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The Coldest Winter (R) Print

Written by Geale

09 January 2009 | 77501 words

I long debated with myself on how to do this… It was not easy, and you will see that I finally settled on the not so nice version. But, if I may say so, I’m actually quite proud of this chapter. There’s A LOT of talking in it so hold on to your hat and your ears and let us begin.

Chapter 19 – Telling

Or should I say, ‘your King’s beloved Steward’?”

Deren took one more step forward. He moved like a lazy cat, eyeing the Council members like they were his dinner already cut in pieces and displayed tantalisingly on a silver platter before him. But he had not set out to devour them; he was intent on nailing them to the floor with his sweetened words and the slow smile that contrasted starkly to the dangerous gleam in his eyes. It was too obvious. Nonetheless, he held their full attention.

“Yes,” he mused now, “it seems an appropriate wording.” He spun suddenly around, turning fully towards Aragorn and exhibiting a small frown. “If that truly is the case, my lord…” He glanced over at Faramir. “Perhaps… yes, perhaps I should rephrase it?“¨

His space was limited, but the elegant dance he was performing needed not much room. Well-chosen words and glances complemented the twists and turns of his feet effectively.

“Ah yes, gentlemen, this is how we shall put it: ‘The Steward’s beloved King’, for I do not know for certain that the King returns the feelings that his loyal servant has so generously offered him.” His smile had not grown but remained the same.

“Enough!”

Dazed, beyond shock, Faramir watched the appointed Elder raise a hand to stem the flow of words.

“Enough of this! Of what are you speaking?”

Of course, Deren’s words would not pass unnoticed. Gradually Faramir began to understand the implications of what was being said before them and his vision swam. Matters, long veiled by the mists of secrecy were now being revealed in the full light of day, to people who had no business delving into them.

What made Faramir feel a wave of nausea washing over him though, was that he knew perfectly well that these people had every right to know because it concerned all and everyone of them.

Deren knew that as well.

“I have not yet spoken of much,” Deren said, “I seek only a way to introduce you to the information I carry, without confusing you.”

The Elder snorted. “If you take my beard for a sign of my age you are correct, but my feet carry me swiftly and my mind is clear. Old age does not make a man a fool!”

Immediately Deren’s face softened and his voice filled with earnest. “Forgive me, I meant no such thing.”

The Elder did not look entirely mollified, but he apparently found no reason to pursue the subject further.

“If you would relay to us this so called information you claim to carry?” He leaned forward and placed his elbows on the table, surveying the young man.

“Certainly.” Deren bowed, an apologetic look about him still.

But when he straightened, only seconds later, his eyes had taken up the dance his feet had previously engaged in. Faramir would have had a thousand thoughts cross his mind, had Deren not begun speaking in this moment and the tone of foreboding that tinted his words helped not at all.

“Lords of the Council, this is my tale. I came to the White City as a simple traveler, in the company of good men, all of us messengers, sent forth by our own people – the people that you serve, the people of Gondor. As all the other races of this earth, we rejoiced when the war came to an end and the Dark Lord finally perished. We had many to thank and among them is our King, naturally.” Deren bowed shortly in Aragorn’s direction before he turned back to the Council members. Faramir wanted to throw up.

“Yes, there was great joy for the old line of Kings was restored and there was once more hope and promise in the wind. Then happened what should not have happened to such great man. Our King was injured and though not many, dare I say ‘none’ even, from our regions saw him, word carried to us that he was weakened.”

Deren’s eyes did not wander as he continued speaking. Everyone else sat perfectly still.

“Yet, even a weakened King was far, far better than the poor rule and the threat of doom that we had endured only months earlier. So we still rejoiced and prosperity grew – that, I shall not deny. However, when winter came to these lands, it was harsh, bitter and colder than any winter anyone in Gondor could recall. The old and the very young suffered – and still do – greatly, and the animals are poorly shielded from freezing winds and frosty nights. Strong men, I among them, were called upon to travel hither, to ensure the welfare of our people.”

A discreet cough from the Elder, head of the Council this day, urged Deren to speed up his tale. “These troubles we already know of and, I believe, have already seen to,” he said decisively. “If you wish to be heard, you shall have to quicken your speech!”

