Sarasrati
· 24 March 2008
· Chapter 49: Ch. 24 - Third Age 3017 - Part Twelve
Poor Faramir, he just can't seem to catch a break, can he? First the arrows and now this... I looked it up to see if it was a real disease and then realized you explained undulant fever when I got to the end. Either way, sounds rather unpleasant. I have the sneaking suspicion you are setting something up so that Denethor can send Boromir north instead of Faramir when they have their oh-so-cryptic dreams in a few months. It is interesting to see your take on the matter of the Ithilien Rangers, that Faramir doesn't take over the captaincy of Ithilien until now... a lot of other stories have him going there at age 18 or something, which I've always found to be somewhat unrealistic.
And 3018 is over? That was a long year indeed... I think it took more than a year to actually post it all! Congrats on getting through that, haha.
Author's reply
Pssssssssssst - don't tell anybody about my devious plan. Boromir will have quite a few things to 'use' to prevent Faramir from going....
I personally just don't see Faramir going there (due to its 'high danger' level) until Denethor was desperate....
Thanks so much for your continued support!
Rugi
· 8 March 2008
· Chapter 48: Ch. 24 - Third Age 3017 - Part Eleven
You have such a strong handle on you characters! Whenever you write out a scene, I always end up nodding and thinking, "Yes. That's exactly the way Agape's Denethor/Boromir/etc would react."
I thought it was interesting to see Gandalf and Denethor do some mental sparring - it was an interesting scene in the books and its interesting here to see it so much from Denethor's perspective. Being inside his head, allows greater insight into WHY he doesn't trust Gandalf. On some level, he is even right since Denethor's responsibility is Gondor and Gandalf's is the world - they are not EXACTLY lined up in what they want. You also do a good job of Denethor's strength combined with his increasingly heavy burdens - he's literally being worn away and it's hard to watch but emotionally resonant.
As I said, everyone reacted in line with their characters - I like how you portray the feudal dynamic between Imrahil and Denethor. They made be family and Imrahil might be a powerful lord but, at the end of the day, Denethor is the Steward and the Lord who must be obeyed. Great work!
And I'm worried about poor Faramir - he's emotionally and physically under the weather - and what a TERRIBLE time for someone to be match-making! I imagine that Faramir finds the idea of romance and marriage upsetting right now so soon after Boromir's engagement debacle.
Can't wait for the next chapter!
Author's reply
Bless you! I most look forward to your reviews. They pick me up when I'm wondering if I even have a clue as to what I am doing. Writing Gandalf is daunting and I've found the 'chess' games to be perfect for hiding my discomfort at writing a Maia and still have Denethor be in control. Which he must, in his own mind.
Imrahil is loyal and that is incredibly wondrous in this day and age.
As for Faramir - worse, unfortunately, is yet to come. I've oft wondered why on earth these things are happening to the boys, other than making Denethor's burdon so hideous and horrid... so in the year 3018 - you will see what this is about.... Thanks to the Muse for finally showing me what on earth she's doing.
And thank you!!!! For your wondrous, uplifting reviews!!!
Sarasrati34
· 6 March 2008
· Chapter 48: Ch. 24 - Third Age 3017 - Part Eleven
Hmmm, can't imagine *why* Faramir wouldn't want to go back... I wouldn't fancy explaining that to Denethor either...
Author's reply
Faramir is between a rock and a hard place, so to speak, but facing his father will be the least of his worries....
SurgicalSteel
· 6 March 2008
· Chapter 48: Ch. 24 - Third Age 3017 - Part Eleven
Oh, the politics of it all! Gracious, Denethor's setting himself up for hideous problems, though.
Author's reply
Denethor hasn't a chance. Unfortunately.
Rugi
· 25 February 2008
· Chapter 47: Ch. 24 - Third Age 3017 - Part Ten
Okay. Seriously.
I need to sign up for the alerts or something. Two chapters in a row is ridiculous.
Anyway - the review!
Lots of emotions rolling around in this chapter for me. A part of me was relieved for Boromir since she would have been an unpleasant, indeed, untenable sort of wife (for all of her training, she didn't seem to be prepared for a political marriage). All the same, no matter how spoiled and sneaky she was, she didn't deserve to die so I can also feel pity and sorrow for her. Though I think I feel more for her father who acted wrongly but naturally. I also truely pitied Faramir who feels everything so deeply - you touched on how his understanding of others and their faults makes him pity them and be touched by them and also how he tends to take on every responsibility.
