Ow! This chapter is waaaay too short, Agape! How dare you leave us like that! No chocolate chip cookies for you, dearie! LOL You're almost as evil as I am with the cliffies.
Terrible to think that even so-called learned people would think the Valar myths. A sad state of affairs for Gondor if her people have stopped believing in them.
Author's reply
Sorry *goes to her own supply of chocolate chip cookies*
As for the Valar.... Aragorn will help our little Faramir unlearn the wrongs taught by his tutor... if he survives! *gleefilled evil giggle*
SurgicalSteel
· 11 March 2008
· Chapter 14: A Trap
Hm, how does the saying go? Oh, right. 'Out of the frying pan, into the fire.'
Hopefully everything will work out for the best!
Author's reply
Hahahahaha.... we'll see -
Raksha The Demon
· 9 March 2008
· Chapter 13: A Friend Indeed
A nice, upbeat chapter; thankfully the little Steward is out of the water and into the arms of his King. The conversation between them is delightful; it's very credible that Faramir quickly recovers his curiosity and confidence. The bit with Faramir using a vulgar soldier's exclamation was great, very much something a kid his age, who has recently been surrounded by soldiers and rangers, would try.
What is the spell that was laid on Faramir, and who laid it?
I assume that Aragorn will hand Faramir over to the searchers rather than return to Minas Tirith to present him to Indis, but only time and further chapters will tell. Since King and Steward are in Ithilien, there can always be Orcs or Haradrim lurking about...
Author's reply
Thanks Raksha for the review. It is an upbeat chapter. Saved and quickly, cared for and warmed, fed and held. What more could a boy ask for? Though Faramir has been through some extraordinary times, his natural inquisitiveness is quick to take center stage. He can't help himself.
Indis and the crew are waiting for the blasted wizard to come to town and tell them about this spell. They know it's not just fatigue and shock that caused Faramir to lapse into the coma... so it's got to be some spell. Thankfully, Aragorn seems to have a knowledge of spells and is able to help. Glad he decided to see if something was still wrong. Duh!
Do not assume, dearest Raksha, for there are fouler things in the world than Orcs and Haradrim... men can be just as evil, as Faramir can tell you from his encounter with Amandil..... *shivers*
Larner
· 9 March 2008
· Chapter 13: A Friend Indeed
Now--what is our favorite Ranger doing in Ithilien at the moment? I'm rather glad he is, of course.
Orc spit? Giggling!
Author's reply
Faramir was very glad the 'friend' was there. And I'm glad Aragorn is gently teaching Faramir the ways of a Steward. Perhaps it will help Aragorn as he learns the way of a king!
Fiondil
· 8 March 2008
· Chapter 13: A Friend Indeed
He sat and pulled out his pipe and wondered that fate should place him here at this time for this boy.
Fate or the Valar! And just what is Aragorn doing in Ithilien anyway? Hunting for Gollum for Gandalf or is something else going on? Can't wait to find out! And I loved how polite Faramir is, always saying "Thank you". *grin* It says much for the boy's upbringing and character.
Author's reply
Ah ha! Not even Indis knows he's there... As for Faramir and his manners... of course he was raised well. Shees!
SurgicalSteel
· 8 March 2008
· Chapter 13: A Friend Indeed
Well, at least poor Faramir's in good hands now!
Author's reply
Yes, thankfully! And we both know these are very good hands....
Larner
· 7 March 2008
· Chapter 12: A Reckoning
Now, for them to find where the Eagle has left him, and to find WHY it was necessary for him to come out at that point.
Author's reply
LOL - hold onto your hat. Faramir has quite a few adventures left before he is ready to hold the Rod.
Larner
· 7 March 2008
· Chapter 11: A Fearsome Journey
Aha! This young Steward is not intended to die--not now. And Manwe sends his own Eagles to assist! Wonderful. Now to find him.
Author's reply
Not the eagles that we know that tend to rescue others - but still, M-e is full of wondrous creatures. And foul!
Tari
· 4 March 2008
· Chapter 12: A Reckoning
Poor Faramir. He seems to go from one tragedy to another. I do hope he is found in time. Dratted badger.
Tari
Author's reply
Thanks for the response, Tari! Yes, poor Faramir - and it will only get worse - bless his heart!
SurgicalSteel
· 4 March 2008
· Chapter 12: A Reckoning
Well, at least now the alarm's been received and they can start looking for poor Faramir. Poor kid.
Author's reply
Perhaps a life-expanding experience........ But I feel incredibly sorry for Indis!
