Reviews (506)

Adamas · 4 October 2004 · Chapter 61: A Decision

I really enjoyed this chapter. This chapter marked some very important character developments in our trio: Eowyn, Faramir, and Eomer. I bet this was not an easy chapter to write. I was glad to see that Eowyn missed Faramir almost immediately, … missing his presence both physically and mentally. It reminded me of a scene several chapters’ back where she was shocked that Faramir thought about her “all the time”. I had to laugh; now who’s thinking about whom? LOL. I was glad that Eowyn spend some time thinking on Gandalf’s words. I think her decision to step out from the middle of the Faramir/Eomer situation is wise. And I agree with your response to Raksha the Demon… I think as more time goes by she is going to miss Faramir more, she will not just leave him without a goodbye or explanation. That would be cruel and childish, that’s not how I perceived her decision to go to Gondor. To me she is taking the mature steps to growing up and embracing her womanhood. It is important for her to identify who she is as a woman before she takes on the roll of wife/mother. You see evidence of this in her new found interest in her Mother’s possession. Also, she is no longer hiding Faramir’s love marks. I think that in the end her decision to leave will help Faramir more then anything else. Eomer will not have Eowyn’s presence as an excuse to draw out the trial. Also, Eomer will have to move the whole trial along, for fear that Faramir will leave to join Eowyn in Gondor. Eomer also has some moments of revelation. He is beginning to seeing his sister, however uncomfortable it may make him, as a women and not the child. He is also starting to have doubles about his judgements about Faramir. It is obvious he was impressed with how Faramir handled himself with the riders. I like how you visually used the arm wrestling with Arwen to open Eomer eyes; that appearances are not always what they seem. Arwen looks petite and frail, but she has the strength of an elf. Excellent visual personal experience. Faramir is also given an opportunity to really grow. He is beginning to see that the men of Rohan do not have any preconceived notions about Faramir. No Boramir to compare to. He can and must stand on his own abilities and strength. I think the idea of him finding his Rohirric name is significant and by the end of his trial I think he will find his “true Rohirric name”. I found two names that I though significant. Folcwine = friend of the people or Felarof = very valiant, strong. I like seeing Faramir in the roll as teacher. I think it really suits him. Here's a thought what if his name means teacher. I don't know the Rohirric name for teacher but I think by the time Faramir has completed his training that maybe he will have taught the men of Rohan thing or two. With all the important plot/character development going on with these three you also managed to reveal the Arwen/Aragorn mysterious argument. Wow, you were very busy in this chapter. I have a thought/comment about your comment below. Author Reply: He's a nice guy!! Oh, and this new Eowyn plot-twist? Gets Lothiriel into the story WAY ahead of schedule! Eomer better enjoy his last days as a free man! What if you have a spin off or companion story where Eomer goes to Dol Amroth to win Lothiriel hand and him must learn how to be a sailor. LOL, poetic justice. : 0) Once again, good job enjoyed reading this very much.

Santoori · 4 October 2004 · Chapter 61: A Decision

Another wonderful chapter! This is by far my favorite E/F story. Whenever I see an update its like getting a birthday present! Happy Birthday!

RAKSHA THE DEMON · 4 October 2004 · Chapter 61: A Decision

Forgot to wish you a very happy birthday! You're quite a good writer for one so young. I do hope you'll eventually move to writing original fiction. Or writing LOTR fanfiction AND professional stuff. My 'rant' was not in any way directed at you, btw. I don't rant against writers; as a reader of fanfiction, I believe my job is to read and, if I want to, review the stuff, not express anger against a writer. Given that Eowyn seemed to have come to a definite and very foolish (in my opinion) decision, I felt I had the right to convey my feelings about it. You've created a very believable milieu of post-war Rohan; and within that framework I felt like Eowyn had become real, at least as real as a fictional character can be. And her decision just about blew what's remained of my patience after all this time she's spent stringing Faramir along. (as I've said in previous reviews, Faramir is not blameless either; he is far older and more mature than Eowyn and should not have pushed her sexual boundaries so much and so often) And I had really felt that the characters were finally understanding each other and connecting to each other as of the last chapter. Hence my disappointment with Eowyn's behavior, as expressed through her thoughts and what seemed to be a definite and horribly misguided decision, in this chapter.

RAKSHA THE DEMON · 4 October 2004 · Chapter 61: A Decision

It was great to see Aragorn finally stick up for Faramir, show that he really gave a darn about his Steward. Loved Faramir's adventures as a Rider of Rohan and teacher of green kids. I think Faramir's Rohirric name should be ALDRIC. But....As much as it's possible to be furious with a fictional character, I'm angry at Eowyn. Faramir has left his home and duties, a city that needs a Steward's care in rebuilding, and has subjected himself to hostility and downright humiliation, all for Eowyn's sake, to show that he's worthy of her, to follow the customs of her land and show her uncle and brother respect. And he's going to return from his adventures as a Rider of Rohan, no doubt with at least a few Riders, to Edoras, weary yet hopefully triumphant, to find that Eowyn has gone off to Gondor with Aragorn and Arwen? I don't think that Eowyn is doing it to give Faramir and Eomer quality bonding time, I think she's panicked at the thought of being married, is bored with the idea of being left in Edoras to run the Golden Hall while the Elves and her first crush (Aragorn) go for a royal progress. How selfish can she get? Eowyn is nowhere ready to become anyone's wife, she's still a little girl, afraid of commitment, wanting to run off and seek glory on her own. Fine, she has that right; but she should refuse Faramir's offer of marriage, forfeit the status of Princess of Rohan (which carries with it the Obligation of yes, looking after Edoras and Meduseld in the King's absence), and go seek service as a mercenary. Or come to Gondor as an unmarried and unengaged princess, the King of Rohan's sister, if she's going to embarrass Faramir by turning up in Minas Tirith without him when it's known that she's betrothed to him, she might as well be upfront about it. Eowyn is behaving as an unmarried and uncommitted 21st century young woman would. Unfortunately for her, (1)she lives in Fourth Age Middle-earth; she should either make the best of a very good life she's been born to and offered or sever her affiliations and go out honestly on her own; (2) she's still a rude and thoughtless little girl in any culture, or she would make sure she was back in Edoras when Faramir returned from the duty he fulfilled for her.

Elendiari22 · 4 October 2004 · Chapter 61: A Decision

First off, Happy Birthday! This is an excellent chapter. Every time I read more with Gaer, the more I like him. I think we should all have a redheaded Rohirrim for a friend. :) Eowyn seriously does need to ride to Gondor with Aragorn and Arwen. I think this would be the perfect time for her to let Eomer know that she's an adult, that he doesn't need to look after her so much. Am I right in betting that this is when she's going to meet her cousins? This could also be a prime reason to let Eomer and Faramir have a fight, even if they only scream at each other. Interesting things will happen once the White Lady runs away. Does Faramir's name in Rohirric really mean enemy? That's an interesting thought. I like the idea that names are what characterises that Rohirrim, and hope that they find Faramir a good one soon. Excellent chapter, and I can't wait for the next one!

