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| In Empty Lands by Larner | 13 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Queen Galadriel | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 12/21/2008 |
| What was he supposed to answer? Because I saw more that I did not tell--that perhaps the one to go will not return? Because our father does not openly recognize that of the two of us you are the wiser and the better one in the end to rule Gondor when he is gone from us? Because I do not truly wish the Black Chair--I wish to die as I have lived, ever protecting the land we both love? His answer also was delayed. “I am stronger than are you.” Oh! My first judgment of Boromir's character was not kind; those that followed were only slightly more so--that he was very proud and too hasty and had the right intention at heart but when about it completely wrong. But I never thought of it in this light. I'm glad the brothers had that conversation about their father before they were parted for the rest of their lives. Author Reply: I think this journey wasn't what Boromir had anticipated at all. How overwhelming it must have seemed! But I like to think that Boromir recognized his brother would have made a marvelous Steward! I'm glad I could give them ths moment together! | |
| Kitty | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 11/15/2008 |
| Boromir's thoughts during his talk to Faramir about why he wanted to go are touching. So he really felt he might not return? Wasn't so sure in the other chapter about that, but this is pretty obvious. Anyway, you gave the brothers a wonderful parting, allowing to tell each other what they did. It might have been even harder for Faramir if they had parted on the first hard words of this talk, without the knowledge how much Boromir esteemed him. Well, it is good to know that Faramir later on got to see Imladris anyway, and under circumstances that allowed him to enjoy it without the pressing need of the anticipated attack on Gondor by the forces of Mordor. Author Reply: Oh, I'm so glad you liked this, Kitty! And they needed to get as much off their chests as they could, as WE know this was indeed their farewell from one another in this life. And you are so right about how nice it was Faramir could appreciate Imladris more at his leisure and without the pressure Boromir knew! Thanks so! | |
| Kara's Aunty | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 11/14/2008 |
| Hello, Another beautifully written chapter. I enjoyed particularly the very touching scene between the brothers. Faramir's eagerness to explore the mythical lands of his childhood, utilise his rangering skills on the journey to them and meet races he'd only ever heard about... I can imagine his excitement at the thought (especially as it would've been a chance to be free of his father for a while) - and I can imagine his disappointment at having that so apparently snatched from him by his own brother. And Boromir trying to deflect the true cause for his 'betrayal' - so very noble (so very Boromir). Normally, one would wonder why a man as perceptive and keen as Faramir could have missed the deception - but, of course. we tend to be blinkered when it comes to family or other loved ones and don't always see as clearly as we perhaps sometimes should! But the bond between them was very obvious. Commendations on the beautiful dialogue and the descritpions of Imladris fair -you give a real sense of the place. M :) Author Reply: Perhaps not so much mythical as legendary; but I do think that Faramir would be eager to examine other lands and peoples and to prove himself in a journey alone. To be denied this chance must indeed have felt like a betrayal of sorts. No, he would not perhaps search too deeply into his brother's heart, I suspect, and so Boromir could keep his most fearful reason safely there. Again, thank you! I am again quite honored. | |
| Raksha The Demon | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 10/30/2008 |
| A wonderful birthday gift too! You write an interesting Boromir; and I like the give-and-take between him and Faramir, and Faramir's justifiable anger at being passed over for the mission to Imladris. And I liked that neat bit of a flashback to the young brothers playing pirates in the swan-bed.... Author Reply: I am so glad it met your wishes, Raksha. I certainly wouldn't fault Faramir for wanting to go! And I know that when we were little we'd often tell stories to one another when we were supposed to be sleeping. Am so glad you liked the little foray into the children's pretending! See what you did? You got me to write this one, and the others demanded to be part of the series! Hope your birthday was a fun one--and to share it with Houdini! | |
| irene | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 10/30/2008 |
| You worked a miracle -- I've never been overly interested in the Council of Eldond and/or Boromir but now I am. Certainly due to your plotting and writing skills. Absolutely great! (And Elves too!) Author Reply: I am most honored! Thank you! I've written so little of Boromir--it's as if I were being goaded to make up for that fact. | |
