Birthday Drabbles and Suchlike by annmarwalk
Shield-maiden of Rohan · 26 April 2025 · Chapter 5: Courtship
I just have to say, I COMPLETELY agree with Daw, my favorite line is also Éomer was unscathed, young, and king. In fact, some times I say it and my sister gets annoyed with me. My other favorite part near there is when Éomer recognizes Aragorn coming on the ships and and tosses his sword into the air.
Isha · 8 November 2006 · Chapter 2: Kindred Spirits
Lovely, as always, dear! =) I agree, I think Gandalf and Faramir are very alike, and I'm sure Faramir must have thanked his stars to have someone like the wizard in his life, given his situation with Denethor.
Author's reply
Hello! Thanks for dropping by! I don't think Faramir was really conscious of the fact that Gandalf was providing the love and attention he craved; more likely he was pleased to have yet another interesting person to call friend, a relationship that would have meant more and more to him as the years went by.
Bodkin · 4 May 2006 · Chapter 21: Peace
I love to see Denethor as a human being, who cared for his family.
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm pretty firmly entrenched in the "Kinder, Gentler, Denethor" camp.
Larner · 3 May 2006 · Chapter 21: Peace
Ah, how wonderful that Denethor finds he indeed appreciates the beauty of Finduilas holding their son in her arms as she sleeps on the chaise. Lovely imagery here as in Eowyn's thoughts on Faramir.
Author's reply
Thank you for your kind words! The line "I watch while you sleep" is originally from my haiku cycle, "http://annmarwalk.livejournal.com/66008.html">Wheeling Stars Count Our Days, but I found I liked the imagery it engendered, so much that I wanted to see how other characters would use it. I'm quite pleased at Boromir's, Eowyn's, and Denethor's results.
Larner · 1 May 2006 · Chapter 20: It's the Thought...
Yes, I remember reading this one over there. Still a wonderful look a the early martial leanings of Eowyn daughter of Eomund. Unable to protect her parents, she has learned perhaps far too early that those who cannot wield swords may the more easily die upon them.
Author's reply
Lacking any strong female role models at all, Eowyn had no choice but to seek to emulate her brother and cousin. We hear of the shieldmaidens, but I don't recall ever learning anything concrete about them - are they a Rohirric myth? I really think she just wanted to be like Eomer and Theodred. I was the same way as a girl - I only wanted to be like my older brothers, and to do everything they did. ;-)
Larner · 1 May 2006 · Chapter 19: The Code of the Corsairs
Definitely thought provoking, and an interesting contrast between two ways of life.
Author's reply
I'm sure the Corsairs would have some terse comments on the suggestion that they're in it for the fun, and not for the treasure. Thanks for reading and commenting!
Larner · 1 May 2006 · Chapter 18: History Becomes Legend
Yes, the love between Theodred and Boromir, and the courage and dedication of both; what a wonderful eulogy for Faramir's brother.
Author's reply
We read so much of the songs of the Rohirrim; it gave me great pleasure to imagine their immortalizing these heroes in song. Even if Faramir was the only person in the room to understand the words, what a stirring moment that must have been!
Larner · 1 May 2006 · Chapter 17: Inspired
Ah, a beautiful Haiku to our beloved Faramir, and so well deserved. Hooray, Eowyn.
Author's reply
Thank you for you kind words! I appreciate your taking the time to read and comment on so many of these. My original plan was for Faramir to be the watching lover and author of the haiku. Inverting the equation provided such a unique twist, with Eowyn appreciating anew the man whose love brought her to new life. (I also just realized that there's one more drabble in this sequence, which I have forgotten to post - Denethor's version of the haiku. Let me go do that right now.)
Bodkin · 1 May 2006 · Chapter 20: It's the Thought...
Theodred was an excellent big cousin. Giving Eowyn the horse would have been just right for most little girls - but I'm sure it wasn't long before she got a sword of her own. Nice link in with the other story!