Lady of The Wood · 4 October 2004 · Chapter 61: A Decision

First of all, Happy Birthday to you! One more year and you'll be old enough to wear armour. I hope you've had an absolutely marvelous day. I'm so glad you've updated. I've been checking everyday. I thought your portrayal of Eomer, in this chapter, was excellent. He's acting more like a king and as some one I can truly see being friends with Faramir. It seems like both Eomer and Eowyn are doing their final bits of growing up now that Theoden is dead. I enjoyed Faramir's entire time with the Rohirrim. As I've said before I've been waiting for this bit of the story for a long time. One of the good things about reading a work in progress is that it stops me from looking ahead. ;) I'm wondering about Thorn. He's a crafty old animal isn't he? I find it interesting that Eowyn has begun to embrace her mother's things. It's almost like Arwen is teaching Eowyn some of the things that Eowyn missed being taught by her mother. When they started talking about the roses I wanted to shout out to the characters "Why don't you take some with you to Ithilien?" I can see Faramir and Eowyn getting very large into gardening, Faramir almost more so. I don't think Eowyn has realised yet that she doesn't have to leave everything behind that Edoras represents. Thank you for reminding us of Arwen's age. It's easy to forget that she is thousands of years old and that all of the humans are very young children compared to her. I also liked how you had Eomer seeing has as not really being real. It really reminded me of both the movie and the book. There is always a feeling, to me, with elves that the bodies they wear are as much clothing as anything else and that they are something different altogether. I fully support Eowyn's decision to ride ahead to Gondor with Aragorn and Arwen. I think it will do her a world of good to confront her fears and it may help to speed up her marriage to Faramir by getting her to her new hope, albiet a temporary one. However, I do have one question, I seem to remember reading that the wedding of Faramir and Eowyn takes place in Eodras. I could be mistaken. Any ideas? I also hope that when Eowyn leaves this time that she at least leaves some sort of letters of explanation for Faramir and Eomer, and doesn't feel she needs to sneak off like she did during the war; that wouldn't be the mature decision at all. IMHO,Eomer needs to understand that she's leaving for her needs and not to hurt him and Faramir needs to be reassured that she's not leaving but going ahead and that she'll be waiting for him, as I'm sure any man would be disappointed not have his fiance welcoming him home after his test to win her for his wife. A comment on Faramir's name, it appears to be a source of much discussion as to why he would called be only a "sufficient jewel". I must admit that at first glance it doesn't seem like Finduilas and Denethor were expecting their son to rise above the ordinary, on the other had I have read a rather excellent fan fiction (sorry can't remember the author) and one or two essays that have suggested that a) we as readers have miss translated the first part of the name and that the real meaning is "fair jewel" or b)since the name is most commonly translated as "sufficient jewel" that it's not sufficient as meaning 'just good enough' but sufficient in meaning 'all that is needed/enough' ie.they could not have wished for more. I'm sorry I can't remember where I first read these theories suffice to say they are not my own. However, I am looking forward to seeing how you answer, if you choose to, Faramir's question as to why his parents would chose to name him what they did. Faramir reminds me a bit of my grandfather who has a hideous first name and has often said that he feels that all people, when they reach adulthood should get to choose a name for themselves. Just as Faramir longs to do with the Rohirrim. Finally I love anytime you've got Faramir out doing the Robinhood thing. It's very sexy! LOTW

Elendiari22 · 2 October 2004 · Chapter 60: Faramir on His Own

Reading all of these wonderful comments makes me want to make some brilliant insights of my own, but sadly, I am not well versed enough in the Rohirrim to do so, even thought they are my favorite LOTR culture. I would have to agree with Drake and Crimson about Eomer, though. They're spot on with what they say. I hope that you all keep these comments going; they're extraordinarily interesting to read after a long, stressful day of classes. Thank you!

Drake · 2 October 2004 · Chapter 60: Faramir on His Own

Crimson, As far as your reviews are concerned, I was only posting to interject my opinion that Eomer had very good reason to try and convince Theoden to stay behind in Rohan. It was the other people that were saying they hate Eomer that the heat of my review was directed toward. Sorry if you misunderstood.

Adamas · 1 October 2004 · Chapter 60: Faramir on His Own

"Sound of Horns" you have your very own "Inklings". I love reading the reviews as much as the story. :0) I hope all of this discussion is inspiring you, and we can look forward to see the next chapter really soon. As for the rest of your reviewing fans don’t stop the discussion its great reading.

BKB · 1 October 2004 · Chapter 60: Faramir on His Own

BTW, did you hear the one about the tenor who...

Raksha The Demon · 30 September 2004 · Chapter 60: Faramir on His Own

"Author Reply: You'd better have tissues soon, then. The next chapters change everything. I'm just sayin'. And thanks on Eomer's characterization. :) He's done a lot with the comparitively little POV I've given him. Faramir hasn't had to deal with half the shit he's dealing with and will deal with. Faramir hasn't HAD to change much, therefore he's stayed the same. Inertia, I guess." Oh dear. Faramir hasn't had to change much and has stayed the same? That's unfortunate, or will be for him. He DOES have to change. He's gone from being a disregarded (by his lord and father) younger son in command of a few hundred Rangers out in the boonies to Steward of Gondor and Prince of Ithilien, the man who must hold the realm together in the King's absence and help the King rebuild it. He might well have to help Aragorn learn to be King of Gondor; several years spent as Ecthelion's favorite Captain 30 years ago would not have necessarily prepared Aragorn to cope with the rule of the Reunited Kingdom. Faramir grew up in the corridors of power and I think Aragorn will need his help, at least for awhile. Not to mention restoring Ithilien to the Garden of Gondor, clearing out and reclaiming Minas Morgul. Faramir has huge responsibilities. If he hasn't changed, or won't, he'll have a lot of trouble. So far in ALL FOR HER, Faramir is adapting to being alone, learning to make a life for himself without his father or brother advising or commanding him. That's already a huge change...And then there's the matter of adjusting to the return of the King. Of course, Aragorn is acting like a lovelorn teenager rather than the King of the West, so Faramir has time. I wonder who's minding the store back in Minas Tirith...

