Sundry Scrolls by Raksha The Demon
Soledad · 13 December 2008 · Chapter 7: VII. The Captain's New Clothes (AU, Faramir)
Too bad he didn't wear the stuff more often. I'm sure all Orcs would have fled in terror. *g*
Author's reply
EEK - Beware the Orange Rangers! No, no, not the dreaded orange leggings! I don't know what the calendar artists, or Faramir's Aunt Ivriniel, were thinking. Thanx for reading and reviewing, Soledad!
Little Dwarf · 29 June 2008 · Chapter 9: Ch. IX. A Midsummer Day's Dream (Faramir)
Couldn't help and just read it again. And, again, it brought tears to my eye. I failed to mention this in my first review, but this paragraph is paragraph is a perfect example of beautiful prose: "The trees rustle in the soft summer wind, and Faramir can hear the voices; glimpse some who passed through these gardens: his own White Lady, standing by the marble statue of Felaróf and eagerly beckoning him; their daughter Cynwen lost in childbirth, now sits against the oak tree with her fair head bent over a book; and is that Imrahil walking there, or just a trick of the sunlight on the fountain?" - the description is so well created that I can almost see them myself... And how evocative to have Eowyn stand by a statue of Fealof!!! If I'd had an "Add to Favourite Stories" button here, this wonderful piece will go directly to the top of my list!!!
Author's reply
Of course Eowyn would stand by the statue of Felarof; I'm sure it was made for her and she appreciated it. Thanx for your kind words; Little Dwarf, I wanted to let Faramir see between worlds there - I don't know for sure whether he saw memories or spirits; only he would know that, but he did see the people he loved. And death and life are not so firmly separated in Tolkien's Middle-earth...
Little Dwarf · 29 June 2008 · Chapter 9: Ch. IX. A Midsummer Day's Dream (Faramir)
This brought tears to my eyes. Literally. And I don't normally cry when I read fanfiction, mind you! I've thought of Eowyn's death and how it would affect Faramir, and I've also imagined Faramir as an old man, but I've never read or imagined his own passing. So I think that, from now on, this ficlet of yours is canon for me! It was heartbreakingly expressive, every word in it held so much emotion! I don't have to mention the perfect writing, but the appearance of the deceased ones are so beautifully drawn! Excellent job!!! And I think it is only fitted, if Aragorn willingly takes out his crown and goes to lie on his funeral bed, that, by contrast, Faramir should pass away almost imperceptibly, in the middle of his garden... *sniff*
Author's reply
This story flowed out of me, unanticipated. I hadn't intended to tackle Faramir's passing for awhile. But there was a "Summer in Ithilien" challenge, and this was my answer. I think Faramir would have a relatively peaceful old age; and not even feel or show his physical age that much until maybe the last five or ten years. I'm not yet at the point where I want to write about Eowyn's death; I think it would devastate Faramir, but he would carry on, surrounded by friends and family, and continue to be a good Steward and Prince; though perhaps he might delegate one of those chores to Elboron..or not. It is quite a compliment that you consider this story to be comparable to canon for you - thank you!
Little Dwarf · 29 June 2008 · Chapter 8: VIII. Gone Amiss (Aragorn)
Very dramatic! Loved the "Stars ans Stones and Tree" reference!
Author's reply
It's not easy to come up with Middle-earth equivalencies for swear-words or even strong language. Anyway, this is one of the few times I've been able to keep a piece down to 100 words; a sad moment in the history of the Fellowship and Gondor. Thanx for reading and commenting!
Little Dwarf · 29 June 2008 · Chapter 7: VII. The Captain's New Clothes (AU, Faramir)
I've seen the picture before and thought it ridiculous: not only are the poor Hobbits horribly painted, but Robin-Hood!Faramir is so outlandish as well! But your story was a very amusing (and surprisingly realistic!) explanation to that... :) I also loved the glimpse in Faramir's life as a Captain of Rangers! :)
Author's reply
I tried to figure out why on even an alternate Middle-earth Faramir would be wearing bright orange as an Ithilien ranger, and came up with his well-meaning aunt sending him and the Rangers lots of gifts, including horrible clothing. And you're right, the hobbits look odd in the picture, particularly poor Sam, who was not supposed to have a fat head or fat body. I figure the Rangers would be starved for goodies and luxuries like special sauces and whatnot... I'm glad the story pleased you!
