Reviews (10)

Before we come to the quotes I commented on, I would like to say that shouldn’t he have offered for Imrahil to come? Also, it just occurred to me it would be funny/embarrassing if they met Arwen and Co. on the way back. Or Legolas saw them while scouting. I liked this. : “I’m coming with you,” a small, familiar voice piped up. “Always eavesdropping, Master Peregrin,” Aragorn said with a smile. [heehee] …You know of what I speak, for I have heard that Halbarad was like a brother to you?” “He was,” Aragorn said quietly. “I miss him. He was not only my cousin, but my right hand man. I grew up with his council, once I left the Last Homely House. He showed me how to be a captain of men.” “Boromir showed me how to be a man.” [I never thought of that Halbarad before, but if he was a cousin, Aragorn would be even more like Éomer and Faramir—-hmmm,] … Gimli!” the Elf called and the Dwarf was by his side in a moment. “We are going to sing Boromir’s lament again. Would you join us?” “You never gave me the opportunity the first time! [True, heehee] Are you going to let me sing one of the pieces now?” “Which one do you want?” Aragorn asked. “Well,” the Dwarf growled. “I suppose you should sing of the West Wind, and the Elf, of course, of the South. That leaves the North Wind, for none of us will sing of the East Wind, not yet. I don’t want to sing of the North Wind.” “Then sing of the West Wind, Gimli, for that is where he has gone. To the Halls of Mandos and beyond.” “Aye. I will do that then.” [Ah.] … Aragorn began to hum again. Gimli threw a gauntlet at him. “We’ve had enough of your singing, Aragorn. ‘Tis time to make a fire, have some food before our Hobbit friends faint with hunger, and then go onward. You have something that needs doing back in Minas Tirith. If we stop and sing at every opportunity, you will miss a certain lady Elf.” [heeheehoho] …Pippin wailed and ran into the woods, Merry following as fast as he could. [you know, that is what you two basically did before. It won’t help Aragorn…] … Faramir swallowed hard. “I am grateful, my King,” the Prince of Ithilien said through his tears, “that you gave him back his honour.” “I did not. He had never lost it. Not in my mind. He succumbed to the Ring. Had not my own ancestor done the same? I know not what grace protected me.” “Nor I, when it came to me at Henneth-Annûn.” [Ah yes Boromir’s honor. Good.] “Faramir,” Pippin spoke quietly, his heart bursting with sorrow, “Boromir died for me and for my cousin. There was no honour lost. Only great honour gained.” Tears streamed down the Hobbit’s face. “That’s why I pledged myself to your father.” [Ah] “I understand now. I had wondered.” A smile creased the Steward’s face. “He loved you?” [Which of Boromir or Denethor loved Pippin?] “For whatever silly reason, he did.” Pippin sniffled. Merry’s arm lay across his shoulder. He, too, sniffled. “But he loved you more.” [Denethor? Yes, he did. ….also that previous esquire, apparently.] “I know,” Faramir whispered. He leaned his head back against the firmness of the tree and closed his eyes, letting his grief have its way with him. [good.] Aragorn said quietly, “We will meet you back at the lake; it is only a short distance from here. As soon as you stand, head towards the direction you are facing. Supper will be waiting.” His friends walked away. … I… Aragorn has been crowned King. I am his Steward.” His chin shook harder as the tears fell in torrents. “Father is dead. I am alone.” [Yes, yes, unfortunately, and NO. What of Éowyn, Imrahil, (and other family members) and Aragorn…And Éomer—who is extended family now? Plus all your men, the people of Gondor as a whole, or at least the City and Ithilien.] [[Though I suppose it is just true if he is saying his mother, brother, and father are dead. …But Aragorn will become another father/brother, or Éomer could become brother.]] … At that very moment, Faramir appeared. “I am very hungry. Have the Halflings left anything for the rest of us?” Looking up in surprise and relief, Aragorn laughed. Faramir’s eyes were clear and bright, all sign of sorrow seemed washed away. “We have held them back, waiting upon your return. Come, let us eat.” [I agree with Aragorn. Happy that Faramir has found peace.]

Wonderful-- i loved the camaraderie between your characters. I'm glad for this story to show that Boromir is missed especially by Faramir.

This is so haunting and beautiful. Closure was something Faramir sorely needed and what better person to help him achieve it than Aragorn. It really broght tears to my eyes. Tari

I think it would have been very good for all of them to journey back to that place. This is lovely.

What a wonderful story A4G! I'm partial to Faramir stories and I love it when men can be real in their grief (and hobbits, dwarves and elves too!), and this just touched me so deeply! And Boromir 'speaking' to his little brother where he gave his life... very profound. I just loved it. Thank you so much for giving us what I know the Professor would agree is the correct insight into these men/hobbits/elf and dwarf and for finally having peace with Boromir's sacrifice. God Bless, Dayna

I'm crying as I type this. This was such a moving piece that it grabbed my heart and won't let go. I think I mourned along with all of them as I read. I have no problem with Aragorn leaving the City between his coronation and the wedding. As you stated in your note, he does have a Ranger's wanderlust and it will take time for him to learn to control it. And frankly, he needed to be there with the others. Some pop psychologist would say they all found closure there. In my opinion, when it comes to the death of someone you love, there is no such thing as closure but there is comfort and I believe that you most successfully showed that all of them were comforted by making the pilgrimage. I think it wouldn't have been as powerful a story if you had Frodo, Sam and Gandalf come along as they weren't there during Boromir's death. Well, Faramir wasn't either, but he is a special case. Having him sit in the spot where his brother died was perfect. The healing can begin for them all now, I think, though Boromir will be missed by each of them as long as they live. Faramir's "I can live without him. But I don't want to." line had to be the most heartbreaking thing I've read in a long time. I felt that way when my mother passed away nearly 10 years ago and my feelings haven't changed on that score. I hope that this story's Faramir has an easier time coping than I did. Thank you so much for writign this and sharing it with us. Edlyn

Awesome! So beautifully touching. I love the tears and the comforting tree. So Beautiful!! I agree, Aragorn would yet morn for Boromir.

Very nice story. I love the title and it's good to see how Aragorn and Faramir would have gotten along - very well and close I'm sure. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

A wonderful moment for healing for all, although I'm not certain precisely which "-verse" it falls in, as Aragorn had refused to tell his companions why he wished them to remain in Minas Tirith--we know he and Gandalf knew, and I have speculated that Legolas probably also knew; but the Hobbits had been kept in the dark as to why they were remaining. I love the reprise of the lament for Boromir here, and feel it was used indeed properly. And Faramir being comforted by both his brother's spirit and the tree, particularly as he came in company with an Elf, was most appropriate. A lovely moment of hurt-comfort.

What a lovely story, and such a profound healing journey for Faramir.