Reviews (30)

Lady Forlong · 21 July 2024 · Chapter 7: The Measure of a Man

(Too late to post this, but here goes nothing anyway. I just now read it.) Beautiful story. I love how Faramir and Aragorn respect other people's religious beliefs and have an open mind about them, even enough to participate in their rituals and speculate that they may be worshiping the same God in their own way (Tilion = Moon God, etc). One question: why doesn't anyone consider the possibility that Fikri could learn to use his left hand (like Maedhros did)?

demeter d · 18 February 2014 · Chapter 8: O, Silver Moon

I have a few minutes free today. I will try to catch up on some reviews of stories I have enjoyed recently. This is a beautiful conclusion to this story which has been beautiful as well as frightening and emotional. I very much enjoyed your description of the ceremony. I felt as though I stood on the banks of the Anduin with your characters, bathed in the golden light of the Harvest Moon. That mantle of Findiulas's which Eowyn wore is especially perfect for the occasion! Fikri's moment of remembering was especially touching. I believe many of us have memories of our mother or grandmother singing over our beds which pre-date our understanding even of spoken language. As it often does, your evocative writing has reminded me of threads of yet another lovely scene from yet another story I am familiar with. Several years ago, actor Robin Williams made a movie called "Hook". The premise of that one, for any readers who might not have heard of it, is that in one of his visits to Wendy, away from Never-Land, Peter Pan falls in love with Wendy's granddaughter. He stays to grow up with her, but as a consequence loses his memories of Never-Land. Decades later, Captain Hook kidnaps Peter's two children in an attempt to get him to come back and "play" some more. There is a wondrously beautiful scene where Peter's daughter stands on the deck of the ship, bathed in the light of a brilliant moon, and sings a lullaby which her mother sang to her and her brother. She had the listening Lost Boys, and even most of the Pirates, in tears! And one more shared thread. Aragorn comments that perhaps through their reaching out to the "Lord of the Moon" the Haradrim have been reaching out to The One all along. There is a scene in the last of C.S.Lewis's Narnia Chronicles which I especially like. The world of Narnia has ended, and Aslan the lion,(who is a parable for Christ,)has led the righteous survivors of that world into his heavenly kingdom, a new Narnia. One of the people whom we discover in Aslan's kingdom is a young Calormene soldier whom we last met as a member of the invading army which helped to destroy that world. The young man is terrified when greeted by Aslan. He told Aslan that all of his life he had striven to serve Tash, the frightening bird-headed God of the Calormene people. Aslan replied that it was impossible to render any righteous service to Tash, who was inherently evil. Aslan continued that continued that any service given out of a good and loving heart was rendered unto himself, and would be rewarded accordingly. (That is one story which, I think, will not be filmed in our world today. The main villain culture is even more "Arabic" in feel than the Haradrim!)

Lady Bluejay · 4 November 2013 · Chapter 8: O, Silver Moon

A nice happy ending. Just what I like. LBJ

Larner · 4 November 2013 · Chapter 8: O, Silver Moon

I rejoice that Fikri is beginning to find his true self and identity at long last. It is a blessing fitting to the celebration.

shirebound · 3 November 2013 · Chapter 8: O, Silver Moon

"Your uncle will help you remember and guide you in the ways of your tribe," said Aragorn. "I was once much like you, as I lived apart from my tribe when I was a boy. I had to flee to safety with my mother after my father was slain." What a marvelous way for Aragorn to connect his experience with Fikri's. Thank you for such a hopeful and lovely ending. This young man has a lifetime of experiences ahead of him, and many who love him to help him on his path.

Marianel · 3 November 2013 · Chapter 8: O, Silver Moon

Im so relieved it all ended rather well for the poor Harad boy.I have followed this story and it is one of the best I have seen in fanfiction:)I was so afraid for Faramir and it was a close call indeed.I look forward t your new story of the Harad family and in the meantime I entertain myself with your other stories! :) Hugs /Marianel - Swedish Tolkien fan

Larner · 5 October 2013 · Chapter 7: The Measure of a Man

Healing gifts such as Aragorn's are more effective as they are based on the wish to restore harmony. I suspect the young man will do well in time as he realizes that honor is earned rather than claimed as was true among those who took him and raised him in opposition to how he was born.

shirebound · 4 October 2013 · Chapter 7: The Measure of a Man

Such a fortunate lad... but what a shame he doesn't (yet) realize it! It takes an even braver man to try to bring peace between two nations that have been enemies for countless generations. So true. Your tales are full of wisdom.

Larner · 23 September 2013 · Chapter 6: He was lost, and is found

Excellent discovery, and at least the boy does now have the chance to become what he was intended to be and as he has shown his own proclivities to bend him.

shirebound · 22 September 2013 · Chapter 6: He was lost, and is found

a completely different way of life, a new name, a new family, and a new faith. Such a transition would be incredibly difficult. Thank goodness Tahir is there to ease the boy into understanding his new life, and new self.