| Linda Hoyland | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 10/29/2008 |
| I just loved the idea that Boromir insisted on the errand because he guessed he would not return and Faramir would make the better Steward. Wasn't "Perian" the term they used in Gondor for A Hobbit? How poignant that we know this lovely bed will be Boromir's last proper bed.A lovely bittersweet chapter which I greatly enjoyed. Author Reply: Am glad you appreciate that. Perian in Rivendell and Pheriannath in Minas Tirith--in my universe the PH is used in Gondor and the simple P among the northern Elves. Yes, rather bittersweet indeed. But he's managing to have as full a life as he can, I think! Now--if this one doesn't steal too much time from my other projects! Heh! | |
| Antane | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 10/29/2008 |
| Very interesting words from Boromir to his brother, most interesting perhaps the unspoken ones, that he foresaw that death would be at the end of this errand and he did not want Faramir to die because he was the wiser one. Love Faramir's longing to see more of the world and its peoples. I love him for his gentle spirit and scholarly heart. Namarie, God bless, Antane :) Author Reply: Indeed, death could be the end of it--that he realizes, and he wishes ever to protect his brother. I think both the brothers Mir are wonderful, each in his own way. Thanks so, Antane. | |
| Celeritas | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 10/29/2008 |
| I'm probably just repeating what everyone else has said, but I like how very different (but not less in character!) your interpretation of the motivations of Boromir in going on his journey. Though of course he knew the perils of his mission, the idea of going into it knowing through some foresight that he would not return, and choosing thus because of that foresight, is novel. Of course, he does not die in service to Gondor, as he thinks he would now. By then he will have achieved a higher purpose. Author Reply: He, too, has Dunedain blood and is descended from Mithrellas--I'm certain even our prosaic Boromir had his own tendency toward foresight at times. It's not definite--the one to go MAY not return; he just doesn't wish it to be his brother who might not come back, and I think he's more shrewd about his father than most appreciate. Plus, if the Sword that was Broken can be used as a weapon to protect his land I think he'd move heaven and earth to find it and learn how to use it. Plus, in the end his death did work to the good of Gondor, for he died to protect the Hobbits, and certainly all would have been worse off had Pippin not come to feel the need to pay his debt to the Gondorian warrior as he did. Thanks so for the feedback. | |
| Agape4Gondor | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 10/29/2008 |
| Interesting chapter. I too loved the comparison of voices. And the headboard was a neat touch. I've struggled for years over the decision of who should go - it must have been an extremely difficult time for all involved. I was VERY grateful you did not 'press' the nonsensical fanon that Boromir LIED and did not have the dream. Men of Gondor, according to the Professor himself, do not lie. Author Reply: I absolutely loved the headboard on Frodo's bed in the movie with its beautiful guardian carved into it. That the Elves might have some beds with a swan ship carved into their headboards seemed very appropriate, and particularly for this grandson of Dol Amroth! It would be comfortingly familiar for Boromir, I'd think. No, I do not believe that Boromir lied about the dream. But we are told it was shared by several, but that Faramir had it repeated, indicating perhaps he might have been intended to go instead of his brother. So glad you liked this! Thanks so for the feedback. | |
| Andrea | Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 10/29/2008 |
| The conversation between the two brothers was a real eye-opener! First of all there is the question why Boromir went on the journey to Imladris. I hadn't thought much about that other than that he's the older brother. But maybe he really knew or feared that the one who set out to find the answer to their dream would not return. And that person should not be his little brother! Furthermore, it never came to my mind that Boromir might not have wanted to become Steward of Gondor. But you are right, his foremost aim is to protect and defend his land. And the best way he can achieve that is by fighting. He's the perfect soldier, whereas Faramir is the perfect steward. It's only sad that Boromir's fears became true. I wished they could have had another conversation, after the destruction of the Ring! Author Reply: Oh, I, too, wish they could have spoken again afterwards. How much of the Dunedain foresight he might have had is questionable, but both his father and his mother had elvish blood in their veins, no matter how far back that might have been. If he saw any danger at all of his brother not coming back I suspect he would have sought to protect him by insisting on taking the quest himself. Am so glad this set you thinking! | |