Tari
· 23 January 2009
· Chapter 47: And You, My Friend
How sad that Ragnhild had to die. But what choice was there? Chances are she might not have come out of the spell and if she did, her shock over what she had done might have been too much for her to bear.
Indis, in spite of what happened, was once again just in her punishment and also in taking care of the families involved.
Author's reply
Well, whoever the soldier was who shot Ragnhild did his duty. He saw the threat and ended it... he couldn't take a chance on friendship - not with the way things were playing out.
Glad you approve of Indis justice....
Thanks ever so much for the review!
Larner
· 23 January 2009
· Chapter 47: And You, My Friend
I was so hoping they could break the spell on Ragnild! Another death laid at the door of Isengard. But to blame Gandalf, too, only plays to the true Enemy's own desires! Not a good move!
Author's reply
Hi, Larner! Thanks for reviewing.
You know how the Muse can really surprise you - I had thought Ragnhild would be banished to Rohan and end up 'serving' Grima... I think this ending for her is much better. I just couldn't stand the thought of her under that worm's dominion....
Indis is still in the midst of shock - I am hoping the edict is temporary! Faramir, I think, might have something to say about this when he returns...
Tari
· 20 January 2009
· Chapter 46: Comfort and Strength
I think Aragorn is treating Faramir more like a son than an esquire. What a touching scene.
I fear for Indis. I can’t help but believe this is a trap. Haleth would not surrender peacefully after what has happened in the past.
Author's reply
Aragorn is amazed at the boy's courage and his intellect... but more he is brought low by the boy's charm : )
As for Indis, not sure about this little pipsqueek!
Raksha The Demon
· 19 January 2009
· Chapter 46: Comfort and Strength
I certainly wouldn't want to face Indis in a poker game! Excellent confrontation between her and StupidKid-er-Haleth.
I hope Faramir and Aragorn will get a chance for a few days of uninterrupted tranquility and woodcraft lessons.
Author's reply
With a Captain-General like Listowel, whom Indis trusts implictly, how can she not overcome any odds... but the odds are great, for both her and Faramir and Gondor... no wonder she wearies of the Rod already........ : (
As for Faramir and Aragorn - I love the fact that Steward and King will have such a strong relationship by the time Aragorn feels it is 'right' to wear the Crown.
Blessings and thanks for your continued support.
Larner
· 19 January 2009
· Chapter 46: Comfort and Strength
At least there is sense in the youth! Now, to take Ragnild and release her from the spell!
Author's reply
I am certainly enjoying learning more about Faramir - though he reverts often to childhood (something to be hoped for ) - he does have sense and is growing more and more in it as the days pass.
As for Ragnhild - I'm not sure what will happen with her - but it will not be good.
Many thanks for your continued support and reviews! They are MOST appreciated!
Larner
· 10 January 2009
· Chapter 45: Strategy and Torpor
Alas for Ragnild. Now to take and free her, hopefully with little loss of life!
Author's reply
I wish I knew what was going to happen to her... the Muse has not told me yet, but poor Borondir's fate is not happy....
Tari
· 9 January 2009
· Chapter 45: Strategy and Torpor
I can't help but wonder how Ragnhild would react if she came out of her spell and saw how deeply she had betrayed her dear friend. I'm sure she would be beyond devastated. As for Haleth, I'm not sure even a broken spell could save him.
Author's reply
I don't think Haleth is saveable... it is not a spell on the boy, but pure wickedness...
As for Ragnhild - her future does not look bright.
Thanks for reviewing Tari!
Tari
· 6 January 2009
· Chapter 44: Of Stewards and Kings
I forgot to mention in my previous comment how impressed I am with your battle plan.
Faramir is quite perceptive to have determined that Strider was in fact Thorongil. He is showing his quality as the future prince of Ithilien. He couldn't ask for a better teacher than Aragorn. As we know, they work well together.
Author's reply
Thank you! I truly LOVE to write battles - I don't know why. Everytime I see one in the movies or TV, I just think of what's wrong with them... and then when I write my own - I try to think of every possibility and look all around the area, judge the enemy's strengths and weaknesses, and just have a real ball writing them... *giggles*
I do love the fact that the boy realized, quite early, who 'Strider' was - but kept it secret. Dear lad!
Tari
· 6 January 2009
· Chapter 43: The Gift of the Elves
I am most distressed by Indis’ use of the palantir. I’m so afraid it will take hold of her like it did Denethor. And then there’s Ragnhild and her defection. I hope the spell over her is removed before something dire happens. I would hate to read of her demise.
