Ten Thousand Years Will Not Suffice by Agape4Gondor
Larner · 17 July 2010 · Chapter 41: Ch. 24 - Third Age 3017 - Part Six
At last, a moment of relative peace and planning. I am almost sorry that Boromir did not marry as had been planned. The stone skipping was delightful; not all the Rohirrim have been infused with Saruman's lies, then. Some remember the fellowship they have known historically with those from Gondor.
Larner · 17 July 2010 · Chapter 40: Ch. 24 - Third Age 3017 - Part Five
To see two such strong men reduced to the weakness Denthor and Faramir know is difficult. Yet Faramir continues in the strength of his hope, at least, and has two strong guards by his side.
Larner · 17 July 2010 · Chapter 39: Ch. 24 - Third Age 3017 - Part Four
The enemy is an expert at the game of dividing so as to conquer, and it is good to see the game recognized and being fought against successfully. Well done!
Larner · 16 July 2010 · Chapter 38: Ch. 24 - Third Age 3017 - Part Three - B
Most difficult for all of them! Poor Boromir--to be married off whether he will or no!
Larner · 15 July 2010 · Chapter 37: Ch. 24 - Third Age 3017 - Part Three - A
Denethor is stretching himself overmuch, I fear. Now, to see Faramir recover, and Denethor hopefully begin to find a modicum of hope again. The foresight of Faramir lying on the bier as he does in RotK is horrible, and helps explain the anguish the man feels at that time.
Larner · 15 July 2010 · Chapter 36: Ch. 24 - Third Age 3017 - Part Two
Why do I suspect that because Boromir's troops did well and Faramir was ambushed Denethor will come down harder on Faramir than his brother? Nice to see how Damrod and Mablung became part of Faramir's command. Trust Boromir to look after his brother as he can.
Larner · 14 July 2010 · Chapter 35: Ch. 24 - Third Age 3017 - Part One
Alas for the estrangement, and that this rapport does not last!
Larner · 13 July 2010 · Chapter 34: Ch. 23 - Third Age 3014
There was a time when poisoner and witch were considered one and the same; it appears that friend Grima is one of these. The three women who could keep Denethor strong and calm are now taken from him by Grima's hand, and soon Theoden will be sundered from him by Grima's wiles as well. The name granted him by Eomer and Eowyn is well deserved.
Larner · 13 July 2010 · Chapter 33: Ch. 22 - Third Age 3010
At least at times he recognizes that he does wrong by Faramir. I am surprised, however, he didn't know where Amdir was laid to rest! Poor Denethor--Saruman appears to have prepared the ground for the seeds of distrust and disruption that Sauron intended to plant, and now they grow too, too well.
Larner · 13 July 2010 · Chapter 32: Ch. 21 - Third Age 3002
Am so glad that Faramir was sent south and received some unconditional love for a change, and that he helped restore his brother's hope. About time!
Larner · 12 July 2010 · Chapter 31: Ch. 20 - Third Age 2997 - Part Three
The quote from LOTR I recognized, and I'm certain Damrod wasn't the first or the last to use that warning. Poor Faramir--no matter how much he tries, he seems to always botch it in his father's eyes. And Denethor's fear may kill him betimes!
Larner · 12 July 2010 · Chapter 30: Ch. 20 - Third Age 2997 - Part Two
The decree that they are not to speak of their mother again was poorly made, as is the evaluation of Faramir as "soft." Little does he know! Denethor is now addicted to the Palantir, and how much information that is twisted in its presentation is being fed to him deliberately? And now, Faramir follows his brother rather than his father. Interesting.
Larner · 11 July 2010 · Chapter 29: Ch. 20 - Third Age 2997 - Part One
Eavesdropping, is he? Poor Faramir!
Larner · 11 July 2010 · Chapter 28: Ch. 19 - Third Age 2990 - Part Two
Somehow it is reassuring to know that a few Elves remain in Edhellond, and that they watch over the descendants of Mithrellas. Lovely, and sad. I am glad Denethor has finally overcome the influence of Sauron. We see the man he will one day become, unfortunately, as that influence takes its toll.
