Reviews (506)

MysteriousWays · 29 August 2004 · Chapter 39: In the Garden

That was a beautiful scene and a beautiful song. MysteriousWays

MysteriousWays · 29 August 2004

OMG!!! THat was too funny! Merry and Pippin are a total scream!

MysteriousWays · 29 August 2004

ROFLMAO!!!! Pervy Hobbits!!!! (Wipes tears from eyes) And here I thought they were innocently cuddling. ROFL. OH I love this!!! Oh before I forget. (I have been reading this non stop all morning so I might) The whole bit of Faramir slowly and painstakingly getting Eowyn to relax was just fantastic and then the fight scene!!! This is just all so delicious!!! I need to go get more chocolate to go with this. This is good. MysteriousWays

Elven_lady14 · 28 August 2004 · Chapter 57: Thrashing it Out II

Wow! that was great! Keep Writing! What did the Puppy do to Arwen, What happens to Faramir in the eodred?

EomerofEastfold · 27 August 2004 · Chapter 57: Thrashing it Out II

Well, my brother left, so I can actually use my computer again to write more. :) I liked the entire scene with the puppies, and the slightly unsettling effect Aragorn's comment about the King of Rohan making a "fine husband" had on Eomer. I can't wait until you write a Eomer/Lothiriel fic. With all the trouble Eomer is putting Faramir through concerning Eowyn (Mostly justified by me, of course), It makes me wonder how Faramir is going to repay him when Eomer becomes interested in the Steward's cousin. But then, knowing Faramir, he may actually introduce the two of them. The entire "horseballs" thing just made me cringe, no matter how maturely I tried to handle it. That sort of thing has an unnerving effect on men the likes of which you would not believe. Arwen interested in muscular men? Makes sense. After all, she's been around slenderly built elves her entire life, while Eowyn has hung around the stockiest denizens of Middle Earth next to Dwarves. I guess it's only natural the two would be attracted to men unlike those they've grown accustomed to being around. Can't wait to see what happened "the night before." I have a feeling it's all going to be rather hilarious. Btw, I never recieved a reply to my last review that I e-mailed you. I hope it isn't because of something I said or didn't do, though I admit I've been regretfully uncommunicative lately. I hope we are still on friendly terms, because I love your writing very much. Anyway, I hope your trip went smoothly, and you find time to write more with the school year starting.

EomerofEastfold · 27 August 2004 · Chapter 57: Thrashing it Out II

Yes, I am back at SoA. Fate is strange, is it not? Another excellent chapter! I can't wait to see the Eomer/Faramir bonding scene you mentioned in your review replies. Loved Gaer as always. I find him to be, quite basically, the embodiment of everything I love and admire about the Rohirrim. Don't have any more time to review now, even though I have a million more things to say. :( I can't wait until the next update.

Lady of the Wood · 24 August 2004 · Chapter 57: Thrashing it Out II

In reference to your last comment to me about Eomer. "Happy?" Yes and thank you. I do love our Eomer don't get me wrong and I have faith in you and in your story that everything will work out more than OK. I can't wait to see the big lug in love himself. Hopefully in a future fic? Glad you are still excited about the story. LOTW

Crimson · 23 August 2004 · Chapter 57: Thrashing it Out II

My reply to your "wussy" comment: Cut me some slack! I was eating sushi, damn it. I don't think I'll ever be able to eat salmon sashimi again. And does Faramir REALLY have to eat horseballs? Can you at least give me a warning at the start of that chapter? And what about my drudge horses question? Did you make them up or are there really such things?

