Shadow and Thought by Linda Hoyland
Bodkin · 18 June 2006 · Chapter 3: Greater Love
Oh dear. Drugged wine - and they've been captured by villains. Maybe Faramir needs to pay more attention to his visions! I hope they get out of this one fairly quickly - red hot poker are never good.
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review. I think Faramir is learning the hard way that his visions tend to come true. All will be revealed in the next chapter.
Julia · 15 June 2006 · Chapter 3: Greater Love
Oh my goodness!!!! The revised version of this chapter is even more heartrending than the original! The part where Aragorn prays to the Valar to watch over Arwen and the baby practically had me in tears, as did the line where he was sure his long life was going to come to an end.
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review.I'm touched you found it heartrending.Raksha had some great ideas for improving the story.
Bodkin · 4 May 2006 · Chapter 2: Comfort and Conversation
Oh dear. Visions of doom and disaster. The relationship between Faramir and Aragorn never seems to remain happy for long. Unhappy Eowyn isn't exactly being sweetness and light, either. This is going to be a really fun trip!
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review.I fear lots of doom and disaster is on the way,but it might turn out for good in the end and even sweeten Eowyn! I'm trying to revise this story as it is one of my earliest ones,but crucial for understanding the others.
Julia · 2 May 2006 · Chapter 2: Comfort and Conversation
You know *one* thing hasn't changed in light of me reading the sequels--I still have to overwhelming desire to smack Eowyn really hard, the same way I did when I was first reading this story! Nice scene with Aragorn showing poor shy Fara the benefits of elven massage. Can I get some of that over here? My back could sure use it!
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review.I think Eowyn is probably suffering from a mixture of depression,rejection and lingering effects of the witch king. I'm keeping her not very likeable here,so I can develop her in later stories. I will ask Aragorn to come straight over to you !
Julia · 2 May 2006 · Chapter 1: An Invitation from the King
Oooh, I loved the way you expanded the sweet A/A scene (as you know very well, A/A is my favorite thing). It's funny to read this again now in the light of the sequels, since I know all the details of how the baby Arwen whose existence Arwen has just revealed is born.
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review.I feel I know A/A much better now and felt confident to write a little more about them.It must have been so wonderful for them when they finally became parents after so long.
Elizabeth_Elindel · 12 April 2006 · Chapter 19: Mud,Mud,Glorious Mud !
I've just started reading your stories, they are excellent :) This one was especally good. Keep up the good work!
Author's reply
Many thanks for your much appreciated review.I'm so pleased that you are enjoying my stories.
lucidity · 5 November 2005 · Chapter 19: Mud,Mud,Glorious Mud !
What is the difference between king and high king? I have a sinking feeling that the next story is directly related to that fateful letter to Eomer. Am I right? I enjoyed this story very much. It was very exciting and full of emotion, my favorite type of stories! Kudos!
Author's reply
Aragporn is King of more than one kingdom and Elendil was referred to as High King,so I gave Aragorn the same title. You have guessed correctly over the letter ! I'm so pleased you enjoyed the story and very much appreciate your comments.
lucidity · 5 November 2005 · Chapter 17: What child is this?
I just know that the little girl is Boromir's! I was right, wasn't I? That chapter was very nice and restful. Everything seems to be working out well...for now anyway.
Author's reply
You are the first reader to spot who Elbeth is so quickly !I fear things are rarely restful for long for my poor heroes. THank you for your review.
lucidity · 5 November 2005 · Chapter 14: Transparency
Poor Aragorn cannot seem to catch a break! This madwoman takes the first opportunity to kill him in his bed? I'm glad that Faramir seems to be feeling more at ease around Aragron and Eowyn seems to be acting more like herself, so she must be feeling more at ease as well. I enjoyed that chapter very much!
Author's reply
I think it took Aragorn being helpless to show FAramir that he was not to be feared.Hanna is a nasty piece of goods. I'm so pleased you enjoyed the chapter.Thank you for your review.
lucidity · 4 November 2005 · Chapter 16: What dreams may come
That was a nice chapter! I'm glad you kind of glossed over the sex part, LOL! I am really starting to like Eowyn now.
Author's reply
I don't think Tolkien would have approved of x rated sex scenes! I'm pleased you enjoyed the chapter,the first part was my favourite. Many thanks for your kind review.
lucidity · 4 November 2005 · Chapter 10: Healing and Reconciliation
I can't believe Eowyn would consider regicide! My favorite line is this one. "Faramir hesitated, unsure whether to console her or arrest her." It's so tragic it's almost funny. I love how everything finally got out in the open in this chapter. I only hope things will get better between them all now.
