Divers Drabbles II by Raksha The Demon
Larner · 10 March 2007 · Chapter 6: Far From Home (Boromir)
Yes, lovely, although the Hobbits weren't in the White City for Yule. Yet I can certainly see these sentiments had they indeed been there. Thank you.
Author's reply
Actually, the drabble takes place in Rivendell, before the Fellowship sets out; and Boromir is thinking of songs being sung in the White City without him being there... Thanx for reading; and I'm glad you liked the story.
Khorazîr · 15 February 2007 · Chapter 11: Measures of Time (Éowyn)
This one is lovely. Another issue I've been thinking about for a long time: how Éowyn would cope with the fact that her husband doesn't age the way she does. I agree that it would be difficult for her at times, despite Faramir's support and devotion. This drabble recalls the conversation of Finrod and Andreth from HoMe, in which she mentions that she wouldn't want the man (Elf) she loves to have to slow his pace for her when she is getting old. She also is a proud, strong woman, very reminiscent of Éowyn. Anyway, it's a good idea you picked up this issue, and wrote about it so skillfully and touchingly. :)
Author's reply
I've read parts of the Finrod/Andreth discourse, and found it interesting, but slow going. I don't remember her saying that, but I could see both her and Eowyn feeling frustrated and annoyed at the idea that their mate slows down to match their slower steps. I think that the ageing issue would cause some problems for Eowyn and Faramir; but that eventually Eowyn would accept what she can't change and make the most of what she can have. Thanx for reading and reviewing, Khorazir!
Khorazîr · 15 February 2007 · Chapter 10: Girl Talk (Lothíriel and Éowyn)
I've always wondered if Lóthiriel would have a conversation like this with Éowyn prior to her wedding. It's very entertainingly written (I found myself grinning the entire time), and as for the scars, I agree with Nesta ;)
Author's reply
Thanx, Khorazir; glad you enjoyed the piece. It just flowed very naturally once I got started. I think Lothiriel would have had a much more sheltered upbringing than Eowyn, and would welcome her new sister's insights. Not to mention the chance to drown some pre-wedding jitters in wine...
Linda Hoyland · 14 February 2007 · Chapter 11: Measures of Time (Éowyn)
This is a moving ficlet full of bittersweet moments.I love the way you depict Faramir.it is nice to see the young ones dancing too and I love to see the closeness beteen father and daughter and the children of King and Steward.
Author's reply
Thanx for reviewing, Linda. I do think that there would be a lot of contact between the House of Hurin and the House of Telcontar as the first generation of the Fourth Age grows up. And I've always thought Faramir would be a great dancer!
Linda Hoyland · 14 February 2007 · Chapter 10: Girl Talk (Lothíriel and Éowyn)
A nice moment(and rare I expect as I cannot see them often getting drunk) between these two ladies, both funny and oddly touching.I'm glad Lothiriel had Eowyn to ask the things a bride to be needs to know.I imagine Eowyn as more of a biter than Faramir.
Author's reply
Well, even well-bred ladies get to get drunk and let their hair down (metaphorically) occasionally...I'm glad you liked the story, Linda, and thanx for reviewing.
Linda Hoyland · 14 February 2007 · Chapter 9: Fading Embers (Nerdanel)
This is so sad and moving.I like the way you bring Nerdanel and her grief to life.casting the stones into the sea is a brilliant touch.What pain to endure that will have no ending !
Author's reply
I think the pain will eventually dull, after three or four millenia. The question is whether Nerdanel will let herself feel anything in the meantime. But Nerdanel is an incredibly tragic figure; Feanor has a lot to answer for, even more than his sons.
meckinock · 14 February 2007 · Chapter 11: Measures of Time (Éowyn)
Ouch. It would really errmmm....bite? to age more quickly than your husband, especially if your husband was the Steward and gorgeous. But I love Faramir for still having eyes only for her. This was a lovely story for Valentine's Day.
