Fimbrethil
· 1 November 2025
· Chapter 19: The Past need Not be Prologue
“That boy [Eirik] worships the ground you walk on! And you would never do anything to hurt his feelings.” As we have seen. I didn’t know Faramir needed two Bergils, but I guess he has them. Or is it two Beregonds?
“Faramir sighed. Éowyn was right. He would never do anything to hurt Eirik’s feelings. Maybe that made him soft but he had known harshness and refused visit that treatment upon one he cared for. And he did care for Eirik. He was genuinely a good lad and a very good squire even for all his cheekiness”
Hmmm you know, Faramir and Éomer ought to be much better brother-in-laws then Denethor and Imrahil. And not just because Éowyn and Finduilas are different, or Éomer and Faramir are older than her, as opposed to Fin being older than Imrahil. It might have to do with Éomer was about 29 and Imrahil was only 21, maybe.
—Fimbrethil, who probably ought to be Finduilas or a Shield-Maiden of Rohan.
Author's reply
Fimbrethil!
Thanks so much for reading and writing. Yes Faramir and Eomer are really good in-laws. Actually they grow into brothers actually.
And you should definitely be a Shield-Maiden of Rohan!!
(((hugs)))
MM
Fimbrethil
· 1 November 2025
· Chapter 16: A Promise for the Future
You know, sometimes Éomer and Lothíriel remind me of Benedick and Beatrice. And they didn’t even have witty banter this chapter! I think it was the talking while ignoring everyone else, but anyone could do that.
I also just realized that more or less Éowyn and Faramir also reveal their upcoming engagement at Aragorn and Arwen’s wedding, before here, Éomer and Lothíriel are allowed to marry at Faramir and Éowyn’s wedding.
Fimbrethil
· 1 November 2025
· Chapter 15: Reflections upon the past and present
Maeves looked at Faramir and unbidden tears came to her eyes. “Yes, My lord.”
Faramir looked at Devrion’s wife and said quietly, “He was a good man.”
I read his mind! I thought that before he said it!
Fimbrethil
· 1 November 2025
· Chapter 13: Three Mornings
“Apparently being given a special handwritten invitation from the bride in a royal wedding at the last minute qualified as proper distraction.” Obviously.
Rereading this story is wonderful! i noticed Telion and his father and grandfather are kind of like Denethor (the former) and Faramir (the latter).
Also, may I use Faramir’s dream in my own writings, if I so wish? That was a nice wedding present.
Author's reply
Fimbrethil!
Thank you for reading more of my stories. I think something must be wrong with the review notification in SOA because I haven't received notification of these reviews!
Yes, of course. You can use Faramir's dream in your writings, if you want too. :-)
(((hugs)))
MM
Fimbrethel
· 25 October 2025
· Chapter 5: Treasures of the Heart Unearthed
"This was going to be a most interesting week for reasons previously unrealized."
Indeed.
I only just realized the similarites at the end: Éomer is amazed Éowyn curtsied so well and that she blushed, and Éowyn is amazed that Éomer stuttered and blushed. You say they are normally both unflappable but I wouldn't have believed it.
(Side note this is the least awkward for them Éomer/Lothíriel first meeting I have read in a while.
Periantari
· 26 July 2023
· Chapter 3: Home to Minas Tirith
This is a very good fic so far - looking forward to reading more. I like your eowyn and Faramir and the occasional melancholy for Faramir is good description and observation in this transition time .
Lindelea
· 1 April 2021
· Chapter 17: Two Young Hearts
This chapter left me in tears, but they were quietly happy ones.
I started out the reading getting struck by a sudden memory of Bambi and "twitter pated", which morphed quickly into sympathy for the young people. Telion is certainly learning some lessons about "us" and "them" (and that some of "them" are actually very much like "us", and some of "us" are worse than the best of "them" and... I think I am tying myself in knots, so I will stop and pour another coffee to try to get my brain to cooperate).
I do love Faramir here, from his recognition of whispered words of force (oh, my, that is such an evocative phrase and so real) to his skillful intervention (praising the supervisor to the skies! I wouldn't have thought of that!).
Looking forward to reading more. ((hugs)), my friend. Reading your chapters of late has been a balm for a weary soul.
Author's reply
Lindelea!
