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The Last Word by jenolas	6 Review(s)
Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 3/17/2005
Having time to follow it again, I find myself enjoying this story very much. Yes, knowing the thoughts of the departed can ease the loss. Author Reply: True and this is what Faramir will discover. I hope you continue to enjoy your reading. jenolas

mirthor	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 3/10/2005
I like the way you familiarize Boromir with Mithrandir. So many fanfics I have read bypass that probable relationship altogether, or at least only hint at it & then only in reference to Faramir's relationship with the wizard. Of course Boromir would have known Mithrandir almost as well as Faramir & I wish more authors would allow for that when those two particular members of the Fellowship converse with one another. I also like your mention of the little things that a person would notice, such as Mithrandir's other names - just the things a brother would write home about. And I again have to compliment the way you write Boromir's thoughts. I really can imagine him while reading this, & it's refreshing when an author remembers that a character is complex, rather than wooden. I'm looking forward to more from Boromir: your take his continual thoughts on all the characters, his surroundings, whatever strikes your fancy. Thanks! Author Reply: Thank you very much for your thoughtful comments, it is always pleasing to learn what parts of a story are appealing and why. Yes, I have often thought that Boromir would be as well acquainted with Mithrandir as Faramir and Denthor were. I like exploring characters, especially ones with so much left unsaid about them. Of course, there is always a risk of offending readers when trying to write from a character's inner perspective, but it is also very challenging and more importantly, a pleasure to do so. I hope you continue to ebnjoy this glimpse into the brother's lives, jenolas

Dot	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 3/10/2005
Lovely opening line! I’m glad Faramir is able to find enough solace in this connection to his brother through the journal that he can sleep peacefully. I like the idea of him reading it only in the privacy of Boromir’s room. It does seem right. You’ve actually made me realise for the first time how utterly bewildering the whole Council experience must have been for Boromir!! There’s a wonderful sense of not quite being able to believe all that he’s heard and I found the obvious longing to share all this with Faramir very touching. You’re doing a great job showing the beginnings of conflict in Boromir – on one hand he seems almost honoured by the fact that the rightful king of Gondor has come forth and he wants to do the best for his people and carry out his duty to the council, but at the same time the fact that he knows Denethor is unlikely to welcome Aragorn could cause problems because Boromir is also duty-bound to his father. And, of course, there’s the thought that Gondor would be strengthened by the power of the ring – a thought easily put aside in peaceful Imladris but there in Boromir’s mind nonetheless. It’s interesting that his thoughts about Isildur’s “weakness” and “greed” was followed immediately by his own belief that they could use the ring. What I like most is that you’ve managed to plant the beginnings of Boromir’s doubt about their quest but he still comes across as basically a good guy. It’ll be interesting to know what Faramir makes of later entries, whether he’ll still be able to see his beloved brother through the corrupting effects of the ring. The end of this chapter made me smile! Faramir needed someone like Éowyn in his life. I’m really enjoying this. More please! :-) Author Reply: Boromir is a basically a 'good guy', it is the ring that is evil, or that is how I see it. He is astute enough to realise Isildur was corrupted by the ring, but perhaps his pride in his own strength does not allow consider that he could be as well. His intentions are honourable, and he is truly only thinking of ways to save that which duty ( and very great desire) demands he protect... his city and his people. I hope you continue to enjoy, there is certainly more to come. jenolas

purrlin	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 3/10/2005
Ohh such a simple way to really disect and view the relationship between these brothers. Words from beyond the grave can be so insightful and often get the one left behind asking more of their own soul than they would have given if the other had lived. How will Faramir cope with reading between the lines the agony that the ring will cause his brother? How will he then look at his own responses, his fathers reactions and finally his own place in the scheme of all things? Will Boromir's prejudices and failings, his admiration and loves allow Faramir the peace and closure he so desperately requires? It will be interesting to see how far you intend to take this...questioning the path of the dead once they are gone is a difficult thing to do... many people refuse to take the journey and end up idolising the one that is gone rather than accepting them and loving their memory for what it is, good and bad. But then this is Jenolas...I know we're in safe hands. Thanks, I'm enjoying this immensely. purrlin :) Author Reply: Yes, there was so much happening to them both, events and actions, the meaning of which they would normally have discussed but wereunable to due to their separation. Faramir will definitely have thoughts about whatever Boromir allows him to see either with his words, or as you say, between the lines. Faramir knows his brother well, and is not afraid to disagree with him, even in death. Thanks for the very nice vote of confidence, ypu have certaoinly mae my day! I hope the story meets your expectations and that you continue to enjoy it, jenolas

Mysterious Jedi	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 3/9/2005
Still sweet, sad, and going strong, so I see. Some new scenes soon would be super! Author Reply: Thank you for your kind words. I agree with you about new scenes. I imagine Boromir must have found some way to pass the time until the jorney began, however it was necessary to retell a part of the story to establish the setting. jenolas

dayna	Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 3/9/2005
I was pleasantly surprised to find Chapter 2 today... for whatever reason, I thought Ch.1 was the complete story. I'm very glad we get to read more of Boromir's journal, and get more insight to Faramir. I'm tellin' ya, Jenolas, if my first love wasn't The Elf..... Faramir and Eomer would be dukin' in out for my attentions! Love those men!!! :D Author Reply: They do have a certain appeal, and whilst you are keeping Faramir and Eomer busy, I might just have a few quiet moments with Boromir :)

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