Reviews (26)

Itarille · 23 August 2024 · Chapter 0: For Love of a City

I am glad I found this story! I have been a silent reader in Stories of Arda since 2012, but somehow I missed your wonderful stories. I like how you wrote Faramir as never expected joy, but managed to find pleasures in small things.

Darkover · 15 March 2011 · Chapter 0: For Love of a City

Dear meckinock: This was a well-written and moving story. You have done a fine job of portraying Faramir's range of emotion and his POV, and the character (OC?) of Hurin son of Halbarad is also well-written. I was also glad you put Eowyn, and Faramir's joy with her, in the story at the beginning. Thank you for writing and posting this. Sincerely, Darkover

nautika · 11 February 2007 · Chapter 0: For Love of a City

I saw your new story recommended on the AragornAngst group and decided to start with your one-shots. This story brought out several excellent points: Faramir not having a mother to comfort him or to share the loss with; the wonderful memory he caught just a glimpse of; Eowyn not needing to chatter; that Faramir never expected joy (how sad!). It was wonderfully done! It took me a long time to appreciate Halbarad stories, too bad I didnt discover you sooner!

Imhiriel · 4 October 2006 · Chapter 0: For Love of a City

This is a very moving story. Faramir's thoughts and memories, while grieving him deeply, or even making him briefly envious of others, never overshadow the compassion he has for those others, or his thankfulness of all the good that has been achieved since Sauron has been vanquished. I liked the descriptions very much, I could clearly see the scene before me - the fields, the mounds in the sun, the city with the Tower of Ecthelion glimmering in the distance... The conversation with the young Ranger was wonderful (as is the thought that Halbarad had a family), and I thought that having Éowyn as some sort of bookend was a very hopeful and positive balance to the more melancholy tone of much of the narrative.

Raksha The Demon · 19 July 2006 · Chapter 0: For Love of a City

Wonderful story! I absolutely adore the first paragraph. The way you describe Faramir's realization of his own unfettered happiness is brilliant. He definitely did have a yoke of duty placed on him in childhood, and probably only occasional moments of joy, like rare jewels to be hoarded, as the 'spare' to the heir and Steward of a fading, imperilled civilisation. For a moment I envy this man whose father died a beloved hero instead of a madman. This is a great line, too. Not enough writers recognize that Faramir, who had been justly proud of the heritage of the Stewards in TTT, might feel shamed by Denethor's desertion of his duty in the moments of Minas Tirith's greatest peril, not to mention Denethor's madness. It makes sense that Faramir would envy the sons of men who died nobly in battle against the Enemy. And of course, Hurin is well-drawn, and the parallels between himself and Faramir quite interesting. There aren't many fanfiction stories that tell of relationships (friendships, tensions, romances) between Southern and Northern Dunedain after the Ring War, so I'd like to see Hurin and Faramir meet again as friends.

The Karenator · 26 June 2006 · Chapter 0: For Love of a City

Ray's Dog would have left you a review, but he's too emotional at the moment. He has a fondness for Hurin, and he just pledged his loyalty to Faramir. You'll have to do with me instead. Unfortunately, words fail me. I'll just muddle along in attempt to tell you how beautiful this is. Incredibly beautiful. The words flow like a clear stream in snow melt. Old memories and fresh ones come together to blend into the future of two men, both having suffered loss and wounds, to stand before the city of the king, the white towers of a dream realized. Despite their pain, there is hope and a sigh of relief. Faramir and Hurin share a bond, the brotherhood of warriors who have fought and watched loved ones fall to the enemy. They seem to share an even deeper bond, two dreamers, two men of words and art, who found themselves clad in armor and wielding swords in protection of what they love. The story of their meeting is incredibly powerful. I love how you drew parallels between them and subtly revealed their differences to show their individuality. You also contrasted their states of mind at that moment: Faramir high and flying with new love and the return to peace, and Hurin, trying to forever capture his father's last moments to keep for his mother and for himself. Gosh this was just gorgeous. I've always heard you should surround yourself with people who are smarter than you. This is just one example of why you're my beta! Like I said, one example. There are far more reasons I hang around, but I thought I'd point this one out since we're talking about writing. :>) I'm always impressed with your writing, but this just blew me away. Another wonderful gift for our favorite Imladris elf. Gee whiz, I just loved it!