I am so happy that my writing has been a comfort to you! :-)) I really came to be fond of Telion and Nariel as I was writing them. And Faramir would most definitely understand "words of quiet ferocity" having been on the receiving end of them often from his father. His is an empathetic soul.
Confession time. When I was writing these later chapters I had been on a binge-watch of Downton Abbey (which I absolutely love) and it really did influence much of the writing about the banquet and the way Faramir and family interacted with their servants. Sarthmir is a much more fastidious and harsher version of Mr. Carson, the butler. And Faramir praising him after upbraiding him was reflective of how Lord Grantham would have kindly dealt with his servants.
I am again binge-watching Downton Abbey as I read these chapters I see the influence but I think it does really kind of work for the society that existed in Gondor at the time as I see it.
Be safe and well!
((hugs))
MM
Lindelea
· 30 March 2021
· Chapter 16: A Promise for the Future
I remember being starved at our wedding. The photography after the ceremony seemed to go on forever!
Is this the Gondor equivalent of catching the bouquet, I wonder?
(And besides being focused on the food, I'm sure the hobbits would have called it a conspiracy of sorts, being quite familiar with conspiracies themselves, of course.)
Thank you for this happy chapter. I needed a bright spot to begin the day. ((hugs))
Author's reply
Lindelea!
"I remember being starved at our wedding. The photography after the ceremony seemed to go on forever!"
You, too! Ours was a small affair. Outside for the ceremony then inside the clubhouse where my mother lived at the time. Everyone brought a dish. My sister-in-law said it was tradition for the Bride and Groom to be served, so we didn't have as much as we wanted and then the photographs took a while. AND unbeknowst to us my mom and Shaun's dad in a fit of nervous energy cleared up all the FOOD!!
We ended up at Del Taco later on that night to eat something! LOL! I still have a soft-spot for Del Taco even now! :-))
((hugs))
MM
Lindelea
· 29 March 2021
· Chapter 15: Reflections upon the past and present
Oh, lovesick Faramir is so sweet. (If you can call a battle-hardened warrior and wise poet "sweet"! I'm sure Éowyn uses the word without hesitation.)
The scene between Faramir and Dorthion is well done.
Insightful Boromir! “What has he done this time?”
"One of my best students ever." High praise, and well-deserved.
And Faramir, dealing with the bereaved family of a Man who had served under him... It is no wonder why his men loved him. Well done, indeed.
Author's reply
Lindelea!
Rest assured that Éowyn does indeed not hesitate to call Faramir "sweet" LOL.
I tried to show a younger Faramir still untested in the world but also one who was reared with a sense of how one should treat others, with respect and understanding and even faced with the bitterest of disappointment one does not lash out at those who are not responsible for the disappointment. A well-bred young man of the nobility.
Yes. Boromir is quite familiar with Denethor's callous treatment of Faramir and how often he has had pick up the pieces afterward.
Notice that Faramir completely deflects Dorthion's praise and moves into self-deprecating mode. And Dorthion has to take him to task for devaluing himself once again.
Faramir, having known his own pain, can see it others and has only the desire to heal their wounds doing what he can to ease their pain. I read somewhere in Tolkien's writings that Faramir, like his father, could see into men's hearts, knew intuitively what they were thinking and feeling, but unlike his father he was moved to help and he understood people. It was probably why he was such a loved and respected leader.
Hope this message finds you and yours well and healthy!
((hugs))
MM
Lindelea
· 28 March 2021
· Chapter 14: Two Hearts joined
Once again, the details help my mind to paint a clear picture of the scene. Particular bits that I found to be lovely:
"scruffy" (snork!)
"fluffing"
"onion-eyed"
brother-sister teasing, and the wonderfully appropriate brooch
lovesick Éomer's clumsiness!
memories of Faramir's mother as a sweet young girl.
Arwen's one wedding at a time!
“I have stunned you into eloquence!” (big grin)
And uncertain Faramir... I am so glad he has found such a love.
You seem to have thought through every detail so thoroughly and lovingly.
Looking forward to reading more.
Author's reply
Lindelea!
I had so much fun writing this chapter! 1) I love to create ceremonies and then write about them. And I try to make them specific to the land in which they are happening.
2) the wedding dress and Faramir's wedding attire I describe are actually the costumes that Ngila Dickson designed for Faramir and Eowyn's wedding that was actually but never but into even the Extended Edition of ROTK. I have an Instagram pic.
3) Wedding finery is so fun to describe.
