Reviews (506)

MysteriousWays · 22 September 2004 · Chapter 60: Faramir on His Own

I read most of this story in three days, reading near non-stop. Caught up in the spell of it, I was only marginally aware of things that did not sit quite right for me. For starters some of the conflicts are being strung out way too far. For example the disagreement between Aragorn and Arwen, I lost patience with that because I was not getting in solid clues as to why she was ticked. She was starting to come off as a spoiled child of 16 not a woman far older than that. The sensuality between Faramir and Eowyn. For the most part it is brilliantly done. But there are some points at which they get arouse where I feel it demeans the emotional growth that they are having at the moment. In this chapter, I think it would have been far more meaningful if Eowyn’s moment of confiding in Faramir had either stopped the sexual play entirely, or had been kept separate from it. The Faramir stripping scene had two emotional growth moments. Faramir having the epiphany that Eowyn may be able to better accept their shared sensual feelings if he allows her to have her way with him, was a brilliant bit, but nearly lost when it is sharing physical set up with Eowyn revealing what worm tongue had done. These two lovely emotional growth moments had to share a spotlight and they took attention from one another. I can’t quit decide if you should have had Faramir showing more balls before now. He was looking really wimpy before and I was about to lose interest, but then when you have him come out swinging in this chapter, it added weight to the description of his being cold. I am intrigued, and that scene alone renews my waning interest in this story. Over all I think you are doing very well. You might consider breaking some of the chapters into two. I would love you forever if you would put the translations in the main body of the story. Say in parenthesis at the end of the relevant paragraph? Still, all good. I do like this story. If it were not intelligent I would likely not bother reading it. And I have to hand it to you, your sensual scenes are imaginative and provocative, without being crass and crude. THAT is not easily done. MysteriousWays- I bet you wish I had kept quiet.

Lady of The Wood · 22 September 2004 · Chapter 60: Faramir on His Own

Wow I got Faramir/Eowyn goodness in a chapter titled "Faramir on His Own". Excellent! Thank you, thank you for Faramir kicking some butt and he did it in his own way. I agree with you I can't see Faramir taking pleasure in a fight especially when the insult was to his mother. Nicely done. I love the bit at the end of the fight when you describe Eowyn looking at Faramir's mane of hair. It conjured up a nice visual. Gandalf...I love him and that scene with Faramir was just perfect. As I said above I liked the scene with Eowyn and Faramir. Very funny and nice to see the two of them laughing together. The stomache roll was priceless. I'm glad that Eowyn opened up. Good for her! I'm eargerly awaiting Faramir's time with the Rohirrim. Keep up the good work. LOTW

Adamas · 21 September 2004 · Chapter 60: Faramir on His Own

This was a great chapter from start to finish…I enjoyed every word! You are very talented. I know I’ve said this the last time but I am going to say it again. You really have a gift for writing character interaction and dialog. Before I could write my review I had to go back and read the chapter a second time. Enjoyed it just as much the second time through. Since I liked the whole chapter from start to finish… I will only touch on the highlights. Your scene with Faramir, Frodo, and Pippin was very insightful. You really have a grasp on the Faramir/Boromir relationship. Faramir doesn’t hero worship his brother. He was sadden by Boromir's fall but, also knew that it was not the whole sum total of Boromir’s character, and he did not want Boromir to be remember as evil. I liked Frodo’s response to Faramir regarding Boromir’s weakness towards the ring. How Frodo admits that in the end he to fall to the power of the ring. Very good. I liked how Gaer invites Faramir to come and sit with the guys. This was a nice way to transition Faramir into his new roll as a rider of the Mark. I thought the last intimate scene with Eowyn and Faramir was very well done. I am glad she is opening up more to Faramir. And I think the more they are open with each other the more they understanding with each other. The fight was prefect it was awesome every detail and reaction. I loved how Faramir was controlled, and showed action with few words. “Get up” again and again, then finally… “I don’t think I need her skirts to hide behind anymore, do I?” It was great, very well done. Finally, I loved the scene with Gandalf. I think that out of all your characters he is the most like Tolkien’s Gandalf. I just love him. Thank you again, and please keep the chapters coming.

lmw · 21 September 2004 · Chapter 60: Faramir on His Own

WOW. I keep saying this, but I really do love your writing. Very powerful chapter, lots of emotion. Eowyn and Faramir, Eomer, and Faramir's 'declaration' to the Rohirrim - and Eomer. A lot of people have new-found respect for Faramir. This story isn't over yet, is it?

