As always, this tale was very good! It is a nice story of hope, on a large scale for the King and people of Gondor, on an individual scale for the new young Steward, who is beginning to recover from the trauma of nearly being burned alive by his own father. Faramir is also beginning to understand that a leader need not be remote or unkind in order to be effective. Well done! Thanks for writing and posting this. Sincerely, Darkover

This was so sweet! It had all my favorites- angsty Faramir, regal Aragorn, hurt/comfort. I love your writing.

That was so very beautiful! Did I mention before that I love the way you describe Aragorn? *g* The moment between the two of them was just so very heartwarming, and even more precious because no words were needed. I loved how you let us see Aragorn through Faramir's eyes. Caring, compassion, and power are a wonderful combination, especially when found in a king. *happy sigh*

Very nice piece, Linda!

Poor Faramir, as if losing his family wasn't enough, he's got a brand new phobia to deal with. Very nicely written-believable and not overdone.

The characterizations were great. You managed to communicate so much with very little dialogue. You made my New Years!

cheers!

-Brennan

A very sweet and hopeful story, thank you for sharing!

Very nice little "new year" fic - thanks for sharing! Sorry I've been off in hiding. I'll try to do better going forward.

- Deandra

living memory, that the people of Gondor - omit "that"

the air was so longer foul - should be "no" rather than "so"

beside her brother in Rohan for a while yet He swallowed hard - add period after "yet"

Great little story! Happy new Year!

I think the thing I liked best about this story was Faramir contimplating how much things had changed for Gondor in the span of a year. I think that was the most poigniant part, at least for me. I also liked how Aragorn and Arwen were accepting the gifts so gratefully. I can totally see that. I liked the words Aragorn said too before lighting the flame. A very nice story!

Roisin