Two birthdays

Happy birthday to greylin! May magnificent celebratory sentences abound!

And happy birthday to chrisbutler, smashing writer and good fellow!

Close encounters between Mithrandir and Faramir

For my own benefit, and perhaps for your reading pleasure, here's the list of stories I've written about encounters between Faramir and Gandalf, in chronological order. Faramir states that Gandalf came to Minas Tirith when he was a child, and "twice or thrice" after that, so I could probably get away with one more story, and five is a nicer number for a story sequence. Not sure when it would be set, though. Perhaps lining them up like this will make me think.

Possessions: In the library in Minas Tirith, Gandalf makes a new friend.

Wizards' Pupils: On teaching, tutors, and the importance of honest debate.

Foundered Land: It's not the end of the world. Yet.

The King's Shilling: A final parting, near Edoras.

Victory over Sauron Day

And Tolkien Reading Day.

And before the Sun had fallen far from the noon out of the East there came a great Eagle flying, and he bore tidings beyond hope from the Lords of the West, crying:

Sing now, ye people of the Tower of Anor,
for the Realm of Sauron is ended for ever,
and the Dark Tower is thrown down.

Sing and rejoice, ye people of the Tower of Guard,
for your watch hath not been in vain,
and the Black Gate is broken,
and your King hath passed through,
and he is victorious.

Sing and be glad, all ye children of the West,
for your King shall come again,
and he shall dwell among you
all the days of your life.

And the Tree that was withered shall be renewed,
and he shall plant it in the high places,
and the City shall be blessed.

Sing all ye people!

And the people sang in all the ways of the City.

( Walking through Clare College, 25 March 2011 )