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All for Her   by SoundofHorns 9 Review(s)
MysteriousWaysReviewed Chapter: 53 on 8/31/2004
GULP

BKBReviewed Chapter: 53 on 7/3/2004
I present four points for your consideration:

1) If the marks on E's neck have been noted by others, especially household staff who would surely be on speaking terms with the riders in Eomer's eored, I can see a point to the practical joke in the barn. I'm sure that they think that F needs to be "cooled off".

2) If practical jokes are an acceptable part of Rohirric culture, but not of Gondorian culture, F could easily be taking these incidents more seriously than they are meant by their perpetrators.

3) Speaking of cultural differences (and going back to chapter 52), I'm sure that Eomer is misreading F in thinking of him as a "tame pony". Eomer seems to express most of what he thinks and feels whenever he thinks and feels it, thus he would not understand F who constantly regulates his language, both verbal and non-verbal.

4) Even though E doesn't really understand how thoroughly she is teasing and exciting F as they sit in the corral, I'm still glad to see her do it. Sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.

Author Reply: 'Sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander' LOL, I've never heard that one.
I'm sure the Rohirric soldiers do think that Faramir needs to be cooled off--and how in the next chapter! Brrr!! Poor guy. Heh, I can't say more. I can't wait until Faramir's out there with them but we've got a little over 2 days from where I am now. Some peeping fishermen might or might not make Faramir's life a living hell, I haven't decided yet. :D

Faramir takes the incidents more seriously--you haven't seen him do any practical jokes. A few weeny lil jests for Eowyn, to make her smile, yes, but hey, guys do that. I think he's a more serious person and the Rohirrim are more naturally jubilant--even in war they're singing and having joy in battle, I didn't get the same impression from the battles in Gondor. However, in the White City they've lived far closer to Mordor, hence, I would expect more seriousness.

Eomer's very straight-forward, to a fault, even. I think the entire experience with Grima's lies and deceptions dissuaded him from hiding things--unless he has to, which he will. It's going to strain him badly, hiding what he will in the next chapter and later on. No, he and Faramir don't understand each other. I think, though, without Eowyn they might have developed some friendship just since they're both friends with Aragorn, but she's the wedge that will hold them apart for a very long time. Faramir is "stealing" her--imagine, his little sister is the one person Eomer has loved and looked after his entire life and now, just when he's basically got no close companionship and no one to help him run an entire land, she's leaving. Emyn Arnen, Ithilien is roughly 350-400 miles from Edoras. That would be a good ways in our time with cars--it's a damn journey in Middle Earth. :(

LOL--Eowyn will tease Faramir some more later--he's going to be teasing himself, I guess you could say, from what he's doing in the next chapter. It's not like she thought it up or asked for it anyway...course she does like it, lol. I don't think anyone wouldn't like it.

Anyway, I'll try to post as soon as possible, it's just the chapter DOES NOT WANT TO END. I swear, Theoden is just NOT getting in that mound until I force him. I'm desperately trying to squeeze in Eowyn/Arwen, but the Queen is being uncommunicative at the moment. :( Luckily, Eomer/Faramir mini bonding has begun. I'm comparing it to a tiny seed you plant in a little pot--you pat the dirt down, water it, put it in the sun and then this wee sprout comes up, no bigger than the tip of your pinkie. That sprout? Eomer/Faramir's friendship. Now, let's hope it doesn't get squished.

SantooriReviewed Chapter: 53 on 6/29/2004
Further comments: Yep! I saw 'Evolution' - Orlando Jones said it right? Loved the saying ever since but only use it on special occasions. hehe

Something else I thought about: Without the Gift, Faramir would have a difficult time courting Eowyn. With his ability he is able to quickly discern whether he is moving too fast or making her feel uncomfortable. The 'usual' approach would have taken years since Eowyn had put up so many barriers to protect herself.

Their mental communication gives their relationship a rather Elvish feel, but also accelerates their courting. Love is such an overwhelming feeling when you're just experiencing your own feelings- Imagine being able to really feel and know how your partner feels about you. That would like be an emotion overload! I think that the physical aspect of the relationship would also proceed quicker because of their emotional and mental intimacy. It's bound to speed things up in other areas as well!

