Henneth Annûn Story Archive

Hi Vilvarin,

Sorry to take so long to reply. Yes, the scene with Halmir is a special one. Keep an eye on him and Boromir.

Finduilas plays a dangerous game, but one that will open up unexpected opportunities. None of it will make Denethor terribly happy.

I'm glad you are enjoying the story. I am currently writing about Faramir's birth, interestingly enough. His arrival has a much different effect than his brother's.

Thanks for the comment!

Ang

Hi, Ang. This chapter played on my emotions in some really interesting ways. I usually like the Denethor chapters better, but I was wholly feelin' it with Finduilas this time.

Maybe I get sentimental around the holidays, or perhaps there really were some powerful themes here. I got weepy a few times, and I'm not much of a softie.

Finduilas' reaction (alienation, anxiety, distaste) to the newborn Boromir struck a very realistic note, and made the contrast with her positive reaction to Denethor's touch all the sharper. The slackening of her emotional tension at his hands and the resonance with the story's title really got to me.

Thorongil's greeting Boromir really got to me, too; as I read it, I saw Boromir's life flash before my eyes and felt almost the same kind of apprehension Finduilas was feeling, so that was also an interesting effect.

Finally, Finduilas' response to Denethor's rage made me say "woo-hoo!" and want to be like her when I grow up. She is a prince, indeed.

Congratulations on another chapter of phenomenal characterization and multi-layered plotty goodness.

-Raihon

Hi Raihon!

Sorry to, um, OK, I think that my *standard* comment opening now is going to be shorthanded to STTSLTR. It seems to be a permanent condition for me now. But all for a good cause!

This chapter played on my emotions in some really interesting ways. I usually like the Denethor chapters better, but I was wholly feelin' it with Finduilas this time.

It is a very strong one for her, as will be the next few. Finduilas is finally confronting something she does not do well.

Finduilas' reaction (alienation, anxiety, distaste) to the newborn Boromir struck a very realistic note, and made the contrast with her positive reaction to Denethor's touch all the sharper. The slackening of her emotional tension at his hands and the resonance with the story's title really got to me.

It is an inversion of the usual way to tell her story, where she is a devoted mother and tries to cope with a cold and/or abusive spouse. This is not something that will resolve easily.

Thorongil's greeting Boromir really got to me, too; as I read it, I saw Boromir's life flash before my eyes and felt almost the same kind of apprehension Finduilas was feeling, so that was also an interesting effect.

Yes, Thorongil's first sight of Boromir is an eerie premonition of the last; still, eyes closed, his life at an end instead of at its start. Keep an eye on Halmir, too. He and Boromir get to know each other quite well.

Finally, Finduilas' response to Denethor's rage made me say "woo-hoo!" and want to be like her when I grow up. She is a prince, indeed.

The woman kicks-ass. I think you will appreciate Denethor's POV on the other side of the incident, when he gets yet another comeuppance. Something I try to do with this story is reformulate tired tropes of victimization and suffering. There are ways of dealing with aggression besides helplessness, depression and suicide. If you'd like to talk more about that, log in and hop over to the HotK Forum.

Congratulations on another chapter of phenomenal characterization and multi-layered plotty goodness.

Thanks!
Ang