I'm VERY interested to see Denethor's reaction - as someone who's had to keep himself together despite the loss of loved ones and someone who has little patience for people's failings I don't think he will be sympathetic to Galador. But you also show that Denethor is someone who loves deeply, so perhaps that will move him - along with Faramir's eloquence. Or maybe his love for Faramir will have the reverse effect and make him lash out (something he also has a tendency to do) I really don't know - he's such a fascinating puzzle. But I'm excited for you to show me. Your Denethor is always so HIMSELF that I'm sure that it'll make me agree totally with whatever his characterization has him do.
Author's reply
Oh Rugi - I'm very sorry - I thought I had responded to your delightful review. Please forgive me.
Faramir indeed is strong, but easily touched. He is a people-person. It is not going to be pleasant to return to Minas Tirith and his father.
This is going to be a hard blow upon Denethor, more than upon Boromir. But because of Boromir's respect and love for Denethor, he will hurt for his father. Denethor's response will be harsher than Imrahil's - if that is a clue at all.
Will be posting another chapter shortly. Thank you so much for your review!
Sarasrati
· 4 February 2008
· Chapter 47: Ch. 24 - Third Age 3017 - Part Ten
What a terrible situation for Faramir and Imrahil. I imagine Faramir is not very eager to return home with this news at all, although who knows what could happen, as Denethor certainly didn't take to Miriel well.
The scene with Mithrandir and Denethor playing chess is wonderfully done--"safe from flying glass," indeed, haha.
Author's reply
Thanks, Sarasrati! I most appreciate your continued support via reading and reviewing. You are the best!!!
As for the chess game, I've been using it since TA 2939, but this is the first opportunity since that year that I've been able to squeeze in a game!
Returning home is going to be very difficult. Denethor and Faramir's 'see-saw' relationship leaves Faramir in the dark most of the time! If Boromir is home, it should go well, if not......
Rugi
· 24 January 2008
· Chapter 46: Ch. 24 - Third Age 3017 - Part Nine
Oh I think I somehow missed this update or something! It was a nice surprise though...
It's so interesting how you write the realities of a political marriage and how the parties have to work to get any happiness. I really felt bad for both Boromir and Faramir during the entire betrothal scene - it would be horrible for Boromir to face being tied to someone so unpleasant out of duty and it would be frightening for Faramir to think a wedge might be driven between himself and his brother. I also like the bits of Denethor we got - you show how hard his life is the more so because he can't ever show his weakness and even spends his time hiding from those closest to him.
And the end! I hope Galador isn't really planning on hurting Faramir as that would probably be treason - though I imagine his sneaky daughter is behind whatever trouble has sprung up.
Author's reply
It happens to us all, Rugi, even with the author and story update features, I sometimes miss whole chapters of favorite stories! Glad you found this at last; I'm furiously working on the next part.
The betrothal scene was not fun, was it? How sad that such an awesome day should be so yucky! Denethor is assailed from all ends and none of his choices seem to bear good fruit.
Treason is what Sauron lives on....
Sarasrati
· 9 January 2008
· Chapter 46: Ch. 24 - Third Age 3017 - Part Nine
My goodness, what a cliffhanger! I hope you update soon with an ending like that. I like Miriel less and less as the story goes on, especially after this chapter. Tainting Findulias' garden... ugh. What a wretched thing to do.
Author's reply
I don't usually write cliffhangers, Sarasrati, but this one just fell into place. And, thankfully, I've finished the re-editing of this entire tale and can now get back to the fun part - writing and living with Denethor and his sons... Whoo hoo!
Miriel started out with such promise. Imrahil was sure her strength would be needed, due to Finduilas' untimely death, but he never envisioned that her strength would turn to willfullness.
Thanks for reading... there will be more. LOL
Stefania
· 19 December 2007
· Chapter 1: Ch. 1 - Third Age 2936
Hi Agape -
I just wanted to drop you a short note to tell you how much I love this story. I've been reading it on another archive, but as SoA is my home, so to speak, I wanted to contact you here. I've printed out "Ten Thousand Years" and am reading it as one would a novel. And let me tell you, I've enjoyed it more than many novels I've read this year. Keep up the good work.
- Steff
Author's reply
Steff, another chapter has been posted for the year 3017 - lots of things continuing to happen as Denethor tries to prepare Gondor for war.