“Sir.” Deren’s features were set. “I wish you to fully understand my cause, but I shall heed your word as you wish.”

“We were made welcome, and for this I thank you,” he continued. “And we were heard and our demands were seen to as you say. But with my own eyes I could now see what rumour had before only whispered to me: the King was indeed weak, maybe too weak to reign properly.”

At this, calmness shattered and several sharp intakes of breath could be heard around the room. A few of the Council members exchanged sharp looks and the appointed Elder narrowed his gaze. Faramir held his breath.

“Under the circumstances, Deren son of Vorgen, this statement does not surprise me,” the Elder said, “but I warn you: choose your words carefully.”

Deren held up a hand as if resigning to this, or possibly in a gesture of peace.

“I hear you. Nonetheless, I speak only my mind. The King was no strong man, ready to defend Gondor with his own sword, should the situation arise as it may. But I also noted that he had good help. He is loyally served by those who love him.

Was it only Faramir who knew the deeper meaning of these words? Aragorn would understand, but the Steward dared not to look at him. He let Deren continue instead, they all did, trapped in the web he so cunningly spun with his every breath. He spoke slower now, taking great care to word his thoughts.

“The Line of the Old Kings… restored it is now, but will it last? Will it last, my lords?” He looked about him, the unanswered question hung in the air, and Faramir began to comprehend where this was going.

That was a realisation that inserted fear into every single part of his body and mind.

“Some speak of an old love of the King, a love that would certainly have ensured this. But these tale-tellers say that she left the King as the war approached. They say she was an Elf of noble birth, but that she sailed into the West and that it was the King’s wish.”

Closing his eyes, Faramir heard Aragorn shift in his bed.

“But what these people do not know is that the King has a new lover.”

He got no further.

“This is improper!” The Elder bellowed, echoed by the other members of the Council. “Surely this goes beyond what is appropriate, and we shall have no more of it!”

But there was a fire in Deren’s eyes now. “My lords!” His voice had gained in power and he spoke very clearly. “You have granted me leave to speak, so speak I shall. It is my right, is it not?”

Faramir heard every syllable, every word burned his heart but there was no way to stop this. He could not hinder Deren to speak, and neither could the Council. Deren was met with only a nod, and despite the look of deep mistrust on the Elder’s face, the old man fell silent.

“Yes, our King has a new lover, but I am afraid it will be the end of the royal line. The victorious blood of Elendil shall be buried along with the body of our sovereign on the day that he dies. You deserve to know, my lords, that you are serving a King who will take from you the very hope we have fought for and lived to see rise again – only to be destroyed and lost!”

A murmuring broke out in the healing chamber. Nailed to the floor, Faramir could only stare. Wave after wave of nausea flooded him and it became hard to breathe.

“It is so,” Deren confirmed, taking advantage of the simmering energy around them. “It is so. For this lover will give the King no children, no heirs, and so his line will die with him and all shall come to an end. The people of Gondor, who have endured so much, will see their kingdom fall into pieces at their very feet. For how could it be otherwise when the lover that our King has chosen, is a man?”

Silence. Complete and utter silence. Dreaded, hateful silence. Even Deren appeared struck by the sudden heaviness around them.

Faramir knew that he breathed but he felt no air enter his lungs. He knew the Council members were alive, but watching them was like watching a painting. No one moved, no one spoke.

Until the Elder stirred and broke his own unmoving stance. “Pray, tell us,” he said slowly, “how this relates to your own actions?”

Equally slowly, Deren inclined his head. “I am not proud of my deeds. But as you can plainly see, there is now before you a new threat to Gondor, maybe to Middle-earth itself. I acted on impulse, thinking wildly that if I removed the King before he destroyed his reign, all would be well. I see now of course that is impossible, but we shall be ruined in either way.”

“There is no logic to this,” the Elder shook his head. “Yet, undoubtedly you know this yourself. You shall be charged and sentenced accordingly.”

He turned over a parchment before him on the table and sighed. “Truly, I know not how to proceed.”