Edlyn
· 1 March 2008
· Chapter 11: A Fearsome Journey
Eep! Goodness! Oh, Thank Manwe for Faramir's rescue. I hope he is found (by the good guys) soon. This is such a good AU, mellon-nin. I am so happy to find notice of the new chapters in my in box even if I don't get around to reviewing every one. I like the well rounded characterizations and the fact that none of the events are happening in a vacuum. Yes, there will be problems with the Army accepting a woman as Regent or Captain-General after so many years of strictly male rule. And badgers are scary creatures when roused. Please do keep providing hte links to your resource information. I'm learning all sorts of fascinating things by going to them and then doing searches based on what I find on the sites (I'm sure you can tell that I'm the kind of person who picks up an encyclopedia volume to look something specific up and then gets sucked into reading about many other things because of a bit of information that caught my eye as I was paging through to the original information). I'm enthusiastically looking forward to the next part!
Edlyn aka Christine
Author's reply
Bless you. I just can't write something that I'm not sure about... hence the footnotes about research. Very glad you like them - I wasn't sure if anyone even looked at them. I will continue as the need arises.
As for your extremely kind words about well rounded characterizations - thank you a thousandfold!
Bless you and thank you for your review - it was MOST appreciated. I had asked for a sign and this review is one.
Raksha The Demon
· 28 February 2008
· Chapter 10: Plots and Portents
I don't understand why Borondir didn't post a guard at the tent to follow his eight-year-old Steward. I would imagine he's going to regret that oversight...And in addition, put a collar with a cat bell on the kid!
Author's reply
Oh dear, Raksha.... when he returns, poor Derufin is going to give him an earful!!!! But you must be kind - Borondir is a bachelor!
Author Reply: Well - Borondir was a bachelor for a very long time. Even I've forgotten that he was just wed a few short months ago!
Raksha The Demon
· 28 February 2008
· Chapter 11: A Fearsome Journey
Oops; Faramir is out of the frying pan into the fire again; and no one knows where he is. I don't envy Borondir having to send word to Indis...Well-written chapter; I hope you update soon.
Author's reply
Thank you for the kind words, Raksha! Much appreciated.
Larner
· 22 February 2008
· Chapter 10: Plots and Portents
Oh, dear! And who to save him? Consternation will ensue!
Author's reply
I cannot WAIT till you find out IF he is saved.... Oh dear, I can't help it. I can't wait till you find out WHO saves him!!!! Happy, happy, joy, joy!!!
Larner
· 22 February 2008
· Chapter 9: The Anduin
A wonderful day for the three of them.
Author's reply
Wasn't it though. We always fished as kids and then, when I had my own, we fished as a family. It will be great taking my granddaughter out with me for some good old Lake Erie perch!
Larner
· 22 February 2008
· Chapter 8: An Outing
He's already winning the soldiers of the upper realm to him, which will be needed.
Author's reply
I have always been of the opinion that the knights of Gondor were steadfast, loyal, and stalwart. It makes writing them easier. Though Faramir cannot help but remember those who were in collusion with Amandil, the Usurper. *shudders*
SurgicalSteel
· 22 February 2008
· Chapter 10: Plots and Portents
Faramir's in danger again - why am I not surprised? ;)
At least it was a natural disaster this time, though.
Can't wait to see more!
Author's reply
Oh dear - your remark reminds me of something that happened to me at a showing of the first movie. It was the scene in Moria and poor Frodo gets attacked AGAIN - this time by the troll. Well, a woman behind me says, "Why is that little guy always getting hurt?" I thought I'd pee my pants - the RING - duh!
Well, it seems that 'forces' perhaps are in cohorts against Faramir too. Bless his little heart - and I'm wondering if there is anything 'natural' within the borders of Gondor - for they are the front line against the Enemy.
Hope you enjoy the next parts - they should be fun.
Raksha The Demon
· 20 February 2008
· Chapter 9: The Anduin
A good chapter, with excellent research on birds and their calls! It is good to see Faramir having fun again, and this outing is very typical for someone who will become a Ranger in another life.
Author's reply
I do so like the idea of his beginning his training early on - just for the fun of it before it HAS to become serious.
Glad you liked the bird calls. It's my own opinion that they must have used some kind of call, and birds are the best... It was fun listening to the different birds to try to find a couple that would be easier to imitate.
Thanks, Raksha, for your comments. I find it interesting that I'm writing Faramir... the gods must be crazy!
SurgicalSteel
· 19 February 2008
· Chapter 9: The Anduin
Nice to see poor Faramir actually having some good times.
Author's reply
Good times = healing. Let's hope they continue.
Edlyn
· 11 February 2008
· Chapter 8: An Outing
Ah, meldenya, you really ought to buy stock in Kleenex because your readers are certainly going through them when reading this tale, if I am any example. Excuse me while I go open another box...
All right, I think I can type more or less coherently now. This was just lovely. I think my favourite humourous bit was when Targon and the cook went off to the kitchens discussing the best spices and herbs to use. And my favourite serious bit was a tie between Faramir's conversation with Borondir about being afraid and the greeting/homage of the soldiers.
