Raksha The Demon
· 14 June 2004
· Chapter 1: Brothers - 1
HOORAY - it's back! I liked this story the first time you did it; and frankly don't quite remember how you've changed it, but it's still vividly and poignantly written.
Author's reply
I have the original chapters renumbered and hidden at the end. Maybe I'll put them up together when I'm finished - which won't be long; I'm rewriting as I type this. Then you'll see the difference. The first version was just too too melodramatic. The basics of the story remain the same, but the text is changing rapidly.
I write on a dime, and rewrite on a threat. This story is a classic case of learning a thing or two about the craft and choosing to go back and fix those items that now glare at me.
I'm glad you still like it, Raksha. It'll be coming along. Thanks for hanging with me. Lindorien
Werecat
· 17 March 2004
· Chapter 15: Brothers Chapter Two
One note: Perhaps you should edit the first chapter and make it shorter, perhaps adding its last section to this. Nothing to do with the content, I just read somewhere that opening chapters, like prologues, should better be shorter and avoid overwhelming readers. Just a thought.
Anyway, I liked this chapter as well. The interaction between them was very much in character, at least for me, including their suspicious attitude towards the elves.
And those dreams only add to the foreshadowing.
Will return shortly.
Author's reply
I considered breaking it up a bit more. But the second chapter is two weeks later and it seemed odd to throw the end of this chapter, in which Denethor and Faramir have already had a falling out and the two are only beginning to seriously discuss following the call of the dream and Denethor has already said 'No!' to the beginning of a chapter that now has Faramir on his own, contending with his recovery himself and a sea change having taken place among the three.
Sheesh! Look at the length of THAT sentence. I must get out of 'Bad Opening Lines' mode!
I hope you continue to enjoy this, Werecat. Thanks for reading!
Lindorien
Werecat
· 17 March 2004
· Chapter 14: Brothers Chapter One
This first chapter had a feverish feel in it. Until the end, I was not sure if Faramir was hallucinating in seeing Boromir at his side. And I liked this, because it is a -more or less- accurate view of someone who has been in a near death experience in combat.
Author's reply
Feverish was what I was going for, so I'm glad that you picked that up. A lot of this comes back to haunt him in the sequel.
thanks for reading.
Lindorien
Kitt of Lindon
· 27 February 2004
· Chapter 13: Author's Notes
I could not stop reading, thus I have not left a review for a few chapters, though there were a few things I wanted to comment on in them.
The part that said Boromir blew his horn to let Faramir know of his death was very poignant. Though I normally say that he was trying to drive fear into the Uruk's hearts, I really like your idea. (I’m assuming it was not like the joke-'I will blow my horn and summon soldiers of Gondor to our aid, who are hundreds of miles away.')
I simply loved the when Faramir was reading that note from Boromir. I cried and laughed at that part. The vembraces were a nice touch to your story as they were in the movie.
Anyway, I enjoyed this story very much, and I hope to find time to read its sequel soon.
Author's reply
I hope you find time to read the sequel also. Blowing the Horn of Gondor made no sense. It was supposed to summon help. I suppose it did, alerting the others in the fellowship that he needed aid, still it seemed an odd thing to do - certain to bring more Uruk's upon him if nothing else. Also, it would take effort to blow that horn and it seems he would have been otherwise occupied. Call me a romantic, I like to think he was trying to let his father and brother know.
Thanks so much for reading and commenting.
Lindorien
Kitt of Lindon
· 27 February 2004
· Chapter 22: Interregnum Chapter Five
At the first few lines of this chapter, my heart caught in my throat. Argh! No! Boromir!
I had always wondered what they were doing at the time they heard the Horn of Gondor. It was so beautiful as Faramir came to the river's edge and saw his brother. I had always loved that Tolkien did that. *sigh* To the next chapter I go.
Author's reply
According to the books, Faramir was in Minas Tirith with his father when both together heard the sound of the Horn as a distant echo. Neither was even certain that they actually heard it, so much as sensed it. I do not know what was in Tolkien's mind when he wrote that passage and I don't know that he's written any explanation in any of his letters or other writings. It does seem incongrous to me, but perhaps they were merely talking strategy - Denethor and Faramir. With Boromir gone, I saw Faramir as running himself ragged to keep up with the myriad responsibilities, but the main war was being foughtin Ithilien, so it seemed odd to me that Faramir wouldn't be there.