Author's reply
Thanx for reading and reviewing, Meckinock. I think Faramir loved Eowyn very deeply and passionately; and would always put her first over most other women, with the possible exception of their daughters (who he might prize as much as he prizes her). But she would always be his White Lady...
meckinock · 14 February 2007 · Chapter 10: Girl Talk (Lothíriel and Éowyn)
Hee hee. Now that was a batchelorette party. I'll just bet Lothiriel blushed less. I hate to sell Faramir short, but my money would be on Eomer in the hickey department :-)
Author's reply
Yes; quite a bachelorette party; all they needed was Erkenbrand doing a striptease or something. In terms of Faramir v. Eomer in terms of hickeys; well, there's more to making love than just hickeys. I'm sure that both Lothiriel and Eowyn were very contented wives.
Branwyn · 14 February 2007 · Chapter 11: Measures of Time (Éowyn)
This seems very in character. She wouldn't easily accept being diminished by age, especially when she has been famed for her beauty and athletic feats. It is a nice twist that the "other" woman is her own daughter. I don't think that Tolkien gave a date for her death, but it must have been some years before Faramir died since he was extraordinarily long-lived. Well done!
Author's reply
Glad that you liked the piece, Branwyn. I personally believe that Eowyn lasted pretty long for an Eorling, and was a handsome old lady during her senior years, maybe making it to 85 or 90. But I could change my mind, especially if I ever write about her death. Yes, it could be hard for Eowyn to see Faramir and their daughter dancing merrily, even though she loves them both...
Branwyn · 14 February 2007 · Chapter 10: Girl Talk (Lothíriel and Éowyn)
I like that her family gave Eowyn toy riders in addition to the more typical doll (though she might have inherited Eomer's toys when he outgrew them). She is trying very hard to put Lothiriel at her ease. Lothiriel's reaction to the, uh, love bite is understandable--some aspects of lovemaking do seem violent--but Eowyn does a good job of reassuring her. I agree that Eowyn and Faramir were a very passionate couple.
Author's reply
I could see Eowyn getting Eomer's toys when he graduated from toy horses to real ones, and I just bet she loved her little wooden eored. I think young Gondorian ladies of Lothiriel's social strata wouldn't know much about hickeys; especially Prince Imrahil's daughter. I'm sure she was a quick study, though. Yes, I definitely envision Eowyn and Faramir as a passionate couple - and I love the way you wrote them as such (in Book Learning, elsewhere on this site)
Branwyn · 14 February 2007 · Chapter 9: Fading Embers (Nerdanel)
Though Tolkien's ideas about women are decidedly old-fashioned, Nerdanel is a surprisingly independent character-- she is an artist in her own right and capable of following her own path. I liked the idea of Feanor making a gift for her that symbolized their children. Would she have been any less unhappy if she had followed them into exile? At least she wouldn't have had to live with uncertainty for all those years. A lovely but sorrowful piece.
Author's reply
Nerdanel is unusual for a Tolkien female; her vocation necessitates physical strength as well as artistry. I imagine that Feanor found her very appealing. Hopefully Nerdanel found some solace in her work, or at least occupation, during and after the First Age. I wondered why she didn't go at least to the War of Wrath with the host of the Valar; and decided that the Valar only allowed warriors to journey to M-e; and there's no mention of Nerdanel being a warrior. Thanx for reading and reviewing, Branwyn!
MithLuin · 14 February 2007 · Chapter 11: Measures of Time (Éowyn)
Poor Eowyn! That is what she gets for marrying one of the Dunedain.... I imagine she would not take aging well, but hopefully Faramir will continue to keep her from despair or feeling worthless.
Author's reply
I imagine Eowyn has enough Dunedain blood herself from really looking her age at 60, but she would be starting to feel it, while Faramir does not. Things will only get harder for them, but on the other hand, they will adjust because they have to, and they have no doubt in each other's love. Still, there will be occasional bumps in the road...
MithLuin · 14 February 2007 · Chapter 9: Fading Embers (Nerdanel)
How heart-wrenching! Not only to lose her sons to her husband, but to lose them to death, one by one....and yet to keep hope of their return for over 500 years.... poor, poor woman. The news of the end of the War of Wrath must have been devastating to her.
Author's reply
I always felt terribly sorry for Nerdanel - she was innocent of the grasping pride and blind obedience that destroyed her husband and children, and escaped Exile and Doom; but it must have been horrible for her, to wait and wait while they died in Middle-earth, then know that the last of her sons were also lost. I like to think that the Valar eventually relented and brought Maglor home, but it probably took at least an Age or two. Thanx for reviewing, Mithluin!
