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| Life goes on apace by Mirkwoodmaiden | 23 Review(s) |
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| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 3/1/2026 |
| MM! How nice to see a new chapter of this today! ...her balcony... I like that. Well, she did desert them, I guess. And yet how terrible the outcome might have been, had she not followed her heart! (And I'm not talking about her not meeting Faramir, though that would have been tragic, but the fate of Middle-earth!) Ah, but Faramir is right there. I'm so glad. And the nuances are so beautifully written. "Éowyn's boys". For some reason, my heart just melted. And I adored the little byplay over food and cooking. I would agree that a talking eagle would certainly be a unique and novel experience. But Holdlith rises to the occasion. Her "Bloody bird" is golden. All this time they've been waiting... and hoping... and dreading... My heart goes out to them. (And did Saelith's husband survive? I don't remember. I hope he did. Both of them deserve happiness, especially now. But then, so many who were deserving of happiness did not see their hopes fulfilled. Sigh. I hate even the thought of war.) The horn of welcome! Wonderful! The scene where Éomer knelt and the people shouted their acclaim brought tears to my eyes. Bright was his light. Great is his memory. A goodly summary of a life well-lived, except for the part that Saruman and Wormtongue stole from him. The light talk at the end of the chapter sets just the right tone. Well done! (((hugs))) Lin Author Reply: Lin! "Her balcony" Exactly. It holds so many good memories. In essence she did disobey orders but in "Untangling Tolkien" there is a discussion about how disobeying orders was the right decision. Eomer seeking the orcs holding Merry and Pippin; Beregond deserting his post to save Faramir when Denethor is making an ash of himself! Eowyn's decision is right up there with those decisions, but she doesn't yet see it that way. All the good that happened because of her decision will assuage her guilt eventually but she still does not know what her reception will be. Good people worry about these decisions. "Ah, but Faramir is right there. I'm so glad. And the nuances are so beautifully written." Thanks *blush* ""Éowyn's boys". For some reason, my heart just melted." yeah...I had to reunite Eowyn and her boys. It was wrong that they were separated!! "And I adored the little byplay over food and cooking." Exactly. It was high time for a little levity! I loved this sentence that followed, "Elfhelm smiled as he watched them ride. King of the Horse Lords and his sister riding with joyous abandon. Life indeed was good." It just gave me all the feels! "I would agree that a talking eagle would certainly be a unique and novel experience. But Holdlith rises to the occasion. Her "Bloody bird" is golden." I love Holdlith! She is unflappable!! :-))) "All this time they've been waiting... and hoping... and dreading... My heart goes out to them. (And did Saelith's husband survive? I don't remember. I hope he did. Both of them deserve happiness, especially now. " It is only now in Tolkien's ninth age (I read somewhere That now is the ninth Age) and really only in the last twenty years do we have "instant communication" Naval personnel can facetime with their loved ones. At the 2021 Tokyo Games athletes talked with their loved ones back home instantly after winning. I was on daily video calls with Mom though I didn't see her in person for an entire year. In the third age, they had to wait and hope and worry more like WW2. What must that have been like? And yes Haere does survive. I don't have the heart kill anyone off that I have grown to love in these stories. And Saelith does deserve happiness with Haere! "I hate even the thought of war." So do I. Unfortunately Some do not feel this way. :-(( "The horn of welcome! Wonderful!" YAY! It seemed a very Rohirrim thing to do! "The scene where Éomer knelt and the people shouted their acclaim brought tears to my eyes." Well Eomer is called Eomer Eadig. Eomer the Blessed. I really thought he would start as he means to go on. So much is put on him and he succeeds so marvelously! "Bright was his light. Great is his memory. A goodly summary of a life well-lived, except for the part that Saruman and Wormtongue stole from him." Yup that phrase just flowed onto the keyboard without thought. It was just right. Théoden was after known as Theoden Ednew, Theoden the Renewed. "The light talk at the end of the chapter sets just the right tone. Well done!" So happy I can write with a lighter tone in this story. The chapters that lead up to the Houses of Healing I had to suppress so many times I wanted to lighten Eowyn's load. But I couldn't. She had to reach the Pelennor Fields wanting to die in battle. It was hard at times. Thanks so much for writing! (((hugs))) MM | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 3/1/2026 |