Crimson · 30 September 2004 · Chapter 60: Faramir on His Own

Bodkin, way to go on figuring out the source of the quote! Sorry, BKB, you’re right it’s from the Bible, but I’m going to have to give this one to Bodkin for figuring out the exact verse. It’s from the Magnificat (Luke 1:52). I believe the translation I used is from the New Jerusalem Bible, which Tolkien helped translate. I’m not sure if it was translated from the Vulgate [deposuit potentes de sede et exaltavit humiles] or the Greek [sorry, this webpage doesn't like my Greek letters!], but both translate about the same, give or take word preferences for poetic considerations (i.e. “humble” vs. “lowly,” “mighty” vs. “kings” or “dynasties,” “thrones” vs. “seats of power,” “scattered” vs. “put aside or laid down.”) And because I am a woman of my word, I’m ready to pay up. Where can I send the $20? Do you accept paypal? I’m totally serious. I put that challenge out there because I wanted to see how many classically educated college students are left in the world. My uncle is a philologist (just like the good Professor!) and chair of the Germanics department at the University of Washington (hey, Sound of Horns – one of his specialties is Old English. Do you think I should send him your Rohirric dialogue to see how accurate your translations are?). He’s complained to me that his undergraduate students don’t have a firm grounding in western lit, the Bible in particular. And how can they understand Chaucer, Dante, Shakespeare, Milton, Goethe, et al without a basic knowledge of the Bible? But don’t get me started on my rant about college core curriculums and the Canon of Western Lit. I could be here all day… At any rate, congrats on identifying the quote. Sound of Horns, you have some smart reviewers here! Drake, Drake, Drake… to quote Gaer, “You wound me.” I love the character of Eomer! I would never want to imply that he’s a schmuck. Please forgive me if I gave that impression. I, for one, have never been harsh on Eomer in my reviews of this story. I think his behavior is entirely understandable in “All for Her.” But to be fair, even you admitted that in his duty to protect Eowyn, “He failed, though, and likely to his own anguish,” even though it wasn’t “for lack of trying.” Haven’t you ever felt guilty about something that either you did, failed to do, or were unable to stop – even though you did your best? Haven’t you ever felt guilty about something that was not even in your power to change? Soldiers who survive wars often feel what is referred to as “survivor’s guilt.” They feel guilt because they lived and their friends died. They obviously had nothing to do with their friend’s death, but they feel guilty anyways. Of course, Eomer did his best, but sadly his best wasn’t good enough. You can’t really argue with the cold hard facts that “on Eomer's watch, Eowyn was stalked and nearly raped by a disgusting man, and then she decided to ride out & kill herself.” But this doesn’t in any way mean that he is less of a hero or less of a good man. After all, technically speaking Frodo was a failure! He failed his mission. Tolkien himself wrote that in his letters many times: "Frodo indeed 'failed' as a hero, as conceived by simple minds: he did not endure to the end; he gave in, ratted." (JRRT letter to Mrs. Eileen Elgar, September 1963) However, that was not the final word on the meaning of Frodo’s failure. That was not the message that JRRT was trying to get across. He also wrote: "No, Frodo 'failed'. It is possible that once the ring was destroyed he had little recollection of the last scene. But one must face the fact: the power of Evil in the world is *not* finally resistible by incarnate creatures, however 'good'; and the Writer of the Story is not one of us." (JRRT letter to Miss J. Burn, July 26, 1956) Get it? No one could have won on their own power. They couldn’t during the war with Melkor and they couldn’t during the war with Sauron. In both instances it took an act of “the Writer of the Story” to save the day. One of the reasons why I love the character of Eomer is that he is uniquely humble in heart. He is wise enough to ask for help and advice. Our introduction to Eomer in TTT is his meeting with Aragorn. We see that Eomer is doubtful and uncertain who to trust and what to do. He asks Aragorn, "How shall a man judge what to do in such times?" Aragorn’s answer gives Tolkien’s attack on moral relativism: "As he has ever judged. Good and ill have not changed since yesteryear; nor are they one thing among Elves and Dwarves and another among men. It is a man’s part to discern them, as much in the Golden Wood as in his own house." Eomer was convinced, even though his Riders were still skeptical. He trusted a total stranger out of faith. He had an instinctual ability to recognize truth and wisdom. He’s quite simply one of my favorite characters in LOTR. But I do think he would have had a sense of guilt about his failure to see just how much his sister was in despair. During the conversation that ensues after Aragorn heals Eowyn, Gandalf tells Eomer: “‘My friend, you had horses, and deeds of arms, and the free fields; but she, born in the body of a maid, had a spirit and courage at least the match of yours. Yet she was doomed to wait upon an old man, whom she loved as a father, and watch him falling into a mean dishonored dotage; and her part seemed to her more ignoble than that of the staff that he leaned on. Think you that Wormtongue had poison only for Theodens ears? Dotard! What is the House of Eorl but a thatched barn where brigards drink in the reek, and their brats roll on the floor among their dogs? Have you not heard those words before? Saruman spoke them, the teacher of Wormtongue. Though I do not doubt that Wormtongue at home wrapped their meaning in terms more cunning. My lord, if your sister’s love for you, and her will still bent to her duty, had not restrained her lips, you might have heard even such things as these escape them. But who knows what she spoke to the darkness, alone, in the bitter watches of the night, when all her life seemed shrinking, and the walls of her bower closing in about her, a hutch to trammel some wild thing in?’ Then Eomer was silent, and looked on his sister, as if pondering anew all the days of their past life together.” At that moment I think Eomer must have felt incredible grief and guilt. Not because he didn’t realize that Wormtongue was stalking his sister, but because he didn’t really appreciating how much his sister was in despair. Could he have done anything to stop it? Probably not. Is he responsible for her despair in any way? Absolutely not. Did he do his best to protect her? I’m sure he did. Was it good enough? Apparently not. Was he able to make her want to live again after Aragorn healed her? Sadly, no. She still wanted to ride out to death. It was Faramir who made her want to live again. Exploring all of this will not render Eomer into a 2-dimensional character. It will do the precise opposite! At any rate, I’m thoroughly enjoying these discussions! Thanks, Drake, Raksha, BKB, Bodkin, and, of course, Sound of Horns. Let’s keep this thread going. It’s fun. Admittedly, it’s geek fun, but come on; it’s not like we’re telling opera jokes…(at least not yet.)

Bodkin · 30 September 2004 · Chapter 60: Faramir on His Own

'He has scattered the proud, brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted the humble.' Luke 1:52-53 Although in the Authorised Version it reads; 'He hath scattered the proud in the imatination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, And exalted them of low degree.'

BKB · 30 September 2004 · Chapter 60: Faramir on His Own

I not only love this story, but all the reviews, critiques and analyses that it sparks! I swear that they are better written and more interesting than at least half the stories posted on fan fiction sites. Kudos to Sound of Horns and applause for Crimson, Raksha, Drake and all the other reviewers. To Crimson: I'm quite sure that the quote you mentioned ("He has scattered the proud...") is from the Bible. I'll try to find time at work during the next few days to check the appropriate concordance to confirm this guess and also give you chapter and verse as well.

RAKSHA THE DEMON · 30 September 2004 · Chapter 60: Faramir on His Own

"Basically, this guy has had a great deal MORE than a fair share of troubles. How can anyone say he's been miserable at protecting Eowyn when he's had to juggle duty, country, and family under such tumultuous circumstances? That is why it's making me mad to hear this talk of people hating Eomer over his treatment of Faramir. There is talk about not making people 2-dimensional; don't do the same to Eomer. Sound of Horns has him pretty well pegged as the complex person he really is. Eomer is man who, while jovial in nature, has nearly lost everything that is dear to him. I agree; he has to let Eowyn go, and he has to accept Faramir has a good man who will take care of her. But, I say again, can you blame him completely for his actions? This man's life is full of bitterness and sadness that has been difficult to overcome, but like the strong-hearted person that Eomer is, he's making an effort to overcome all of his anquish and despair. He'll eventually come around, as I believe Sound of Horns has suggested in her story. Give him time, and I'm certain you all will come to love him once you begin to understand the person he really is." I really think SoundofHorns has done a marvelous job characterising Eomer; better in fact than she's done with Faramir (though her Faramir is pretty darn good). In this story, Eomer is a basically very decent man who is overwhelmed by the rapid changes in his life after a period of long horror, sadness, and constant danger. He tries to be at least publicly courteous to a man he dislikes and fears, Faramir, because of the changes Faramir represents in his and Eowyn's life. Faramir is the catalyst for Eowyn's growth and change; she is changing from Eomer's dear little sister to a sexually aware young woman preparing to leave hearth and home for a life and home of her own as another man's wife. And of course Faramir's mind-reading abilities scare Eomer; whose kingdom and friends and family suffered from the spells and actions of a renegade wizard. It's sad, though necessary, that Eomer recognize Eowyn's love for Faramir and the fact that she will leave Rohan for him. Every time Eomer sees another implication of the changes that are separating his sister from him, I want to cry a bit, even though the siblings will survive and grow stronger. As for protecting Eowyn, her brother did the best that he could. He couldn't stay in Meduseld and guard her 24 hours a day, he had to think of the Mark first, which must have been hard for him. And it must have been agonizing for Eomer when Eowyn was found unconscious and presumed dead on the Pelennor; he'd thought her safe in Dunharrow or Edoras...

