Shield-maiden of Rohan
· 28 March 2025
· Chapter 12: XII. Stranger At The Feast (Faramir)
And Faramir, I would that you call me by name.”
“Which one, Sire?” Faramir relaxed enough to ask, a certain mischief in his voice.
Pippin snorted with laughter, while the other halflings grinned. Éowyn's brother mumbled something in Rohirric about ‘winged feet’. [Ha! I knew he would mention that about when Aragorn mentioned other names.]
“I suppose that ‘Longshanks’ would be inappropriate,” the King said slowly. “So I ask you to call me the name my father and mother gave me, that of ‘Aragorn’. [chuckle]
As you can see, I also liked this part, and it was very funny. I just knew once they were on the topic Éomer would mention something about his name for Aragorn.
Interesting that from Faramir's point of view he is at this time 'Éowyn's brother'. I guess that makes sense though.
Shield-maiden of Rohan
· 28 March 2025
· Chapter 12: XII. Stranger At The Feast (Faramir)
And Faramir, I would that you call me by name.”
“Which one, Sire?” Faramir relaxed enough to ask, a certain mischief in his voice.
Pippin snorted with laughter, while the other halflings grinned. Éowyn's brother mumbled something in Rohirric about ‘winged feet’. [Ha! I knew he would mention that about when Aragorn mentioned other names.]
“I suppose that ‘Longshanks’ would be inappropriate,” the King said slowly. “So I ask you to call me the name my father and mother gave me, that of ‘Aragorn’. [chuckle]
As you can see, I also liked this part, and it was very funny. I just knew once they were on the topic Éomer would mention something about his name for Aragorn.
Interesting that from Faramir's point of view he is at this time 'Éowyn's brother'. I guess that makes sense though.
Periantari
· 26 April 2023
· Chapter 1: I. Rider of the Last Hope (Faramir)
I was so touched by this . Such wonderful resolve and great description . Thank you .
Sneha
· 24 October 2015
· Chapter 4: IV. The Fire of Hope (Aragorn)
I stumbled upon this today and it made my day! You have captured so wonderfully the hope, the confidence of a young Aragorn. He is light in heart, newly come to his heritage and hardly tested. I always felt he must have looked so young to Arwen and I did not think he truly understood what he was asking of her or Elrond. He gained much more wisdom over the years, somber confidence before meeting her again.
Aragorn was so restrained in the books but his words to Galadriel, "long have you held the only treasure I seek" betrayed his devotion to her! Loved it!
Author's reply
Whoops; I'm sorry I missed this review. Thanks so much for leaving it. Yes, this is a young and still somewhat innocent Aragorn, full of confidence, his strength not yet fully tempered by the wisdom of years. I'm glad you enjoyed the ficlet.
Periantari
· 11 September 2015
· Chapter 1: I. Rider of the Last Hope (Faramir)
I love this so much. So melancholy, so introspective, so true to the mood of making a last stand. This is beautiful!
nancylea57
· 13 June 2009
· Chapter 12: XII. Stranger At The Feast (Faramir)
"The King Elessar had seated Frodo at his right hand, Mithrandir at his left. The four other Halflings hurried to sit down on"
shouldn't that be 3 other halflings?
Author's reply
Yes it should, and it is now three, thanks to your letting me know. I hope you enjoyed the rest of the story...
BanGalpsi
· 1 January 2009
· Chapter 12: XII. Stranger At The Feast (Faramir)
Hi Raksha,
I like your stories a lot because quite often they fill gaps in the canon in a way that made me think "it had to have happened that way". This chapter is no exception, you beautifully describe how awkward it must have been for Faramir to come to terms with the changes. One small thing I am not sure about, would he already know on Aragorn's coronation day that he was to be prince of Ithilien? It was not officially announced until Beregond's trial.
Thanks for another great story!
Author's reply
Oops - I absolutely missed this review. Thanks for reading and commenting. I think that intellectually, Faramir welcomed the change; as a return to the high days of old; and he had revered Aragorn as his king from the moment they first met; but it still had to have been a wrench to look at the table of state habitually occupied by his father and brother and see others in their place.
Good point about the announcement of Faramir's new rank as Prince of Ithilien. I find it hard to believe that the first official announcement that Faramir would become a Prince as well as Steward would be at a soldier's trial; but Tolkien doesn't specify exactly when Faramir's new rank was first revealed. I shall have to think about that!
Soledad
· 13 December 2008
· Chapter 9: IX. Cold Fire (Faramir, AU)
That was frightening. Downright frightening. I think if Boromir could have seen his little brother at the end of this tale, he would have understood why no Man could really bear the Ring - because they would have stopped to be Men and became monsters.
Author's reply
Faramir might have stopped himself, or Gandalf might have been able to take the Ring from him - maybe - but Faramir could have done some damage before then. In any case, bringing the Ring to Minas Tirith was not the best choice, be it Boromir, Faramir or Denethor who made it.
