[Tirned Tinnu]

I remember feeling rather put off but Eowyn's sudden acceptance of Faramir. I now see that they spent many days together in the gardens, giving them time to get to know one another. I don't really think it was "pairing them off". Faramir had fallen in love, and Eowyn no better than an icicle.
When she finally did understand that her crush on Aragorn was just that- a crush, she woke to the realization the Faramir had tended her a loved her, and that she should decide as woman, not as a child. She overcame her girlish tendencies and became an adult. I liked that she finally found herself. It gave me hope, for I too, once had a crush on a man who seemed high-born and noble. I came to understand that first loves are not always the most rational of decisions. Love is not about finding someone who came carry you away from it all, as Aragorn, but finding your equal in all things. Faramir was that, and more.

On to The Paths of The Dead. I think that Tolkien was much too involved in several other plots to really give Aragorn's flight much weight at the time. If you continue reading, you'll see that Legolas gives the account later in the story. I believe that Tolkien put it off, to continue the other plots. Nevertheless, he did describe their riding through the countryside and terrorizing the townsfolk in the dead of the night. I like the blurry quality of the trip. It emphasizes Aragorn's hurry in need, and gives a glimpse of what it must be like to stay away during such a journey. Aragorn was awake from the battle Helm's Deep until the morning when he encamped outside MT, after the battle. I feel greatly for him, for I often have to stay awake long hours in my profession. I have only made it 48 hours - Aragorn did it for more than a week, It's a wonder he didn't crack up!
When you're tired, you tend to see things in a blur! You are living in the moment, wishing was it past you, trying not to nod off, fighting as if for your very life to stay alert. When finally you collapse in your bed, you go comatose. There's no waking me after staying up that long. Frankly I cannot understand why my husband hadn't called the ambulance on occation. So you see, it makes sense to me that the trip was rather muzzy.