Oh, I believe every colour in the palette has its appropriate uses – and for this story the ‘macabre gentleness’ is just the shade to apply, I think. And I also think that your ‘colour scheme’ in this work is exceptionally consistent. At first I had wondered why it was that Faramir actually having a consensual relationship with someone had only added to the sadness and eeriness of the tale. I suppose that is because it brings into contrast how truly unprotected he is before Denethor, that even though another man loves him, nothing can ensure him against this sort of peril.
So, as you see, the impression has lingered on me indeed…

There are sometimes when horror just accosts you and you can’t do anything but write about it. I felt the same way as you when I wrote this. The horror lingered and I had to complete it. That’s one thing I love about your writing… but your gentleness is a true gentleness… whereas mine seems to be touched by the macabre. Yikes! Bless you for your comments! MOST appreciated!

Such eloquence in so few words, practically a tale of a whole life. So concise, yet so very powerful – quite overwhelming, actually. Beautiful and haunting. So many things you leave unsaid, and yet it all reads perfectly well between the lines. It is all seemingly soft and gentle, but what horrors are actually hiding below the surface…!
To the very end I wanted to take Denethor’s words at face value, but then… And apparently his last line is a lie, too, along with everything else. Good Valar, it simply makes me shudder to think what course Faramir’s life will take from then on…
Thank you for sharing this work. It has definitely left me with a lingering impression.