Author's reply
i based this scene on one in the Tristan and Isolde epic.Eowyn is just so angry,bitter and feeling betrayed. One often does wonder whether to laugh or cry at moments of high drama ! Many thanks for your kind review.
lucidity · 4 November 2005 · Chapter 11: The Hands of the King
This is my favorite part! "It seemed almost apt that Aragorn should now lie between them literally as he had always come between them by being the man she had first and most fully given her heart to and then by his meddling ensuring her love for Faramir had been no more than a shadow and a thought either, as Faramir would never have courted her, had he not been ordered to." That was just lovely. Would Poppy juice be like a hallucinogenic? I think my imagination is running away with me, but I get the feeling that this Hanna had an affair with Boromir and had a baby. Faramir is really earning his keep, I tell you! Poor Eowyn, forever misinterpreting things.
Author's reply
I'm so pleased you liked this part.I know it is rather unusual to say the least, but I enjoyed wrting it ! The poppy juice would be a form of opium. Faramir is finally getting a chance to show Aragorn he cares about him.You are very perceptive about Hanna ! Many thanks for your much appreciated review.
lucidity · 4 November 2005 · Chapter 5: Cold Comfort
I realized that even when the site-which-will not-be-named is down I can finish your story here! Hooray! Poor Aragron even had insects in his back! The poor dear. I'm glad Eowyn is helping, even if she still hates the man. I think I've heard the thing about honey before. It's supposed to have antibacterial properties or something? Guilt and Faramir are old friends, it seems. I felt bad for Eowyn when she accidentally ripped off a chunk of Aragorn's back. Yeow! My first thought when she was having trouble is that she needed to wet them first, but then, I'm a nurse.
Author's reply
I'm glad you found the story here.I think the other site has just come back but I can't find my latest reviews of AWOT yet,they are a pain ! Yes, honey is a good antibacterial agent and is still used sometimes today. Eowyn will come to regret beig so impatient ! Many thanks for your kind review.
Bodkin · 1 September 2005 · Chapter 19: Mud,Mud,Glorious Mud !
Arwen must be very absorbed in pregnancy not to notice that Aragorn is hurting rather a lot. But that mud treadment sounds remarkably effective. Not to mention a male-bonding experience. (But I'm glad that I don't have to scoop the mud out of the bath!) I'm very pleased that Eowyn, Faramir and Aragorn seem to have developed a closer relationship. Gondor will work much better if they are all on good terms. (Just to prove I'm following the other story in Another Place, I wonder if Arwen will carry out the elven healing on a certain young female. I think she deserves it!)
Author's reply
Many thanks for your kind review.I'm glad that I don't have to clean out the mud bath ! I'm sure Arwen will grant your wish.I hope to post the sequel here as well eventually.
Tigger · 29 August 2005 · Chapter 17: What child is this?
So...Little Elbeth might be Faramir's niece. I've always wondered if something like that might have happened. I've always felt that while Boromir would have never settled down, he very well could have left an illegitimate child somewhere out there. I can't explain it, but I've always felt that way. Poor Faramir having to relive the horror of what his father tried to do to him. Aragorn's right. If Faramir was truly a coward, he never would have tried to go after the girl. I've been in situations like that in the past and while it's a terrrible shock to the system, it only happens once. I'm happy both Eowyn and Aragorn were there to help through the worst of it. I hope Eowyn or Aragorn finds a way for Faramir to open up about that and his relationship w/Denethor for the true healing to really begin. I've always thought that would make for a wonderful story. Uh oh...I sense a plot bunny hopping in my direction. :oD This has been a wonderful story to read and I feel we might be coming to the end. Arwen's not going to be happy when she sees Aragorn's backside. The King might just feel another hunting trip is preferable to the Evenstar's questioning. ;o) Looking forward to the next chapter. :o)
Author's reply
Thank you so much for your very interesting review. I believe Faramir is very brave in the way he fights to overcome his past traumas. If that plot bunny does hop your way,please let me know as I want to read your story ! Aragorn blows out the candle prior to disrobing and wears a nightshirt, but Arwen is bound to find out eventually somehow ! There is just one more chapter of this story to come but I hope to post my sequel here soon.
Tigger · 26 August 2005 · Chapter 14: Transparency
Okay, I'm all caught up w/this tale and wow!! Grief and far too many hurts can do many things. How sad is it one family's grief turned into madness and all out of misguided revenge. That is the one emotion that will one day destroy the world. I truly do believe that. Love is the only emotion that can win out over it and I'm glad to see Eowyn and Faramir have finally let that happen. Scary it took an attempt on Aragorn's life for all of it to happen, but once misunderstandings were resolved, it all turned out for the good in the end. Looking forward to reading more of this wonderful story.
Author's reply
Thank you so much for your review and profound comments, you made my day !
Bodkin · 25 August 2005 · Chapter 14: Transparency
Ouch. Good thing that Hanna was not only mad, but also unskilled when it came to fighting. Though she did take advantage of her window of opportunity. I think Eowyn does need advanced training in healthcare, though. She should take the classes in gentleness and bedside manner. Maybe Arwen would make a good trainer. I'm glad to see them growing in understanding. I think.