Crimson · 23 August 2004 · Chapter 57: Thrashing it Out II

Woo-wee! What a great pair of chapters that was! Sorry I didn't review them sooner. I know I promised you a long review. I always make good on my promises -- just a little late sometimes. I've been busy doing some research trying to track down one of the four existing copies of an 18th century English translation of a 17th century French memoir (two copies in London, one in Washington, DC and one in Berkeley, CA -- I know, the Berkeley part seems odd, but I guess everything makes its way to Berkeley eventually and, just like old hippies, never leaves). I've discovered the limits of digital research. Sometimes you really do have to hunt down dusty old forgotten books that no one will ever make available online. But I mention all of this because I think you might be interested to know that the memoir in question records the history of a 17th century French woman of renown who among other more impressive accomplishments was an incredibly successful manager of her husband's large estates -- overseeing tenant farmers, factory mills, a castle, a garrison and all! In fact it was rather common at the time for noble ladies to run things while their husbands were away every spring and summer at court or war. And since winter obviously doesn't involve much farming, the ladies pretty much ran the estates. Basic arithmetic and bookkeeping were essential to their education. So Eomer's suggestion that Eowyn manage Faramir's estates has quite a few "real life" precedents. But I'm getting ahead of myself. Let me start off with the things I loved about Chapter 56 and them some thoughts on Chapter 56 and so forth for Chapter 57. Things I loved about Chapter 56: * A weary Faramir shuffling into Eowyn's room hunched over like Quasi Modo asking, "What do you want me to say?" I'm still laughing at that. That is EXACTLY what a guy in his situation at that particular moment would ask. He's not even dancing around the issue. He's thinking, "What do I have to say in order to go to sleep in peace? I don't care. Just tell me. I'll say it." Too funny. * I liked Eowyn's song and her dream. Very nice. * I liked Eowyn's reaction the next morning as Faramir is leaving. I liked how you transitioned her "better hurry" banter into the somber mood that comes over her when his "moment of grace is up." You described the tension very nicely. At first she just watches him silently and then lowers her head and doesn't even look up as he leaves despite his jest. The situation is too serious and painful for her to laugh it off. Nicely done. * I liked Gaer. Loved his gelding knife comment. Also loved his impertinent wink, and Faramir's eventual "Who are you?" Gaer seems like the kind of guy who's just not intimidated by royalty. Gotta love that. When Faramir noticed that Gaer had none of the scorn or distaste for him that the other Rohirrim had, it occurred to me that Eomer's reaction to Faramir might have been like Gaer's if Eowyn wasn't in the picture. * I'm intrigued by Gaer's salt reference. Can't wait to find out what that means. I also liked Faramir's reaction to the bullying he encountered and his reasoning that battle is the last resort. He reminds me of the main character in a now classic science fiction novel titled "Ender's Game" (they've been threatening to make it into a movie for years.) The main character, Ender, is not unlike Faramir in sensitivity, but he realizes very young that he must beat up a bully decisively (i.e. to a bloody pulp) or the bully will never leave him alone. That's a sad, but very important lesson. * I absolutely loved Gaer's aside to Faramir, "No wonder we have to ride all the way to Mundburg and rescue you all the time, come on, there are things to do. We don't get to loll about in the southern sun here." LOL! GREAT!! * I loved this: "There are the bows and the arrows...And there are the targets. You show them how to bring them all together." * Loved the banter between Eowyn, Aragorn, and Arwen during the sword fight. Also loved how Eomer "frowning a little" asks Aragorn a little shyly "Can I hold him?" LOL! Like two boys -- "I'll let you play with my toys if you let me play with yours?" * I have a special fondness for Shadowfax. I laughed at Eowyn's comment that it wasn't particularly dignified of the Lord of All Horses to allow himself to be bribed with treats. I love it. I don't know why that makes me laugh. It just does. * I'm intrigued by Arwen's comment that "the whole" of whatever is troubling her would hurt Aragorn. Do tell. The only comment I have on Chapter 56 is re: Eomer's talk with Eowyn about Faramir's gift. I really loved that scene. I found Eomer's reaction to Eowyn's admission that she "likes" sharing her thoughts with Faramir very revealing. I thought to myself, Eomer's never really been in love. Although he's the older and supposedly more experienced sibling, he is very immature