Sorry if I am repeating opinions already aired!

Just wanted to say that your depiction of their relationship felt real.



Author Reply: LOL, 'Evolution' so rocked, I have that movie. Orlando Jones was awesome.
Anway, yes, the Gift helps hugely and their connection will deepen as time progresses. Emotional overloads will actually happen and not just in Eowyn's case, but Faramir's as well. Though, older and more experienced, he's able to handle such things easier.
Thanks, I love to know that I'm not just writing stuff blindly! Any thoughts, come on and share. Every review makes me look at my story from less of an insider's view and helps me write it (plus, make me feel good opening my email, lol).

Lady of the WoodReviewed Chapter: 53 on 6/28/2004
Yeaow! That was a steamy chapter...I liked it! More! More!

I too was wondering about why Faramir was having trouble with the horses. It's not like he hasn't been on one before.

I liked the short confrontation between Faramir and Eomer and how Faramir let Eomer know that he knows what's going on. Faramir maybe a man of peace but he's not a door mat and I hope that Eowyn finds this out too. I found her comment to Aragorn about Faramir being a bit more "manageable" a wee bit disturbing considering that Eomer thinks that his sister has her fiance wrapped around her little finger.

Is Faramir's time with the Rohirrim going to happen before the engagement gets anounced or after. I know in the book it's announce at the burial feast for Theoden. I can't wait for the next chapter. I check daily. :)

Author Reply: LOL, it was steamy, wasn't it? Hehe, that Faramir...he's a hottie! ;)
Umm, for the horses check the review below, I've given some explanations there.
Yes, Eomer knows to some extent, he watched those men on the trail to Rohan and he's a soldier himself--he knows what goes on to the poor *scapegoats* so to speak. And there will be some Eomer/Faramir conversations in the next chapter that will help bring them closer to understanding each other, but they won't be true friends for a long time. Hmm, I've got everyone paired up next chapter with Eomer and Faramir together and Eowyn and Arwen together and poor Aragorn off to the side. Maybe he can knit or something, lol.
Actually, it was Aragorn who called Faramir manageable. Eowyn only said he was more handsome than Aragorn and didn't reply to that, it was really a joke. Sorry if you misunderstood! LOL, Eomer does think she has him wrapped around her finger, though.
Well, the engagement gets announced sometime next chapter. Right now they're in the middle of day 2 and Theoden's laid to rest on day 3. Faramir's *duties* begin on day 6, so he's got 4 more days of freedom.
:D Wow, you check daily, what a compliment!! I only wish I could write all day long so I could update sooner!!

JenReviewed Chapter: 53 on 6/28/2004
Wow! Eowyn is really allowing her guard down around Faramir [among other things]:) They are going to get in so much trouble if Eomer finds out. Speaking of Eomer, I'm starting to feel sorry for him being left behind by Eowyn. Will Lothiriel be showing up later in the story for him?

Really enjoyed the chapter but was just a little puzzled at the end about Faramir appearing so clueless with the horses. He was described by Tolkien as someone who can master both beasts and men and at one point was the only one to control his horse when being chased by the Black Riders across the Pelennor. I would imagine that he would be able to control a skittish horse. I'm sure though that this will be explained in the next chapters. Looking forward for the next installment.

Author Reply: LOL, Eomer...hehe, I know. I can't be sure when to let him in, around now or much, much later. LOL, I think it will be later and it'll be a bit of a surprise as to who spills it. :D Lothiriel, I think, will be in a tiny bit, but near the end. He doesn't marry her for another year and I don't think Eomer has the patience of Faramir, once he sees her and realizes, well, that's about it.
Faramir's clueless because he's not *doing* anything wrong. He's not jerking it around, not yelling at it, basically, not abusing it in any way and since Eowyn's horse is acting perfectly there's obviously no reason for it to spook--I ride trail and if one horse acts up, they ALL do. So, he's confused and he's had a crappy day so far (not counting seeing Eowyn nude) and he's a little tempermental.
About the Black Riders--one assumes the horse he was riding trusted him and knew him since I doubt he could keep it there or have it do the things he did with brute force or fear of punishments--the poor animal would have come apart like the others did. Obviously, the Rohirrim horse doesn't know him--he doesn't look like a Rohirrim does, doesn't move like they do, talk, or act in the same fashion. Horses are very sensitive to body language and he's not projecting the same signals the stallion expects.
Also, I'll get to this, Faramir can sense the horse's emotions and such, but he can't *speak* horse. Any Rohirrim worth anything can do so, even if in a rudimentary fashion, they have to know some Equus if they're supposed to be the best horsemen around. Anyway, more on that later.

