Reviews (166)

Fimbrethil · 18 June 2026 · Chapter 21: An Offer Made

“Faramir. I am a Captain of Gondor, but I cannot let your men see me. I am on an… an extended secret mission. Your men do not even know my name, but your aunt does. I need you to keep my secret. Can you do that?” “Of course. I am the Steward of Gondor. If you are one of my captains, on a secret mission, who better to trust your secret with?” The boy shrugged. “I will tell no one.” “Thank you. What I will do is this. I will give you a note that you must hide and only give to your Aunt Indis. I will write in that note that I have taken you on as my esquire. Do you like that idea?” The boy’s eyes grew round. “I am honored,” he said as he gulped. “Good. We will not be able to train year-round, as is the custom. However, I will return to Gondor in the spring. I will meet you at Morwen’s farm in Lebennin on Ethuil. Bring your sword and shield, perhaps a hauberk of mail. Everything else will be provided.” Lol! Cool!

Fimbrethil · 18 May 2026 · Chapter 21: An Offer Made

“Faramir. I am a Captain of Gondor, but I cannot let your men see me. I am on an… an extended secret mission. Your men do not even know my name, but your aunt does. I need you to keep my secret. Can you do that?” “Of course. I am the Steward of Gondor. If you are one of my captains, on a secret mission, who better to trust your secret with?” The boy shrugged. “I will tell no one.” “Thank you. What I will do is this. I will give you a note that you must hide and only give to your Aunt Indis. I will write in that note that I have taken you on as my esquire. Do you like that idea?” The boy’s eyes grew round. “I am honored,” he said as he gulped. “Good. We will not be able to train year-round, as is the custom. However, I will return to Gondor in the spring. I will meet you at Morwen’s farm in Lebennin on Ethuil. Bring your sword and shield, perhaps a hauberk of mail. Everything else will be provided.” Lol! Cool!

Fimbrethil · 4 January 2026 · Chapter 20: Dilemma

I think Elrohir means you should take Faramir for a time and teach him some things,” Elladan stirred the stew. “Teach him a Ranger’s ways whilst healing his heart and imparting values that he will need. Values you will need him to have as your Steward.” “He is but seven years old.” “When did you start your training, Estel?” Elrohir gently asked. The Ranger blushed. “When I was seven. But I was in Imladris. My mother was with me. I cannot….” “I think you have said cannot too many times for the Estel I know.” “I cannot,” he glared at Elladan, “stay here in Gondor. I cannot take him to Imladris. What would you have me do?” “I am a little disappointed that you cannot think of a solution.” “Stay in Ithilien?” He stared at Elladan in surprise. “There are Orcs here and Haradrim and fell beasts. I…” he bit his lip at the ‘cannot’ that he almost spoke. “Let me think, please.” He held his still throbbing head. “What happened to us? Why were we rendered insensible?” Cool! This AU is getting interesting in an exciting sort of way! “I think perhaps we did not contain it. I think we might have missed some words.” Elrohir chuckled quietly. “I think we missed something.” The chuckle grew into laughter. His shoulders shook. “I am not telling daernaneth what happened.” “I will tell her,” Elladan finally stopped laughing himself. “I need to know what words we missed. I wonder if she… Nay, all the Songs probably do what she wants of them. None would dare cross her!” Aragorn’s bright smile bespoke his love for Galadriel. “She never taught me the Songs.” “She loves us more,” Elrohir burst into laughter again and this time, the boy stirred.” heehee. That last conversation was interesting. Do you think Faramir will remember all this when he sees them in 3019 and be embarrassed? “Eru and the Valar do not punish.” Somehow I don’t believe that. Melkor? Sauron? Lo, even the whole line of Feanor?

