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The Last Messenger: A Tale of Númenor by Fiondil	5 Review(s)
Imhiriel	Reviewed Chapter: 16 on 12/10/2009
I haven't the time at the moment to "properly" review the story, but I just had to tell you that Boromir's sacrifice moved me profoundly; so full of calm dignity and grace. That is true also for the reactions of the others, who accepted it so well (if well is the right word). And then suddenly the name hit me, and I became teary-eyed, because suddenly I saw a spiritual linkage to "our" Boromir - although I don't know if you intended this. Also: this is a fascinating look into Númenor's last breaths, so to speak. I like it that it is so much from the ground up, not so concerned with what goes on only in the ruling families. Author Reply: Hi, Imhiriel. I really hadn't intended any linkage, spiritual or otherwise, between the two Boromirs, at least not on a conscious level. I just needed a name for the character. grin At any rate, I am glad you have been enjoying this story. I thought it would be interesting to see Numenor from the point of view of the "common people" or at least from those who were not part of the king's court and also through the eyes of OCs rather than through those of canon characters such as Amandil or Elendil. Thanks for taking the time to leave a review. I appreciate it greatly.

Agape4Gondor	Reviewed Chapter: 16 on 4/29/2008
Another superb chapter! As always.... Now - I really had to laugh (you do that sometimes!) as I wondered what 400 years of barefeet would do to an Elf's feet! giggles At least when Frodo enters Valinor, someone will be able to share about walking without shoes! Fiondil is not having a fun time - but I love his stalwart, long-suffering! As for the courting death line - they have been courting it for a very long time - since Ar-Pharazon took over!!! I laughed at Boromir's wise observation that a truckload of floating logs might catch a guard's eye - but I think it might have worked if they had done one at different intervals. I hated the need for the sacrifice! And Ercasse's reaction was the same as mine! NO!!! The memories of the Elves are not good - too many deaths, too many battles. It was a hard reminder when our Elves remembered. I liked Laurendil's part - I think Finrod would be most proud of his protege! I too agree - Vandiel definitely had a good thought with the skirts! I like a woman who thinks on her feet... I hated the death scene - I swore even... well written but not a good thing for our friends. Glad the women did not see it. ^@#%^)^ Again, great chapter. I do not think they are out of the woods yet, but I'm glad they got past this last obstacle! Author Reply:* Thanks, Agape. I'm glad you liked the chapter in spite of its sad ending. I tried to figure out how NOT to kill one of my characters, but Boromir insisted that this was his choice. I have the feeling he really did not want to live any longer knowing what might happen to Númenor in the near future. At any rate, his sacrifice has helped the others to escape unnoticed. The Elves do indeed have very sad memories and so it is very hard for them, but they have no choice but to endure and so they do. Both Eärnur and Laurendil are very good at that. And, no, they aren't completely out of the woods yet, but the end of the story is near, so we'll see what happens next soon enough.

ellie	Reviewed Chapter: 16 on 4/23/2008
I really like the way you developed Boromir's character. I'm so sad he had to die. You gave him a most noble death - sacrificing himself for the others.. He probably would have been devastated had he lived to see the downfall of Numenor. I pity the elves their loss of yet another brave and valiant mortal friend. Author Reply: I'm glad you liked the way I developed Boromir's character. I really liked him alot and I was sorry he had to die, but as he said, he somehow knew that this would be his final mission for the Faithful and it was a fitting end for one who had fought against the Darkness all his life... sacrificing himself for the sake of the others. And who's to say that Boromir would have survived the Downfall anyway? This way, he chose his own death to help his friends. That is the one thing about being an elf, especially those who interact with mortals, that I would not want to have to endure... losing yet another brave and valiant friend to Time while you remain behind. Thanks for reviewing.

	Reviewed Chapter: 16 on 4/23/2008
A warning for the violence would've been in order. Author Reply: Perhaps, but really, that one scene is far less graphic than anything found in i>The Lord of the Rings. And it would've been nice if you had sign your review instead of leaving an anonymous comment.

Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 16 on 4/22/2008
A sacrifice indeed, and one that will be ever honored by these. And they know now their home will soon fail. A further grief. But the strategy is a good one. Author Reply: There are always sacrifices in such situations and at least Boromir is able to choose the manner of his death rather than have death comme to him. Of course, his companions know now that Númenor's days are numbered, just not when.

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