Raven- Still though, I would hate to think in some small way I unintentionally dredged up any possibly unwelcome memories, so please accept my apologies on that part, and I hope that it didn’t leave you feeling too reminiscent! :S

It’s completely true that most authors draw on their own experiences for their work, whether it be something taken directly from an event in their life or just the themes of something similar (the best advice for writing anything: write what you know!) While I’ve not been in exactly this situation of course I think most people will have experience at some point (sadly, though I think in hindsight necessary in order to grow as a person and learn) the sort of situation where the heart gets a little bruised or torn and it’s difficult to see the clear path out of the maze (and even when you can see the exit, those pesky emotions won’t let you step onto it.)

I just worried that Faramir/Aragorn’s interchangable-ness (while interesting in canon because their similar backgrounds and experiences and stories make them quite compatible as either friends (or in fanfic, something deeper) in my opinion; i.e. they’re both rangers, both inheriting a title that they are either, at least for a time, unwilling (Aragorn his kingship) or not expecting (Faramir his Stewardship, after Denethor died Boromor would have been the heir) to inherit. Character-wise they are also either very similar or complimentary; both loyal and good and wise, and stoic, perhaps stubborn, stern but kind and willing to sacrifice themselves for their cause (Faramir’s suicide ride to Osgiliath, Aragorn riding out to the Black Gate.)) I suppose I was worried that in my own writing as characters they wouldn’t seem distinct enough, that to an outside, non-LotR reader the person ascribed to their actions or dialogue could have been either/or and no differing qualities that actually make them separate characters would be clear through my on inability. Whether or not I’ve achieved that I don’t know but I can only try! I mean, what does make them different? Fans know, of course, that they are two separate men (I’d say Faramir’s insecurities (though really I find him a very strong and layered character) mark him as not weak but perhaps a shade more fallible, I think maybe he is actually more stern than Aragorn in that regard but also gentler, and Aragorn’s long history has given him so much more experience in life than Faramir and perhaps a more worldly view of things on a larger scale)- they are familiar with them and need no explanations or exposition in the text to differentiate them. I think that to improve my own writing and practise that I need to work on characterisation as if I were presenting these stories to a wholly new audience. (Here I am writing a novel in the comments again…) I hope you understand what I’m rambling on about!

It’s clearly my mission in life to bury you forever beneath text of some sort D: Thank you for putting the gears in my head into motion again! :D

AvidReader- Oh my, thank you so much! I’m seriously blushing over here under the deluge of wonderful compliments; I’m so glad you found this story (well, that it made sense, first of all, since I wrote the three parts far apart and in a different order!) enchanting, despite the angst-ridden theme I’d hoped to leave the characters (and the reader) with at the very least some small sense of hope. I did enjoy writing myself out of the tangle I’d put the characters in in the first part (when I started, I’d only intended to write one piece, but then the urge to complete the story drove me on!) Thank you again for reading and taking the time to comment, I’m so very glad you enjoyed it :)

That is the most touching and beautiful story I have read on here. :) The emotions are brilliantly portrayed, the characters…oh…I can’t seem to retrieve the proper words from my overwhelmed and amazed brain that has just completed this tale of wonder and enchantment that ends in a remarkable way, if ending is what you may call it.

Oh no no no, there´s no need to worry or apologize! After all it was not you who caused the mental distress (but my stupid self that refused for so long to put a lid onto a relationship that was never meant to work). :)

I agree, putting your characters into predicament is not always the fun one might expect. Especially since you obviously have a deep understanding for the situation and the way people must feel. I would not dare to say that any fic is based on the writer´s own experiences, but then I think it´s also impossible to not bring in your own personality. So, if you know how it is to be stuck in such a situation, how profoundly someone can suffer of it, it is no fun anymore. Which might rob you of the possibility to go “And now I´ll insert a little twist and everybody will be happy again”, because you simple know that´s not the way life works. Erm. Yes. Does that make any sense? Eora, are you still there..?

There´s any interesting point in Faramir and Aragorn seeming kinda interchangeable… frankly I think they partly are, even in canon. Once I read an article that compared the two book characters – their first appearance, their ranger attire, Frodo´s immediate trust and Sam´s mistrust – yes, it seems there is a resemblance. When Pippin has his first encounter with Faramir the man even reminds him of Aragorn. Indeed, I think they are way more similar than Aragorn and Boromir (or Boromir and Faramir), so you can hardly go wrong here. ;)

And just in case you´re still plagued by doubt: There´s one wonderful thing about fanfiction I´ve just recently found out: PEOPLE ARE FAMILIAR WITH THE CHARACTERS. (happy dance) I never realized what a relief that means. You do not have to point out that Boromir is a little over-confident, because that is common fandom knowledge. There is no need to emphasize the beauty of Lothlórien, because everybody is familiar with it. Of course one CAN work with these elements, but if you do not it will be no catastrophe either. :)

Oops, what is that? Must have mistaken the comment section with the new entries… however, worry not about delays! Enjoy your days… and the well-deserved fluff! :)

Dude, thank you so much for such a wonderful, in-depth (as always) comment! :D (And I’ll say right now that I’ve not forgotten about your email, my reply is forthcoming, very soon, I promise! Expect the first half to be comprised mainly of apologies!)

It sounds terrible but I’m quite glad I’m finished this little trilogy, not because I hated working on it or don’t like the story, but because I don’t really like putting the characters through such situations! Writing angst is really enjoyable, perversely so probably, but you know my predilection for a nice, romantic tale and in the wake of this story’s departure from my hard-drive I went ahead and completed a one-shot story in about an hour, I was in need of some fluff! I’ll hold off on posting it for a little while, not wishing to bombard the site with my meanderings :P

Anyway, that my story can invoke an emotional reaction from you is a massive compliment to my writing, so thank you deeply, however I hope I didn’t dredge up anything too distressing, and if I did please accept my heartfelt apologies! Your comments on my use of character are also causing me to blush, and I’m afraid I’m not sure if I can quite believe you- I think characterisation is my weakest point (not that I’m by any means proficient at any of this writing business!) I’m always worried I don’t give each character a distinctive voice, that perhaps Faramir and Aragorn, if viewed by someone who was not familiar with the characters already, would seem interchangeable in their mannerisms, reactions, thoughts etc. I’m also pretty sure I stray quite far from their original versions but that can’t always be helped in fanfiction. The best I can hope for I think is for at least consistency in my interpretations :P

As usual, I am far too verbose for this time of night! Thank you again for reading and leaving your thoughts; I solemnly swear that I’m up to no good that my reply to your mail will be winging it’s way to you either tomorrow or Friday evening. Again, my aplogies! ;)

Dude, what an amazingly complex and dense thing this is! I can only keep repeating that you should be an “official” writer! You have an unbelievable instinct for characters – not only in the meaning of staying “in character” (that as well, of course), but… maybe one could call it a sense for realism. You just know how to make people think and act believable. I think it´s a distinctive feature of all the three of them to get along with at least a rest of common sense and without letting their personal feelings overwhelm them completely, even if the situation is very tensed and emotionally heated. I think there could hardly be a better ending – in my opinion there simply IS no clear solution in such a case, and you gave them the happiest end possible.

This rouses all kinds of feelings in me (not only positive ones, but that has nothing to do with the story and a lot with personal stuff I thought I had buried for good a long time ago). I must say I would have had a less harder time if the fic wasn´t written so perfectly, if you were not such a good observer. ;) However, I´m genuinely glad you finally dusted your baby and brought it to light! And hey, I had no idea of the true nature of Electrum! Chapeau and thanks for the enlightenment! Until today I thought it was a word invented by Terry Pratchett! XD