Reviews (506)

Rayma3 · 7 November 2004 · Chapter 63: Larcwide?

I have not reviewed this until now. I love the changes to both Faramir and Eowyn. Please look into the formating, this chapter was much harder to read because I had to continuously use my mouse to scroll back and forth. Rayma

Raksha The Demon · 7 November 2004 · Chapter 63: Larcwide?

Loved the scenes with Faramir and the boys playing Ranger games and hanging out with "Teacher". He is going to be such a great father. And I want a rematch in the game with the Rohirrim - loved Faramir charging in with a Quenya battle-cry! I'm still not happy with Eowyn going off to Gondor ahead of Faramir if I read it right; but it's your story. I do wish I could have seen Faramir's triumphant return to Edoras with the Eored and a happy Eowyn awaiting him, but hopefully their relationship will weather the strain she's putting on it. Faramir/Eomer slash? Interesting. Yes, I've read and really loved Kielle's BLOOD AND WARM BLANKETS. Faramir falls for and marries Eomer's sister; Eomer marries a young woman who probably looks a lot like Faramir; and Eomer's son will have a strong resemblance to Faramir's uncle (according to Tolkien), so an AU case could be made for an Eomer/Faramir slash attraction I suppose.

Drake · 6 November 2004 · Chapter 63: Larcwide?

Awesome chapter! Hey, they was a pretty good game you came up with. The way you were talking about it, I thought it was going to be something *bad*, if you know what I mean. Which is why I brought up the crudest contest I've ever heard of men doing together (Even though I knew it wasn't what you had in mind). But this was a pretty legitament sport that I can see people playing in Rohan. Kind of a mixture of football and lacrosse, as I see it, or something like that. Loved all the time with Gaer. Actually, I was reminded of a question I wanted to ask while reading this chapter. Does Gaer have a girlfriend? If not, will we get one? Great oppurtunity for him to both embarass Faramir and teach him more about Rohirric culture, lol. Can't wait to see the Eomer/Faramir bonding you've been speaking of. Anyway, we're like, what, halfway through the story now? :)

Drake · 3 November 2004 · Chapter 62: Still Unnamed

I was just thinking.... It's also almost possible to break away from the formula Faramir=Angst. Writing a non-angsty Faramir seems to be a tremendous feat for any writer. :) There's a lot of Eomer angst also, but not as much as Faramir.

Drake · 31 October 2004 · Chapter 62: Still Unnamed

That story is called "Blood and Warm Blankets." It was written by Kielle, and can be found at www.henneth-annun.net It was written to exploit every cliche in slash, which it does very well, lol. :) LOL, and I imagine it would be hard to write Eomer to be believably submissive when paired with Faramir.

Lackwit · 31 October 2004 · Chapter 62: Still Unnamed

Sorry about the bizarro characters coming when I use the accented characters. Oddly they look fine when Previewed but not in the final post. Back to using plain text *sigh*

Lackwit · 31 October 2004 · Chapter 62: Still Unnamed

Hmm, I think poor Éomer has been sad long enough- looking forward to seeing Lothíriel in action. So the wedding is going to be in Rohan, yes? For some reason I have the impression you are planning it in Minas Tirith. I agree with the previous poster′s comment about some of the characters being somewhat OOC (Aragorn in particular) but that doesn′t bother me in the slightest as long as the fic is good. Personally I also prefer this younger acting, more informal Aragorn- BookAragorn was just way too Epic in the RotK. IMO Éowyn can be just about any personality a author wants without being considered too AU, as we see very little of her when she isn′t under a lot of stress and I would argue we are not necessarily ourselves in such situations. I have no problem with her making stupid decisions, as long as her behavior makes sense within the context of the story. I do find her decision making here a little immature for a woman who may have essentially run the Golden Hall for years, as well as a bit unrealistically 20th century in her thinking (so difficult not to accidentally slip here). Still, since she isn′t acting like a Mary-Sue it is not an unforgiveable offense :) We′ll see once we get to Minas Tirith. Interesting that you have Faramir unaware of Éowyn′s age. Are you going to work in the thing about him likely going to outlive her by quite a bit?