| People were still stunned by the news of Théoden King’s death, but a rising tide of acclamation came rolling forth and Lord Erkenbrand placed a hand on Éomer’s head and said in a voice choked with emotion, “Rise, my king!” Éomer looked up. Erkenbrand saw tears in his eyes, together with determination and humility in the young man’s earnest blue eyes. He reached out a hand to the older man, “Will you help me?” Erkenbrand’s eyes widened, and his eyes felt wetter than before, “Aye, that I will… My King.” I just love that! Many years ago (20, wow!), I wrote "A Rohan Tapestry" that began with Éomer's acceptance from his people as their new king, and that moment was such a joy to imagine. This is such a happy chapter, especially with Éowyn and Faramir reminded of their strong love and bond. It will help Éowyn to remember that had she not "abandoned" her people, she and Faramir would never have met. Author Reply: Shirebound! So glad you liked it! It has been fun though I feel like it is an extension of "Destiny's Child" rather than a bridge between "Destiny's Child" and "Leaving Home; Coming Home." Alas I am having fun writing it! Also after you mentioned "A Rohan Tapestry" I searched your early work, looking for it and found "Quarantined" and have started reading that! Finished chapter one, loving it! My review in on Chapter one! thanks for writing! (((hugs))) MM | |
| Fimbrethil | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 2/22/2026 |
| I know Aragorn has the armor in the book, but it is interesting to ponder where he got it from. In both the book and the film he is a Ranger who sailed up the Anduin, then a week later he is leading the host to the Black Gate, then five weeks later is his coronation as king of Gondor...where he is wearing the symbols (tree and stars) of Elendil, which only the guards have been wearing for the past 1000 years. Author Reply: Fimbrethil! I'm thinking he possibly got it from maybe the Armoury in Minas Tirith or may be in Rath Dinien, the silent street. They made have had this armour in wait for the King or maybe the Tower Guard has it in the Guards keeping. Interesting! (((hugs))) MM | |
| Fimbrethel | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 2/10/2026 |
| I am glad Faramir still has old friends! Also Eirik...interesting to see other feelings besides exuberance. By which I mean good to see he is capable of other emotions. This part was nice: “You are right. Today is a wonderful day.” Faramir began assertively, placing a hand on the boy’s shoulder, “But you cry because you have a heart and you know what it has cost to bring this day foward.” he continued gently, holding his squire’s eye. “I have great respect for a man who sheds tears in remembrance. This means you honor the sacrifices made.” Oh! Éowyn's boys are here! nice! And they approve of Faramir and Éowyn, good. I like the entrance is book verse (i.e. Éowyn with Faramir and Éomer with Aragorn) especially since you have Éomer and Éowyn together before. Her other riders! And her friendship with Elfhelm, I had forgotten the details of that. ooh, a sword arch! cool. Did you say where Aragorn got that armor? Today is certainly Faramir's day to be proud! Oh, yes, Faramir getting the crown...and Beregond is there too. That would be emotional. Glad they have a friend with them. But Faramir is back to only going on because of his duty, I see. "Faramir nodded, receiving his friend’s acquiescence, for he knew that is what it was, not acceptance." good. Also happy to see that apparently the destruction of the House of the Stewards didn't affect Ecthelion's effigy (or anyone else's) too badly. Yes, I didn't think Faramir knew about Frodo and Gandalf being involved. And the banner is Arwen's, nice. Author Reply: Fimbrethel! Hello! Yeah! Eirik is very emotional, usually ebullient but war affects us all even Eirik. He saw how close to death Faramir came and I'm sure that shook him up. I had to go with bookverse rather than Filmverse for the Coronation. Films have to make changes and it works really well on film but many things get left out. Glad you liked it! Aragorn has the armor in the book I just changed the color of the maille from black to shining silver. Yeah! I don't think that Faramir would ever willing gone back to where his father set himself on fire. He had to and that was why he took Beregond with him. He needed somebody with him. Somebody living and not ghosts of the past. I had to bring Eowyn's boys back. It only made sense and we can see that there are plenty of physical, mental and emotional wounds but they are young and are persevering! I looked up what does the damage to metal and stone. It is by-and-large the elements, kept concealed as Rath Dinien the effigies and metal will keep. I assumed that it would be Arwen's banner to fly! Thanks for writing! (((hugs))) MM | |
| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 2/9/2026 |
| MM! Of course Faramir would feel duty-bound to watch the Stewards' flag raised for the last time. That seems entirely appropriate. An awful lot of people have wondered whether Denethor would have recognised Aragorn as the legitimate King. I haven't read any AUs to that effect, but it's an interesting situation to contemplate. I'd like to give the Man the benefit of the doubt, somehow, even though I can imagine him being hard to convince – not because he coveted power but because of the responsibility that weighed so heavily on him that he would not be able to lightly give over the burden of command. Good move, Faramir, showing your courage and quality once more. Seize the joy of the day, especially this day of all days, marking the return of the King! (I also smiled at the thought of Eirik. His dedication to his lord and fierce determination that Faramir will look his absolute best on this day is touching and heartwarming. The part where Faramir honors the remembrance mingled with the boy's joy is very well done.) At Harthedir's statement that he felt hope once again, I found myself drawing a deep, cleansing breath. The future beckons instead of threatening. What a gift! And Faramir's interaction with his guards fits well with the way Tolkien described his Men's love for and devotion to their Captain. I love seeing Faramir and Éowyn, along with the festive City and celebrating citizens, through your eyes! (Elfhelm's greeting was completely believable and made me laugh. And I am fervently glad that her boys all survived.) The sight of the remaining Dúnedain is both inspiring and shattering. "Undimmed white" for Gandalf; well said. The day before: Ah, yes, at this point Beregond has not yet been judged for his actions. "Of old, death was the penalty." Sigh. He did not know if it ever would be the time. Is this because he's thinking the time he has left is short? Somehow, I can see them as old men, talking over old times, and Beregond finally saying what he has left unsaid (if the opportunity never arose for him to say it before that time, that is). Acquiescence at this point in time, just so, but not acceptance. And thank you again for including more of Beregond in the story. After all, since he could not guard the Citadel and had been assigned instead to guard Faramir, I can easily imagine him being Faramir's shadow, for all practical purposes. I can also imagine that Gandalf made his suggestion partly out of pity and partly out of respect, knowing that Beregond had traded his life for his Captain's and, thus, would consider it the highest honor to attend Faramir until his time for judgement and (seemingly) inevitable execution came. (In the original text, Gandalf says: But you, Beregond, should return to the Citadel and tell the chief of the Guard there what has befallen. It will be his duty, I fear, to withdraw you from the Guard; but say to him that, if I may give him counsel, you should be sent to the Houses of Healing, to be the guard and servant of your captain, and to be at his side when he awakes – if that shall ever be again. For by you he was saved from the fire.) Your description of the Silent Street helps me see their surroundings quite clearly, thanks. Those small but significant moments between Aragorn and Faramir... *happy sigh* (Chef's kiss.) And the twinkle in Gandalf's eye! Marvelous! I got the shivers as the new banner replaced the old. It's not just the damp cold today, but the powerful scene. Well done. (((hugs))) Lin Author Reply: Lin! Hello! I have been watching the Winter Olympics! I love watching the insanity of most of these sports!! I just thought that the weight of history would compel Faramir to up to the Tower to witness, being a student of history. And of course Faramir has always had an extremely good relationship with his men. Like Faramir I don't know if Denethor would have given over the ruling Stewardship. It is a hard call. "The part where Faramir honors the remembrance mingled with the boy's joy is very well done.)" Yes. Faramir has great affection for Eirik and as I think Shirebound mentioned in her review. Many boys became men in the Ring War, through necessity. "I love seeing Faramir and Éowyn, along with the festive City and celebrating citizens, through