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| Steward and Thain by Agape4Gondor | 8 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Raksha The Demon | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 3/30/2007 |
| Fascinating look at Boromir's own recollection of his usurpation of Faramir's dream-summoned errand, for various reason. I really liked Boromir's insistence on not discussing his opinion of his father, and his nutshell summation of the Steward as a father; which was as far as he would, or could, go with even a valued comrade. Author Reply: Thanks, Raksha. I wonder if it was usurption. Faramir had the dream many times before it was given to Boromir. Was it given to Boromir because Faramir did nothing? I know that sounds harsh, but why would Boromir receive the dream after so many times for Faramir? Faramir, bless his heart, would have waited, studied, researched, and done a million things before he would go to Denethor with it. As soon as Boromir had it, he took Faramir and went to Denethor. He acted on it. I know some people think that Boromir even lied about having the dream at all, but that is not how I read the passage nor have I seen a hint that he would have lied. 'For on the eve of the sudden assault a dream came to my brother in a troubled sleep; and afterwards a like dream came oft to him again, and once to me.' FOTR, Chapter 2, Council of Elrond. Again - many thanks for the review! | |
| Bodkin | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 3/30/2007 |
| I do like the bond between Boromir and Pippin - they each offer the other something he needs a lot, and it's good to see Boromir's loneliness reduced by caring for a younger companion as he would his brother. While Pippin needs to feel himself big enough and worthy enough of his place among these warriors - which can't be easy just after the pebble incident. And it's good to have Boromir open up a bit - not to mention showing just why he was prepared to stand between the hobbits and an orc army. Author Reply: Thank you, Bodkin. I desperately wanted to show that these two will grow themselves, besides growing the friendship. I like the fact that Boromir, while still respecting Pippin, has someone like his brother to watch over. I think he needs that sense of purpose. He seems to have lost his sense of purpose with the Quest, sad to say! As for Pip - he really needs some respect. I don't think he's ever truly had it - and now, as he is getting closer to being of age, it is most important that he find himself. Thanks for reviewing! | |
| Garnet Took | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 3/26/2007 |
| I am really enjoying this story. You are doing a very nice job showing a friendship not often deeply explred. Author Reply: Thank you, Garnet. As I said in my little summary, this time with Pippin and Boromir is helping me too! I'm very glad you like it! | |
| Grey Wonderer | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 3/25/2007 |
| Boromir is so very conflicted about his father and so devoted to his younger brother. It shows in the way he speaks of them to Pippin. This helps to explain why Pippin wanted to serve Denethor when he reached Minas Tirith. He wanted to do so because of his relationship with Boromir. Author Reply: Oh! Grey Wonderer - I have always thought that Pip's incredible act of loyalty stemmed from more than what Tolkien showed us in his tale! Both Merry and Pippin grew up so quickly and learned the importance of fidelity to those they felt worthy of it. I think Pip did think Boromir worthy of his fidelity, as Merry did of King Theoden. *heavy sigh* Wish Pip could have given his oath to Boromir in Minas Tirith, but Denethor received him well. There is still a soft spot in the old gentleman's heart! | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 3/25/2007 |
| I grieve that both the sons of Denethor felt such love for and yet such difficulty fully relating with their father. And I've always loved that pebble thrown down the well. Author Reply: Hi, Larner! Fathers (and sometimes mothers) are definitely difficult... my own Dad scared the crap out of me until I was married... then, suddenly, I could see him as a man... and could love him without fear (well, mostly!)... I love Denethor - and feel his sons would have loved him too - though also respecting him... which sometimes gets confused with fear. Me too! I'm a pebble fan! Poor Pip... I would NOT want to be on the end of a tongue-lashing from Gandalf... even more fearful than one from Denethor. | |
| daw the minstrel | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 3/25/2007 |
| I just started reading this today and found it both insightful and a lot of fun. I like the way you draw comparisons between the future Thain and the future Steward. Their physical and temperamental differences tend to obscure the similarities that are much more important: fated to rule and devoted to a brother/cousin, for instance. And they are obviously learning from one another. Plus this is just a good read. Author Reply: Thanks, Daw! As you know, I love your work and constantly tell folks to read your stuff - giving them links and such. I find it most humbling to have you enjoying mine... Thanks for the great comments... I adore your take on the differences - you are right - they can blind us... when these two can be much more for each other! Bless you!!! | |
| Pearl Took | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 3/25/2007 |
| “Now, Master Thain, I could not let you attack my brother. First, he is my brother and I love him, but secondly, you could hurt him and that would hurt both him and you. For I see in you a gentleness that is like unto him and I would not have that leave you.” ***************** That resemblance is part of why Boromir likes the young "Thain". And it will be in part thanks to Boromir that Pippin later becomes a "stellar thain". I am so enjoying this!! Author Reply: Hi, PT!!! I loved those lines - it seemed so appropriate and what Boromir didn't say - but might later on - is that he has seen some of Faramir's gentleness leave him because of the war and such - and will do everything in his power to keep that from happening to Pippin - now that they are friends. If Boromir had lived to be Steward, I'm sure some of Pippin's 'wisdom' would have helped Boromir... I do like your thought that Boromir is helping Pippin grow. *blushes* Again, 10,000 thanks for reading and responding! | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 3/25/2007 |
| It was only a pebble after all. And wells are supposed to end in water. A small splash was all you could imagine hearing, not the everlasting rattle of it as it fell. Does Sam sing?” Boromir asked, surprised. “He does lots of things,” Pippin said proudly. “He’s not just a gardener, you know.” “I did not. And you are not just Merry’s cousin, Master Thain. I'm just loving these conversations. They have so much to learn from -- and teach -- one another. Author Reply: Hi, shirebound, I loved the pebble too - I know why PJ did the whole armour thing - but the pebble is perfect... poor Pip, who would have thought! I can't wait till Sam sings in Lorien... Again - deepest thanks for readiing and especially for commenting! | |