Comforting Silence by Radbooks
mistry89 · 17 March 2007 · Chapter 1: One
This is as much a measure of the loss of many as it is of Faramir - the names of those who have sent condolences tell us that Eomer and Imrahil are no more. So much grief in such a short tale. Thank you, the changes in the lives in Great and Good make us more aware that vast changes must have taken place in their "world".
shirebound · 13 March 2007 · Chapter 1: One
The king pulled out his pipe, filled, and lit it with the ease of long practice before slouching down on the bench with his long legs stretched out in front of him and crossed at the ankles, seemingly in no hurry to leave. “Thank you,” Faramir whispered How lovely. This is very peaceful, and exactly what a friendship should be.
Author's reply
Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Bodkin · 12 March 2007 · Chapter 1: One
This is beautiful - Aragorn is offering just the warmth and solidity that Faramir needs at this time. Faramir is a man of words, but language fails him at this point and Aragorn recognises this and gives him precisely the silence he needs.
Author's reply
Thank you so much, I'm glad that you enjoyed this story.
BM · 8 March 2007 · Chapter 1: One
so sad, but so beautifully done! Wonderfully expressive. You had the emotion just right to make Faramir and Aragorn seem so very real. Thanks for sharing this!
Author's reply
Thanks so much, I'm glad that you enjoyed the story.
meckinock · 8 March 2007 · Chapter 1: One
You've really captured here the weariness that must have come to Faramir after the public spectacle was finally over. And Aragorn knows exactly what he needs, and gives it. Very touching.
Author's reply
Thank you for your very kind words, meckinock!
SurgicalSteel · 8 March 2007 · Chapter 1: One
Oh, this was beautifully done!
Author's reply
Thank you, I'm glad you liked it!
daw the minstrel · 8 March 2007 · Chapter 1: One
It's amazing how loudly silence can speak sometimes. Aragorn did just the right thing here. Poor Faramir. He seems so alone.
Author's reply
Thanks for reviewing. I think that after this many years of friendship Aragorn knew Faramir well enough to know exactly what he needed and silence and rest was what was called for. I think when a spouse dies the surviving spouse is very much alone in their grief. I can only base it on watching my mother after my father died years ago, but my brothers and I had each other who were all going through the same thing and so could comfort each other and we comforted her as best we could... but we didn't truly understand what she was feeling. So in that sense she was alone even though she was surrounded by lots of loving family and friends. That's sort of what I was aiming for with Faramir. Well, that's a really long review response. :)
harrowcat · 8 March 2007 · Chapter 1: One
Beautiful!
Author's reply
Thank you!
Linda Hoyland · 8 March 2007 · Chapter 1: One
Just beautiful, Aragorn is a friend indeed and just what Faramir needs now.
Author's reply
Thanks, Linda!
jack bauer · 7 March 2007 · Chapter 1: One
Excellent! This is a splendid mini character study of my two favorites from the books. You really did chapters-worth of emotion and depth all in this little fic.
Author's reply
Thanks so much, I'm glad that it came across as well as I hoped it would.
Raksha The Demon · 7 March 2007 · Chapter 1: One
Awwwwwwww. This is just lovely. I like the bit at the end, with Faramir finally relaxed enough to take a much-needed nap. The grieving process always has its own timetable, which doesn't always mesh with the schedule of officially putting someone to rest. There's often a numbness that follows a loved one's death, too. It surely helped Faramir to know that not only did Aragorn grieve for his pain, that Aragorn was someone who had known and valued Eowyn for as long as Faramir had known her.
Author's reply
Thank you, Raksha! I'm glad that you enjoyed it, especially the ending as the whole ending part was what was keeping me tied in knots. :) You're right, there is no set pattern to grief and it's hard enough to go through the death of someone you love without having to deal with all of the official functions that a king or a prince might have to deal with. Thanks again!
Mum's the Word · 7 March 2007 · Chapter 1: One
How beautifully you capture the emotion, the exhaustion, the numbness -- and the healing hands of the King, the comfort of his presence and of his silence -- the blessed rest, the touch of humor. Simply wonderful!
Author's reply
Thank you for your very kind words.
Larner · 7 March 2007 · Chapter 1: One
So often only companionship and acceptance is all that is needed; and Faramir can fill that comforting silence with what he truly needs, the emotions and thoughts and words his heart knows are meant but don't need to be said, that lose so much when they are spoken aloud. Lovely, Radbooks.
Author's reply
Thank you, Larner. Over the years I've come to realize that sometimes it's best to just be there for people in their grief... not to force them to speak, but just to be a silent support.