your eyes!" I do love writing Faramir and Eowyn. This is the beginning of their lifetime of a relationship. A smile! :-) "Elfhelm's greeting was completely believable and made me laugh. And I am fervently glad that her boys all survived." Elfhelm is as I see it, a gruff old warrior who has known Eowyn since she was a child and loves her. He let her stay to protect her inasmuch as to let her fight! And there was no way I could let any of Eowyn's boys to die. I have grown to fond of them AND I don't know if Eowyn would have recovered if one of them died. Yes that is what happened but if one of the boys died I don't know how I could have brought the story around to where it needed to be. "The sight of the remaining Dúnedain is both inspiring and shattering. "Undimmed white" for Gandalf; well said." I was just glad that some of the Dunedain survived. And "Undimmed white" just wrote itself. :-) I thought of you when I was writing Beregond. :-D As he is right now Faramir's personal guard of course he was with Faramir. If Faramir hadn't asked he would have gone anyway!! At this point Beregond doesn't know if he will be ever ready to talk about it, but I think he will later on. "Those small but significant moments between Aragorn and Faramir... *happy sigh* (Chef's kiss.) And the twinkle in Gandalf's eye! Marvelous!" I thought it was needed. "I got the shivers as the new banner replaced the old. It's not just the damp cold today, but the powerful scene." Me as well! Thanks! (((hugs))) MM | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 2/5/2026 |
| “But you cry because you have a heart and you know what it has cost to bring this day foward.” he continued gently, holding his squire’s eye. “I have great respect for a man who sheds tears in remembrance. This means you honor the sacrifices made.” At the use of the word “man” Eirik’s eyes widened and he stood up straight and threw his shoulders back. What perfect and inspiring words for this lad, and for all newly-made "men" that this war has wrought. And what a glorious chapter! I was so disappointed that Faramir welcoming Aragorn to the City wasn't in the movie, as it's one of my favorite scenes in the Trilogy. Faramir continues to "show his quality" and show his City that the true King has returned. LOL, and you know I adore every glimpse of the hobbits. :) Author Reply: Shirebound! "What perfect and inspiring words for this lad, and for all newly-made "men" that this war has wrought." Yes, it is what Faramir would do for his beloved squire! I was also disappointed that the Coronation in the film was different, although I love it for its own self. I find the more I write gap-filling fan fiction how many change PJ and team had to make in the films and yet I still think the spirit of the story is still there. When I write, especially in "Destiny's Child", scenes that I absolutely love from the films that are different from the book, work really well on film but while writing I revert to the book because it works better for the media I am using. But if PJ tried to film it same way I don't think it would have worked as well. So in my long winded thought is that PJ and Crew know what works on film and that is often different from print. I think if LOTR was filmed as a series not as movies then it can be truer to the book (or at least SHOULD BE.) Yay! Hobbits! They are always a joy! But you and Lindelea write them so much better than I do! But glad you enjoyed it! (((hugs))) MM | |
| Fimbrethil. | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 1/23/2026 |
| Oh, I forgot to say I hope the Gondorians don’t hear that an Elf can enter the King’s mind! They will surely take that the wrong way…save Faramir and family of course, who know the people involved. Also, does Éowyn’s circlet in the films (which I suppose she wears at both the funeral and coronation) have golden roses and whatnot? I forget, but don’t want to check. Author Reply: Fimbrethil! Yup! I am referring to the circlet that was in Two Towers funeral scene and in the coronation. I even made a replica and sold it at my jewelry booth at a Renaissance Faire! Thanks for writing! (((hugs))) MM | |
| Fimbrethil | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 1/23/2026 |
