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The Coldest Winter (R) Print

Written by Geale

09 January 2009 | 77501 words

Chapter 16 – Watching

Why do we not let go? Simply let go. Why do we not let our fingertips slide off the edge, gently one by one, fall from the frail structure that upholds us, that is life? Is it hope and faith? Are we filled with hope – hopeful – that, as they say, ‘this too shall pass’ and we may step out into a new world that promises to carry us to blissful completion? Are we filled with faith? Trusting whatever powers, or people, we fancy to bring us through the hard times?

But what is it to be faithful? If faithfulness exists only in our relationships with other beings, be they human or not, what do we do when we are – alone?

Can you hear me?

His eyes were closed.

Faramir fell back in the chair they had provided for him. He sat by his side and watched. He registered every rise and fall of Aragorn’s chest and he fought to stay awake, the lack of sleep becoming more and more evident as time passed.

They had forced him to change clothes, getting rid of his soaked boots and leggings, and replacing them with dry ones. They had made him drink some soup, so hot it had burnt his insides to ashes. His coughing and watering eyes were the first reactions not directly related to Aragorn’s condition they had gotten out of him. But by now, his world had narrowed down once more to include only the King or anyone who might give him information on his state.

Initially, Faramir had wanted to set the room afire to warm Aragorn’s frozen body, but the healer who had brought him here had gently, but firmly, explained to him that that was not how things worked. One small fire was meticulously tended to and kept the temperature in the room on a level no higher than one’s average body temperature. Faramir was not convinced, but there really was nothing he could do.

Outside, the nimble fingers of dawn toyed with the sky in the east, painting bright red streaks across the horizon, and randomly underlining them with a rosy tint. A few yawning stars were still showing in the western sky, but they were eager to dim into the light of day, finding some sleep after the long night.

As the light of dawn drew closer to Minas Tirith, the minutes dragged on, turning into half-hours, becoming complete hours. Faramir watched. As the deathly white shade that held Aragorn’s skin ever so slowly gave way, angry red patches appeared on his cheeks, his forehead and even his ears. Faramir wanted nothing more than to stroke them away with a careful hand, but he was firmly told not to touch. He complied.

Sometime later, the healer Faramir had begun to recognise as a genuinely caring person entered the room and walked over to where Aragorn was lying on the bed. After a long, searching glance at Faramir – probably to make sure he was behaving or had not passed out – he carefully lifted the covers concealing the King’s body and looked underneath.

From his place opposite him, Faramir could not see what he was doing but the healer appeared sufficiently pleased at what he saw – at least there was no new frown on his face. The Steward observed him intently, not sure what to expect or dread. He knew nothing at all and it ate away at him, little by little. Silence hung heavily in the air around them.

The healer replaced the blankets, circled the bed and pulled up a chair next to Faramir. Fixing the Steward with a firm gaze, he began speaking.

“The King suffers as you can plainly see from his exposure to the cold, although not as severely as I first imagined. The cold clawed at his skin cruelly, as you can see, but with some luck it will heal properly and leave no more than a few faint scars.” He paused, checking that Faramir understood his words.

The Steward nodded.

“Eventually, as he regains his regular body temperature he should wake up. The process cannot, indeed must not, be rushed.” These words he emphasised strongly, drawing another nod from Faramir.

“This process is not a pretty one,” the healer warned him. “Blood will once more begin to flow freely in his veins but it brings with it great pain. Once we are sure he will be fine though, we can give him something to ease it with.”

Faramir nodded, and nodded.

“Now, as for his legs… It seems to me that the hurt they have been exposed to was…” another pause, a longer one, “…intentional.”

He stopped nodding. Fighting for words, he only succeeded at repeating what he had heard. “Intentional?”

There was now a grave look on the healer’s face and it was he who inclined his head this time. “Yes, so it seems. I would say, from what I have seen, that the King was dragged across the snow, most likely so by someone who held him by his ankles. There is also an angry mark on the back of his head, suggesting he did not willingly venture outside.”

Faramir felt sick. This time, however, it blended with anger. Staggering to his feet, he did not know where to turn. “Someone tried to kill him!” he cried out, intending it as a question but, suspecting he already knew the answer, it came out as more of a statement.

The healer held up a hand, meaning to calm him down. “This is merely my opinion. We will know more when the King awakens.”

Faramir slumped back into the chair, his mind reeling. Who would want to hurt their King, much less see him dead? The War was over, no new threat had arisen… The Orcs were almost all gathered up. Saruman dead. Sauron defeated. This was a time of peace and budding prosperity.

Besides, the weather surely made it impossible for anyone to even enter the City – the palace? What had happened? The King was well guarded, even though security had been somewhat relaxed as peace reigned.

There, he was back where he started.

Waiting. This constant, hateful waiting was the key to solving this dreadful mystery.

He turned his eyes to Aragorn. A little more colour had returned to his skin but he showed no signs of waking yet. With a long sigh, Faramir forced himself to calm down as he was obviously wished to do.

Then he realised what the healer had not told him. His heart sank in his chest.

“How much damage has been done to his legs?” The question came out as a whisper.

“Truthfully, I do not know. We must wait and see.”

So waited they did.


The light of dawn had not been expecting anything in particular as it climbed the towers of the White City. Mostly it had been contemplating the oncoming spring, making plans for what to do, and who to wake up in which way as the days grew longer. Not that much had happened yet, but there were rumours in the south of warmer winds. The light of dawn danced around excitedly at this as it went in search for the King.

He was not in his chambers, his bed stood undisturbed. The light of dawn peered inside but saw no sign of him. Throwing in the necessary amount of brightness through the window-glass, the light sped towards the Steward’s bedroom. It smiled to itself at this turn of events, but figured that Men appreciated some variety.