Little Dwarf · 29 June 2008 · Chapter 6: VI. Summer's Lease (Éowyn & Faramir and friend)
Well, I *do* hope that Legolas excused himself and went back to planting trees or something! *smirk* I've never liked Legolas - he's not important in the book, and the movies... well, let's just say that they didn't make me like him better. I've nothing against Orlando Bloom - he was quite decent in "Troy" and I've yet to see "Pirates.." It's the hysterical fangirls for whom LotR means nothing more than a hot (???) blond that make me despise the character... But let's get back to your fic. I really enjoyed the vivid descriptions of the male anatomy... *giggles* I totally agree with the fact that "long wet black hair, now streaming with water, flows over his shoulders", but I don't like the "beardless" part... :)) I know it's not book-verse canon, but my predilection for real life guys with beards (or... for a certain real life guy who only shaves once a months or so) makes me imagine Faramir with facial hair too... Hey, I'm not asking for a long fluffy beard like Gandalf's, after all! :)
Author's reply
LOTR fans will probably debate the beards/beardlessness of the Dunedain for longer than you and I will live, LOL. I just see Faramir as smooth-chested and not having to shave very often. I don't dislike Legolas, but I only write him in certain situations where the situation, or the characters, work well with him. I don't really care whether he was blond or not. If he existed now, I think he would be quietly amused about all the fangirly fuss over his movie avatar. (My favorite scene with Orlando Bloom in Troy was when he was hiding behind Eric Bana-as-Hector. I was so annoyed that Paris survived the sack of Troy while Hector didn't, unlike what was written in The Iliad. Of course, Paris annoys me on general principle. Still, he and Eric Bana-as-Hector looked cute in their matching turquoise outfits on the boat...
Little Dwarf · 29 June 2008 · Chapter 5: V. Undivided (Elrohir & Elladan)
Actually, this is the first fic I read where the twins are not just part of the background or a couple of mindless, imature Elves who do nothing but play pranks on others... Your story was so different from those, that I start to think more about these two... Again, wonderful writing: "Elladan strikes the wall with his fist and does not cry out at the pain. Elrohir flinches, then throws an arm around his twin and guides him along the marbled path. Their feet, so often elven-light, scuff and stomp as they pass; their limbs seem as heavy as their hearts." - palpably dramatic!
Author's reply
The twins may have had many friends and teachers, but they were short on family, having no cousins and only one set of grandparents; the imminent loss of their mother, conceivably for all eternity if the Shadow conquered all of Middle-earth, would have horrified them, especially after the pain of Celebrian's ordeal. They seem to do everything, or at least many things, together. Thanx for the review, Little Dwarf.
Little Dwarf · 29 June 2008 · Chapter 4: IV. The Blessing of the Waters (Elrond)
Sad and beautiful! You captured Elrond's voice very well, and I loved the water motif. Great writting! :)
Author's reply
Water is important in Tolkien's works; and I think Elrond was reflective enough to note its significance. He is not an easy character to 'get', though he is one of my favorite Elves... Thanx for reading and reviewing!
Little Dwarf · 29 June 2008 · Chapter 3: III. Silver and Gold (Galadriel)
Very beautiful! So beautifully written (and... Tolkienesque, I would say!) pieces about Galadriel and Celeborn are rare to find! :)
Author's reply
I usually don't have much desire to write Galadriel; but I do find her marriage to Celeborn intriguing; and she was more interesting a character in the times before LOTR... Thank you for reading and reviewing.
Little Dwarf · 29 June 2008 · Chapter 2: II. Family Jewels (Faramir)
Excellent. Simply... excellent! And extremely thought-provoking! Your writing is flawless, it's amazing how the ideas flow from the dark Oath tale to Faramir reading bedtime... legends... to his children, and in the end to the parents/children relationship and Denethor... Amazing! But really, now... isn't Feanor's deed too dark a story to read to so young children?
Author's reply
I'm glad you liked the story. The tale of Feanor and his sons makes for gripping reading, but I thought it would bring up some uncomfortable resonances for Faramir. The Bible is full of some pretty violent stories; but I would think that many parents read it to their children. And the stories collected in The Silmarillion would have a lot of meaning and significance to the people of Middle-earth, especially the Dunedain of Gondor and Arnor (as well as the Elves, though some of them lived it).
Little Dwarf · 29 June 2008 · Chapter 1: I. Daybreak (Faramir)
Beautiful and elevating! :) I always like stories pointing to this moment in the book! :)
Author's reply
Thanx for reading and commenting - I enjoyed writing this one. It must have such an exciting time for the people of Gondor, and elsewhere...