Drake · 29 September 2004 · Chapter 0: All the Cats Are Out

OMG! Where in heaven's name did you find that armor site!? I feel like I've died and gone to heaven! Thanks so much for posting these links!

Drake · 29 September 2004 · Chapter 60: Faramir on His Own

Crimson wrote: "2) Eomer’s counsel to Theoden during the Muster of Rohan. Before the point of no return in their journey to aid Gondor, Eomer whispers to Theoden, “if you take my counsel you would [stay in Edoras] until the war is over, lost or won.” Pretty cynical advice. Theoden basically tells him to “get thee behind me” and rides out to Gondor and into a glorious end." I understand what you are saying concerning the difference between prudence and idealism. Prudence, when dealing with Sauron, was very rarely the correct course of action. However, this is just a little different. Can you really blame Eomer? After having both his parents and his cousin die, how can he sit idly by and not try to convine Theoden at least *once* to stay behind? Sure, they are both Rohirrim, and Eomer knows that Theoden would prefer a glorious death in battle than to sit at home twiddling his thumbs, waiting for what may be an inevitable end, but he feels he must do something to try and protect his family before they all end up dead (Which, for one frightening day they were, in his eyes). Which is what makes me upset about this talk of Eomer failing miserably to protect Eowyn. It's not for lack of trying. Put yourself in his shoes, if you will. Orcs are multiplying rapidly and their appearances in Rohan are increasing day by day. In addition, The Uruk-hai are also about, only they are able to move by sunlight. Theoden's mind and strength are failing due to Wormtongue's whisperings. As a result, Grima has near complete control over Rohan. The only two people standing in his way are Theodred and Eomer, but even their power is minute considering Theoden will do anything Grima advises. If either of them should rise openly against Grima, i.e. attack or kill him, they would more than likely be put to death due to the extensive poisoning of Theoden's mind. To qoute: "Nay, Eomer, you do not fully understand the mind of Master Wormtongue," said Gandalf, turning his piercing gaze upon him. "He is bold and cunning. Even now he plays a game with peril and wins a throw. Hours of my precious time he has wasted already. Down, snake!" he said suddenly in a terrible voice. "Down on your belly! How long is it since Saruman bought you? What was the promised price? When all the men were dead, you were to pick your share of the treasure, and take the woman you desire? Too long have you watched her under your eyelids and haunted her steps." Eomer grasped his sword. "That I knew already," he muttered. "For that reason I would have slain him before, forgetting the law of the hall. But there are other reasons." He stepped forward, but Gandalf stayed him with his hand. "Eowyn is safe now," he said. TTT, The King of the Golden Hall This suggests to me that Eomer knew well of Grima's treachery and his lusting after Eowyn, and took it upon himself to attempt Grima's life. He failed, though, and likely to his own anquish. My guess is he grew desperate. He could have tried to kill Grima before, but if he failed then, Eowyn really would be completely alone against Wormtongue. I think he saw, after what happened to Theodred, that it would be only a matter of time until he met the same end, so he decided to make an all-or-nothing attempt to get rid of Grima in order to PROTECT his sister, no matter the cost to himself once Theoden found out. Basically, this guy has had a great deal MORE than a fair share of troubles. How can anyone say he's been miserable at protecting Eowyn when he's had to juggle duty, country, and family under such tumultuous circumstances? That is why it's making me mad to hear this talk of people hating Eomer over his treatment of Faramir. There is talk about not making people 2-dimensional; don't do the same to Eomer. Sound of Horns has him pretty well pegged as the complex person he really is. Eomer is man who, while jovial in nature, has nearly lost everything that is dear to him. I agree; he has to let Eowyn go, and he has to accept Faramir has a good man who will take care of her. But, I say again, can you blame him completely for his actions? This man's life is full of bitterness and sadness that has been difficult to overcome, but like the strong-hearted person that Eomer is, he's making an effort to overcome all of his anquish and despair. He'll eventually come around, as I believe Sound of Horns has suggested in her story. Give him time, and I'm certain you all will come to love him once you begin to understand the person he really is.

