Ah, the Shakespeare-quote "All's well that ends well" doesn't really apply here, does it? I must say, though, that I like where you left Aragorn and Faramir. I know, fanfiction is escapism to a certain extent and you want to things to end better than they would in reality (or even in the reality of the universe you're writing in). But I like it far more if things leave traces, scars and problems that need dealing with. And even if Aragorn decides to jump in that mud bath ten times more, and even if the brand would eventually vanish, the real scar would stay. I like that, because it's realistic and believable. Now, of course I'm terribly curious where you're going with them now. Faramir will not make the first step to make things right between them, because he thinks his "exile" is well-deserved - even if it pains him. That leaves Aragorn with the task to extend a hand to his Steward, but I fear he has a lot of healing to do before he's able to do that. He's desperate to find that Faramir is still that friend he trusted. But at the same time he's so afraid he judged him wrongly that he cannot touch nor talk to him. It'll take a lot of time for that to change:( I'm continously amazed at that rich universe you created and I always enjoy spending time in it!
Author's Response: Thank you for these much appreciated reviews, I've loved hearing your thoughts about my story. It was originally going to have a happy ending,but my friend Raksha suggested I go for something darker and I'm glad I did as I feel it adds more realism and am glad you agree.Aragorn and Faramir try to rebuild their friendship in my sequel "ATime to Reap" at the behest of their worried wives. I'm glad you liked Eomer's role.I felt Aragorn needed someone he could simply talk to. I find the privacy thing very interesting as I believe everyone,ate,slept and worked together in olden times.A Group of tribesmen from a remote Island recently visited the UK And were not happy at all when their hostess wanted to give them their own rooms,so i read. You are quite right that Aragorn could jump in mud baths galore to no avail! | 