It came as no surprise when Deren spoke up again. “Perhaps, good sir, it would be a good idea to hear your King? I have already taken upon me the responsibility for my actions, but the future is not as certain as you might have thought it…” Even as he spoke he drew away from the Council, bowing his head.

Hesitating, the Elder sought aid from the other members. Loud whispers and frantic hisses enveloped Faramir, too shocked to do more than blink at the blond man who now stood in the shadows by the door with Eachann and his rangers hovering behind him.

“I will speak.”

The deep voice rang out in the chamber, silencing the Council members. Dreading the sight, for the first time in his life, Faramir turned to look at his King.

The image of Aragorn’s face might have been carved in stone, so hard and drawn it was. He stared directly at the Council, ignoring both Faramir and Deren. There was no light in his eyes, no softness about his lines, and no compassion or kindness surrounded him.

“My lord,” the Elder began uncertainly, “there is no need for…”

Aragorn cut him off. “I will speak. I will answer these accusations laid before me, so hear me now.”

The stern look he sent his counsellors prevented any of them from protesting when they would have wanted to. Officially, he had not been charged and therefore he did not need to answer, but Faramir knew that was not an option. Aragorn would never accept something like this silently.

“I feel naught but disgust,” the King began as the collective wide-eyed stare of the Council settled upon him and the men hung on his every word. “Yet, I will not deceive you. You are all aware of my condition and it would be a lie if I told you I could take up my own sword to defend the Reunited Lands, much less the whole of Middle-earth. I trust you know me well enough to be assured that this grieves me deeply.”

A few of the Council members bowed their heads, but most of them could not take their eyes away.

“However, I trust my armies and should the time come when war is upon us again, I will do my best to inspire them to fight hard, just as I would have done myself. If this is not enough for you, you may choose from among Men, a new King, if you deem that necessary.”

Protests erupted despite Aragorn’s grim stare, but they faded quickly as he continued speaking.

“I will say no more of this. The other matter of concern that needs to be approached and dealt with, however much discussing it here displeases me – to say the least – is the question of my bloodline.”

Cringing inwardly, Faramir wanted to disappear forever. Deep down, he had feared this day, maybe even known it would come – the day when all he had gained would be taken away from him, he had just hoped it would not be so soon, or in such a fashion. The curios looks from the people of Minas Tirith he might learn to live with, but he had no idea how he would bear to be separated from Aragorn.

Ithilien. To Ithilien he would go. He would resign from his duties and leave for the lands that had once before taken him into its arms when the whole world had come crashing down around him. The King might say whatever he wished, Faramir would be gone by the first light of day, never to be seen again in the White City.

For as long as his heart could bear it, he would live in the woodlands – be it only for a day. All was over, and no one would care. That was evident since he cared not himself.

Aragorn’s voice carried him back to the present.

“I will not deny this either. What was insinuated earlier is true as well. The Lady Arwen, daughter of Elrond, lord of Rivendell, sailed from the Grey Havens prior to the war. We were once betrothed, but we broke off the engagement when it became clear to us that what we had shared was too precious to endanger. She will always be very dear to me,” he ended, his voice softer.

Faramir swallowed. It did not matter that he knew it was over, it still hurt to hear Aragorn speak of his love for Arwen. Faramir had never known the details, but had suspected that the feelings they had for each other were deep and sincere. He had thought though… No, it made no difference.

“As for this new lover of mine…” Again, Aragorn’s tones hardened, but he bestowed no glance upon Deren by the door. Nor did he acknowledge Faramir’s presence. “He exists and he is a male.”

Another rush of murmuring carried through the room, but that was all. To Faramir it felt like he was standing atop a cliff and was slowly being pushed nearer and nearer the edge.

“Whilst I know that this is not uncommon among Men, you must understand that it is common practice among Elves, and it is among them I was raised. To me, it is as natural to take a male lover as it is to take a female lover.” Aragorn spoke firmly, stressing every single word as if he had decided he would take this moment to educate his Council. “Of course, a male lover cannot give me a child, and I agree, even if I do not like to do so, that the blood of Elendil should run in the veins of my heirs. Still, these are issues that are not impossible to tackle.” He fell silent.

Maybe? But Faramir dismissed the thought. No.