Laerien · 25 June 2006 · Chapter 0: For Love of a City

Oh, my, I almost missed this! You know, I was a bit surprised after reading the summary, but then I found out that you cannot deny who your favourite characters are! It was so strange to read this from you while I've been waiting for ages for the next chapter of 'Matter of Honor'. BUT! It was wonderful. A gem. I really had to blink back tears. And what is quite amazing, you managed to make me feel truly sorry for Denethor. I somehow never loved him. I would gladly point out parts I loved the most, but it was the style, the athmosphere, the situation itself that were wonderful. And how real the characters were. So, congratulations for this piece! (And I can't wait to see Halbarad alive again in Honor! :o) ) P.S:Do you not plan to post this on ff.net?

Bodkin · 25 June 2006 · Chapter 0: For Love of a City

A way with words.... He was just a second son of a difficult father, non-heir to a non-throne in a fading kingdom.... Proved.

grumpy · 24 June 2006 · Chapter 0: For Love of a City

Well you have gone and made me cry. I have to keep telling myself, that Halbarad is only a fictional character. But you have brought them all to life. (well in a manner of speaking, no actually rising from the dead here, more is the pity, I would like to see Halbarad alive again.) Wonderfully done, from Faramir's joyfully ride, to Hurin's weeping at the grave. I am glad that Faramir remembered a good memory of his father, and hope that Hurin returns to the city, one day. Now where did I put that box of kleenex's, sniff!

Gwynhyffar · 24 June 2006 · Chapter 0: For Love of a City

I don't know how I managed to miss this when it was posted, but in retrospect it might be a good thing. I wouldn't have been able to read it and then go out and do anything since you have me bawling! It was a beautifully told story, Meckinock, and I thought you did first person really well. I don't even know where to begin to tell you the best parts for me - it was all so well done. “My father waited his whole life to see this city. When I was small, he told me stories about how beautiful it would be. But instead he died watching it burn.” Those few lines say so much about dying for what you believe in when you are in the thick of the fight - never enjoying the fruits of your labour. Though I suppose the point is to secure those fruits for others not yourself. Of course, his son would wish for the opposite. Very well done - I'm a big bawlbaby now.

perelleth · 24 June 2006 · Chapter 0: For Love of a City

Superb Faramir the reflective! I like his mood. Of course he would be analyzing all threads of this present happiness and value it tenfold because he never expected to feel it.!So it makes full sense that out of duty, but also out of deep sympathy, he is ready to cut short this moment to share in the grief of a soldier. His transition from joy to compassion is very smooth, since all his reflections on happiness were framed by his deep understanding of pain and suffering, so it is a natural succession, and that, I believe is the nature of Faramir's compassionate temper as Tolkien potrayed it. Hurin sketching for his Mum was a lovely detail! And you do have such way with words! The first paragraph, above all, is amazing!

Susan W · 23 June 2006 · Chapter 0: For Love of a City

Wow! I usually don't review on this site, however, I do so love a beautifully written story! By the end of this one I needed a tissue! Thank you for allowing Faramir to be happy and free as so many fanfics do not. And you wonderfully showed his giving nature when he could not pass up the lone Northern Ranger alone in his grief. Your portrayal of the camaraderie that appears amoungst soldiers was well written. Hurin will return to the city that his father so loved! He will have ready friends there waiting for his return. Hopefully you will give us more tales based in Gondor!

RS · 23 June 2006 · Chapter 0: For Love of a City

Wow! Faramir's happiness and exhileration is so contagious. You just can't help but feel so happy for this guy! After what he's been through. So much bliss and he deserves it! But oh how suddenly my joy turned into sadness. My heart aches for Hurin and Aragorn, and of course Halbarad. Hurin because he lost a father, Aragorn because he lost a devoted kinsman who was also a brother to him, and Halbarad because he "waited his whole life to see this city" but "died watching it burn". "It comforts me that King Elessar ordered that he lie here, beside his comrades, under the warmth of the sun and within sight of the king's banners"...so symbolic. And Halbarad's wife...... I have faithfully followed your two stories, IN THE HANDS OF THE ENEMY and A MATTER OF HONOR, and love the beautiful and close relationship and comraderie Aragorn shared with Halbarad. Not only that, Halbarad's family is mentioned too and I have grown to love them. So this story is profound to me! It touched me so. It just tore me up! So painful. Beautiful, Beautiful, Beautiful!!! PS - Now that I've dried my tears, any more installments for A Matter of Honor? RS