Glad you're enjoying yourself. I just did a full re-edit of the entire book so far - daunting task, but, even though I have beta's - things slip by.
Enjoy! And thanks 10,000 times for the comments!
Rugi
· 23 October 2007
· Chapter 45: Ch. 24 - Third Age 3017 - Part Eight - B
Oh dear. It sounds as if Boromir almost unbearable fiance has a small crush or at least preference for his brother. Which actually makes sense - a courtly, artistic, outwardly compliant (though we know how stubborn he can be) young man would probably appeal more to a court-bred somewhat-spoiled young woman than a recently wounded, warrior who is probably in pain and made all the more intimidating because of it. All the same, I was frustrated by her unwillingness to deal with Boromir and his injuries - it indicates that she doesn't have a very strong sense of duty which is sort of a must for a girl intending to make a political marriage. Selfishness has no place in dynastic marriages.
I'm glad that Denethor isn't totally in his nasty-mode though he has a tendency to take his son's affections for granted and his wisdom makes his crueler statements all the more cutting. As usual, it's wonderful that Faramir has Boromir to rely on when his relationship with his father is more rocky than usual. And I imagine that both Faramir and Denethor would be united in their wish to see Boromir happily married - I wonder how long it will be before they both see that the girl isn't the best wife for him? The both can see into men's hearts so her avarice and selfish should come through eventually.
Author's reply
I think Faramir would definitely be her 'cup of tea' for he presents himself well... not that Boromir doesn't... but I think that everyone knows as soon as they meet Boromir that here is a warrior.... especially from the quotes we read after his death by those who were close to him or fought with him or relied upon his abilities.
This girl is going to be the death of Nerdanel AND me!!! I started out with such high hopes for her!!!
I LOVE your sentence - 'wisdom makes his crueler statements all the more cutting' - well said!
The marriage papers have been signed. It would be very difficult to get out of the agreement. Denethor knows it really doesn't matter - sadly - for the offspring is the important thing and the woman's genes are made for carrying babies... as evidenced by her five siblings!
Drat again!
Rugi
· 23 October 2007
· Chapter 44: Ch. 24 - Third Age 3017 - Part Eight - A
It's always a thrill for me to see updates to this story. Great work on both plotlines in this chapter. I thought it was interesting to see Denethor's reaction to Boromir's intended. In one sense I am sympathetic to the girl, it's a lot to expect of her to think that she'd care at all about Boromir before she's ever seen him but all the same, it is natural for Denethor to want someone worthwhile for his son and she isn't making the best impression by babbling about nonsense. I hope Imrahil and Nerdanel make headway with her.
I was touched when Boromir finally saw Faramir again particularly since it reminded me of the terrifying scene with the FaramirOrc (how nightmarish!) - I was happy that Boromir finally had the support and attencion he needed. And it was so like Faramir to let the woman go in order to save the political situation and help Eomer - Faramir really seems to have the ability to set asside thoughts of vengeance while caring deeply for his harmed loved ones at the same time. I hope Denethor, who doesn't always seem to see how wise his son's gentleness is, won't be TOO upset...
Author's reply
When the Muse first suggested an intended for Boromir, I got all happy and excited and felt she was going to be just perfect for him. She surprised me! She is definitely court-born, but not bred, unfortunately. Nerdanel will have to 'undue' most of what she learned.
As for Boromir - I just love these brothers and am so glad I'm finally able to write about them without taking away from Denethor's story - for now the family is definitely in a 'fight to the finish' and need each other desperately.
Faramir is awesome. I finally figured out something that had bothered me and prohibited me from writing him... and now we are the best of friends.
Denethor is another tale - he knows what would be the 'best case scenario' but he, and Gondor, do not have the time for such dealings. He must be hard against the forces that assail his beloved land and his family. Drat!
Sarasrati
· 18 October 2007
· Chapter 45: Ch. 24 - Third Age 3017 - Part Eight - B
Again, I love the relationship between the brothers so much... they are close and yet it's so believable and not sappy. The quote you've included at the end is so sad, and yet it does describe them perfectly. And poor Boromir... he's not had a very good time of lately, has he? He needs his brother more than ever.
I also really like your portrayal of Eomer, and the scene with Denethor. It's funny, I find myself starting to be very irked with Denethor at times... I'm glad he let Eomer go, but he played with him like a cat with a mouse for a bit, just to see him squirm. Denethor is changing... I can see him getting closer to the inevitable end, just a bit, and it's disconcerting.