“Thank you, my lord,” the Elder said, bowing his head curtly. “I can assure you that the people – and the High Council of Minas Tirith – stand behind you. You are a great King, no matter your physical condition.” A murmur of agreement followed this.

Aragorn nodded and sank back a little where he sat.

“If you please, my sirs..?” A soft voice spoke up from a forgotten corner. The healer had risen to his feet. “I should like to tend to the King.”

Faramir felt his heart twist painfully as the healer hurried over to the bed and bent over Aragorn who must be exhausted by now. The two men spoke in low voices, and Aragorn was eased back down so that he might rest his head against the pillows. Desperately, Faramir wished he could go to him, but he was bound by his deeds as well and he was fairly sure Deren’s eyes were upon him.

A minute later, he found out exactly how correct an assumption that was.

“My King…” The slim, blond figure slipped forward once more, demanding all of their attention. “Will you say no more? Will you lay it upon me to reveal the seriousness of this matter? Shall I be the one to tell the Council of the most improper alliance that has arisen of late in Minas Tirith?”

This time, Aragorn made no effort in hiding his anger. “To you I have nothing to say. Only that I will be part of the Council that decides your fate. Keep that in mind as you poison us with your words.”

“Alas! It is a sad day indeed when the King succumbs to the weakness that holds him,” Deren cried out, not caring either for politeness. “Nevertheless, I shall give you all the truth and I shall do so now. Afterwards you may punish me for my actions as you seem fit.”

He needed to say no more. But he did.

“Had the King taken any lover – any other lover – I would have held my tongue, but I cannot. Members of the Council, for his lover the King has chosen his Steward. The son of the late Steward, the mad Denethor, a man that should have had no children. There he stands now, torn between obligation and desire, your innocent Faramir.”

All eyes were on him and the very earth shook beneath his feet. Gladly, willingly, he would have given up his breath but the gods were cruel. Instead of taking, they gave – gave him a sense of being torn apart by hungry claws. An excruciating pain seared through his stomach and wound his way to his heart. It would trap his soul, hold him captive, and only one thing was certain: he would survive.

His blood was tinted. His father’s madness was his son’s doom. Whereas Aragorn’s blood was too precious to be lost to the world, the warm substance that ran in Faramir’s veins was useless, unwished for, detested. He was his father’s son, and if Denethor could have seen this, he would have rejoiced. His fanatical laughter would have reverberated in every chamber of his former citadel. Faramir’s fall had always been his wish. Now it had been granted.

“What did you say?”

Aragorn spoke. Faramir barely heard him, but he supposed it was so, since the Council members turned their faces away from him.

What did you say?!”

“I speak the truth, my lord.” If that was Deren’s voice, it was laden with revulsion.

The King practically roared. “I will not hear such words uttered – ever again! Do I make myself clear?! You will not again suggest that… Faramir carries the shadow of his father and live through it!”

“You need a moment before you say his name?” Suddenly Deren’s voice was honeyed. “Even now that you admit you have taken him for a lover?”

Faramir closed his eyes.

“I do not have to defend my actions, unlike others,” Aragorn answered him menacingly. “But you shall have it from my lips if nothing else satisfies you: yes, it is so. I confirm that we are lovers.”

“Ah,” Deren said sweetly, “then my King, it might interest you to know that your dear Faramir slept in my bed on the night of your accident in the gardens.”

Pain stabbed him all over again. His eyes flew open and before he knew it he spun around to face Aragorn.

The King, his love, was being restrained by a desperate healer. He was pale and looked so incredibly tired, but he had been fighting the hands that held him and from his eyes flew sparks of anger. But even as Faramir watched, Aragorn slowed his movements and shrank back. Determination fled his body and his cheeks were drained of whatever colour that was left in them. When Faramir met his eyes they were empty save for one thing:

the shock of betrayal.

NB: Please do not distribute (by any means, including email) or repost this story (including translations) without the author's prior permission. [ more ]

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51 Comment(s)

OMG—all I can say is WOW

— Liv    Saturday 19 July 2008, 14:29    #

Started to read a chapter or two and read eight chapters! I love the variety of emotions they experience as the story progresses.