I'm looking forward to reading more.
(Sorry I missed the chat on Saturday, migraines are awful things)
Edlyn
Author's reply
I am just having a great time writing Faramir. I love his vulnerability and yet his 'example' of how to be a Steward was soooo strong. Who could not watch Denethor and learn a thing or two! Glad that he had the temerity to overcome his fear and be what he is - Steward.
We missed you, btw!
SurgicalSteel
· 11 February 2008
· Chapter 8: An Outing
Oh, I liked this. Poor little orphaned Faramir is doing quite well, isn't he?
Author's reply
Thanks, SS - yes, Faramir is doing pretty well - with the help of so many!
colbysgurl
· 8 February 2008
· Chapter 3: Just in Case
So Boromir carved a horse for Theodred? awww...I love that.
Author's reply
Oh drat - I must not have written that part very well. The horse was a gift from Prince Imrahil, Boromir's uncle, to Boromir at the Mettare before Boromir died. It was carved by one of the renowned craftsmen of Minas Tirith.
Faramir thought, because Theodred is a horse-lord, that he would be the perfect one to keep this little treasure. And besides that, Boromir and Theodred were very close friends (from My Sword Sings) and Faramir thought that Boromir would want Theodred to have it, to remember him by.
Thanks for reading - have fun!
colbysgurl
· 8 February 2008
· Chapter 2: Acceptance
hm..so, if I understand this correctly, Boromir and Denathor are both dead? That is why Faramir is under the care of his aunt?
This is really good so far.
Author's reply
Hello colbysgurl... welcome to Indis' tale.
If you want to 'see' what happened before this and how it happens that Denethor is dead - then read the first of the books... My Sword Sings... unfortunately, at the very end of that comes an event that will change Faramir's life even more than the death of his father.
Then - if you'd like - you can check out what happened right before this book with My Sword Weeps.... fun with Aragorn and Elves!
Thanks for reading and responding and enjoying!
Larner
· 8 February 2008
· Chapter 7: Archers
To go from pranks to overwhelming memories would be terrible indeed. But I'm glad he IS doing some pranks at least, and is allowed to be a child, even if the child must learn right from wrong.
Author's reply
Sometimes pranks can hide true feelings... and sometimes, when they're done with a friend, they can be a part of healing. As for the overwhelming memories... I think it's the idea that HE is supposed to sit in his dad's chair - how intimidating... just too much for a little one to take in at one sitting (pun intended)... and poor Indis just didn't look that far....
elanor winterflowers
· 19 January 2008
· Chapter 6: An Empty Bed
I have not had the pleasure of reading the two "My Sword" stories that precede this one, but I intend to go back and do so. You have created a spine-tingling AU in these six chapters and I want to know how all this came about!
Wonderful characters! It is so interesting to see the familiar ones (Theoden, Theodred, Imrahil among others) in earlier days, to glimpse the shadowy Thorongil and meet the stunning Indis. And Faramir is such a dear little boy to be at the center of such dark and harrowing events--a brilliant creation!
The style very much suits such a wrenching history: clipped, efficient, factual. Hemingway-esque, deceptively layered! The effect is very powerful and compelling.
I suspect I owe you an apology for Left Behind. Denethor's most constant scribe must have found the contents of that story horrifying! You gave me such a lovely review at MEFA--thank you! And know that my intention was not to demonize him, but to show how much of his life and his inherent pride and decency had been compromised by the cunning of Sauron, and his heart broken by the imperatives of duty.I meant it as a sensitive portrait of a tragic ruler, as I think you suspected. Fate was not kind to the poor man!
I very much enjoyed reading these chapters and look forward to more!
Author's reply
Hello elanor! Thanks for writing. Just a quick note - I started "My Sword Sings" because Indis (Denethor's sister in 10,000 Years) was such a compelling charactr that I felt she deserved her own tale. So though the books might 'seem' to be about Faramir and others, intrinsically, it is about Indis' part in their lives. A huge part. I have found I really admire the woman... as do her cohorts. The tale, however, went to places I didn't expect, and so the second book came along... I NEVER expected this 'Trembles' one - for the next part was supposed to be "My Sword Reigns" - the ending book - but that will be forthcoming someday! LOL
Your kind words are MOST appreciated. I am stunned by the adjectives. Thank you.
As for 'Left Behind' - it is a stunning tale - the kind of tale that sticks with the reader forever. Faramir and Pippin were profound. As I said in my 10-point review at MEFA, Denethor's actions were plausible. You wrote it well. It is the mindless bashing of the Steward for quick and easy gratification that galls me. You gave him heart and character and decency. Even though he took a path I hoped he would not, it was masterfully written. I thank you for that.