Sundry Scrolls II by Raksha The Demon
Larner · 25 March 2008 · Chapter 3: III. Before the Black Gate (Pippin)
Well, now they are prepared, physically and spiritually, for what comes, as much as they can be, at least.
Author's reply
Ah, you're the first to review this story; thanx, Larner. I think it would be better to face almost certain death with at least some peace of mind, not to mention a decent breakfast...
Larner · 25 March 2008 · Chapter 2: II. Wind of Change
I now see the relevance of the question the other day. Marvelous beginning for our beloved shieldmaiden. Angmar's doom is sealed, and Manwe's winds delight to carry the news--and the taunts to Minas Morgul! Marvelous!
Author's reply
OOOh, you got it! It occurred to me, as I was finishing up this story (which I began awhile ago), that the wind wasn't just anywind, and the winds and airs of Arda were affiliated with Manwe; but I couldn't figure out how to say it in the story without being more obvious than I would like. Yes, just think of the wind beating on Minas Morgul as sort of a big Valarin raspberry to the Witch-King. Now you've got me wondering whether the roof of the Tower of the Moon leaked, and raindrops were falling on the Wiki's head... Thanx for the review, Larner!
phyloxena · 24 March 2008 · Chapter 2: II. Wind of Change
"fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners?" -- it is so obviously Eowyn! It so great she is born with the wind and snapping of banners. I love that Eowyn has a destiny of her own, not a chance coincidence with the fate of the Witch King.
Author's reply
I have a sneaking suspicion that there were many destinies fulfilled in the Ring War, that the Powers of Arda were watching over at least some of their Children. Eowyn is something of a wild card, but it is easy to believe that somewhere, it was known, that she was the one who would wield the Witch-King's death-blow. Thanx for reading and reviewing!
Linda Hoyland · 23 March 2008 · Chapter 2: II. Wind of Change
A very powerful and evocative ficlet. It seems very fitting Eowyn should be born in a storm!
Author's reply
Thanx, Linda; I'm so glad you found the story meaningful.
Branwyn · 18 March 2008 · Chapter 1: I. Rider of the Last Hope (Faramir)
I don't agree that Denethor sent Faramir on that mission to punish him, but I can see how it might seem that way to Faramir in the circumstances. I like how you used the song about Borondir to tie the piece together. There is such a contrast between Faramir's lonely vigil in the gloomy chamber and the happy scenes with his family. His present is devoid of color--filled with images of stone and darkness--while he remembers laughter and song in the gardens. I like how, when he must, he puts aside these gentle thoughts and turns to the business at hand. Very nicely done!
Author's reply
I think there might have been an element of punishment in Denethor's maneuvering Faramir into the position of accepting a desperate mission for the sake of honor and family loyalty; though I am not sure how self-aware Denethor was. And I do think that Faramir might well have interpreted the Steward's decision as punishment. The presence of Faramir's lute, and the song and the memories it invoked, came to me after I had written half of the piece and was wondering how it would continue and end. I'm very glad that you saw the contrasts between this very bleak moment and happier times in Faramir's life, and his reluctant but determined decision to put aside the gentler part of his nature and go out to do battle. Thanx for another insightful review, Branwyn.
Linda Hoyland · 16 March 2008 · Chapter 1: I. Rider of the Last Hope (Faramir)
I loved the way you used the lute here. you show the different sides of Faramir's personality here and his heroic courage against overwhelming odds.
Author's reply
Thanx for reading and reviewing, Linda. I think music is important to Faramir, and would have played a larger role in his life if he had been born and raised in more peaceful times, or been a minstrel's son. And it took a very brave man to face what lay ahead of him at the outwalls, not only face it, but face it with pride and determination.
meckinock · 16 March 2008 · Chapter 1: I. Rider of the Last Hope (Faramir)
Faramir's determination and refusal to give up in the face of impossible odds really come through here. This moment in his life really crystallizes how he possesses a transcendent strength and faith that his father lacks.
Author's reply
Thanx for the review, Meckinock - I'm pleased that you liked this depiction of Faramir, in one of his darkest hours. I have always thought him to be a stronger man than even his brother, as well as his father; though neither Boromir nor Denethor were weaklings.
Laura · 16 March 2008 · Chapter 1: I. Rider of the Last Hope (Faramir)
This is the Faramir I know and love. What a wonderful piece.
Author's reply
Faramir's diversity of talents, his warrior skills as well as his more gentle talents such as love of lore and music, endeared him to me some 40 years ago. I'm pleased that you like the character as I have presented him here. Thanx for reading and reviewing, Laura!
harrowcat · 16 March 2008 · Chapter 1: I. Rider of the Last Hope (Faramir)
I love the mood of this place Raksha - brilliant.
Author's reply
Since the mood of the story seemed to go back and forth almost of its own will as I was trying to write it, I'm glad it came out readably in the final product, Harrowcat. Thanx for reading and reviewing!
Larner · 16 March 2008 · Chapter 1: I. Rider of the Last Hope (Faramir)
Fantastic, Raksha! Yes, he has reason to feel one with Borondir and Hirgon and Boromir! And love that he thinks of himself as his brother's heir. Yes, I can so see this! Wonderful story.
Author's reply
Faramir stepped up to the plate that Denethor laid out for him, proudly but knowingly; to take Boromir's place and show himself as brave as Boromir. This ficlet took a different direction than the one I had planned, and ended up showing the ways that Faramir was like, and unlike his brother - but one quality that the sons of Denethor shared was courage; the same courage displayed by Borondir and Hirgon. Thanx for reading and reviewing, Larner!
phyloxena · 16 March 2008 · Chapter 1: I. Rider of the Last Hope (Faramir)
Am I first to review?! Great piece. For me it culminated on "choke on my angry heart". It is really hard to write Faramir in first person, since there is no introspection ITB, but in this line it rung very close.
Author's reply
I always see Faramir as angry as well as hurt by his father's coldness, and Faramir's line "But if I should return, think better of me!" has always sounded like a demand as much as, or perhaps more than, a plea. I'm glad you liked this vignette, Phyloxena; and thanx for reviewing.