As always, can't wait for the next bit!
Author's reply
Boromir and Faramir's love and respect for each other, IMHO, are legend.
As for Denethor, I believe he taught this 'cat & mouse' ploy to Faramir - for that is the same way he tricked Frodo and Sam into revealing more than either Hobbit had wanted in Henneth Annun. I really believe Faramir used Boromir as a 'bad cop' to get Frodo to trust him as the 'good cop.'
Denethor did what he had to do, in his opinion, to drive home the fact that Rohan MUST keep its word... and Eomer was his only hope in forcing that point, what with Theoden 'lost' to him. It was not done to make Eomer squirm, but to give Eomer time to think. I hoped!
And yes, the inevitable is coming. Drat!
Rugi
· 10 September 2007
· Chapter 43: Ch. 24 - Third Age 3017 - Part Seven - B
It was so fascinating to see the counterpoint of Boromir's injury and danger with Faramir and Denethor's sense of being trapped in a social situation, having to act like everything is hunky dory even though they know something's in the wind. Denethor does have to be careful of Faramir now - losing both of his heirs in a single week would be emotionally and politically crippling - in that whole situation you really show how personal and political feelings sometimes mesh (they aren't always in conflict).
Ick! Treachery by the healers! That's horrible - though it was totally in character for Eomer to strike her down, I can't help but think that keeping her for questioning might have been better...
Author's reply
It must be terrible to have to pretend everything is all right when you know your world might be crumbling about you. Denethor and Faramir's love for Boromir could not take precedent to their duty to Gondor. Even though, it would appear that Boromir is Gondor, being the heir, if you know what I mean. There is always, as Denethor is fond of saying, Faramir.
As for the healer... we'll see what happens to her. As for Eomer, I would think he would carry some of his father's headstrong and impulsive ways... perhaps tempered since that is what caused his father's death.
Sorry for the late reply!
Rugi
· 10 September 2007
· Chapter 42: Ch. 24 - Third Age 3017 - Part Seven - A
Oh how horrible! Even though I knew that this story isn't AU and that Boromir will live through the wound, I was still so horrified. I felt terrible for Faramir and Denethor, happily waiting for him yet able to sense that something is up. And the scene where "Faramir" morphed into an Orc while Boromir was delerious was terrifying!
I'm glad to see Eomer again - he's so vital that he livens up any scene. It's interesting to see the little hints you show of the worsening state of Rohan/Gondor relations. The problems are subtle but it's easy to see how they could expand into something pretty bad later.
Author's reply
Denethor, Rugi, realizes that his alliances must be strong and he will do just about anything to keep them strong. Marriages and such, even.
As for the two men - they drive me nuts - each of them having horrid nightmares and not telling each other. Lines of communication are just not the best between these two - especially with Boromir gone. Something that will come back to nearly destroy them later on.
As for Eomer - I fell in love with him when first Denethor met him by the Mering many years before! Glad he showed up again.
Thanks for responding!
Sarasrati
· 9 September 2007
· Chapter 42: Ch. 24 - Third Age 3017 - Part Seven - A
What a blow, first Faramir wounded near death and now Boromir. I can't imagine what else could possibly happen in 3017 and beyond--this seems too much to bear already and there's still quite a bit of story to go (or at least I hope so!)
Author's reply
Hello dear and faithful reader!
Yes - there is plenty to go yet in 3017. I am off to New Zealand for a couple of weeks and had hoped to finish the betrothal ceremony, but the blasted wondrous Muse took me off in another direction. I am hoping to write a very special chapter... the last one... while I'm in a safe and quiet place!
Blessings....
Rugi
· 26 August 2007
· Chapter 41: Ch. 24 - Third Age 3017 - Part Six
Great chapter! I always love to see the little glimpses of Denethor as the Steward - it shows that he was a good ruler and brilliant man even in the little ways of governance.
I was glad that he was able to come and see Faramir and make amends for sending him off while ill, though it made me sorry for the future where repentence will not be enough. I think it's interesting how you show their relationship, at least as I see it, as a series of near misses. They really do love each other, but can't seem to ever quite fully connect. There is something, perhaps a difference of philosophy or a similarity of temperment or difficulty of circumstances or maybe all three, which keeps them from being able to fully be together as family. It's subtle but it seems real and makes me understand how Faramir and Denethor would end up where they did especially once the connecting factor of Boromir was removed.