I do wish I knew what Tolkien was thinking. But I don't - so I offer a bit of non-canon here to satisfy what, to me, seems a more likely explanation. I hope the Professor doesn't mind.
Kitt of Lindon
· 27 February 2004
· Chapter 21: Interregnum Chapter Four
What Boromir said here is so true.
“Allow him to go off on a journey of unknown duration, into unknown peril to accomplish an unknown purpose?” Boromir laughed, “If you had ever had a little brother, Aragorn, then you would never have asked that question.”
I have many little brothers myself, thus I can relate to that.
I really like the discription of Galadriel's offering to Boromir. I was trying to imagine what it was like, but it is so hard to put into words. So that was very skilled.
Author's reply
I've seen lots of reasons for why Boromir went instead of Faramir. For me, it boiled down to the most basic of reasons.
What could Galadriel offer that would make Boromir depart so from his typical path? Most people do some variation of the ring itself, but Boromir intimated in FOTR that she offered something she did not have the power to give. I tried to think what could be so important, so dear to the heart of the man that he could be turned from the path. Then the chapter wrote itself.
I'm am so glad you like this, Kitt. Sorry, I am so long in my reply.
Lindorien
Kitt of Lindon
· 26 February 2004
· Chapter 17: Brothers Chapter Four
Just had to leave a review.
“Peace, Brother. You will get your chance. Do not mourn me until there is reason to do so. Watch for me, Faramir. For one day, I will ride back on the evening breeze, and the Tower Guard will say to you, ‘Look! The Lord of Gondor has returned!’”
That is so sad! What a poignant way to end a chapter. What a good guy Boromir is, and reading things like this makes one realize how not such a bad guy he was and how much the Ring corrupted him.
(Hey, I like Boromir, maybe because of his noble heart. My family thinks I'm odd, for he's the one that tried to take the Ring, but how can you not help but love him?)
I'm planning on reading the rest tomorrow and looking forward to it.
Author's reply
I think Boromir was a good guy. Obviously. The heart is a complex thing. My personal take is that Boromir never had a chance and that Galadriel nudged Boromir in the wrong direction for her own purposes. Its difficult to say, but the whole experience in Lorien was quite unlike Boromir's experience in Imladris from my interpretation. That coupled with Faramir's comments regarding the Lady of the Golden Wood and Boromir's own comments.
It really is too bad.
Lindorien
Kitt of Lindon
· 26 February 2004
· Chapter 16: Brothers Chapter Three
Through every chapter I see deeper and deeper into Boromir and Faramir's bond. You write the relationships of their family in such a vivid way. It was so sad about Finduilas' death and I feel so sad for Faramir who later shall loose brother and father.
Author's reply
I feel compelled with everybody who comments to me about this story to explain that exactly HOW Finduilas' died is not at all clear. I read the passage in the appendix to mean that she suicided. Others read it differently, but I do think, my interpretation helps to explain a little of the family dynamics. The details surrounding the suicide are likewise pure poetic license.
I like to think the brother's had a very close bond. It is not painted that way in the books. Boromir never mentioned Faramir but once, in passing, in all of FOTR. He does not even mention him when he's dying. Faramir speaks more of him, and appears to be grieving, yet also seems a little more distant than I would expect. However, in a work as large as Tolkiens that tends to concentrate more heavily on history and actual story rather than on the complex relationships, much must be left by the side of the road. So it made me happy to think of these two as being two sides of the same coin and intimately connected one to the other.
Lindorien
Kitt of Lindon
· 26 February 2004
· Chapter 15: Brothers Chapter Two
Heh, so Elves gave Boromir nightmares for weeks? Funny at the insight that they made him feel grimy. No wonders, then, he did not want to go into Lothlorien. Hmm, so how did he feel about Imladris and having Legolas as company for weeks? Owe, plot bunny just bit my nose.
Ah, well, to the next chapter...
Author's reply
When Sam and Frodo meet up with Faramir in Ithilien, Faramir did not speak highly of Galadriel. I had the impression that there was a basic tension there, a basic mistrust, awe perhaps. Faramir seemed to think that Galadriel might have had a negative effect upon his brother.
Boromir, after having spent months in the House of Elrond and traveling with Legolas was still loath to enter the wood of Lothlorien. For whatever reason, he was ill-equipped to handle that meeting with Galadriel.