Agape4Gondor · 14 February 2007 · Chapter 1: Some Dark Place (Aragorn)
This was stunning in the fear - reminds me of what Boromir and Faramir must have felt at the bridge - when the wraith attacked them! Wow.... I loved that he soiled himself, I love Halbarad, and I love the quote. *shudders*
Author's reply
Wow; this is your second review - thanx much, Agape! This vignette practically wrote itself. Few things in Middle-earth are as downright terrifying as the Nazgul; and even Aragorn wouldn't have been immune to fear. It really struck me, when he cautioned the hobbits later, that he must have been scared, very scared, when he encountered them in the wilds all those years ago...And it seems reasonable to assume he might have had that embarrassing physical response.
Agape4Gondor · 14 February 2007 · Chapter 6: Far From Home (Boromir)
Oh Raksha... this is perfect. *goes to sob quietly in a corner of the Hall of Fire*
Author's reply
Thanx, Agape! For a moment, Boromir and Frodo could share a moment of understanding and shared sorrow. It's so sad that Boromir never made it home; but the next Mettare celebrated in Minas Tirith would have been very different even if he had...
Celebne · 14 February 2007 · Chapter 10: Girl Talk (Lothíriel and Éowyn)
*lol* So Éowyn has got a 'scar' from Faramir. I can imagine that our couple has a lot of fun and joy in their marriage-bed.
Author's reply
Oh, no question that they are lively marriage-partners, in all senses of the word. Thanx for reading and reviewing, Celebne!
Celebne · 14 February 2007 · Chapter 11: Measures of Time (Éowyn)
A bittersweet story about our beloved couple, who is growing old. I like the idea, that Faramir has a daughter. In my stories, Faramir's daughter is called Morwen.
Author's reply
So far, I've given Faramir and Eowyn two daughters in addition to the semi-canonical Elboron; Cynwen is their youngest child (unless I change my mind and give the family a fourth child). I can imagine Faramir really enjoying spoiling his daughters. Eowyn would make sure that the girls didn't grow up greedy or selfish. (I think all of their kids would have a strong sense of duty) Old age is the one foe neither Faramir nor Eowyn can defeat; they will just have to learn to cope with it. It would be hardest for Eowyn, who is more physical and less cerebral than Faramir...
Nesta · 14 February 2007 · Chapter 10: Girl Talk (Lothíriel and Éowyn)
Well well, what has Faramir been up to? Perhaps we'd better not inquire too closely into HIS scars...
Author's reply
Faramir as a husband would be very passionate once he and Eowyn get accustomed to foreplay and sex; at least I believe so. And I don't see Eowyn as a sexually passive wife, I think she'd be an enthusiastic partner...And let's leave it at that.
Nesta · 14 February 2007 · Chapter 11: Measures of Time (Éowyn)
That is very touching and sweet. But is it just putting off the evil day for poor Eowyn? And are we wrong to hang on to the old idea that a woman should always 'take an elder than herself'? We don't find anything particularly grotesque or wrong about an elder man marrying a (much) younger woman, so why do we worry when it's the other way around? Perhaps that's not so relevant to the Middle Earth situation. Would Aragorn feel rather the same way about Arwen as Eowyn feels about Faramir here?
Author's reply
Actually, I don't think Eowyn is old-looking at this point. She's probably a very attractive woman who looks in her forties or fifties, and is actually close to 60 in age. Age is starting to slow her down, and I think she is the type who would absolutely hate that. She's used to being one of the liveliest dancers, a very physically active woman, and she could still dance, but not quite as magnificently. Faramir would naturally match her pace, and she doesn't want to have him do that for her. I think Eowyn is a perfectionist, and she doesn't want to slow down, or age at a different rate than Faramir; and somehow, she's going to have to come to terms with that fate. Aragorn is less hard on himself, I think, than Eowyn would be; and would see his life as having value in more than the physical ability to be the fastest rider or dancer or whatnot. At least I hope so; if Aragorn hasn't come to terms with the fact that not only is he aging faster than Arwen (which is subject to speculation), but he's responsible for her dying rather than living peacefully in Valinor, they'd have a very rough patch ahead... Thanx for reading and reviewing, Nesta.
phyloxena · 23 January 2007 · Chapter 8: Better Days Ahead (Shagrat)
Jolly fellow, this Shagrat. And so brave of you to do this. Do you think orks procreate via different species?