Author's reply
Thanks for reading and commenting! Nice link in with the other story! Actually, my friend Edoraslass and I wrote several of these (we call it the Pony!verse). You can find some more of them listed here at her Live Journal: Pony!Fic By all means, drop by and say hello if you are interested! You don't have to have a Live Journal yourself to post a comment.
Branwyn · 29 April 2006 · Chapter 20: It's the Thought...
It easy to forget (especially after seeing the young Theodred of the films) that Theodred is an older cousin of Eomer and Eowyn. I loved this glimpse of their homecoming to Edoras after their father's death. And, of course, that toy pony shows up in your "Heirlooms" and in other stories. LOL that Eowyn already has the makings of a shieldmaiden!
Author's reply
Thanks for reading and commenting! Yes, Theodred was born the very same year as Boromir, and was a man grown when those children came into his life. I don't know exactly who that young, pretty, dying man was, but he certainly wasn't our Theodred. Their plight would have disturbed Theodred on so many levels, though: kinfolk in need; orphaned children; citizens he was unable to protect. Anger, and frustration; hopefully diffused, at least temporarily, by the sight of these reminders of his own childhood.
Bodkin · 5 February 2006
She had come to the garden sad and drained by the burden of being alive; but watching the cat in its unconcerned delight had brought a smile to her lips. Lovely - I enjoyed the simple pleasure of the cat and its effect on Eowyn. Not to mention the arrival at the end!
Author's reply
Thank you! It was very enjoyable to take a real-life occurence -- the neighborhood cats revelling in my catmint patch - and transport it to Middle-Earth.
Branwyn · 4 February 2006
Eowyn sees the simple contentment of a cat and contemplates the wisdom of this creature that neither worries nor plans for the future. I love how Faramir sneaks in at the end of the piece; Eowyn hears first the quiet sound of footsteps and then a quiet voice. She had never seen any of these cats working; of course, she had not seen any signs of mice, either. Living in a stone city, the Minas Tirith cats might be underemployed. The wooden and thatch buildings of Edoras would provide ample nesting and hiding places for rodents. Perhaps today, I should be like a cat, Eowyn thought. Good idea! And, cat-like, she closes her eyes as she sits in the sun. Lucky Silverwerecat--what a delightful birthday present!
Author's reply
Thank you for your kind words! Most of this came together very quickly. It was just as I was preparing to post it this morning that Faramir came strolling quietly down that garden path. I like him being there, though; he adds such a gentle note of optimism to Eowyn's tale.
Branwyn · 19 November 2005 · Chapter 18: History Becomes Legend
I like that the Rohirrim compose a song to immortalize Boromir--fame is how a warrior lives on. That is a beautiful scene as the tavern falls silent at the singing. A sad reminder for Faramir, but certainly Boromir would have appreciated the tribute.
Author's reply
Can't you just imagine the singing? It gives me goosebumps just to think about it. (Sadly, I've still found no volunteers to write that song. A mere shadow, a ghost of it is swirling around deep and dark in the vaults of my brain. Valiantly, I keep trying to ignore it. How long do you think I can hold out?)
Branwyn · 19 November 2005 · Chapter 19: The Code of the Corsairs
Interesting to see the viewpoint of the Corsairs, since Tolkien never gives us their side of the story. They are owned by what they own: elaborate houses; overdecorated women; useless possessions. I will admit to reading that with a little cringe of recognition, LOL, but it is a great line. Arrr, this be a good drabble. :-D
Author's reply
Well, my vision of the corsairs is probabaly a bit more romantic than most, me hearty. "Fighting not for plunder", indeed! They'd beg to differ with me, given half a chance. So I give them none.
Branwyn · 19 November 2005 · Chapter 17: Inspired
These two are so different and would have had so much to learn from each other; I love Eowyn's appreciation of what she has gained from her husband and also that she is still growing after so many years. silver strands now glistening among the raven I thought this was a nice touch--we don't often get to see them as an older couple.