Crimson · 28 September 2004 · Chapter 60: Faramir on His Own

Dear fellow reviewers: I just want to make it perfectly clear that Raksha and I are complete strangers. I repeat, we have never met; and therefore, her praise of my review was genuine, unsolicited, and completely uncoerced. (Thanks again, Raksha. The check is in the mail.) But seriously…Raksha, I agree with your point about Faramir’s struggle with despair. The quote you cite from “The Two Towers” is perfect. That’s exactly the sort of thing I was looking for last night when I wrote, “I think that Faramir is in many ways an uncorrupted Denethor.” When Aragorn heals Faramir of the black breath, he describes Faramir as “a man of staunch will…[but] slowly the dark must have crept on him, even as he fought and strove to hold his outpost.” I think the conflict of Hope vs. Cynical Realism is a central theme of LOTR. The struggle between doing the prudent thing versus doing the idealistic (read: foolish) thing plays itself out over and over in the story. Some examples: 1) Gandalf’s conversation with Saruman. Saruman very logically, very prudently, tells Gandalf that it would be wise for them to join the new “Power” – referring, of course, to Sauron. He gives some very good arguments. He explains that “the time of the Elves is over” but the time of Men is at hand, and Men as we all know are corrupt and weak. So of course, it only makes sense that the wise Saruman and Gandalf should have “power to order all things...for that good which only the Wise can see.” And it’s not like he’s “condoning” what the Dark Lord does because, as he further explains, “We can bide our time, we can keep our thoughts in our hearts, deploring maybe evils done by the way, but approving the high and ultimate purpose: Knowledge, Rule, Order; all things that we have so far striven in vain to accomplish, hindered rather than helped by our weak or idle friends. There need not be, there would not be, any real change in our designs, only in our means.” And there you have the perfect rational for fascism and totalitarianism. For a real life example of this sort of moral gymnastics, read the labored excuses Stalinists used to make to explain away all the murders and deportations that the “Revolution” made necessary. “Knowledge, Rule, Order.” Yep. The Bolsheviks didn’t march with banners reading, “Join us for gulags, bread lines, and forced starvation!” They marched under the banner of “Brotherhood, Bread and Unity.” Unfortunately, Peter Jackson reduced this complex study of “ends justifying the means” into a comic-bookish scene of dueling wizards flying around zapping each other with their walking sticks. Don’t get wrong, I loved the movies; I just love the books more. 2) Eomer’s counsel to Theoden during the Muster of Rohan. Before the point of no return in their journey to aid Gondor, Eomer whispers to Theoden, “if you take my counsel you would [stay in Edoras] until the war is over, lost or won.” Pretty cynical advice. Theoden basically tells him to “get thee behind me” and rides out to Gondor and into a glorious end. We also see the conflict between hope and despair in Eomer’s Battle Song: Out of doubt, out of dark, to the day’s rising I came singing in the sun, sword unsheathing. To hope’s end I rode and to heart’s breaking: Now for wrath, now for ruin and a red nightfall! The theme of the song is eventually resolved in Theoden’s Burial Song: Out of doubt, out of dark, to the day’s rising he rode singing in the sun, sword unsheathing. Hope he rekindled, and in hope ended; over death, over dread, over doom lifted out of loss, out of life, unto long glory. 3) My favorite example of hope versus cynicism is the Battle at the Black Gate and the terms the Mouth of Sauron offers. Here’s this ridiculously small army marching to the Enemy’s impenetrable stronghold, all the while calling out (a la Joshua at the walls of Jericho) “The Lords of Gondor have returned and all this land that is theirs they take back!” Yeah, that’ll scare ‘em. But as ridiculous as this tactic is, it’s also beautiful and insanely courageous. Then the Mouth of Sauron comes out and offers them what are surprisingly pretty fair terms of surrender. Seriously! He tells them they must turn around, drop their weapons, and swear an oath never to attack Sauron again. Okay, that’s pretty standard. Then he says that they have to agree that “all lands east of the Anduin shall be Sauron’s forever.” Well, alright. No big deal. Those lands are pretty much his anyway – aside from Ithilien, but who the hell wants to live next door to Sauron? So let him have it. He goes on, “West of the Anduin as far as the Misty Mountains and the Gap of Rohan shall be tributary to Mordor, and men there shall bear no weapons, but shall have leave to govern their own affairs” – and one more thing, they have to help rebuild Isengard, which is only fair because they’re the ones who destroyed it in the first place. All in all, pretty reasonable terms. They get to maintain their self-rule and all they have to do is pay tribute or taxes and such to Sauron. They have to pay taxes anyway, who cares if it’s to the King or to Sauron? Sure they have to turn in their weapons, but why not – Sauron has promised peace and stability, so what need do they have for weapons? The prudent thing to do would be to accept the terms and haul your pathetic little army back to Minas Tirith and live out your lives as best you can. Instead, Aragorn and his Captains saw the terms for what they were. The Dark Lord and his Messenger “would be their tyrant and they his slaves.” Not everyone would have seen it that way. Before they even got to the Black Gate, a sixth of their army was too frightened to go on. Aragorn took pity on them and “then some being shamed by his mercy overcame their fear and went on, and the others took *new hope* hearing of a manful deed [i.e. turning back to protect or retake the crossing at Cair Andros] within their measure that they could turn to, and they departed.” (emphasis mine). *New hope*. Always hope. I think the other great motif in LOTR is Pride vs. Humility. The little lowly hobbits save everyone. The first time I read ROTK, I remember two very specific sections of the book that brought me to tears. The first was when Sam and Frodo, dressed only in their Mordor rags, walk before an assembly of Kings, Princes, Elves, and all the great Men of the West. “And as the hobbits approached swords were unsheathed, and spears were shaken, and horns and trumpets sang, and men cried with many voices and in many tongues: Long live the Halflings! Praise them with great praise!” These little humble nobodies are saluted by the mighty. (And I hate Peter Jackson for not having this scene in his movie!) The other part of the book that made me cry was the funeral procession of Theoden. In the grand scope of things, the Rohirrim are small potatoes. Their country is what – a couple of hundred years old? In comparison to the Elves and the Men of the West, the Rohirrim are illiterate babies. The Golden Hall is a wood hut compared to the splendor of the White City and the beauty of Rivendell. And yet, the White City wouldn’t be standing if it weren’t for the faithful sacrifice of Theoden and his Eorlingas. And so all the Elves – Galadriel, Celeborn, Elrond (we’re talking about people who are tens of thousands of years old!) – and all princes of Gondor and the King of Gondor himself accompany the body of Theoden home to his rest. Again, the mighty are humbled by the lowly. It puts me in mind of a famous quotation that Tolkien referenced in one of his letters: “He has scattered the proud, brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted the humble.” ($20 to the first person who can name the source of that quote. Seriously, I’m good for it.) Reply to Sound of Horns’ reply: *Your description of Gaer as Bart Simpson ("Well, this place sure sucks.") made me choke on the coffee I was drinking – that’s how hard I was laughing. I love it. You gotta do it. *I loved your idea of having Eowyn meet her Gondorian cousins. Write it! Let’s see it. *As for who might have a less skewed perspective of Denethor, why not Imrahil? Most fanfic writers assume that Imrahil, as Finduilas’ brother, must have hated Denethor. But he doesn’t have to hate him. Maybe they were friends once as young men. And maybe Imrahil witnessed the sad progression of his friend’s despair and maybe it grieved him as well. Just a thought. *Yes, I took can imagine Faramir wandering around asking, “Where’s my wife?” LOL! Within three months, Eowyn will probably be running the City. BTW, in my review I forgot to mention how delightfully funny I thought it was that Faramir’s son (in his dream) woke him up to tell him, “Mum says it’s time for you to get up and help her.” LOL! I’m sure husbands are woken by those very words on Saturday mornings in homes across the globe.

Chibi-kaz · 28 September 2004 · Chapter 60: Faramir on His Own

Is there not really another chapter up? You tease...;) I'd really like to see Faramir prove to all these boasting Rohirrim just what being the Captain of the Rangers of Ithilien for 20 years really means! Faramir can really kick butt, we know this (not just from his beating the jerk here), and is an experienced and able commander -- with more experience than Eomer, thank you very much! I was very pleased to see Eowyn and Faramir laughing together. They don't have enough fun -- all the best relationships have a healthy dose of shared humor. "No laughing, no pointing..." I laughed a ton, sorry Faramir! (remembering bits from film 'Better Than Sex' and sniggering). Och, I check every day for updates to this story. I hope you post more soon! Cheers, Chibi-Kaz

lady of the wood · 28 September 2004 · Chapter 60: Faramir on His Own

Just a quick note to let you know that it's showing that chapter 61 is up but there is no link for it on the site. All we can get is 60. Hope you are having a good day. LOTW

Raksha The Demon · 28 September 2004 · Chapter 60: Faramir on His Own

Crimson said: "Denethor epitomizes the Man of the West without hope. A man of despair. And despair is the ultimate sin in LOTR. The essence of the book is *hope*. JRRT called it "hope without guarantees" -- in other words "a fool's hope." The title of the last book is "The Return of the King," and that king's childhood name meant "hope." The title of the book is "The Return of Hope"! But Denethor is a man without hope. He is the realist who in the end is overcome by the weight of "the Shadow of the East." " Good point, and in another paragraph, good point about Faramir being drawn to Eowyn because of her resemblance to Denethor in terms of Pride and Despair. But Faramir himself also admitted to living without hope. "What hope have we?...It is long since we have any hope." (in his conversation with Frodo, THE TWO TOWERS) The difference between Faramir and Denethor is that even when Faramir believes there is no hope, he will fight to hold onto whatever can be saved - even if it is only his honor that might be left. In that quality, Faramir is similar to Eomer. Crimson asked her fellow reviewers what our advice to Faramir would be on whether he should have stayed in Rohan trying to gain the trust of Eowyn and Eomer or given up on a near-impossible and exhausting task and returned to Gondor. I would emphatically advise Faramir to tough it out, at least for awhile longer. Things, or love, worth having, are rarely easy to obtain. And Faramir has been too often set up for failure in his life; he needs to win. There is also the matter of honor; he promised to marry Eowyn and agreed to do so by fulfilling Eomer's conditions. Faramir owes it to himself and Gondor to try as hard as he can to gain his nervous bride. Faramir also needs to cut back on the pressure on Eowyn to go further in the love-making process. She needs to know that she is utterly safe with him, and can be happy in Gondor if she allows herself to be and can stand making some compromises. Crimson, great review! I also liked your analysis of Eomer's reluctance to allow Eowyn to grow up; this is at the heart of Eomer and Eowyn's relationship as well as Eomer's dislike of Faramir. Especially since Faramir seems to understand Eowyn better and think of her as a young woman rather than a baby sister.