— trixie    Wednesday 23 July 2008, 5:13    #

Thank you for reading and liking! Makes me very, very happy!

— Geale    Wednesday 23 July 2008, 8:48    #

Love the turn this story has taken: very different from the usual and yet very credible within the context you have created for the two of them!

— Ebbingnight    Wednesday 13 August 2008, 21:44    #

Still reading and enjoying. Absolutely love the interaction between the two of them!
I do believe poor Faramir thinks more than I do ;)

— trixie    Thursday 14 August 2008, 17:55    #

Thank you, thank you!
Hehe, yes, our dear Faramir certainly has an active mind. The story continues… I don’t seem to have the heart to end it, so please, do continue reading! :)

— Geale    Thursday 14 August 2008, 19:40    #

I so often see this pairing portrayed in a way that makes it seem like they are in a relationship because it is convenient. That or Aragorn tolerates Faramir’s adoration.
It makes me so happy to read a story where they are so clearly in love!

— trixie    Thursday 28 August 2008, 15:30    #

OMG! JERK! how do you just go whacking the king i hope faramir kicks deren’s ass next chapter coz we all know that he’s the one who did it.

magos    Friday 12 September 2008, 18:10    #

Haha! Instead of writing another chapter, I should just send you over to Minas Tirith to straigthen things out! ;)

— Geale    Friday 12 September 2008, 18:28    #

This is fantastic! It’s been quite a while since I hit a ‘TBC’ and actually groaned aloud. :P You’ve got a real talent – thank you so much!

— Lasselanta    Tuesday 21 October 2008, 5:29    #

Gods, thank YOU! I don’t know exactly what made you groan, but it must have been the lo-ve-ly Deren! ;) Have faith, all of you – there will be a new chapter arriving, hopefully this week. This season is alway hectic so I don’t have that much time on my hands right now. Thank you for your patience!

— Geale    Tuesday 21 October 2008, 20:03    #

Oh I love this story. I want to take Deren out myself. I hope Faramir gives it to him when he finds out he’s the one. These two need some happy time. I cant wait for more.

— Kelly    Thursday 23 October 2008, 19:38    #

Ugh! I almost yelled out loud when I realized this chapter ended here! I cant wait to find out what happens next!

— Kelly    Monday 27 October 2008, 14:15    #

evil! that is an evil ending! man! totally dyin to know what happens here.

ange    Monday 27 October 2008, 21:11    #

Cliffie? What cliffie? Who, me? NEVER! :D Imagine instead how horrible it would have been if the whole story had ended here and now… Oh, I am so happy to see you engage in this! We have holidays over here this week so I’ll probably do some writing sooner than later this time around. Keep those yells coming ;) I DO love you all!
//the author who is feeling just a tad bit evil tonight

— Geale    Tuesday 28 October 2008, 0:08    #

Oh this vile little man! I’d like to teach him a lesson. I hope he gets his. Poor Faramir. I just knew he was going to be in trouble in the next chapter. Awesome work. Can’t wait for more as always.

— Kelly    Monday 10 November 2008, 23:19    #

Ouch! That was low. Deren doesn’t miss a trick, does he? Please don’t let Aragorn be merciful with this one like he was Grima. This is no time to be noble.

Thanks!

— Vanwa Hravani    Friday 14 November 2008, 16:29    #

Aaw, he’s a sweet one, isn’t he? So… what would an appropriate punishment be?

— Geale    Saturday 15 November 2008, 17:35    #

OMG! Poor Faramir – this one truly makes my stomach hurt. Awesome job! I feel so bad for these two. I hope the Valar grants them some happiness soon and some swift, and hopefully painful, punishment to that horrible creature.

— Kelly    Monday 17 November 2008, 18:10    #

Keep writing! I keep loving it.

— Vanwa Hravani    Sunday 23 November 2008, 3:59    #

Excellent! Truly Excellent! That was well worth the wait. Thank you.