Elendiari22Reviewed Chapter: 53 on 6/28/2004
First off, great chapter! I understand why Faramir thinks that all of the Rohirrim hate him; I would, too, if I were in his shoes. Aragorn and Arwen crack me up, as did the image of Eomer looking highly entertained by their fight. Eating an apple and watching! That was too funny. :)
I'm dying to find out why Arwen wants to stay at Edoras, and I can't wait to see more interaction between her and Eowyn.
All in all, keep up the great work! Thanks!

Author Reply: I know, poor Faramir, but at least it wasn't a bucket of manure! LOL Well, what was Eomer supposed to do? He was hungry, that was part of his breakfast. :) Promise more Arwen/Eowyn in the next chapter. Lots, actually as well as Faramir/Eomer.

SantooriReviewed Chapter: 53 on 6/28/2004
Great Googly Moogly!

That chapter made my hair stand on end!

Wow! *fans face* I don't think anyone but the ShieldMaiden herself could survive Faramir's courtship. I would pass out!
Another lovely chapter! Always looking forward to your updates!


Author Reply: LMAO! Every time I hear "Great Googly Moogly!" I think of that movie Evolution and when they're looking at the giant alien and the dude says it all totally awed and stuff. Rofl!! Awesome movie--if you haven't seen it, a must.

Anyway, LOL!! Try writing it.... ;) Personally, the hallway, when he's first walking behind her with his fingertips touching her dress...my fav. A close second was when he says, "Come here." Yipes, lol, if it were I...yeah, probably with the passing out. :D

EomerofEastfoldReviewed Chapter: 53 on 6/28/2004
Ok, I know Faramir was trying to convince her that it wasn't just empty flattery when he said she was beautiful. Yet, he was also trying to keep himself restrained. So why then would he place her hand in his lap? If I was a Faramir, well, um, let's just say that would be one of the LAST things I'd do if I was trying to calm myself down....

*Takes deep breath*

Now for the other things. Eomer biting into an apple while watching Aragorn and Arwen fighting was priceless! As was the fact that the two were arguing so intensly right in front of him.

That's an interesting viewpoint of what Eowyn would have done if Gandalf and company had not come to Edoras. It not only shows the sacrifice she would have made for her people, but how much she really loves her brother, which is important for this tale. Namely, for those readers that think Eomer's an ass.

I think if I was Faramir, I'd think the Rohirrim hated me as well. Now don't go yelling at me; *I* know they're only teasing, but Faramir doesn't, obviously. I feel sorry for him, in truth. He must feel really torn up inside, wanting to be with Eowyn and yet having to bear what he believes to be her people's disapproval.

And Eowyn. I should hope what she told Merry does come true. And, until then, I hope she can begin to trust more that she can be happy with Faramir in Ithilien. Of course, one thing begs me to ask, why would she think herself to be her husband's "property?" Faramir is a sensible man, and no sensible man would ever wish to make his wife feel as such. Even if it were the case, Faramir would be as much her property as she was his. Surely she realizes this by now.