Nesta · 27 January 2008 · Chapter 5: V. Undivided (Elrohir & Elladan)
That is very moving. E&E always struck me as complete nonentities, but you really bring them to life. I suppose Celebrian's departure is a kind of suicide, and you can't do anything much crueller than that to your children. How did it affect Arwen, I wonder? Dit it help strengthen her resolve to make that very hard decision to stick with Aragorn till death - and after? And yet she left her children too, in the end.
Author's reply
Fanfiction has seized on Elrohir and Elladan and made them loving big brothers to Aragorn, Elvish party boys via slash or non-slash stories, mighty warriors, or all of the above. I tried to build on what Tolkien says of the twins; which isn't much - that they were emotionally close enough to be together out of choice, and that their mother's pain and exile drove them to take up orc-slaying as their special vocation. Given that cause and effect, I figure the twins had to have suffered emotionally from their mother's torment and her departure. I'm less sure about Celebrian's departure as suicide - she goes to the West for healing, as did Frodo. It's a journey from mortal lands into paradise; so perhaps it can be read as death and rebirth. Celebrian's condition is, in my opinion, connected to untimely death of JRRT's own mother, as are the fates of some other M-e mothers, i.e. Finduilas, Theodwyn and Gilraen. I'm pleased that the story moved you.
Nesta · 27 January 2008 · Chapter 8: VIII. Gone Amiss (Aragorn)
What would he have said to Denethor, if they'd met? Thereby hangs an AU story, I think. Considering JRR originally intended to have Denethor and Aragorn meet, it would be a very interesting moment.
Author's reply
Aragorn's meeting Denethor again after all those years and with Boromir's death between them would have been much more awkward and acrimonious than the graceful interaction between Aragorn and Faramir after the healing. I am not sure that there would have been war or a battle of other than words over the issue of Aragorn's claim to the throne, but I think Aragorn's role in Boromir's death would have embittered Denethor even more. It is probably for the best that JRRT took the road less traveled by...
Nesta · 27 January 2008 · Chapter 6: VI. Summer's Lease (Éowyn & Faramir and friend)
Nekkid elves eh? Whatever next? Maybe it's just as well Gimli didn't join the party. However, if you could arrange for Eowyn (and Legolas) to be called away for an hour or so, I'd be delighted to join it myself.
Nesta · 27 January 2008 · Chapter 7: VII. The Captain's New Clothes (AU, Faramir)
That was simply hilarious!
Author's reply
I had a lot of fun with this story, Nesta; I'm pleased you enjoyed the finished product. Thanx for reviewing!
Khorazîr · 7 January 2008 · Chapter 9: Ch. IX. A Midsummer Day's Dream (Faramir)
This is a very touching piece. Like the other reviewers have mentioned before, this peaceful end is very appropriate for our Prince. Also, it's interesting that he should die in his gardens. I've always pictured that, too. Somehow, it doesn't seem right to have him die lying abed, him having been a ranger after all.
Author's reply
I'm glad you liked the story, Khorazir. Faramir, and his love for Eowyn, have associations with fertility/renewal/nature; I could really see Faramir delighting in the blooming of all Ithilien, even after Eowyn is gone; though he would miss her terribly. And I kept seeing him sitting in a favorite chair in the famous gardens, the center of love and attention, from king, family and friends.
Khorazîr · 7 January 2008 · Chapter 8: VIII. Gone Amiss (Aragorn)
It would have been interesting indeed had there be a direct confrontation between Aragorn and Denethor in LotR, not just because of the latter bringing news of Boromir's death. Also, I wonder how much Aragorn would have told the other of what truly befell Boromir. I can't see Aragorn trying to lie to Denethor, but even withholding part of the events would have been difficult. Anyway, excellent stuff, Raksha. :)
Author's reply
An earlier version of ROTK, outlined by JRRT, had no pyre; and Denethor being less than gracious about handing over the throne of Gondor to Aragorn, and Aragorn being less than gracious about how he assumed it. There was also the plotline of Boromir not getting a hero's death; rather deserting the Fellowship and running off to ally with Saruman, and ending up dueling with Aragorn on the Pelennor - guess who won. I'm so glad that Tolkien wisely forsook that direction in his epic! Aragorn is a master at evasion; but I can't see him sparing himself here if he had ended up giving the account of Boromir's death to Denethor; it would have been torturous for both men. Aragorn might have tried to avoid discussing Boromir's fall to Ring-allure; but I think Denethor could have wrung that info out of him. Or could he? It could have been a fabulous scene. I have a plotbunny for a Denethor!Lives! AU story; I'm trying to resist the beast's gnawing at my heels; since it would be long and involved and angsty, and Tolkien did the true narrative so much better... Thanx for reading and reviewing, Khorazir!