| Yes! Yes! Yes! Hooray! “Yes, My King.” Faramir nodded. “Thank you…” He saw in Aragorn’s eyes kindness and compassion. Two emotions he was unused to in one who commanded him.” Because I guess Imrahil hasn’t commanded him in a while? Or Boromir, for that matter? Well, times are changing, Faramir, times are changing. Also happy to see Aragorn giving him space to cry. Faramir sure needs it. “Women and children who had been sent away for their safety came back to their homes bedecked in flowers and ran into the waiting arms of their husbands, or those not as fortunate into the compassionate arms of family and friends who would bear the loss with them.” The children aren’t running to their husbands, I hope. “From the far-off Anfalas and the coastal holdings of Andrast, the westernmost point of Gondor, to harpers from Dol Amroth renowned through the land for their skill to clear voiced singers from the Lebennin, all who heard and could in haste come to the White City were indeed pitching up tents on the Pelannor as many hostelries and inns had been damaged in the battle as many of these establishments were on the first and second tiers.” This sentence is a little long and confusing, I think, especially having two “as many” phrases. I take it to mean “From the west of Gondor to the south of Gondor all who heard and could come were pitching [why is there an up?] tents on the Pelennor [which is actually an e btw] *because* many of the inns, being on the first and second tiers, had been damaged.” I suppose that leaves out the wonderful word ‘establishments’ though. “Glad to have your approval as it was my idea.” “Only your idea?” Éowyn looked up. Faramir exclaimed, “It was! Gandalf always said I have a very poetic soul!” He preened slightly. “Ah yes, the elderly wizard with the beard and whiskers! Good source for poetic knowledge.” Faramir was quiet for a bit. Then he said, tentatively, “You’re teasing me, aren’t you?” Éowyn sat up and looked into blue eyes that held a slight look of doubt. Gently she said, “Of course I am teasing you.” Faramir relaxed visibly and tried to continue as if nothing had bothered him.” heehee! And Faramir is certainly correct about her being a princess already, and may have even seen the future, being who he is. Ah, I see he even mentions her Rohan princess status, and later that Éomer knows. Waerith…I have a feeling, partly of remembrance, that she does come into the story again. Awww, I am glad that Éomer and Éowyn get to talk alone before the coronation! And oh so glad Éomer accepts Faramir! “He looked magnificent. She took his arm. “I see Wulf managed to sit you down and threaten your hair with a comb for once!” She teased to bring some normalcy to this moment of heightened emotion. “Is this the way you talk to your king?” Éomer quipped. His voice dropped lower to speak in confidence, “The first comb did not survive.” Éowyn laughed merrily and again Éomer’s heart warmed to the sound. This day life was good.” heehee! I wonder what happened to that comb. Did Éomer throw it, break it, or did it get twisted in his hair or something? I was definitely not expecting Boromir to show up here, but delighted he did. This day for them life is good. Even for the people who don’t think so. Erithain! When I saw a Faramir and Éowyn rewrite I was not expecting him! But I should have known, considering hiw much you and I and others have grown to like him. And with the rest of his family dead or not here yet, he should have some relation with him. I just remembered Erithain might be here for Halbarad as well. Alas. Interesting that you have him in the King’s House already. I usually imagine him not to have entered Minas Tirith again until after he is crowned. “All three nodded to him hand on heart. And in a mercurial shift Elladan proclaimed, “It is time to dress you for your coronation. You shall be grander than grand,” Aragorn gave a chagrined smile, “All right, make me grand…” Elladan held a twinkle in his eye, “You deserve nothing less, muindoreg nin,” he whispered. They shared a look and Aragorn smiled, starting to accept the role he had always been destined to fulfill.” heehee. Brotherlet? Really? That is very amusing. | |
| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 1/21/2026 |
| MM! ...guarded in honor of a memory. A memory that had become reality. This description says so much in so few words! Aragorn's response to Faramir's emotion is beautifully spoken. No one was left alone. Such a comforting thought. And I love the images you paint of the City bedecked with flowers and pavilions and banners and all the accoutrements of rejoicing and celebration to prepare herself for her King. (That's right, the announcement that Éowyn and Faramir have found each other is made when they reach Edoras as the Shire-folk are on their way homewards once more, if I'm remembering correctly.) I love the little conversation between the two, the hint of playfulness that will continue to bloom and grow along with their love. The scene between brother and sister is very moving, right on up to and including Éowyn's sisterly teasing and Éomer's rejoinder. I can just imagine Aragorn sitting as you describe him, remembering. And his