Stefania
· 30 January 2008
· Chapter 3: 'Neath a Southern Sky
Keep it up, Shireling (Helen).
Throughout this chapter, I kept thinking, why doesn't SOMEONE see if Min can read. I enjoyed how you introduced Min's reading and writing abilities.
As far as Min's identity is concerned, his fair beard might indicate either Movieverse Boromir or Movieverse Faramir. If it's Boromir, then this would be my first Boromir lives!! AU tale. If it's Faramir, then we are in for a major explanation of matters in Minas Tirith. Or could that "fair beard" be a red-herring, and Min is someone else. That would really be something. The suspense continues as I wait for you to update the story.
- Steff
Stefania
· 29 January 2008
· Chapter 2: The Sword that was broken
Hmmm, Shireling.
Aragorn wounded? Faramir one beer short of a six pack? And poor Minnow, rescued from the depths of the Anduin? My mind boggles. What will happen to Gondor with their leaders in such sorry state? I hope Imrahil and Arwen are going to step up to the leadership plate.
I never read "The Steward's Coup," though I always thought I might want to. So I don't have any preconceived notions of your "verse." Therefore, my point of view might be different than that of others who have read your previous stories.
Meantime, we've got the making of a huge angst fest in the early stages of "Out of Memory and Time." I'm intrigued.
- Steff
Author's reply
Steff,
I have a habit of writing Gondor Angst!
'Cloaks and Memories' and 'Stewards Coup' were set in the same verse but this story is not related to those two, although the setting is the same.
At this point in the story Gondor is heading for difficult times. With Aragorn injured and Faramir compromised, Imrahil will have to step into the breach. . .more of the situation in Gondor in chapter 4.
Thank you for your feedback, it is really appreciated.
Hugs
Helen
Stefania
· 29 January 2008
· Chapter 0: Minnow
Props to you, Shireling, for this immediately involving prologue. The mystery of Minnow's identity is compelling from the get go. Mysterious half-drowned men aside, my compliments for your description of ordinary sailors on an ordinary trading vessel. You give the reader a terrific sense of place and make us feel like we are there. Being as Gondor fics (including Dol Amroth and Belfalas settings) are my favorites, I especially enjoyed "Minnow." Now on to the next chapter.
- Steff
Author's reply
Thank you Steff, I really appreciate your comments.
I hope Min's story will continue to engage you as the background to his ordeal are revealed!
Hugs
Helen
Raksha The Demon
· 28 January 2008
· Chapter 3: 'Neath a Southern Sky
Minnow's recovery is well-delineated here, though he obviously has a long way to go. I still think he's Faramir; but there is a possibility he could be someone else. The 'fair' whiskers are confusing...
Do post the next chapter soon!
Author's reply
Thank you, Raksha
The next chapter should go some way to explaining the mystery!
Helen
Linda Hoyland
· 26 January 2008
· Chapter 3: 'Neath a Southern Sky
Another gripping chapter. I've grown to like Min and his friends very much.My friend thinks Min is a character I know well,but I'm far from certain. Eagerly awaiting more.
Author's reply
Hi Linda
Thank you so much. Min has endeared himself to his new friends and hopefully the next chapter will provide some more clues as to his origins.
Hugs
Helen
Neilia
· 26 January 2008
· Chapter 3: 'Neath a Southern Sky
Such a good story. So well contructed...and leaves us wanting more. Definitely a keeper. Love, Neilia
Author's reply
Dear Neilia
Thank you so much for your kind comments.
More soon
Hugs
Helen
Fantasia
· 26 January 2008
· Chapter 3: 'Neath a Southern Sky
Greata new chapter!You know, I can not wait to read the next chapter, I really like this story. Good to see Min recovered, even if he is deaf.
Still thinking that he is Faramir, Thanks and update soon.
Fantasia
Author's reply
Thank you Fantasia
I hope the next chapter will throw some light on the situation.
Thank you for reading
Hugs
Helen
irene
· 26 January 2008
· Chapter 3: 'Neath a Southern Sky
Such a well-written story, such a pleasure to read!