Fimbrethil · 4 January 2026 · Chapter 19: Dubious Dispatches

And now Cirmir shows his quality. Alas for Théoden though, it seems his downfall is near. “You never saw Denethor… Indis has seen” Seen what? A certain stone in the Tower of Anor? “You speak truly. I saw how my brother was brought almost to his knees when he was younger at a chance meeting between the two in the Great Library. I had to help him to his bed. I thank you for reminding me.” Oh. Her knowing about him using the palentir is slightly less interesting than this option. And I suppose Denethor wasn’t and isn’t strong enough to take Isengard from him? Or is that really too AU. “Mayhap,” and she smiled slyly, “mayhap we should have Théoden King meet with him as Gondor’s emissary?” Ciramir laughed aloud. “Would serve the old fool right!” “Ciramir. I cannot allow you to speak thus of Gondor’s ally. However, I insist you continue to upbraid me when I am foolish. I will bite my tongue and remember your value.” Hmmmm…I don’t know if that would be worse or better than the confrontation in 3019. “Then send another two companies along the Harad Road to Emyn Arnen. The boy has been there once before, when Morwen was interred. Mayhap, if he came out of the River near there, he would recognize the land and head for Emyn Arnen.” Huh? Morwen Théodred’s grandmother? This gives me ideas for Faramir and Éowyn performing some sort of recognition there… Targon does exude hope. Sometimes even more than Estel himself here.

Fimbrethil · 4 January 2026 · Chapter 18: Rescued

His twin laughed. “Arwen fed him too well these past months. I think we should have a word with her.” “She will not listen. She has never listened to a thing we say.” haha “Mayhap it is still the shock and grief of his brother’s death. I do not know how I would react to your death.” “Thank you. I hope neither one of us has to face that dilemma.” “You are most welcome…” haha. It is interesting how most people I have read write them humourous, but they are great warriors on a path of revenge/justice. “Nay. I think Estel would have found a way out. He is resourceful and has been taught by the best.” “Elladan began to laugh. “You are most modest.” “I speak the truth. Glorfindel and Erestor raised him well.” “Ah! So we had no hand in the man he has become?” “I will not take credit,” Elrohir smiled, “for anything Estel does. I have been in too much trouble because of him too many times. Do you remember the time he tried to raft down the Bruienen after that storm? I was sure father was going to resurrect Angmar and send us there as punishment for letting him get away from us.” “I remember it too well.” Aragorn’s voice was rough but sound. “I have a scar from the branch that tried to eviscerate me. I am glad to see you both.” heehee. Did I already say how Faramir and Aragorn wake up at the best moments? “We stopped to visit Arwen. She says you only left her at Mettarë?” “Yes. I stayed longer than I had planned.” Both Elves began to laugh.” Ah, so this is right after the trothplighting in Lorien? “If the three of us concentrated, I think it is possible. Elrohir, do you remember the Song of Power that daernaneth taught us long ago?” “I remember. Estel, do you know it?” “Finrod’s?” he shivered as he spoke the name. “I do.” “We sing a part of Finrod’s then and make it our own, suitable for our needs here and now. All three together. Prepare the athelas. We need every tool we have.” Elladan stood, somehow taller, Aragorn thought.” Oh boy! That is one of my favorite CDP songs!! And Celeborn taught them? —Not Galadriel? Oh, Galadriel did teach them, I got confused for a second, haha. Interesting. Nice timing on the lightning’s part, I am sure. Lol. I hope they are all right.

Fimbrethil · 2 January 2026 · Chapter 17: Torture Revisited

“I would they had more quality. They did not. I no longer expect quality from the men of Gondor.” I see. Except for the Houses of Hurin and Dol Amroth…and Emyn Arnen, I suppose, for such as Damrod and Mablung. Nice that you got it in there. Even Denethor has quality himself.

Fimbrethil · 2 January 2026 · Chapter 16: Lessons For A Would-be Ranger

Hiw much does “pretty well” mean? Yes, Faramir and Aragorn certainly have fluorescent thumbtacks lol. As do the SoE and Gandalf, because that is where he learned it from. At least, the SoE used them when teaching Arwen and Estel.

Fimbrethil · 2 January 2026 · Chapter 15: The Search

Oh! Oh! Éowyn could use a Ragnhild. In fact, Ragnhild herself sounds like an older Éowyn. And Boromir has a passage that goes not only to the butteries and his father’s room but also to a meeting room and even the palentír? Wow. I wonder if he knew. Or if Denethor was worried about Boromir, or even Targon or someone from below finding out. I hope indis doesn’t find out and use it.