when it comes to matters of the heart. To love is to yield control of yourself and in turn to receive and except your beloved. Faramir and Eowyn are willing and happy to do this with each other. Eomer doesn't understand this and really will not until he too finds someone to marry and love and mutually give and receive from. Of course, this is just my take on it. If this was not your intention, please ignore it. Alright, now on to Chapter 57. Things I loved: * Eomer's thoughts after holding Aragorn's sword. "Things have become odd here...men who read thoughts, swords that sing only for their masters ears…What is the Ridder-mark host to?" The sword swap was a great plot device to allow us to see again Eomer's unease with these things he can't control or understand. * I'm glad you had one of the boys translate for Faramir. I was wondering why he didn't ask one of them to do that in the last chapter, so I was happy to see that he (and you) realized the same thing. * I liked Eowyn's thoughts about how Faramir won her heart -- stalking her like a shy animal. * Loved the horse Eomer assigned Faramir and loved how you introduced said horse! "From inside the corral came the restless thuds of hooves....'What kind of horse have they brought me?'" LOL! And "Drudge horse"? Is there really such a thing as a Drudge horse? Does Matt know about this? "He knows how to do everything from charging into battle to plowing a field" and runs a political gossip website too! Just kidding. * I like Faramir's thoughts and memories while looking at himself in the mirror in his Eorlingas garb. Loved the flashback to his father. Also loved his thought, "What would Eowyn think of me in this?" and the unspoken fear that she'll think he looks ridiculous too. * Okay, I've got to say this. The horseballs conversation literally made me gag. I was eating my lunch as I read that. Big mistake. * Loved this: "There was a flicker in the Brandybuck’s eyes. 'Nothing changes in the Shire.'" Nice foreshadowing. And a nice way of keeping the drama in this particular dramedy of yours. If you can make 'em laugh and cry at the same time, you know you're good! * Also liked this: "Anxious to restore her happy mood, [Eowyn] picked up her mug, forcing a wide smile. 'I can’t wait, either.' ARWEN'S EYES NARROWED SLIGHTLY. Éowyn drank quickly, swallowing the sharp ale." (EMPHASIS MINE). So Arwen, like her grandmother, can read minds. Nice and subtle. I liked it. * In the reprise of Eomer/Aragorn/Faramir's discussion, I laughed at Faramir's thoughts, "Now leave me alone. He's the one with the problems." Ha! Just like couples therapy. * Okay, I have a question. Arwen (no doubt half drunk) says that Rangers have good memories and that they learn by repetition. Eowyn asks, "What are you talking about?" What the hell is she talking about? Am I being thick here? What am I missing? * Loved Faramir's dream. Always do. * Loved the cliff hanger ending. Eowyn that naughty girl. She seems to have a bad habit of getting piss drunk and blacking out. Ten bucks says she pounded on Faramir's door and demanded to see "distinguishing characteristics" -- to borrow a euphemism from the Starr Report. Boy, those Rohirrim girls know how to party. Alright now for thoughts, comments, and other questions concerning Chapter 57: * Arwen. Ah Arwen. Your Arwen is a little different. I like her. Like your Aragorn, she bears almost no resemblance to Tolkien's Arwen. But that's alright because your Arwen is charming. I enjoyed her story about how she "really" met Aragorn. Very funny. But did she fall in love with him at that first meeting? Or at their second meeting? Now ignore ALL of this if it's not how you want to portray Arwen and Aragorn. But here are my thoughts. In their Appendix story, Tolkien's Arwen, like yours, is just -- for lack of a better word -- "amused" with Aragorn at their first meeting, just as an adult is amused by a five year old. It's her second meeting with him in Lothlorien that makes her fall in love with him. He finds himself there after traveling in the wild. He's older, grayer, tired, and weighed down by his responsibilities and the limited time he has to fulfill them all. She, on the other hand, is weighed down by eternity. Tolkien writes that she "was little changed, for the mortal years had passed her by; yet her face was more grave, and her laughter now seldom was heard." She's a paradox really. She is weary of immortality and yet later she realizes how bitter mortality is. I think one of the most profound passages in LOTR is the conversation between Arwen and the dying Aragorn. She says to him: "Not until now have I understood the tale of your people and their fall. As wicked fools I scorned them, but I pity them at last. For if this is indeed, as the Eldar say, the gift of the One to Men, it is bitter to receive." Augustine, Aquinas, de Sales, and every one of my old Jesuit philosophy professors would