Author's reply
Thank you so much for your review.It was just as well for Aragorn that Hanna was so inept or his reign would have been very short! Eowyn now means well but lacks the gentle touch.Maybe mothehood would remedy that ?
Julia · 23 August 2005 · Chapter 16: What dreams may come
Caught up re-reading. Boy, I wanted to SMACK Eowyn for a couple of chapters there, she's just so damn mean to Aragorn in her misunderstood rage. I forgot how badly she had behaved. But Faramir is so wonderful caring for Aragorn, he totally warms the heart. PS--that part back in Chapter 2 about Aragorn and Arwen never seeing each other naked? Well, I don't know about Aragorn, but I bet you a venti Starbucks beverage of your choice that Arwen waited until he fell asleep one night then looked her fill! I mean, the guy may be the King, but he's also a hunk of 100% prime Numenorean beef--who wouldn't want to check him out!
Author's reply
I'm truly honoured that you are rereading this story and am pleased you are enjoying Faramir's part in it. I wanted to smack Eowyn myself, I based her on wagner's Bruennhilde, the shieldmaiden of Norse?german mythology who probably inspired Tolkien too. I see both her and Faramir as rather damaged people after the war,but try to redeem her later. I based Aragorn and arwen's attitudes on an elderly Aunt who enjoyed grumbling about naked couples on TV and declaring she never and her husband never saw each other without clothes. They were happily married over 50 years and had a child..We do only have Aragorn's side of the story here though,so who knows your version could be correct ! Many thanks for your much appreciated reviews of my other story.I always eagerly await your comments s you have such interesting insights.
Bodkin · 23 August 2005 · Chapter 16: What dreams may come
I'm glad to see Eowyn and Faramir have managed to get beyond the starting gate. They need each other. And they are beginning to recover and develop a better understanding of each other. Which can only be a good thing.
Author's reply
Thank you for your kind review. Faramir and Eowyn are indeed falling in love all over again and this time with a deeper understanding of each other.
Bodkin · 21 August 2005 · Chapter 10: Healing and Reconciliation
Not the best conversation to have with a rather sharp elven blade at your throat. But still - the air is clear and now all can be sweetness and light. Or maybe not!
Author's reply
I still have a few twists up my sleeve yet !Many thanks for your review.I feared no one was reading this !
Bodkin · 21 August 2005 · Chapter 11: The Hands of the King
Glad to see they are beginning to recover - now all they need to do is sort out Eowyn. Piece of cake. Or is it?
Author's reply
Eowyn is a tough lady,who will not be easy to convince to end her vendetta ! Many thanks for your kind review.
Bodkin · 21 August 2005 · Chapter 5: Cold Comfort
Good thing there was a shield maiden handy. Although I don't think she's got much talent as a healer. Beyond the battlefield, at any rate.
Author's reply
Many thanks for your review.I agree Eowyn is better on the battlefield than as a healer,after all she tells Faramir she is not gentle !
Julia · 13 August 2005 · Chapter 1: An Invitation from the King
Even on re-reading, Faramir and Aragorn's torture always gets to me, especially the part where Fara remembers when Denethor tried to burn him alive. For my part, I never think your stories go above PG13. I'm pretty liberal-minded, but I have never found them to cross the line into what I consider R territory. Not like I'd stop reading them if you did! I have included my email, I never realized that I never left it in a review on that other site. I am very lazy about logging-in and leaving "signed" reviews over there.
Author's reply
I found the torture scenes hard to write both here and in Faramir's prison scene as I am fond of my characters ! I toned it down here a little.I'm honoured you should re read the story Thanks for your thoughts on the ratings and your e mail which I have put in my book.There have been times I have wanted to contact you over some interesting point you have raised.
Bodkin · 13 August 2005 · Chapter 1: An Invitation from the King
Oh this was - well I won't say fun exactly - but gripping enough for me to sneak of and read the whole thing. And the sequel . . . only to find it wasn't yet finished! Very enjoyable way to spend a grey day.
Author's reply
Thank you so much for your kind review.I'm delighted you found it gripping .The characters rarely have fun in my tales, I fear ! I hope the sequel will be finished by around the endof the month.
Julia · 12 August 2005 · Chapter 0: Strained Relations
LH, are you posting this here now? Glad to see it, your stories are very good and deserve lots of readers!
Author's reply
THank you, Julia, good to see you here too ! I should like to thank you for being one of my most faithful reviewers as I do not have your e mail.I Truly appreciate and enjoy all your comments. I was thrilled when i was granted posting rights here and have slightly rewritten my stories to make them suitable.I am trying to decide if this should be a PG13 or an R rated story !