It's a presumption, but because of their proximity, I had to wonder if there wasn't some historical unpleasantness between the two realms - Gondor and Lothlorien. Or perhaps its just the memory of Isildur and the Last Alliance still reverberating across the millenia. But Boromir? No, they made him nervous and awed him. Hard to tell about Faramir - but I'd wager that he likewise gave the Elves a wide berth.
Lindorien
Kitt of Lindon
· 26 February 2004
· Chapter 14: Brothers Chapter One
It was sort of odd to see the poem here, for I was just thinking about it but alas, could not remember the ending verses. Glad to have my memory refreshed. (I was going to look it up but I dislike taking my copy of The Fellowship of the Ring out of its box set thing, for it is so hard to take it out. But I like the box too much not to keep them in.)
Anyway, I will get onto reading the next chapters later - but so far, so good.
‘“It had wings,” Faramir breathed. “It had wings and it flew at us, forced us to the ground.”'
That description put a very vivid and terrifying image in my mind. Like I said, very good so far.
Author's reply
Wow! It is so cool when somebody wanders by and blows the dust off of an older fic and then enjoys it. Sort of like finding some book published in the fifties and then saying, "Hey! I like this!"
I hope you continue to like this. It is one of my first fanfics, so it holds a special place in my heart. Rereading it now, however, I can see places where I might consider tweaking. Perhaps I will sometime.
Thanks for reading and do let me know your impressions as you continue.
Lindorien
Much of interest here. I shall read it again before next I sit myself down to read the trilogy. That is my usual January/February event each year, so this is indeed timely.
I did enjoy your story, even the large bump to my psyche! Thou hast given to me a new appreciation of these frail mortals.
Humble Scribe to his Majesty Thranduil
Author's reply
As you've no doubt noticed, I could have gone on and on in these Author's Notes. The question is when to say -- Okay, that's enough explanation! Let's see, fic is 33k words, Author's notes are 50k words! hmm...what's wrong with this picture?
I do have a bit of a different take on things. For example, I see Boromir as having a very dry sense of humor -- based on his comments on Caradhras (the "Do you think NOW would be a good time for a fire, Wizard Man?" question). But I've never met anybody else who reads that passage as humorous. Sometimes, its all a matter of inflection. But we all bring something different to the table when we read a storty. Thanks you for you very kind words and thoughtful reviews. It is ever appreciated. Lindorien
Orophins Dottir
· 1 January 2004
· Chapter 25: Mourning Chapter Three
"If we speak of him carefully it is because we saw mirrored in your brother's weakness regarding the Ring the reflection of our own temptation, for none of us was immune. None of us. Even now it is a bitter pill for each of us to swallow to recognize in your brother our own frailties." What do you think the temptations of Legolas would have been with the ring? Here or in an email, I'd be curious to hear. *elf carefully rushes to assure human that this is genuine interest and not an antagonistic question!*
I like this chapter. (And, no it is not because it has the elf in it. Although, I was getting lonely.) Aragorn and Eowyn are both nicely drawn. Sorry, sweets, the elf is still a bit awkward! Thy impairment doth diminish however.
I cracked up over Eowyn's constant beating back of the roving hands of the Steward!
Well done, Fair One! I shall proceed to yet another of thy stories.
Author's reply
Legolas was from a realm under perpetual siege. Yet he was a happy soul, at least that is the picture I have of him from the books. PJ draws a darker individual. There is so little of Legolas in the story. Sometimes I think that Tolkien threw him in as an afterthought, suddenly thinking "Oh dear, I forgot an Elf! I better send along an Elf! Now who can I send?"
Since the Ring was considered so dangerous that the wisest of the wise feared to touch it or even look upon it, I have to consider the reality that to Legolas, Prince of a realm besieged, it might have crossed his mind more than once that perhaps the Ring could be used to help his father. This is not to say that he in any way acted upon it or even allowed those thoughts time to nest. But I would find it hard to believe that those ideas didn't at least cross his mind. Certainly Galadriel fought something of her own demon with this -- although she already had a ring of power, so she knew what it was to wield one.
Let's talk more in email about this. It is an interesting subject.
Eowyn and Faramir -- they are a cute couple (although I tremeble to use the word 'cute' for the Steward of Gondor and the chick who kicked Witch-King butt).