Author's reply
I too was surprised at the fact that, after her first encounter, she used it again.... I don't know what will happen to her.... *shivers*
Ragnhild's treachery has not impacted Indis yet - for the Regent of Gondor is reacting and not thinking at the moment. The horror of it all will come crashing down upon her, once she knows Faramir AND Gondor are safe.
Raksha The Demon
· 4 January 2009
· Chapter 44: Of Stewards and Kings
I loved Faramir's obviously thorough preparations for his new role as Esquire! He's a great student, which will help make him a good Steward and perhaps a great Captain himself. Hope he isn't going to be traumatized again! Update soon, please!
Author's reply
Thanks, Raksha! I didn't want to write about all the time the dear boy took to prepare before he rode off to Lossarnach - spending time with Hurin and many other captains and especially the Captain of the Esquires learning the duties... the boy was ready! Bless his little heart.
I can't promise non-traumatization - but I think no matter what befalls the lad, he will come through better and wiser.... He must - he's got a great King to take care of now and down the road! : )
Larner
· 4 January 2009
· Chapter 44: Of Stewards and Kings
A wonderful beginning to Faramir's period as Esquire. And may it be blessed!
Already enemies seek them; may Aragorn's vigilance always be rewarded by the safety of them both!
Excellent continuation of the story.
Author's reply
Thanks, Larner. I most appreciate the kind words.
Faramir seems never to get a break - but I believe that one must suffer to truly understand people and to govern well... I've got my fingers crossed for him right now, but if he was with anyone in all of Middle-earth, I think being with Aragorn has the most chance for success!
Raksha The Demon
· 30 December 2008
· Chapter 43: The Gift of the Elves
Poor Faramir never gets a break for long, does he?! Talk about a cliffhanger! Hurry up and write the next chapter!
Author's reply
Ah ha! I see you are still reading! Many, many thanks!
Was chatting with a friend about the next book - I am getting fairly close to ending this one... and discussing where that one would start. I always remember your concern for the Henneth-Annun scene... It will be done well, I truly hope, and that you will accept it gladly!
Next chapter's in the works...
Larner
· 30 December 2008
· Chapter 43: The Gift of the Elves
The spell of Saruman remains strong, apparently! Now, to foil the attempt at betrayal!
Author's reply
When Indis finally has a moment to think - her poor heart will be broken. I still don't know what on earth she will do, once this is over with.....
Edlyn
· 11 December 2008
· Chapter 42: Missed Celebrations
Oh, meldenya, this chapter made me cry but it also made me smile through my tears. It has been ten years since my mother unexpectedly passed away and I found, as Faramir will that the hurt does go away thought the love and memories do not. I still imagine my mother sitting next to me during special occasions and it comforts me to know that she is still here in that way. Mithrandir's fireworks must have been spectacular and I'm sure they will be fond memory for Faramir later on in his life. Beautifully written, as always. Eru bless!
Edlyn
Author's reply
I still terribly miss my mom and sometimes the pain is almost as sharp... especially when I look at my grandbaby and think she will never know the woman who was so wondrous...
It does comfort me too - but my mom was funny and brilliant - she said she would harangue God not to let anyone 'disturb' her peace *ROTFL* - but I still call her occassionally and whine!
I am trying not to 'go overboard' with Faramir's remembrances - but none of us is immune to the pain of loss and, as you said, it still is with us, though not as sharp, even after many years pass... Poor Faramir just lost his father and his brother but a short year ago... And his mother only a year before that!
Bless you for your kind words!!!
Tari
· 10 December 2008
· Chapter 42: Missed Celebrations
I don't think the loss of loved ones is a feeling that ever goes totally away. Indis' strenght and wisdon is just what Faramir needs at this time. Their shared sowrrows will only strenghten the bond they share. I hope nothing happens to her in her attempt to catch the traiters, which I have no doubt she will do.
Author's reply
She is definitely going to try, Tari... and, if you noticed, she is definitely planning on being in the party that goes out against them - none of this sitting home in the Citadel!
Faramir will be with Thorongil - and hopefully well protected!
Thanks for your comments!
Larner
· 9 December 2008
· Chapter 42: Missed Celebrations
I'm glad Gandalf is there to distract and advise, and his veiled warnings against the use of the Palantir is excellent. Am glad they are all able to be joyful part of the time. Yet they still miss those who have left them.
Wonderful imagery here.
Author's reply
Many thanks... though this season is wonderful - the friends and loved ones who have passed on can certainly dampen the joy.... I felt badly writing this at this time of year - but it is the truth for both Indis and Faramir... their losses are grievous...
As for Gandalf... I'm afraid for Indis...