Well, I still think Min cannot be Faramir, but what if he's neither Boromir or Faramir? The term "youngster" makes one think...
Please update soon!
Author's reply
Hi Irene
Thank you so much for your kind words and support.
I think the mystery of Min's identity will become clear in the next chapter.
Hugs
Helen
Fantasia
· 18 January 2008
· Chapter 2: The Sword that was broken
Great story, I can wait for more...
I went back and re read your old stories...Is this one following after the Steward Coup or before? I'm a little confuse, he didn't have that good relationship with Aragorn before and he was already married when the story finish...and he doesn't seem to have any problem with his right hand.
Anyway, I'm checking every day for updates, please, update soon. I too believe that Min is Faramir, he doesn't have too much luck in your stories.
I'm at work, so I should be doing this... Keep writing
Thanks, Fantasia
Author's reply
Thank you, Fantasia
In answer to your question, this is a stand alone story as it would be taking place at about the same time as 'Steward's Coup'.
I'm afraid that as much as I love my Faramir I can't seem to help putting him through the physical and emotional wringer!
At the beginning of this story Faramir and Aragorn have a much closer relationship, Aragorn has become a surrogate brother/father figure to the Steward.
Thank you for your enthusiastic support, I will try to update next week.
Many thank
hugs
Helen
cathleen
· 15 January 2008
· Chapter 2: The Sword that was broken
Wow! This is really intense! And so well written and engaging. I really like the dreams (visions?) Faramir is having about poor Boromir. You have initiated a magnificent buildup of emotion and I can't *wait* to see where you are going with this!
cathleen
· 15 January 2008
· Chapter 0: Minnow
Oh my, Shireling, this story so far is truly amazing! And so different from anything of yours I've read before. Absolutely excellent beginning here - you have created a tense atmosphere of waiting and of agonizing speculation...who is this man and just who did this horrible thing to him? And why? I wonder where he comes from. Aside from the story itself being marvellous, your writing is tremendously visual. I love the keenly drawn descriptions of the man's brutal injuries and the emotional upheaval he has caused by his untimely arrival. I'm looking forward very much to seeing what happens next.
I am so very glad you are back to writing, my friend! And, writing with a veangeance, I might add. Your brief hiatus was apparently just the kind of break you needed to restore your creative spirit. I'm so pleased to see you posting here again, too!
(((Hugs)))
Cathleen
Author's reply
Cathleen,
Thank you for your kind words and enthusiasm. This is the story that has plagued me for nearly a year and it is so good to finally get it out to share.
Minnow, or Min, as we will come to know him,has been fortunate in his rescuers and the circumstances leading up to his discovery will gradually unfold as he begins to recover from his ordeal.
Thank you, Cathleen. Your encouragement has kept me going when I doubted I would ever have another story to tell.
hugs
helen
irene
· 14 January 2008
· Chapter 0: Minnow
Minnow has to be Boromir...but how...why...where...when... Very intriguing!
Author's reply
Thank you, Irene
As to the identity of poor minnow. . .all will be revealed. *Grin*
Neilia
· 14 January 2008
· Chapter 2: The Sword that was broken
Okay, Min has got to be Faramir, right? No? Yes? See, I told you I am hooked! More, please!
Author's reply
Hi Nelia,
It is too soon to reveal his identity, his tale will gradually be revealed as the story unfolds!
Helen
Neilia
· 14 January 2008
· Chapter 0: Minnow
This is an intriging and captivating story. I'm hooked.
Author's reply
Thank you, Neilia
I hope the story continues to captivate you.
Helen/shireling
Raksha The Demon
· 14 January 2008
· Chapter 2: The Sword that was broken
Well now I think I know who "Minnow" is. And it's a nice touch, having Faramir find Boromir's sword and shield.
Looking forward to reading the next chapter, and the next, ASAP!
Author's reply
Thank you, Raksha
Minnow is safe for now and his story be revealed as he recovers from his ordeal.
Faramir's 'gifts' and his bond to Boromir led him to the artifacts in the river. . .but at no small cost.
Thank you for your comments, they are much appreciated
Helen