The preparation for Boromir's marriage is so bittersweet and not just because of our knowledge of the future. You really show how much the Steward's family has been decimated. Indis should be there, Finduilas should be there - it's very sad.
Keep it up - your story is fantastic!
Author's reply
Thanks Rugi for continuing to read as this thing seems to be getting out of hand. But no matter how hard I try to rein it in, the Muse laughs and sends something else along.
As for Denethor and Faramir - how often families have dynamics were one person and the parent get along famously and the other is in the shadows or overlooked - not with evil intent - but just circumstances - and the family really is out of whack. Boromir's leaving was about the worse thing, IMHO, that could happen to that family... and yet, if he hadn't, would Frodo have gone to Mt. Doom with only Sam... would they all have been captured if all nine went to Morgoth? *shivers*
And so - I suppose I must forgive Tollers for killing off Boromir. Hmmm - maybe not...
Denethor, once Boromir leaves, is basically alone. Faramir is in HA, Imrahil has returned to Dol Amroth, and Hurin will probably be inundated by his Warden's duties, but also be put off as Denethor more and more turns into himself...
Again - I cannot thank you enough for commenting! It keeps me going, keeps me on-track, keeps me thinking that perhaps the tale has more value than just a little thing written for me. Blessings!
Rugi
· 13 August 2007
· Chapter 40: Ch. 24 - Third Age 3017 - Part Five
Sorry it's taken me so long to write this review - I'm on vacation and have to use a borrowed computer.
I can only say for this chapter what I always say: You do fantastic work with the Steward's family (and his extended family). I think it's so amazing that you can show the deep love there is while also showing how the family will disintigrate later. I got chills when Denethor sent Faramir out without thinking and without considering the fact that we was still sick. And of course Faramir went instead of mentioning his illness. You really show that pain and misunderstanding can be sown far in the past. Can't wait for more.
Author's reply
Again - deepest thanks for your warm words about my writing of the Steward and his family. Most needed!
When Faramir rode out, still recovering from his wounds, my heart broke. But he could not do otherwise. And I loved that Imrahil went charging after him. Imrahil's sense of responsibility to the sons of his sister is profound!
elanor winterflowers
· 3 August 2007
· Chapter 0: Third Age - 2930
Well, I have just discovered this story, and so I am way behind, but really looking forward to finding time to settle in and follow along!
A wonderfully compelling first chapter; great character development and a very keen emotional arc. I like your Ecthelion, and I feel for little Denethor, who seems to have been born under a black cloud. I am looking forward to learning more about the family and the city, which you have captured here in elegant shades of grey.
I shall return! :)
Author's reply
Oh thank you ever so much, Elanor. I have often thought to go back and re-write chatper one. I have wondered if it carried the sense of foreboding that is synonymous with the Stewards.
The tale will probably take another year to write. I've been at it since the day after the last movie, ROTK, came out - it is my 'slashing back' at PJ for his horrid depiction of Denethor. Not at all Tolkienesque! IMHO.
Again - many, many thanks for your kind and heartening words!!!
Sarasrati
· 2 August 2007
· Chapter 40: Ch. 24 - Third Age 3017 - Part Five
I always love seeing this story updated! It's been more than a year since I started reading it and I still am quite interested to see what happens next every time you post a new chapter. I love Mablung and Damrod following Faramir around; they're quite the pair and they interact wonderfully with Faramir as well.
Author's reply
Hello, dear Sarasrati! My deepest thanks for your comments and for your continuing to read this long tale.
Mablung and Damrod are not captains or 'great' people in most eyes, but they are around till the bitter end... even to the last ride from Osgiliath. I dearly like them and thought to explore their relationship with the Captain of Henneth Annun.
Thanks again for your comments!
Rugi
· 10 July 2007
· Chapter 39: Ch. 24 - Third Age 3017 - Part Four
I am always so happy to see a new chapter for this story. Once again, excellent work with the Steward's family - you have such a strong grasp of your characters and how they would act amongst themselves. You also do a good job adding Imrahil to the mix. It's interesting to see him interact with Denethor who can't be quite as standoffish as he would be with other lords not of his family.
I liked this chapter too because it was a sort of calm between storms - it makes sense that there would be some happiness to be had in Gondor, even with all the darkness around them (and excellent scene with the palantir to remind us of the darkness).
Author's reply
Thank you, Rugi! Your support of my writing of the Steward's family is MOST appreciated. I fell in love with Imrahil in another tale I'm writing and he is just now 'part of the family' for me.