I love the relationship between Éowyn and Éomer. It is so fun to write! Éomer being a lovesick klutz is highly amusing and endearing.
I wanted their wedding to be perfect. "warm fuzzy feels"
I will remind myself of this chapter when writing the next couple of chapters of "Destiny's Child"
So happy you are enjoying this!
((hugs))
MM
SimplegirlfromLP
· 28 June 2020
· Chapter 20: A Sense of Purpose
Pleased you continued it.
Author's reply
Simplegirl!
It just didn't seem finished!
MM
shirebound
· 27 June 2020
· Chapter 20: A Sense of Purpose
Such a lovely story. I really appreciate these two lines, so beautifully written!
At long last Faramir was being appreciated and his ideas valued by one whom she knew he respected beyond all others.
“A year ago, I could not see what could happen, only what was. And now I am happy.”
Author's reply
Shirebound!
Hello! Thanks! normally I have in mind where a story stops but this one just wants to continue!
Their continues happily!
Thanks for taking the time to write!
Stay safe! Mellon nin!
((hugs))
MM
SimplegirlfromLP
· 12 June 2020
· Chapter 19: The Past need Not be Prologue
I could not put this down, every minute that I had, I was reading. And now to wait for the next chapter. 😔
The flash backs add depth to the moment and the characters, I love it. My heart breaks for the wounded soul of Faramir. I love this Éowyn and Faramir, they love so sweetly and tenderly.
Can’t wait for the next chapter.
Author's reply
Simplegirl!
I am so happy that you enjoyed this story. Faramir and Éowyn are very close to my heart. Both Faramir and Éowyn are wounded souls who find and heal each other. I find their relationship so beautiful. I am trying to figure out the direction for the next couple of chapters of the story. But also the story of Faramir and Éowyn does continue a couple of years down the line in my story "A Light in Midwinter."
Thank you for all the reviews. It means the world to me that you took the time to write!
Stay safe!
MM
SimplegirlfromLP
· 12 June 2020
· Chapter 18: Amid Giggles and Gasps
I’m blushing. Sweet, but I think Wearith would have attended her. But it worked.
Author's reply
Simplegirl!
Hello! Yes, technically Waerith would have attended Éowyn and Eirik would attended Faramir but I really just wanted the two to have some time alone on their wedding night, so I bent and gave Waerith and Eirik the night off.
MM
SimplegirlfromLP
· 12 June 2020
· Chapter 17: Two Young Hearts
Ahhh, I am so pleased you continued his story with Nariel and Telion, so sweet.
The nerve of the master attendant, “ Nothing that need concern you..”, and I loved Faramir’s response. Great chapter.
Author's reply
Simplegirl!
Telion entered as an impulse in Chapter 7 and I just grew to love him and Nariel just seemed to match up perfectly with him as I was writing. I really wanted to have a nice little side story about the citizens of Minas Tirith and how they were affected by the war and how they move on.
Yeah...Faramir is really not in a mood to be placated by the Master Attendant!
MM
SimplegirlfromLP
· 11 June 2020
· Chapter 16: A Promise for the Future
Good Grief, what a forward mother, I loved Lothíriel’s reaction and Eomer’s honesty. This certainly pushed things along. I ached for Imrahil, my heart broke, but good for him that he was able to see passed the unconventional and see the heart. So big for Éomer to put it all out there , and kneel to his future father in law. What a grand gesture. I am eating every word.
Author's reply
Simplegirl!
When I was writing this in my mind Lothíriel's mother turned into Mrs. Bennett from "Pride and Prejudice." well-meaning but pushy.
I thought about stringing out the courtship of Lothíriel and Éomer, slowing it down, placing some obstacles but as I was writing it that didn't seem to happen. So enter "Mrs Bennett."
Éomer is straight forward and honest and realizes that he may be King of the Mark and Prince Imrahil is a vassal to Aragorn but none of that mattered. Imrahil is Lothíriel's father and Éomer is an honorable man! He did what was right. He humbled himself to Imrahil.
Imrahil recognised that it was inevitable and he loves his daughter. There wasn't anything else to be done but to gracefully accept it.
So happy you are enjoying this and have taken the time to write and tell me so! Thank you!
Stay safe!
