Periantari
· 16 March 2025
· Chapter 6: After the Council
When Faramir was twelve or thirteen, he once confided in Imrahil, troubled by his father’s preference for Boromir. Not knowing what to say—since it was true that Denethor favoured his heir more—Imrahil resorted to some wise sayings: that one cannot choose his station in life, but can always choose how to live; that one can decide whether to be miserable or make the best of what is given.
That is such wise advice from Imrahil.
Author's reply
Imrahil is wise.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
Periantari
· 16 March 2025
· Chapter 5: Stewarding the Steward
(that was me in the last review) sorry for pressing send without signing.
Author's reply
thank you again!
Anonymous
· 16 March 2025
· Chapter 5: Stewarding the Steward
Loved the last part so very much because those are all such valid worries and thoughts to have.
Loved that Eowyn was worried for Faramir and the beginning scene was so tender and so well thought of as something that might happen because i can see Faramir not wanting to open up in the beginning with Eowyn all that is on his mind.
THe touch of lavender oil was so well thought of. It was nice of someone in the household to care for the Steward as such. :)
For some time the tempest in his mind continued, but he made no effort to quiet it. He had come to terms with his thoughts, like one who lives by the sea accepts that every now and then the waves will crash upon the shore.
so beautifully written
Author's reply
Thank you!
It's very generous of you to read my stories while you're writing about the same characters in the same setting.
I must admit, I usually avoid reading "similar" stories while I'm working on mine.
I'm so glad that you found Faramir's worries and thoughts valid.
The opening scene, where Faramir wordlessly places his forehead on Eowyn's shoulder, is my favourite.
periantari
· 16 March 2025
· Chapter 4: Duty
Such a great dialogue between Eowyn and Faramir. It is really necessary to extend their time in Houses of Healing and know how they shared these details of Eowyn's reason to ride out.
“Nay, it does not,” he said firmly. “But neither does your rash decision—if we may call it that—diminish your valour and the great deed you accomplished. Console yourself with the good that came from your riding here. And you can still make amends for leaving your post.”
<3 perfect
and i like how Eowyn is protective of Faramir and what would happen to his authority and role when Aragorn is king.
Author's reply
Dear Periantari,
Thank you!
I'm glad you enjoyed the scene with Faramir and Eowyn.
As for Eowyn being protective of Faramir, I imagined that once people got to know Faramir (seeing past the composure he always shows), they would be rather protective of him. Not out of pity, but out of respect and love.
periantari
· 16 March 2025
· Chapter 1: Returning Home
It is always good to see how authors write about Faramir coming home. And yes, i read Altariels' fic too. I liked seeing your differences and how you handled conversations with him and his servants.
Faramir clasped Húrin’s hand between his own and looked into his eyes. “Thank you, Lord Húrin.”
Húrin placed a hand on Faramir’s shoulder. “You have done very well, Faramir.”
Later, when the house had grown quiet and the night pressed close, Faramir sat in the stillness of his room. He opened the box again and took the ring in his hand, studying it for a moment before slipping it onto his fourth finger. He gazed at it again, tracing the burn marks slowly. He blew out the candle on his bedside table. Then, in the blessed darkness of the night, he kissed the ring reverently, and let his tears fall as he quietly remembered his father.
MOst heart-breaking part and i think it was excellently and thoughtfully written.
Lindelea
· 3 February 2025
· Chapter 6: After the Council
It is indeed instructive to observe the reactions of the Council through Imrahil's eyes. In all honesty, I'd never given Imrahil much thought before reading about him in your stories, but I went back and found what I could in JRRT's writings, and he definitely seems worthy of respect and honor.
(I looked back a chapter or two to see if anyone in the Council argued against extending the crown to Aragorn, but I don't think it was mentioned in this story. I've read so much fanfic this past week, I can't remember if I read such a thing or only imagined it!)
I've been pondering words that describe Faramir, his attitude, his approach to life, his essence... and after some contemplation, combined with Imrahil's memories of how Faramir reacted to the platitudes he offered, the term "grounded" comes to mind.
I'm not sure how easily available RabidSamFan's stories are these days, but her Bergil story, The Errand Lad, is still online. At least, the link I bookmarked for the first part of the story still works:
https://rabidsamfan.livejournal.com/149289.html
(If you go to that link, an "adult themes" warning may come up, requiring you to indicate that you are over 18, but I seem to remember the Bergil story as being G-rated. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Now I feel the need to go back and read it again.)
Author's reply
This story doesn't include a scene of the Council discussing Aragorn's claim.
I wrote about it in my other story "Of Claim and Councils" (chapter 2), but even there, there was not much debate against extending the crown.
I liked Imrahil since the first time I read LOTR. He had me at "Amroth to Faramir!"
Grounded--I've not thought of that, but I think you are right.
Will google RabidSamFan when I have time. I like Bergil.
Thank you for leaving a review! I really appreciate it!
Lindelea
· 31 January 2025
· Chapter 5: Stewarding the Steward
"Stewarding the Steward" – the chapter title promises care and comfort. I'm looking forward to reading more.
