contradictory" description of Eowyn - you described her so well and wonderful. The end is especially touching; when the two men cried, my eyes were full of tears too.

Author's reply

Thanx for reading and reviewing, Ellynn. Eowyn seems a contradictory and unusual woman; which I think strongly appealed to Faramir. I'm pleased that the story was effective; I wanted to give the sense of mourning for a great and beloved lady - Aragorn too, not just Faramir.

Lianna · 20 September 2009 · Chapter 0: Hearts in Stone

Very moving -- and I think very close to what would have happened. Faramir was of partly Numenorian heritage. Tolkien tells us that he lived to the age of about 120. Eowyn would have had a normal human lifespan -- several decades shorter than Faramir's. Barring some unexpected tragedy, it was to be expected that she would die first -- but that wouldn't make things any easier for Faramir.

Author's reply

Yes, Faramir and Eowyn probably knew that going into the marriage; but it makes it no less difficult when the time is up. I envision Eowyn dying before her brother; between the ages of 70 and 82 or thereabouts, having mostly a relatively good and prosperous old age with age-related difficulties becoming problematic only in the last 3-5 years of her life; and her mind sharp until the end (though this isn't yet set in stone in my Fourth Age Tolkien sub-universe; only that she predeceases Eomer). And I think the encounter with the Witch-king, and the Black Breath dosage, might have shaved off a few years from her life (and perhaps Faramir's); but that is personal fanon... Thanx for the review, Lianna; I'm glad you liked the story.

Radbooks · 20 September 2009 · Chapter 0: Hearts in Stone

This is very nice... I love the imagery you've used here. I'm glad my story could give someone inspiration... I just wish it would it would spur ME into writing something. :)

Author's reply

I really didn't remember that your story featured a garden until I went back, after the writing of this story, and reread it - still reads beautifully, btw. As for inspiration, my muses are very fickle. Linda's birthday spurred this one; I thought that this occasion was a time where Faramir could really use Aragorn's comfort. I do hope you will write more Tolkien fanfic stories - perhaps try different characters or formats/genres? Thanx much for reviewing, Radbooks!

illereyn · 20 September 2009 · Chapter 0: Hearts in Stone

Thank you for this. It was lovely.

Author's reply

I'm glad you liked the story; illeryn; and thanx much for reviewing. I found it intriguing to write.

Larner · 20 September 2009 · Chapter 0: Hearts in Stone

Most beautiful, Raksha, and most properly set. Yes, the fellowship grief evidenced by the King himself would indeed help to allow the catharsis he so needs at the moment--the one loosening of the blockage allowing the temporary dam to break loose, allowing him to be fluid once more. Am SO glad he wants to speak with his father--yes, this is one time when he would indeed appreciate the experience Denethor might have been able to share. At least with Aragorn he has someone who is able to show proper empathy, and who has been through more than his own share of grief. Lovely indeed.

Author's reply

I suspect that Faramir had, emotionally, long since put Denethor respectfully and sorrowfully in the past; but this is one time he really felt their connection and his father's absence. Lucky for him that he and Aragorn shared Numenorean longevity, and Aragorn had a very long life. And Faramir especially needed someone who could not only empathize, but remember what it was like to see Eowyn for the first time in the terrible days of the Ring War... Thanx for reading and reviewing, Larner!

Virtuella · 19 September 2009 · Chapter 0: Hearts in Stone

I don't want to spoil this with a wordy review. It's lovely. Thank you.

Author's reply

Thank you, Virtuella, for reading and reviewing; I'm glad you found the story "lovely"...

Lindelea · 19 September 2009 · Chapter 0: Hearts in Stone

Beautifully done. The recurring theme of stone, the melting grace of tears shared, the blossom and the hope of hope. Thank you for a fine nightcap.

Author's reply

Thanx for reading and reviewing, Lindelea. I went to town on the metaphors; but it just seemed natural that Faramir would become numb after what was probably at least several days of bereavement. Aragorn's presence and words were just what Faramir needed at that point...

Linda Hoyland · 19 September 2009 · Chapter 0: Hearts in Stone

This ia a truly wonderful story and I'm honoured it should be my birthday gift. Your use of language for Faramir's grief is beautiful and heartrending and so very true. I loved Aragorn's kindness to his friend and the obvious bond between them. With a friend like this and his children, Faramir will in time heal.

Author's reply

Thanx, Linda; I'm very glad you liked the story. I think, after 50-some years, Aragorn and Faramir would know each other quite well; their mutual respect having grown with their friendship. I agree that Faramir will heal; he's too strong to do otherwise; but this had to have been a terribly painful time for him.