Give me a hand with my handle on the Elf? I'll edit if it seems a good idea. I made the Elf awkward. I made Faramir awkward. I made everybody awkward. Here's the reason: here we have a bunch of guys standing before the brother of a member of their fellowship who's death, while noble, resulted, possibly, from an ignoble action. Yet the brother is a worthy man. As was he who died. This is the first day of meetings between Faramir and Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli -- all that was going on that day...the mind boggles. The Fellowship had each other. Faramir was alone. He was in Free Fall. The Fellowship stepped in, hoping to slow that descent, not certain if that help would be appreciated. Awkward would be the best description for these relationships.
I am really happy you enjoyed this story and it touched you. Lindorien
Orophins Dottir
· 1 January 2004
· Chapter 24: Mourning Chapter Two
Oh, nooooooooooo! I was enough of a pile of mush after finding the poetry. Then, a letter. You are heartless yourself in how you wring thy reader's heart!
Isn't this what war does to us? Leaves us mourning the shells left behind by those who die?
Dottir
Author's reply
Yes. That is exactly what war does.
It stinks.
Orophins Dottir
· 1 January 2004
· Chapter 23: Mourning Chapter One
"Above the pain his father lingered, coaxing him with gentle words. "We will go beyond the circles of this world, my son. We shall go together."
"Faramir fell towards him, floating ever downward, groping for the touch denied, crying for the lost years, the child seeking his parent though it be among the flames."
How very chilling. I must admit that you are readjusting my perspective on many things in this story. Whether this be for good or ill, I know not yet, wench! (Wench? I fear I am hanging out with mortals too much. Galadriel would not approve of "wench". Of this, I am sure. Celeborn might.)
Humble Scribe, etc.
Author's reply
A writer always likes to know her work has had some effect. I am humbled by your comments.
I can only imagine how desolate Faramir must have felt. And likewise his father, to contemplate and carry out such an act. Surely both felt there was nowhere else to go. When he woke, Faramir was alone.
Lindorien
Orophins Dottir
· 1 January 2004
· Chapter 21: Interregnum Chapter Four
"Even a soldier can grow weary of killing and of strife and has need to rest from his labors.
Boromir found himself sinking into this vision. The Lady offered him hope and a happy future; a life without despair, without fear, without doubt."
It is a sign of powerful writing that it stirs sometimes an unexpected and visceral reaction in a reader. I did not expect that quite, but you have achieved it. I have been given a new perspective on something long familiar. For this, I thank you.
Why did a good man hold out his fingers and grasp for the ring? Why did Galadriel seem to him to dangle it before his eyes? Was he selfish? Was she? Did he see only what was happening to his own people? Did she? Did he know or care what others brought to this quest? That Gondor was not alone in what it suffered and risked to do this task? Many, many questions.
"I do not know what is in the heart of the Elf and the Dwarf, yet here is where they must make their decisions to go further, or to return to their homes."
"We have fought a lonely battle, Aragorn, son of Arathorn. Do you not understand how desperate is our situation in Gondor?"
And elsewhere. The evil of Sauron in devising too many "lonely battles"?
You are making me really think about such things. Not always a comfortable thing to do, but necessary.
You are quite some writer, my lady.
Author's reply
Something that has always struck me about LOTR was the 'loneliness' of her peoples. I had the impression that Legolas had never been to Lothlorien, yet it is quite close to Mirkwood. That seems almost impossible for a 3,000 year old being. Also, he and the Lothlorien elves seemed unfamiliar with each other and with each other languages. The dwarves were off doing their own thing. The hobbits were insulated. Aragorn was almost 90 years old and had traveled far and wide across this land and yet, he seemed singularly uninformed with what happened in Rohan or Gondor, this despite having spent years among them in contact with the highest of personages there. Gandalf had been in Middle Earth for a thousand years and seemed to have small knowledge of what transpired across his responsibility. It does not seem possible that all could have been so out of touch with each other. My impression was always of a great curtain drawn between all these different entities.
To me the Fellowship was very much comprised of a bunch of individuals. Gimli and the hobbits had a connection. Gandalf was connected to the hobbits. Aragorn was connected to Gandalf and had dealings with the elves, although there is no evidence that he knew Legolas prior to Elrond's Council . The odd many out was -- Boromir.
Galadriel was 8,000 years old and a Seer and Ringbearer. Surely her view on things was 'long' if nothing else. I know not if standard 'human' type definitions of 'right' and 'wrong' can apply in this case. I think, if nothing else, perhaps Galadriel saw a means to an end in Boromir. Boromir certainly had his choices. He chose badly. But perhaps the choice offered was more than mortal man could make.
