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| Relapse by Periantari | 55 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Fimbrethil | Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 6/13/2025 |
| Awww...usually we see Imrahil the knight, but today we see Imrahil the caring uncle. I suspect he is similar in uncle was attitude to Théoden. But maybe not, because Éomer and Éowyn actually lived with the king, and I suspect that after Théodwyn and Éomund died, and Théodred was 24, that Théoden didn't go to many battles, even before Wormtongue came. Sorry this turned into rambling about Théoden, but I had thoughts. Author Reply: Yes, it is similar with the titles but dissimilar because i do not believe Faramir ever lived with Imrahil unless maybe holiday in Dol Amroth. It is interesting to read fanfic to talk about earlier days with Faramir or Boromir's relationship with Imrahil. In Rohan, Eowyn and Eomer did live with Theoden so they had more ways of communicating and be closer. :) | |
| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 6/12/2025 |
| Many, many thanks for including these scenes with Beregond! He has been my favorite Mannish character since my first reading of Tolkien's marvelous story as a young teen. It makes a lot of sense that he would have been sent ahead to prepare for Faramir's coming to Ithilien. In addition to finding a dwelling place at this point in time (and not just for Faramir but I imagine for a garrison – the White Company – as well as the people who will be living there), are they still scouring out enemies that might be lingering in the land? Besides the Easterlings mentioned, might any Orcs be hiding? You show Beregond's devotion to his Captain very clearly! Seeing Faramir through Beregond's eyes also underscores the general concern about Faramir's condition and recovery. I also love getting a glimpse of Imrahil (I've come to like him very much in your chapters) and the hobbits (I am always happy when the hobbits appear!). And the mention of Borlas, his younger son, also makes me happy for some reason. (I am quite fond of Bergil, but I haven't thought a lot about Borlas except to explain his absence from some of the stories I've written about Beregond and Bergil.) I didn't know Faramir preferred the forest! What an intriguing detail! "You are not there yet" – spoken like a loving, caring uncle. The private conversation between Beregond and Pippin is quite believable. And probably necessary! Especially if Faramir is downplaying his illness. ("overworked – no need to worry" Hah!) I wonder if it would be healing or distressing for Faramir to hear more about how Beregond fought to save him? Even though Faramir knows the bare facts of the matter, I'm thinking it might be healing (for both Beregond and Faramir, actually) for Beregond to tell more of his story to Faramir: how Pippin came to find him and beg his help, how he made the impossible choice between death for Faramir or his own death (and maybe if Beregond talks about the reason why he chose to fight for Faramir, he might give Beregond's Captain some food for thought). He might confess to Faramir about being haunted at striking down the porter at the gate and the two servants in the hallows, and maybe Faramir might have some words of wisdom or comfort to offer Beregond? (And maybe Faramir would realise later that the words apply to himself as well?) Don't mind me... I'm just rambling – maybe the word is "spitballing"? – because I love these characters so. I do appreciate how Beregond reminds Faramir of the effect of the palantír – Denethor was not in his right mind but under Sauron's influence. And even though Denethor's actions reflected the darkness that had overshadowed his mind, his love for Faramir shone through the darkness. (And now I wonder if Denethor might have been trying to resist the impulse to destroy his son. As soon as Gandalf entered, he might have snatched a torch. Or when he stood by the bier, he might have stabbed Faramir without warning, but he turned away and picked up the palantír instead. Touching the palantír would have sealed his fate, overcoming any internal resistance he might have been exerting. ...and here I go again, rambling. I think I need to go in search of some protein or a cup of tea or something.) I appreciate Beregond's diligence and obvious concern for his Captain that shines throughout the newly added part. I think I already reviewed the part about Belegion, and my eyes are getting tired, and this review is threatening to grow as long as the chapter, so I will wish you well and stop typing now. Author Reply: Thanks so much for a long and detailed review! WRiting Beregond is actually out of my comfort zone so i am glad that my take on him worked for you. I do really enjoy his chapters in Minas Tirith, Pyre of Denethor