foster brothers being there for him and with him. It's lovely to think that Elladan can see beyond the veil and bring news of his parents' joy to Aragorn. And I cannot tell you how happy I am to see Erithain in the here and now. I'm so glad he survived to reach this point and be there for his nephew as well as see the promise that Rangers had treasured down through the centuries, finally fulfilled. I am enjoying your revisions immensely. (((hugs))) Lin Author Reply: Lin! Hello! So glad you enjoying the revisions and additions! "...guarded in honor of a memory. A memory that had become reality. This description says so much in so few words!" Thanks! I'm trying to imitate the Professor's ability to say so much in a few words. "Aragorn's response to Faramir's emotion is beautifully spoken." Faramir needs time to adjust and emotionally that Aragorn will not treat him the same way as his father. After a lifetime of mistreatment the heart can learn but it will slow and have setbacks. "No one was left alone. Such a comforting thought." Tolkien writes of the women and children bedecked in flowers coming home to their loved one. And I thought what of those coming home to an empty house. They need welcome and compassion even more because of their loss. It is a society I would like to see. People caring for one another. You are right. After Theoden's funeral and I think Eomer's Coronation is when he officially announces their handfasting so my original beginning of "Leaving Home" a year later in August of 3020 (1420 S.R.) I thinking that perhaps in Rohirrim society, engagements were not announced in time of mourning before burial. "I love the little conversation between the two, the hint of playfulness that will continue to bloom and grow along with their love." Exactly, as I said above, Faramir's heart needs to learn and remember he is loved and respected. He and Eowyn differ slightly here. Growing up Eowyn was loved and encouraged and she blossomed because of it. It was only after she was 18 and found that she was not going to a Shieldmaiden that she had to painfully sort out who she was and forgive the deception from those that loved her. Faramir grew up with very little familial love (except from Boromir and his uncle and family in Dol Amroth.) Those familial influences vs Denethor's ever-present scorn and derision caused (in my mind) caused Faramir to grow up differently than Eowyn. Must dash to work! More later. (March 26 is my last day at work!) Wee-hee and Woo-hoo! (((hugs))) MM Author Reply: Part 2! In ROTK, The Houses of Healing is where Eomer begins to realize how much he did not realize about what was happening to Eowyn,whom he loves very deeply. He carries guilt that he did not see her troubles and is trying to make amends. "And I cannot tell you how happy I am to see Erithain in the here and now. I'm so glad he survived to reach this point and be there for his nephew as well as see the promise that Rangers had treasured down through the centuries, finally fulfilled." I cannot imagine that Aragorn would be pensive and reflecting upon that had happened to bring this moment about and he needed someone with whom he had could show his doubt. Faramir, in the future will be one of those with whom he can share their relationship will grow but currently Faramir needs his strength not his doubt. Elladan and Elrohir were still in the City so it only seemed natural. And or course Erithain has survive to see his nephew achieve the goal of all Dunedain. There is great affection among these four. Thanks again for reading. the revisions are being highly entertaining! (((hugs))) MM | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 1/19/2026 |
| What a marvelous chapter, so full of emotion, joy, and gentle comfort. And how beautifully you show us how Éowyn came by her lovely gown and circlet! Author Reply: Shirebound! Thank you so much! This is wny I like writing gap filling fan fiction. To explore beyond what is written. I got thinking the dress that Eowyn is wearing at the Coronation in PJ's ROTK. She only had her armor and of course the two dresses that Alyrin loaned her! :-) And I wanted the dress to be in Rohirrim style but then I thought Eowyn wouldn't Rohirrim style because she doesn't care about clothes and there were no other Rohirrim women to consult with so Gondorian style it was to be. Eowyn is wearing the same circlet in the funeral scene for Theodred as she is for the coronation. She obviously would not take that with her riding to battle so it was a lovely chance for Eomer to have something nice made for her! It was all very fun thinking of all this! Thanks again for writing! I look forward to your comments when I post a story! (((hugs))) MM | |