Dot · 23 June 2006 · Chapter 0: For Love of a City

Holy heck. This is amazing, meckinock! The detail, the emotion, the language. How I wish I could use language like that! I love the use of the present tense. It really helps us experience this right along with Faramir. And you do first-person so well too – you’ve really captured his voice. I love the opening. There’s such a sense of joy. There’s almost a giddiness to it as Faramir feels this joy and freedom and can’t quite believe it – his wonder really comes across - but gives in to it, decides to accept that there can be times like this. There can be moments when things are just perfect. I thought this was a very poignant glimpse into his childhood, and into his character: Early grief leached out the rest of my hope and chased my joy deep within, where it remained, small and fragile and not easily kindled. In compensation I granted myself small pleasures when I could – a book of poetry, the sight of a newborn fawn resting in a glade, a favorite table at a comfortable inn. What made it especially touching was the idea of such little things making him happy. No wonder a day without worry, spent with someone he loves, is the source of such exhilaration for him. And Eowyn too, it would seem, is full of joy. They’ll be good for each other, these two! I love how she understands when they come across the grieving Ranger. She understands warriors, and she understands Faramir. What a heartbreaking image, of him kneeling at the mound, a reminder not just of the cost of victory but of the people who helped give others a reason for joy, and a chance to feel it. I love that Faramir goes to him, even though he knows that he’s giving up the perfect day he was having. But even more than that, I love that you let us see a very human side to him – he’s reluctant to be near such grief, he doesn’t want to hear things that remind him of all that has happened, he feels a certain bitterness that even in their pain, others have not suffered as he has done. He’s selfless, but he’s human. You did that very well. I felt so much for this strange man, barely keeping his self-control, but you had me in tears when I discovered who he was. And meckinock! I was so teary at the part about Aragorn. This is the son of the man, whose name, it is said, Elessar still finds it difficult to utter, whose loss brings him at times to stare with melancholy over these fields where we stand. That was beautifully understated but the depth of friendship and loyalty between them comes through, as does the extent of the personal loss Aragorn feels. And we catch a glimpse of the man Halbarad was too – steadfast, loyal, self-sacrificing. A man who lost an elder son to the Nazgul in Eriador […] :-( I thought it was perfect that Aragorn had them buried outside, not within walls of stone. And within sight of all they had worked towards, believed in and accomplished. I was glad to see Hurin drawing. He’s a fine warrior but he hasn’t let it crush his gentle, artistic soul. They’re one of a kind, Hurin and Faramir. It’s so moving that Hurin’s drawing is for his mother – it will mean so much to those at home to see this proof that what they have long believed in and lived for has come true. Despite the cost. I hope it brings her some comfort in her great loss. The ending is just perfect. In trying to provide comfort for this man, Faramir has been able to remember a good time, a time of love between father and son. It might not be much, but it’s the beginning of healing – and he has the faith to know that there will be more happy memories to come. In the meantime, for all that he has lost, he has much to rejoice in now and he has the wisdom to accept any happiness that comes his way. I haven’t done this justice at all, I’m afraid, but I really loved it. It’s so powerful in so many ways and written with such sensitivity and understanding. Just, wow!

viggomaniac · 23 June 2006 · Chapter 0: For Love of a City

Meckinock, this is easily one of the most beautiful and memorable stories I've read. I was crying my eyes out by the ending. How you managed to convey -- no -- imprint -- so many emotions and ideas in such a short piece is nothing short of genius. You had each detail down perfectly -- from the burial spot Aragorn chose for his beloved friend and comrade to the beautiful memory Farmair is granted at the end. I am in awe. Thank you SO much for this incredibly lovely story. It was an absolute joy to read.

Nilmandra · 23 June 2006 · Chapter 0: For Love of a City

Wow, first off, nice job with the first person. There was something very fitting about it being Faramir who came across Hurin on the field - someone well acquainted with grief and loss, and even an extra measure of it, for he has not a mother to go home too and his father died taken with madness. I hope Hurin the poet does return to the city and all it has to offer - I can see Halbarad having wanted that for this son - a son whose temperment is much like Faramir's, perhaps. Warriors by need only. There is also something about the bond between those who serve in war together - it is often stronger than many a family tie. Faramir and Hurin and others like them will always have a place among those they fought and died with. Last, the image of Aragorn this leaves, mourning his standard-bearer - one as close as a brother - and while we think of all he gained at this time, he too lost much. Thank you - this is a wonderful gift.