S · 21 September 2004 · Chapter 60: Faramir on His Own

THis was a really good chapter...i loved the scene of faramir getting naked and then eowyn asking him to let her play with his plaything. I thought it was hilarious to a point when she told him that she had let him play with hers :) I liked seeing that Eomer was proud of Faramir even though to a certain extend he was scared (I mean when Faramir gets pushed he does get scary) I want to know what comes next...what was it 16 days apart, that is a long time. I am also wondering if you are going to tell us what Arwen had in mind for Eowyn's hair. I hope faramir gets to make more friends because he is a great guy I am always excited to see that new chapters have come, i drop everything and then i panic when i am behind on my work. I enjoy your story and i hope that you update as soon as possible. GREAT JOB!!!!!!!!!

Elendiari22 · 21 September 2004 · Chapter 60: Faramir on His Own

Woot! Go Faramir! He needed to beat up the warrior. He can be rather scary, your Faramir, though. I like him. The last line has me dying. I hope the next update is as quick as this one was, because you left us on a real clif. Thank you for a great chapter!

Jen · 21 September 2004 · Chapter 60: Faramir on His Own

What a great chapter! There so much to say and I do not know where to begin. OK first, I loved the fact that Faramir has finally shown his mettle to the Rohirrim. From being able to perform almost as well as Eomer in his first test, to the brawl with that awful Rider. I really like the way you portrayed that fight. I always thought that Faramir was a chillingly efficient warrior and you captured that so well. No extraneous pounding just to beat someone for the sake of beating, but enough force to drive the point home. I've always thought warriors like that are scarier than those who will stab at anything because they can actually think and measure their movements even during stressful situations. I'm glad he's finally not so much of a pushover anymore. But I'm also glad that you showed that he does not release his anger until pushed too far. That should be a lesson to Eowyn that it takes a lot to make Faramir really angry so she should feel safe with him. I also think that the scene with Eowyn finally telling Faramir what was preventing her from being comfortable with him was well done. She finally opened up to him and allowed him to get a lot closer to her fears. I hope that it would finally allow them to understand one another better in the future. That scene with Gandalf was so sweet. Always thought Gandalf was a bit of a surrogate father to him and the reason why Denethor called Faramir the "wizard's pupil." I too am sad to think that magic would be leaving Middle Earth with Gandalf. Gandalf's riddles though are great and keep me guessing each chapter. Finally, the scene with Frodo and Pippin were just great. It shows his love and continuing concern for Boromir. Of course he would not want his brother to have a bad image for all those future students of the history of Middle Earth. Also, sorry for not leaving reviews for a while. As always, I wait anxiously and read each installment with relish. But I'm not as patient as Faramir. Did not want to write reviews that basically say, "When is he finally not going to be so wimpy!" and "I want to strangle Eomer and Eowyn!" So happy with this chapter. Can't wait for more.

RAKSHA THE DEMON · 20 September 2004 · Chapter 60: Faramir on His Own

Finally! Faramir shows he isn't a pushover, or that he can only take so much. As far as Eomer's horrified reaction to Faramir's apparent coldness and lack of passion while beating up the offensive Rider - I have the feeling that if Faramir had not controlled his anger, that Rider would have had a pudding for a face by the time Faramir was done, if he was still living at all. How would Eomer have reacted if the Rider had said filthy things about Eowyn? Would it have been just a friendly contest of manly strength? And Eowyn has got to grow up some too. Faramir is not a man of Rohan. So far, Faramir has knocked himself out to show his willingness to embrace his future bride's culture. I don't see Eowyn extending any comparable desire to understand the ways of Gondor. In Rohan, men may fight for fun. But I think in Gondor, violence reserved for actual warfare and combat, and brawls are less acceptable. Eomer and the Rohirrim viewed the fight between the Rider and Faramir as a fun little scrap. Faramir viewed as the brutally efficient way of punishing a very nasty insult. He doesn't enjoy or engage in violence for its own sake. Hopefully Eowyn will learn to understand that. Either that or Faramir is channeling his inner Denethor. That would have to happen occasionally; as Faramir has inherited much from his father. Loved Faramir's scene with the hobbits; and Pippin's fierce protectiveness of Boromir's memory. And I wish we'd seen more of Gandalf and Faramir. It's also heartbreaking to think all the magical things in LOTR will fade away from the future of Middle-earth. Including the gift of the Stewards' line. Though it might be for the best, that gift seems awfully painful. Can't wait to see Faramir's adventures with the Rohirrim! Raksha