have a field day unraveling all the metaphysical implications in that statement. Notice that the only people who refer to death as "the Gift of Men" are the immortals. Those who are tasked to live till the world's end are envious of those who are only given a brief span of years to make their mark, and vice versa (as was illustrated in the Numenoreans' doomed attempt to sail to the Undying Lands in order to gain immortality too). The implications of these dual desires for Aragorn and Arwen's relationship are manifest. He was weighed down by time because he had only a limited number of years to accomplish his destiny and with such a limitation comes fear and anxiety that you'll never make it in time. Arwen helped lighten that burden by believing in him. She on the other hand was weighed down by the fear that nothing will change and therefore nothing has meaning. Decisions and actions lose their significance (or consequences) when there is an unlimited amount of time to reverse them or compensate for them or duplicate them a million times over. Immortality takes away the urgency that comes with finite decision making. Arwen wanted to be a part of that urgency and yet she was reluctant to accept the final consequence -- the final boundary -- which is death. In Chapter 57, Eowyn alludes to the greater sadness in Arwen's story. I'm not sure if any of what I've written applies to what you have in mind. If it does, great. If it doesn't, skip it. * Like Lady of the Woods, I also found your descriptions of fires in Rohan eerily reminiscent. I live in Southern California, and last year we had massive fires around LA and San Diego counties. I remember driving at night down the Pacific Coast Highway south from Santa Barbara and seeing what I thought at first was snow flakes falling on my car. Then I realized it was ashes from all the forests and houses burning! I had to put my windshield wipers on to clear them -- that's how thick it was. The air was grey-black. Scary stuff. Lady of the Woods also asked whether Faramir knew about how his father died. I always assumed he did. But boy that would change everything if he didn't. I'm intrigued... I'm also wondering if Eomer knows about Denethor's death. He doesn't, does he? Because if he does and if he was mentioning fire deliberately to provoke Faramir, then he is unforgivably cruel. In the words of Tennessee Williams' Blanch Dubois, "deliberate cruelty is not forgivable." * I'm surprised that Faramir isn't more angry at Eomer. At one point you have Faramir think, "To him she is not mine at all, she is his little sister…who he loves wholeheartedly and who I am stealing." Then you describe Faramir as being weary with guilt. I'm thinking, why the hell isn't he mad as hell! Not only mad for himself, but for Eowyn. Eomer is acting as if he owns her. Then again, perhaps Faramir isn't mad yet because he is a passive-aggressive sort. At some point soon he'll explode and then sand-bag everyone around him with all his pent-up anger. Have you seen "The Quiet Man" yet? 'Nuff said. * Speaking of explosions of anger... I think all of us want to see Faramir kick some ass. I'm wondering what you will use to finally set him off. I might be wrong, but I don't think it would be an insult to him personally. He's used to that. I mean what could be more humiliating and insulting than having your father say you look ridiculous in your first uniform? However, if someone were to insult a person that Faramir's loved, I bet Faramir would beat the living be-jeesus out of that someone. Would it take an insult to Eowyn for Faramir to respond that way? It's unlikely that the Rohirrim would insult their lady, but what if one of them made a crude sexual comment about her. What if someone made a "locker room" boast about her? I don't know. Just a thought. * I'm willing to wager that the conversation with Aragorn/Eomer/Faramir was the reason why it took you so long to post this chapter. It was a difficult obligatory scene. Obligatory meaning that you were obligated to write it but challenged to do so without rendering it cliché or boring. Never fear. You did a great job with it. I liked how Faramir learned to counter Eomer's mind games. I also must say that you've mastered the art of "entering late and leaving early." That's a screenwriting trick. Enter the scene late -- cutting right to the purpose -- and leaving early without getting bogged down by unnecessary details. For a perfect example of this, watch any Law & Order episode. They cut right to scenes mid-conversation and exit mid-conversation. As the lines between film and popular fiction fade, this is employed more frequently in novels and short stories. You do a good job of employing it in your chapters. All in all, GREAT WORK! Continue and don't wait a month to update, or else I'll lead all your readers in a peasant's revolt. We'll storm the castle with torches and pitch forks. I mean it!