Lady Bluejay · 13 September 2013 · Chapter 5: To sleep:perchance to dream

Ah, the plot thickens. Very nice. LBJ

Larner · 12 September 2013 · Chapter 5: To sleep:perchance to dream

Alas that he has been drawn from his birthright by those given to Sauron's worship. I hope that Tahir can help him turn his life around!

shirebound · 12 September 2013 · Chapter 5: To sleep:perchance to dream

Oh, how suspenseful! Your chapters always leave me anxious for more. He placed his arm around Faramir's shoulders and held him as he so often held Eldarion after some nocturnal terror had disturbed his slumbers. Awwwww. I love little details like that.

Lady Bluejay · 11 September 2013 · Chapter 4: And too the rescue came

Very much enjoying this. I like the rational that Denethor thought to sacrifice Faramir.LBJ

Robbie · 2 September 2013 · Chapter 4: And too the rescue came

Poor Faramir. I fear he won't get off without nightmares. I love this story! A very good plot, involving followers of the "Lord of gifts" without it being that far-fetched. And I love the way your characters seem to be really alife, interacting realistically. You also mix dialogue with descriptions so well I feel like I am seeing the things for myself.

Larner · 2 September 2013 · Chapter 4: And too the rescue came

I rejoice that he is safe and receiving proper treatment. Alas that Fikri was shot, but hopefully he lives and will continue to do so to the greater honor of Harad.

shirebound · 1 September 2013 · Chapter 4: And too the rescue came

"What greater honour could there be than to return the White Rod to the King returned?" Faramir exclaimed. Faramir loves his King so much. Thank you for bringing the rescue so soon, I could hardly bear the thought of more anguish for either of them. But poor Fikri! I hope we hear more about him.

demeter d · 27 August 2013 · Chapter 3: Threat’ning to devour me

My previous review had been intended to be for chapter 2. Now I will continue the thoughts I had from both chapters. Your young Fikri reminds me especially of two young men from classic Real Life fiction. As well read as I know you are, I am sure you are familiar with the American novel,"Huckleberry Finn". For any readers who may not be, Huck was created by author Mark Twain. The character lived in the southern, slave-owning state of Missouri, I believe in the 1830s. (Been too long since I read it.) He was a poor white boy, who has befriended a black slave named Jim. In order to escape from slavery, and Huck's alcoholic father, they sail down the Mississippi river on a log raft. At one point in their adventure, Huck is really feeling the pressure of the society through which they travel, to turn Jim in. According to the beliefs of that white society, in helping him to run away, Huck is stealing property from the Widow Douglas who owned Jim. Huck believes that his "conscience" tells him to turn Jim in, and that he would rather "go to hell" than betray his friend. Some of my Christian acquaintances have been scandalized by that declaration. But I had an intelligent, loving, Sunday School teacher during the Civil Rights struggles of the 1960's who believed that loving, innocent hearted Huck was really listening to the Holy Spirit, instead of the voice of the society in which he lived. I sense that potential in your Fikri.

demeter d · 27 August 2013 · Chapter 2: An offering by Fire

(oh, dear. I posted a very long review in chapter 3, dated 8/26th. it was meant to be here. oops!)

Larner · 27 August 2013 · Chapter 3: Threat’ning to devour me

Hopefully Damrod's bow and Aragorn's sword are not far behind. I can appreciate his terror!

demeter d · 26 August 2013 · Chapter 3: Threat’ning to devour me

The cart is full of logs. Hmm. I really did let that sail right past me the first time around! I had to read chapter three to have that sink in. No Mountain of Fire, then. One thing I always enjoy about your stories is the quotes from classic literature which introduce your chapters. They are always beautiful and thought provoking. You are conversant with many of the best things ever written. As always I admire how you, Raksha, and many other good Fan-fic writers draw threads from old stories and re-weave them into your own new tapestries. This young man reminds me of many others in fiction; Right now M.P. Brennan has a series of stories going on this site about a young man from Harad whose family rescued Aragorn from the desert during his wanderings. He managed to escape Sauron's army, but his son and a nephew fought on the Pellenor. His family secretly still worshipped their old Gods. But one wonders how easily it might have been for Sauron's followers to try to convert his younger kin. And, there is the scene where Sam and Frodo see the young Harad sodier who has been shot by Faramir's men. The speech Faramir gives is beautiful in the book, and beautifully performed by David Wenham in the movie. Indeed, your young Haradrim seems not to be really evil at heart. He has a strong religious belief in Sauron's power, but perhaps with gentle encouragement he can begin to see differently. And, there is another thread from the world of canon, not fanon, but I will save that one for chapter three.

Dreamflower · 26 August 2013 · Chapter 3: Threat’ning to devour me

Oh dear--evil cliffie! *grin* I am wondering about young Fikri; clearly he has some serious doubts about this sacrifice. I certainly hope that Aragorn is getting closer to the rescue. This is really waiting till the last minute.

shirebound · 25 August 2013 · Chapter 3: Threat’ning to devour me

I can't imagine a more horrific and nightmarish experience for Faramir. I hope Aragorn is ready to employ all the healing (especially emotional) at his command. *paces anxiously*

Larner · 22 August 2013 · Chapter 2: An offering by Fire

A terrible death to anticipate, and particularly as it will do no good whatsoever toward furthering their purpose. At least the King and Damrod are following, and the two know their business.

Lady Bluejay · 22 August 2013 · Chapter 2: An offering by Fire

This is exciting. I am very glad Aragon is on the trail. LBJ