Even in the darkest of times, laughter seeps through.
Sarasrati
· 18 June 2007
· Chapter 38: Ch. 24 - Third Age 3017 - Part Three - B
I love your scenes between Boromir and Faramir... they are quite touching, especially the last few lines of Part B. I doubt Boromir can let his guard down so with anyone else.
Author's reply
Thanks,Sarasrati!
I find it difficult to write these 3 men because they are very different around their soldiers, around their councilors, around the staff, and around anyone else BUT themselves...
I do think that Boromir and Faramir, when alone, can let their guard down. If they couldn't have - I think they would have both gone mad. It's a bit different at the moment for F&B since Faramir is drugged due to the injury. But still, enough for Boromir to relax... to be free... to be himself for a moment or two. I don't think Faramir ever kept anything back from Boromir - but that' just MHO.
The same is true for Denethor - to a degree only though. He is ever the Steward, and though I think he would love to 'be himself' at times, he finds it extremely difficult.
Each one of them is between a rock and a hard place...
Sarasrati
· 30 May 2007
Thank you for the timeline! The last chapter was a bit confusing but I see how it works much more clearly with it all laid out neatly. I am also glad that you added in the parts about Faramir instead of leaving it a cliffhanger. Well, it is still a cliffhanger, somewhat, but not as much as before! Good job, Damrod and Mablung, too.
Author's reply
Glad the timeline works for you, Sarasrati! I'm not going to update it every chapter - but not leave it too leave... It has been incredibly confusiong for me too! If I hadn't had a timeline, I would have had so MANY things wrong!
Rugi
· 29 May 2007
· Chapter 36: Ch. 24 - Third Age 3017 - Part Two
I am impressed by how well you write your action scenes. They read smoothly and really give a sense of place and time. It's very exciting. I liked the contrast too of Boromir who is in the thick of things and ignorant of what happened to Faramir and Denethor who is far away and struggling to find out.
You handle the palantir so well - it's a tricky and decietful tool but useful as well. You show how it would drive someone a bit mad to use it (while fighting with Sauron) but would also be attractive to Denethor as a means of protecting his city. He has so many sacrifices before and behind him. It makes me very sad.
Can't wait for the next chapter. I wonder what'll happen when Denethor and Boromir finds out Faramir was wounded (if they do find out that is...)
Author's reply
Bless your heart! I really needed this approbation after the mess with my timeline. I most appreciate your appluading my action scenes. I love writing them; I'm glad it comes through.
As for the Palantir - it is an odd device - not a lot written about it - even though there's a whole HoMe chapter on it - still lots of leeway, I think.
Again - deepest thanks!
phyloxena
· 25 April 2007
Sons of Denethor are 35 and 40 by now. And still, they act and talk as their father's sons first, and men and captains second, especially the younger. I doubt they could be that sheltered for so long.
Author's reply
I am puzzled at your review. I have reread Part One and Two and see two faithful sons, aware of their duty to their father and to their land. Because they do not berate nor abuse each other - is that the problem?
I do not see them acting sheltered. Perhaps Faramir was, to a degree, in his assignments - Denethor not quite believing him capable of leadership, but slowly changing his mind, as the assignment in Osgiliath shows, and Boromir, loving his younger brother, whom he has cared for since the boy was five, trying to keep him away from harm as far as he was able.
I disagree with your assessment.
Sarasrati
· 17 April 2007
· Chapter 35: Ch. 24 - Third Age 3017 - Part One
I am very glad to see that you have decided to continue this story. It's been a while. Even though we all know what's going to happen--eventually--to Denethor, I can't help but love him. I cried when I read the part about looking at Findulias in the palantir. After so many years you would think the hurt would be less, if you had never lost anyone--but of course it isn't, is it?
Author's reply
I am so sorry, Sarasrati, for the time it took to put this up. As things get closer to the end, I am finding it more and more difficult to write, as my emotions are all over the place. I have come to dearly love this family, the men of the House Hurin. Also, research is paramount and it takes quite some time.
The next part of 3017 is already written and I'll post it in about a week. I'm afraid there will probably be at least 5 chapters for this year. TA 3018 is gonna be a long one too.
And of course, the first months of TA 3019 are packed with things happening!
I'm a widow of fifteen years and I speak constantly with other widows. It never fails to amaze me how incredible the pain remains - just a mention of a memory, or the name of the lost love, brings tears to the eyes! Death sucks!