Fimbrethil · 2 January 2026 · Chapter 14: A Trap

*Gasp* Faramir saying the Valar are not real? Never! I know why Aragorn calls Faramir “my lord” here, but it might not help establish a first name basis later. Unless Aragorn awakening him there (in 3019) is enough for that. “However, Faramir still stood in place. “Might you have a nice dagger or a dirk or some such? You must have one of those; Ada always did. And so has Borogond and Boromir even had one.” Aragorn rubbed his stubble. “Have you ever handled a knife?” “I have.” It was not quite a lie, but not quite the truth. “And how?” The boy bit his lip. “Thengel King let me hold his. And Boromir once let his sit on my lap when I promised to be very still.” Lol. Of course he would want a knife though. And Aragorn lets him! Liked the talk of Denethor and how he showed Faramir how to find mushrooms. Oh! and Aragorn calls him Faramir when it really matters! I wonder if any of Faramir’s Rangers find out their Captain could have been caught in a hunting trap when he was 7. Embarrassing, surely. Especially because if this was real, word might get to his father. Probably similar results if the SoE and the Northern Dúnedain find out about Aragorn and trap just now.

Fimbrethil · 2 January 2026 · Chapter 13: A Friend Indeed

Aragorn again! hooray! And my can HE stew. I suppose tomorrow is soon enough, lol, with Aragorn here.

Fimbrethil · 2 January 2026 · Chapter 12: A Reckoning

So Hirgon is here! He is not THE Hirgon, is he?

Fimbrethil · 1 January 2026 · Chapter 5: Acquiescence

“Faramir looked up in alarm. “Please do not leave yet, Adadhron,” he whispered. Théoden looked at him in surprise. “I am honored to be so named and I accept, Faramir.” Grandfather or Father? And then there is Éowyn to consider…. “He bent and hugged the boy warmly. Théodred smiled. “I knew we were brothers in some way.” Faramir giggled. “I am always the little brother!” “Yes, Faramir, you will always be the little brother. That gives me the right to order you about. Now, my first order is – more cookies! ‘Tis time, is it not, Targon?” “The cook’s apprentice smiled. “The last batch is already eaten. I think I best get back to the buttery and make some more. Anyone want to join me?” ‘Faramir squealed in delight. “I would. You too, Théodred.” He pulled his brother’s hand and the three young ones left the room. Indis walked to the King of Rohan and embraced him. “Always, Denethor loved you. He knew your greatness, Théoden. Knew it well.” The Rohir huffed a little. Imrahil stepped forward and offered a glass of wine and a chair. Théoden sat, contentedly.” Faramir certainly recovered well!

Fimbrethil · 1 January 2026 · Chapter 4: Allies

I forgot to say it in the other review (for the previous chapter), but the mention of the Dark Lord who they do not Name here reminded me. I like how Faramir, I think it was, referred to the traitor as One We Do Not Name, or some such. See, even I have forgot his name! Secondly, Théoden already dislikes Gandalf, or was he saying Gandalf brings bad news simply as a fact? Lastly, nice appointment for Listöwel. I hope it means she won’t die the sooner.

Fimbrethil · 1 January 2026 · Chapter 3: Just in Case

Nice! A chapter where nothing unexpected happens! I will say I was a little confused by who was talking though.

Fimbrethil · 1 January 2026 · Chapter 2: Acceptance

Good! Good! Good! I didn’t think you would mess the world up that badly. Geeze that is a lot of titles for a seven year old boy—less than Aragorn though, if you count all his Heir of Isildur Titles from when his father died. So Hurin of the Keys is an Uncle of Faramir? That would make him brother of Indis? I would say “Good speech. Nice and short.” But that ruins the solemnity completely. I am glad Théoden, Théodred, and the Rohirrim are here. I liked everything after the pledge as well.