Szepilona10
· 25 November 2008
· Chapter 41: To Be Steward
Great chapter! Update soon please!
God Bless!
~Szepilona10~
Author's reply
Thank you - got waylaid by 10,000 - but now that the last part of 3018 is finished - I can go back and take care of Faramir and Indis and their friends and enemies!
Bless you and thanks for reading/reviewing!
Edlyn
· 12 November 2008
· Chapter 41: To Be Steward
Oh, meldanya, this was SO very stirring! I need to re-read it and think about it for a while before I can say anything else about it but the words are in my mind as I sit here and type this. I promise I'll come back and make a more extensive review later.
Eru bless!
Edlyn
Author's reply
Even though Faramir is so very young, he has spent many more hours than a normal boy would in the Great Library. Also, his great love and time spent with his father, Denethor, who was deemed quite a historian himself, would have helped 'set' the young boy's mind to Gondor's path.
I'm very glad you found it stirring!
Larner
· 11 November 2008
· Chapter 41: To Be Steward
Ah, indeed a wonderful speech, and a good one for so young a Steward. He won me!
Now--to see the Enemy fought!
Author's reply
Ah yes - and treachery it is again. Gandalf says, many times in the book, that treachery is ever their enemy!
But first - a wee moment or two with the Steward's grandfather. I do so love the Men of Dol Amroth! Always there when you need them!
Tari
· 10 November 2008
· Chapter 41: To Be Steward
This speech was awesome. That a child as young as Faramir has so much strength and wisdom in him is amazing, but not impossible. How many young boys would understand the gravity of the situation? I’m sure in Tolkien’s world they would.
The amount of research you put into your stories is most commendable. Three cheers.
Tari
Author's reply
Glad you liked this and yes - it was quite a bit of work. Trying to make the speech for an eight-year old was a challenge... I'll explain a little of its 'history' in the next chapter.
Many thanks for the review!
Tari
· 3 November 2008
· Chapter 40: Turmoil All Around
I do hope Ragnhild is not under Curunir’s spell although I fear this may be the case. No human is exempted from lure of his powers.
Though Faramir is still a child, he is showing much maturity. I see something of the great leader he will someday become.
Tari
Author's reply
There is always hope, and Indis will continue to hope that Ragnhild is not 'enraptured.'
Yes - it will be fun to see Faramir as an adult... for the none, we should let him play now and again :)
Thanks for the review!
Larner
· 2 November 2008
· Chapter 40: Turmoil All Around
He is maturing rapidly, Denethor's younger son. Alas that this is the necessity. And the idea of sending Ragnild away could work to either the good or the bad. So far Mithrandir does not appear to have developed the suspicion that Saruman has fallen indeed. He will sound Curunir out? That should be--interesting.
And the time of Faramir's period as esquire approaches.
Author's reply
Hi, Larner!
I am so sorry that Faramir is maturing - darn it all - the lad should have some time being a boy - yet, the time in Dol Amroth was joy-filled.
No - according to the book, and even though this is an AU - I'm trying to follow the book as well as I can - Mithrandir has no idea that Curunir has turned to evil... In fact, I'm not quite sure Curunir has - just bending that way, at this moment in time. But he feels a need to 'control' Gondor and never felt that Denethor would allow that -
fox
· 26 October 2008
· Chapter 39: Must We Repeat
will u protray fara more stronger & wiser?
Author's reply
Dearest Faramir is just turning eight. It's odd you ask, for I was concerned that I portrayed him too mature in this chapter. Glad you didn't think so.
Give the lad time - once he's with Aragorn, his development will be faster, I think, though he seems to be doing pretty good as Steward for the nonce.
Thanks for reviewing.
Larner
· 26 October 2008
· Chapter 39: Must We Repeat
Has a certain White Wizard who smells wrong managed to make his way to Pelargir and infect others? Sounds as if this might have happened.
Interesting.
Author's reply
If it's not the wizard himself, perhaps it's his minions? Do you really think that Grima was his only tool?
Thanks for continuing to read!
Larner
· 9 October 2008
· Chapter 38: Brushed By Evil
I rejoice she recognizes that she was saved from enslavement. She thinks Saruman is bad? He's nothin' compared to the Eye! Fortunate indeed! And if Gandalf is never late and arrives precisely when he means to, he also tends to arrive precisely when he is needed! I suspect Eru has a good deal to do with that....
Author's reply
She definitely is smart enough to know exactly what the Eye wants... but will she stay away? If something else happens to Faramir, now that she has it, will she use it to save him?
'Bout time Gandalf showed up!