Number Two Son by French Pony
daw the minstrel · 11 May 2004 · Chapter 3: Sickness
This was truly dreadful. I could see how strange it was to be hurrying to the Houses of Healing in the night. And the other scene that struck me was the weapons master telling Boromir not to let his grief overcome him when he didn't know he was supposed to be grieving. Poor kids. They just want their mother.
Annis · 11 May 2004 · Chapter 3: Sickness
excellent! I love your little glimpses into the lives of Boromir and Faramir,the interactions between them are nicely realistic. again, well done!
Kit5 · 11 May 2004 · Chapter 3: Sickness
Interesting to see how this view of Finduilas's death might have skewed Denethor's later perception of his second son. I always felt so bad for Faramir (the fact that he is my favorite Human of the trilogy has nothing to do with this, of course) and I look forward to where this takes you next.
Camp6311 · 5 May 2004 · Chapter 2: The Awful Mandate
Yes!, a Faramir story. Faramir has to be my favorite canon character, and I'm always thrilled to see a new story, especially when it promises to be well written. I like your handling of Denethor so far. Like many of Tolkien's characters, Denethor's life is a journey, but unfortunately for him, his journey is a spirial downwards. Now that he has found the palantir, it looks like that downward slide is about to begin.
daw the minstrel · 5 May 2004 · Chapter 2: The Awful Mandate
Well, you can see the future coming. He uses the palantir trying to do good - at least mostly he does, although his definition of good is pretty much the good of Gondor, just as Boromir's will one day be. But his weaknesses get magnified. How tragic.
Chibi-Kaz · 5 May 2004 · Chapter 2: The Awful Mandate
Ooo, this is fascinating! I can't wait for more. So Ecthelion had the palantir locked away? Smart man. Of course, I did always get the impression that he was wiser than his son. I bet Ecthelion would have ADORED Faramir.... Keep up the good work! cheers, Chibi-Kaz
eokat · 5 May 2004 · Chapter 2: The Awful Mandate
French Pony, this is superb. Denethor had found the Palantir locked away and has begun to use it. What awful visions, and he does not know which son is which in them,thank goodness. I wonder if Ecthelion knew of it and that was why is was under lock and key? Look forward the the next. Eokat.
Mysterious Jedi · 28 April 2004 · Chapter 1: Second Son
Oh, how sweet. Too bad Denethor goes mad later. Please keep writing.
eokat · 28 April 2004 · Chapter 1: Second Son
This is a super start. I enjoyed reading your characterizations of the Family. It all started so innocently, but as we know the worse is yet to come. I think I will enjoy this story as much as your last one. Eokat.
daw the minstrel · 27 April 2004 · Chapter 1: Second Son
The characterizations in this were very well done. Denethor is hard to catch, because he was undeniably flawed and when he took to using the palantir, it damaged him, I think (although not like PJ showed. That was a travesty). But he's well done here, a good father to Boromir and well enough intentioned. And Boromir is a very convincing 5 year old.
Fionnabhair Nic Aillil · 27 April 2004 · Chapter 1: Second Son
"...my epic battles with the monsters which dwell beneath his bed" Teeheehee! My only gripe about this is that you have drawn your portrait of the loving, happy first family of Gondor almost too well - making the thought of the sequel more than thirty years down the line even more painful! That is however an eminently forgivable 'error' on your part. I do look forward to where you're going to take this, as you seem to be able to write Denethor with a certain amount of sympathy - an unusual trait! I thought your comment about King Lear was telling - and it bodes well, as I've always thought the two were similar.