BKB · 31 October 2004 · Chapter 62: Still Unnamed

For the sake of consistency, you'll eventually need to have an explanation as to why Faramir can communicate with wild animals but not with domesticated ones. It's a relatively small point, but one that will noticed by many readers. This next comment is addressed more to Raksha and other readers than to you Sound-of-Horns, so, as Crimson says, you may take it or leave it as you find it useful or not. I agree that most of the characters in this story lack the *gravitas* of their counter parts in Tolkien's original epic, but I have learned to think of this story as being rather AU and I have ceased to worry about certain "weaknesses" and continued to enjoy it strenghts. P.S. Dare I hope that you will have another chapter ready by 10:00 p.m. PDT this coming Tuseday. I will be doing my first stint as a poll worker and all the signs indicate that it will be a very busy day. I'm looking forward to one or two special treats after doing my civic duty. However, the most importat thing is to post it only when you feel that it is ready. I'll take my treats whenever they come.

Drake · 30 October 2004 · Chapter 62: Still Unnamed

LOL, how could I have forgotten to mention my favorite line in my review? "“Where you going?” Gaer popped up beside him again, chewing something with gusto. He gave the young Rider a taste of his own medicine. “Up there.” “Up there where?” It was unperturbed." OMG, I love Gaer! I was laughing so hard my sides hurt! I hope there's much more Gaer throughout the rest of the story. :) And then, seeing this: "Lonely Eomer + Lonely Faramir = (slash" I almost spit soda all over my monitor screen! Yeah, this is where the slash writer would get them, isn't it? LOL.

Lady of The Wood · 29 October 2004 · Chapter 62: Still Unnamed

I just finished reading this latest chapter and wasn't in a particularly reviewy mood and then I read some of the other reviews and your replies and I was spurred to action. First of all thank you for updating! I'm sure you're busy with school right now and I'm glad you aren't giving up on the story. I was worried there for awhile. My favorite bits were Eowyn and Eomer going through their mother's clothes. Lovely. The dress she finds reminded me a bit of the one that Eowyn has on in the coranation scene in the movie. sigh. :)It also made me think of my own experiences going through clothes or other old things with members of my family. It is a fun and sad experience at the same time and you wrote the emotions really well. Aragorn getting mad at Eowyn. Thank you! He said what I was thinking. Good for Strider! That being said, I still think it is a good decision for Eowyn to go ahead, almost like she's preparing the new home for her and Faramir; you know getting the home fires started that sort of thing. It's less like Faramir would be taking her away from Rohan if she goes by choice. I don't know how you are going to have the conversation play out but I do feel that if she tells the boys in a positive manner that there really wouldn't be any reason for them to be upset. Perhaps Eowyn and Faramir can even have a nice romantic till we meet again moment (keeps fingers crossed). Having Sam enter the story was wonderful. A perfect choice for the flower decision. I liked the moment with the snake. I love garter snakes, at least that's what I imagined it to be, and Faramir talking to it was just great. I would love to have that ability! Perhaps he should use it on Thorn? I hope Faramir's student's don't find out about his mind reading skills. I want him to be accepted too. As always I'm looking forward to more and hoping for Faramir/Eomer bonding, more time with Faramir and the lads, perhaps finding out about what Gandalf warned Faramir in regards to helping protect Rohan, what the crack in the mirror means and continuing romance with our fave couple. Keep up the good work! LOTW

Chibi-Kaz · 28 October 2004 · Chapter 61: A Decision

Hi! I was cheerfully rereading this chapter, and I noticed something about your translation of 'Faramir': you translate it as 'adequate jewel' which relies on the the root "far" in Sindarin meaning 'adequate'. Now, I have no idea if the Professor set that down as canon, but I have seen an alternate theory where the root is pulled from "faron" which means 'hunter' in Sindarin. Just a random thought to throw out there. Here's a few more thoughts: possible names for Faramir: "Royal-Hunter" "Dark-Hunter" "Quiet/Silent-Hunter" "Quiet/Silent-Prince" "Quiet/Silent-Warrior" "Honorable-Hunter" I know, lotta 'hunter' in there, but that seems to be the majority of his activity with the Eored, and so that would make an impression. Of course, you've hinted (or rather, Gandalf hinted) that 'saving' Eomer would help -- I'm eagerly awaiting Eomer's travels with the Eored to see what happens!! Could be all sorts of name-inspiration there... --Cheers! Chibi-kaz

Adamas · 25 October 2004 · Chapter 62: Still Unnamed

Finally, you have updated. I was getting very antsy. I can’t tell you how many times I would check for updates. I really liked the scenes with Faramir. I am really enjoying what you have him doing with his students. Also, I like the scene with Aragorn and Eowyn. Very nicely done. Totally, understandable that his first reaction would be anger and irritation. I’m glad he pointed out that while Faramir is going through all of this, there is work waiting to be done in Gondor. I also, like that Eowyn is beginning to articulate her intentions and her need to be an equal not a prize to be won. I agree with Aragorn’s directive to have Eowyn come clean. I loved the Kitchen scene with Eomer and Eowyn. The whole creepy spider-teasing thing reminded me of my own brother. I swear you must have spoken to him. My brother used to get the same perverse pleasure out of freaking me out. Ah, brothers…. Please don’t keep us waiting to long for the next chapter.