Orophins Dottir
· 1 January 2004
· Chapter 22: Interregnum Chapter Five
"Was the man there, also, Boromir? he asked his dead brother. Did he whisper to you? Did he ease your passing?"
Yes, the "man" was there. I hope he eased the passing of the mortal friend that could have been his. Poor, poor Boromir. And, his brother. To lose someone loved is not easy.
I cried again on this one. For many reasons.
Dottir
Author's reply
It was a hard chapter to write. The whole Parth Galen thing was so unnecessary. Its like everybody was walking around with their hands over their ears or something. Aragorn says something about all his decisions going wrong that day. I can't remember the exact quote.
Sometimes I read that last chapter of FOTR and I think "WHAT was everybody thinking, wandering off like that?" And Aragorn sooo should have known better. Bummer.
Orophins Dottir
· 31 December 2003
· Chapter 20: Interregnum Chapter Three
"Faramir bit his lip, but could not hold back the words. In a voice low and heated by emotion he hissed, 'when I have a son, I will not treat him as a possession, but will love him as he deserves.'
Denethor leaned forward and held his son's gaze. "You understand nothing," he said coldly, "You are dismissed."
Toleration of Denethor is slipping. Spawn of a crocodile and an orc!
"The man of Gondor caught the look which passed between the Ranger of the North and the Wizard. Gondor is bleeding and these two keep secrets, he thought. For how long, and at what price to my people?"
I really liked the impassioned "dressing down" Boromir gives to Aragorn and Gandalf. His love for his country and people is palpable and most powerful.
Interaction with young hobbits is sweet. I could understand this. They must seem an uncomplicated refuge compared to a wizard, the future king of Gondor, a dwarf and that elf. *skitters over to discuss snow with Legolas*
RL is intruding. The troops calleth for New Year's Eve snacks. I shall return!
Humble Scribe to his Majesty Thranduil
Author's reply
It is probably safe to say that whatever relationship Faramir and Denethor had is slipping quickly into the mire. Boromir was likely the touchstone for the two of them - take that out of the equation and I suppose things can go to hell in a handbasket pretty quickly. Add the constant stress of the devolving military situation and Boromir's long absence with no word received, I would think it would come as no surprise that these two would are both stressed to the max. To Denethor's credit, he does try to talk to his son. Faramir does not want to speak with him. Perhaps had Denethor taken a different tone? Who knows? These two are doomed and no doubt the news of Boromir's death was likewise the final nail in the coffin for their relationship. I always find that last conversation between Faramir and Denethor interesting, because Faramir cuts his father to the quick also. Both used their words as blades.
Boromir did not go to Imladris on a whim -- at least, not in my estimation. He went for help. Yet, to read LOTR it seems that there was so little faith in Gondor and by extension the Steward and his sons. it always hit me as rather sad. I'm just trying to give a bit of balance to the view. Lindorien
Orophins Dottir
· 31 December 2003
· Chapter 19: Interregnum Chapter Two
Such a rich and convoluted chapter! Where should I begin?
OK, get this over with. You are making me tolerate Denethor. Seeing him having care for his people and sending cargo over land instead of by the river, urging them to move their families back. Denethor tolerance. This is annoying to me. Annoyed elves are dangerous.
"In the winter, the Rangers adopted different methods of tracking, often climbing into the canopies and moving from tree to tree to escape detection."
They have read Beleg Cuthalion's "Art of War"? (He told me he wrote this. The great Beleg would not lie.) I am impressed.
"I asked the Prince, with too much bluntness, I fear, why he himself was not his father's advisor and the entire room became quiet. For a few moments, Brother, I honestly thought that I would be tossed out without ceremony." Why is it that I can envision you doing such a thing, Fair One? Boromir is a blunt and honest human warrior. They are difficult in social situations.
"Were I not a guest in their home, I would run the weasel through myself, and put an end to the dilemma, but I have been working on my diplomatic skills of late, and so, let it lie." GREAT! Boromir is finally going to let something lie by the side of the road and it has to be GRIMA! *Pulls tunic straight and takes deep breath to restore elven calm.*
You are going to hurt Theodred? I am going for my handkerchief to be prepared.
Humble Scribe to his Majesty Thranduil
Author's reply
Of course they have read 'The Art of War'! Despite PJ's depiction, these guys KNEW what they were doing. Gracious! If we believed everything we see on film, we would wonder why these guys hadn't fallen to the Dark Lord decades ago!
