This is a beautiful story! I was hesitant to read it at first because I thought it would dwell almost completely on Denethor and Findulias, and scarcely mention Thorongil. I never really like reading about Denethor, he is usually portrayed as heartless and jealous even when his wife is alive. (After her death of course he becomes moody and despairing.) But he always wants what is best for Gondor and you have shown how he truely did care for Findulias and she returned his love. I am also very pleased with your portrayal of Aragorn and his doubt through those years, his fear of his great responsibility to Gondor. However, I do not think he would have ever even contemplated that Arwen would ever give up on him. The scene where Findulias and Thorongil are discussing hope and marriage by the White Tree would have to be my favorite.
Hannon-le!

love it!

Hello!

I love this fic, it is very well written, and I think you described the characters very well!

I liked the letters, they allowed to speed the story while letting us know what had happened...

Thank you very much for writing!

Hallolo

My god. I can't believe it. It's 4am at my side now. THIS STORY IS GOING ONTO MY FAVORITES!

I have enjoyed this story so much. Extremely well written and researched, it was a pleasure to read, thank you!

Hi Celandine,

Wow! A chapter in Thorongils POV...! *is happy*

Ok, I take back the utterance I made yesterday - Denethor's fears are to this moment not so baseless... I like you mentioned the lay of Nimrodel (it's one of my favourits too *g*)

The relationship between Finduilas and her brother Imrahil really remindes me of me and my younger brother, it's so nice when she speaks about him :-)

All these hints to Throronils past, together with his thoughts, are really wonderful! *likes it when she knows more than the charakters in the story* :-)

All in all, this chapter is as brilliant as the first, and I'm looking forward to read on (I would write more and read on now if I had time now... *sighs*)

By tomorrow (as I hope)!

Greetings,

Nyella

Hello Celandine,

You know what? I'm totally enthusiastic about "Courting the Lady"! I rarely read such very-well-researched storys, and it makes me so happy to read these fantastic details! I really can't tell you HOW enthusiastic I am! I mean - who knows at all that Denethor had two older sisters, for instance? (OK, in the English speaking world perhaps more than in the German speaking one, because we just have the English HOME *gripes*) I just read the first chapter, and am that enthusiastic yet - that happens not very often to me!

No, I'm not finished yet. *g*

I already read a few storys about Denethor and Finduilas (a friend of mine is mad about them), and of course also how they got to know each other. But this is the first time Denethor had been in love to a woman before which he could have married, and this idea as a reason of his late wedding is so great!

And of course I like the appearing of Thorongil (*likes Thorongil*) and the way Denethor sees him. And I like knowing that Denethor's feares about Finduilas and Thorongil are quite baseless (on Thorongil's side *g*)

And I like the way you introduce the other nobles of Gondor (Elerrína *g*); and generally your writing style... in this story, EVERY word is on the right place!

But all in all these details are the best! I can't believe it! It's so GREAT! *beams*

I will read on as soon as I can... (stupid school!) I looked over your other stories too and I think, you will hear of me more often. *g*

You are unbelievable!

Greetings,

Nyella

Celandine,

I loved this story! It is so beautifully written and captivating. I have always been curious about Denathor's wife, and what kind of relationship Denathor and Aragorn might have had while serving in Gondor. I adore the Finduilas you have created, and the relationships are very interesting. I would be ecstatic if you would write a sequal! Well, at least consider it?

- Araphin

How wonderfull! Brilliant. I love how you described Denethor. And his proposal in a poem! I would have not hesitate for so long have I been Finduilas...
A question, did she said yes out of love or out of duty... She was so unsure for a time, during her talk with Thorongil by the white tree, that I am not certain!
A sad note, we did not get to see Finduilas read to Denethor from the poetry book... I would have like a seen with the two lovebird! Maybe in another story! I certainly hope for one!
Good work
Angel!

This really captures the atmosphere of Minas Tirith with such wonderful detail. I love the way you have fleshed out these characters. In most fanfiction, we don't see much of Aragorn during these years, while Ecthelion, Finduilas and Imrahil are just "footnote characters" in canon, and Denethor, well, most Denethor fics are very short, and I haven't seen anyone explore his character like this in such a delightfully long tale. Your vivid portraits of these characters stand on their own well, but the interaction between them is very interesting too. It particularly stands out in the letters, and each character has their own voice. Impressive. I like the way you handled all the different dynamics, but one that isn't written about much is the relationship between Finduilas and Imrahil. Very sweet and poignant, and the nicknames were a nice touch. The poetry was a wonderful addition, and I must tell you that I started clapping at Denethor's proposal. Good thing I was alone by the computer, because I'm not up to explaining things to people who (while somewhat familiar with LotR) don't read fanfiction and would probably say, "Finduilas who?"

THAT WAS SO BEAUTIFUL!
Forever a favorite. :o)
Freelancer

Argh! You're stalling! How cruel!
I love it. :o)
Freelancer

It's done! Whe! Congratulations! :)
- Kylark

Heh, little brothers. They're nutty.
This is such a fantastic story. I don't have time to finish it now, but I will *definitely* be back. Very, VERY well done, grasshopper.
Freelancer

Ah, letters. A great way to pass a lot of time in a short amount of space and still develop the characters and have them interact. Good job! :o)
Freelancer