The memory and feelings here are powerful and beautiful. I felt Denethor's grief and the imagery of the dark wood and the shivering boy are lovely.

So light and gentle, like a tide in a way, despite the subject. D grief and confusion and frustration come out well and the small bundle of a young boy not able to find the words but implicitly understanding that at heart we are a species that needs companionship..need the solace of touch. Grieving is work and give warmth is part of that. The boy will always give and therein lies the wonder of him at last finding the space to ask for something for himself, but sadly, after. I like to think beyond Mandos' halls they see and know his happiness and Denethor finds his again

Short and simple, yet simple seems not to be the right word. Short and elegant maybe. Very few words that conjure up images so vivid and true to the characters. I've said it before and I'll say it again: I love your style of writing so much, it captures truly Tolkien's characters and his style while adding in your own interpretation. Really well done, so very very well done. I'll agree with everyone before me as to the interpretation of Denethor in particular, how we see his heart, worded as I find only he could. Thank you and so very well done!

Faramir is so young here, yet he understands his father like only one very like him could. This is the side of Denethor so rarely seen, because his love was buried under grief. Excellent perspective here; beautiful!

Hey Altariel,

I'm reviewing this as part of the Caesar's Palace Forum Review-a-thon (come check it out if interested, all fandoms welcome!).

Oooh this was very nice! Nostalgic but also somewhat bittersweet. I like your use of descriptive language, particularly how Faramir was "curious as a raven." That suits him well and is powerful in the image it creates, that I can picture him clearly bounding along.

The second paragraph is nicely written. The absence of Finduilas is almost taunting and shows the love Denethor had for her. I like how everything reminds him of her, the benches, the court, the music... I can picture how everything is entwined to deeply with memories of his beloved wife. It is hearbreaking.

This piece also gives Denethor some humanity. It shows he did care for his boys and his wife. We only meet him as the aged, corrupted Steward with love for only Boromir. It is refreshing to see this other side of him and to somewhat explain what led to him decline. It makes you wonder how different things would be if Finduilas had lived? She obviously cared for Faramir and would have protected him.

One of my favourite paragraphs is where Denethor is annoyed at Faramir as he thinks he is seeking consolation but realises he offer that very thing to his father. That is a nice contrast. I like the anger Denethor displays, the dark rage at his mourning and melancholy being disturbed. Then his realisation.

Your spelling and grammar use is great and I like how you used the line breaks to separate the scenes. That makes the piece easier to read.

Overall, a great little piece. You add so much depth to Denethor in only a few words. You give us the image of a man, a real man, with flaws and pain. You humanise him without justifying his misdeeds.

Thanks for writing this - keep it up!

~purplelightening

It's easy to forget that Denethor wasn't always heartless - that once, he was a loving father of both his boys. And of course, Finduilas would not have fallen in love and married him if he had had a cold personality. It was only after her death when he resorted to using the palantir and fell under the influence of Saruman and Sauron that he changed. I love the final scene, where father and son sit on the bench, both wrapped in Denethor's cloak. Lovely story.

I do like reading stories that show Denethor wasn't always hard and focused only on saving Gondor. A very sweet little moment!

Another beautiful story.