— Kelly    Thursday 11 December 2008, 18:03    #

exhaaaaaaales Thank you! (I actually said that out loud a couple of times.) I was honestly quite nervous when posting this chapter since I don’t want to disappoint you and yet… well, I’ve given all of my reasons above. Hah! I feel much more at ease now! resumes breathing

— Geale    Thursday 11 December 2008, 18:56    #

Ilove the way you describe those two, it’s a lovely variation of the more usual fare. Although I got used to the concept of mpreg in fantasy [however could THAT happen? ;-)] I prefer your way, especially in this case. I’m always happy to discover a new chapter. Thanks for sharing!

— Minkicat    Saturday 13 December 2008, 0:37    #

Thank you, thank you! I’m falling more and more in love with this story as I go along and I will be sad to see it end. I’m insanely happy that, so far, you all seem to approve of my decision regarding Aragorn’s future children. Don’t worry, I have it all worked out. I actually do. Hugs to you all! Oh, and cookies!

— Geale    Monday 15 December 2008, 22:02    #

I’m rather glad you have gone with a more canon solution to their issues. It makes it easier for me to think it really happened that way! ;-)

— trixie    Saturday 20 December 2008, 12:47    #

So even as you let Aragorn be merciful, you won’t let the little bastard off the hook? I admit he deserves a bit more than a smack on the fingers…
Merry Christmas and a very happy and content New Year to you!

— Minkicat    Tuesday 23 December 2008, 17:31    #

Geale, still loving every bit of it. So glad Aragorn finally got the marriage thing sorted out (took him long enough, the brute!). And the healer is, of course, loved. But please, please, please, can’t some Ranger skewer Deren with an arrow somewhere beyond the borders, out of loyalty to Faramir and anger at the pain D caused him? Cause the Rangers are the voice of truth and just vengeance, right? Please? He can float down a melting river with arrows in his back – maybe he tried to sneak back in to Gondor? Please?

Will love whatever you do. Thanks!

— Vanwa Hravani    Saturday 27 December 2008, 12:50    #

Trixie: I do get your point ;)
Minkicat: Same to you! I’ve been debating with myself since forever what to do with Deren… and this was my solution.
Vanwa Hravani: I’m considering… I am. I think that maybe you gave me an idea actually. I do hope all of you will endure a never-ending epilogue! I should try to work it into the last chapter though… OK, I’m rambling. Let me see what I can do for you! And, YES, I took him some time to finally ask the big question! Men… ;)

— Geale    Saturday 27 December 2008, 16:51    #

As Always truly excellent. I will be sad to see this story end as well. I anxiously await each new piece. So glad they are finally together forever. I think some copper locked children would be nice also. However, I think Legolas or Haldir could be persuaded to get our dear Deren between the eyes for his treachery. I’d volunteer to do it myself but I’m sure I’m not nearly as good with a bow. Then let the scavengers have him. Cruel I know but I so hate anyone trying to hurt our Faramir. Poor lad has suffered enough. Thanks so much for this story. I have enjoyed every bit of the ride.

— Kelly    Tuesday 30 December 2008, 21:42    #

I’ve loved reading this fic! you portray the relationship so beautifully! It’s tender and sweet and hot all at the same time:)

— minx    Thursday 1 January 2009, 11:43    #

Oh Geale! That was the most beautiful yet, and that’s saying something. I could feel each touch, and every one was so full of pure love. Lust born of love is such a special beast, and so hard to portray. Yet you did it in spades. Now I’m in love with both of them. Sigh. Your Aragorn is the most gentle and loving and truly admirable I have read. These two both have such strength of character. I’ll be awaiting the epilogue with baited breath – as many parts as you like. Write on lady!

VH

— Vanwa Hravani    Friday 2 January 2009, 18:57    #

You’re all so sweet – thank you!
Kelly: I’ll put you in my next story, if you’ve worked up your skill with a bow by then ;) We shall see what happens in the epilogue…
Minx: I’m glad they’re not only fluffy, but hot as well! That’s always so… very nice, I find ;)
Vanwa: I’m blushing over here. You spoil me! Not saying I don’t like it, though! I’m actually curious about what you will think of the epilogue – which will be in two, long parts. And that’s partially your fault! :D

— Geale    Friday 2 January 2009, 22:07    #

Thank you for including me. I shall practice diligently as to be ready for my challenge. This last part was wonderful. My curiosity is piqued for the epilogue. I can hardly wait.