Crimson · 28 September 2004 · Chapter 60: Faramir on His Own

Great work! I actually held back from reviewing the last two chapters because I wanted to see what you were going with them. You didn't disappoint. You knocked it out of the ballpark. First let me list all the things I loved, and then I'll proceed to some long comments/suggestions. Things I loved: *I think Chapter 59 should be known as the "Taken to the Wood Shed" chapter. Eowyn, Eomer, and even Faramir get taken to the wood shed for a much needed whuppin'. Eowyn gets it from Gandalf (loved his not so subtle reference to the "decisive" Morwen Steelsheen. "Hey, Eowyn, your grandmother didn't have a problem making up her mind or uprooting her life to resettle in a strange land!" Good for him for calling her "girl" -- just as insulting as calling a man "boy".) And then Merry opens a big ol' can of whup-ass on Eomer (I love that hobbit!). And finally, the memory of Boromir suddenly inspires Faramir to grow a pair (And what are we to make of Faramir's fear of the knives within Eowyn's reach during their little argument in the kitchen? Hmm...) I love that Boromir inspired Faramir to make a "Trojan War" threat ("I'll just take her! Try to stop me, horse-boy!") And no matter what you might think of Denethor, his whispered "just leave" advice is the voice of rational self-preservation, which quite frankly is often cold and cynical. And even though we should not follow the path of cold self-preservation in all situations (only a Machiavelli or a narcissist would do that), we do need to listen to it from time to time otherwise we'd be trampled on. Call it a survival mechanism. If you had a friend like Faramir who was dealing with a woman like Eowyn who had a brother like Eomer, what advice would you give him? For the sake of argument, let's say that you don't know Eowyn or Eomer personally; so you are just going on your perceptions of them based on what they are putting your friend through. I don't know about you, but I'd probably tell him to "Run! Don't walk! Run! Get out of there now. These people are headcases! This woman has way too much emotional baggage. She'll either drive you to drink or kill you in your sleep.” I invite fellow reviewers to chime in on this? What would you tell him to do, folks? *I loved Eowyn's reaction to Faramir's emotional shut down. I swear I was having flashbacks to group therapy sessions (hey, I'm a writer; therapy, drinking, and a propensity to spend whole days in your pajamas are all part of the job description.) I have seen that whole "he shuts down emotionally/she pulls away and is afraid" dynamic so many times. As always, your characterizations are very astute! *I agree with Lady of the Woods, it's not unusual or unreasonable for Faramir to want to make love to Eowyn. Married men often (in fact almost always) equate emotional intimacy, love, and acceptance with sex. "If you love me, you'll have sex with me" coming from a teenage boy is just a con to get in your pants, but when it comes from a 36 year old married men, it's probably (at least 60% chance) a genuine plea for acceptance and emotional intimacy. *"The King railed back; 'Ceaselessly do I say such pleasing things to you!'" That still makes me laugh. I know I've said this before -- your Aragorn doesn't resemble Tolkien's very much, but damn I love him! He's hilarious. I'm still trying to pinpoint why exactly I find him so funny. I haven't figured it out yet, but whatever it is, just keep doing it. *Speaking of Aragorn, I really like your Arwen too. She's just as wacky as he is. They seem to fit together. Even so, I suspect that Arwen might be willing to trade men with Eowyn. Methinks the Evenstar might be developing a crush on our good Steward. After all, he's a much better poet. *Loved Faramir's first test. I half expected him to shout, "F*** it! I'm riding home to Gondor!" And I love Thorn. It reminds me of the main character's horse in "A Man from Snowy River" (saw it on AMC last month). It's this weird looking ugly mountain horse that the other ranch hands make fun of -- that is until it does this insane vertical plunge down a mountain while all their sissy horses stand on the cliff and watch. I have a feeling Thorn is a diamond in the rough too. I could hear him telling Faramir, "Relax, buddy, I'm local. I know the way home." BTW, as I write this, I'm listening to Johnny Cash sing "The Tennessee Stud." I kid you not! "The Tennessee stud was long and lean, the color of the sun and his eyes were green. He had the nerve and he had the blood. There never was a horse like the Tennessee stud..." LOL! *Your use of Frodo's note-taking as a plot devise to assemble everyone for an unofficial "group therapy" session is a stroke of genius. What a great idea! Very clever of you. You should be proud. *Pippin as a "pack pony"! LOL! Thoughts/Comments/Suggestions (take 'em or leave 'em): *A good friend of mine once explained to me that the person you marry will in some way resemble one of your early primary relationships (mother, father, sibling, etc.) and what attracts you to that person is the challenge that perhaps this time you can make the relationship work -- perhaps you can change them or win their love or somehow rewrite the past. A gal with a reckless abandoning father (or mother) will often be drawn to reckless abandoning men. A man with an emotionally fragile or distant mother (or father) will often be drawn to emotionally fragile women. The woman thinks, "Maybe this time I can make him stay. Maybe this time he will settle down and not leave me." The man thinks, "Maybe this time I can cure her. Maybe this time I can be her savior and she'll love me and not withdraw from me." This leads me to ask, Why was Faramir attracted to Eowyn? It wasn't just the physical thing. Cute only goes so far. I think you nailed it when you described how Faramir was "still just as drawn by her fragile quality, her disheartenment." When Merry first saw Dernhelm's young face and clear grey eyes, JRRT writes that Merry "shivered, for it came suddenly to him that it was the face of one without *hope* who goes in search of death." (emphasis mine). Hmmm...Proud, cold, full of despair? Who in Faramir's life does this remind you of? Might I suggest Father Dearest? Faramir pursued Eowyn in hopes of winning her love as he had hoped to win his father's. We usually make the obvious comparison of Eowyn with Finduilas; but I think Denethor is a better comparison -- especially considering your introduction of Eowyn's patricide/suicide plan. Let me explain: Denethor epitomizes the Man of the West without hope. A man of despair. And despair is the ultimate sin in LOTR. The essence of the book is *hope*. JRRT called it "hope without guarantees" -- in other words "a fool's hope." The title of the last book is "The Return of the King," and that king's childhood name meant "hope." The title of the book is "The Return of Hope"! But Denethor is a man without hope. He is the realist who in the end is overcome by the weight of "the Shadow of the East." Denethor's realism defines him. It's his realism (in part) that makes him paranoid and angry at the thought of Aragorn usurping his power. After-all from Denethor's POV, Aragorn is some rag-tag wanderer from a fallen kingdom in the North. (Notice how many of the Northern Dunedain come to fight with Aragorn? Not many. Undoubtedly because there weren’t that many!) Aragorn's claiming the throne of Gondor was for Denethor like a guy from the mail room suddenly being promoted to CEO. But the ultimate example of Denethor's realism is his reaction to Gandalf's plan of sending the hobbits into Mordor to destroy the Ring. Gandalf's plan is akin to sending two midgets into Nazi-Germany with a suitcase-sized atom bomb which they need to destroy by carrying it all the way to Hitler's underground bunker in Berlin and hiding it under his pillow! What do you think Supreme Allied Commander Dwight David Eisenhower would say to the brilliant lieutenant who, when confronted with the two lost midgets, decided the best course of action was to give them tea and cookies and point them in the direction of Berlin? That's basically what Denethor was dealing with when he confronted Gandalf and Faramir. In light of this analogy, I think he showed remarkable restraint in his comments. Denethor isn't just crazy or hateful – he's a realist. With the character of Denethor, JRRT is showing the limits of cold realism, which is ultimately without hope – because "only a fool's hope" saves the day. Denethor's disgust with Faramir has to do with Faramir's "hope." Boromir, on the other hand, was an uncomplicated realist like his father. But Faramir follows his own mind and is more solicitous of Gandalf's advice than his own father’s. Boromir obeys. (However, I think that Faramir is in many ways an uncorrupted Denethor.) I caution against making Denethor two-dimensional. In Chapter 58, Faramir's interpretation of Denethor's motives is exactly what Faramir would think. You portray his thoughts well. But we must remember that it is his interpretation; and however warranted Faramir's anger is, it is still only a part of the picture. Denethor did love his son. It was, in fact, Faramir’s fatal injury that pushed Denethor over the edge into full blown despair. He felt genuine remorse for how he sent Faramir off, and he was convinced that all hope was lost because his sons were gone -- his line of Stewards was ended -- his ancestry of brave and loyal men who held a hopeless country together for centuries with nothing more than a promise of a semi-mythic king who would return someday. Denethor's mad scream, "The West has failed!" is terribly sad. But lest I paint too sympathetic a picture of Denethor, I should also point out the poisonous nature of his pride. The honest pride he deserved to feel as being one of a long line of faithful Stewards was transformed into a paranoid