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The White Tree  by Linda Hoyland 4 Review(s)
NestaReviewed Chapter: 1 on 6/13/2006
There are some lovely touches here, like the huge bed (which presumably never did accommodate six people, at least I hope not), and Aragorn finding Framir an enigma. I'm also intrigued by the thought of Aragorn having doubts about Arwen turning up. Aragorn sometimes irritates me ITB by being so cocksure about everything; I like the idea he might be uncertain of himself under the skin.

I'm not sure that Faramir would be shy with him, though. Faramir seems to me to be a very self-assured person. The idea that he'd be miserable about Boromir rings very true, though; he'd probaby feel this more acutely after the war, when there weren't so many other things to occupy his mind.

Author Reply: Many thganks for your much appreciated review. No, I never put six in the bed in any of my stories!I was inspired by reading about "the great bed of Ware".

I was inspired to write this story by the passage "And who then shall govern Gondor and those who look to this City as to their queen, if my desire be not granted? The Tree in the Court of the Fountain is still withered and barren. When shall I see a sign that it will ever be otherwise?’" which suggests Aragorn is uncertain about his dream coming true and also the chapter on Aragorn in "Master of Middle Earth".

I felt Faramir might be wary of authority figures after what his father tried to do to him> I think he would feel Boromir's loss more now that the War was over and many were reunited with their loved ones.

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 1 on 10/27/2005
What a beautiful story! Aragorn brings Faramir from awe to friendship, and also helps him to realize that he has a 'gift' and not a 'curse' of foresight. And now Aragorn has a friend indeed, and a wise counsellor to take Gandalf's place. Lovely!

Author Reply: Thank you so much for your kind and much appreciated review.It is a thrill to have written something an author of your calibre enjoyed! This story is a personal favourite of mine which jumped into my head one day.I would have loved to see the finding of the tree in the film.

TiggerReviewed Chapter: 1 on 7/12/2005
What a lovely story. I know all too well the scars Faramir has due to his abuse at Denethor's hands. I had a Mordor-ish experience through my school years and they've left their mark on me. I too tense up when touched, even by those I *know* won't hurt me. To be treated in such a manner by someone he so admires, but at the same time the memory of Denethor's treatment of him so close...I can more than understand Faramir's confusion at how Aragorn treated him. Compassion instead of scorn, friendship instead of aloofness...It would be very confusing indeed.

I did love his fury at Aragorn after seeing the Guards w/the dead tree. Aragorn did kind of deserve the tongue lashing, but he also admitted it to Faramir. Sigh...If only all "punishments" were tea, honey cakes and conversation. :o)

This was a very well written story and I enjoyed every minute of it!! :o)

Author Reply: Thank you so much for your kind review.I'm so pleased you enjoyed my story.

French PonyReviewed Chapter: 1 on 7/11/2005
I really enjoyed this. I particularly liked the parts where Faramir sorts through and deals with all the aftereffects of the war on his psyche. I like the idea that he's vaguely afraid of The King and disturbed by all the abrupt changes in what was his old life and his home. It seems very realistic that he'd go through a period of radical psychological adjustment and that it would be very difficult for him. And Aragorn, for all that he's better at being by himself, really knows how to handle him with kindness and tact. Would that all leaders could be like that.

Author Reply: Thank you so much for your kind review.You truly understand what this story is about.I feel that they both have to cope with a lot of changes which cannot be easy for either of them,especially Faramir.If only we had leaders like aragorn in the real world !

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