Raksha The Demon · 25 October 2004 · Chapter 62: Still Unnamed

I'm still confused by Eowyn's decision to go to Minas Tirith apparently before Faramir returns from his Rohirrim camping trip/initiation. I find no maturity or sound practical reason behind Eowyn's decision; it sounds like she's feeling the bars of the cage again, and wants a new experience to distract her from her dilemma. Which is sad, because it indicates that she's still too immature to be marrying anyone. Faramir's gone through hell for her all these weeks without her, then stuck in an alien environment where he's treated like a "witch" by her brother and not too well by most other Rohirrim, and Eowyn can't wait a couple of weeks in Edoras so the poor man can have a moment of triumph riding back to Meduseld as a full-fledged Rider to get Eomer's approval and greet his future bride in her people's home? Unless she could somehow go to Minas Tirith or Ithilien, do whatever it is she's planning on doing, and be back in Meduseld before Faramir returns...But I don't think there's time enough for that in 2 weeks. Eowyn doesn't get it. This is not our current Earth, it's Middle-earth. If she marries, she is going to be somebody's chattel or prize. She lucked out in a huge way when Faramir fell for her; he will give her more freedom and autonomy than most men would; and they can build a princedom together in Ithilien where some of the rules might be different. And she has the reputation of being the Slayer of the Witch-King, though that was bought at the price of Eowyn's disobedience (to her uncle's command, not from an Uncle to a wayward niece, but from a King entrusting his kingdom to his last heir, to rule over Edoras and the Mark in his and Eomer's absence) and disloyalty (i.e. betraying her King's trust in her and the people who needed her guidance). When Eowyn forsook her responsibilities that time, she had the excuse of being severely depressed and overwhelmed by the horrors of the past few years. And it was a good thing that she was on the Pelennor to kill the Witch-King. But what's her excuse now? She's tired of being stuck between Faramir and Eomer. Poor girl doesn't get it - she will always be stuck between them, emotionally. Running away won't help. Faramir and Eomer seem to at least be trying to come to some kind of relationship they can live with... I'm glad that Aragorn gave Eowyn a good talking-to; but apparently it wasn't good enough. Hoping to see more of Faramir in the next chapter - update soon!

Drake · 25 October 2004 · Chapter 62: Still Unnamed

Wonderful chapter, as always. :) I liked the bit with Eomer and his heirs at the beginning. What an odd and yet cruel situation to find oneself in, if you know what I mean. To not only be pressured into finding a woman your people would approve of, but to do so and sire a child as quickly as possible. Not only that, but somehow miraculously make it a manchild; several, really, in case only one survives to inherit the throne. We've already seen kings in our own history go mad over such a thing. I'm glad that Eomer is sickened by the fact of having a child just to groom him into an heir. You would figure he would be. Just a question; is Faramir ever going to master Thorn? That horse seems to have it in for him, lol. Loved the part with Eomer sneaking through his own kitchens. That was funny. :) Also, I enjoyed Eomer and Eowyn looking through their parent's things. That must have been painfully nostalgic, but it seems Eomer found a few happy memories in it as well. Yeah, I know most of this review centers around Eomer. What can I say, I like the man. Anyway, was hoping Eowyn would tell him of her plans in this chapter, but I guess I'll have to wait for a future update. Can't wait to see what happens next; both with Eomer and Eowyn, and with Faramir and the lads. And Gaer. :) ....... *Wickedly wants to see more drunken Gaer and Faramir.*

Elendiari22 · 23 October 2004 · Chapter 62: Still Unnamed

Yay! I've been waiting for you to update for ages! This is a lovely chapter, as usual. I love Aragorn's explosion at Eowyn; that poor king has been to tested by these younglings. Eomer and Eowyn's evening together, looking through their parents' things, was wonderful as well. I also like how you've written the hobbits. Faramir is having it easy with the Riders. Am I correct in guessing it's going to get harder for him? I can't wait to see what happens next. I hope he gets a name soon, too. Lovely chapter, and I can't wait until the next update!