Utterly confused, the light regarded the empty and equally untouched bed. This was very strange. It illuminated the room swiftly and continued the search for the two lovers.

It took some time until it found them and what it saw then, shook every glint and sparkle in the sky. The light of dawn stared, horrified, down upon the two humans. The King, its beloved King, lay sleeping in a bed in the healing quarters looking as pale as the snow piled up on the streets below. The Steward had collapsed beside him, seated in a chair, but with his head resting on the bed, close to where Aragorn’s hip must be, but not touching.

Breaking free from the temporary numbness that held it, the light of dawn did two things. First, it gently slipped inside, enveloping the men in a warm embrace, making the air shimmer about them. Then, it made a promise to deal severely with whoever had hurt its King and his lover.


A weak mumbling woke Faramir from his sleep. The day had progressed and the room was now bathing in a wintry sunshine. The fire was still burning but the healers had all left them for now.

Connecting the sound to the situation, Faramir turned so quickly to Aragorn that his head spun. Watching his lover’s eyelids flutter, he held his breath, silently praying to every god and goddess he had ever heard of.

Thousands of years passed and then slowly, slowly Aragorn opened his eyes. Adjusting to the strong light around him, he blinked. Then a ripple crossed his features and with a pained groan and a sharp intake of breath, he thrust them shut once more. His chest heaved and sweat collected on his forehead.

Faramir called out, knowing not which words he chose, only needing someone to come to them.

When the healers stopped swarming around them, Aragorn seemed more at ease despite his still heavy breathing. Faramir had unceremoniously been pushed aside but now he approached the bed once more.

“Aragorn,” he whispered.

A new wave of life passed over the King’s face, but this time it was not accompanied by a stab of pain.

“Aragorn?” Hardly daring to hope, he stood as close to the bed he could without disturbing it.

How could he explain the joy that washed over him as the faintest of smiles ghosted across his lover’s lips?

“I cannot touch you,” he began, for some reason needing to explain why he had not already thrown himself at the King, “but I am here…”

The smile deepened ever so lightly. A movement drew Faramir’s attention and with what must have been an enormous effort, Aragorn slid his hand out from underneath the covers. The skin was tinted with flaming red. Feeling tears well up in his eyes, Faramir shook his head blindly.

“I cannot touch you,” he said in a voice threatening to break, “they will not allow it.” He lifted the blankets and hid the hand once more.

“But I am here.”

Blinking through his tears he saw the smile weaken but to his relief it did not disappear completely.


It was mid-afternoon. Aragorn had spent the last hours in a fitful sleep, unmoving but for recurrent tremors shaking his body. Now, the shaking gradually subsided and he once more began to surface. His head fell to the side and a slight frown crossed and settled on his brow. Lips that had regained almost their full colour seemed to begin forming a word, but failed and stilled.

Faramir watched all of this, just as he had seen every tremor and heard every breath his lover had drawn since he drifted back to sleep. Faramir leaned forward in his chair and fighting the urge to brush away a dark strand of hair from Aragorn’s temple he called out softly, “Welcome back.”

The frown faded away and left the King’s features calm and peaceful.

“I still cannot touch you,” Faramir whispered regretfully, frustration lacing his voice.

Aragorn’s lips moved again and this time he managed a hoarse sound.

“No,” said Faramir, “speak not.”

But the older man was persistent and as his Steward patiently waited, the King managed the first words he had spoken since last night.

They were barely distinguishable, nearly swallowed by breathing and there were only two of them, but to Faramir they were everything.

“Love you.”

With tears yet again streaming down his face, Faramir desperately wished he could crawl into the bed and feel Aragorn’s arms around him, holding him securely. Or it would be he who held the King. He wished for a face free to touch, free to kiss and caress. He wished for a body to mould perfectly against. He wished for words to be spoken, looks exchanged and breaths to mingle.

Instead he remained in his seat, furiously brushing away the wet streaks form his cheeks.

“I love you too, Aragorn.” He choked out the words. “I love you so much! When I found you, I thought… When I found you… Gods… I found you.”

Unable to fight the emotions, he broke down and cried as he had not done for many years. His hands lifted, they hovered above his lover’s hair as if he somehow might be able to feel it anyway.

“Do not leave,” he whispered, “do not leave me, Aragorn.”

That was when he saw it: the tear that slid down the King’s reddened cheek from behind his closed eyelids, leaving a glistening trail behind.

He wanted to kiss it away, wanted frantically to touch anything – any part of Aragorn that was allowed. There was none.

A movement in the doorway caused him to look up. Rubbing his face with the back of his hand, the young man saw the healer standing in the doorway, holding up a pillow. Faramir was too exhausted to care about what he might have heard or seen. Upon crossing the room, the healer silently handed Faramir the light burden and then, while murmuring to Aragorn, he carefully pulled his pillow further away from the Steward, making room on the bed for one more head.

Gratefully, Faramir placed his own pillow beside Aragorn’s and while he was still seated he could at least face his lover. He pushed his chair closer and angled it as best he could.

“I must ask you not to touch him.” The healer repeated softly, his eyes compassionate.

After seeing to the fire, he left the room with a small, kind smile.

Faramir placed his head on the pillow. It was not too comfortable, but his body had no say in this. His heart was the supreme judge.

Aragorn’s eyes were still closed but there were no more tears.

“I…” Faramir began, wanting to say so much, but not knowing where to begin.

Raspy words then slipped past Aragorn’s lips:

“Not leaving.”

And somehow that was all that was needed to be said.

As the King slipped back to sleep, Faramir sat watching.


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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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