QueenOfKumquats · 18 September 2004 · Chapter 59: Kidnapped

This story-- novella really-- is like crack. I'm quite addicted. Please keep up the good work! But I think I see how this will conclude-- Eowyn will finally get the medication to treat her bipolar disorder... ;-)

rhea · 15 September 2004 · Chapter 59: Kidnapped

LOVE IT! You are a great writer with a wonderful sense for the characters! Your Eomer really tugs at my heart. I hope he gets it together. :) Aragorn and Arwen are wonderful. A refreshing change from a portrayal of them as a lovey-dovey, sickeningly sweet couple. The puppy is quickly becoming one of my favorite characters. After all, who can't love a puppy?? Maybe Eowyn should give her brother a puppy or better yet a cat when she finally leaves.....just a thought. :) Keep up the great work!

lmw · 14 September 2004 · Chapter 59: Kidnapped

I was glad to find another chapter. I love the way you write. This story is full of life. Your characters think and feel and interact with each other so well. I still love your Eomer best, I think, although Merry and Pippen are right up there too. As always, waiting anxiously for more.

Lady of the Wood · 14 September 2004 · Chapter 59: Kidnapped

First of all let me say "Three cheers for Gandalf! Hip Hip Hooray! I love that wizard and his talk with Eowyn was just perfect and needed. The scene with Faramir discussing his brother was very well done. The bits with Frodo and his eagerness to get everything done was excellent as well. I didn't realise how much I missed Frodo until this chapter. Poor Frodo. I'm also very glad that you've gotten Faramir off on his time with the Rohirrim at last. I've been waiting for this for weeks! I love how he's making friends with Thorn. A man and his horse, a love story... :) I'm dying to know what's going on with Arwen and Aragorn. They're fighting for a long time for a couple that've been through a hell of a lot over the past number of years. Eowyn, Eowyn, Eowyn, I wanted to shake her and say "Do you know what you're doing?" She's reminding me a bit of Scarlet O'Hara; throwing away happiness with both hands. At least Eowyn realises that she loves Faramir, but half way through reading this excellently long chapter I was thiking 'I wouldn't blame Faramir for telling her he's had enough and going on home.' or to quote Rhett Butler "Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn." (Forgive me for making movie comparisons.)It's why I felt that Gandalf was so on with his warning to her. Perhaps Faramir's time away with the Rohirrim will help her appreaciate what life would be like without him? In response to a review by another reader, I don't feel that Faramir is relying on the physical too much. He's in love, he's an adult and like all people in love he wants to be with the person he loves, physically. I think it would be unusual for him to hold back. He's being very patient with Eowyn. I do agree that Faramir doesn't seem to know how to respond to Eowyn some times and does grasp at straws, but is it any wonder? Faramir is very alone at Edoras and is doing the best he can in rather confusing situations. I think he's doing remarkably well under the circumstatnces. Finally a question about Morwen Steelsheen, is she a character that is canon or is she made up? I've come across the name before and I can't remember if it's from your story or some one elses. I'd like to know a bit more about her. Thanks for updating so soon. Your note about being busy with school had me wondering when we'd get a new chapter. Little did I know how nice and long it would be! As always I'm looking forward to more. LOTW

Adamas · 13 September 2004 · Chapter 59: Kidnapped

I have been silently reading your story for something time. I really enjoy your writing style; you sure know how to keep your audience interested. Keep up the good work, you’re very entertaining. I like the way you wrote Eowyn and Faramir each supporting each other when they recounted their stories. I really like the way Eowyn saw Faramir (then and now), as he told how they meet. It was good that Eomer was listening maybe he will finely see Faramir as the man his sister loves and not the guy who’s stealing his sister away. I thought it was insightful Arwen and Aragon’s reactions to Faramir’s tale. I wonder if you are not hinting at something. You really know how to build tense and hold it right to the point where your reader wants to scream and hit something. I am referring of course to the scene where Eowyn is sitting next to Faramir while he is speaking about his brother. She just sits there and sits there…then finally does the right and loving thing, which is to support and comfort him. I wanted to applaud Faramir when he boldly asked Eomer if the trial/test was legitimate or just way of holding on to his sister. I’m glad Faramir is finely putting his foot down. I wonder if part of that was due to Faramir realizing that his brother Boromir “would not have suffered me [Faramir] suffering through his [Eomer] demands.” As I said I am really enjoying your story. You are wonderful at creating tension between characters. Please do something about Eomer. I am really starting to hate this otherwise very likeable guy. He needs a woman in his life. Where is Lothiriel? If she were in the picture Eomer would be distracted by her, and Eowyn can move on to living her life and not her brothers. Eowyn needs to stop playing the hot/cold game. If she has not figured it out yet, Faramir was only the most eligible bachelor in Gondor. I say “was” because surprise surprise out of all the lovely ladies of Gondor, Faramir only has eyes for Eowyn. He certainly is no slouch, and considering Gondor and Rohan just end a very long war there probably is not to many men of marriage material. Finally, I think its time you resolve the mysterious fight/argument between Arwen and Aragon. Whatever you do, please don’t keep us waiting to long. Thank you for you talent.

