This is a really interesting explanation of Aragorn's departure after the victory against the Corsairs. I've never thought that Denethor could have ordered him to go, but it's logical that between the choice of departure from Gondor and civil war, Aragorn would have chosen to go. Great characterization of Finduilas, Aragorn and Denethor. Thanks for writing!

And here was the start of Denethor's dark path that ended on the funeral pyre and nearly claimed Faramir's life too.

Gandalf sent him to Lorien to meet Arwen for the second time, when they fell in love.
This was very good. I both feel bad for Denethor, and am angry with him. Of course, it doesn't help that I just rewatched the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy and was reminded of how cruelly he treated Faramir.
Good fanfiction though

I really loved the tension and characterizations here.

The last line made me shiver. This is an original take on things, and I'm always happy with a thoughtful portrayal of Denethor. Most authors don't bother.

wonderful story! it's great to find another Kellie (spelled the same way) that likes LotR! i love ur writing style and the way you portrayed the characters. ur a great writer.

Denethor and his ego! gah!

hehe looks like Aragorn is a true casanova *g*

Good story! I mean it! Absolutely great! Good job!

~Belothien

That was wonderful. I love your portrayal of Denethor's jealousy and Aragorn's unawareness of his own charm. The pride of Westerness description was lovely, and even Finduilas played a part, her shadowed existence forming a backdrop to Denethor's jealousy.

Y'know what? If I were up against Denethor. The first thing

that would pop into my mind is him in a burning pyre and Denethor

saying 'If I'm going down, I'm draggin ye down with me'

*cringe*

Excellent fic. Denethor is very well captured as second best in Gondor,

and Aragorn seems to have a sweet little humbleness about him which

Denethor resents. Very nice touch.

Bravo! *gives the author a standing ovation*

Excellent vignette that really adds depth to some of the minor characters. I really liked Findulas especially. I always did think she was hard done by. Denthor is a big, fat poopy-head, isn't he? Great work! peace...

Well done. I agree with other comments, plus: This is something I hadn't considered before, that Denethor could order Aragorn away. Of course he could, even if he hadn't strictly inherited yet. Now or later, it would come down to the same thing. To have any possibility of changing Denethor's mind, and to avoid furthering Sauron's cause, Aragorn had no choice but to give in, just that quickly, and to give no reason to observation, well constructed, I like it. Thanks!

Mm, lovely stuff! Smashingly written and characterized, and I loved the dexterity with which you handled the relationships between father and son, husband and wife, heir and captain. Please write more!

I liked it! Will you write more?

Wow, this is a very well-written story! I must thank you for making my day - it is rare that I meet others who actually care about Denethor. :-)

You have tremendous talent and a great flair for words. Once again, thank you for writing this great fanfic!

You will write more, won't you? :-)

Beautifully written! I must admit I've felt with Denethor ever since I read the Appendices to The Return of the King some twenty-odd years ago, so I might be a little prejudiced agaisnt Aragorn. But I admire the way you showed the poitn of view of both men - and Gandalf guiding Aragorn towards Lórien is an extra bonus! Did he know what will happen when Aragonr meats Arwen? I wonder...

Loved Finduilas, too. That she knew Denethor loved her in his own way. That's a fact much too rarely mentioned.