Drake · 19 October 2004 · Chapter 61: A Decision

Ok, I know I'm REALLY bad for taking this long to review. Sorry...... :( I think Eowyn's decision to leave is one based one sound reasoning. I agree that it will help her discover who she is as a woman, and perhaps she'll come to really like Gondor during her future visit and not be so apprehensive about her future with Faramir. Good for both of them. :) I love Eomer. I was cracking up when you had him telling Arwen, "They come to me." I can't wait until he meets Lothiriel. :) I'm anxiously awaiting the next update. I want to see more of Faramir's adventures with the Rohirrim, as well as what Eowyn is going to do next.

Chibi-Kaz · 19 October 2004 · Chapter 61: A Decision

Whoever said that the reviews for this fic are almost as good as the fic itself is right! :D I can't help but to get involved. In responce to Lackwit, you wrote: "BTW, I never found Eowyn to be as paticularly angelic and wise as Arwen was portrayed in the book. I thought she was more realistic and flaky. I mean, running off to almost certain death over Aragorn spurning her? He had a good reason and she just met him, she couldn't have been that attatched. So I think this is reasonably within character to add some selfishness." I think the good Professor was using a particularly medieval device with Eowyn, in that 'Love At First Sight' or a reasonable facsimile thereof, and a desperate action resulting from 'heartbreak' are very characteristic of medieval concepts of romance. I didn't even question it in the books. Anyway, a certain one-dimensionalism is standard in medieval literature, since most were intended to be allegorical. Eowyn's love/hero-worship is perfectly normal from a medievalist prospective. In fact, I found the whole Aragorn mess very 'Elaine/Lady of Shallot', but with Tolkien's own spin (take Arthurian legend, mix well with an excess of Norse Studies, remold according to one's needs). At least Eowyn got to live! (And she got Faramir, lucky girl!! :D) So, I rather find her actions in the book acceptable since they're mainly directed by the Professor's own intents in writing a story of classically epic proportions, entertwining his own areas of expertise. However, that's not to say that I don't ADORE your more realistic portrayal of Eowyn, as it fulfills a very different goal: a realistic transformation of a woman from child to adult. Heck, I even like the movieverse-Faramir better than the book-Faramir, because he seems more REAL in the movie (honey, ain't NOONE gonna be able to resist a Ring that speaks into your head and promises you everything you've ever wanted!) ;). But I just wanted to point out that one can't really say that Eowyn's actions are a failing in the book; rather that they serve a very specific purpose and fulfill a particular standard. Cheers, Chibi-kaz

Lady of The Wood · 7 October 2004 · Chapter 61: A Decision

This has nothing to do with this chapter, but if you remember a few reviews back I asked you who Morwen Steelsheen was? Well I found a reference in the Encyclopedia of Arda and here's the link!:http://www.glyphweb.com/arda/default.htm?http://www.glyphweb.com/arda/m/morwensteelsheen.html I had no idea she was Eowyn's grandmother!

RAKSHA THE DEMON · 5 October 2004 · Chapter 61: A Decision

Oops. That last review, pointing out that I mentioned Eomer's deserving to prove his worthiness for Lothiriel's hand by serving as a sailor when I reviewed an earlier chapter, was by me. Forgot to put my name on the form I guess. Must go and put my head back on my shoulders.

Anonymous · 5 October 2004 · Chapter 61: A Decision

Here's a quote from my Review of Chapter 51 - go to the last sentence! "But I'm getting a little tired of the Rohirrim's attitude towards Faramir as Eowyn's prospective bridegroom. It started out as an amusing, and not inaccurate, extrapolation on Eomer's natural instinct to protect his sister. Now the masculine one-upmanship and teasing seems to have become more mean-spirited; and frankly, I hope Faramir is going to kick some Rohirric butt in terms of showing off his own skills. I'm surprised that Aragorn didn't mention to Eomer that he wouldn't want his Steward insulted, but this Aragorn is indulging his own interests and passions rather than thinking like the King he has just started to be. I wonder how the Rohirrim would feel if Prince Imrahil and his sons constantly teased and belittled Eomer when he eventually became interested in Lothiriel of Dol Amroth, rather than offering him friendship, not to mention requiring him to drop his responsibilities to his domain and come prove himself as a sailor in Dol Amroth." Proof that great minds, i.e. mine and SoundofHorns', think alike! There's a great story somewhere in fanfic that has a seasick Eomer on board a Dol Amroth ship with Lothiriel's brothers...I'll have to find it. It was a very short story... Can't wait for Eomer to come upon Faramir with a devoted group of young Rohirric boys who he's teaching Stealth!COmbat to and who think he's the greatest thing since Eorl the Young. Forgot to mention that I liked the scenes with Arwen; and the puppy is adorable. Aragorn had better start getting on the puppy's good side too!