eclipse · 22 August 2004 · Chapter 57: Thrashing it Out II

I really enjoy your story. I love the interaction between Faramir and Eowyn, and I hope that if they did do stuff/it that you would please give us a flash back. I want to learn more about the Arwen deal, it is very interesting to hear her speak. I really enjoyed the conversation she had with Eowyn, and I would love to see her and Eowyn talk about their men ;) Please update soon and please keep on going until the end. It would be tragic if you stop now when it is getting good.

Lady of the Wood · 22 August 2004 · Chapter 57: Thrashing it Out II

Did they do it?! If they did I sure hope we get a flash back. Don't deny us the good stuff. Or did Eowyn go into his room asking for a look at Faramir naked? Either way... :) I'm glad you updated. I was beginning to get concerned. Every now and then I'll read a WIP and the author will lose interest and I never get to read the end. Here's hoping you keep enjoying writing this story! Parts I liked: I enjoyed the tavern scene. It made me think that it should be Eomer taking Faramir to a tavern like Eomer took Aragorn. E and F need to bond in a less formal setting and I'm not sure that Aragorn is the right person to help them get along. I loved Arwen's comments about the Bree women taking a hobbit to bed. Naughty she-elf! My goodness this is a whole new Arwen although considering her considerable age it makes sense that she would be very open about such things. I don't usually read Arwen centred stories but I like the things you suggested about her past, in this chapter, and perhaps you might consider writting a story about them after this one is done? I love Faramir's "prequel" dreams. :) It's your way of letting us know that everything is going to be alright. I confess that crack in the mirror is worrying me, I wonder what it portends? I just hope that you don't make things too difficult for our prince and princess. They deserve to be enjoying their engagement especially after all both of them have been through. I'm glad you mentioned the fire referrence and Faramir's anxienty about it. I'm assuming that no one has yet told him about what happened with his father? Where oh where is Gandalf? He needs to spend some serious time with his old pupil. Faramir needs to be told asap. On a side note I live in the western part of Canada and all this summer and last we've been dealing with forest fires because it's been so dry. Eomer's comments brought in a bit of reality. Things that gave me pause: Eomer...I both love and hate him. Part of him reminds me of my brothers who have done exactly what Eomer did when I came in very late. It made me smile. On the other hand I want to shake Eomer and say "Get over it!". He's behaving like a child not a grown man and a king t'boot. I know he'll miss his sister but come on. He should be bending over backwards to get to know his new brother in law. At least take him out and show him the Edoras night life or something. Has he done anything to truly try and get aquainted with Faramir? I don't think so and it is his place to welcome Faramir. On the hospitality scale Eomer is falling far short and the rest of Rohan isn't doing much better. Why are they giving him such a hard time? It doesn't make any sense. Faramir's gift and memories of Dad. As I mentioned before please get the old Wizard into talk to our man. We've read so much about Faramir healing Eowyn I want to see some Faramir healing. For all of Eowyn's fear of missing home she still does have family. Faramir's all alone in the world lest we forget that he lost not only his father but his brother as well in the space of a couple of months. Things I'm looking forward to: Faramir's time with the Rohirrim. I'd just love it if he really bonded with "the boys" and came back all buddy-buddy with them. Eomer would eat his shirt. Faramir having a knock-down drag out fight with Eomer/any big Rohirric man and coming out the winner. Oh please oh please. The sooner the better. Faramir and Eowyn getting on with the steamyness! I've been missing it these last few chapters. Show us the love! :) As always anxiously waiting for more. LOTW

lmw · 21 August 2004 · Chapter 57: Thrashing it Out II

It has taken me quite a while to read all of the chapters so far, but I LOVE this story! I am in love with your Eomer, and quite like all the others too. There will be more, right?

Elendiari22 · 21 August 2004 · Chapter 57: Thrashing it Out II

Interesting. I love how the ladies went out with the hobbits; I can really see Arwen and Eowyn raising a storm in Minas Tirith. What was up with the end, though? I'm a bit worried that it's going to turn slashy (please tell me I'm wrong here) between A&E(the ladies, that is). I'm deathly curious to find out, and the nearly one month-long-wait for an update was a killer. Please let us know soon! Thanks!

RAKSHA_THE_DEMON · 21 August 2004 · Chapter 57: Thrashing it Out II

Eomer is right in that all women love baby animals; or at least most of them do. I'm a sucker for puppies and kittens; and think that there is nothing cuter in this world than a young puppy. I'm assuming it's a hound (the description could indicate a foxhound, it doesn't sound like an Irish Wolfhound or Scottish Deerhound type). Since it's going to be the Queen of Gondor's pup, I also assume that there will be servants who can take the critter out on the Pelennor every day to give it the exercise it needs, otherwise it will be climbing the Citadel walls in no time - Minas Tirith is no place for any high-energy breed except for, presumably, dogs who can tolerate kennel life (I would imagine that the Steward and some nobles had hunting packs). Aragorn should have kept the more mellow pup; but presumably Arwen will be able to handle the dominant little shoe-chewer. I'm beginning to get tired of the constant tension between Eomer and Faramir. I know that Eowyn is a huge bone of contention between them, as well as Faramir's ability to read minds. But Eomer is an adult, and he's starting to come off like a surly teenager - it's time for him to stop assuming he's the only man in the world who can give his sister what she needs. Wasn't Gandalf going to have another talk with Faramir? If Gandalf is still in Edoras, I would have though that Faramir, as unhappy and nervous as he is, would have wanted some advice, especially since Gandalf is not going to be around much longer... Hope you update soon!