Elendiari22 · 13 September 2004 · Chapter 59: Kidnapped

Faramir and Eomer desperately need to get into a bar fight. They seriously need to whale on each other for a few minutes, I think. It might work wonders on their relationship. :) I'm curious to see what Merry and Pippin's plan is. Those two have been too quiet for too long. They see a lot, don't they? I like how you write them. Poor Faramir. I'm beginning to hate the Rohirrim, but they are a playful culture. Can't wait for more!

Raksha The Demon · 13 September 2004 · Chapter 59: Kidnapped

Another well-written chapter. Somewhat disquieting, though. It seems to me that Faramir is starting to rely on Eowyn, and more particularly, sexual relations with Eowyn, as a crutch to help him through some very painful times. Eowyn is not helping by running hot and cold, yes, she lets him touch her all over, then she doesn't want him to make love to her, she loves him, but won't tell him what she fears. I assume that Faramir's sudden coldness, the strange lack of feeling, is his way of shielding himself from more hurt. He is emotionally adrift; having lost his father and brother and just found out about his father's attempt to kill him. He needs consistent tenderness and concern from someone, and the only person who seems available more than once a week or two is Eowyn. But she doesn't seem to be emotionally or physically ready for that role; it doesn't help that Eomer is being such a jerk. And Aragorn, who should be trying to befriend Faramir in a low-key but genuine way, is being oafish and trying strategies that just exacerbate Eomer's dislike of Faramir. Note to Aragorn - don't whine about Rusco the dog biting you. He's a puppy; puppies play-bite and nibble and chew on everything and everybody, and those little puppy teeth are very sharp. Instead, teach him not to bite you, and reward him for not chewing on you; pet him and fuss over him; Arwen might well be impressed. Is Frodo going to interview Pippin and Gandalf about the Pyre when Faramir is gone? They really need Beregond... Faramir and Eowyn really need some time apart. Eowyn needs to grow up and decide what she wants out of life and stick to her decision and it could be she can better make that decision without Faramir's sexual distraction. Right now, she's unwittingly toying with Faramir and it's hurting him. Eomer needs to be away from the source of his jealousy (i.e. Eowyn). Faramir needs to be able to survive and cope, even in this unhappy time, without the heavy petting/sex- with-clothes-on sessions with Eowyn. It would help if Eowyn told him that she's still afraid of sex and that they need to take it slower... As a reader, I'm enjoying the story. But I'm getting tired of Eowyn's vacillation. Faramir can't stay in Rohan forever; he has an important position waiting for him in Gondor. I'm looking forward to Faramir becoming a Rider. Hopefully he'll finally get the respect that he's due. Watch the modern terms - "time out" and 'replaying the conversation' have a 21st century sound... And do update soon!

Lackwit · 13 September 2004 · Chapter 59: Kidnapped

Fight, fight! Heh, must have some Rohirrim in you! So you are going to be putting Faramir through his paces? LOL make that boy sweat (and then make him take his shirt off at the water trough ;) ) BTW, I meant 3000 not 300 (dropped a zero) in my earlier review regarding Arwen's age. It will be sweet to see them reconcile. Nice touch about puppy trying to bite Aragorn *g*

Lackwit · 13 September 2004 · Chapter 59: Kidnapped

Ahh, another deliciously long chapter to savor. I have been impatiently checking SoA every day since the last update. I found the retelling in Frodo's room surprisingly painful. Poor Faramir! You wrote the characters and dialogue very well. Kudos! I do hope you are going to resolve Aragorn and Arwen's situation soon. I normally like Arwen, or at least what I imagine Arwen the 300 year old daughter or Elrond could be, but she is starting to come off as rather immature here. And Aragorn is uncharacteristically ineffectual in dealing with her. I do think these two need to start moving forward now. I am very happy to see Faramir's stint as a Rider begin. I've been looking forward to it, and am looking forward to more quality chapters from you. Good work.

