The Steward's Coup by Shireling
Acacea · 4 July 2004 · Chapter 7
Hi Shireling, I just caught up with this story and thought I'd tell you I'm enjoying it very much. It carries on nicely from Cloaks and Memories and you do tackle the post-war situation in Minas Tirith very well. Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
Acacea, Thank you for your comments. I'm pleased that you are enjoying it. Look for an update next weekend (RL permitting!) Hugs
Lindorien · 3 July 2004 · Chapter 0
Hi Helen, I read through chapter 7 and I did it a little oddly. I went backwards. The reason because I wanted to see how well you were supporting your characterizations by what had gone before. You've taken a very 'unsafe' view of Faramir here, one I find interesting. I can see the battle fatigue, but I was under the impression PTSD manifests at a later time, sometimes years. Although, I suppose the onset could be pretty quick. Since I've written a lengthy 'Faramir after the War' fic, I find this one of particular interest and I'll be interested in seeing how you handle the situation. So far, I am with you on what you are doing and I appreciate the row you chose to hoe. One item really struck me, though, as I read: Faramir's apparent ignorance of his family's wealth. I don't see that as being possible. I LOVED how you had him order all of Dad's stuff removed. I could so appreciate his desire to not be confronted by it and his wish to start fresh. I also appreciated that Faramir is picking up the 'underwhisperings' of people comparing him to his father and to Boromir, further serving to undermine a mental state perhaps more fragile than he might want others to see. I do not find Aragorn's anger at Faramir incongrous in chapter 7, I do find, given the politics which surround governing a kingdom after such a war and walking in after as a near complete stranger, that Aragorn would choose to do his berating in public a bit odd. I would expect him to draw Faramir aside, sit him down and pull no punches. Politics is a dirty business. If there is a crack in the resolve to be found, those who would seek to take advantage will take advantage- so these aspects of your fic are compelling to me. In short - I am interested in seeing how you resolve this. I've a feeling you are going to pull it off. Lindorien
Author's reply
Lindorien Welcome and thank you, you have given me a lot to think about. With regards to the inheritance my assumption was that Faramir had been pretty much isolated from the business of the Steward for most of his adult and adolescent years because of his army training/duty- I don't think he was ignorant of the wealth so much as he had no reason to think of it...only the rich don't have to think about money!!! Boromir would have been aprised of all the necessary details but Faramir didn't 'need to know'and was kept out of the loop and circumstances at the end of the war conspired to keep him in the dark. Aragorn and Faramir are circling round each other, both insecure and defensive, both wanting to establish a positive relationship. ;) helen
Raksha The Demon · 3 July 2004 · Chapter 6: Chapter 6
I really wanted to like this story; as I liked your other work. But the premise that Faramir can't trust Aragorn enough to apprise him of the situation and what he is doing about it just doesn't work for me...Particularly after all that Aragorn did for Faramir in the past, getting Elrond to help him heal, being so kind to Faramir when Faramir was at his lowest point... I will continue to read, and hope for a resolution to the impasse between Faramir and Aragorn. This chapter was particularly hard to read, and did not seem credible, given the relationship you established between them before this story began.
Author's reply
Rashka, Thank you for taking to time to leave me your thoughs. I'm disappointed that you are not enjoying the story. Faramir and Aragorn have yet to establish a working relationship and are both dealing with new situations that are beyond their experience. I do hope that you will stick with the story and I hope by the end to have redeemed myself! Helen/shireling
fliewatuet · 2 July 2004 · Chapter 7
You don't make things easy for Faramir. First his disability, then his need to conceil his ability in council thus attracting the wrath of the King, and now he has caught that Summer Fever, above all else. I only hope that he will fare better than those he tended in Henneth Annûn. I also hope that he does not spread the illness around, though Aragorn, given his recent flares of temper, would well deserve it;) But I like Arwen's reaction to his outbursts. It leaves open the question as to who really rules Gondor. fliewatuet
Author's reply
Thank you, I think at this point Aragorn is struggling and a little out of his depth. Arwen , with all of her long years in the presence of both Elrond and Galadriel probably has a far greater understanding of the subtleties of ruling but is wise enough to know that she must let him grow into his Kingship. That's not to say she won't nudge him in the right direction! :)
nijijin · 2 July 2004 · Chapter 7
Ahhhh...shireling...this is just such a wonderfully satisfying tale. I just about jump up and down when I see a new chapter. Yes! Your Aragorn is not a perfect being. Again, I like that he has his flaws. You do Faramir h/c so beautifully. And still I'm dying to know what Faramir will discover. Tamir a great character as well. Please...please...don't keep us waiting too long for the next chapter.
