Yes, l had first read the story at the time of the swap, don’t know why l hand’t commented?

l like this rendition of Eowyn, it rings true. While for Faramir’s benefit l would have preferred to see him with a spouse who would be more sympathetic towards his interpretation of the situation, or would at least have the wisdom to leave it alone for his benefit, that wouldn’t necessarily be in character for Eowyn. I often see her portrayed as having gone really gentle and soft in her post-Faramir life, but l din’t really buy that…

Faramir’s reaction is very understandable. First of all, he loves and trusts his brother, and it is impossible to reconcile that concept of Boromi with his latter behaviour. Secondly, it is much easier to bear if he essentially denies that the whole thing even happened. If he thinks that Boromir never did anything to him, he can relatively easily compartmentalise the experience and move on. Denial is generally a very common response, and l would think especially so when you have a magic ring and an ancient evil to blame for everything.

What l find one of the most fascinating premises of this story is that we actually don’t know. There is a bit of a hint that things may be a bit more complex, in the scene where even after the Ring is removed from Boromir, he does not actually stop what is already in progress. This ties in to the larger question that was never answered in the book. It may have been addressed in some Tolkien’s letter later, but l have not seen one, and anyway it would not be part of the main text. That is, how does it actually work when someone lays claim on the Ring? We only see a handful of people carry it, no one tries to actually claim at as their own. Faramir’s interpretation is that it’s an all-out demonic possession, that the host’s spirit and mind is completely overruled by an external entity who twists the host’s exiting knowledge and memory to carry out atrocities with a personalised flavour. But could it be a little less simplistic than that? This story allows the possibility that yes.

Sorry to hear you haven’t been able to write lately. Is it difficulty with finding inspiration, or the time?

Thank you, December. I was very surprised to get a comment so long after the story was written—had to skim it to refresh my own memory. Glad you liked it, and especially those scenes. The transition of Boromir is important, and the scene with Pippin was part of the request—and a bit of (dark) humor in the middle of things. Pippin’s got more than a little crush on Faramir anyway. I know that there was a lot more to the story that got pushed back, since it was only from Faramir’s point of view. Pippin’s and Eowyn’s parts got cut/not written because they didn’t fit. Eowyn would have torn Boromir a new one, which was why she had to end up locked away not too long after it all started. Faramir will probably have to keep her away from Boromir forever. Boromir won’t hide from her, though. Faramir’s refusal to blame Boromir at all… It makes sense, but in re-reading what I wrote actually sounds a little bit cruel. Boromir will never forgive himself, I know that much. He’ll do better, but he will always remember and feel guilt. That I meant to happen. Faramir does forgive, but he can’t forget or else Eowyn will end up killing Boromir. Eomer… I’m not even going there. Wow, I remember a lot what I was thinking back then when I have a prompt. I haven’t been able to write in so long that I don’t know if a swap would help or give me a nervous breakdown.

Hi Bell Witch!

Boy, this story makes me hunger for a Swap again! It’s hard to believe that you’ve worked in so much character and plot development, and around such a difficult and complex topic, in such a short amount of time! I especially liked how you did the parts where Boromir first makes overt advances, and the scene with Pippin. I also have a feeling there is more to Eowyn’s situation – what if the evil spirit in Boromir had played the same game on her as on Faramir, telling her that if she yielded he would spare Faramir? (shudders) I would also be curious to see how the brothers processes their trauma as time goes by and the immediate relief of the destruction of the Ring fades away.

Thank you!

I love Boromir dearly and it’s hard for me see him in his dark, cruel side. Fortunately I could see a happy ending if not easy for him..
I like so much Faramir, his love for his brother, his trust on him and his power of forgiveness… he’s so great person! I enjoyed your fic! Congrats!!

Moit—Thank heavens you like it. I always have the worst worry that the recipient will hate their story. Working with Boromir/Faramir isn’t my best pairing, but the darkfic aspect sure helps.
The Ring helps people explore their dark sides, but he didn’t have it long enough (even as Frodo didn’t) to be completely destroyed as Smeagol was. He’ll be soul-searching for a long time.
The bit with Pippin was easier to work in than I would have imagined and I’m very glad you liked that. Pippin is… there would have been so much more there if I wasn’t actually trying to keep this all from Faramir’s POV. All the little bits that I know and misc. details had to be left out because Faramir doesn’t know them.
You’re welcome very much.

This was so much better than I could have imagined! The ‘cest! The agony! The Faramir/Pippin!

I absolutely adored this fic. I love the way you explored Boromir’s dark side after he took control of the Ring, and the agony it left in its wake. I also love the way you tied it back to canon in the end. Thank you so much!

This was really, really good! I enjoyed reading it and I’m glad there was a happy resolution