Author's reply
Shagrat could be very jolly; but not in a way we'd appreciate. Tolkien implied and even stated that there were half-orc Men, I believe; so their blood had already mingled with humanity. I don't know if they sired any half-Elf/half-orc children, in my mind, Elf-women would die first; but I have seen it in some fanfics.
SurgicalSteel · 10 January 2007 · Chapter 8: Better Days Ahead (Shagrat)
Catching up a bit on my reading - and for some reason this both made me laugh and chilled my blood simultaneously.
Author's reply
Thanx for the review, Steel! That's exactly what I wanted the story to do - inspire laughter and a certain chill. The orcs would certainly not be ideal New Year's Eve party guests! They have a sense of humor, but their jokes would be on you, and chances are you wouldn't survive them...
Branwyn · 7 January 2007 · Chapter 6: Far From Home (Boromir)
That there would be no observance of Mettare, since the elves celebrated it on a different date, would make it even sadder for Frodo and Boromir. Both of them embarked on the quest with the explicit intention of saving their respective countries (I think this was more true for them than for any other members of the Fellowship), so I like the idea of them commiserating when they are homesick. A thoughtful drabble for the midwinter holiday.
Author's reply
I couldn't make up my mind whether Elrond would arrange some kind of Yule celebration to cheer up Frodo or not; but decided that ultimately it wouldn't make much of a difference. Frodo would yearn for the type of Yule observance going on in the Shire, especially since he probably believed there was little, if any, chance he would ever participate in it again. And Boromir; all the family he has in the world is celebrating Mettare in Gondor, and father and brother are celebrating the rites in Boromir's beloved, doomed City - he's got to feel lonely and longing for home. Thanx for the review!
Branwyn · 7 January 2007 · Chapter 8: Better Days Ahead (Shagrat)
I loved how Tolkien gave the orcs their own lingo, influenced (from what I have read) by the speech of common soldiers in the First World War, and you capture Shagrat's speech patterns well. You also give him a suitably orkish personality--coarse, pragmatic, and sarcastic. We don't die easy. For some reason this made me think of cockroaches, which are nearly indestructible. Very scary to think of orc half-breeds surviving to trouble later generations of Men. I enjoyed this piece very much; well done!
Author's reply
Thanx for reading and reviewing, Branwyn! I'm glad you liked the story. Cockroaches being as hard to kill as orcs - good point. I didn't think of it, but it's true. There already were, Tolkien hinted, orc half-breeds, at least in the North. Orc-blood in humanity could explain a lot of evil, it's easier to believe than humankind being vicious on its own. I do think many Orcs would have survived the Ring War, and perhaps been, at least temporarily, sheltered by Eastern or Southron kingdoms who wanted ferocious fighters. Tolkien did do a marvelous job with the Orcs; they're very vividly written.
Nesta · 4 January 2007 · Chapter 7: Sing All Ye People! (Faramir)
I never really liked that Eagle song - too churchy, and too much Aragorn. But you get so much out of it that I shall read it from a different perspective from now on! Permission to be Eowyn please?
Author's reply
I'm glad the piece gave you a different perspective. I've often thought that Faramir could be a messenger himself, or at least a vessel, of the Valar's grace, what with his being the first to get the fateful dream; so I wanted to explore the coming of the Eagles to Minas Tirith through his eyes. Permission to be Eowyn? Get in line, LOL!
Bodkin · 4 January 2007 · Chapter 8: Better Days Ahead (Shagrat)
Shagrat sounds as if he's not going to give up easily! A lot of orcs were - well - pretty much non-thinking entities and as such would probably be quite easy to dispose of once they had lost their direction, but ones like him - no, they wouldn't just abandon their evil-doing. I don't like the sound of breeding half-orcs and quarter-orcs to carry on the fight from within the race of men - but it sounds the kind of scheme that could work very well!
Author's reply
I had the feeling that Shagrat probably did suffer initial panic at the fall of Sauron, but quickly regained his cunning and instinct for self-preservation. He might have been smart enough to realize that eventually orc-kind would be eradicated; hence the desire to continue some degree of orcishness by breeding it into mankind. Which would explain some of the ghastly inhumanity that lingers in homo sapiens... Thanx for the review!