Alas for the baggage that shoves a wedge in between them.
Talking to Ioreth = sharing her concerns for Faramir with the whole city, eh? Sounds about right.
That final thought of the Warden's: I agree completely. Quite perceptive of him, but I would expect no less.
Seeing Bergil as an errand-lad always reminds me of RabidSamFan's excellent story. The boy's eagerness and diligence and obvious love for his lord make me smile.
I find myself very glad at Meldis's hint to Húrin, and Húrin's letter to Éowyn!
Author's reply
Lindelea,
You are still reading this story! That made me very glad.
Yes, care and comfort were what I hoped to convey.
Eowyn knows Ioreth well :)
Bergil is endearing, isn't he? I hope to write more of him.
I've never read RabidSamFan's stories--will check them out.
This chapter is one of my favourites, along with "After the Council".
Thank you for leaving a review!
Is the email address linked in your Author Bio still in use? Before Christmas I sent you an email, not sure if you received it. It wasn't much, I just wrote to say that it might be easier to use email for back-and-forth conversations.
PSW
· 19 January 2025
· Chapter 9: The Household
I love this story so much - it is really lovely. And, gap-fillers are definitely my thing, I love writing those S well. Thx so much for sharing!
Author's reply
Thank you so much for reading and leaving reviews!
I'm glad to have found another person who loves gap fillers.
PSW
· 19 January 2025
· Chapter 8: Stargazing
That’s several times you’ve mentioned how someone would not have felt so much for him if he had complained or been bitter. Such is the draw of an honorable, dutiful man. Love it.
Author's reply
Twice: one from Imrahil's perspective, another one from Eowyn's. I hope that's not too many.
It's great that you noticed this!
PSW
· 19 January 2025
· Chapter 7: See, Winter is Past
“She loved bold Faramir.” Me too! <3
Author's reply
Who doesn't? <3
PSW
· 19 January 2025
· Chapter 6: After the Council
I suspect Faramir and his sense of honor and duty were far more suited to be Steward during this brief time than most others…
Author's reply
If we believe that Gondor is meant to have a king, then, yes, Faramir is the most suitable Steward to usher in that transition.
If we take another perspective, that the Ruling Steward is perfectly capable of ruling Gondor, as they had proven for >900 years, then, what a pity that Denethor could not hold on just a little longer.
It's clear which perspective is the Professor's. Yet there is a certain dignity (albeit twisted) in the way Denethor declared "I am the Steward of the House of Anarion..."
Ah well, I admit, I am partial to Denethor.
PSW
· 19 January 2025
· Chapter 5: Stewarding the Steward
These quiet moments in between the action are so important for a person’s welfare. Good for Eowen and all the others for quietly supporting him without directly pushing the issue. I think he will accept that more readily.
Author's reply
Do you mean that Faramir will accept subtle support more readily, compared to a direct "let me help you"?
That is how I imagined it.
Thank you for reading and leaving a review.
PSW
· 19 January 2025
· Chapter 4: Duty
I like this. It is good that Eowen has taken some time for self reflection, and that she has someone to talk with who will take both her actions and her reflections seriously. Eowen and Faramir as you write them seem well suited to each other.
Author's reply
Thank you!
Reading "The Steward and the King" in the book, I did think they are well suited to each other. It is a great pleasure to write about them.
PSW
· 19 January 2025
· Chapter 3: The Lord Steward
Another scene I had never really thought of - you are good at those! It makes sense that they would keep things simple when the Steward takes his oath - especially now with so many questions in the air. Faramir is really the best… <3
Author's reply
The Stewards would keep many things elegantly simple, I imagine. The plain black chair at the lowest step of the dais suggests as much. In my imagination is is plain, yet made of the finest granite, and masterfully crafted.
PSW
· 19 January 2025
· Chapter 2: Letters
I love Imrahil - and these letters to Faramir and Hurin really speak to his love and loyalty. Good for him for looking after not only Steward but nephew, a beloved young man who has seen and been through too much lately. Very nice.
Author's reply
Oh, it seems you're on a reading spree! I'm glad you chose to read my stories :)
I've read many excellent stories about Imrahil. And he shone in the book, too.
shirebound
· 17 January 2025
· Chapter 9: The Household
He is bold in battle. There is no reason why he should be any different in courting.
Indeed! I've enjoyed this story very much, especially with so many glimpses of the love, understanding, and respect felt towards Faramir by every level of the citizenry. If a new king had not treated him well, he'd have had many folk to answer to!
Author's reply
Yes, the king would have many folk to answer to, and he knew it.
Thank you for reading and leaving a review on each chapter. I really appreciate it.
Lindelea
· 13 January 2025
· Chapter 4: Duty
I love Faramir's character as you illustrate it here. He is wise and noble and sensitive and understanding. And the exploration of Éowyn's thoughts and motivations is thought-provoking. And their developing relationship is so subtly and skilfully drawn, as when she reaches out to adjust his cloak.