— Kelly    Monday 5 January 2009, 17:36    #

What I will think about the epilogue? Ah…Sigh. Big long exhale. Love it. Love them. Love your writing. Thank you!

Very happy to see Deren get an arrow in his back, in his gullet, in wherever else he got them. Really like the way Eachann tries to be merciful, yet flashes on Elessar’s ‘unspoken wish,’ how when he finally lets fly, it’s without thought but with the smooth immediacy of both necessity and justifiable honor, targeted by the unseen voice and years of skill. Just as I would picture one of Faramir’s Rangers. What a strong and touching legacy of his command, followed by scenes of his continuing grace as a parent. Also like how Eachann went back the next morning to retrieve his arrows, both covering his tracks and not wasting even good iron on the trash that was Deren. In few words, shows that both the man and what happened to him are unworthy of further notice. The ultimate vengeance. He is only a blip in the past.

The parent sex scenes (early morning, curious children) were oh so well written and so true to life without being either saccharin or unrealistically feral. They speak of deep and abiding love, strengthened, rather than interrupted, by the presence of children. And what to say about the final gifts of naming and of cradling in one another’s arms and Creation? Well, I’ll have to follow Aragorn’s advice here. The words would never do. Know that I’m smiling and content and so enjoyed the journey. Thank you.

— Vanwa Hravani    Friday 9 January 2009, 15:42    #

Phew, I’m glad I did justice to the rangers! Since I’m not very used to writing – any of – them. But I do happen to like Eachann actually, and I figured that he should be the one to… bring matters to an end.

I’m certainly not used to writing family scenes either, but after I had sorted out Eldarion’s character, I just couldn’t stop! (If I’m allowed to say so myself – I love him!)

But, no matter how many children Aragorn concieved, I don’t want his and Faramir’s relationship to change into either a boring one, or a chokingly fluffy one. They are still individuals, and they have their own story – the children, as you say, are adding to it, simply.
And thank YOU for coming all this way with me. New journeys await. Let us see where they take us.

— Geale    Saturday 10 January 2009, 17:05    #

Ooh! That was quite the perfect epilogue. I am glad their relationship endures with the same quiet intesnity. I love how sweet and loving these two remain with each other, and how perfect they are with the kids! I also liked the little bit where Faramir feels for the mother as well. I tink he certainly would be cognizant of her feelings.

Quite a perfect ending, and the sequel is most looked forward to:)

— Minx    Sunday 11 January 2009, 17:01    #

Thank you Minx! Perfect, you say? You won’t hear me complaining… ;)
No, I can’t see Faramir punishing the mother or the kids like that. Ah! He’s so noble it’s endearing!

Now, I am working on a new story, but it’s not a sequel, and has nothing to do with TCW. Primarily because presently I don’t know what a sequel would be like. But who knows, one of these days maybe I will? Thank you again!

— Geale    Monday 12 January 2009, 12:30    #

Absolutely wonderful!!!!!!! Eachann is my hero!! I love that Deren got what was coming to him. And there will be some slightly copper haired children after all. I’m so glad with how everything turned out. I love Mirairael’s name. That was perfect! What a great story! Thanks for sharing it with us.

— Kelly    Monday 12 January 2009, 18:13    #

Oh I forgot to ask before. I was wondering on the pronunciation of Mirairael’s name. I made the assumption that the ai will follow the long I in pronunciation. Is that right? That is a beautiful name. Just wondering for my own amusement. Thank you

— Kelly    Monday 12 January 2009, 20:16    #

Finally got caught up in a timely manner! I have truly enjoyed this tale. It is romantic without being cloyingly sweet. I adore the teasing and banter between the two along with the dry wit.

I have been intrigued by your use of personification and especially liked,’ Her white apron immediately drew the attention of the firelight which excitedly coloured it orange.”

I thought it added a sense of realism that Faramir experienced hurt at Aragorn’s determination that his line must continue. (Doubt if Aragorn would have been thrilled if the situation were reversed either ;-)

Finally, the scene back in chapters 8 and 9 with the under the table seduction was one of the hottest things I have ever read. Wow!

Thank you for sharing!