Fionnabhair Nic Aillil · 2 August 2004 · Chapter 56: Interlude: Stealing Shadowfax...Again

I probably should explain that sea comment. It's the result of spending too much time being told all about literary explorations of sexuality, and how in particular the sea symbolises the feminine other and mystery of female sexuality. Since Faramir is the person who is awakening Éowyn's latent sexuality it seemed like a very fitting choice of image to me.

Elendiari22 · 2 August 2004 · Chapter 56: Interlude: Stealing Shadowfax...Again

Blast and dang! A cliffie! Hee, hee, Eowyn as a little orc! That's great! Poor Faramir, he's so confused. I like how Gaer just met him, and started teasing him. I hope that Faramir gets his own soon. And I can't wait to hear what Arwen has to say. :)

Raksha The Demon · 1 August 2004 · Chapter 56: Interlude: Stealing Shadowfax...Again

I really like the dialogue between Aragorn and Faramir in this chapter - Aragorn is finally showing the keen perception of which he is capable, as well as some concern for his beleaguered Steward. Interesting that Faramir's ability to read minds is a genetic fixture of the Stewards' line - did Denethor have it? Did Denethor resent Faramir for having the gift when Boromir (presumably) did not? What I do not like is the behavior of the Rohirrim who mocked and challenged Faramir; while the latter did not know that the proper response would be to abandon his restraint and fight. Faramir is Eomer's guest and guests should be extended some courtesy. Those particular Rohirrim seem to have crossed a line; their behavior seems far from good-natured challenge; it verges towards bullying. Loyalty to and love of Eowyn doesn't excuse their surrounding and mocking her betrothed, even if they suspect his behavior isn't proper - that's a matter for Faramir, Eowyn and Eomer to deal with, not them. I hope Faramir will take on one of them and leave him on the ground with a bloody nose. And where were these bravos when Grima Wormtongue was terrorizing Eowyn? The relationship between Eomer and Eowyn is well-written, as always. And I can't wait to see more girl talk between Eowyn and Arwen!

Lady of the Wood · 1 August 2004 · Chapter 56: Interlude: Stealing Shadowfax...Again

Interesting interlude. I think you handled the meeting between Eomer and Faramir well and I quite enjoyed reading about Faramir teaching the young Rohirrim. Perhaps he can be a guest teacher when he and Eowyn come back for visits? I also liked Eowyn's dream about Faramir showing her the sea. That was lovely. I'm glad to see Faramir beginning to spend his time with the Rohirrim. How frustrating for him not to be able to understand them, although it looks like his guide (G...? I can't remember his name) may turn out to be a friend after all. I certainly hope so. I suspect that Faramir's command of Rohirric will improve rather quickly when he's spending all his time speaking it. Your bit about Anduril sounding shocked when it was dropped was fabulous. As always, hoping for more soon. LOTW

Fionnabhair Nic Aillil · 1 August 2004 · Chapter 56: Interlude: Stealing Shadowfax...Again

Interesting, interesting! Did you intentionally use the sexual metaphor of the sea, or did it just come about by accident? It's good to sea that progress is being made on most fronts - though sadly Éomer's reaction to Faramir's gift is as bad as I feared. And Arwen telling the story of her meeting with Aragorn is going to be very entertaining - I'm anticipating it already. Maybe I'm being obtuse but there is one thing I don't understand. If all the men respect Éowyn so much, why do they assume that Faramir is her tame lap-dog. I mean, if she was generally made fun of it would make a little more sense to me, but they all seem to have a healthy affection and respect for her so? Anyway, good, tantalising, chapter.