Michelle · 5 October 2004 · Chapter 61: A Decision

Hi there...I don't have time to leave a detailed review but I wanted to give you a couple of logistical comments. 1. I'm not sure how you intend the suggestion that Rohan is bigger than Gondor. "Beyond the Snowbourn, the horizon had no end, no boundaries of any kind to steady him and he felt briefly dizzy and very small looking out over so much space. Gondor was well bracketed, safely enclosed in mountains and the shores of the Anduin. It is so small…Faramir had never thought of his homeland as being tiny, but it was in comparison." But the fact is, it's not. I'm not sure--perhaps you mean that Gondor appears small in comparison, or perhaps that Faramir has not seen much of Gondor (both of which I think would be incorrect). In any case, I have here very roughly outlined the borders of Gondor (blue) and Rohan (red) at the beginning of the Fourth Age. 2. The singular of "Rohirrim" is "Rohir". Just thought you might like to know. :-)

Laura · 5 October 2004 · Chapter 61: A Decision

Lovely. Truely. I don't usually leave reviews because I seriously don't have the time. I'm only reading two fanfiction stories right now -- this story (and I look for updates every single day) and Promise Remembered (HP story on FF.net). I don't have time for anything else. Btw, the description of Faramir hunting was so very vivid and moving. Well done. Please keep writing. You have real talent. If you're only 20 now (Happy Birthday), I think we can expect big things from you in future.

Lackwit · 5 October 2004 · Chapter 61: A Decision

Oh, forgot- intriguing scenes between Arwen and Eomer. The arm wrestling was hilarious, but what exactly was happening with him during the dance?

Lackwit · 5 October 2004 · Chapter 61: A Decision

Happy birthday- good hobbitses :) I hope you plan a lot of Faramir with the eored- this was great. Plenty of sweaty, testostorone-charged hairballs to shake up our city boy. Actually, I particularly liked the hunting scene with the boys, as well as the archery in a previous chapter. Engaging and hell, I love rangers. BTW, I think I enjoy the reviews of this fic as much as the story itself. Some excellent discussion going on. To an extent I agree with Raksha- Eowyn seems a bit immature and self-centered at times. I haven't gotten the sense that she has been as strong a support to Eomer the king as I would have expected from her. Eomer OTOH is such a very lonely man in this story, no wonder he clings to the memory of brother and sister together forever. I am not convinced that it makes sense that a woman who followed such strict duty for almost a quarter of her young life would abandon her king out of pique or that it would even seriously occur to her to do. Rohan has just come out of 5 years of neglect and battle, and rebuilding will be a huge job for a young king who was not raised to be one and has little family support. Eowyn is still the Lady of the Golden Hall, and in medieval culture the lady played a significant role in support of her lord/liege; like it or not, a gilded cage was central to her life (helping run Meduseld would have been a lot of work). Not to mention that due to medieval logistics taking off in a snit like that would not have been very practical. Mind you, a visit to Gondor is not at all unreasonable (just Eowyn's current reasons are unworthy). SoH, you have redeemed Arwen. Her explanation for her attitude was heartbreaking and believable, and certainly in keeping with her not so happy fate as envisioned by Tolkein. Rusco needs to give her lots of facelicking more often. BTW, I have always loved the character of Elrond and have always wondered why he has never *cursed* the Valar for all the short sticks they have thrown his way over the ages. Now rescue Aragorn! He's another one who is acting rather immature- he also has the blood of Westernesse and should be able to get a pretty good idea of what's really bothering his wife. Are you serious that Gaer's interpretations of Faramir's name are true? Interesting! I actually thought you had made them up because they are creepily accurate. “terrible sight-fear-destruction” :his birthright and the reaction of those who find out about it “Outlaw, enemy-deceiver” : his exploits as a ranger in Ithilien An excellent chapter- keep it up.

BKB · 5 October 2004 · Chapter 61: A Decision

Do not be worried about the disparity in the numbers of hits and reveiws. I'm sure that most people read without taking the time to reveiw. A high number of hits should be the first indicator of success. As a reader, if I don't like a story I simply don't bother to go back. The second indicator of sucess is not so much the quantity of reviews, but their quality; and from what I've seen here, I think that you have every reason to be confident. About five years from now I fully expect to pick a well review first novel and read on the back flap of the dust jacket that the author got her start writting fanfiction under the pen name of "Sound of Horns". Thank you for the wonderful gift. Happy Birthday!