MM
SimplegirlfromLP
· 11 June 2020
· Chapter 15: Reflections upon the past and present
I liked this little bunny trail with Faramir, Boromir and Denethor to further explain Denethor’s irrational behavior. I think Boromir threatened to tell Mithrandir about the Palantir. 😂.
And of course what a great line...
“I will not say do not weep; for not all tears are an evil.’ They simply mean we have loved,”
Author's reply
Simplegirl!
I do worry about my bunny trails at times! They just seem to organically happen. Really glad it worked for you! "I think Boromir threatened to tell Mithrandir about the Palantir. 😂" I like it as a reason!!! And I think you are right!
And it only made sense to me that Faramir would quote Gandalf! He may have said it to Faramir when he was upset over his mum at some time during one of his visits!
Thanks for writing!
MM
SimplegirlfromLP
· 11 June 2020
· Chapter 14: Two Hearts joined
The exchange between Éomer and Éowyn was so sweet and precious. That he could be vulnerable with his sister and share his heart. And be so sensitive enough to have a piece of jewelry made for her in remembrance of him and the piece was so appropriate and no expense spared to show her how precious she is to him. So beautiful.
But then when Éomer speaks of Lothíriel , that she has his captured his heart. And then the jovial banter between sister and brother was like comfortable sweetness. How I enjoy Éomer losing his poise around Lothíriel and dropping things or almost going into walls. And Lothíriel saying that her mother is so happy that she is just interested in someone other than her house. This is So good.
This whole chapter was so good, I couldn’t put it down. Thank you so much for writing it, I am enjoying this story so much.
Author's reply
Simplegirl!
I am having so much fun exploring the brother sister relationship between Éomer and Éowyn. So happy that their relationship came across for you! Éomer speaks from the heart. Meeting Lothíriel has really thrown him for a loop! So happy you are enjoying it!
MM
SimplegirlfromLP
· 11 June 2020
· Chapter 11: Admissions of the Heart
I cried, what parent doesn’t want to hear such sincere professions of love for their child. Beautiful. I love that you didn’t write Imrahil going cucu over seeing his daughter share a kiss with Éomer. I’m sure that him being the King of Rohan has something to do with it. Imrahil played it cool and waited for the best time to spring it on the unsuspecting King. It was great.
I would have liked to read when Éomer settles things with Lothíriel, that would have been another great scene.
I also liked that Imrahil asked for time and Éomer didn’t acquiesce exactly, just thanked him. So smooth Éomer King.
Author's reply
Simplegirl!
Thank you so much!! The father in Imrahil wanted to storm up and probably punch Éomer, but the mature statesman portion in him told him that would be a bad idea. And Aragorn there to witness it as well helped to temper Imrahil's response.
Later when Éomer speaks with him and he sees what is in Éomer's heart he knows he has to bow to the inevitable. Imrahil is wise.
thanks for writing!
MM
Lenielestel
· 1 June 2020
· Chapter 19: The Past need Not be Prologue
What a lovely story! I've never been much interested in middle earth stories without elves in them, but you may have converted me into an Eomer enthusiast!
I started this story last night, and could hardly leave it to sleep a few hours... So since I couldn't bring myself to stop reading long enough to review individual chapters, I must mention some of my favorite things so far:
* I love how much thought you have put into Faramir's young life and its effects on his present behavior.
* The rings! The beautiful rings! So much symbolism, so elegantly described!
* Your original characters fit nicely into the world. I'm growing very fond of Telion!
* I'm enjoying the "flashback to explain the importance of this moment" style.
Thank you for sharing your delightful imagination!
Author's reply
Lenielestel!
Wow! So wonderful to hear from you! I have on occasion found other writers' stories that enthralling and quite pleased and thrilled to know that my story has captured your attention in the same way! *I blush*
I must give Karl Urban and his fantastic portrayal of Eomer much credit for my characterization of him. So much passion and emotion kept leashed within, until he sees Eowyn on the battlefield in the film! That scene always rips my heart out.
Eomer and Lothiriel appear quite a bit in another one of my stories, "A Light in Midwinter." It is a shorter story but it is quite fun. Eowyn is about to give birth and their house in Ithilien is bursting with Elves, Dwarves, Men and Hobbits all there to share in the joy! Much drinking takes place!
Faramir has always been endlessly fascinating to me. Given so little love in his childhood he shows Eowyn such love and patience in the Houses of Healing it just amazes me. When thinking about Faramir's youth I try very hard to create along the lines that Tolkien wrote about him. And then how that would inform his behaviour.