Bodkin · 5 January 2008 · Chapter 9: Ch. IX. A Midsummer Day's Dream (Faramir)
Faramir, if anyone, deserves a peaceful end - with the presence of those he loves, both before and after the event. Bade farewell by Aragorn and Legolas, his descendants and theirs - and, ahead of him, those he has loved and missed.
Author's reply
Thanx for reviewing, Bodkin; this piece is close to my heart. I did want a good send-off for Faramir; and by then, he would be missing a lot of people. And both Legolas and Aragorn had to be there; Faramir would have had strong connections to both of them.
meckinock · 2 January 2008 · Chapter 9: Ch. IX. A Midsummer Day's Dream (Faramir)
I have tears in my eyes reading this, Raksha! What a lovely end for Faramir; one he well deserves.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you found the ficlet a moving one, meckinock. The story just kind of flowed out of me; especially that he finally got to take the journey with Boromir. Thanx for the review!
harrowcat · 2 January 2008 · Chapter 9: Ch. IX. A Midsummer Day's Dream (Faramir)
This is brilliant Raksha. What a gently perfect way to go.
Author's reply
Thanx for the review, harrowcat; I did think Faramir would have a relatively gentle leave-taking; perhaps a reward from the Valar, or just fate.
Linda Hoyland · 1 January 2008 · Chapter 9: Ch. IX. A Midsummer Day's Dream (Faramir)
A haunting and deeply moving story. I liked it that Aragorn obviously cares about Faramir.It was a lovely touch that Faramir sees his lost loved ones. A sad story,but ultimately uplifting.
Author's reply
Well, you know that I agree with you that Aragorn and Faramir shared great mutual esteem and friendship. Yes, the curtain was starting to roll back for Faramir, the bounds between death and life blurring. And of course, I believe he was reunited with Eowyn and their daughter and Boromir and Finduilas and Denethor and Imrahil, etc. Thanx for the review, Linda!
Branwyn · 1 January 2008 · Chapter 9: Ch. IX. A Midsummer Day's Dream (Faramir)
Raksha shows us the peaceful close of Faramir's life. Like the ancient Numenorean kings, he seems to choose the moment of his death, leaving when he is in a summer garden, surrounded by his surviving family. The prose is lovely, and the final line is perfect--conveying (to this reader, anyway) the transience that shimmers behind a summer day. Well done!
Author's reply
Thanx for reading and reviewing, Branwyn. I didn't really think of whether he chose the moment of his death; it seemed to me to be more of recognizing that this was the time to go rather than try to stay. But that's a very small difference; and Faramir does go out gracefully like the proud Numenorean he always was. And I'm pleased that you liked the prose and the final line; I really wanted to do justice to these last moments of Faramir's life.
Larner · 1 January 2008 · Chapter 9: Ch. IX. A Midsummer Day's Dream (Faramir)
He goes, and gladly, for Eowyn and his brother and daughter and mother--and hopefully his father as well--all await him. Excellent look at the death of Faramir, blessed, quiet, and in the midst of those who love him on both sides of the Veil.
Author's reply
Oh, I'm sure that Denethor is awaiting Faramir; so much so that I originally had a different tale in mind, and might still get it out someday. Faramir didn't see Denethor in his vision because that vision included only those who had walked in the gardens of post-War Emyn/Arnen/Ithilien. I tried to make it clear that Boromir, who came after Faramir saw so many of those lost loved ones, was not quite part of that initial vision, but a summoner and at last a fellow traveler. Finduilas wasn't included because Tolkien implied that he barely remembered her; and she wasn't a strong influence on Faramir's life except genetically, having sadly left him too soon. Thanx for the review, Larner; I'm glad you liked the piece.
Jay of Lasgalen · 1 January 2008 · Chapter 9: Ch. IX. A Midsummer Day's Dream (Faramir)
This is lovely - not at all sad, despite the subject, because Faramir feels such joy in being reunited with all those he has lost. Beautiful! Jay
Author's reply
Thanx for the review, Jay - I meant the piece to be bittersweet; in that all Faramir's surviving friends and family will miss him, but that he is ready and glad to take the final journey. I'm glad you thought it beautiful; I wanted to give my favorite of Tolkien's Men a good send-off.
harrowcat · 31 December 2007 · Chapter 6: VI. Summer's Lease (Éowyn & Faramir and friend)
What a lovely view!