My apologies for making you reconsider Denethor. This fic has had that unfortunate effect on a number of people. Please do not think any less of me.
I have been told that this fic has made people reconsider Boromir also.
oh well.
I can't do anything about Theodred. I did not hurt him, the Professor did. The PROFESSOR did!
Orophins Dottir
· 31 December 2003
· Chapter 18: Interregnum Chapter One
Perhaps thy words are true. He seems respectful. "I feel like a great stomping beast among these graceful people. When I speak, I feel that my words fall as lumps of rock amid their pretty speech."
"Stomping" is such a harsh word. We deemed him more "stealth-impaired". He did give Master Elrond a headache with his speech, if truth be told. Still, a good man. We are fond of Boromir.
Loved Mithrandir the Parchment Thief: "I did not say anything when the Wizard did this, but I was torn between being indignant for the pilfering and laughing at his hubris."
The portrayal of Mablung was what I liked best here. I really did like it and his interactions with Faramir.
Humble Scribe to his Majesty Thranduil
Author's reply
This humble author is greatly relieved that King Thranduil's scribe finds Boromir acceptable. Stealth-impaired is a gracious way of putting it and Boromir thanks you. I fear there shall be a little elf-hell to pay when Galadriel and he get mind-melding. Poor doomed Boromir. I sometimes think that, like Frodo, he had a big red target painted on his forehead.
Glad you liked Mablung. So many places to go with a guy like him...little more than a mere mention in the books.
Orophins Dottir
· 31 December 2003
· Chapter 17: Brothers Chapter Four
“Little else, I am afraid. The book of my life would be a cure for insomnia!”
Loved that line. So Boromir.
Ah, yes, it's my old favorite again: "Theoden King"! His mind is already toast I presume as our lad sets forth?
Theodred. Foreshadowing! Thou knowest that I do not handle the death of Theodred well. I fear I may be confronted with it yet again.
I tiptoe with trepidation towards Chapter 5. This is where I see that Boromir doth hold us in AWE. You are sure that it is not that he doth not LIKE us?
Humble Scribe to his Majesty Thranduil (and proud elf of Taur-E-Ndaedelos)
Author's reply
There is nothing I can do about Theodred -- blame the Professor. It is likewise the same for Boromir. He could have winged him, but noooooooo. I will tell you that I tend to NOT rewrite what is already in the books. They are the Professor's lines and descriptions and I appreciate that. I write around the corners and in between the Professor's prose. So, whilst Theodred's death is as unavoidable as Boromir's, I shall not make you relive it.
Orophins Dottir
· 31 December 2003
· Chapter 16: Brothers Chapter Three
OK, Fair One, thou hast well and truly crushed my heart here. I cried. No lie.
I am a little (elven understatement) weak on my knowledge of Finduilas, but I remember it as sort of unclear why things happened. This is one powerful explanation!
Liked the line: "Were it I lying in that bed heaving my guts into a basin would you not visit me?" Good old Boromir! He really did make a valiant effort here.
"You must hold Cair Andros, Faramir. If you cannot hold the forest, you must hold Cair Andros."
Stupid elven question: Why is Cair Andros so important? This place is unfamiliar to me. We are calling up the Mirkwood AAA for a map. You may email me on this point if you would?
Humble Scribe, etc.
Author's reply
There are copious author's notes at the end of this fic explaining my departures from canon and the ways that I tried to weave my 'made up' stuff in with the canon.It is very unclear what happened to Finduilas. She 'pined away', because she was homesick.
To me, I read that as a delicate way of saying she suicided.
explanations regarding Cair Andros are forthcoming in email. I am glad you liked this chapter. To the best of my knowledge, nobody has ever used Suicide as a reason for Finduilas' death. Personally, it seems the most likely explanation given the way the Professor explains it. For me, if that were true, it does explain a lot about the family dynamics for this grouping. BTW, making Faramir look like his mom is pure poetic license. Tolkien says he looked like his dad, but I got the impression not so much as Boromir did, so I took the liberty of making him look more like his mother, and letting that be an additional point against the fellow.
Orophins Dottir
· 30 December 2003
· Chapter 15: Brothers Chapter Two
Boromir doth not LIKE us? I am not sure I can process this. Give me a thousand years please to contemplate such a thing!
The whole dirty ears thing was vastly amusing. Have I mentioned rivers? They can be useful.