EomerofEastfold · 6 September 2004 · Chapter 58: Unburdening of Faramir

Well, you certainly weren't kidding about the steaminess, were you? I can't really explain this right now, but, given the circumstances, Eowyn should be happy it lasted as long as two minutes. Faramir will do better next time, assuming not TOO much time passes. I loved Aragorn getting upset with Eomer because the puppy didn't work. “Oh, what else, wise King of Rohan…tell me, have you ever even been with a woman for longer than a night?” “Yes.” It was four nights....." I was falling out of my seat laughing. And then this... "I’ve never had a woman angry with me for more than a day. Éowyn didn’t count. Of course, I am better looking…and more charming." Your Eomer is quite the ladies' man, isn't he? If you are going to write a Eomer/Lothiriel fic after this, I think I'll need stitches for when my sides burst open from laughing. :) I, like everyone else, am still very curious why Arwen is so upset with Aragorn and hope the reason will be revealed in an update soon. I'm glad Eowyn is giving Faramir her full support regarding Denethor, and isn't feeding him any nonsense concerning Denethor actually loving him. I mean, come on, he was absolutely rotten to Faramir! He got exactly what he deserved for it, too. I feel for you with school. I just started back, and before my next class they want me to memorize all the keyboard shortcuts for a Macintosh. I don't even know half of them for a PC as it is. Well, good luck, and I hope you are able to update soon.

MysteriousWays · 1 September 2004 · Chapter 58: Unburdening of Faramir

I am exhausted. I have been reading this for days to catch up. It has been one really well writen emotional rollar coaster ride. I get frustrated with characters then I love them. I want Eowyn and Faramir to get it on, but the way that it is getting all drug out for them is just to delicious. You make it so thoughrally believable that they can go so far and still not do the absolute final deed. I love the friendship between Eowyn and Arwen. Prudish Mortals, that is good, I like that. I am anctiously awaiting the update on this story. Until then I will have to keep myself occupied taking part in everyday life. Have my husband read some of this as an instructional manual. Ooops! Did I type that out loud? MysteriousWays

MysteriousWays · 1 September 2004 · Chapter 57: Thrashing it Out II

ROFLMAO!!!!!!! You are do dang FUNNY!!!! MysteriousWays P.S. Can Eowyn just beat the crap out of Eomer and Faramir? I think it would resolve things nicely.

MysteriousWays · 31 August 2004 · Chapter 55: Thrashing it Out I

I have been ignoring my family and home as I spent another day reading this. I do that sometimes. I have to get to bed. I will be back tomarrow to see if I can finish reading what you have posted. Boy it is going to stink to get to the end of what is posted and know the story is not over yet. MysteriousWays

MysteriousWays · 31 August 2004 · Chapter 54: Sorrow

I know how too much of all of this feels.

MysteriousWays · 31 August 2004 · Chapter 53: Faramir meets both Water and Earth

GULP

Raksha The Demon · 31 August 2004 · Chapter 58: Unburdening of Faramir

"Well, as for the memory of Denethor, lots of Pippin is going to be in the next chapter, I mean, I've got them all reliving things for Frodo. Pippin's scene is in that, I think. Plus, I've got hobbit communications with their friends in later times--I mean, didn't we learn in the Prologue that hobbits like writing letters? I think that would extend all the way to Gondor, it would just take longer to hear back, lol. Hehe, what's Faramir's address? Prince Faramir, Steward of Gondor, Lord of Ithilien, Box 1? Ha! Besides, the last gasp of Grima rides on that." There's a Prologue? I don't remember reading one, and I don't see one listed in the chapter titles. Is it a section inside a particular chapter? I'm looking forward to "lots of Pippin" and memories. Faramir doesn't need an address. Everyone knows who he is; and that big ol' house in Emyn Arnen will be easy to find. I'm sure that he'll have guards and a secretary and a seneschal of his own to deal with incoming mail...

Beethovens7th · 31 August 2004 · Chapter 48: Poems, Smoking and Eyefulls

Damn it, damn everything; his arm was back on her. ....................................... Faramir breathed on her neck; it was hot and she tried not to slap at him Ah, so soon the pure romance of the relationship fades! grin! Love this!!