Larner · 10 July 2010 · Chapter 27: Ch. 19 - Third Age 2990 - Part One
Looking into the Enemy's own stronghold was a far worse mistake than that of Faramir, coming to know and trust the Wizard Mithrandir!
Larner · 10 July 2010 · Chapter 26: Ch. 18 - Third Age 2989 - Part Two
Too great a weight has been upon them. Now to know some peace! Lovely.
Larner · 10 July 2010 · Chapter 25: Ch. 18 - Third Age 2989 - Part One
So, this is how the use of the stone began? Perhaps--but what a thing to see in it--the grief madness of Ingold as he hurried to his own death. Son and wife lost so soon, one after the other? At least the children heal now, and there is friendship between Gondor and the Mark.
Larner · 10 July 2010 · Chapter 24: Ch. 17 - Third Age 2988
A terrible time of loss, and the loss of two whom he'd held so dear. And poor little Boromir!
Larner · 10 July 2010 · Chapter 23: Ch. 16 - Third Age 2984
And again, even in dying, Ecthelion has managed to put a rod through the wheels of the love between husband and wife, weakening Finduilas the further. This loss was needed, but Ecthelion's timing has always been ill-advised, I find.
Larner · 10 July 2010 · Chapter 22: Ch. 15 - Third Age 2983 - Part Two
He knows her weaknesses too well, it appears. He is in a no-win situation even with his wife, although her concerns are more reasonable than those of his father.
Larner · 10 July 2010 · Chapter 21: Ch. 15 - Third Age 2983 - Part One
Ecthelion is such I want to wring his neck myself. The man is so blasted contrary and antagonistic when he ought to be supportive and positive. WHEN he does the right thing, he does it for the wrong reason. And to blame Denethor for Thorongil having left? Is this man also using the Palantir of Minas Anor, and the stone twisted long before Denethor also began to use it?
Larner · 9 July 2010 · Chapter 19: Ch. 13 - Third Age 2978
Ecthelion seems intent on destroying the fealty of his son and his son's friends to himself. Is this the spell cast so long ago by Curunir during his visits? And it appears it was his Uruk-hais who committed the atrocities at Amon Din. Saruman has much to answer for.
Larner · 9 July 2010 · Chapter 18: Ch. 12 - Third Age 2976
A wonderful chapter, in spite of Ecthelion's continued belittlements! Gads, the man is contrary!
Author's reply
Couple of things... Ecthelion really is between a rock and a hard place. Gondor has been battling evil since before he became Steward. Honestly, I wonder how on earth he was able to sustain an army - the cost is mind-boggling... He could ill afford the least transaction. To think, in his mind's eye, that Denethor gave up more than he should have had to have strained the Steward. He was not sure of Denethor's skills... his own fault! Also, Adrahil definitely did NOT want his daughter marrying Denethor. Though the dowry was probably very good, Ecthelion felt he would receive continuous financial support from Amandil's father.... Contrary - yes. But in deep trouble. Bless you!
Larner · 9 July 2010 · Chapter 17: Ch. 11 - Third Age 2973 - Part Two
At least he trusts Thorongil now, and has reason to be glad of his championship. Thinking of the way he was to treat his own younger son years in the future, it would appear his father's lessons were perhaps too well learned, as unfair as they were.
Author's reply
Research, I think, shows that abuse is passed down... I could not see Denethor coming from a 'sane' upbringing and then treating Faramir the way he did at times... though I believe Denethor fought it, until the end. The same thing applied... where was Faramir's trust in his father? Where was Denethor's trust in his? Hmmmm...
Larner · 9 July 2010 · Chapter 16: Ch. 11 - Third Age 2973 - Part One
Alas--what started in joy ends now in grief and suspicion, as two thought faithful prove to be spies and saboteurs. At least Thorongil has the ear of Ecthelion and is able to persuade him. Now, to see Denethor recover from this new wound.
Author's reply
Denethor long had a distrust of those not of Gondor who served in Ecthelion's army. This only exacerbated it. And then Thorongil... and Ecthelion's growing dependence upon the man.... Denethor is torn in two....