This was definitely a different side to Andrahar and I liked seeing him be compassionate and tender. I actually shed a few tears. I have not quite figured out which of these stories are related so do not seem to be reading them in the right order which is a bit confusing :(

A great story, a lovely addition to the LoTR fable, and to your own characters. As always, well written, well characterised, good ocmbination of "high" and "low" language and fully realised details to bring the story alive.

What a great story!

I teared up a bit. Nellith is a wonderful mother and Brand gets no small part of his character from her.

Brand should get use to girls swooning over him.

You have a gift for clear exposition; also I love the genetic nightmares of drowning- better than a history of cancer.

lovely in all ways.

Brand is so cute. Women like that stuff.

Brand's fortunes continue to improve; Andrahar takes him as an apprentice to release him from the callous and abusive Jacyn, and then, what a great payoff for the bereaved Captain!

The plot is thickening very nicely! 'Bout time Andrahar, and the boy, got a break.

Brand is certainly a gutsy kid! And he's where he probably was destined to be, thanks to his own courage, surrounded by Swan Knights who can recognize his quality.

I loved Cuilast's "chirpy" explanation of bastardy not being an impediment to Swan Knighthood...

An intriguing beginning; especially since it is from the POV of the common folk of Pelargir rather than the lords of Gondor. At least not yet, though the Swan Knights are coming.

My only complaint is that the name "Jacyn" does not sound like a Sindarin, or even Gondorian, name.

Awesome! I loved this story. To see Brand stand up to that fat bastard of a father in law was priceless. Also the fact that Boromir was gay...are you a Boromir hater there? Or did you just think it would be interesting? It is a different idea than most though. Maybe thats why Boromir was always uncomfortable around Legolas...cause he is a guy...and femanine! Hehehe.

Gosh - I was certain that I had reviewed this fic as it is one of my absolute favorites, but imagine my surprise when I came to re-read it and realized that I hadn't! For that, I'm sorry, as I just can't praise this story enough. It gave me goosebumps at times. I really enjoyed reading it - never wanted it to end, actually. I liked the fact that you left it open-ended, for a possible sequel (or is that just wishful thinking?). I would love to read about Brand's training, and see the reactions of his newfound paternal family when they are enlightened of his parentage...hint, hint!

Thanks for weaving such an exquisite story.

- b.

This is a good fanfiction, and it's about time. I've been reading two hours every night, of fanfiction, and all I got stuck with was bad stories. This one was awesome though, so I hope you keep writing.

I loved your story. Maybe you could write a sequel about his training.