Fimbrethil · 1 January 2026 · Chapter 1: A Decision

WHAT! Faramir couldn’t! Think for yourself, lad. I really hope he doesn’t. Or if he does he has to do it with his quality…which I am not sure is as developed here. At least after all this theoretical history there is 10,000 Years, which I think should be Book Timeline? But after Boromir thought Denethor should be king he realized Aragorn would be a better king. But Faramir is not his father (regardless of what he inherited of Nûmenorean abilities).

panther_anoush · 17 September 2013 · Chapter 99999: Author's Notes

Enjoyed both of your books (2 and 3) greatly, however your 1st book does not contain any chapters. Is there somewhere else I can find it? There are some gaps that I can't finds the answers to. panthers_anoush jaxdinah1947@gmail.com

Raksha The Demon · 16 February 2009 · Chapter 47: And You, My Friend

Oh my; I hope that Indis will rethink her view of Mithrandir. If he's not allowed back into Minas Tirith, he won't find Isildur's memoir, and a certain piece of information that is crucial to the defeat of Sauron - Isildur's discussion of his Ring gave Mithrandir the information to link Sauron's Ring to Bilbo Baggins' little trophy. Without Mithrandir acquiring that knowledge at that time, who knows what would have happened? Also, I really liked the Mithrandir-Faramir relationship in LOTR (the book) and wanted to see some of it in this AU.

Raksha The Demon · 16 February 2009 · Chapter 49: A Moment In Time

This is probably my favorite of your AU histories; since it's so Faramir-centric, or at least since he has a much larger role. For the most part, I think you've written him quite well. I'm not sure how Faramir will get back to Gondor - alone, without Strider, is Faramir that good and experienced a warrior at 18, or will someone ride with him? Love the gift of the harp; and Faramir's excitement over the prospect of seeing the Elves, when Strider tells him of their destination, is marvelous. It will be interesting to see how Faramir's Stewardship differs from Denethor's. It could be that Minas Tirith in 3018-3019 in this AU might be a more hopeful, and better-fortified, place. I hope Faramir doesn't become a Palantir addict, though.

Tari · 16 February 2009 · Chapter 49: A Moment In Time

Faramir is now eighteen. How time flies. It’s wonderful that he will finally meet some elves, especially since he has elven blood flowing in his veins. And Aragorn is most anxious to be there also. Could it be that he will be seeing Arwen again? A beautiful harp to match a heart that sings; I love it. It fits Faramir to a tee.

Fiondil · 15 February 2009 · Chapter 99999: Author's Notes

Great story, Agape. I think this book is my favorite to date, if only because we see more of Thorongil. *grin* I liked the ending. I'm sure Faramir will learn much more than how to play a harp during his time in Lórien. I look forward to the final book of the series. Thanks for sharing this.

Larner · 15 February 2009 · Chapter 49: A Moment In Time

Ah! Such a wonderful gift, after a most unusual and graceful welcome. May he indeed grow in grace after such an acceptance, and may Celeborn honor him as well! Beautiful welcome to manhood for this Faramir.

Raksha The Demon · 12 February 2009 · Chapter 48: Of Eagles and Eyries

I don't think you went too far at all with the inference of Faramir's ability to gentle and tame animals. Not only did Beregond mention it, but it is obvious from JRRT's characterisation that Faramir has compassion and respect for animals (and many people), and has considerable patience and self-control, which would be essential for working with animals. Also, he's intelligent and would perservere in the doing of anything he deems necessary. Good to see that Faramir has not only a pet, but a pet who could do some serious damage to anyone who tries to harm him. Though I think Indis could find a dog for him, too. Good chapter.

Tari · 9 February 2009 · Chapter 48: Of Eagles and Eyries

I don’t think you went too far with Faramir and the eaglet. Falcons are tamed all the time. I don’t know how, but they are. So it seems to me that what Faramir did could possibly be one of the ways. It looks like he might have his first pet.

Larner · 8 February 2009 · Chapter 48: Of Eagles and Eyries

Alas that someone killed its parent that way! But at least it is able to fly, and it appears to have chosen Faramir! And he has obviously watched birds feeding their babes--wise child. I am impressed.