Lady of The Wood · 24 July 2004 · Chapter 55: Thrashing it Out I

What a nice surprise to come home to! I was away for two weeks and was really hoping for an update when I got home and there it was. Thanks! :) The ending of this chapter was very intense. I loved it. It's not often we get a true cliffie! I'm dying to know about what will happen with Eomer, Faramir and Eowyn...Will Eowyn explain it her brother or leave it to Faramir? Will Eomer understand? And does Aragorn share some of the mind reading ability? Hmmmm I too was glad to see Faramir asserting himself. This is the Faramir I know and love and hope to see more of him. Go prince of Ithilien! However, I was suprised that he revealed his "talent?" to Eomer. That's the type of thing that would freak a lot of humans out. Does his talent perhaps come from Finduilas' side of the family? There is that story of about Imrahil's family having elvish blood. I'm glad to see Gandalf wanting to speak with his pupil. I hope he can help Faramir get things back under control. I was surprised by Eomer's fears that Faramir was going to abandon Eowyn in some way, either by not marrying her at all or by letting her rot in a walled city. He really doesn't know Faramir does he? Earlier Eomer felt that Eowyn had Faramir wrapped around her little finger. I wonder what has brought about his change in perspective? Is it that Eomer is sensing more strength in Faramir or that as the time approaches for Eowyn to leave that Eomer, like his sister through fear, he is emphasizing the negatives of the move to Gondor not willing to believe that she would choose to leave him? I hope I don't overstep my bounds (feel free to e-mail me and let me know if I do) when I say that I hope that Eowyn and Faramir have a talk about what she was angry about at dinner; ie. the appologising etc. I realise that she was drunk and I understand why she was upset, but IMHO she came across rather harsh and not like a woman at the beginning of a realationship. She sounded more like a wife well into a marriage who knows how to really hurt her husband because she knows all the buttons to push. I'm finding it increasingly difficult to be sympathetic to her; she runs hot and cold on Faramir and considering that her uncle/step-father had just died I found it natural that Faramir should feel that he should seek to console her. My favourite part was the telling of Eomer's dirty song and as some one else here mentioned the description of Eomer and Faramir, the light and the dark. It was lovey! I love your story and I look forward to more.

Crimson · 23 July 2004 · Chapter 55: Thrashing it Out I

Another great chapter! And I imagine a difficult one to write – with all the internal monologues and dinner conversations, etc. Things I loved: * The tension between Eowyn & Faramir and Eowyn & Eomer. She’s on an emotional roller coaster here. In some ways I think she is actually escalating the tension between Faramir and Eomer; in particular when she pits the two against each other by asking Faramir, “will you do things like that?” He could not give an answer that would satisfy them both. It’s almost as if she unconsciously wants Faramir to be more like Eomer and Eomer to be more like Faramir. She wants Eomer to realize, as Faramir does, that she’s a grown woman now with a grown woman’s ability to take care of herself and a grown woman’s needs and desires. Eomer isn’t as “sensitive” to this as Faramir is. On the other hand, Faramir is sometimes too damn sensitive for her – too “womanish” and not like the stern men of Rohan. He doesn’t even argue like she’s used to. He’s subtle and reserved and so prefers peace and quiet to hashing things out and yelling and getting everything out on the table. He is also emotionally sensitive in a way that’s almost foreign to her. And so she rebuffs his attempts to comfort her and then is surprised when he’s hurt and now complains about his “sensitivity,” telling him, “What a woman you are, Faramir.” That is such a mean thing to say to him, but I think you were very right to have her say it. I thought it fit perfectly, and I thought her quick realization that her remark was hurtful was also right on the money. You’ve made it clear in your story that she’s not a mean person; she’s just on emotional overload at the moment. I’m curious to know if you intended any of this or if it’s just my interpretation. * I loved Faramir’s little moment of existential disorientation when he asks himself, “What am I doing? What am I doing here?” It seemed so appropriate. I understood exactly how he felt. And his painful realization that no one will mourn his father reminded us that he is actually in a worse situation than Eomer and Eowyn. They still have each other, but Faramir is the last of his line. * Eowyn was driven to drink! LOL! If the two men in her life don’t cool it soon, she might have to find herself an AA meeting. * The bawdy song. Too funny. Faramir’s reaction to it was great. * The fact that Arwen has moved into Galadriel’s rooms. I howled laughing at that for some reason. The thought of JRRT’s noble king Elessar being in the doghouse is strangely amusing for me. * This passage was the best of the chapter IMHO: “Éomer gleamed with the dark chestnut of well-tanned leather with gold, green and ivory—colors of the earth beneath her feet, her wild, wide homeland. Faramir was darker, black shining with brilliant white and cool silver — his colors told of a lifetime in shadows beneath a threatening gloom and only a far-off promise of light. The contrasts seemed to embody everything to her for a moment. Sun-beorht, niht-helm...no wonder they cannot get along...” Beautiful! * I liked Eowyn’s reaction to Elrond’s sons’ question. And I liked Faramir’s recoil when Eomer says, “Your return depends upon how quickly you learn.” He sounded just as imperious and impossible to please as Denethor. I wanted to smack him for Faramir… which brings me to my final “loved it” moment... * I loved it when Faramir looked right through Eomer and showed him that he did, in fact, know what Eomer was going through. And I think you’re being too hard on yourself for apologizing for Eomer’s use of the term “witch.” That was what he called Galadriel – the Witch of the Golden Woods – a term that infuriated Gimli. JRRT mentions witches quite a lot. After all, Eowyn’s greatest feat was slaying the WITCH-king! JRRT mentions sorcerers and Necromancers (which is what Sauron was called before everyone figured out it was him). So, I thought Eomer’s reaction was quite in character. As I mentioned, he had called Galadriel a “witch” before Gimli set him straight. And don’t forget Boromir’s reaction to Galadriel and Faramir’s words to Frodo and Sam – all of which highlights the fact that Men are no longer comfortable in the presence of Elves with their power to read minds. * One more thing… I cracked up when Eomer thinks in re: Aragorn’s attempt at a group therapy session, “Oh, no...no, I won’t. What did the elves do to him? This is not how a man solves things...” LOL! Good thing Aragorn didn’t make them hold hands and sing Kumbyah. All in all, great work and I think you’re evil for leaving us hanging just when the tension was ratcheting up! Update, like, tomorrow, damn it!

