I really loved the tension and characterizations here.

The last line made me shiver. This is an original take on things, and I'm always happy with a thoughtful portrayal of Denethor. Most authors don't bother.

wonderful story! it's great to find another Kellie (spelled the same way) that likes LotR! i love ur writing style and the way you portrayed the characters. ur a great writer.

Denethor and his ego! gah!!
hehe looks like Aragorn is a true casanova *g*
Good story!! I mean it! Absolutely great! Good job!
~Belothien

That was wonderful. I love your portrayal of Denethor's jealousy and Aragorn's unawareness of his own charm. The pride of Westerness description was lovely, and even Finduilas played a part, her shadowed existence forming a backdrop to Denethor's jealousy.

Y'know what? If I were up against Denethor. The first thing
that would pop into my mind is him in a burning pyre and Denethor
saying 'If I'm going down, I'm draggin ye down with me'
*cringe*

Excellent fic. Denethor is very well captured as second best in Gondor,
and Aragorn seems to have a sweet little humbleness about him which
Denethor resents. Very nice touch.

Bravo! *gives the author a standing ovation*

Excellent vignette that really adds depth to some of the minor characters. I really liked Findulas especially. I always did think she was hard done by. Denthor is a big, fat poopy-head, isn't he? Great work!! peace...

Well done. I agree with other comments, plus: This is something I hadn't considered before, that Denethor could order Aragorn away. Of course he could, even if he hadn't strictly inherited yet. Now or later, it would come down to the same thing. To have any possibility of changing Denethor's mind, and to avoid furthering Sauron's cause, Aragorn had no choice but to give in, just that quickly, and to give no reason to Ecthelion.Good observation, well constructed, I like it. Thanks!

Mm, lovely stuff! Smashingly written and characterized, and I loved the dexterity with which you handled the relationships between father and son, husband and wife, heir and captain. Please write more!

I liked it! Will you write more?

Wow, this is a very well-written story! I must thank you for making my day - it is rare that I meet others who actually care about Denethor. :-)

You have tremendous talent and a great flair for words. Once again, thank you for writing this great fanfic!

You will write more, won't you? :-)

Beautifully written! I must admit I've felt with Denethor ever since I read the Appendices to The Return of the King some twenty-odd years ago, so I might be a little prejudiced agaisnt Aragorn. But I admire the way you showed the poitn of view of both men - and Gandalf guiding Aragorn towards Lórien is an extra bonus! Did he know what will happen when Aragonr meats Arwen? I wonder...
Loved Finduilas, too. That she knew Denethor loved her in his own way. That's a fact much too rarely mentioned.

This was very nicely done. A good description of Denethor's jealousy on many levels. I like that you have used the canon resemblance between Aragorn and Denethor to create the rumor that Aragorn might be Ecthelion's son. I also enjoyed the brief scene between Denethor and Finduilas. It is an interesting idea that Denethor sent Thorongil away instead of his doing so voluntarily after the great victory. That has always seemed a bit odd to me, and your take on the situation works very well. Good job!

Very good concept! I liked it a lot and the plot was intriguing and at the same time, loyal to the original! Well done!