Branwyn
· 24 April 2005
· Chapter 4: Denethor's Confession, Exactly As He Whispered In My Ear
I agree with Raksha--not a candidate for "father of the year"! While it is probably not so unusual for parents to favor one child above another, it does seem unnatural to be willing to trade the life of one for another. I think I will give Denethor the benefit of the doubt, and say that this is his grief speaking. However, very Denethor-ish to say that his sin was not the unfatherly sentiments but being caught!
Author's reply
Yes, anger and grief and shame and self-justification, poor poor sad man. I ran screaming from him after writing this; it was a long time before he would calm down enough to talk to me nicely. "Where A Man's Treasure Is...." got us on speaking terms once again.
Branwyn
· 24 April 2005
· Chapter 3: Elfwine
I liked "gather laughing in the stableyard to wet the baby's head;" it sounds as if it that is a Rohirric custom. Loved the phrase "grey-eyed sea-queen." Great drabble about cheerfully uncomplicated Eomer!
Author's reply
If it wasn't, it should be! I love thinking and writing about that joyful couple, and posting this happy story was a nice counterbalance to angsty, angry Denethor. Many thanks for your kind words!
Raksha The Demon
· 23 April 2005
· Chapter 4: Denethor's Confession, Exactly As He Whispered In My Ear
I guess this eliminates Denethor's eligibility in the Gondor FATHER OF THE YEAR contest!
No, Denethor, while some parents favor one kid over the other, they don't contemplate sacrificing one kid to save the favorite child, even in the privacy of their own thoughts. What has a certain Eye been telling you during your palantir chats, anyway?
Excellent drabble; giving Denethor's rationale, and his remorse over being 'caught' and the sorrow in the eyes of the less favored son, in only 100 years. You really have to wonder what kind of people his own parents were...
Author's reply
Yep, certainly no "Kiss the Cook" apron for him!
I'd resisted writing this sort of Denethor for so long but I was quite overcome by his insistency in getting this out, and his clever ploy to implicate his listeners in order to assuage his own feelings of guilt.
Larner
· 23 April 2005
· Chapter 4: Denethor's Confession, Exactly As He Whispered In My Ear
And how many of us have committed the same sin. So glad you have Denethor admitting the sin and regretting it.
I love your way with words, Ann.
Author's reply
Thank you so much! A great compliment, coming from someone whose stories I enjoy so much, myself.
This story was quite a departure from my usual Kindler, Gentler, Denethor fare: we must have both caught each other in a moment of weakness. A true confession from most all parents, though.
Larner
· 23 April 2005
· Chapter 3: Elfwine
Ah, am proud of Eomer, and that the first message goes to his beloved sister! YES!
Author's reply
I'm glad you enjoyed this! There's so much joy in Eomer and Lothiriel's story, I love being able to participate in it.
Larner
· 23 April 2005
· Chapter 1: Al Fresco
Does sound--appetizing! Heh!
Author's reply
Umm, yes! I wish I could have been at that picnic. With any of the gentlemen involved.