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By the Light of Earendil's Star  by Branwyn 6 Review(s)
fliewatuetReviewed Chapter: 14 on 2/28/2005
Uh, oh, Lord Denethor had better not looked so deeply into his palantír. He's in for quite a surprise.

But I absolutely adore Eldahil. Is there a fanclub where I can sign?

Author Reply:
Eldahil of Dol Amroth sends kind greeting to Lady Fliewatuet –

Dear lady,

Thank you for your kind words; I read of your high regard for my person with great joy, even while praying that your lord father does not read this missive. Truly, I hope that he is neither constable nor heavy-handed blacksmith. I will have to ask my noble cousins if they have ever heard of this “fan club.” Mayhap it is a weapon of war?

Your servant
Eldahil

mirthorReviewed Chapter: 14 on 2/27/2005
I was excited to see an update - Thank you! I am guessing this tale is drawing to an end, though I haven't forgotten that orc sergeant. Great characterization of Denethor, I'm anxious to see what happens when he learns Faramir lives.

Author Reply: I am glad that you are still following this leisurely tale of mayhem! Definitely two, probably three, chapters to go. That little bit with the orc sergeant was fondly stolen from a scene at the end of the movie ZULU--when the last of the departing warriors slings his shield over his shoulder, turns his back on the English, and heads home. I so miss writing dialogue for the orcs! Regarding Denethor, I have tried to make him sympathetic while preserving the prickly side of his personality. While by no means the evil!Denethor of the films, he is still a difficult and stubborn person.
Thanks again for writing!
Branwyn

daw the minstrelReviewed Chapter: 14 on 2/27/2005
Oh yay! I was thinking about this story not too long ago and wondering if it was ever going to be updated and here it is! And can say I love Eldahil? I rather like your Denethor. It's hilarious that he blames Eldahil for leading Boromir astray.

Author Reply: Thanks for writing!

Denethor is just one of the many, many parents who have trouble believing their child would ever do anything wrong. Much easier to jump to the conclusion that Eldahil is the instigator, especially since Eldahil has run afoul of the rules and regulations before.

The slow update was due to an acute case of real life which is gradually getting better. This story WILL be finished. I-will-finish-this-story-if-it-is-the-last-thing-I-do...Rattle, rattle, choke, gurgle, gasp, long dying sigh. :-D

annmarwalkReviewed Chapter: 14 on 2/27/2005
Hooray!

There was so, so much I liked about this chapter:

* Boromir being showered by white flower petals - a lovely image.
* Faramir longingly remembering water.
* The long-awaited fishing scene, and smarty-Faramir's advice to his big brother!
* Heartbroken but still unbowed, Denethor remembers his younger son, and prepared for life without him.
* The devotion of the guardsman, determined to seek out the Steward.

Great, great stuff! Don't make us wait so long for more!


Author Reply: Thank you for the kind review!

Yes, the fishing scene! Suddenly the television channel is changed and you are watching "Bassmaster, MiddleEarth Edition." :-D Or maybe "Fishin' with Faramir"?

Raksha The DemonReviewed Chapter: 14 on 2/27/2005
Oops; forgot to mention that the actor Joe Flanigan does indeed look like I imagine Eldahil. He's a cutie, but then so is Eldahil!

Raksha The DemonReviewed Chapter: 14 on 2/27/2005
A nifty transitional chapter, spiritually and physically - a journey by water, and Denethor's transition from worried father to grieved and angry father.

Loved the details of the blossoms falling on Boromir's head and shoulders; and Faramir's fever-dreams of water.

Denethor's musings, while palantir-scanning, are heartbreaking. He loves Faramir and has cherished memories of the child his son once was, yet seems to have trouble dealing with him as a young man. He quarrels with Faramir, Faramir seeks his father's blessing before setting out for dangerous duty in Ithilien - this is a pattern that will be sadly repeated - you'd think that Denethor would learn, but some things can't be unlearned.

Poor Eldahil - he likes to be well-dressed. At least he's alive!

Good dialogue with the docile servants and strong-minded Captain of the Tower Guard; one wonders if the latter is related to Beregond.

Looking forward to Denethor's reunion with both his sons.

Author Reply: Raksha--

Thanks for writing!

Regarding Denethor and Faramir getting into angry discussions, my own theory is that this probably happened fairly frequently when Faramir was young; though eventually, Faramir would just give up even trying to argue with his father. The problem is that it would not be possible to have a civilized discussion with Denethor and just agree to disagree. No, with Denethor, it's always going to be "my way or the highway." :-D

Maybe that captain is Beregond's dad or uncle, LOL! Hadn't thought of that...

My favorite versions of Faramir and Boromir are Kasiopea's beautiful illustrations, at
http://tolkien.com.pl/kasiopea/ang/tolkien.htm

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