French Pony · 23 June 2006 · Chapter 0: For Love of a City

Minas Tirith is a nice place to visit, but the Dúnedain wouldn't want to live there? The joy of the opening paragraphs sets off the solemnity of the rest of the story nicely. East and West may never meet, but the Rangers of the North and South seem to have formed, if not exactly a friendship yet, at least a very strong bond. It seems to do both of them good, or at least give them a little peace, to realize that, in some ways, they were not alone in what they lost in the War. Húrin can think about how it could have been worse, and Faramir seems to take some comfort in examining his memories of Denethor and Boromir in this setting. He'll need to live with those memories forever, so he might as well start on this beautiful day, on hallowed ground, with someone who really understands about things like that.

elliska · 23 June 2006 · Chapter 0: For Love of a City

Oh my gosh, I am crying my eyes out! There are so many things in this that moved me--the drawing made from where his father fell of the recovered city he loved so much I think was the most touching. For his mother, no less! And poor Faramir's thoughts of his own mother and father, accompanied by that memory of younger times. Oh memories like that are so bittersweet. This was really powerful...I really loved it (I can't stop crying).

daw the minstrel · 23 June 2006 · Chapter 0: For Love of a City

This was lovely, meckinock, and a surprise in several ways. The first person Faramir POV and the identity of Hurin. The personalities of both men shine through. I loved Faramir's unexpected joy, and poor Hurin's desire to go home. As always, your writing is gorgeous. Just beautiful.

Gandalfs apprentice · 23 June 2006 · Chapter 0: For Love of a City

Good morning--what a surprise to find a new tale by you! ...albeit painful for us Halbarad lovers. Your description of his grave is just what it should be; Aragorn would absolutely have chosen it to be that way. I hope Hurin finds some comfort in the prospect of seeing such a city renewed in the North. G.A.

Elflingimp · 23 June 2006 · Chapter 0: For Love of a City

That was wonderful Meckinock! You almost made me cry, I love the last part when he remembers his father playing with him, it is always nice to remember happy times.

Envinyatar · 23 June 2006 · Chapter 0: For Love of a City

Beautifully written and very moving. Also, very different to your usual style, but just as effective. I echo Linda Hoyalnd - I'd love to see you write Faramir and Aragorn together. This was particularly poignant remembering Halbarad's relationship with his wife in "A Matter of Honour". The line about her waiting for his return was heartbreaking. Makes me yearn to read more about the living Halbarad...gentle nudge. Also loved the scene with Denethor raising Faramir up high, especially for the image of a giggling Boromir! Happy Birthday to Nilmandra and thanks for all the time and effort you put into this site. Cheers, Envinyatar

Bodkin · 23 June 2006 · Chapter 0: For Love of a City

I love the first person point of view - how did you like it in Faramir's head? And the feeling of relief and lightness that has come in the wake of the dispersal of the horrors of Mordor - and the feeling of promise for the future. In his heart, in the scenery, in the sound of Eowyn's laughter. Even the re-growth of the grass suggests moving on. Then - Hurin. Poor Hurin, last seen (courtesy of Karen) slaying his first orc, has lost his brother and his father - and his innocence. I don't blame him for needing to go home - for a while, at least. His mother will need him, and he needs to be reminded why they did it. Not just to put Aragorn on his high throne, but for those people who have scratched a living in the Angle. I love (and agree with) the awkward masculine support. Heaven forbid that either of them let go. But then - they don't need to. They both understand without words what the other is enduring. I would like to see Hurin back in the White City. I can picture him and Faramir becoming good friends. A lovely story, Meckinock.

Bodkin · 23 June 2006 · Chapter 0: For Love of a City

Very moving. I'll get back to you later!

Linda Hoyland · 23 June 2006 · Chapter 0: For Love of a City

Just beautiful, I love your Faramir .His encounter with Halbarad's son was just heartbreaking.I would love to read a Faramir and Aragorn story written by you,you write so well. Thank you for a treat.