sense of entitlement, an overblown sense of his own power, and an iron-fisted blindness to the wisdom of others. The final and most dreadful expression of that pride is his suicide. Gandalf shouts at him, "Authority is not given you to order the hour of your death! Only the heathen kings, under the domination of the Dark Power, did thus, slaying themselves *in pride and despair*, murdering their kin to ease their own death." (emphasis mine). This is a very Tolkienesque admonishment -- he is unequivocally calling suicide not only cowardly, but also sinful. All of this finally leads me back to my point about Eowyn's correlation to Denethor and her plan to murder Theoden and then kill herself. I think this was a very astute addition you made to her character. It makes sense that she would plan something like this. But it is also grossly immoral in JRRT's world. Just like Denethor and the heathen kings, she would be guilty of "murdering [her] kin to ease [her] own death." Yep, she would tell herself that she was murdering Theoden to put him out of his suffering, but deep down isn't she doing it because she didn’t want Grima to be right in saying that "her pride in her land was foolish, because even the poorest sighted could see they were led by a dumb old man." What thoughts does Grima use to poison her? He attacks her pride by telling her, "What is the house of Eorl but a thatched barn where brigands drink in the reek, and their brats roll on the floor among their dogs?" Even if she does think she should murder Theoden for his own good, her act would still be terribly wrong. It would be the ultimate sin in JRRT universe -- the sin of despair because hope tells us that anything is possible. And ultimately hope saved Theoden. Eowyn herself is driven to despair again, but finds hope and healing with Faramir. All of this is to explore why Faramir is drawn to Eowyn. The obvious next question is, Why is Eowyn drawn to Faramir? I have a theory. When Faramir first touches Eowyn's mind, she sees that he is "steadfast, loyal and good." Who else in her life is "steadfast, loyal and good." Don’t laugh! Yes, I am saying that Faramir correlates to Eomer, who has always been loyal, good, true, trustworthy, and safe. Eowyn sees that aspect of Eomer in Faramir. But the change she hopes to inspire in her relationship with Faramir is her need to be allowed to "grow up." Eomer will never let her grow up. With him she is perpetually a little girl that he must protect. In many ways, she is just as afraid of growing up herself. I interpret her retreat back to Eomer's room in Chapter 59 as a retreat into the safety of childhood. Sleeping next to Eomer was safe and familiar, but not healthy (to use a modernism). It was not moving forward in life. She needs to turn more to Faramir. The hobbits in their simple hobbit wisdom realize this, which is why Merry and Pippin chose to have Faramir sit next to them when Eowyn herself couldn't decide. In her dreams, when Eowyn murmurs Faramir's name as Eomer comforted her, it is apparent that this change in her is slowly taking place. I think the definitive expression of "growing up" and moving forward is having children. Every time Eowyn warms more to the idea of children, I see her embracing her future. Children are the obvious universal symbol of hope. At the end of all wars, the warriors go home and have children and buy a home in the suburbs and plant a garden and join the Kiwanis club and live happy boring lives that they love for the very fact that they are boring because when you've survived a war, boredom is a reward. The baby boom and the 1950s are the ultimate example of this phenomenon. Ithilien is the perfect place for Eowyn and Faramir to plant a garden and live happily bored ever after. Ithilien is the Moonland -- the land between sun and shadow. The place of hope renewed. The Garden of Gondor. One more quick thought on Denethor. Why did Denethor keep Finduilas in Minas Tirith? Why didn't he encourage her to travel to the sea and ease her homesickness? I think it's because he *needed* her. Perhaps he was needy -- just as Faramir is needy at times for Eowyn. Maybe he suffocated her. Just a thought. What do you think? *I have some thoughts on Eomer and his "arc" in this story. I have a theory about Eomer. If you agree, wonderful! If you don't, please ignore it. My theory is that deep down Eomer feels a sense of guilt and failure in his relationship with Eowyn. His one great duty was to protect his sister. That was the order his parents gave him. Well, if that was his duty, he did a pretty crappy job. On Eomer's watch, Eowyn was stalked and nearly raped by a disgusting man, and then she decided to ride out & kill herself. On Faramir's watch, Eowyn decided to live and now loves and is actually thinking about her future (including children). For all of his worry about Faramir not being able to protect Eowyn, Eomer was remarkably ineffective as a guardian himself. Eventually he has to own up to the fact that Faramir protected Eowyn and brought her healing in a way that he couldn't. **The following are really random thoughts/questions/comments that I couldn't finesse into anything more cohesive: *Question: What do other people see when Eowyn & Faramir are mind-talking in the midst of a group of people? I'm thinking in particular about the scene in Aragorn's room when Faramir and Eowyn are recounting their love story. Did everyone else in the room just think they were mooning at each other -- all kissy-kissy? Does anyone notice that they don't seem to talk to each other much? Arwen mentioned that she hardly heard Faramir speak at all. Is that because he's always mind-talking with Eowyn? *Question: What did Eomer think of the marks Eowyn made on Faramir? What does he think of his little sister's sexual awakening? Is he shocked? Sickened? Bewildered? We know how Eomer feels about Faramir's marks on her, but what about her obvious advances on Faramir? You show us a little of his feelings about this when he hears Eowyn saying Faramir's name in her sleep. Any other thoughts? *Great job in portraying Faramir’s relationship to Boromir and his reaction to Boromir's temptation. Other fanfic writers tend to portray Faramir as hero-worshiping his brother in an unreflective and frankly immature way. I didn't get that from the books at all. Faramir didn't even seem all that surprised when Sam and Frodo explained to him how Boromir fell into temptation. It was as if he was shaking his head and saying, "I love my brother, but sometimes he's a real idiot." (I've heard so many of my male friends say that about their brothers. Hell, I've heard my own brothers say that about each other!) Basically, you've portrayed Faramir's regard for Boromir as honest and mature affection. Bravo! *Your Gandalf rocks! I know I've commented on how some of your characters are not very much like Tolkien's (even though I still like them!); but I must say that your Ganfalf is just like JRRT’s! *Weird random thought: It might do Eowyn good to keep in mind that she has Gondorian blood in her. In fact, in physical stature, she takes after her Gondorian grandmother. From the Appendix, "Eomer was like his fathers before him; but Eowyn was slender and tall, with a grace and pride that came her out of the South from Morwen of Lossarnach, whom the Rohirrim had called Steelsheen." Again we see that word "pride." She's not all Rohirric in her make-up. *Another thing I thought funny: You have Eowyn as the Betty Grable pin-up girl of the Rohirrim! The soldiers ogle her dresses! LOL! Like the World War II pin-up girls, Eowyn is beautiful but inaccessible to them. Very creative of you. *Random thought/suggestion (take it or leave it): Faramir might want to tell his new Rohirrim buddies about the significance of the White Tree -- and tell Eowyn as well. It does have real significance! If they think fighting Sauron was tough, try fighting Sauron's big bad older brother! *Shameless story suggestion: Wouldn't Gaer make a great addition to Ithilien's White Company? I bet he and Beregond would get along famously. Hint, hint... *I loved how Faramir was preening like a male peacock for Eowyn's benefit, showing off his biceps. Too funny! *Ridiculous literary aside: Eomer's relationship to Eowyn is beginning to remind me of Quentin & Caddie Compson in Faulkner's "The Sound and the Fury." Please don't let Eomer drown himself in the Anduin. (If he does, then I’ll know the similarities were intentional.) *Comment as rebuttal to another reviewer: Don't you dare start putting Old English translations in parenthesis after someone speaks in Rohirric. That is so stupid and amateurish. That's like translating the French or Latin phrases interspersed in a New Yorker article. It's insulting the reader by suggesting they're too stupid or unsophisticated to know French or Latin (or in your case, to scroll down the bloody page to read the freakin' translation). Sorry to whoever made that suggestion, but I politely (alright, not so politely) disagree. If scrolling is too taxing -- if "All For Her" is giving you carpal tunnel syndrome -- here's a cure. Copy the translations listed at the bottom of the page. Open Microsoft Word. Paste the translations into a document. Print it out. Now you too can read along with the translations in your hand as you scroll slowly through the story. Sorry for being a smart-a**; but come on, people, let's not get goofy with the suggestions. I mean, what next, is somebody going to ask the author to create a book-on-tape of the story? *Final Comment: Great work! Keep it coming. I'm so glad you are getting paid to write this story (so to speak). It puts me in mind of my misspent college work-study days as an English tutor. I spent most of my down time playing backgammon for book money. You're much more industrious. ...BTW, I'm writing this very late at night, so please forgive any typos or ramblings...