— trixie    Monday 12 January 2009, 20:39    #

Kelly! Thank you dear! It’s lovely to see so many exclamation marks in a row ;)
I was quite happy with her name too. As for the pronunciation… Well, since I made it up myself (sort of, not stealing the light of glory from Master Tolkien who created the languages) I could not say for certain. Also, I’m far more used to Sindarin than I am to Quenya. However – bear with me now – this is my guess:

‘Mir’ – ‘meer’, as we know already from Faramir’s name.
‘ai’ should be pronounced ‘ai’, as in ‘rye’, which here I would rather see pronounced as ‘a + i’, to tell you the truth, ie as separate vowels.
As for the vowels that are not any of the six diphthongs ( ai, au, eu, iu, oi, ui), I’ve heard that they are to be pronounced separately.
So that should give us: Meer-ai-ra-el?

Anyone who knows this better is welcome to share their knowledge – I have an email address!
I hope I managed to shed some light, though. Perhaps…

— Geale    Monday 12 January 2009, 21:05    #

Trixie, you too have made it to the end! And with some very nice comments as well. I like those!

Yes, I am the person who personifies a lot. But it does make the world so much more interesting! And I highly suspect I will carry on with this winning (?) concept in the future.

And, actually, now that you mention it… I think Aragorn would have been most displeased, had it been Faramir who must take a lover in order to continue his bloodline… That is a very interesting thought indeed!

Ah, the chapters 8 and 9… As a dear reader of mine put it: “The good old under the table action”. I guess that I should include some “on top of the table action” next time ;)

And thank you for reading! For my part, it’s been a pleasure writing!

— Geale    Monday 12 January 2009, 21:23    #

That was kind of what I was thinking. Thank you for the assistance. I think its a cool name. Also I agree wholeheartedly with the under the table seduction scene. I know I read that several times, especially the hallway parts when Aragorn informed Faramir he didnt like to share “anything”. If I had Faramir I wouldn’t share him either.

— Kelly    Monday 12 January 2009, 21:45    #

No, our King doesn’t like sharing… and it now it has served to inspire me further. Give me a couple of days! ;)

— Geale    Tuesday 13 January 2009, 15:22    #

Well now, this sounds intriguing! Since I have some free time this week, I’ll be waiting to see what you come up with ;)

— trixie    Tuesday 13 January 2009, 17:07    #

Oh I just love when you are inspired. Means good reading for me! I’m on the edge of my seat

— Kelly    Tuesday 13 January 2009, 23:17    #

what a wonderful story! i couldn’t stop reading it! PLEASE WRITE MORE!!!

— HugeFan!    Tuesday 22 December 2009, 15:41    #

I think my favorite parts are the perspectives of the elements (the dawn light and the temperature), but I loved the whole story.
The healer was definitely my favorite character, that old dude was awesome.
I’m also very glad Aragorn got his rug, he seemed very happy.

— Anna    Tuesday 17 August 2010, 23:09    #

Thank you! This universe still has a special place in my heart…

Anna, the healer takes his work very seriously ;) And rugs are important! I was pleased that you made the rug connection :)

Thank you for reading!

Geale    Wednesday 18 August 2010, 8:47    #

WOW – a bit tired now after reading for the whole night, but I just couldn’t stop. – WOW

Congratulations on the characters you have written for us readers.
The relationship between Aragorn and Faramir sounds far more convincing than most of the other fanfics have them.
The under the table scene gets full points – not for originality, but for very well written indeed.
The healer is a gem – I’d love to see more interaction with him – perhaps some more stories about the royal family?

BTW I was missing the lecture on positions given to Aragorn and Faramir by the healer…. but one can’t have all, can one ?;-)

Thanks for sharing this great story,

— Kathurien    Thursday 30 September 2010, 1:22    #

Thank you so much! It’s great to hear that you enjoyed it!

I’m afraid the healer’s lectures are closed to the public and I can do very little about that. He’s a stubborn one…

I feel very comfortable in this universe but I will honestly say that I have no ideas for another sequel right now (one already exists – Tale Telling). Although, pretty reviews, such as yours, always make me want to write more :)

Thank you again!

Geale    Wednesday 6 October 2010, 19:19    #

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