Author Reply: LOL, I know, I know about Faramir, but, yes 1. Proving his comment was not empty flattery and 2. You don't have his POV, which is that he wants her to get used to the idea that he can be aroused and not press her for anything. --Will do later, BTW.
Ah, the Eomer/watching argument, they were all walking and Aragorn opened his mouth... ;) Incidentally, lots more Eomer in the next chapter with some *gasp* *gasp, dare I plant hope in all our hearts!?* Eomer/Faramir bonding scenes!!!
I've had Eowyn's "plan" in mind for a long time and it seemed exactly what she would have done--namely, freeing her people up and by killing herself freeing Eomer of 1. Making the decision to punish her in the undoubtedly horrible way kin-killers, not to mention king-killers were and 2. Since I personally think Eomer would rather slay himself than hurt Eowyn, she frees him from going against his people.
I know, poor Faramir, I understand-I had him say it this time, that they hated him. :(
Well, wives were husband's property back then, as I'm sure you know, and she's still thinking in that way, albeit less now. Like I wrote, hope and fear are warring and hope's winning, but slowly. Every day she's getting closer to complete trust in Faramir. She's come a loooong way already! He hasn't done anything to make her feel that way--its more of a thing she has in herself, I think that won't be resolved for a long while.

Raksha The DemonReviewed Chapter: 53 on 6/28/2004
I can't decide whether Faramir's persistant seduction of Eowyn is a very sensitive and clever way to accustom a traumatized virgin to sexual intimacy, or just a ploy by a frustrated lover to get as much as he can from the woman he loves before they marry. Faramir keeps saying he won't do anything to her, then pushing her, albeit gently, to reveal more of herself and touch more of him and let him touch more of her, and I don't think Eowyn realizes the fire she's igniting. It might make more sense for Faramir to hold back a bit,and not keep pushing on to the next step. Also, it would be nice if some sexual mystery was retained for the wedding night.

It seems to me that the seduction Faramir began as a way of gently introducing Eowyn to sensual/sexual pleasure has taken hold of him; he can't stop.

I do get tired of Faramir being the butt of Rohirrim jokes.

I can't wait to find out why Arwen is so set on not going to Isengard.

Funny moment between Eowyn and Aragorn when she was going on about how handsome Faramir is and Aragorn joked about taking him to his bed...

Your knowledge of horses is equalled only by your command of the Rohirric language and now Sindarin (and was Arwen speaking in Quenya or Sindarin?); all of which are quite impressive.





Author Reply: Ooh, you're good about keeping up with this "seduction" and I think its a little of both--he started just trying to prove he wasn't going to hurt her, that she would enjoy it and well, its habit now. You're right, he can't stop, really and Eowyn is ENTIRELY unaware of how badly she's teasing him, she's not that familiar with men's sex drives, except for the threatening side.
And Faramir's a guy who hasn't had a serious relationship and, for this story anyhow, it's "been a LONG time since" if you know what I mean (while I dont see him as the type to peruse the easy women, I'm not going to say he probably hasn't at some point, its a fine line because he's very viturous and yet, he's a man with urges, so...what do I do with that? I don't know, but I'll give you my best effort to figure it out and present it in a believable fashion.)

There will be mystery left, I promise, they're not going THAT far in all this, after all, Faramir only has 4 more days as a Prince and they don't DO things like that in Rohan. Arwen will be explained as soon as Eowyn can get there, next chapter.

YES! HA! I LOVED the Aragorn/Eowyn thing about Faramir--made me giggle the whole freaking day I thought it up. Arwen was speaking in Quenya--Aragorn is caught calling her his "beloved" in Quenya by Frodo and I thought as he would probably use it, so would she. Faramir, by the way, was using Sindarin--1. he's a scholar and undoubtedly knows both elven languages, 2. Author's POV, the phrases in Sindarin were far better to "go" in the story (selfish, I know, for shame) :D

Anyway, Faramir's got 2 friends in the Rohirrim--Gaer and Halorl and actually in the next chapter Eomer takes pity and tries to make it a bit easier for him. Only a few more jokes, I promise and well, it wouldn't be a test if it were easy, would it? The very title of the story implies some hardship, doesn't it?

Next chapter, finally, putting Theoden to rest, sorry it wasn't this one, but suddenly 12,000 words got awfully small...

BTW-thanks for the compliments! :D I'm enjoying putting all this language into the story, it adds something I can't quite put a word to but that I really love.

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