It's odd that as far as we know, Isildur did not turn monstrous in the few years he bore the Ring. Perhaps the slower pace of peace, and Sauron's temporary absence, slowed down the Ring's seduction. There was so much desperation in the time period of LOTR, Men were definitely more vulnerable to the Ring's allure. I'm so glad that this was only an AU!
Thanx for the review!
Soledad
· 13 December 2008
· Chapter 6: VI. The Prisoner of Time (AU, Denethor)
Wow! That was incredibly sad. You should know that I'm one of those rare people who are on Denethor's side, but even so, this is a wonderful story.
Author's reply
I felt bad after I finished writing it; but I just felt that this is what was likely to happen if Denethor had not burned on the Pyre. If Faramir had lived, there would have been hope that Denethor could one day shake himself out of the prison he'd made for himself; but I can't see Denethor willingly letting Aragorn try to heal his dying son (though if I ever go into a DenethorLives! AU more deeply and for more chapters, perhaps I could find a way around that). To some extent, Denethor, who was a gifted man who could have been a great one, was his own worst enemy. (and to some extent, he lived at the wrong time)
Thanx much for reading and reviewing, Soledad.
Lady_Roisin
· 3 October 2008
· Chapter 12: XII. Stranger At The Feast (Faramir)
I loved how you wrote faramir's uneasiness after so much had changed after the war. I like how you had him consider different people at the table, and how he would like to be beside them, but not trouble them. And of course, I love how you had Aragorn call out to him to join him. Of course there is still much to sort out, but the theme of friendship shines through in this story, and I really like that.I also like how Faramir teased Aragorn about about "which name". That was a really nice touch. A very nice story. I enjoyed reading it. :-)
Author's reply
I think it must have been very odd to see another man, especially one who looked like him, sitting in Denethor's place in the Merethrond; even if Faramir approved of the King's return; it would have brought home the absence of his father and brother and the reasons why, of course. But Faramir is strong enough to move beyond the twinges of emotional pain; and Aragorn's easy friendship will help.
I'm pleased you liked the story, Lady R, and thanx much for reviewing it!
Larner
· 16 September 2008
· Chapter 12: XII. Stranger At The Feast (Faramir)
It would seem strange to see such ones given deference at the feast! And he is bade to come up to the main table with King and his companions. Love the "Which name?"!
Author's reply
By this point, Faramir would have had an idea of at least a few of the names used by his new king; and I do think he has enough of a sense of humor to ask such a question, as the strangeness fades a bit.
Thanx for reading and reviewing, Larner!
harrowcat
· 16 September 2008
· Chapter 12: XII. Stranger At The Feast (Faramir)
“The King would have his Steward close at hand, and Aragorn would welcome another friend at his table.”
A wonderful ficlet Raksha and highly appropriate for Linda.
Happy birthday Linda!
Author's reply
Thanx much for reading and reviewing, harrowcat; I do think that a strong friendship would have developed between Aragorn and Faramir; Tolkien set it up so well; and Aragorn would have, at this time, respected and liked his Steward.
UTfrog
· 16 September 2008
· Chapter 12: XII. Stranger At The Feast (Faramir)
Simply lovely! Thank you
Author's reply
Thanx for the enthusiastic review, UTfrog; I'm glad you liked the piece.
Linda Hoyland
· 15 September 2008
· Chapter 12: XII. Stranger At The Feast (Faramir)
This is just beautiful !THank you for such a lovely present, which I am printing out to treasure.
I loved Faramir's uncertainty and Aragorn's kindness to him,while the comment about the names was priceless!It is good to see that Halbarad has a son and Faramir sits next to his lady.
Author's reply
So glad you liked your prezzie; and thanx for reviewing. While I believe that Faramir was self-sufficient enough to have found a seat at another table, I think that a sudden feeling of alienation and distance at seeing a familiar setting so changed, was natural. I think Aragorn was enjoying able to shower his friends with kindness, and relax; and he wanted Faramir to feel as welcome as he felt Denethor's son to be...
I am not the first fanfic writer to give Halbarad a son, I thought that at least one of Halbarad's sons (or possibly grandsons) would have accompanied him south with the Grey Company...
Faramir and I had to slip in the question about Aragorn's names!
shirebound
· 21 August 2008
· Chapter 11: XI. Long Under Tree (Thranduil & family)
The forest has claimed him, and so he should be named.
This is a delightful scene. :)
Author's reply
Thanx for reviewing, Shirebound! I had fun writing the scene, and imagining Thranduil and Mrs. Thranduil and Baby Greenleaf.
Pearl Took
· 21 August 2008
· Chapter 3: III. Before the Black Gate (Pippin)
Very beautifully written, Raksha! I hadn't thought before of tight rations, a sore trial even for a toughened hobbit like Pippin is by this point in the story.
Author's reply
Oops; how did I miss this review? Thanx for reading and commenting, Pearl. Yes, it would probably be more depressing for Pippin to miss a good breakfast than to face a battalion of Uruk-hai; but he's grown up enough to endure both.
phyloxena
· 21 August 2008
· Chapter 9: IX. Cold Fire (Faramir, AU)
You did it! Chilling. You conveyed the sense of great rush: once he didn't stop to ponder all consequences, it all rolls down.