Author's reply
They are such a lovely pair, and play to each other's strengths so well. He would have given her polish; she would have given him looseness.
mirthor · 25 June 2005 · Chapter 16: Birdsong
Wonderful little moment. I especially loved this line..."but Faramir was waiting, eyes aglow, for the one who excelled at all things to share this wondrous skill as well."
Author's reply
Thank you! Yes, I imagine the burden of being the source of all wisdom to a hero-worshipping little brother might have weighed a bit on Boromir sometimes! But the gift Tolkien has given us, in describing that perfectly loving relationship, is priceless.
Larner · 25 June 2005 · Chapter 16: Birdsong
That at one time Denethor delighted in both sons is welcome.
Author's reply
Another friend of mine made a very perceptive observation: "Denethor must have been a loving dad to Faramir at some point--why else would Faramir keep trying to reclaim that love as an adult?" Very thought provoking, but also very sad.
Larner · 25 June 2005 · Chapter 15: Where a man's treasure is, there will his heart be also
Oh, Denethor, you have been envious, and realize not how he whom you've envied now envies you. I LOVE this one. A definite keeper.
Author's reply
I'm glad you enjoyed it - it's one of my favorites as well. And I was wandering around LiveJournal the other day, looking for a particular story I remembered, and found that this tale had been bookmarked by someone I don't even know! What a thrill! but it does present very different sides of Denethor and Thorongil to what we usually see.
Larner · 25 June 2005 · Chapter 14: A Good Prognosis
Eowyn will be corrupted into loving life after all by a Hobbit! Lovely images!
Author's reply
How could she resist Merry's irrepressible zest for life? and for food? He would have been the best possible companion for her in those very early days of her recovery.
Larner · 25 June 2005 · Chapter 13: Siege Cookery
You met both requirements, and I stand in awe of it.
Author's reply
Thanks! There was no way I could resist something that ingenious.
Larner · 25 June 2005 · Chapter 12: Family Traditions
And a second one on the same theme, with Elboron added. Lovely to see Faramir isn't afraid to bake breads. All my nieces and nephews have been taught to knead bread.
Author's reply
My main thought her was that Faramir and Eowyn would have wanted to build happy mmemories for their children, since they had so few themselves. New and loving traditions, not only for their own children, but for the whole little community of Emyn Arnen. (which reminds me - I think I may have a couple Boromir/Faramir childhood drabbles I haven't posted here - I'll go do that right now. They were written for tolkien_weekly, so they'll be posted as additional chapters to "Rising to the Challenge". Thanks for reminding me!)
Larner · 25 June 2005 · Chapter 11: Mag the Cook Remembers Boromir
And the memories are sweet in more ways than one.
Author's reply
This was Mag's first appearance, and by no means her last - She's such a useful and adaptable character, and a very realistic and perfectly feasible Mary-Sue for me to indulge myself in!
Larner · 25 June 2005 · Chapter 10: Mourning Cloak
Oh, don't be too difficult on Ngila. At least she has put a definite style in there, which Bakshi's folks totally blew. Whoever drew Aragorn and Boromir so desperately blew it with Bakshi's version. And we never got to see their travesty of Denethor. But even that could have been far worse--witness the Rankin-Bass atrocity!
Author's reply
Fortunately, I barely remember either of those - we rented each of them once, from the library, but my kid's weren't interested, so that was that! Ngila did do a gorgeous job on his costumes, though, - no argument there! - it was just her comments that set my friend all a-tizzy.
Larner · 25 June 2005 · Chapter 9: Young Elboron's Tale (With Guest Appearances by Elladan and Elrohir)
Oh, how wonderful! I love it!
Author's reply
Yet another hero-worshipper for Boromir! But I don't think Faramir would have minded the opportunity to bring his beloved brother to life, through family tales and traditions, for his son.
Larner · 25 June 2005 · Chapter 8: Marriage Counseling
That is nice, to see the love of the wife for the potentially difficult husband.
Author's reply
This was written as a birthday gift for a major Denethor fangirl, so it was pretty easy to figure exactly what would make her happy! And how true it is that outsiders never really know what goes on inside a marriage (for good or ill).