that showed his dedication to his Captain. Other fanfic can only explore how he became so dedicated to his Captain. You show Beregond's devotion to his Captain very clearly! Thank you! i am glad you think so- before having Beregond in the story (since we are 13 chapters in) i was wondering where he was and it would only make sense that he was not allowed in Minas Tirith because of what he did at the Pyre of Denethor by slaying the porter and such and by being busy seeing where the future Prince of Ithilien be would make sense so having a conversation to update Faramir would be of utmost importance. I wonder if it would be healing or distressing for Faramir to hear more about how Beregond fought to save him? Even though Faramir knows the bare facts of the matter, I'm thinking it might be healing (for both Beregond and Faramir, actually) for Beregond to tell more of his story to Faramir: how Pippin came to find him and beg his help, how he made the impossible choice between death for Faramir or his own death (and maybe if Beregond talks about the reason why he chose to fight for Faramir, he might give Beregond's Captain some food for thought). you have good points about hearing how Beregond fought to save him -- woudl that make Faramir feel more indebted to Beregond? Maybe upon rewrite, i would add that in because that is a good detail. it woudl be both healing and distressing, healing because he knows more detail surrounding Denethor's demise and maybe that can help with closure, however distressing because Denethor's madness caused unneeded death within Gondorians and maybe without reason, Faramir would feel somewhat responsible or just feel guilty of how evil had spread so far in. i do love that Faramir may give some words of comfort to Beregond about how he came to save him. Thanks for that- i did not think of that. And even though Denethor's actions reflected the darkness that had overshadowed his mind, his love for Faramir shone through the darkness. That point is important to underscore and probably in a future chapter, we need to address that. Who else than Beregond and maybe Gandalf and Pippin to talk about this more so? Thank you for your thoughts! They feed more threads of conversation that are needed before the close. :) | |
| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: 20 on 4/17/2025 |
| I miss Grey Wonderer's stories so much! Please convey my best regards to your friend. Author Reply: Sure i will do so! Thank you. | |
| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: 20 on 4/14/2025 |
| Even before beginning to read, I must tell you, I really like the title of this chapter. It sounds poetic and bittersweet. It's interesting how smells can have an effect on the emotions. I can still remember the smell of my grandmother's house, a kind of fairyland of hidden treasures, at least in a small child's eyes. I'm glad to see Faramir's progress in healing. It's also lovely to see him bolstering Éowyn in her own fight against dark memory and the Black Breath. You did an excellent job of describing the effects she felt, including her sword arm going cold and numb. (I'm with Éowyn in that Gríma always makes me shudder. I can't imagine how awful it would be to have real memories of him.) “Let us not linger in the past….” Both of them express the idea of remembering that the shadow was defeated and it is now time to look to the future, which seems wise. It will be lovely to see Belegion again! (Might I put in a small request to see Beregond interact with Faramir and, perhaps, Éowyn? He is, after all, the Captain of the White Company serving Faramir now. Beregond is my favourite Man amongst the Men of Gondor for various reasons, including his fierce loyalty to Faramir, his eager curiosity about other lands, and his fast friendship with Pippin.) Author Reply: Thank you so much! I like the title of the chapter a lot too so glad someone agrees! Thank you for liking the description there- i did enjoy writing that part because we haven't had a lot of Faramir/Eowyn scenes and to have them heal each other and open up in each other's company was great to do. “Let us not linger in the past….” Both of them express the idea of remembering that the shadow was defeated and it is now time to look to the future, which seems wise. I agree- it will take time but acknowledging the steps together is important and until now, there was not enough of that affirmation. It'll be nice to write them healing more together post-Quest. Thank you for mentioning Beregond because yes, i do wonder where he is in this story. I was mentioning several nights ago to Grey_wonderer where he is (you totally read my mind) so maybe a rewrite is needed to insert him in a prior chapter or something and repost. I do like Beregond too- sometimes he talks to me. I have another story having him in it that needs to be posted. THanks for your thoughtful thoughts! | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 20 on 4/13/2025 |