Author's reply
I'm pleased that you found the piece chilling, that's what I was aiming for. Darned good thing that it didn't happen in Tolkien's true timeline, right?!
Thanx for the review, phyloxena!
Khorazîr
· 19 August 2008
· Chapter 11: XI. Long Under Tree (Thranduil & family)
Oooh, this is sweet -- especially after the two much more serious ficlets. But this cheerful little tale reflects Legolas' character very well.
Author's reply
Thanx Khorazir, I really needed to post something cheerful after putting Denethor and Faramir through AU h*ll. Thanx for reading and reviewing the tale of Legolas' naming day!
Khorazîr
· 19 August 2008
· Chapter 10: X. Destiny of Fire (Ecthelion)
It's interesting to see Denethor as a long-awaited and much-loved baby, especially in the knowledge of the fact that in later years, Ecthelion seems to have prefered Thorongil to his own son. Another excellent piece, Raksha.
Author's reply
I'm sure Denethor was long awaited, and probably much loved. I often wonder if Ecthelion found Denethor the child, or young boy, harder to deal with than Denethor the much-loved baby; since I see them as very different sorts of men.
Thanx for reading and commenting, Khorazir.
Khorazîr
· 19 August 2008
· Chapter 9: IX. Cold Fire (Faramir, AU)
I'm sure there are many AU stories out there of what might have happened had Faramir taken the Ring. I haven't read them, and I don't think I will now, because this one has been so good -- and scary. Especially the bit about him losing his compassion -- it's like him losing an integral part of himself. Very well written!
Author's reply
We know that Gondor, and possibly other places could be in for dangerous times if Faramir loses his compassion; Faramir would be quite a nasty customer without it.
I think my alltime favorite X-Takes-The-Ring AU tale was one where Shelob took the bauble; I can't remember where I saw it, but it was good and scary.
Thanx much for reading and reviewing, Khorazir!
Little Dwarf
· 18 August 2008
· Chapter 11: XI. Long Under Tree (Thranduil & family)
*Giggles*
Lovely little piece! :)
Good job at writting an all-dialogue fic without departing from the Tolkienesque style! :)
Author's reply
I had fun with Thranduil, his unnamed queen, and baby Leggy, Little Dwarf. I'm so pleased you enjoyed it, and thanx for reviewing.
Little Dwarf
· 18 August 2008
· Chapter 10: X. Destiny of Fire (Ecthelion)
Bittersweet indeed. And very touching. And extremely well-written!
I loved your characterization of Ecthelion and the air of foreboding that envelopes the story!
I also love the style, you did a great job with the light/darkness contrast, and you made good use of the 'fire' motif - from the fumes of Mordor to the colour of the sky! :) Wonderful!
Author's reply
Yes, poor doom-ridden Denethor was once an innocent and much-loved baby. I'm pleased that you liked my characterisation of Ecthelion; I think he would have been a very strong-minded and pugnacious fellow.
Thanx for commenting, L.D.!
Little Dwarf
· 18 August 2008
· Chapter 9: IX. Cold Fire (Faramir, AU)
I'm very, very glad this is just an AU! And I don't want to think about how the story might have been twisted, had Faramir taken the ring... This *is* the darkest of possibilities, and personally I'd rather have Faramir die painfully at the hands of orcs... :(
But what a marvellous display of writing skill! "At once, he knew a heady joy, as if he drank deep from a wine long stored in dark cellars." - excellent simile!
I like the piece for the writting and the style, but I loathe the very idea that Faramir might have fallen in this way...
Author's reply
Believe me, Small-Dwarf, I loathe the idea that Faramir could fall to the Ring too. Cool, compassionless Faramir is not someone I'd like to meet. That's why this is AU; and not an AU that I plan to take any further, brrrr.
Thanx for reading and reviewing this sinister AU, L.D.!
Linda Hoyland
· 17 August 2008
· Chapter 11: XI. Long Under Tree (Thranduil & family)
A delightful look at how Legolas got his name!
Author's reply
I'm glad you liked the ficlet; Linda; This was my first venture into Thranduil's territory; and I had a little fun with the Elvenking; who I think would have been a very proud and good father.
Linda Hoyland
· 17 August 2008
· Chapter 10: X. Destiny of Fire (Ecthelion)
I loved the chilling foresight in this ficlet.And the mention of hope at the end sends a shudder down my spine!Poor Denethor,he could havebeen all his father had hoped for and more.
Author's reply
So much could have been different, for Gondor, Faramir, and of course for poor Denethor, if he could have held onto hope (a tall order, but others faced terrible odds in the story and forged ahead) and welcomed Hope into his city. But it should be remembered that Denethor did withhold the Tower of Guard from Sauron's grasp throughout his stewardship; and Minas Tirith did not fall.
Thanx for reviewing, Linda!