Drake · 25 September 2004 · Chapter 60: Faramir on His Own

Wow! This, and the last chapter, were just terrific! I'm really glad Faramir and Eowyn are getting closer and closer to each other. It was excrutiating, see Faramir trying so hard to win her complete trust and love only for Eowyn to falter. I'm not saying I'm blaming Eowyn either; I completely understand considering her past with Grima, as well as the fact that she has to deal with the fact that she is a grown woman and must grow to accept her maturity (If that makes sense at all). It took me a second to figure out exactly what on earth that Rohir was saying to Faramir, but once I figured it out, I was like, "Good lord!" That *was* quite an insult to Faramir, and I'm surprised he didn't chose right then beat the guy senseless. At least he did do *something* in the end. I would have knocked the guy's teeth out, if he insulted someone I cared about in such an obscenely offensive manner. I love your Frodo. Haven't seen him much until these last couple of chapters, but he seems just as thoughtful and wise as he should. What he said about Boromir was just beautiful. I saved this for last. Mostly because I've been trying to think of what I want to say on it, but..... That whole bit with Faramir showing himself to Eowyn. I sympathize with him, I truly do. Though I admit the whole stomach roll thing seemed a bit odd to me, but the way you explain the reasoning behind it makes sense. Anyway, I feel sorry for him, because I understand the desire to feel just as appreciated by Eowyn as he appreciates her. Thinking back upon an earlier conversation of ours and expounding upon it, yes, I can understand how men aren't exactly built to be desirable. In fact, I understand that we may appear cumbersome or silly looking. But still, to know that a lover may think that you look funny can be terribly hurtful. I truly hope that as their relationship progresses she'll find him more desirable that funny. It would be a huge confidence boost for Faramir, that's for sure, and if anything he needs confidence in himself. On a personal note, I have to say he's a very brave man nonetheless. I could never put myself of display like that. I'd feel like a damned fool, and since everyone who is a member of the SoA group knows what I look like, I'm sure everyone knows why I would. Great story, and I hope to see more soon.

RAKSHA_THE_DEMON · 23 September 2004 · Chapter 60: Faramir on His Own

"What? The man can't be playful and silly? Hey, maybe he GOT that from Boromir. BTW, picturing Eomer or the hobbits doing that is cracking me up. lol Oh, well. Trust me, there will be plenty of mystery, and what exactly is so bad about a few minutes of nakedness? Cause that's basically all it was. Neither got to explore or anything or even touch. Course Faramir's done more touching, but still. Lots left! (and much, much won't be until after the marriage since Faramir won't be around and other things)" I probably should have clarified that I couldn't see Faramir do the stomach-roll now, at this point in his relationship with Eowyn. I could see him doing it a few months or a year after their marriage, when they were more physically and sexually comfortable with each other. I don't think Faramir has a "silly" bone in his body; but I do think he could be self-deprecating and playful. But at the time you wrote the moment, it just did not ring true to me. Umm, Faramir and Eowyn have done a lot more, sexually, then just play 'You show me yours and I'll show you mine'. They've gone way beyond just a few minutes of nakedness in prior chapters. Anyway, I hope Eomer does get around to checking out Faramir's progress with the Rohirrim. I have visions of Eomer thinking Faramir will have alienated everyone and be sitting bruised and alone in a corner; only to find the Riders and Faramir sitting around a campfire toasting marshmallows and Faramir teaching them some improper Gondorian drinking songs. Can't wait 'til the next chapter.

Raksha The Demon · 22 September 2004 · Chapter 60: Faramir on His Own

I wanted to mention a couple of things: I really liked the paragraph at the beginning, where Faramir saw the natural beauty of his surroundings and we saw his poetic side emerge. I seem to be the only one who didn't much care for Faramir's stomach roll shenanigans. Not that it wasn't humorous, or would have been if one of the hobbits, or Eomer, or Boromir (when he lived) had done it. It just did not seem like something the Faramir I remember from the books would do. I can maybe see him doing the muscle-flexing thing. The only thing I don't like about all these sensual moments with Faramir and Eowyn is that there will really be no, or little mystery left for their wedding night. I still feel bad for Faramir; with Gandalf going, he's pretty much on his own and doesn't really have any allies who have known him for longer than a couple of months. (where did Imrahil go anyway?) I'm glad that he's got a couple of friends among the Rohirrim. Looking forward to seeing him out riding with them, away from depressing interludes with Eomer and Eowyn. A major plus, if I'm reading the story right, is that Eowyn seems to have finally opened up in a major way to Faramir and revealed her fears (natural in a young and motherless woman) of becoming the Princess of Ithilien and a mother. If she backslides again, it will be disappointing. And I'm also pleased that Faramir realizes he's been pushing Eowyn too hard. While it is natural that a man in love would want to make love to his lady, especially a man as emotionally bereft as Faramir; they don't live in the 21st century and people in the exalted positions of Prince-Steward of the greatest realm in Middle-earth and Princess-heir of the King of Rohan would feel like they had to wait until marriage to satisfy their passion. Or at least not go quite as far as these two have gone already... Hope that you update soon!