I find myself wondering alongside Éowyn about Faramir's reaction, "as if a shadow had passed over him". Should I already understand from JRRT's descriptions, or is it yet to be explained in a future chapter?
(I shouldn't read when I'm tired, but I'm so happy to get back to my laptop and be able to read and review again! That said, the jet lag has me feeling as if I'm swimming through a pool of molasses, or something like that. Walking in fog, maybe. Holidays are lovely, and this was our first holiday since 2019. Even as I wish it might have been longer, it feels good to be back home. Beg pardon for the digression.)
Lovely chapter. I'm looking forward to reading more. Hopefully tomorrow.
Author's reply
Lindelea, I missed this review of yours.
I don't get an email notification of reviews. I check the review list regularly, but I missed this.
I'm glad you liked the scene of Eowyn adjusting Faramir's cloak! It came vividly to me...
"As if a shadow had passed over him" -- when Eowyn said "If I had to die, I would choose how and with whom I would die", I imagined that it reminded Faramir of Denethor's choice to die with Faramir through fire. But Faramir did not mention this, as he didn't want to distract Eowyn from her reflection.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and review, especially when you were tired and jetlagged!
shirebound
· 11 January 2025
· Chapter 8: Stargazing
I have since realized that I wish to be with you, whether I am lonely or blissful.
Such a deep and wonderful love, and such a joyous chapter. And this...
I am here with you now. You may ease your restraint a little. You do not have to be brave, noble, and content at all times.
I'm so happy for these two, who (among others) deserve and will appreciate every day of their happily-ever-after.
Author's reply
I'm glad you can sense the joy in this chapter. Thank you for sharing the parts which resonated with you.
periantari
· 10 January 2025
· Chapter 8: Stargazing
She shook her head. The galloping in her heart returned, and this time she let go of the rein. “You said one should not scorn pity that is the gift of a gentle heart, my lord. Then, do not be dismayed when I say I pity you. For I pity you, I admire you, and I love you, Faramir of Gondor.
:*) one of the parts i liked.
I actually also wrote about them admiring the stars also- did not post yet but part of my story here "Relapse". A scene in Rohan that i imagined after the troth-plighting they had. Therefore, i like how they admire the stars and open up to each other especially Faramir.
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm glad you found parts you liked. Admiring the stars is such a lovely scene, isn't it? So your story "Relapse" will go all the way to their troth-plighting, that would be delightful.
periantari
· 10 January 2025
· Chapter 8: Stargazing
what a touching chapter. Loved that Faramir shared this part of the tower with Eowyn and the last part with Eowyn being moved to pity Faramir was very emotional. It's really comforting to hear Faramir open up to Eowyn and for her to be there for him. Lovely and tear-inducing chapter.
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm glad you found the chapter lovely and touching. I imagine Faramir as a staunch, forbearing man, and seeing such a character withstand numerous hardships is likely to inspire admiration and pity. And in LOTR, I believe "pity" has a higher quality than the way we understand pity in our present day.
UTfrog
· 6 January 2025
· Chapter 7: See, Winter is Past
Story just keeps getting better. Thank you so much
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter.
shirebound
· 4 January 2025
· Chapter 7: See, Winter is Past
what happiness could there be, even if she were a queen, unless this grave, remarkable man were her king? ... As she stood by the wall pondering this, she felt the warmth of the sunshine on her face, and in her heart she knew that was how life with this man would be.
What an incredible, life changing revelation for her. I love your details of this joyful time.
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm glad you found some details you loved.
shirebound
· 4 January 2025
· Chapter 6: After the Council
That's a wonderful letter, and Imrahil is a wonderful friend and mentor.
Of course I'm delighted to see the hobbits mentioned. :)
Author's reply
Thank you, Shirebound! It's always a delight to hear from you.
I'm glad you like the letter--I'm rather fond of it myself
I'll strive to feature the hobbits more. After all, they are the main stars of the Lord of the Rings.
periantari
· 3 January 2025
· Chapter 6: After the Council
I love Imrahil and Faramir scenes and this is no exception. I really hope to read more of their dialogues together. :) I'm glad Imrahil is there for Faramir as well.
Author's reply
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review!
I like Imrahil. I'm glad you like this scene of Imrahil and Faramir together.
periantari
· 3 January 2025
· Chapter 7: See, Winter is Past
What a sweet scene that you elaborated upon with Eowyn's thoughts at the end. I really enjoyed that bit.
FOr the last chapter, i really liked the introspective part of Faramir and his heart is still grieving and weighing heavilgy.
However, i liked that you mentioned the details of all the servants that helped him with all the small comforts they gave the him.
It was a nice detail with Eowyn being concerned for Faramir too and sent Lord Hurin to help him out.
This is a lovely story as most of your stories are so well written with the right dialogue and voice.
Author's reply
Thank you!
The Steward and the King chapter in the book is perfect, I did not want to add or change anything. However, for this story, it would be awkward if I do not mention the scene of Faramir declaring his love to Eowyn. I tried my best--I'm glad you enjoyed it.
The introspective part of Faramir was a joy to write.