EomerofEastfold · 23 July 2004 · Chapter 55: Thrashing it Out I

LOL. I couldn't help but crack up at the song, with Eomer and Aragorn trying to keep Eowyn quiet, while Merry, Pippin, and Arwen of all people tried to urge her on. Too funny. :) On another note, I can understand where Eomer is coming from in that he wants Eowyn there beside him because he feels unsure of himself running a kingdom, but organzing Men and horses? That was his primary duty as Third Marshal, and he had to be a masterful commander; otherwise he would not have achieved such a high military rank at only 25/26. Can't wait to see what happens next.

Raksha The Demon · 22 July 2004 · Chapter 55: Thrashing it Out I

Why did Faramir recoil here? "Your return depends upon how quickly you learn.” Faramir did something then, almost a recoil." Did Eomer's words remind him of something Denethor once said? I loved Arwen and Eowyn both getting exasperated with the men and getting drunk and disorderly. And Aragorn coming down on Eomer and Faramir as a surrogate father was wonderful, and very apt. He's the one person they both respect and admire. I'm glad that Gandalf is re-surfacing, apparently to have another talk with Faramir. Though if Faramir is soon to leave with an eored, will this be the last time that Faramir ever sees his old mentor? I'm surprised that Faramir let Eomer know that Faramir reads minds. It would have been far more politic to wait until Faramir and Eowyn were wed; it really wasn't Eomer's business anyway. And Eomer's reaction, fingering Faramir as a "witch", does not bode well for the future relationship of the brothers-in-law. Though I didn't think that witches were too prevalent in Middle-earth...Not to mention all those unwelcome truths from Eomer's mind that Faramir dug up and brought out for Aragorn to hear...

Fionnabhair Nic Aillil · 22 July 2004 · Chapter 55: Thrashing it Out I

Oh thank god somebody finally said it! Aragorn is now entirely forgiven for his past behaviour! If I were Éowyn I'd be nursing a very strong urge to knock their heads together. Perhaps it's because I love the Aragorn-Éowyn friendship, and love writing about it myself, but I really like the hints of that relationship that you're drawing. I've always felt that he probably couldn't bear to see her unhappy (that's what that 'it heals my heart...' line has always suggested to me) so for him to step in when Éomer and Faramir were acting like two prize fools felt natural. I sincerely hope Éomer doesn't react like Éowyn did to Faramir's gift! I'm also glad that Aragorn (and Gandalf, at least I'm assuming that's what that was in reference to) are starting to pick up on the change in Éowyn and Faramir. I've been waiting for that to happen for a while. Though let it be said - no wonder Faramir had a headache. The number of complicated relationships (between only five people) at the table beggars belief. This chapter mixed comedy and drama in a really very satisfying way. Well done.

Elendiari22 · 22 July 2004 · Chapter 55: Thrashing it Out I

I'd have to say that the part at the end, with Faramir scaring Eomer so soundly, was my favorite of this chapter. I can't wait to find out what Eomer says to Eowyn, and how he deals with Faramir-their relationship is becoming more and more complex with each passing chapter. And when are we going to learn what's bothering Arwen? I'm terribly cuious, and eager for the girls to have a little chat: I think that it would do them both a lot of good. Halorl and Gaer had better make an entrance soon, I think, before Faramir finds himself totally alone and friendless. Thanks for another interesting chapter! I swear, I check every day to see if yo've updated!