The rings! I love to describe jewelry and then write about it and the significance it has for the wearer, Why? I don't know. Jewelry is very personal to me so I write about its importance to my characters.
Telion was an inspiration as I was writing chapter 7. I had a thought that I wanted to show some common people in Minas Tirith and tangentially through the story show how the battle for the City and the aftermath affected them and Taethion and then Telion were born! I have also grown quite fond of Telion myself. I suspect he and Nariel will make continued appearances. How? Yet to be determined!
I am really happy the flashbacks work for you! I sometimes wonder if they are distracting but when I look back at the chapters they seem to work!
Sorry! got a bit long winded! And breathe! :-))
Thanks for writing!
MM
shirebound
· 31 May 2020
· Chapter 19: The Past need Not be Prologue
she was seeing him with his walls down and she still seemed to love him.
I can't think of any wedding gift that would be more precious to Faramir.
Author's reply
Shirebound!
Exactly! Faramir needs to know that Eowyn will love him warts and all (Or what Faramir perceives as warts at least!) He will learn to open up and share but that was a bridge too far on the morning after their wedding!
((hugs))
MM
shirebound
· 31 May 2020
· Chapter 18: Amid Giggles and Gasps
if we live our lives with purpose, I think maybe we will earn this happiness.
How wise and humble he is. And how lovely is this chapter? You have a wonderful way of blending the serious, the humor, and the romance.
Author's reply
Shirebound!
Hello! *waves* I definitely get the sense from the book that Faramir is humble and he at a young age (for one descended from Numenorean blood) shows much wisdom so I tried to relect that.
Thanks for the kind words about the chapter. It was difficult in one sense in that it obviously was the wedding night but in keeping with the way Tolkien wrote there no explicit mentions of anything sexual other than kissing and Eowyn can have no experience with that aspect of life because she never was interested in what women of the court talked about. She would have no real idea good or bad and the idea of not knowing really rankled.
And what is one of the best remedies for nervousness getting someone to laugh! Nervous energy can create that giddy uncontrollable giggle that just won't stop.
So happy the chapter worked for you!
Stay safe!
((hugs))
MM
shirebound
· 24 May 2020
· Chapter 17: Two Young Hearts
His jewelers’ hands knew a light touch when touching a fine gem.
What a lovely line. Romance is in the air... everywhere! *beams*
Author's reply
Shirebound!
You have a wonderful sense that hones in on my favorite lines as well. This one just seemed to write itself. Telion and Nariel just kind of happened while I was writing. And I wanted to show the effects of the battle on City residents tangentially and after that they just became attracted to each other. It is a wedding this kind of stuff just happens! LOL :-))
Thanks again for taking the time to write!
Stay safe, Mellon nin!
((hugs))
MM
shirebound
· 24 May 2020
· Chapter 16: A Promise for the Future
Lothíriel looked into those intense blue eyes and saw love and commitment. She saw her life.
What a beautiful -- and enviable -- description of love. Poor Imrahil, with no time to really absorb the news! But he's as good and noble, and insightful, as all the rest of them, and knows his daughter's heart is captured.
Author's reply
Shirebound!
Thank you so much for taking the time to write! I write whirlwind romances I guess because that's what happen to me! And happily married for sixteen years now!
"Poor Imrahil" is quite right. Poor man comes to the wedding of his beloved nephew and loses his daughter. He loses her so quickly. Good man that he is he recognises that Eomer is a good man and will make a fine husband but it he is still sad. But as you say, he knows that "her heart is captured." and gives into to the inevitable.
Hope this finds you and yours well and safe!
((hugs))
MM
shirebound
· 17 May 2020
· Chapter 15: Reflections upon the past and present
After a lifetime of pain and disappointment and hopeless longing, Faramir now has everything he deserves... and is grateful, humble, and incredulous to have it. He'll never take happiness for granted.
But in truth I do not deserve her.”
Dorthion looked Faramir in the eye and said in all seriousness, “Yes, you do, My lad.
Yes indeed. :)
Author's reply
Shirebound!
Hello! *waves* Hope all is well with you and yours! You're right I don't think he will ever taken his good fortune for granted. I've tried to write Faramir as faithfully as I can to what Tolkien wrote. So glad you have enjoyed this!
Stay safe!
((hugs))
MM