Author's reply
Thank you, nijijin. I'm glad you like Tamir...I'm very fond of him myself. Poor Faramir, I do put him through the wringer don't I? Update due next week. helen/shireling
fliewatuet · 27 June 2004 · Chapter 6: Chapter 6
I am glad that Faramir managed to rule out a participation of the King in the whole affair. Though I fear that his tactic of appearing incompetent worked far too well. I fear the best way for Faramir to persuade the King of his capabilities is to uncover the conspiracy as soon as possible (there might be other ways, but this one is sure the one that would leave the most lasting impression). As a last remark: I marvel at Faramir's strength to return to the King and say what he had to say after having to listen to Aragorn's (understandable, but untimely) outburst. fliewatuet
Author's reply
thank you I'm glad you are enjoying the story. I'm really pleased that Faramir's strength of character comes through in this chapter, although he is playing up his lack of experience I didn't want him to come over as weak...now he just has to find a way to sort out the mess. Hugs
Mysterious Jedi · 25 June 2004 · Chapter 5
Poor Faramir. I'm sure Aragorn will feel even more awful than he already does when he learns the whole story!
fliewatuet · 20 June 2004 · Chapter 5
Faramir's "punishment" for Legolas' inconsiderate jest was quite original ... and effective;) I am glad that Faramir has found new friends in the Elf and Dwarf, as he seems to be rather isolated in Minas Tirith. I wonder how long it will take until friends become allies. fliewatuet
websterans · 20 June 2004 · Chapter 5
A fitting "punishment" indeed! I'm seriously liking this.
Mysterious Jedi · 17 June 2004 · Chapter 4
This is most intriguing. I wonder what's going on?
Author's reply
Lots of chaos and confusion!!!! Thanks for taking the time to stop by.
fliewatuet · 17 June 2004 · Chapter 4
That seems to be a clever tactic that Faramir has chosen to discover what goes wrong in Minas Tirith. Not a tactic that will let him appear as a brilliant Steward, but one that will work, of that I am sure. No one will perceive him as a threat. But I am not sure for how long he will be able to fool Aragorn (or Arwen for that matter). They will give him a hard time in trying to find out what's wrong with their Steward;) fliewatuet
Author's reply
Yes and there are so many possibilities for missunderstandings and confusion!!! Thanks for leaving me your thoughts. Hugs Helen/shireling
fliewatuet · 11 June 2004 · Chapter 3
A very interesting story. I always love political intrigue and this one seems particularly interesting. Having read the first chapter of 'The Steward's Coup', I had to rush to your other story 'Cloaks and Memories' and read it in (almost) one go:) fliewatuet P.S.> I noticed one typo: I think you meant ante-chamber but wrote anti-chamber instead;)
Author's reply
thank you. I hope reading 'Cloaks' helped to introduce 'my' Faramir and explain why he reacts as he does. Thanks for pointing out the typo...another one that got away! Hugs Helen/shireling
Envinyatar · 31 May 2004 · Chapter 0
Very interesting start. I haven't read Cloaks yet, but you seem to encapsulate that well - OK we've got a wounded, recovering Faramir about to face trouble. Looking forward to reading more.
Author's reply
Thank you, Faramir will have to deal with trouble missunderstandings and confusion before he finds a way to put things right. Helen/shireling