I think your biggest strength so far in this story is the warm interaction between the brothers.
Humble Scribe, etc.
Author's reply
" I felt as a worm before the gods.” is what Boromir says, Humble Scribe. It is not that Boromir doth not LIKE you. It is that Boromir is in AWE of you, much like his Humble Author.
"You are the diplomat, not I. When I attempt such things I ever spend my time dragging my foot out of my mouth."
The Truth is out -- Boromir is my alter-ego! For ever I find myself doing with my own foot!
It is kinda sad really, for Boromir was ill-prepared for his meeting with Galadriel.
Orophins Dottir
· 30 December 2003
· Chapter 14: Brothers Chapter One
Well, here I am, Fair One, in the Land of the Mortals. Eru preserve me!
I like very much the interaction of the brothers. Boromir is just the right amount of over protective to his little brother.
You are making me regret the rift between Denethor and Faramir without completely wanting to use the big D's guts for garters. No mean achievement this. Your know how I just do verily love Denethor!
Humble Scribe to his Majesty Thranduil
(Please, could you tell your mortals to bathe more frequently? It is a tad ripe in here. My elven sense of smell doth almost cause me to swoon. Hath this fair land no rivers?)
Author's reply
I've been told by more than a few Denethor haters that I sort of make them not hate the guy so much. I do take a softer view on him than most. The parent/child relationship can be infinitely complex and we really have very little to go on regarding the true nature of the relationship between this Father and Son. I do not think that anyone shall ever hand Denethor a Father of the Year award, but I do not see him as 'Evil Dad Incarnate' either. I chose to take the attitude that 'It takes two to tango' regarding Faramir and Denethor. Certainly for all the venom spewed during the Infamous Discussion between the two in ROTK, Faramir takes the opportunity to sling a little mud himself. Granted, Denethor would set the tone, but I don't see Faramir as any sort of shrinking violet, nor do I see him as a doormat. I see him as a smart and crafty man and I think he hewed his own pathway with his father, for good or for ill. I'll be interested in your further comments regarding my depiction of Denethor as well as the Brothers as your reading continues, for verily thou hast made clear to me the Very High Regard with which thou holds Denethor. Lindorien
Hiro-tyre
· 10 December 2003
· Chapter 14: Brothers Chapter One
There are FAR too few tales about the Brothers Gondorian. This is very nice.
Author's reply
Thank you so much! I am glad you enjoyed it. I've a few others floating around here. Some serious, some not so serious. I hope you enjoy them also. Lindorien
The Karenator
· 21 October 2003
· Chapter 13: Author's Notes
Lindorien,
I took your advice and read this wonderful story. You have obviously put much thought and prepartion into its making. The flow was smooth and the words beautiful. You were able to carry this throughout even though it covered many events and a long period of time. Your characterizations of the brothers were rich and alive. The end when all the fellowship requested Faramir tell them of his brother was such a stroke of genius and so heartfelt. Not sappy, but strong with the heart of genuine concern and offering support to a grieving brother. Faramir has found good friends and a good king. Now me personally; I grieve for Damrod. War is such an ugly spot on mankind. Its destruction is felt for ages. Damrod, the kind and gentle soul, never got to reclaim his love. I'm so sorry, but it's the truth of such horrors. This was such a well written piece and I'm so glad I read it. Since I'm slightly depressed now, I think I'll go to bed and dream of broken swords, shattered horns and lost lives and loves. I hope before I wake up, I'll see the new green fields and children playing amongst the flowers and get a glimpse of Faramir giving Eowyn a tender kiss. Hope is all that is left when war seeks out the valiant and you left the reader with that vision. Thanks again for sharing this. Karen
Author's reply
Karenator! I am so glad that you read this. I grieved for Damrod also. That's why I gave him his own fic, although the stories don't track exactly -- 'tis close enough. As I am sure you know, in LOTR there is no record of what happened to Damrod -- there is simply no more mention of him after Frodo and Sam encounter Faramir in Ithilien. So, if it will make you feel better you could decide to go with the version in which he does go home and marry his lass and raise bushels of children.
At the risk of sounding like a shameless self-promoter, there is a sequel to this fic entitled A PLACE TO COME TO -- also archived here. I do not want to give away the plot, but I think it might make you feel a little less depressed and perhaps let you see those green fields.
My very best to you and most heartfelt thanks for your heartfelt comments.
Lindorien