| They talked more about the future then, their hearts craving healing more than despair of the past. That's so lovely. Much of what you write applies to your readers (like me) as well as your characters. Paths to healing are those we should all be taking. :) Author Reply: Thank you! i know that life throws us so many different trials and what resonates with me about LoTR is that even though there is loss there is light and it is up to all the characters to find that. <3 | |
| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: 19 on 4/11/2025 |
| Trust Merry to fill in the missing details! (I love that hobbit. And I love Faramir's promise to credit him with the role he played in bringing Éowyn and Faramir together.) (Was Aragorn not worried about Éowyn having lingering effects of the Black Breath in a similar way to Faramir?) Finally! The hobbits are on their way back home! Took them long enough! (And it will still take them too long! If I'm remembering right, they meet Saruman on the road, on his way to the Shire. How much damage could have been prevented if they had got back to the Shire before he did, or at least some weeks earlier than they did?) Oh, yes, Faramir! Visit them in the Shire! You'll love it! (At least, I think he should love it.) And of course Pippin is always looking forward to the prospect of another party. Very believable. “I will cook coneys and think of you,” said Sam as Faramir guided him into a hug. Sam’s face was red again but he was glad for Faramir’s hug. He would miss him very much as Faramir had become his favorite big person aside from Strider. His down to earth ways and wisdom was second to no other Big Person he had ever met. Awww. Sam is so sweet here. I love the rest of the conversation between him and Faramir, too, and that Faramir honours him as a gardener. "strong ally and friend" (happy sigh) Hmmm. Another dream, and the King is away for some time. I'm glad Imrahil is there. (And they're in Edoras! Isn't Éomer's future bride Imrahil's daughter? Is she there too?) I can relate to Faramir; some mornings, all I want is coffee, too. The remembering at the end of the chapter is sweet and bittersweet. Lovely chapter. Author Reply: I love Merry too and it shows because i write a a lot of fic centering on him. I think he's a bit easier to write than Sam because Sam has a particular voice to get right. There should be a fic of Faramir visiting the Shire. :) Thanks for liking Sam here- he is always a sweet one. Yes, dreams are not over yet but we will be sure Faramir has someone to confide in. Thank you for liking this chapter! (Was Aragorn not worried about Éowyn having lingering effects of the Black Breath in a similar way to Faramir?) That is a good point- upon rewrite/revision of the story, i could add in that suggestion on if Eowyn suffers at all and have Faramir and ARagorn be there for her. I think perhaps during the anniversary of the slaying of the Witch-king, perhaps Eowyn will suffer as well. It is an interesting idea to think about and address. Thank you. | |
| PSW | Reviewed Chapter: 19 on 4/6/2025 |
| It’s a long road to recovery with many setbacks, but with Eowyn and Imrahil on the job Faramir will be well looked after… Thx for sharing! Author Reply: Thank you! yes, i am glad that they are there for Faramir. It is a long road to recovery and glad there are so many that show they care for Faramir. :) | |
| PSW | Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 4/6/2025 |
| He’ll be so glad to be with Eowyn again - hopefully once King Theoden is laid to rest they will be able to take up the business of celebration. Perhaps this will lift Faramir’s spirits. Author Reply: Yes, Eowyn, to me, was a key to Faramir's recovery. It would be great to hear how their similarities have brought them together. | |
| PSW | Reviewed Chapter: 16 on 4/6/2025 |
| I’m sure his trip was such a comfort. Without seeing the death, with no body to mourn, some physical reminder surely helped things settle in his mind. It was good of Aragorn and the Hobbits to go - as well as Legolas and Gimli. Who better to have when building a memorial than a Dwarf? :-D Author Reply: Yes, i'm sure that this trip was good for not only Faramir but for the rest of the Fellowship- they only had a brief time in "Departure of Boromir" to really remember and spend time to memorialize. Gimli has his work cut out for him. | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 19 on 4/6/2025 |
| “You can anchor him in the present That's wonderful advice for all of us. Such heartfelt farewells! :) Author Reply: Thank you so much! Tolkien didn't write as many farewells as needed so we need to fill those gaps. | |